“Do you think this is fucking funny? You were in the hospital,” I snarled. I hated every part of what was happening. KC was always the good one. Solid. Stable. He could be countedon to have my back and be a gentleman—for the most part. My stomach twisted into a knot.
We had never fought. What was happening?
I sucked in a deep breath. “Ren!”
“Damn it!” KC let go of the protein powder and covered my mouth with both hands. Adrenaline coursed through me and I wasn’t sure what I was feeling beyond pissed off.
“I’m going to get Ren,” I mumbled with a huff, cradling my prize—not that I wanted it.
“Noooo.” His nostrils flared and he shook his head. “You don’t have to do that.”
I nipped one of his fingers, and he pulled his hands back. “Really? Because you seem to care about what he thinks way more than what I think.” Did that extend to the rest of our relationship? I slam-dunked the protein powder into the garbage can and stood there with my arms crossed, guarding it.
KC scrubbed the nape of his neck with one hand while the color drained from his face. “That isn’t it. Just, please, don’t say anything. You know how Ren gets.”
Fuck, I did know how Ren acted. He cared way more than he would ever say with words, but he would become that regimented, eagle-eyed protector again and drive us all up a wall with his unspoken worry over KC.
“Fine. But if you touch this protein powder or buy more, I’m telling.” I fought the urge to stick out my tongue and only barely won.
KC grinned. “I can’t believe I was jealous of the way you dig your heels in with Ren.”
“Careful what you wish for,” I mumbled.
He stepped closer, but I was still on high alert, so I moved well away from the garbage can before I let him envelop me in his warmth. I nestled my face against his chest and breathed him in. Fuck, what had just happened?
KC tilted my chin up and kissed me, and I wanted him to do it because I needed those happy KC vibes he usually spread far and wide, but all I could taste was the motherfucking protein powder.
My lips didn’t budge.
KC stiffened as he backed off and frowned down at me.
I wanted to cling and tell him I was sorry for upsetting him—which, even though it was fucked up, I was very sorry—but what was I supposed to do? Ignore the garbage supplements that hurt him?
“Eat food. Like last night.” I poked his chest. “It was yummy.”
He made a face, and my stomach plummeted to my toes.
“Hey! My guys were hiding in the kitchen. What were you two doing?” Ren asked, glancing back and forth between us. My attention was snagged by the shirt in his hands.
Before I could rat out KC, he said, “Nothing.” He kissed Ren’s cheek, then darted away to pour cups of coffee—probably to hide the taste of the protein powder.
I glared at his back from the corner of my eye. I didn’t like being put in the middle, and I definitely didn’t appreciate being asked to lie for him, especially when I agreed with Ren that KC shouldn’t be scarfing down protein powder six meals a day anymore.
“Come on, Oliver. You’re going to be my good-luck charm.”
“What?” I asked, focusing on Ren while confusion roiled in my head.
KC leaned against the counter and sipped his cup of coffee, the dick.
Ugh. I didn’t like callinghima dick. The world wasn’t right. It was too early for this.
“Hands up!” Ren tickled my abs.
I smiled, doing as he’d ordered. I actually enjoyed following his commands. They settled me and let peace unclench mymuscles. He tugged a jersey onto me. The material was soft from being washed a million times and smelled like fabric softener, nice and homey.
I brushed a hand down the jersey. “The Blue Demons?”
He hummed and adjusted the fabric on me, a smile on his angular face. The jersey was big but not quite as huge as KC’s. “Yep. This is from my high school hockey days. You wearing it will guarantee I do well.”