Page 52 of The Prime-Time Experiment

Declan didn’t even slow. His hand came up and knocked the back of Tyler’s head as he passed. “Don’t even start,” he said.

Tyler ignored him. “Mac and cheese,” he clarified, like that explained everything.

Ebony nodded immediately. “There was smoke.”

“They’re being dramatic, it was fine,” Declan said, not breaking stride.

“It was not fine,” Tyler said. “He set off the water sprinklers in his previous apartment. The fire brigade gave him a discount code for a beginner’s cooking class.”

Declan turned just enough to look at him. “It was one little mistake, could’ve happened to anyone.”

Declan exhaled, something caught between irritation and reluctant amusement, before shaking his head and continuing toward the kitchen. As he passed Riley, his gaze flicked to hers and softened. It was brief, and yet it spoke volumes. He looked happy to have her around, to be involved in his night.

Riley held his gaze. She didn’t look away. Behind her, Tyler was still talking. “I’m just saying, if this goes badly, I warned you.”

Ebony sighed. “Unfortunately, he’s not wrong. Preparation is necessary.”

Riley barely registered the words. Her attention remained where Declan had disappeared into the kitchen, something quieter settling into place beneath the surface of her thoughts. The decision she had made moments earlier no longer felt like something that required thought.

For once, her instinct was telling her that she could trust Declan to keep her safe, and instead of questioning that response or dissecting it for error, she let herself believe it.

Chapter 11

Inviting Collaboration

Riley

The front door clicked open just after eight.

Riley glanced up from the couch, the soft glow of the lamp catching on the takeout containers spread across the coffee table. The food had gone warm instead of hot, but she hadn’t touched it yet.

Dee stepped inside with a quiet exhale, toeing off her shoes like the weight of the day had followed her all the way home.

“Hey,” she said, a little breathless, dropping her bag by the door. “Sorry. Today just ran away from me.”

Riley shook her head lightly. “It’s okay. I ordered us dinner.”

Dee’s gaze flicked to the table, then back to her, her expression softening straight away. “You always take care of me like that.”

“You’re easy to care for.” Riley watched Dee’s body melt, as if relieved by the idea. “How was your day?”

“God, it’s been chaos,” Dee said finally, running a hand through her hair as she crossed the room. “I swear I’ve barely had time to breathe. The clinic’s been nonstop, and you—” she gestured vaguely, a tired half-smile forming “—you’ve been practically adopted by Declan and his entire family.”

Riley huffed a quiet breath, something almost like amusement slipping through. “Something like that.”

Dee dropped onto the couch beside her, shoulders sinking back as she let herself finally stop moving. “I’ve missed you,” she added, more quietly this time.

Riley felt it settle easily, without resistance. She never had to search for the right way to hold it with Dee. “I’ve missed you too.”

Dee blinked, the surprise small but unmistakable. Riley noticed it and, for once, didn’t try to fix it. “That’s…” Dee let out a soft laugh, shaking her head. “That’s really nice to hear, Ri.”

Riley’s fingers traced absently along the edge of the container in front of her. “I think this whole thing, it’s helping. More than I thought it would.”

“The research?” Dee asked.

Riley nodded. “I think more so the people.” She hesitated briefly, then continued, “Declan’s niece, Ebony, in particular.”

Dee’s attention sharpened, interest cutting through the fatigue. “You’ve mentioned her.”