Total pages in book: 80
Estimated words: 78007 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 390(@200wpm)___ 312(@250wpm)___ 260(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78007 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 390(@200wpm)___ 312(@250wpm)___ 260(@300wpm)
“Spending the night, huh?”
“Isn’t it a little weird that you’re waiting for me outside the bathroom?” God, I hope he didn’t hear me talking to myself.
“Not if you know me.” He waves it off as if that’s a normal thing to say and do. “I made coffee. Do you like coffee?”
“I mean, doesn’t everyone?”
“Actually, I have this friend, Annabella, who doesn’t. It’s weird.”
“How does she wake up every day?”
“Right? It’s madness. One day I’ll get her to drink and enjoy it, though.”
Ty chuckles, then nods toward the kitchen while I look longingly at Perry’s closed door. For a split second I consider making a run for it and locking myself inside, but something tells me Ty would break the door down if he had to.
Reluctantly, I follow. It’s just Ty out here, which makes it a little easier. Brax is quiet and scary. “Is your boyfriend sleeping?”
“No, he left for work. That’s why I’m up. I like to make breakfast for him when I can. Brax is such a caretaker, so it’s nice to do things for him.”
“Wait…that scary, grumpy guy is a caretaker?” My words break through my skull, and I add, “Sorry. I guess I shouldn’t insult one’s boyfriend.”
He shakes his head. “No worries. Brax would much rather people think he’s scary and grumpy than know the truth about him.”
There’s a gentleness to his voice I never heard from Ty before, one that’s laced with the love he feels for the other man, and my heart squeezes. I never had that, never felt like that, and I definitely never had anyone feel that way about me.
Ty pours me a cup of coffee. “You can doctor it yourself.”
I take it from him, setting the mug on the white countertop as I use the caramel creamer.
“So…what are your intentions with my brother?” He crosses his arms and leans one shoulder against the wall, looking at me.
“Um…” What the fuck? Why is he asking me this? “We’re friends.” Ty’s nose wrinkles, and he rolls his eyes. “With benefits?” I add.
“We didn’t grow up together, so I didn’t get to do this until now. I’m the big brother, so I have to stick up for my little bro, and…well, I think Perry’s heart is bigger than he wants anyone to know, and I won’t let him get hurt. He’s never brought anyone here before, and he’s for sure never had anyone spend the night.”
What? Never? This is my second time, and—No! Don’t do that. Don’t start thinking this means more than it does.
“There’s zero chance of me hurting him. Perry doesn’t like me like that.”
Ty laughs, loud and exaggerated.
“He doesn’t! I mean, we’re…you know…”
“Hooking up?” Ty fills in for me.
“Yes. That. But it’s because I just realized I’m bisexual, and I wanted the first guy I mess around with to be someone I trust and feel comfortable with. We might not have known each other long, but there’s no one I feel more comfortable with, so it’s just a thing. And he’s the one who says it’s just a thing and nothing serious.”
“We’ll get back to how big of an idiot my brother is in a minute, but I’m sorry. I probably shouldn’t have pushed that out of you.”
Maybe Ty has a bigger heart than he wants people to think too. “It’s fine. I’m not ready to tell everyone, but…well, I think it’s pretty obvious.”
“Hickeys don’t lie.”
My hand shoots up to cover it. Shit. I forgot about that.
“Back to my idiot brother. He likes you.” He turns and looks toward the hallway as if making sure Perry didn’t come out. “Because of shit with our dad, I think he’s afraid to let people in, but I can tell he likes you, so just…don’t hurt him. And be patient with him. I have experience with a man who keeps walls around his heart, and once he tears them down for you…there’s nothing like it.”
I nod stupidly because I’m not sure how else to respond. I can see what he means about Perry. He does have a huge heart, maybe the biggest I’ve ever seen, and there’s no doubt in my mind that he keeps himself at a distance so he doesn’t get hurt. Even the way he calls their dad Ty’s dad or Montgomery proves that, not to mention the way he won’t allow himself to enjoy tech or follow his talent.
But I also don’t imagine he feels about me the way Ty seems to think he does. Out of all the people someone like him could choose, why pick me?
“I swear, love makes all these feelings come out all the time. Just so you know, that was as painful for me to do. I never would have said that, pre-Brax. For some reason, you don’t strike me as someone who has problems with emotions. Who knew my brother liked sweet boys?”