“That’s okay. Doesn’t make me feel too interesting, but…”

I hummed. “It’s not that, believe me. Don’t get me wrong; it is you. Only, it’s not what you think.”

“Was that an insult?”

“Not at all.” I chuckled. “I just get so relaxed around you, I—”

“I calm you down?”

I nodded.

He looked so proud. “Huh.” He then asked, me, “Do you think you could maybe stay here tonight?”

I raised a single brow. “You want me to spend the night?”

“I do.” He nodded, smiling.

“What about your dad? What if he comes back?”

“My dad’s cool. But he won’t. This week, I’m supposed to be at my mom’s, so that means he’s only coming back on Friday—we do the alternate weekend thing.”

“Oh.”

“So, in theory, that means we could stay here all week, if we wanted to.”

“Don’t tempt me.”

“No one would even know. We could hide out in my room. Have sex for days.”

“Days, huh?”

“That is, whenever you’re awake.”

“I said I was sorry,” I said, shoving him.

He chuckled.

My God, that laugh.

“Try explaining that to the Harts though,” I said.

“Yeah.” He grew disappointed. “My mom would probably notice too. Eventually.”

“Probably.”

“But, what about tonight? Can you stay?”

“I guess I can. I just need to ask Noah to cover for me.”

“Do you think he’ll do it?”

“He’ll want something in return. But, sure.”

“Are you willing to find out what?”

Was I ever.

“Where’s my phone?” I felt in between the folds of the duvet for it—no luck—then eventually found on the floor by the bed. I unlocked it and fell backward onto the pillow. As I texted Noah, Ethan watched me, still on his side, resting his head on the bottom of his hand.

Are you up?

Where are you?

I need a favor

Buy a fucking box of condoms like a normal person

Ethan chuckled.

It’s not that, dumbass Though I would take his advice and made a mental note to buy more condoms. Can you cover for me?

What do you mean?

I’m not coming home tonight and I need you to trick Mom and Dad into thinking I spent the night in my room

Why aren’t you coming home tonight?

Noah, can you help me or not?

Of course I can help, Thomas. I’m your brother

“That’s nice,” Ethan said.

“Wait for it,” I told him.

For a price

“There we go,” I said.

“Shit.” Ethan bit the inside of his mouth.

What do you want? I texted.

2 things

Shoot

“Me,” I amended out loud.

Ethan smiled, and then he leaned in a bit and kissed my temple.

I want to know where you are

I’m at Ethan’s. What’s #2?

Fuck, are you guys boyfriends or what?

Is that the second thing?

No

Then fuck off