Cole came roundon Tuesday evening. He’d not been over since Jasper moved in, and I wondered if it was on purpose or a coincidence.
“Hey,” I greeted him, stepping aside to let him in. “Long time no see.”
He rolled his eyes as he passed, pausing to kick his shoes off. “It’s not been that long since I was here.”
Following him into the kitchen, I leant against the worktop as he made himself at home, putting the kettle on and getting two mugs out of the cupboard. “Tea?” he asked over his shoulder.
“Yeah, please.” I waited for him to finish what he was doing. “You haven’t come round since you brought Jasper a couple of weeks ago.” I gave him a pointed look. He had guilt written all over him. “Cole?”
He busied himself finishing off the teas. “I was giving you space to get used to living together. I didn’t want to get in the way.”
“Why?”
He turned to face me, handing me a mug. “What do you mean, why?”
“Well, you’re my brother and Jasper’s best mate. Why would you being here cause any problems?” I got the feeling he was hiding something.
“You know.” He shrugged, looking down at his feet.
Never play poker, Cole.
“I know that’s not the real reason, so spit it out already.” I crossed my arms and waited. He could never hold out for long.
“Fine.” He threw his hands in the air; thankfully he’d put his mug down first. “Jasper told me about that night at the pub.”
Oh.“And?”
He grinned, and I knew what was coming. “I thought I’d stay out of the way so you could get to know each other better.”
I ran a hand through my hair. “Cole—”
“No, listen. You’ve turned into a recluse since Evan fucked off.”
“I have not.”
It was his turn to give me a pointed look. “I bet Christian had to drag you out that night, didn’t he?”
“Maybe,” I muttered, suddenly finding my tea interesting.
“Well, I know for sure that it’s been a while for Jasper too.”
I snorted. “I imagine he had plenty of takers while he was away.” I didn’t think for one minute he’d had any trouble finding someone to fuck in those hostels he’d stayed in.
“I’m not saying he didn’t meet people, but he didn’t sleep with them all like you seem to think. He likes to get to know people.” I snorted. “He does,” Cole insisted.
I thought back over the last week or so and had to give him that. “Fine, I’ll grant you Jasper is good company, but that doesn’t mean we’re going to jump into bed together just because he’s moved in and can hold a conversation.”
Before Cole could comment further, I added, “And he’s your best mate. Wouldn’t that be awkward?”
His eyes lit up. “Oh, so you’ve given it some thought?”
“What? No.”All the fucking time.
“You can’t lie to me, Finn.” He reached up and poked me in the cheek. “I know all your tells.”
I brushed his hand away, but sighed, resignedly. “We kissed.”
His grin was huge. “I knew it! Jasper was way too cagey when I asked him how it was going living here.”
