Page 118 of Trust Me

“We’re prepared.”

Brooks pushed his lips out, making Tilian snort. “He actually came to gloat.”

Casually, I glanced at Dean. “About what?”

Brooks smiled—a little menacingly, if I was being honest—and crouched at the edge of the pool. “What do you think?”

I racked my brain for something to say. He was clearly on to us, unsurprisingly.

“It’s not—”

“Yeah, we’re a thing,” Dean interrupted, taking us all by surprise. “See, Brooks? Being real isn’t all that complicated when you’re not turning life into a series of strategic moves.”

Tilian was suppressing a laugh while Brooks cocked his head. All I could do was stare at Dean. Admiration and pride collided in my chest, nearly stealing my breath as I thought back to what Remi had said about running with it if Dean chose me openly.

Well, screw it. I was pretty damn good at the hundred-meter dash.

After a second, Brooks chuckled. “I’ve got nothing.”

Tilian snickered. “You got checkmated by Dean.”

Turning slowly toward his boyfriend, Brooks lifted his hand to take him by the throat. It was a strange mix of tender and possessive that made me feel like I was watching a far too intimate moment. Leaning closer, Brooks trailed his lips across Tilian’s, then said something so softly I couldn’t catch it. Tilian’s pale skin reddened, and I saw his throat bob.

“Hey, Brooks,” Dean said. “Come here real quick.”

Brooks groaned in annoyance but walked over to him. Before he could do anything about it, Dean grabbed both of his shoulders and shoved him into the pool.

Brooks came up sputtering. “What the hell was that for?”

“Cool off. This is a public place.” Dean shook his head. “Disgusting.”

“Not my fault you’re a prude.” Brooks turned to me with a smirk. “Is he? Bet he hasn’t made a field goal yet.”

Lifting my chin, I stared down my nose at him. “I don’t kiss and tell.”

“And I’m not a kicker,” Dean muttered.

“Ooh,” Brooks crooned. “Is this double entendre?”

“Tilian, I’m going to tackle your boyfriend. Hopefully he’ll break a few ribs.”

“Gonna have to catch me.” Brooks treaded water with a mischievous look on his face.

Dean broke into a grin before he pulled his shirt over his head.

“Hey, you can’t get in like that,” I called, but it was already too late. The asshole passed his phone to Tilian and kicked off his shoes before he leapt in, even though the water wasn’t all that deep. His feet hit the floor quickly, and he shot back up like a rocket.

Brooks swore and started backpedaling. “Oli, help a guy out.”

I snorted. “You got yourself into this mess.”

“Without me, none of us will pass this project.”

“I think we’ll manage,” Dean said before he sped up.

“Fuck!” Brooks shouted. He made a break for the edge, but he wasn’t quite fast enough. Just as he was pulling himself up, Dean grabbed him and yanked him back. He tossed him a few feet away, and I couldn’t lie—it was funny as hell to see him flail for a second.

Tilian crouched at the edge close to me. “Your boyfriend just threw a full-grown man. That’s terrifying.”