Page 26 of Trust Me

I shrugged. “I went back and forth on it, honestly.”

A smile curved his lips. “See? My instincts were spot-on.”

“Must be why you hounded me about it.”

He scoffed. “I did not hound you. I checked in.”

“By showing up at my door, even when you have my number. How’d you know where I live anyway?”

He blinked twice, then his eyes darted to the left. “I’m a connoisseur of information.”

I wanted to push for a better answer, but I could feel eyes on me. Looking at Remi, I raised a brow. He didn’t back down. Not even a little.

What the hell was this guy’s problem? I thought Oliver was weird, but apparently the company he kept blew that idea out of the water.

Oliver thrust his arms above his head suddenly, letting out a loud groan as he stretched. “I gotta piss. Remi, can you get that box into Dean’s room?”

He flashed his buddy a grin before he scampered off into the bathroom. Once the door closed, awkwardness fell in the room like a thousand-pound hammer. Deciding it wasn’t worth suffering through, I grabbed my box off the floor and headed into the bedroom. I set it on the bed, then Remi came up beside me and placed the other one there.

“Thanks,” I said.

He just grunted.

As I dropped my bags on the floor, I was aware of him watching me. My skin prickled, and I had the urge to demand to know what his problem was.

“So, you guys have known each other for a while,” I ventured. “You best friends or . . .”

“Brothers.”

I nodded and unzipped my duffel. “Cool, cool. Makes sense.”

It didn’t really make sense. I assumed he was using the term figuratively, more bond than biology.

“Well, I don’t think I need help unpacking,” I said when he continued to linger.

The bathroom door opened into my room, and Oliver came out, looking ready to . . . I didn’t really know. Maybe he was one of those up for anything kind of guys.

He clapped Remi on the shoulder with a grin. “So, new adventures. Crazy, huh?”

Remi’s expression softened remarkably. “Yeah, man. Going from living alone to having a roommate is an interesting move.”

“The status quo is boring. So, did you want to game?” Oliver glanced at me uncertainly. “Maybe after Dean gets settled . . .”

I shook my head. “I’m good. Go ahead and do your thing.”

He bit the corner of his lip. After a second, he released it. “You sure?”

“It’s just a couple boxes. I’m probably gonna shower and tuck in early anyway.”

“For sure. If you wanna join us when you’re done, we don’t bite.”

I was about to respond, but Remi spoke up. “Think we can head to my place?”

“But you’re already here.”

“I came here to drag you out. My setup is better.”

The uncertainty returned to Oliver’s face, but he nodded. “I’ll meet you out there.”