Page 42 of Trust Me

He turned around, then his expression went from surprise to something like excitement. Closing the distance between us, he grabbed my hand and pulled me into his chest. “What’s up, Broku?”

I gestured at the mail. “You should check this more often.”

With a grimace, he touched the back of his neck. “Ah, probably. I always forget about it.”

“It’s kind of important.”

“I’ll go through it later. Did you meet Mal and Cass?”

“Yeah, about that. Did you tell them we’re dating?”

His eyes widened. “Dating? No, why would I do that?”

“I don’t know, but they think we are.”

“Wow, okay. You said we’re friends, right?”

“Didn’t really get a chance.”

He stared at me for a second, his head cocking the slightest amount. “I can if you want.”

“They’re busy, and it’s not really important right now. They probably just assumed because it’s a one-bedroom.”

“Fair. I’ll make sure to clarify next time I see them, though.”

“Cool. Are you sure you don’t need more from me for rent?” I asked a little awkwardly. “I don’t know what your job pays, but—”

“Don’t worry so much, man.”

“It’s a lot of money, Oli.”

“I have some grants that pay a lot of it.”

“Are you sure?”

He smiled at me. “This life of mine has some perks, surprisingly. We’re square.”

We climbed the stairs together in silence while I tried to decode his response. I reached for the doorknob at the same time that he did, making the backs of our hands knock together. I took a step to the side so he could go for it. After he was inside, he held the door for me, and I just dipped my chin in thanks.

“Work was bananas,” he groaned as he stripped out of his jacket. He tossed it on the counter as he passed, then performed a dramatic stretch.

“Everyone needs their Sunday dinner things.”

“Maybe they should be less grumpy about it.” Turning around, he looked me up and down, like he seemed to do often. “You working tonight?”

“In a couple hours. Remi wants me to run through opening tasks on my own, which means he’ll probably rethink hiring me at all.”

“I’m sure you’ll do fine.”

I snorted and walked past him. Collapsing on the couch, I tossed the stack of mail on the coffee table and dropped my head back. Despite sleeping in, I was exhausted from yesterday. I’d been there for twelve hours, and since it had been Saturday night, I’d barely stopped moving the entire time. Maybe today would be better.

“I’ve only done one shift,” I said. “He’s throwing me in the deep end and expecting me to swim.”

Oli dropped beside me and kicked his feet up on the coffee table. “I’d say it’s because he believes you can do it, but that’s probably not it.”

“That makes me feel so much better.”

With a laugh, he nudged my shoulder with his. “You tackle full-grown men on the regular. Just show him you don’t back down.”