Page 62 of Trust Me

“You have to find somewhere with less clouds.”

He hummed. “It’s similar where I’m from. I guess starlight isn’t a part of my journey.”

“The best starlight is found outside the city. Last spring break, I went camping with the guys and saw more stars than I ever could have imagined.”

“Are you going this year?”

“I don’t know, maybe. If we do, I might let you come.”

His eyes widened, but before he could respond, a clap of thunder made him jump. I saw his jaw tighten, and I found myself studying him more closely.

“Come on.” I grabbed his forearm gently and pulled him to his feet. He didn’t resist as I led him back into the house. After locking the door, I pulled the curtain closed and headed over to the couch. “Lie down.”

“You’re bossy,” he grumbled, but he did as I said. He was a little wet, and his shirt was clinging to his skin.

“Take that off.”

His eyes stayed on mine while he peeled it off and flung it across the room.

“My dad would make me run lines for that,” I said.

“I’ll run for you.”

Taking the edge of his blanket, I yanked it upward, then let it fall over his chest. “Go to sleep. It’s one AM.”

“You work late tomorrow. You’ll be fine.”

“And you work early, so close your damn eyes, weirdo.”

He rolled them, then let them fall shut. I grunted my approval and walked back to my door. Before I stepped inside, I turned to look at him. He was staring at the ceiling now, and there was just something about him that told me this wouldn’t last.

I sighed. “Is it the thunder?”

He looked over at me, settling his cheek on his hand. “That’s pathetic, huh?”

“Depends on the reason.”

When he didn’t respond, I closed the distance again. Immediately, he reared back, and I came to an abrupt stop.

“Hey,” I said gently. Slower than before, I crouched in front of him. “If I’m making you uncomfortable, I can go to bed.”

He surprised me by grabbing my hand tightly. “It’s not you. Just the sound.”

“Can you tell me?”

“I’ve always thought it’s sort of like a door slamming.” His lips pulled to the side. “I’m not a kid scared of thunder. I just like to know what’s headed my way.”

“So, it’s the sudden sound.”

He nodded, looking away from me. “I can’t sleep like this, especially with your door closed.”

“I can keep it open.”

He smiled a little and shrugged. “It might help.”

My stomach twisted as a different thought came into my head. It was weird, but it didn’t really matter. I couldn’t stand the idea of him not sleeping before he had to work in the morning.

“Come on.”