Page 14 of Good Boys Don’t Bite

“I'm reconsidering it.”

“Too late.”

A voice called from behind them.

“Ronan!”

Ronan looked past Elliot. Elliot turned. A man was approaching across the quad. Tall. Athletic. Brown hair. Confident smile. Elliot knew the face but not the name. The stranger stopped beside them.

“Didn't know you came to Bellweather.”

“I don't,” Ronan said.

“Clearly.”

His attention shifted toward Elliot. Ronan spoke before Elliot could.

“My stepbrother. Elliot.”

Recognition immediately appeared.

“Oh. Elliot Mercer.”

Elliot smiled.

“Apparently.”

The guy laughed.

“Dylan.”

He held out his hand. Elliot shook it. Dylan Price. Now Elliot remembered. He'd seen him twice at Merrick parties. Maybe three times. Dylan's hand lingered slightly longer than necessary. Not on Elliot. On Ronan. A casual touch to Ronan's arm as he turned back toward him. Tiny. Meaningless. Probably.

“You still coming Friday?” Dylan asked.

Ronan shrugged.

“Maybe.”

“You said yes.”

“I said maybe.”

“You absolutely said yes.”

Ronan almost smiled. Elliot watched him. Something small tightened beneath Elliot's ribs. Dylan looked at Elliot.

“You should come too.”

Elliot smiled pleasantly.

“Maybe.”

“See? Your brother gets it.”

Stepbrother. Elliot didn't correct him. Dylan's phone rang. He checked the screen.

“Fuck. I gotta take this.”