Page 78

I touch his chin and turn his face back to me. “I wanted you to hear him.”

“I assumed as much.”

I smooth the collar of the shirt. “You remade the bed, folded your clothes, combed your hair and buttoned yourself to the throat because you didn’t want me to see that Jamie bothered you.”

“He didn’t.”

I undo another button. “Then you won’t mind.”

Oliver looks at me without answering.

I run my fingers through the front of his hair until it falls differently, undoing just enough of his work to leave something of mine behind.

Oliver doesn’t move away. He can arrange himself all he wants, but I get the final edit.

I pick up his book and hand it back to him. “Come downstairs.”

Oliver takes it. “Am I allowed to decide when I’m ready?”

“No.” I walk out.

After a moment, he follows.

Jamie is already at the table when I come downstairs. The dark green around his eyes is almost black at the corners, his wet hair has been combed straight, and the choker sits neatly around his throat. He left his legs bare beneath the skirt.

He looks up when I enter, waiting for me to notice.

I walk behind his chair and run my fingers through his damp hair. Jamie leans into my hand. His eyes drop to the plate in front of him, but the corner of his mouth lifts.

Oliver comes downstairs.

Jamie’s smile disappears, and his attention moves over the green shirt and black trousers before settling on Oliver’s hair.

“Good morning,” Oliver says.

Jamie looks at him.

Oliver pulls out the chair across from him.

“Good morning, Jamie,” I say.

Jamie gives Oliver an irritated look. “Good morning, Oliver.”

Oliver sits.

I put breakfast on the table and take my usual chair. For a little while, neither of them speaks. I eat and let them pretend they aren’t studying each other.

Jamie breaks first. “Sleep okay?”

Oliver cuts into his eggs. “Yes. Did you?”

Jamie takes a drink of coffee. “I slept great.”

“I’m pleased to hear it.”

Jamie’s eyes narrow. Oliver goes back to his breakfast. They’re going to be good for each other.

I let them eat for another minute before getting the bag.