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Dex doesn't answer. He just studies me for a while, his eyes seeing through my words like he's searching for something I'm not saying.

There's nothing to fucking find.

Nora needs a friend.

That's what I am.

We lost the same person. Maybe not in the same way, not even fucking close, but D left a hole in both our lives and somehow sitting beside each other makes that hole feel a little less fucking empty.

That's it.

I look back toward her. She's listening to Penny now, her hands hidden inside the sleeves of my hoodie.

I noticed she was cold.

What the fuck was I supposed to do? Let her freeze?

“It's not like that,” I repeat.

Dex finally nods. “Okay.”

I narrow my eyes at him. “Okay?”

“Yeah.” He shrugs. “You ever need to get back in the boxing ring, you call me, okay?”

I stare at him.

Fucking asshole.

I know exactly what he's doing.

“Not the same thing.”

One corner of his mouth lifts. “Never said it was.”

“You implied it.”

“Didn't say shit, J.”

I shake my head, but I can't stop the small smile pulling at my mouth. “Yeah. Okay.”

His expression changes then, the teasing disappearing.

“Anytime.”

I nod, because I know he means it. I was there when he needed me, and I know he'll be there if I ever need him.

Before either of us can say anything else, Ethan comes up behind Dex and shoves his head under the water.

Dex comes back up swinging. “You fucking asshole!”

I laugh as Ethan tries to swim away, Cas grabbing him before he gets far.

For the next few minutes it's just us. Brothers being fucking idiots in a pool like we're teenagers again instead of grown men who should probably know better.

I look toward the fire again.

Nora is still there, but she's no longer smiling. Her head is lowered, and Penny has her arms around her while Lexy sits close beside them.