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That conversation felt like a lifetime ago. Had it really only been two nights ago? Why did it feel like two years ago?
“In fact,” Elijah said as he stepped closer, “you said you believed in supernatural things. You even used the word vampire.”
“I was speculating just like you guys were!” Gage was the one who narrowed his eyes now. “I said that I wanted to be lucky enough to see what you saw, and I wanted to know where it happened so I might witness it for myself. You were the one who conveniently changed subjects, Elijah. What in the hell is going on with you? Is it the stress of your grandma? Is that why you’re acting bonkers?”
Great, now Elijah was questioning his own sanity. He turned and sighed, carding a hand through his hair. He was stressed about his grandma and the fact he’d learned that Mason was a Bengal tiger. Maybe he was reading into things. What if Gage wasn’t some supernatural being and Mason had been talking about something else?
“I’m sorry.” Elijah blew out a breath. “I have been under a lot of stress.”
He was still positive something was going on with Gage, but Elijah wasn’t going to force it out of his friend. Gage worked for Mason, so of course, Mason knew things about Gage that no one else probably knew.
What that something was Elijah had no clue, but it wasn’t fair of him to badger the guy.
“Go back inside and enjoy Reid’s company.”
Though Elijah was going to heed Mason’s warning. He wasn’t sure what was going on with the brothers, but Elijah was staying out of it.
Gage looked over his shoulder before he turned back to Elijah. “No thanks.”
“But I saw you laughing and talking with him.” Elijah looked past Gage to see the two brothers. If you asked him, they were arguing. Then Mason stormed away, heading for the kitchen.
“I was laughing at something Tido said,” Gage replied. “I know I just met Reid, but I don’t trust him. I don’t think Drake trusts him either. There’s just something off about him.”
“Right before we came inside, Mason warned me not to be fooled by his good looks or charm.”
“See?” Gage nodded. “I knew there was something off about him. Why do you think he’s here?”
“Whatever it is, it can’t be good,” Elijah said. “He and Mason were just arguing. When he pulled up, Mason looked pissed that Reid was even here.”
“So…” Gage bumped shoulders with Elijah. “What’s going on with you and my boss?”
“What? Nothing.” Elijah said that a little too quickly and wished he’d played it cooler. Nothing was technically going on, but damn if he wasn’t attracted to Mason. No way was he telling Gage that, because his friends would tease him about being another one of Mason’s groupies.
“Right.” Gage smiled. “Next time try to sound a little more convincing.”
Elijah squinted at Gage. “You, too. Let’s go get something to eat. You were right about the food. Now I crave it. Thanks for doing this to me.”
Gage laughed. “You’re welcome.”
With a roll of his eyes, Elijah walked back inside.
* * * *
Gage had dodged a bullet. He thought for sure Elijah would keep badgering him and was thankful his friend hadn’t. If anyone found out what he was, they might flip their minds. It was best to keep his secret and hope no one, other than Mason, found out.
* * * *
Elijah walked out of the hospital, glad his grandma was recovering. His granddad was beside himself because he hadn’t known his wife was injured on the kitchen floor. He’d been outside for a while, unaware of what was going on.
Elijah still felt guilty, like he should have been there, but he had to work. The utilities weren’t going to pay themselves, and food wasn’t going to magically appear on the table. Was he being selfish by not putting them in a nursing home where they could get around-the-clock care? But he couldn’t afford a nice one, and the thought of putting them in one that treated his grandparents like a paycheck made Elijah nauseous.
Speaking of nausea, Kyle drove into the parking lot, stopping next to Elijah as Elijah tried to make his way to the sidewalk where he could make the long trek home. He hadn’t called Mason for a ride because the guy had a business to run and couldn’t keep dropping things to help out Elijah.
Though a ride would have been nice.
“What do you want, Kyle?” Elijah tried to dodge around his off-again boyfriend when Kyle got out, but the douchebag blocked his way.
“I want you to tell me why you’re hanging around Wild Tiger,” Kyle demanded. “Since when do you like barbeque?”
