“You need privacy and your own space,” I said firmly. “I’ll take the couch.”
I was the one who invited Shiloh, so it was only fair that I be the one who dealt with the sleeping arrangements. Besides, my brothers all paid a share of the rent. It wouldn’t be right to ask any of them to give up their space.
Shiloh cast a look toward my brothers, seeming a little lost for what his next argument should be.
Gray chuckled. “Shiloh, I don’t know how well you know my brother, but he’s a tad bossy.”
Shiloh’s lips curled. “Oh, I’ve noticed.”
It wasn’t as if he’d said anything X-rated, but enough innuendo leaked into his tone that Axel’s eyes widened and he snapped his fingers.
“Holy shit, that’s why you look familiar.”
I sent him a sharp look.
“I don’t know what you mean,” Shiloh said, looking uneasy. He probably thought thattwobrothers in this household were watching his cam shows. What actually happened was awkward enough without that weirdness.
“What is this now?” Gray asked.
My jaw tightened while I stared down Axel, worried he’d blurt out the whole damn story.
Emory set a plate of waffles in front of an empty chair. “These are for you, Shy. Is it okay if I call you Shy?”
“Sure. Everyone does it. Can I call you Em?”
Emory smirked. “Might as well. All these guys do.”
Shiloh nodded. “Thanks, then, Em.”
He took the seat at the table between me and Axel. Bailey returned to his seat on the opposite side.
“What am I missing?” he asked.
“That’s what I want to know,” Gray said.
Shiloh glanced at me uncertainly. Clearly, he wasn’t sure what he should say.
“Axel saw Shiloh once,” I told them. “On my computer.”
Shiloh’s eyes widened. “Oh, the night you abruptly went dark?”
I nodded. “Go ahead, Ax. I’m sure you’re dying to tell them.”
He grinned. “Really?”
“Yes.” I picked up my coffee and sipped it, closing my eyes. “I’m too tired to fight it.”
“Well, that’s less fun,” he murmured.
“Just tell us,” Bailey said.
“You know how Holden makes all those business calls?” He gestured toward Shiloh. “Well, this is what he’s been doing. Often without clothes. I guess Shiloh is, um, an online boyfriend or something?”
A shocked silence descended.
Obviously, Axel didn’t know I paid Shiloh for the virtual sex. As much as I’d rather not overshare with my brothers, it wouldn’t be fair to ask Shiloh to pretend he was my boyfriend. He’d made it clear, when I suggested bringing him here, that he couldn’t be that for me.
“We’re just friends,” Shiloh said into the thick silence. “We chat. Sometimes on video.” He shrugged. “Holden offered to help me out for a few days. I really appreciate you all putting up with me crashing at your place. I’ll try not to overstay my welcome.”
