understand the allure of the figurines, but they didn’t need to. It was awesome to see how excited
collectors got when they found the one they were searching for. “You know, if you tell me which one
you’re interested in, I’d probably know if we have any or not. And I have some that are still in boxes,
so even if it’s not on the shelf, I might be able to help you out.”
His eyes lit up like I’d just told him he was getting a damned pony for Christmas. There was
something sweet and innocent about this kid, and there was a weird niggling in my brain, telling me
he’d be fun to have a playdate with.
That shit had no place creeping into my mind while I was at work.
Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed the friend who’d been comforting him take a few steps
closer. “Tell him, Chase. Don’t let those Zach and Colby bring you down.”
Fine, maybe I could forgive him for being a lesser dick to the guy—to Chase— earlier.
Obviously, there was something between them that neither wanted to address in mixed company. God,
if there was one thing I could understand, it was trying to tiptoe around, so the world didn’t find out
what we kept hidden.
“No, I can just order it online.” Fuck, if ever there was a guy who needed a hug, it was Chase. He
needed someone to cuddle him and tell him it was okay to be happy. “Let’s get out of here. I knew it
was a bad idea to come in when they were with us.”
“Just a couple months left, okay?” The bigger guy glanced over his shoulder before taking another
step closer to Chase. “Next year, we’ll find a smaller place and it’ll just be the two of us if you don’t
want to go back to the suites.”
“You don’t have to do that. Rent isn’t cheap and I know my parents won’t help out. I had to agree
to stay on campus if I wanted them to support me coming here for school.”
“Yeah, but it’ll be worth it. I’ll do whatever I have to. I want you comfortable.” Dammit, now I
couldn’t even be annoyed at the guy. Obviously, there was something going on with the group who
apparently all lived together, and it seemed he was trying to protect Chase. “Why don’t you head
outside? I’ll get them and we’ll get something to eat. Maybe we can come back tonight after dinner at
my mom’s house.”
“Yeah, okay.” Chase didn’t hesitate when he was told what to do. Knowing what I knew now,
there were so many things about him that stuck out.
As I watched him walk away, recognition slammed into me. I knew these two from the club.
