you need to tell me.”
“It’s not mine to tell,” he responded quietly. “And maybe it’s nothing, so there’s no need to
worry.”
“And yet, you are.” I smoothed a finger over his forehead. “Why don’t you tell me what you’re
trying so hard to not say and let me be the judge of whether it’s something to worry about?”
“Really, it’s nothing,” he insisted. “Sam stays late sometimes. He likes working on his homework
while it’s quiet.”
“There’s nothing wrong with that,” I reassured him. While I didn’t know much about Sam’s living
arrangements, I could empathize with wanting to hide away from the world sometimes to get work
done. I was sure my sweet boy was overreacting. “Should we let him know we’re taking off?”
Corey shook his head. “I don’t, usually. I hate pestering him when he’s working.”
“Okay, then we’ll head out.” I steered him to the back door, stopping to arm the outside sensors. If
Sam wanted to use his office for studying, I wasn’t going to question it, but no way in hell was I
leaving without taking some safety precautions. “There. Ready to go home now?”
Corey nodded, chewing on his bottom lip.
“If you’ve changed your mind, I won’t be mad at you.” I’d be disappointed and probably have to
rub one out in my car before driving, but I’d never pressure Corey to go at a pace he was
uncomfortable with.
He was quiet the entire walk to the parking lot. I paused, giving him the option to get in his car or
mine. If only I could be the hard ass and force him to at least give me a ride home, but no, I was still
more worried about scaring him off. He took a step toward my car, and then another. I followed.
It wasn’t until I helped him get settled in the passenger seat that he spoke. “Would you… Can
we…” He let out a frustrated grunt. I placed a hand on his shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze for
reassurance.
“Whatever it is, you can say it, Corey.”
“You know, one of these days you’re going to get tired of having to repeat yourself.”
I chuckled. He wasn’t wrong, but I would still do it until the day he was confident enough that he
no longer tried to filter his words. “Lucky for you, today isn’t that day. So, what’s on your mind?”
“Would it be okay if we go to your place instead?” He stared out the windshield, muttering
something under his breath. I gave his shoulder a squeeze. “Sorry. I thought it would be easier at my
