“She did.” He wipes at the tears of laughter in his eyes.
“She dumped a tub of salsa on your racist aunt during a Fourth of July BBQ?”
“Val said my aunt didn’t get to enjoy Mexican cuisine while disparaging its people.”
“Oh my god, she’s my new hero.” I lean back against the headboard.
He joins me. “Thank you,” he says, wrapping his arm around me and tucking me close.
“Thank you for sharing Val with me.” I snuggle in deeper. “You’re right, I would have totally liked her.”
“Yeah.” He kisses my forehead.
A loudknock,knockbreaks into our little bubble.
He twists in the bed. “Are you expecting someone?”
“No,” I say, my forehead scrunched. “Most people call or text before they come over.”
“Because you’re stellar at answering your phone.”
“Ha…ha.” I pinch him.
“Easy, crab hands.” He playfully bats me away. “Not to mention your phone is still off, despite the power being back on.”
“I was a little distracted.” I flash him a wry expression.
“Jensen, are you home?” Anker’s muffled voice calls through my door.
Anker, I mouth.
“I’m aware,” Garrett whisper-hisses.
“We’re naked and in my bed.” I motion between us.
“Also aware.” He slides out of bed.
“Jensen, I can hear you moving around in there. Should I use my key? Are you okay?”
“No! I mean yes, I’m okay. Don’t use your key!” I shout, scrambling and almost tumbling out of bed.
“Careful,” Garrett whispers, catching me and helping me to my feet.
“Did I catch you listening to one of your dirty audios, or something?” Anker’s laugh is taunting.
“Ha!” My voice is high-pitched and insincere. “Hilarious.” I point to Garrett’s still very naked body and mouth,Clothes, now.
We may plan to tell Anker about us, but this isn’t the ideal scenario. As much as I’d love to have Garrett hide in my bathroom until I get rid of my brother like something out of a bad sitcom, this is happening. If we’re going to tell Anker about us, I’d prefer both of us not look like we’ve spent the last ten hours doing—well, exactly what we’ve been doing.
“What are you doing here, Anker?”
“Being the dutiful big brother and checking on my sister post-power outage. I also brought bagels and lattes. Should I use my key, or are you going to let me in?”
“No! I’m getting dressed. Just got out of bed.” I rush to the closet, because I have no idea where my clothes from last night are.
“I know Garrett is in there,” Anker says.
“What!” I spin, my panicked gaze bouncing between where Garrett stands beside my bed, tugging up his jeans, and the door.
