Milo lets out a long breath. “No, let’sjustgo.”
Milo opens the passenger door for me and I lean forward to push the seat out of the way so I can climb into the back seat, but Milo puts his hand over mine, stopping me. When I look over my shoulder, he nods his chin, motioning for me to get in. I slide into the front seat and scramble to the middle, Milo following right after me.
I tighten my knees together so I can offer them as much room as possible. It’s a tight fit with all of us packed into the front seat. Their obvious irritation grates on my already frayed nerves. We haven’t heard from Ares or Dante all day. I don’t think I’m the only one growing more worried with every minute that passes.
Running my hands over the top of my jean covered thighs and looking at our seating arrangement, I wonder, “Is this legal?”
Milo leans over me and shoves his hand between Ollie’s hip and mine. I liftupas his hand roams behind me. He pulls an old-fashioned lap seatbelt out. After draping it over my lap and buckling it, he confirms, “It is now.”
Olliedoesn’t waste any time making the turn that will get us out of the driveway and on the road. The drive to the theater in Monroe should have taken twenty minutes, but thanks toOllie’s heavy foot and Dante’s car, we make it in just under fifteen.
As soon as the car doors open, I breathe in a wave of fresh air, thinking thatgoing to the movies might not be the best choice, considering Ollie and Milo barely seemto beon speaking terms at the moment.
“I’m going to grab the tickets and some snacks.” Ollie brushes a kiss against my temple and jogs off before I can object.
I shove my hands deep into my pockets, deciding to take advantage of the few moments I have alone with Milo. “You’re mad because Ollie bonded to me.” It’s a statement, oneI know is true, but I don’t understand why. He said he wasn’t mad this morning, but he sure seems like he is.
Milo pays close attention to his shoes as we slowly walk toward the entrance of the small mall where the theateris located. “A little, I guess.” Milo shrugs one shoulder.
“Will you tell me why?” I grab one of Milo’s hands and stop walking when we reach the sidewalk. Turning to face him, I pull him to a stop with me.
Milo’s eyes go above my head, but he doesn’t seem tobe looking at anything in particular. “I honestly don’t really know.” His eyes finally meet mine.
I don’t know how to ask my next question, I’m afraid of the answer. I’m the one who looks away this time. “You think he did it too soon, or you never wanted him to?”
I feel Milo take a step in my direction, his scent and warmth coming closer. “Neither. I guess I’d always just assumed that we would be together when it happened.” Milo runs his free hand over his head, mussing his hair.
“I know, you explained that this morning, but I don’t understand why you’re still upset,” I explain, hoping to alleviate some of my confusion and his frustration.
“I might not… I don’t know,” Milo stumbles before he grunts, the sound full of frustration. “I don’t know if I’ll be able to take care of you. Ollie knows I can’t get close to people like that. I always have to be in complete control. Even when I play football. It’s so fucking exhausting making sure Idon’t hurt anyone, and he knows this.”
I tilt my head, finally understanding a little of his agitation. “Did you ever talk to him about it?”
“No,” Milo blurts, his jaw tightening.
“Maybe you should just talk to him,” I suggest, my voice soft. “I know he’s upset that you’re upset.”
The corner of Milo’s lip curves upward. “What?” He shakes his head, his smile blooming into a full grin. “I think Ilike having you around.”
I jerk my head back in mock outrage. “You’re just now deciding that?”
Milo leans in for a soft kiss. We’re standing on the sidewalk near the mall, anyone could see us, and I can’t deny the thrill I feel at the prospect. When he pulls away, my heart jumps and I glance around to check if anyone noticed. “I actually already knew that, but reminders are always good. Come on, before Ollie eats all the popcorn.”
Ollie is standing near the door waiting on us, his arms already full with a bucket of buttery popcorn and two huge sodas. Milo reaches for the drinks the moment we pass through the vestibule.
Ollie turns and cocks his hipout to me.“Grab the tickets,” he orders, around a mouthful of popcorn. I reach into his front pocket and feel around, but all I feel is a small ball of lint. When I look up, he has a smirk on his face. “Wrong pocket.” He spins to offer the other, but I cross my arms over my chest and raise an eyebrow at him and his cheesy antics.
Ollie throws his head back and a laughter booms out of him. There are a few people milling around the lobby, and he definitely garnerssomeattention. “I got them, come on.”
We approach a young man standing near a thin, little podium with a slot in the top. Ollie digs in his own pocket and retrieves three tickets, handing them over. The guy gives them a cursory look and mumbles, “Theater three, last one on the right. Enjoy your show.” Then he rips the tickets in half and returns one side to Ollie.
The theater is already dim when we walk in and there’s an ad playing for a local realtor, but the movie hasn’t started yet. Milo ducks into the last row of seats. True to his word, the seats are large red leather recliners with three buttons, one to raise the foot area, one to lower it and finally, one in the middle with two wavy lines. I’m assuming that’s the heat.
I glance around, noting a few other heads in the theater, then sink into the plush chair. Ollie takes the seat to my left, placing me in the middle. I snuggle into the seat hitting the button for the heat, wishing I’d brought a blanket. It’s damn cold in here.
Ollie lets out a long sigh while his feet rise. He has the bucket of popcorn nestled next to him and oneof the drinks placed in the holder between us. As his head goes back, his eyes close. I bet he doesn’t even make it through half the movie.
I glance over at Milo as he’s fumbling with the buttons, moving his legs up and down by inches looking for exactly the right angle. I wait untilhis hands are folded over his stomach, and ask, “Why haven’t they called yet?”
