I let out a long sigh. "It's complicated. But please know, it's got nothing to do with you. In fact, I'm surprised you're doing this."
"Doing what?"
"This. Bringing us here. I'm sure you realize it means you'll have to spend time with us. Alone. Are you sure you're up for that?"
He cocks his head and grins. "That a challenge?"
It wasn't, but if it keeps him looking at me with that heated look in his eyes, then… "Maybe."
He holds my gaze for a few seconds more. "You guys are…interesting."
"You mean diabolical?"
He lets out a rich chuckle as he ties up his hair in a loose ponytail. "ShouldI be afraid?"
"Most definitely," I reply without missing a beat, and our eyes meet.
He can tell I'm kidding, and a light, fluttery feeling stirs in my chest. It's nice having someone get you without having to explain everything.
Jett returns. "What did I miss?"
"Wilkin warned me to sleep with one eye open in case you go on one of your, and I quote, 'usual rampages.'"
Jett, clearly missing the humor in Reeve's voice, aims his laser-beam gaze at me and growls, "What the fuck did you say?"
"Nothing, he's kidding. Right, Reeve?"
"Totally. Sorry. My bad," he says, biting back a smile. "You're a live one, aren't ya?"
Jett glares at me then takes a deep breath, possibly to recalibrate, possibly to plot my actual murder tonight, and directs a much softer gaze at Reeve. "So I've been told."
Jett goes over to his backpack, unzips it, and starts taking his clothes out, arranging them neatly on the floor.
Reeve catches my eye, and with a smile on his lips, mouths, "See? Challenge."
9
Reeve
"So what's your deal? Are you single?" Jett asks out of nowhere over a breakfast of bacon, eggs, and pancakes Farrah prepared for us the next morning.
I take in the tranquil surroundings from the back porch, the tall trees still and peaceful, as I chew my toast. "Yep," I answer.
"Are you gay?"
"Jett, cool it," Wilkin hisses.
"You fucking cool it," Jett bites back.
I know it's wrong, possibly borderline psychotic of me, but I love witnessing this dynamic between them. They're more than just a challenge, they're an intriguing mystery I can't wait to get to the bottom of. Metaphorically and literally, because I'd be lying if I said the thought hadn't crossed my mind about fucking them both. Ideally at the same time. But hey, I'd also like world peace, so I'm not getting too ahead of myself.
"I am gay," I reply to Jett's question. "Not that I've ever been in a relationship."
Wilkin coughs. Jett lifts his chin. "Never?"
"Nope."
"Why not?"
