Page 102 of Reluctantly You

“Stop staring at me,” he grumbles, a flush to his face. He almost looks shy.

“I’ll stare all I want.”

He huffs and then folds his arms across his chest. “Now what the fuck are we supposed to do all day?”

“You could sit on my face.” His cheeks darken, and I smirk at him. “Or we could just hang out. Chill. Be…friendly.”

“We’ve never been friendly.”

“We can learn to be,” I say and then take a step toward him. “But I never did have many friends.”

“More than me.”

“True. But Shiloh and Rory don’t count. They’re more like…brothers.”

Mitch shifts before me. “Yeah.”

“Have you spoken to yours again?” I ask, and he shrugs.

“Yeah, I mean, we had dinner. Probably should call them and…you know, tell them shit.”

I cock my head, and he peers over at me. “Told Magnus about our dad. But he doesn’t count since he hates me, anyway.”

“I’m sure he doesn’t.”

“Yeah, I dunno.”

“Well, you don’t have to tell the others until you’re ready.”

“Yeah, I know, but fuck.” He runs a hand down his face. “I think it will make me feel better. I should just send a text message. Get it out there.”

I arch an eyebrow at him. “I don’t know if that’s the best way. It would be better in person, where you can answer questions.”

“I don’t know the answers. Still haven’t talked to my mom…or my…Jack.”

“Jack. Yes. Jack Morris.”

I roll that name around my mouth before spitting it out. He doesn’t deserve the air I breathe.

“I could call them this week and see…my brothers I mean. Maybe I could have them over.”

“That’s a good start.”

I move a little closer to him, offering him my support all while pulling out my phone to check on Rory and Shiloh. Should have done it sooner, but I was so distracted with Mitchell that it slipped my mind.

Shiloh answers, a hushed whisper pulsing through the phone.

“Hey, he’s okay. Just sleeping.”

“Still?” I ask, and I can hear Shiloh hum.

“Yeah, it really took it out of him, but if you want to see him tonight, feel free to stop by.”

I peer over at Mitchell and nod. “We’ll be there.”

“Who’s we? Is it Mitchell? I know Rory wants to thank him for what he did.”

“Yes. But for now, let him rest.”