I slid the phone aside, then stirred my tea.
The front door opened, and Theo stepped in, the smell of rain clinging to his coat. He glanced at me, and his brow furrowed.
“You look like you just lost an argument. Everything okay?”
“Yeah, everything’s fine,” I said quickly. “Just had a call from Gary.”
Theo’s frown deepened. “Is there anything wrong?”
I reached into the fridge for the milk. “No, he was only checking in.”
Theo peered at me. “Andyoulook checked out.”
I shrugged. “He thinks I’m still sixteen.”
“That’s what brothers do.” Theo’s tone was mild. “He’s probably relieved you’re not getting into trouble.”
I gave a small laugh. “Oh, I’mdefinitelynot getting into trouble.”
Theo paused mid-motion, as though he’d read something in my voice, but had decided not to ask. “He’s protective,” he said instead. “It’s not a crime.”
“It’s just…” I let the fridge door close softly. “He talks as if he knows me. But he doesn’t, not really.”
Theo hesitated. “Most people don’t know their families half as well as they think.”
“Do you?”
“Do I what?”
“Know yours.”
Theo spooned coffee into a mug. “We’re good at polite conversations. That’s about it.”
I gave a half smile. “I guess we both grew up in houses full of people who didn’t really see us.”
Theo looked over at me then, his eyes unreadable. “Maybe that’s why we both draw attention in strange ways.”
I huffed a breath. “You make it sound deliberate.”
“Everything’s deliberate.” Theo closed the cupboard door with quiet finality.
Silence fell. I leaned back against the counter, watching him.
I could still feel Gary’s words echoing—meet some girls, live a little—and the weight of all the things I’d left unsaid.
Theo’s profile, calm and intent as he wiped condensation from a jar, didn’t make it easier.
I ached to tell him.You’re the reason I’m still a virgin. You’re the one I’ve wanted since I first knew what it meant to want someone.
I wouldn’t be here for much longer, and he didnotneed to hear that.
“Thanks for letting me stay.”And the clock is ticking.
Theo gave me a small, distracted smile. “It’s not charity, Cameron. You’ve been helpful.”
I raised my eyebrows. “Helpful. That’s a glowing review.”
Theo’s mouth twitched. “Don’t get used to it.”