Page 52 of The Hookup Mix-up

Since he probably didn’t get much sleep last night because of the sex, I do my best to wiggle out of his arms and climb over him without waking him. Perry doesn’t budge, and if it didn’t make me a little obsessive, I’d probably stand here and watch him sleep for a few minutes. His navy-blue blanket goes up to his waist, and I blush remembering what’s beneath that blanket and how ravenous I’d been for it, how ravenous I still am for it.

“Be good, Theo,” I whisper to myself, then tug on underwear and my track pants before quietly slipping out of the room.

A clanking sound from the kitchen makes my heart jump into my throat, and I make a beeline for the bathroom. I don’t know why I didn’t expect anyone to be awake. My reaction is a little ridiculous. There’s no doubt in my mind that Ty and Brax realize there’s something going on between me and Perry. They also saw me go into his room, and they’ll likely see me leave, so they’re going to know I stayed the night.

I look at myself in the mirror, at my messy light-brown curls that Perry had fisted, at the—“What the fuck.” I lean closer to examine the small red mark on my neck. Is that a hickey? When had he done that? I’ve never had a hickey before. Pressing my finger against it, a smile curls my lips and my pulse jumps.

“Stop it,” I tell myself. “It’s just sex.”

This whole talking-to-myself thing is getting ridiculous, so I move away from the mirror and take a piss. After washing my hands, I slowly open the door, planning to sneak out—

“Boo!”

I jump, clutching my chest, and Ty chuckles softly. He’s leaning against the wall across from the bathroom, one eyebrow cocked.

“Spending the night, huh?”

“Isn’t it a little weird that you’re waiting for me outside the bathroom?” God, I hope he didn’t hear me talking to myself.

“Not if you know me.” He waves it off as if that’s a normal thing to say and do. “I made coffee. Do you like coffee?”

“I mean, doesn’t everyone?”

“Actually, I have this friend, Annabella, who doesn’t. It’s weird.”

“How does she wake up every day?”

“Right? It’s madness. One day I’ll get her to drink and enjoy it, though.”

Ty chuckles, then nods toward the kitchen while I look longingly at Perry’s closed door. For a split second I consider making a run for it and locking myself inside, but something tells me Ty would break the door down if he had to.

Reluctantly, I follow. It’s just Ty out here, which makes it a little easier. Brax is quiet and scary. “Is your boyfriend sleeping?”

“No, he left for work. That’s why I’m up. I like to make breakfast for him when I can. Brax is such a caretaker, so it’s nice to do things for him.”

“Wait…that scary, grumpy guy is a caretaker?” My words break through my skull, and I add, “Sorry. I guess I shouldn’t insult one’s boyfriend.”

He shakes his head. “No worries. Brax would much rather people think he’s scary and grumpy than know the truth about him.”

There’s a gentleness to his voice I never heard from Ty before, one that’s laced with the love he feels for the other man, and my heart squeezes. I never had that, never felt like that, and I definitely never had anyone feel that way about me.

Ty pours me a cup of coffee. “You can doctor it yourself.”

I take it from him, setting the mug on the white countertop as I use the caramel creamer.

“So…what are your intentions with my brother?” He crosses his arms and leans one shoulder against the wall, looking at me.

“Um…” What the fuck? Why is he asking me this? “We’re friends.” Ty’s nose wrinkles, and he rolls his eyes. “With benefits?” I add.

“We didn’t grow up together, so I didn’t get to do this until now. I’m the big brother, so I have to stick up for my little bro, and…well, I think Perry’s heart is bigger than he wants anyone to know, and I won’t let him get hurt. He’s never brought anyone here before, and he’s for sure never had anyone spend the night.”

What? Never? This is my second time, and—No! Don’t do that. Don’t start thinking this means more than it does.

“There’s zero chance of me hurting him. Perry doesn’t like me like that.”

Ty laughs, loud and exaggerated.

“He doesn’t! I mean, we’re…you know…”

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