Page 22 of Protecting the Nerd

“It beats the hell out of Douglas. Seriously, do I look like a Douglas?”

I chuckled. “Nope, I agree. Fir fits you perfectly.”

We sobered again. “How serious is the situation?” Fir asked.

“I can’t talk about it, but it’s not good. That’s why we moved here. Seattle was too chaotic to protect me effectively—Quillon’s words.”

“I don’t like this at all. I mean, I do love that you’re back in town, but not the reason.”

“Can’t say I like either. It’s good to see you more, but other than that? It’s not gonna be easy.”

“I couldn’t believe it when Tomás told me you’d be staying in his house.”

“Sorry, I should’ve talked to you first. But I called Auden to ask him about any properties on the market, and he mentioned Tomás’s house was available, so I contacted him.”

Fir waved his hand. “Don’t worry about it. You had a lot on your mind, and besides, you know I’m not easily offended.”

No, he wasn’t. Another reason I liked him so much.

“Talk to me about Quillon. Is he nice to you? Do you get along?”

“He’s been”—I frowned, searching for the right words—“respectful? He seems to sense when I need time to myself and accepts when I don’t want to talk about stuff, like with my parents.”

“That’s great to hear, but that’s a pretty low bar.”

“He’s not my actual boyfriend, so is there even a bar?”

“I know, but I want to make sure he’s treating you well. Do you feel safe with him?”

Huh, that was a question I hadn’t considered yet. Did I? I’d been so focused on the practical details I hadn’t taken the time to process that aspect. “I guess I do. He’s been vigilant, constantly keeping an eye on our surroundings. I doubt anyone or anything would slip past him.”

“That’s good.”

“And he’s nice. I have to admit I wasn’t too sure about him after discovering he was a Marine, but he’s been friendly.”

“Is he gay?”

I opened my mouth, then shut it again. “I have no idea.”

“You didn’t ask?”

“Why would I? I asked if he had a partner, and he said he didn’t, but neither of us ever specified gender.”

“Because he’s pretending to be your boyfriend? If both of you are straight, you’ll never be able to sell it.”

Damn, why hadn’t I thought of that? “I thought the biggest challenge would be the obvious difference between us, but I guess you’re right. I’ll have to ask him.”

“Hold up. What do you mean by the obvious difference?”

“You said it yourself. He’s hot. And you’re gay, and your boyfriend is officially one of the sexiest men alive, so you would know.”

“Yes, and?”

“You don’t think the contrast with a geek like me is a little too much for people to believe?”

Fir crossed his arms. “What contrast? Because if you’re telling me you think you’re not attractive, we need to have a word.”

My cheeks heated. “I’m not hot.”

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