Page 196 of The Sidekick

“I-I’m working on it,” I flounder. “Shade says I’m doing better. I don’t grab random people for a hug anymore.”

Trevor’s eyes drop to the desk as his jaw tightens again.

“I space out and bubble head my way through life. I don’t pay attention to the warning signs. I didn’t even know you guys lived upstairs, for cripe’s sake. Who does that? Bubblehead Tera, that’s who.”

“Stop,” he gives me a firm look that makes me swallow the next tirade.

His jaw works as he stares at me. I start to get nervous over the prolonged silence between us.

The door behind me opens suddenly, and Max breezes in with a gusty sigh.

“How’s it going in here?” He tries to sound upbeat, but his expression is worried as he takes in our stilted silence.

“We’re working on a few things,” Trevor tells him with a frown.

“Do I need to go?”

He sounds like he’s whining, and I have to stifle my giggle. Trevor notices and begins to smile again.

“Nah. We won’t throw you out in the cold.”

The laughter bubbles out of me while Max glares.

“Stop laughing. It’s you and me against him, remember?”

“Is it?” Trevor’s voice slides into a dark, seductive tone, and I shiver. His eyes slide to Max with a smirk. “You two are teaming up on me?”

“Maybe,” Max grins back.

“Tell Tera what your punishments are.”

“What?” Max’s eyes go wide as they bounce between us in surprise. “Why would I do that?”

“So she knows I’m not hurting you when we get to one,” he tells him smugly.

“Uh.” His cheeks fill with heat as he shifts on his feet. “I don’t think I want to.”

“Why is that?” Trevor asks with a smirk.

“I’ve never had to tell someone before,” he hisses angrily.

“You don’t have to,” I insist, drawing both of their attention. Max is frowning, and Trevor’s brow is raised mockingly. “If it makes you uncomfortable to tell me, it’s ok. You trust him, and he trusts you, so who cares?”

“Is that a challenge?” Max’s arms cross over his chest.

My mouth gapes as I look between them. “No! How was that a -”

“I can tell you,” he leans toward me with a taunting smile.

“You’re being a jerk right now. Stop it.”

“No,” he says sweetly.

“I’m going to start calling you Shade if you don’t quit,” I glare.

“You’ve seen my dick and not thrown up. I’m not Shade.”

“Gross!” I squeal while he laughs.

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