Page 42 of The Idiot

Maybe I crawl into the other side of the bed without waking him because I’m exhausted after today. Maybe I don’t wake him because he just looks too peaceful to disturb. Or maybe I leave him clutching Lasso Ted because I understand completely not wanting to let something slip from your grasp.

CHAPTER 11

Jesse

“Come on, Baloney. This is your vacation. I don’t want you to miss out on anything because of me or the Button Man. You can’t just hit the gym and hang out in your room all day,” I rationalize as Murph’s apprehensive gaze studies me from across the dinner table. “If I wasn’t here, and you didn’t have a super fan following you around, what would you do tonight?”

His lips press together, and he leans back in his chair like he’s debating my sincerity. I left him alone all day after his grumpy wake up this morning. It’s not my fault I fell asleep. His mattress is wicked comfortable, and I think I was still jet lagged from the flight across country and being on high alert for Philip yesterday. He said I kicked him in my sleep and snored. At least he didn’t mention anything about my morning wood poking him in the back of his thigh. Again—how have I never realized he throws off so much body heat? I probably thought he was a heated blanket while I was comatose and scooched up next to him.

“Are you still crabby because I fell asleep in your bed?”

“No. It’s not about that.”

“Well, you kicked me out pretty fast. I’ve never seen anyone that eager to get to the gym as soon as they wake up. Who works out when they’re on vacation, anyway?”

“I told you not to lie on my bed,” he grumbles, taking a sip of his iced tea.

“Fine. Lesson learned. So, can we do something tonight? I promise I won’t cockblock you unless you need cockblocking. Because in that case, I have to say, I think I’m a pretty good cockblocker. Philip looked like he was going to blow a button yesterday, and today, I saw him when I went to lunch, and he hissed at me. You might want to get checked for rabies.”

Pinching his eyes shut, he holds up a hand. “Stop saying ‘cockblocking,’ and if I see him again, I’ll talk to him. He shouldn’t be harassing either of us.”

“No way,” I protest.

I know now that Murph doesn’t reciprocate Philip’s interest, but I don’t like the thought of someone that clingy being around him. While he has no problem bitching at me, he’s always been way too nice to strangers. He deserves better than someone who takes advantage of his kindness.

“I’m not scared of feral animals,” I elaborate. “You don’t need to go anywhere near him. Let him get the picture on his own.”

“Oh, yeah? What about that badger?” he asks, smirking.

I stop my fork halfway to my mouth. I rescind my kindness comment. “Why do youalwayshave to bring that up?”

Snickering, he runs his hand over his mouth and down his beard, shaking his head. I was starting to think I couldn’t make him laugh anymore. He looks more relaxed tonight. Maybe hitting the gym earlier did him good while I wandered around the ship and hit up the pool.

I joined a pool volleyball match and had a blast. I’ll say one thing about gay guys, or at least the ones here: they’re all really happy and friendly. And they throw out compliments all the time.

Women do that coy thing, where they usually wait to be complimented by the guy. I’ve never had my ego stroked so much as I did today in the pool. I can see why Murph wanted to come here—the positivity is endless. Too bad he got snagged by Philip’s sights upon arrival. All that’s about to change, though.

Giving his foot a kick under the table, I grin. “So, what’s on the program tonight? You’re young. You’re single. What would you do if I was your gay bf?”

His gaze flicks to mine, looking intense as hell. Shit. Did I hit a nerve? I was trying to keep the light mood flowing.

I feel kind of squirmy and warm under that heated look. Is he going to say anything?

“What?”

Shaking his head, he glances out the window. “Nothing.”

“I refuse to allow you to do nothing. We’re having fun tonight, damn it.”

Sighing, he glances back at me. “You’re not going to give up. Are you?”

“Not a chance.”

“Fine. They have…”

“What?”

“They’re supposed to be having a dance show in the upper ballroom tonight. Originally… I thought I’d check it out, but we don’t have to. I won’t die if I miss it or anything.”

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