Page 32 of The Substitute
“‘Baby’ is like…a relationship thing.”
“And? You said you wanted to date and you’re awkward, and I said I’d show you. Is this not showing you?”
“Oh…” He falls silent, processing it, and I’m learning to give him time. “I like it.”
“Good. Now we’re going to cuddle and watch the second movie.” I pick him up easily and adjust us so I’m spooning him, my leg over him so he can’t go anywhere. “This feel good?”
Tobi chews his bottom lip but eventually nods. “It’s really nice.”
I lean back, happy he’s happy. I’m going to give him some damn joy, like it or not.
TWELVE
AMBROSE
“What did you and my brother do?” I ask when Tobi gets home after midnight. I know I shouldn’t fucking ask, but I can’t stop myself. I hate that he likes Savage and won’t even talk to me. I hate that he’s giving him a chance when he won’t give me one.
Tobi avoids my eyes and rocks up on his toes. “Uhhh.”
I scoff and stare at the ceiling. “That’s what I thought.”
He doesn’t say anything, and I don’t look at him while he gathers his stuff and goes to the bathroom. I shove to my feet, needing to do something with all this restless energy, but what? I want to beat the fuck out of Savage. I know he’s only going after Tobi because he knows I like him, so he can get to me.
It’s not fucking fair to Tobi, and it’s just a dick move.
I pace the small space, exhausted from practice today but now too keyed up to sleep. Maybe I should be out drinking with the guys or something, but I couldn’t have gone out knowing they were on a date. I’m too in my head about it.
Tobi comes out, still looking sheepish. He stops in front of me, so I step out of the way so he can get to his bed, but he doesn’t move.
“What?” I finally say.
“I’m sorry.”
Confusion washes through me. “What? Why are you sorry?”
Tobi’s cheeks pink. “I don’t know. It felt like the right thing to say.”
I stare at him. “Why?”
“You’re clearly mad.”
“I’m not mad. I’m frustrated and jealous.”
He blinks rapidly. “Jealous?”
“Yeah, and?”
“You’re admitting you’re jealous?” Tobi asks after a long moment.
“I learned to talk about my feelings. Yes, I can fucking admit it.” I flex my jaw, hating that this isn’t a normal thing for him, and that I have to explain it.
“Why are you jealous?”
“Because you give my brother a chance so easily, and you won’t even fucking look at me most of the time.” I dig my nails into my palm.
“It’s hard. You know too much.”
I soften. It’s the most he’s given me since I moved in. “I’m not going to use it against you.”
