Page 112 of A Stealthy Situation

Benny sighs as I plant kisses all over his face.

“Like you could spend a few months away from all of this,” I joke. His response isn’t what I’m expecting.

“Unfortunately, I’m afraid you might be right about that.”

34

BENNY

December passes as fast as a snot rocket. Between my assessments and Harrison’s job offer and then us fucking off back home and meeting each other’s families over the holidays, I barely have time to scratch my ass, but I do squeeze in more bugging Emmett.

He still hasn’t made any decisions about what’s next and acts totally comfortable chilling out in my room doing nothing. And he flat out refused to tell our brothers over Christmas about him being thrown out.

I was so fucking paranoid I was going to slip out a “pass me the potatoes and also Em’s a dropout, thanks,” over Christmas lunch, but he just sat there smiling like an angel.

West did love our tattoos though. Saving him the embarrassment of having to ask to check our palms was the best Christmas gift we could have given him.

Harrison’s family was more incredible than I would have imagined. He came out to them on the phone when he asked if he could bring his boyfriend home over the holidays. I could tell it threw them and they weren’t expecting it, but when I visited, they went out of their way to make me feel welcome.

It’s almost been a relief to be back at school, where things are quiet.

It’s not until late when Em climbs into our window that night. His cheeks are flushed, and he looks happy, but I have no idea why.

He’s been sneaking out, and every time I ask where he’s going or what he’s doing, it’s always “going for a walk” or “found a hookup” or “took up a new career as a stripper, and now my billionaire boyfriend is being chased by the mob, and I have to go into hiding.”

It’d be too bad if Em ever did get into actual trouble one day because I wouldn’t believe him.

Harrison keeps telling me that Em will fill me in when he’s ready, but asking me not to worry about Em is about as useful as telling me not to get hard when I see Harrison naked.

The universe has indisputable laws, and those are two of them.

“Let me guess; a mermaid washed up at Shenanigans, and you had to help her return to her underwater palace.”

Em blinks at me. “Well, that’s just ridiculous.”

“Great to know your stories have some limits.”

He tosses his hoodie into the corner of the room. It’s a cooler night, but he’s dressed like we’re still back in Vermont.

Needling him for more information is right on the end of my tongue.

“How’s Harrison liking work?” he asks, like he can sense my curiosity. Probably can. Damn him for knowing me better than anyone.

Harrison had a meeting with Mitch at the conservation group before we left and worked his first official shifts last week. It means less time together, but when we do see each other, we make the most of it.

“Loves it.”

“I’m glad.”

I watch Em kick out of his pants and pull some pajama bottoms on. I haven’t told Em about my plans for finishing out my degree yet because I was waiting for the official diagnosis and a moment I could catch him alone. But it’s just us now. I’m finished my schoolwork for the night, and I’m dying to talk it all through with him.

“I got my official diagnosis.”

“Shit.” His head pops up like a deer in the headlights. “How do you feel?”

“Not much different. I was expecting it.”

“So, what’s next?”

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