Page 45 of I Think They Love You

“Shut up,” Denz says without any heat. He angles Braylon’s jaw toward the lens. “Just smile.”

He steps back. His fingers aren’t tingling from the soft, bristly hairs of Braylon’s stubble. That’s not a thing.

With an indignant huff, Braylon follows Denz’s instructions.

It only takes one attempt.

“You’re welcome,” Denz says after AirDropping the photo into Braylon’s phone. “Post this everywhere. Friendly vibes. Hot gu—”

He cuts himself off. Was he really about to say that?

“Instant reach,” Denz finishes, throat tight.

Braylon’s too busy staring at his phone to notice. “You’re… good at this.”

Denz’s face warms. He needs to get out of the sun.

“Don’t forget to tag the café,” he commands. “Add the location too.”

“Noted.”

“My work here’s done.” Denz pockets his phone. He buttons his coat before turning to leave. Over his shoulder, he says, “I’ll be expecting a dirty, flirty text from you tomorrow. Make it good.”

The left side of Braylon’s mouth edges up. “I’ll try not to disappoint.”

Denz walks away. If he’s smiling all the way back to his car, well—it’s clearly the caffeine. No other reason.

-7-

notthatdenzelstarted followingthe.braylon.adams

the Carter Family Group Chat

Today 3:29P.M.

Aunt Cheryl Carter

Denzel and the ex who left him for the UK are social media official now!

Kami CarterHis name is Braylon.

Aunt Cheryl CarterHis name is until we meet We can’t just let anyone in this family especially not someone who ruined my nephew!

Uncle Orlando RiveraDramatic much, C?

Aunt Eva Carter-RiveraSpeaking of the gram… Nicola what are you wearing in your latest post? You look like an extra on schitt’s creek

Nic Carterit’s called FASHUN, Auntie E! nobody calls it the gram

Jordan CarterWait… denz and his ex? back together?

Aunt Cheryl CarterYes! Now it’s your turn son! Time to find a nice GF with a financially stable family and a clean background. A girl you can marry!

Jordan Carter left the conversation.

In his rush to fix the Jamie problem and coordinate with Braylon, Denz let one key detail slip between the cracks:Jordan. The same Jordan who Denz introduced Jamie as his boyfriend to.

He hovers outside his cousin’s office like a wildlife observer documenting a rarely seen species in their natural habitat. The space is an effortless mix of personal and professional. A shelf of succulents. A fitted Los Angeles Lakers hat hung next to a canvas painting of Malibu Pier. On the desk, soft strains of Frank Ocean play from the laptop.

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