Page 101 of The Bro Pact
WARREN
Ifeel like the walking dead by the time I park Carmen in the backlot at Pops’ shop, turning off the engine while every neuron in my neck and shoulders screams at me. Climbing out as gingerly as I can after a twenty-one-hour drive, I twist my back, making several loudpopsthat relieve some of the pressure.
“Ahhh. There we go,” I sigh, stretching my arms above my head and earning myself anotherpop. “Home sweet home.”
No matter how much I don’t want this trip to end, I can’t deny that it feels good to be back in town.
When I open the side door, I find Kyle stuffing trash into a plastic garbage bag and trying to declutter the kitchen.
“Ky, it’s almost midnight, don’t worry about cleaning up right now.”
“Well, I’m not leaving it all on you. Besides, I wanna make sure I don’t forget anything.”
“Fair enough, but we can do it tomorrow. Just take what you need, I’m fucking exhausted.”
We both grab our duffel bags, stuffing loose clothes inside as well as our toiletries.
“Shit, I forgot my truck isn’t here. I hate to ask, man, but can you drive me home? My parents are definitely already asleep, and there’s no way I’m asking Nelson for a favor.”
“Or you could just stay here. In my bed.” My words hang heavy in the air between us.
Kyle glances up at the dark apartment above the garage, knowing my dad and sister are in there sleeping. “I don’t know, Ren. Things are different now that we’re home.”
The words I’ve been dreading to hear spear me right in the gut, but I press a hand to the wound, stopping the flow of blood like it’s no big deal.
He probably just misses sleeping in his own bed, anyway.
I know I do.
“No biggie,” I say, brushing off the rejection like it doesn’t sting. “Throw your bag in the back of my truck, and I’ll drive you home.”
I lock up Carmen, and we pile into my truck, silently driving to Kyle’s house like we’re on some sort of awkward first date and didn’t just spend every moment together for the past three weeks.
“Hey, man,” Kyle says, ambling into the garage at one o’clock the next afternoon.
“Good morning. Sleep well?” I chuckle, knowing he probably just woke up.
Kyle’s grin is wide and satisfied, telling me all I need to know. “I sure did. Thanks for asking.”
I shake my head with a smile, continuing to wipe down the dashboard while Kyle stands outside the driver’s side door.
“So, what can I help with?” he asks, ready to jump in and get to work.
“Um . . . You can check the passenger side cubbies again, but I’ve been up since nine cleaning her out. I don’t want Pops to even find a crumb.”
“Dude.I could have helped. Ishouldhave helped.” He climbs into the RV, sucking in a sharp breath of air at how spotless it is.
“Kyle, it’s fine,” I insist. “I’m taking her to a car wash place later, so we don’t even have to worry about all the sand and salt.”
Stepping between the front seats, I find Kyle silently standing in front of the string lights, admiring them.
I bump my shoulder into his. “We had a good run, huh?”
“We really did,” Kyle sighs before turning to face me. “And it was all because of you, Ren. I don’t know if I told you this enough, but thank you.For everything.”
My lips tilt up on one side, and my eyes dart down to his mouth.
God, I want to kiss him.
