Page 77 of Control Freak
“So, how was your first week?”
“Well, it’s not the same as having my own classroom. I’ve stepped into the middle of a lesson plan, and I can’t findanything, but the kids have been great.”
“No one’s throwing wadded-up spitballs at you when you turn your back?” I teased.
“Nope, they’re all sweet, but now I’ve got homework.” He tapped the tote. “I can’t work more hours at the building, but this will keep me busy.”
“Grading?”
“Yeah, it’s just a fun little art project the kids did. I’ll be done in time to enjoy this movie night you guys keep talking about.”
I chuckled. “It’s not that exciting. We just stream something that reminds us of our childhood.”
“That’s not…” He trailed off.
“Triggering?”
“Sorry. It’s not like I know anything about it.”
“It’s okay,” I said, slowing for a stoplight. Tentatively, I reached out, setting my hand over the top of his on the console between us.
I liked doing this while I drove because I could enjoy touching Shiloh without pressure to go beyond my limits. When the lights changed, I returned my hand to the steering wheel and refocused on the road.
“I spent a lot of my childhood with the Forresters, but even before that, I still have some good memories. My whole life wasn’t my trauma. Though, honestly, good memories can be triggering too. It’s almost more painful to know there was some good there, you know?”
“You don’t have to talk about this.”
“I’ve been through years of therapy, Shy. Dr. Levy helped me face a lot of demons. Your questions aren’t likely to tip me over the edge. Besides, I want you to know me.”
“Okay,” he said hesitantly. “So it’s a retro movie night, then?”
“That’s the idea. We make movie snacks instead of dinner and gorge ourselves like a bunch of ten-year-olds. Axel brings over all the dogs.”
Shiloh laughed. “Oh, this is sounding better and better. The only thing missing is a game of spin the bottle.”
“Yeah. Well, I don’t know how your family worked, but in mine, brothers don’t make out.”
Shiloh snorted a laugh. “Guess not. Only child. Sorry. Wasn’t thinking.”
“Uh-huh.” I pulled into the drive and headed toward the house to drop Shiloh off. “Or you’ve just got a warped mind.”
“That too. Actually, though, none of you are biological brothers. Have you ever thought about…”
“No,” I said emphatically. “We may not be blood, but we still grew up together. That would be weird.”
“I guess so. Gray is kinda hot, though.”
“Get out of here,” I playfully snarled.
Shiloh snickered. “Okay, sorry!”
“Take it back, or no popcorn mixed with M&Ms for you.”
“Holden, you know I’m partial to a Ring Pop.”
That sent my mind spiraling to the last time he’d brought one out and I’d ended up sucking it while jerking off over his trembling body.
Shiloh smirked, knowing exactly what he was doing, the brat. “See ya!”
