“No need to thank me, Pete. But I should let your mom know you won’t be home.”
Just as I’d said it, his phone buzzed in his front pocket. How those short—and tight—things could hold his phone was a mystery. He made no move to grab it, so I tried to get it out for him. I saw Dylan’s name and answered the call.
“Hi Dylan, it’s Jackson,” I greeted. I’d met Dylan a handful of times over the years and I knew they were best friends. Maybe Dylan knew where Pete had gone tonight and wanted to check up on him. Like a good friend would do.
“Oh,” he sounded surprised that I answered, hell, I was too. “Is Pete, um, there?” I smiled at his obvious confusion.
“He is. Did you know where he was going tonight?” I asked, knowing I should ask before telling him Pete had been assaulted.
“Yeah, um, that’s why I was calling when he didn’t answer my texts. Is he okay? Can I speak with him?”
I looked at Pete who could clearly hear everything through the phone. He nodded and I held the phone closer to him. “Hi,” he rasped.
“Fuck, Petey. Are you okay? You sound horrible. Did something happen?” My appreciation of Dylan continued to grow.
“Bad man,” Pete replied, leaving it at that.
“I told you not to go there! Or to at least wait a little.” Dylan sounded angry, but I knew it was from fear and not true anger aimed at Pete.
“I’m sorry,” Pete said. “You know why I had to do it.”
Dylan sighed. “I know. Are you okay now?”
“I am.” Pete mirrored his sigh. “Jackson took me back to Mike’s and his place.”
“Good,” Dylan replied, sounding awfully smug about it. Was he pleased I’d helped his best friend? I bet that was it.
I moved the phone back to my face. “Dylan. Pete can’t come home for the next few days… he’s um… he’s got some bruises, and I know his mom would lose it if she saw.”
“Say no more,” Dylan replied easily. “If she asks, he’s staying with me. We’ve talked about him moving in here anyway.” Why did I hate the thought of him living with Dylan? It felt wrong, but why? Dylan was proving to be the perfect friend for Pete. I knew he would do anything to keep Pete safe.
“Sleepy,” Pete whispered, and I pushed my confusing thoughts to the side. Pete needed my full attention.
“Dylan, we have to go. Pete needs rest, but I’m sure he will call you tomorrow and tell you everything himself.”
“Take care of him. And thank you for being there. I look forward to hearing everything.”
We hung up and I stared down at Pete’s vulnerable face. His eyes were closed as he rested his face on my chest. He looked so adorable, even with blackened mascara smudges on his cheeks. I believed we still had some makeup remover from when Vera slept over. Once Pete settled down some, I’d go get it.
Chapter 5
Pete
“Wait here. I’ll be right back,” Jackson whispered, then maneuvered me onto the bed and away from his warm lap. I’d been close to falling asleep in his arms. It was everything I’d dreamed of. His scent… damn, he smelled amazing as always, but he was mouthwatering this close. I tried not to let my displeasure show as he left me on his bed. OMG! I was in Jackson’s bed! It might not have been how I’d planned to end up here, but damn. I would take this as a win.
“Here,” Jackson said, startling me a little. I slowly opened my eyes; they stung from the mess of makeup that had no doubt creeped its way inside from all my tears. “Vera left some makeup remover in the bathroom. I doubt she’ll be back for it.”
“Why not?” I asked, wincing at the roughness of my voice.
“You don’t know?” My confusion must’ve been enough of an answer because he elaborated. “Mike and Vera broke up.”
“Oh.” Why hadn’t Mike told me? He must have been devastated. He loved Vera. “What happened?”
“They had a fight. Mike told me he knew they had problems, but it’s hard when there’s still love between them. In the end I guess the love wasn’t enough anymore.”
“His trip,” I whispered.
Jackson nodded. “I believe that was the final strike.”
