Page 61 of The Forever Vault

God, why did I say anything?

Because you were worried.

I grabbed my bag and held the door open for two guys that towered over me, but one of them gave my body a scan and smiled appreciatively. They both said, “Thanks,” so I told them to have a good workout. I swore the one that checked me out said he’d like to give me a workout, but I wasn’t sure.

I was probably imagining that guy’s eyes on my ass, but I made sure to flex my glutes anyway before I turned to the dorm.

Wait a second. If Miles compared me acting differently around Luke to his behavior around Hudson, does that mean they’re together?

I tried to think back if I had ever seen anything else that would confirm that, but there was nothing obvious. Something else to ask Luke, and maybe Ty, about later.

Ezra was watching TV in the living room again.

“Hey,” he nodded. “Are you just getting back from a workout or Luke?”

“Workout.” I smiled. “What have you been up to?”

“Trying and failing to relax.”

“I’m gonna shower real quick, but then would you wanna grab something to eat real quick?”

“It’s almost nine o’clock.”

“I’m aware, but we don’t have an official practice tomorrow. Does Zane have you doing anything?”

He shook his head. “Told me to relax. My family’s on their way, should be here tomorrow.”

“Well, we can have a snack right now, can’t we? And then maybe Tadashi wants to snuggle after?”

Ezra’s head whipped towards me. “Really?”

“You said you find it relaxing, and I said I’m willing to try it. Especially if it helps you.”

“You won’t tell anyone?”

“Not if you don’t want me to. Not even Luke.”

“I can understand if you want to tell Luke though. I wouldn’t want him to be jealous.”

“I don’t think he’ll mind.” I had found him in bed with two of our friends the other day.

“Okay, I’ll see you in a minute.”

I felt good as I headed to my room. Ezra’s smile was huge when I suggested the plan for the night.

I could tell Ezra was nervous because the table hadn’t stopped vibrating since we sat down. I grabbed a chicken caesar salad and Ezra chose a banana with peanut butter.

“You know if you don’t want to do this, you don’t have to. Just because we said we’d do it doesn’t mean you can’t change your mind.”

“No, it’s fine,” Ezra said, focusing his attention on the banana and not me. “I just haven’t ever done this with anyone I know. It’s just been anonymous guys.”

“Well, you should feel safer with me.”

“Oh, I feel safe. I just also feel really self-conscious.”

“Well, once you put your hood on, you won’t feel that way, will you, pup?”

Ezra’s eyebrows skyrocketed up his forehead. “How did-? What did you-?”