Page 44 of Good Boys Don’t Bite

“It sucked twenty minutes ago.”

“Then why didn't you say something?”

“I did.”

“You complained about Dylan.”

“Same thing.”

Ronan grabbed his jacket. Elliot followed him toward the door. Dylan intercepted them.

“You're leaving?”

“Yeah.”

“You just got here.”

“An hour ago.”

Dylan looked at Elliot.

“Dragging him away?”

Elliot smiled.

“I don't have to drag very hard.”

Ronan shot him a look. Dylan laughed.

“Friday next week?”

“Maybe.”

Elliot answered before Ronan could.

“He's busy.”

Ronan turned.

“I am?”

“Yes.”

“With what?”

“Me.”

Silence. Tiny. Dangerous. Dylan looked between them. Elliot didn't blink. Ronan felt his pulse kick. Then Elliot laughed.

“Family thing.”

Dylan relaxed. Ronan did not.

“Right,” Dylan said. “Have fun.”

“We won't,” Ronan replied.

They stepped outside. Cold air hit immediately. The rain had stopped, but everything smelled wet. Asphalt reflected the porch lights. Water dripped steadily from the gutters. They walked toward Ronan's motorcycle. Elliot shoved his hands into his pockets.