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“Yeah.” He grew disappointed. “My mom would probably notice too. Eventually.”

“Probably.”

“But, what about tonight? Can you stay?”

“I guess I can. I just need to ask Noah to cover for me.”

“Do you think he’ll do it?”

“He’ll want something in return. But, sure.”

“Are you willing to find out what?”

Was I ever.

“Where’s my phone?” I felt in between the folds of the duvet for it—no luck—then eventually found on the floor by the bed. I unlocked it and fell backward onto the pillow. As I texted Noah, Ethan watched me, still on his side, resting his head on the bottom of his hand.

Are you up?

Where are you?

I need a favor

Buy a fucking box of condoms like a normal person

Ethan chuckled.

It’s not that, dumbass Though I would take his advice and made a mental note to buy more condoms. Can you cover for me?

What do you mean?

I’m not coming home tonight and I need you to trick Mom and Dad into thinking I spent the night in my room

Why aren’t you coming home tonight?

Noah, can you help me or not?

Of course I can help, Thomas. I’m your brother

“That’s nice,” Ethan said.

“Wait for it,” I told him.

For a price

“There we go,” I said.

“Shit.” Ethan bit the inside of his mouth.

What do you want? I texted.

2 things

Shoot

“Me,” I amended out loud.

Ethan smiled, and then he leaned in a bit and kissed my temple.