Lag (The boys of RDA #2)(58)

“I’m sure it was,” she deadpans with her head cocked to one side.

This argument has definitely moved from Trey and me to Finn and Aspen, and I don’t want her to think she has to defend me at the expense of causing an argument with Finn.

“If you’re sure I’m not taking a place from someone?” I need to confirm one last time.

“Positive,” Finn steps closer to Aspen while his hand flicks his hair from his forehead. “And once Simone is safe at her new place, you can stay with me until the whole mess is figured out.”

Aspen’s foot stomps on the floor and Finn stops in his advance. “You can’t force me to move in with you, Finn.”

He grins. “I’m not forcing you to move in. I’m keeping you safe in my fortress of solitude.” When she doesn’t soften her expression, he tries one more incentive. “You’ll be close to Simone.”

“I’m not giving up this apartment.”

“No, of course not,” he reaches Aspen and wraps his arms around her.

In one sudden movement Jake is off his chair. “Well now that it’s settled, show us to the boxes.”

Wait, it’s all settled? Jake strolls toward the bedroom where he piled the boxes the first time. He’s a man of few words, but when he speaks, people listen because within seconds we all follow behind him.

I guess everything’s settled. I’d like a few minutes to process the latest development in my life, but Jake, Finn, and Trey all walk out of Aspen’s room, each with a box, and head out the front door. I open my mouth to say…well something… but don’t. I’m sure when I wake up in a real bed tomorrow, I’ll have less reservations about it all. At least I hope that’s the case.

**

Jake drops the last box in the middle of the small living room I now call my own and gives a swift wave as he heads out the door.

“The places come furnished or not, depending on what the employee needs. So I left everything here for you, but if you buy something tell Trey and we’ll move what’s here to storage," Finn explains.

I turn to him from my place by the tan microfiber couch. The place isn’t big, about the size of Aspen’s, but it’s mine. As I stand and circle the room, taking in the basic adornments, the events of the last few weeks hit me. Hard.

The window in front of me catches my attention. I stop and pretend to admire the view. I’m sure it’s a good one, but I can’t tell as the tears cloud my vision. This small group of people have taken me in and given me everything in the weeks since I returned to San Francisco. I barely know them, but they’re the best friends I’ve ever had in my life.

Against all my efforts I sniffle and give myself away. God, now Trey can see me cry twice in one week. I turn around to face the three of them, and before a word of thanks passes my lips, Trey is at my side. He wraps his arms around my middle and pulls me to him. I don’t fight it because it’s right where I want to be. I’m not sure when my brain decided I’d forgiven Trey, but I’m ready to admit it now.

Aspen pulls on Finn’s hand. “Well, we’ll head upstairs. If you need something you have my number, Simone.”

They turn toward the door. I try to push myself away from Trey, but he doesn’t let go. Once the door closes, he releases me a little but not completely.

“I need to tell Finn thank you. This is… it’s too much.” I manage to spit out the words, but they cause my tears to come faster.

“He knows, Simone. And even if he didn’t, that’s the kind of guy Finn is. I have to admit when he suggested free housing for our employees I thought he was on drugs, but I see the perks of it now.”

He chuckles at his comment and the movement of his body against mine makes me smile. Even when I’m crying, I find the guy kind of hot when he laughs.

“Now, what can I help you unpack?” He steps back from me but takes my hand and we stand in front of the large pile of boxes.

I survey the results of our trips this morning and admit the truth. “Well, half of these are probably shoes so I guess we can start there.”

“Great. I’ll go dump them in the closet.” He picks up a box with shoes written on the side. It’s a new box from the pile he brought today since Finn stole my original.

My heart rate jumps at his words and I rush to stop him. “Trey, these are shoes. Finn’s already dumped them once.” I wince at the memory. "They need to be loved, supported, and admired.”

He raises an eyebrow at me but puts the box back on the floor alongside the others with similar labels. “Okay, how about the kitchen?”

I almost nod my head, but then I remember the cat cup from our first night together in the Bahamas. I can’t let him see it. That cup says words I’m not quite ready to admit yet.

“No!” I catch his jerky reaction and try to cover up my hostile response. “I mean… not kitchen stuff. That’s boring. I have a box of pictures around here somewhere.” I start to scan the boxes in front of me frantically looking for the one labeled memories.

Trey’s hand reaches to the floor and pulls up my light brown leather laptop bag. “How about I set up your Internet?”

That sounds innocent enough. My computer can’t get me into any kind of relationship trouble. “Sure.”