“I left my wallet at home. I only brought enough cash for bus fare. I left behind my clothes, a pair of old sneakers, and my duffel bag. That’s all.”
“I’ll get them back for you.”
“I can live without them, Remi. I’m sure Tara has an old backpack I can use for work.” He shakes his head. “I’m just glad to be out of there.”
“Santini is too much of a pervert to be in charge of hiring nude models.” I’ve never seen him as obsessed as he is with Tristan.
“He’ll probably try to stop me from getting more work at LaCasse College.”
“I know some of the professors—I’ll put in a good word for you.”
Tristan pulls the T-shirt on and sits so close beside me, our thighs press together. “It was a good day when I met you.” His voice is hushed. “You… matter to me.”
When he leans heavily against my shoulder, I feel things I haven’t let myself feel in what seems like a lifetime. Warm things… nurturing things… connecting things. Dangerous things.
“Are you hungry, Tristan?”
“You know I’m always hungry.”
“I think your brave escape from Professor Santini’s living room calls for Italian food.” I need to lighten the moment. I can’t let myself melt at Tristan’s sweet, addictive vulnerability.
“Meatballs make everything better,” he replies jovially.
“That’s my philosophy,” I agree and sigh with relief. Today, I’m the one who will celebrate an escape—from what my heart wants desperately, but my mind fears so much more. “I know this place that makes the best meatball subs.”