Chapter 6
Harlow
“You’re home,” Sam sayssoftly, getting up from his hiding spot dressed in a black hoodie and gray sweats.
"Hey,” I say softly, placing my can of pop on the counter. “I’m sorry if I scared you. It’s been a hard day and I haven’t had the best‘welcome home’reactions,” I huff out on a laugh.
“It’s okay. I just panicked. When Evie or Axel come over, they normally text me with a heads up,” he says, giving me a shy smile as he sits down on the couch.
I slowly approach him, taking a seat on the other end. I didn't spend much time with Sam before I left, and the state he was in then was like an animal backed into a corner, much like when I came in. I don't want to frighten him more than I already have.
“Axel?” I ask, tilting my head to the side. I expected Evie to try to spend some time with him, giving him someone to be friends with, so he wasn't alone, but Axel? His would’ve been the last name I expected to hear coming from Sam’s mouth.
“Yeah.” He chuckles lightly, his blond locks falling over his left eye as he brings his legs up, hugging them to make himself smaller, or maybe it’s out of comfort. “When you left, Evie would stop by. She bought my groceries and anything else I might need. She's kind, sweet, and a really good friend.” He smiles at that.
“One day there was a knock at the door. I thought it was Evie because she texted me beforehand saying she would come by in a little bit. I just assumed she had more food, and couldn't open the door, so I went to help. But it wasn't Evie, it was Axel.”
“Did he hurt you?” I growl.
“What?” he asks, eyes wide in surprise. “No, no, nothing like that. At first, I was scared. I mean have you seen the man? Over six feet tall, and looks like a mountain man.”
“What did he want?” I ask, calming down.If that asshole did anything to fuck with Sam, I’ll stab him... again!
“He said he wanted to see how I was doing. He looked uncomfortable, and not very threatening. He promised he just wanted to check on me. Something in me knew he wasn't going to hurt me, so I let him in. But, I kept the gun I found in your guest room in my waistband.” He gives me a cheeky smile. It looks good on him. I was afraid he would be a wreck after everything. He seemed so small and frightened, and it looked like he might have ended up with a lot of psychological damage, but he seems to be a lot better now.
I gape at him, then smile. “You sneaky little thing you. Do you even know how to use a gun?” I ask, cocking a brow.
“Umm.” He gives me an embarrassed blush. “No. I never really got the chance to use one before.”
“Okay, we’ll need to change that. You know, if you're cool with it and all. I think everyone should know how to use a gun. Just in case.” I give him a shrug. “I can take you to my shooting range. Just us, so you don't have to worry about any strangers.”
“You have your own shooting range?” he asks.
“Of course, silly.” I laugh, rolling my eyes. “Anyways, you were saying...” I pull my arms up mimicking his pose on the couch.
“Well, he kept his distance, and we just sat and talked. It was nice. He’s pretty cool once you get to know him.”
I snort out a laugh. “Sure, and I'm the Queen of England.”
“He is,” Sam says with a smile. “I think you are both so similar and that’s the reason you butt heads so much.”
“You take that back,” I say, eyes widening. “I am nothing like that overgrown gorilla.”
“Fine, if you say so.” He laughs. “So yeah, over the past month, both Evie and Axel have come to hang out and spend time with me. It's nice to have someone around, but I also like being alone, having this place to myself.” His eyes widen once he realizes what he said. “But I’m glad you're back! Thank you for letting me stay here while you were gone. I’ll start looking for a place. I just need a job... and money...” He looks away, brows pinched.
“No.” I simply state.
His head snaps back up to look at me, his brows creased. “What?”
“This place is yours now. I'm giving it to you.”
“W–what?” he stutters.
“I’m going to be moving into the guys’ mansion to be closer to Rosie. And I guess the guys too. Seeing how we are trying this whole... new thing.” I wave my hand about. I still refuse to call it a‘relationship’yet.
“It’s too much.” He shakes his head.
“It’s just going to sit empty. If you like it here and feel safe, then it's yours for however long you want it for. As for the job, don't worry about it. I can get you anything you need.”