I glared at him. “A golden retriever.”
“What?”
“You’re a golden retriever.”
“I’ll give you German shepherd. But there’s no way in hell I’m a golden retriever.”
“Fine. But that means I get to be a tiger and not a kitten.”
“Sure thing, kitten.”
“Ugh.” I rolled my eyes, even as I grinned at him. “I like this new… whatever between us.”
“Me too.” He lifted his hands, threaded them together, and tucked them behind his head. “I guess we’re past that childish hatred.”
“Yeah,” I said softly. “I mean, we’re stepbrothers. We live together. Hating you was easy, but it was exhausting.”
He sighed. “It really was. Even if our parents break up, we still share a sister. No matter what, we’re going to be part of each other’s lives.” A smile ghosted his full lips.
“We are. At least you see how cool I am now.” I winked cheekily.
“Yeah, you’re all right.”
I flushed.
A different smile tilted his lips. This one was full of affection.
“I think we might need to start this episode over.” Ash waved at the TV. “I have no idea what’s happening.”
I grinned and leaned back against the headboard. “We could watchBrooklyn 99if you want.”
“Yeah?”
“Yeah. I mean, we both like it. And I could use a laugh right now.”
He picked up the remote to his TV, navigated out of the show, and cued up the first episode.
I took a chance and shifted closer to Ash so our arms were touching.
He didn’t move away, and a little thrill rippled through me as he shifted his leg so it was pressed against mine.
His body was so warm and solid against mine, and I had to resist the urge to put my head on his shoulder and snuggle closer.
16
ASH
“Why are you driving me to school?” Jules asked.
“Because I’m a nice guy.” I leaned against the wall, waiting for him to put his shoes on.
He snorted as he shouldered his bag. “I know for a fact you don’t have class for another hour. Is this because of…”
I twirled the keys on my finger. “You wouldn’t shut up about that test you have this morning, and the last thing I need is to be blamed for you being late and messing up your GPA.”
“This isn’t exactly the first test I’ve had this semester.” He gave me a quizzical look as I opened the door.
“Yeah, but it’s the first time you’ve talked my ear off about one.”