Chapter 4

“Right?” Gardner asks.

Kyle realizes Gardner’s been staring at him. He feels his face getting warm and looks away. “I don’t know,” he mumbles.

Gardner smoothly leaves the parking space, and doesn’t say another word during the ride, until they reach Kyle’s house.

“Go on and get your stuff,” he says. “I’ll wait right here.”

Kyle had already packed a bag the night before, but he’d only prepared enough for a brief stay at Antonio’s place. The change in plans has him feeling confused, not sure what more he needs to take.

“What’s taking you so long?”

Kyle jumps a little at the sound of that voice. Gardner looms up at his bedroom door.

“I, uh, I need to pack some more stuff.”

“You need help?”

“No,” Kyle says curtly and realizes what he’s just done. “I’m sorry. I just…”

Gardner offers his lazy smile. “It’s okay. I just thought since we’re married, we shouldn’t feel awkward around each other.”