The Bro Arrangement (Best Bros Forever #3)
Chapter 1
CHAPTER ONE
TATE
“Okay, everyone, I think that wraps us up for the semester. Have an absolutely amazing summer, and I hope to see all of your gorgeous faces again next year,” I say to my fellow LGBTQ+ Club members, picking up my notes from the small podium and stacking them neatly against the dark mahogany before returning to my seat.
It’s the final meeting of the year, and I have officially taken over duties as club president.
Danni just graduated, so we held a vote, and somehow, I was chosen.
I won’t complain, though. I love being in charge, and I have so many ideas for next year before I pass the baton to the next rising senior.
And I’m thrilled that I finally talked my bestie, Toby, into joining the club now that he’s out of the closet, and like a surly cherry on top, Shane inevitably followed. I swear, that man is more protective than a lioness with her cub.
We all are when it comes to Toby. He’s too precious and must be protected at all costs.
My roommate, Daija, and I took Toby under our wing two years ago when he was a scared little freshman starting at CBU.
Over time, we’ve helped nurture him into the confident gay man he is today.
Now, he’s happily dating his best friend and the love of his life while getting ready for a summer internship with a real orchestra in New York City.
And like the stalker that he is, Shane’s going, too.
It works, though. He’s a super-talented chef and already has a restaurant job lined up. New York is going to be an amazing experience, and I’m happy for my friends, even if I’m going to miss them terribly.
“So, when are y’all leaving?” I ask Tobes, slinging my messenger bag over my shoulder as we exit the student union.
I squint into the bright sunlight as the full force of the South Carolina heat nearly chokes me, and not in the fun way.
“Next weekend,” Toby answers, slipping on a pair of sunglasses and making me wish I remembered mine.
Oh, that’s coming up so soon.
“You’ve got to let Daija and me plan a going-away party this weekend!” I plead. It’s our last chance before a lot of students leave Crescent Bay for the summer and go home.
“Oh! That would be so fun!” Toby peers up at Shane with puppy-dog eyes. “Can they? At the house?”
The big, broody man stands no chance. Shane nods, and Toby and I squeal, clutching at each other and bouncing with glee.
“We have to ask Jake and Spencer first, since we’re technically moving out before we leave for New York,” Shane reasons.
“They won’t say no,” Toby insists. “I’m so excited!"
Me too.
If Spencer tries to say no, I’m sure I can convince him otherwise, and it would be no hardship to do so.
To be completely honest, I can’t stop thinking about the time he offered to show me how big his dick is.
Which I’m still waiting on, by the way. I’m not sure if it was a joke or a weird game of gay chicken, but joke’s on him because I’m ready to let him plow right into me.
I only do casual, no-strings-attached sex. Which is why I tend to hook up with “straight” guys. They’re fun, eager to learn, and eager to please. It’s hot.
“I’m so happy right now, and I just love you so much,” Toby says with a huge smile and rosy cheeks, staring up at Shane like he hung the dang moon.
My heart skips a beat, and I rub my sternum, uncomfortable with the foreign sensation. A strange sort of longing is festering under the surface. A longing for something I know I don’t want. Ever.
A relationship.
I shove the odd feeling deep down and focus on the party I need to plan.
“Tell them we’ll keep it low-key. Only ten people or so,” I say reassuringly. “And, Shane, you’re more than welcome to help with party snacks, but that is obviously not mandatory.”
Daija and I just started working part-time at Epic Events, so parties are kind of our thing now.
We love it there, and we love working as a team to plan events and run errands.
There’s never a dull moment, that’s for sure.
Our boss, Sharon, is awesome at what she does, and I’m soaking up everything she teaches like a sponge.
“I can make the hors d’oeuvres. It’s not a big deal,” Shane offers casually as we continue to walk across campus toward the student parking lot.
“That would be amazing and seriously make the party ten times better. Thank you, Shane!” I say gratefully.
We’re all lucky to have such a thoughtful friend whose love language is cooking.
He just grunts while Toby and I continue chatting away, discussing possible music and drink options for the party. I’m fully in my element and loving it.
I spin around when we finally reach my car, smiling wide. I’m so pumped for this.
“Someone text me when the location is finalized. See you later, babes,” I say, climbing in my car and immediately calling Daija to tell her the exciting news.
“Oh my God, Shane. Your crab cakes are fucking to die for,” I mumble through a mouthful of food.
Daija wrinkles her nose at me, swiping her long braids over her shoulder. “Manners, boo.”
Like the brat that I am, I stick my tongue out—chewed-up food and all—shaking my head at her and making Toby giggle. Shane crosses his arms, giving me the side-eye as if to say how dare you make a mockery of my food.
With my mouth wide open, I accidentally make eye contact with Spencer across the room. He eyes me up and down, and the sexy little smirk he offers has me flushing with embarrassment and probably arousal, too.
Oh, great. Perfect timing.
I quickly snap my mouth shut and swallow the lump of food before taking a sip of my margarita.
Spencer looks good tonight in a simple black T-shirt and ripped jeans.
His dark hair is thick on top and shaved on the sides, and that sexy five o’clock shadow has me wanting to rub my cheek against him like a cat in heat.
But I must resist the temptation because tonight is all about Toby and Shane and seeing them off to New York.
I grab another hors d’oeuvre to distract myself from Spencer’s sexiness and shove it in my mouth. It’s some sort of stuffed mushroom. “Mmm,” I hum as the fresh herbs and garlic dance across my taste buds.
Jake strolls over to the kitchen island with his shaggy, dirty blond hair pulled back by some sort of stretchy headband. “Good evening, my lady,” he says to Daija with an exaggerated bow. “’Sup, everyone else.”
He grabs a small party napkin, loading up a tower of bite-sized food. He starts popping them into his mouth like potato chips, and it’s hard to look away.
“Mmm. Mmm. Mmm. Delicious, Shane. I’m gonna miss this shit when you leave. And you guys, too, of course,” he mumbles, continuing to stuff his face.
Now, I’m the one wrinkling my nose.
“Save some for the rest of us,” I mutter under my breath, grabbing another crab cake.
“This house just isn’t gonna be the same without you two,” Jake adds, slapping Shane’s shoulder affectionately. “Happy for you, though. New York is gonna be sick.”
“Thanks, man. Appreciate it. Is it cool if we store our stuff in the attic while we’re gone?” Shane asks. “If not, I’m sure we can manage a storage unit for a couple months.”
“Of course. You didn’t even need to ask, just lug your shit up there when it’s packed,” Jake replies.
“This is all getting so real!” Toby exclaims adorably, making Shane pull him in close and kiss the top of his head.
I can feel the love, mutual respect, and complete adoration between them.
It’s a beautiful thing, and I’m so happy they have each other.
But that uncomfortable feeling in my gut is back, tugging at my heart unpleasantly, and it’s only exacerbated by Spencer’s presence.
It doesn’t make sense, and it doesn’t matter.
I don’t want a boyfriend, I just want to fuck.
My smile must fall, because suddenly there’s a small hand resting on my arm, checking on me.
“You okay, hun?” Daija whispers.
I place my hand on top of hers and squeeze. “Yep. All good, just gonna miss our baby boy,” I say, glancing at Toby as he tips his head back and laughs at something Jake said.
“They’ll be back before we know it,” Daija replies, but I’m not so sure I’m ready to wish the summer away. Looking across the room, I catch Spencer staring and smile.
What I am ready for is to find a new hookup and get into some trouble.