They never turned on the TV. For a full week, they slept and talked. The funny thing was, it was never about anything heavy. Benny knew Wyatt’s shoe size and that he had a sister deployed overseas. He’d even met the man’s mom. Benny told Wyatt about his blog and the time he’d gotten stung by a jellyfish. Wyatt had laughed until he’d fallen into a coughing fit over Benny’s description of the three old grandmas who’d offered to pee on his arm to make the sting go away. Benny had tried to stop, but he couldn’t. Wyatt’s laugh was amazing. He’d pushed his luck and Wyatt’s health by telling how one of the old ladies had confessed she might make it worse since it burned when she peed.

While Wyatt slept, Benny shamelessly watched. Two nurses had come and gone, checking in. No one tried closing the curtain between them any longer. They would be going home soon. It was bittersweet. Benny was ashamed to admit, he was kind of scared to go home. Not only would he have to find a way to survive with no help, Wyatt wouldn’t be there at night when the flashbacks came. At the oddest of times, Benny’s teeth would chatter. He’d been forced to lock his jaw too many times to count, out of the blue and for no reason at all. He understood PTSD like he never had before. There was no logic to it. All five shooters had been killed on the scene. When several of Wyatt’s cop buddies had come and gone over the past week, Benny had shamelessly eavesdropped as they kept Wyatt updated. Two members of his team were dead. Their funerals had passed without Wyatt in attendance. That had been a dark day—one where Wyatt had barely spoken. Benny hadn’t either since he had a bad habit of cracking jokes under pressure.

In total, thirty-seven people had lost their lives, either that day or succumbing to their injuries afterward. All five shooters, two cops, six faculty members, twenty-two students, plus the father and mother of two of the shooters who were brothers—all dead pointlessly. The entire situation was fucked up and would go down in history as the country’s deadliest school shooting. All because some fraternity had been banned for a year for an ugly hazing incident. Crazy people always found each other. Benny didn’t know how. He couldn’t even find one person to go to the movies with and these five people found one another to go on a killing spree. Life was funny. Popularity was wasted on the popular.

Wyatt’s friends burst in, startling Wyatt awake. Benny winced at Wyatt’s pained expression—like he’d jerked his stitches by moving too fast. Wyatt’s friend, Darrel, led the pack. From what Benny understood, he was the only one who worked directly with Wyatt, even though they all worked in some form of emergency services. Darrel’s jet-black hair and light brown eyes combined with a nice body, made him a good-looking guy. The way he carried himself—as if he knew exactly how he looked—took a few points away in Benny’s book. Benny only knew the man’s name from his eavesdropping. Usually, when Wyatt’s friends came to visit, Benny pretended to be asleep. Sometimes being an introvert sucked, but they were too big and took up too much space in the room. Benny didn’t want to spend an hour tugging at his clothes, rearranging his covers, and brushing his fingers through his hair while trying to anticipate which part of him they’d judge first. His brain was fucked up like that. The second man through the door was Richie. He was the blond of the bunch. The man’s expression was off putting. He always had a deep line between his eyes as if trying to work out some horrible thing inside his head. Benny thought he was some sort of DEA officer, but he couldn’t be sure. Jayden brought up the rear. If Benny had to guess, he’d say Jayden was the youngest. He was also the quietest, so Benny knew next to nothing about the skinny brown-haired guy other than he was an EMT.

Darrel was the loudest and Benny wasn’t surprised when he came in as noisily as possible. “Shit, man. You look like hell. Would you believe we ran into Kayla outside?”

“Shut the fuck up,” Wyatt said, raising the head of his bed. Damn, Benny really wanted to know who Kayla was.

“Yeah. Jayden reminded her you still have a restraining order against her ass and offered to walk her out. Since she didn’t feel like going to jail tonight, she went on her own.”

“Your ex-wife is crazy for real,” Jayden said, jumping in.

So Wyatt had a crazy ex-wife. He’d figured Wyatt was straight. It seemed like Benny never felt an ounce of attraction to anyone unless they were out of his reach. That didn’t explain the lump rising in his throat. Things were better this way. Really, they were.

Wyatt’s gaze slid Benny’s way. For a moment, Benny swore the man looked almost guilty. When he realized Benny wasn’t pretending to sleep this time, he motioned toward the men who’d burst into their room. “If these guys get on your nerves, just let me know, and I’ll clear them out.”

Benny’s worst fears came to life. All heads turned his way. He tugged at his hospital gown and blushed. Yep. He should’ve faked his death. There was nothing he hated more than being the center of attention. It would be a long damn night.

* * *

The instant Wyatt called attention to Benny, he regretted it. He wasn’t sure if it was due to Benny’s blush, which was adorable, or the way Darrel stared at the man with interest.

Darrel eyed Benny from head to toe as he spoke. “I forgot you were sharing a room. Hey, dude, it’s you,” Darrel said, snapping his fingers when he obviously recognized Benny from the news.

Benny looked like a deer caught in the headlights. “Yeah. Every day of the week.” Wyatt thought he might’ve added “unfortunately” to the end, but his mumbling made it hard to tell.

“No,” Darrel said, waving a dismissive hand. “You’re the kid from the van. The one who saved Wyatt. Dude, that was badass.”

Benny’s blush deepened.

Wyatt couldn’t look away. “Look, guys, I think we’re probably keeping Benny from getting the rest he needs.”

Darrel motioned toward the curtain. “You want me to shut this?”

Wyatt got the impression he asked the room in general. Benny answered first. “Please don’t. It feels like I’m shut away in the corner when that thing is closed. You’re not bothering me. Dr. Kidd found a charger for my phone, so I’ll probably toss in my headphones and get some work done.”

It was obvious Darrel was interested. A little too interested. “What kind of work do you do?”

“Besides being a full-time student, I do social media marketing for a major global retailer. That’s my major—marketing.”

Before Wyatt realized what was happening, Darrel had moved closer, along with the rest of the group. Darrel claimed the chair on Benny’s side of the room.

“You’re not the person responsible for all those ads that pop up on my accounts, are you?”

Wyatt watched the migration while barely listening to the conversation. He didn’t want Benny to feel uncomfortable. His eyes stayed locked on Benny, checking for any sign the man was bothered by the attention. Benny’s smile was infectious. When he spoke, he moved his hands as if his voice wasn’t engaging enough to hold everyone’s attention. It hadn’t escaped Wyatt’s notice that no one other than hospital staff had come to visit Benny the whole time they’d been there. Pride for the awesome friends he’d made over the years rose in Wyatt’s chest. They were good men, taking care of a man who’d earned their respect through sacrifice. Benny’s words from their first together night rang through Wyatt’s mind. No way could I have left you out there, even if it meant we had to die together. Wyatt’s throat tightened. He trusted his friends. They all knew what it was like to work under the worst conditions and they’d die for one another. Steve and Mark had already given their lives. He hadn’t processed that yet, but this guy, he’d been a stranger to Wyatt. Not only that, but a young college kid. He didn’t owe Wyatt anything. When Wyatt had jumped from the vehicle, into gunfire, he’d done his job. He’d dragged Benny to the front of the truck and ordered him to crawl underneath. It hadn’t been a heroic move. In truth, it had been his training setting in. Logic. The vehicle was armored. Benny was an unarmed civilian whose presence was a distraction. The faster he’d gotten the man to safety, the quicker he’d been able to focus on the problem. Then, he’d gotten shot. Everything from that point had rested on Benny’s courage.

The need to do something or say something made him insane. He’d thought several times that surely there was some action or speech that would make them even. But nothing powerful enough ever came to him, so he watched Benny and hoped for a sign. “I saw Dr. Kidd chatting with you earlier. Did she say when you’re getting sprung?” Wyatt asked over the top of the noise.

Benny smiled, looking grateful for the interruption. “It’s looking like it’ll be tomorrow.”

“Hey, me too.” That was great news. He didn’t want to stay past his release, but he would, so Benny wouldn’t be alone. This was better.

Darrel stood. “We should celebrate. Surely you’re sick of this hospital food by now. The boys and I could go grab some pizza and whatnot. What do think?”

Wyatt thought Darrel kept looking at Benny like he’d be the man’s next meal, but Benny looked thrilled at the possibility of eating anything other than bland baked chicken, so he agreed. “Sure. Let’s do it. I’ll throw in twenty bucks if you’ll grab a twelve-pack of soda. I know they’re looking out for my bruised kidney by only giving me water, but I’d kill for some caffeine.”

“Me too,” Benny said, winning points all over the place. “I’d be more than happy to kick in some money.”

Darrel winked at Benny. “I’ve got you covered.”

Benny blushed again and dropped his gaze to his lap while he readjusted his covers for the tenth time. While everyone dug out their wallets and money changed hands, Darrel pulled a card from his wallet and passed it Benny’s way. With so much going on around him, Wyatt couldn’t hear their conversation. Benny accepted, doubling Wyatt’s curiosity. The nosy little kid living inside of him was dancing in place. He wanted to ask. Benny’s expression was no help at all. The man was smiling, but he always did.

The second the room cleared, Wyatt couldn’t hold his silence. “Sorry about all the commotion. You can’t keep these guys reined in.”

Benny waved away his concern. “It’s fine. Actually, it’s kind of nice having company.”

Wyatt’s nosiness doubled. “Yeah, I’ve noticed you haven’t had a lot of visitors.” Or any visitors, but whatever. Wyatt already worried he sounded like a dick. “But I saw Darrel give you his number. You might have more company than you can handle soon.” Even though Wyatt’s voice was heavy with laughter, he didn’t feel it in his heart. He loved Darrel. Honest to god, he really did, but Wyatt would break Darrel’s goddamn legs if he moved on Benny.

A line appeared between Benny’s eyes. Since he still held the card, Wyatt didn’t see how Benny could deny it, but he looked confused. He flashed the card Wyatt’s way. “He gave me the number to some sort of victim support line.”

“Um, yeah.” He knew Darrel better than that. “You might want to check the back.”

Benny eyed the card, flipping it over. “Oh. Ha. Darrel Johnson 555-8989.”

A wave of jealousy overcame Wyatt. In a detached sort of way, Wyatt had noticed before now how hot Benny was. He was obviously of some Asian descent, but mixed. His skin and hair were both dark, but his eyes were blue. He was a combination Wyatt had never seen before. Even with his hair a mess, standing in every direction, the guy was hot as hell, but it wasn’t comfortable. Benny was obviously young. Much too young for Darrel and him.

Fuck it. He had to know. “How old are you?”

Benny looked up from the card and met Wyatt’s gaze. “Twenty-two.”

Jesus, he was barely old enough to drink. He was definitely too young for the impure thoughts he gave men. Wyatt tried playing off his question as unrelated to dating Darrel. “I guess you’re pretty close to graduating.”

Benny nodded, but he looked sad. “I was supposed to graduate in two weeks, but I don’t know if they’re pushing things back or what. Not to mention, I don’t know how I’ll get there or get across the stage. Things are sort of fucked up now.”

Wyatt’s mind was doing all sorts of things he tried hiding from his expression. To hear Benny talk, when he left here, there would be no one at all. “Program my number into your phone,” Wyatt said, wondering why he hadn’t done so before now. “When you find out about graduation, let me know. I’ll make sure you get there and across the stage. You shouldn’t get screwed out of that.” Benny’s smile made Wyatt’s offer worthwhile. Benny might be too young to date, but they were friends. Wyatt wasn’t giving that up.

* * *

Even though Wyatt had—technically—been released already, and his mom was there to drive him home, Wyatt dragged his feet. Benny was still in the process of getting sprung and Wyatt didn’t want to leave until he knew for certain Benny would be okay.

“You two came in together, bunked together, and now you’re leaving at the same time. It’s like you’re each other’s lucky charms.”

Wyatt smiled as he listened to one of the nurses chatting with Benny. The women loved talking to the guy. Of course, Benny was very personable and funny. Unlike Wyatt, who was a bad patient.

Benny signed the clipboard everywhere she instructed as she ran through his after-care instructions. “We also got shot together,” Benny said with a chuckle. “That might be enough to cancel out the luck part. We’ll see,” Benny added, as if this wouldn’t be the last they saw of each other. Wyatt’s smile wouldn’t abate. He was right. The guy had saved his life. Wyatt wouldn’t forget him.

The nurse tucked the clipboard beneath her arm and focused on Benny. “Now, you can’t drive, so how are you getting home?”

“I’ll call a cab.”

Wyatt’s mom, who’d been equally and shamelessly eavesdropping, perked up at Benny’s answer. “You’re not calling a cab to take you home from the hospital. Where’s your mom?”

Horror crawled over Wyatt, making him realize he’d never get too old to be embarrassed by his mom.

Benny smiled, looking uncomfortable as he answered. “North Korea. She was deported during the big immigration crackdown five years ago. I was born here, so we were separated.”

“And your father?” his mom asked, keeping up the third degree while the nurse hung on every word.

“He’s American and white, obviously, because look at this awesome mixed skin tone,” Benny said, making Wyatt’s smile grow. Since he too was the offspring of an interracial couple, he got where Benny was coming from. People loved to ask about his heritage. “But that’s the extent of what I know about him,” Benny added, making Wyatt want to know everything. “We’ve never met, and I have no siblings, so it’s a cab for me. Don’t worry. I’m used to getting by on my own.”

Despite Benny’s reassurances, Wyatt’s mom wasn’t having it. He could tell by the set of her jaw. “Is a cabbie going to help you inside with all your stuff?”

The discomfort in Benny’s expression notched up. “Um, well, I don’t really have stuff, per se. My clothes were lost either to evidence or blood. Dr. Kidd said I could have this hospital gown, and she found me a plastic bag for my phone, wallet, and whatnot.”

His mom stood and grabbed Wyatt’s overnight bag. Her determined expression made Wyatt proud to call her his mom. There was no way he’d let the man who’d saved his life go home in a hospital gown and in a cab. Fuck, if he had to stay until the pain meds were out of his system just so he could drive Benny home himself, Benny wasn’t leaving here like that.

Ella crossed the room with Wyatt’s bag in hand. Benny’s features closed a little more with her every step in his direction. “No way in hell is someone who saved my son’s life leaving here in a hospital gown and in a cab,” she said, mimicking Wyatt’s thoughts. She grabbed the curtain and yanked it closed, shutting the nurse and herself inside with Benny.

Benny’s voice floated through the curtain, sounding muffled and making Wyatt wonder what they were doing to the kid. “He saved my life first, so we’re even.”

They weren’t even. They’d never be even. Wyatt had done his job. Benny had been a fucking hero. There was a huge difference between the two. Maybe Benny wasn’t admitting it to himself, because he hadn’t really thought about it yet, but he’d been damn close to death. Despite that, he’d somehow dredged up the strength to drag Wyatt into that van and get away from men with automatic weapons. He could’ve left Wyatt there. No one would’ve blamed him. A few minutes more and Wyatt would’ve been dead and no one would’ve been the wiser. That was not the choice Benny had made, and Wyatt would never, ever forget it.

The curtain reopened and Benny sat, looking shell shocked, wearing a pair of Wyatt’s workout shorts and a t-shirt.

“I can’t do anything about your bare feet, other than socks, but it’ll be fine until you get home. Oh, and we’ll run by the pharmacy and get your meds.”

“Do you have more women flirting with you?” Dr. Kidd said as she sailed through the door.

“You know the ladies can’t resist me,” Benny said, blushing and fascinating Wyatt. It was true. They couldn’t. Every damn nurse in the building and two women who brought the food stopped by to see the boy as often as they could. But, in this case, it seemed Benny shared some inside joke with the doctor. Damn, the kid really won over everyone he met.

“I came to see if you needed a lift home.”

Ella jumped in, reassuring her. “I’ve got him. Can you believe he’d planned to leave here in a cab?”

“I’m not surprised,” Dr. Kidd said, shaking her head.

Wyatt caught Benny’s eye and winked. He looked so damn horrified by everyone fussing over him, Wyatt couldn’t resist. To his surprise, Benny’s blush deepened. All the women fussing over him were older than Benny, but still, the guy should be ecstatic over the attention. Instead, he looked ready to crawl in a hole. If he didn’t like people in his space, life was about to get even more uncomfortable. Wyatt didn’t doubt for a second the dude’s place was crawling with reporters. That thought sucked ass, especially since Wyatt’s place probably was too. It didn’t matter so much to Wyatt since he would probably go home with his mom for a few days. If Wyatt couldn’t do anything else for Benny, maybe he could fix the reporter issue. Wyatt grabbed his phone and started texting people. Just because he was in the hospital didn’t mean he was helpless.

* * *

Of all the things Benny expected to see when they pulled into the driveway of Benny’s duplex, Wyatt’s friends and several of his co-workers standing guard wasn’t one of them. He wasn’t even sure how they knew where he lived. Of course, judging by the huge number of reporters on his lawn, it seemed everyone knew where he lived now. Benny tried hiding his smile as he realized Wyatt’s friends were forming a blockade to Benny’s door, sparing him from the reporters. Damn, Wyatt was amazing. Benny didn’t doubt for a second he’d arranged this greeting. He hadn’t considered there might be reporters crawling all over his house. His neighbor—an old man who already hated Benny—was no doubt having a fit and would never forgive Benny for the commotion.

“Look, it’s Darrel,” Ella said, pointing out where Wyatt’s best friend stood near Benny’s front door. “Oh, and Jayden. How nice for all your friends to show up,” Ella said, sounding as happy as Benny felt. “Gah, these reporters. When will they have their pound of flesh? They’ve already beat this story into the ground. It’s past time for them to give the families and victims peace.”

“Unfortunately, it probably won’t end until everyone has interviewed everyone a hundred times. I appreciate this,” Benny said, meeting Wyatt’s gaze. “It never occurred to me there would be reporters. I don’t know why it didn’t, but I’m grateful for the reprieve.”

Wyatt winked, making butterflies unexpectedly stir in Benny’s gut. No amount of reasoning mattered to his body, it seemed. Even though Wyatt would never see him as more than a friend, Benny hoped he didn’t stop coming around. They’d been together twenty-four-seven for the past week. Benny had a terrible feeling his house was about to become a tomb. The solitude he adored seemed emptier than ever before.