backed away slowly. “Hey, just trying to show support.”
I knew it was true, but his sympathy wasn’t appreciated. He was right about one thing, though. This was messed up. I grabbed some free weights—which just happened to be by the door—and got to work. If I happened to hear their conversation…well, that’s what they got for leaving the door open.
I caught the tail end of what Honor was saying.
“…fans came up with most of them. Like I said, it’s for your profile in The Howler.”
Ah, so this was about Baylor’s interview. I should’ve known. If I’d been thinking straight, I would’ve, but I was just so shocked when she wasn’t here to see me.
“I typed it all up, so it would be easier. And less awkward,” she added with a laugh. Her back was to me, but I could see Baylor’s eyes as they skimmed down a sheet of paper in his hands. “I know you’re busy now. Just turn it in when you’re done. If you have any questions, let me know.”
“Yeah,” Baylor said. “I have a question. What do we do if the answer isn’t on here?”
Honor tilted her head. “What do you mean?”
“Well, number five says something about boxers or briefs, but some days I go commando.”
I rolled my eyes. Baylor was such an idiot sometimes.
“And the one before asks who I’m interested in,” he said. “Is that about an actual person or my sexual preference? Because at one point, I thought I might be bi.” Baylor nodded. “Yeah, there was this guy who I thought was pretty, but he actually ended up being a girl with really short hair. But I didn’t know that when I talked to her, so…I’d say straight, but with an appreciation of all the sexes.”
“Um well,” Honor said. “In that case, I guess you just say…um that? If you’re sure you okay with me printing it?”
Baylor looked up at her. “Oh, I’m fine with people knowing. I’m sure Emmy and Archer already told you. I have no shame.”
“Must be nice,” Honor said.
“Most days it is,” he said. “So, how are things going between you and my brother?”
I couldn’t see her face, but it sounded like she was smiling when she said, “Good, I think.”
“Not tired of him yet?”
“No way,” she said which made my chest puff up.
“You sure?” Baylor said, grinning down at her. “Because a second ago, you barely looked at him before your eyes went to me.”
Honor sputtered. “I-I wasn’t—”
“It’s okay. I’m used to being ogled.”
Her laugh came out in a burst. “Wow, you are so full of yourself.”
“Can one really be full of oneself if it’s true?” he asked as it was really some deep philosophical question.
“Yes, one can,” Honor said. “And it isn’t true because I wasn’t ogling you.”
Baylor shrugged. “It’s okay if you were. I like it when pretty girls look at me.”
Did he just…? My blood began to boil, but then Baylor shot me a look over Honor’s shoulder. He’d known I was there all along, and I knew what was coming even before he said it.
“You know, if you’re looking to have fun, maybe you should try me instead of Archer.”
My eyes closed because now I knew exactly what he was doing—but Honor didn’t. Despite the urge to knock him upside the head, I waited for her response.
After a moment, she said, “What? Is this a joke?”
“I’m just saying,” Baylor went on, “a lot of girls want to bag an O’Brien. I’m definitely the easiest—not to mention the most good-looking. Plus, considering how you and Archer met, it would make sense. Party girls are more my scene than his.”
Honor was motionless as Baylor took a step forward then leaned toward her.
“I’d be more than happy to show you a good time, Honor.”
I barely suppressed my need to react, but before I could, Honor pushed him away.
“Ugh,” she said, “that is so gross. I can’t even… Does Archer know you do this, hit on the girls he’s seeing? Because that is just wrong.”
“So, you’re not interested?” Baylor asked.
“No! For goodness sakes, I’m with your brother.”
My heart filled at her words, and I noticed Baylor start to grin, but my girl wasn’t done with him yet.
“And FYI, I’m not trying to ‘bag an O’Brien.’ I’m with Archer because I actually like him. A lot.” Honor put her hands on her hips, jabbing a finger into Baylor’s chest. “Which is more than I can say for you. He’s twice the man you are. Maybe if you didn’t