Page 149 of Best Served Cold

“Yeah.” I crammed myself into the corner of the bed, pushing my back against the wall. “We need to talk.”

He made a face and put his phone next to mine on the bedside table. “Yeah, we kinda do.”

I waited for him to climb into bed.

We didn’t have any sleep pants that fit him, so he was in his boxers and the tee he’d borrowed from River. He looked good, and the heat from his body seeped into me, soothing me from the inside, as he settled in front of me.

“Your bed is tiny.” He wiggled a bit closer, so our chests brushed and our faces were only inches apart.

“So’s my room.” I rested my hand on his hip. He blushed, which I found ridiculously endearing. “Did you talk to Becca?”

“Yeah. I told her I was staying here tonight. With you.” His breathing hitched.

“How’d she react?”

“She wasn’t surprised.” He smirked, but his eyes were still guarded. “Pretty sure she clocked us that night you brought me home.”

“And she’s cool with it?” I needed to know if he had a shitstorm waiting for him at home.

“She is.” He chewed on his lip. “I knew she would be. But it wasn’t easy telling her about us.”

“I’m glad you have her in your corner. She’s small, but she’s feisty.”

“You’d better believe it. Thanks.”

“For what?” I asked.

“For showing her that stuff with the bat. I know you were just being nice because she’s young and vulnerable, but it means a lot that you cared. Even if it had nothing to do with me, or whatever.”

“That wasn’t the only reason.” I swallowed, my throat already tight with emotion.

“No?” he prompted softly.

“No. She’s your sister, and your niece and nephew live there. I…I wanted to help her keep safe so you wouldn’t have to worry so much. They’re important to you, so they’re important to me too.”

“Thank you,” he whispered, his eyes on my mouth. “Are we…?”

“Together?”

He nodded.

“Yes.” I shifted toward him. “Do you want that?”

He nodded again and swallowed hard, his Adam’s apple bobbing.

“I’m not good at this.”

“Take your time.” He wrapped his arm around my waist. “I’m not great at talking, either.”

“Before you… You’re the only one I’ve ever felt anything for.” I blew out a breath and barreled on, channeling my usual fuck it energy. “I didn’t understand it, and I tried to ignore it, but I can’t. And I don’t want to.”

“Are you ace?” he asked cautiously.

“I think I’m demi. But honestly, labeling myself is at the bottom of my priority list. I like you, and I want you. That’s all I need to know.”

“What if you meet someone you like more?”

“Yeah”—I snickered—“because I meet soooooo many people I like.”

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