Page 23 of The Right Move

For someone who doesn’t care about anyone or anything, this sure is thoughtful.

My eyes burn from fresh tears wanting to surface because I’m a crier and I can’t help it. Sue me. But this is one of the most kind and attentive things someone has done for me in a long time, and it means more than I know how to express. Especially after a rough morning.

Running a hand over the soft fabric, I pull out my phone. I’m not one of those people who is going to fake complain about this being too expensive and extravagant or act shocked when a multi-millionaire spends some money on me. But I am grateful, that’s for sure.

Indy

Did you buy me a bed?

A few moments pass before three gray dots dance along my screen.

Roomie

You needed one.

Practical answer.

Thank you so much, Ryan.

A pop of lavender peeks out from under the pile of pillows. New sheets in my favorite color, and I don’t know how to process how I feel about him remembering that.

He doesn’t respond, so I double text because fuck it, I want to talk to him.

How much did it hurt to buy something that wasn’t black or white?

Almost killed me.

Is this your love language? Gift-giving?

Nothing about this situation has to do with love, Blue. You needed a bed. Don’t think too much into it.

Mm-hmm. Watch out, Ryan. You keep doing nice things for me like cooking me breakfast and buying me bedding and I’m going to think you want me to stay or something.

Gotta get to practice.

Nice avoidance, big guy.

Clean your room, it’s a safety hazard.

My cheeks hurt from the splitting grin on my face.

Ryan Shay doesn’t totally hate having me here.

6

RYAN

“Plane leaves at ten. Be there by nine thirty at the latest.” Phil, our team coordinator, keeps his pointed gaze at Dom.

“Why are you looking at me?” he innocently asks from his spot on the gym floor, sweaty from an early-morning practice.

“If you’re late again, I’m fining your ass.”

“Phil. Philip. My guy. You love me and you know it.”

“You’re the biggest pain in my ass and the reason I’m balding. My wife is pissed at you for pulling me out of bed last night.”

“Suzanne loves me too. And hey, at least I didn’t drink and drive. I was responsible and called you for a ride.”

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