Page 52 of The Princess

And Nash still didn’t know what he wanted to say to his best friend. Colby was a protective person—he knew that. He also knew that he had to lighten up, but what could he say to Colby that would make him listen but wouldn’t fracture their friendship? Maybe it was already fractured. If it wasn’t, why did Colby go to Taylor with his accusations instead of discussing his concerns with Nash?

“So you are together,” Colby said, staring at their joined hands.

“We have been for a while,” Damon said to him. “We didn’t want to tell anyone.”

“It wasn’t exactly a secret, though. Right? I mean…we suspected.” Jonah pointed to himself and Spencer. “And nothing gets by Dad. And Colby clearly guessed, though he had to go and be an asshole about it.”

“Well, it wasn’t anyone’s business. But now it is, because Colby saw fit to shove his face where it doesn’t belong.” Damon squeezed Nash’s hand tightly, as if the only thing keeping him from going toe to toe with Colby was Nash anchoring him in place.

“Nash is my best friend. And if you’re screwing around on him with my baby brother, then yeah, I think I should say something.”

“Yeah—to Nash. Like an adult. Like someone with real concerns for people’s feelings. But you just ran your mouth to Taylor, talking a bunch of shit you know nothing about. Is he really the type of guy who would do the things you accused him of? Think real hard on that, Colby.”

Colby was blessedly silent. Eventually he shook his head.

“Taylor is with both of us,” Nash said. He ignored the suddenly wide eyes and the shocked faces and didn’t give them a chance to protest. “He’s with us, and we don’t care what you or Jonah think about it. Until today, he was happy. We were all happy.”

“What about the hotel? I saw him with a guy.”

“In the parking lot.” Damon took over again. His voice was sharp and swift like the crack of a whip. “He was helping a friend. That’s all you need to know. And even if there was something going on there, it’s not for you to know, especially if you’re only concerned with jumping to conclusions. Your hero complex is getting really fucking old.”

“I don’t—” Colby stopped when Milo put a hand on his arm. He looked stricken until Milo gave him a smile and a gentle squeeze.

“Is Taylor okay?” Milo asked.

“He’s upset. He’ll be fine, though. Nash and I will look after him.”

Colby looked at Nash and he could see the regret swimming in his eyes.

“I just wanted to?—”

“Help me? Protect me?”

Colby nodded, looking more and more miserable.

“I’m an adult, Colby. I don’t need your protection, especially if it means you’re going to lash out at other people and make stupid assumptions. Maybe instead of being in hero mode all the time, you could try being supportive. The people in your life don’t need you to rescue them. Just…listen, okay?”

Damon gave Nash’s hand a tug to get his attention. “I’m going to wait in the car.”

He cut his gaze over to Ethan. “We’re not staying tonight. I’m really sorry.”

“There’s a cake in the fridge. You should grab it and take it with you. It’s Taylor’s favorite. Tell him to text me, and I can cover the diner tomorrow if he wants the morning off.”

Damon pulled his hand out of Nash’s and slipped past Colby into the kitchen. Milo gave Colby’s arm another squeeze, then stepped over to where Jonah and Spencer sat. He took a seat next to Jonah and suddenly it was just Nash and Colby staring at each other.

“I’m sorry,” Colby said.

“I know you are, but—” Nash took a deep breath. “It’s not my forgiveness you need.”

Colby shoved his hands in his pockets. “I guess I don’t get to have the whole ‘hurt him and I’ll bury you’ conversation after the shit I just pulled. Just…look after him, okay?”

“We will.” Nash flicked his gaze to Damon as he came out the door carrying a cake. “We’re going to go now.”

“Tell Taylor that we’re happy for the three of you,” Jonah said. Spencer, Milo, and even Ethan all added their well wishes to Jonah’s. Damon looked at Colby as if he were challenging him to object.

“Me too. Not that it means much now,” Colby muttered, then turned and headed into the house.

Nash watched the door swing shut and then Damon’s hand was on his arm, gently steering him away. He guided him back to the car and tucked him into the passenger seat, trading the cake for a set of car keys.

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