Page 114 of Cross & Crown

we’ve come together. I would love you in any incarnation of

yourself.”

Kelly hadn’t been expecting such a heartfelt declaration

from his lover, who usually erred on the side of humor when

something needed to be said. He found it hard to swallow,

and he couldn’t tear his eyes away from Nick’s.

The longer Kelly’s brain chugged for a response, the softer

and more amused Nick’s expression became. He finally ran

his thumb across Kelly’s lower lip, then pulled it down like

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he was making Kelly talk. “Love you too,” he said in a poor

imitation of Kelly’s voice.

They both burst out laughing, quieting quickly so they

wouldn’t wake the others. Kelly wiped his lips and reached

for Nick, pul ing him in for a kiss. “You’re fucking insane,” he murmured.

Nick nodded, and he wound his arms around Kelly’s waist

and dragged him closer. He leaned back again, stretching out

on the couch. Kelly lay out on top of him, kissing him for

all he was worth. He had the presence of mind, though, to

remember that he hadn’t finished making his point yet. He’d

been awake when Nick and JD had been outside the cabin

door talking. He’d heard their conversation. He pushed up,

frowning down at Nick.

“What?” Nick asked, voice full of dread. “Are you seriously

going to try to break up with me twice in five minutes?”

Kelly chuckled and shook his head. “I just want . . . I want

you to know if you wanted to try something else—”

“Kelly!” Nick sat up again, taking Kelly with him despite

Kelly trying to shove him back down. He had his arm

wrapped around Kelly’s waist, and he rolled him into the back

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