Page 25 of Zac

Zac is laying back onto a pile of pillows. Gray is at his side, with his head on Zac’s shoulder and he fits so perfectly in the crook of his arm. I find myself getting choked up all over again.

He has given Grayson more in the last eighteen hours than his own father has his entire life.

Taking a few deep breaths, I make my way around to the front and peek in. “Hey, you two.” Immediately they both shift their gazes to me. “Got room in there for one more?”

I’d planned to climb in behind Gray but when he showed no signs of moving and Zac held out his opposite arm I felt my nerves spike. Last night wasn’t a shift in commitment, I know this. Last night was two people giving in to a moment of need and satisfying that need.

But seeing him there, looking at me with a smile, waiting for me to curl in at his side I ignore the nervous energy coursing through me and I climb inside. As I lay down, he pulls my body in closer and I feel his lips skim over my forehead. “Quit acting nervous,” he whispers. “Last night was incredible, but it doesn’t have to change anything unless you want it to.”

I can take that several different ways, but instead I choose to ignore the reservations I feel and settle into his side. Relaxing with them, we watch a couple more episodes, before Grayson says he is hungry.

The three of us climb out of the fort and though Zac’s waffles were pretty great last time, this time I take charge. Eggs, sausage, and toast. The three of us share more laughs and when it comes time to clean up we do that together too.

* * *

“Are you coming tomorrow night?” My thoughts are interrupted by Aurora and she moves in closer to my side.

“Uh.” It has been five days since my night at Zac’s. Five nights of remembering how it felt to be with him and longing to feel him touch me again. Torturing myself, dreaming of a repeat and the truth is I can have it. I know this.

“The reception, party, whatever you want to call it.”

“Oh, yeah,” I say, sifting through the clearance rack. My waistline is already starting to expand and though I hated to, I know I need to get some bigger clothes.

“What are you looking for?” Aurora stands at my side, watching me.

“Elastic waistline, drawstring would work too.” I still haven’t told anyone at work. And to my amazement Heather hasn’t spilled the beans either. I figured she had the entire cafe knowing the minute I walked out of the door. “I need black pants for work, and my jeans are already getting a little snug. I figure I have another month in them if I’m lucky.”

“Why don’t we go to the maternity store in Boulder?”

“Because I don’t want to spend too much on clothes I will only wear for a few months and then hopefully never again.”

Money doesn’t come easy, especially when I’m footing the bill for everything because Grayson’s good for nothing dad doesn’t offer an ounce of help.

“Hey.” Aurora gains my attention by placing her hand over mine. “I know that you don’t want to, but we have a spare bedroom at Jace’s.”

“No.” I shake my head.

“I’m not saying forever,” she starts to push. “But there is going to be a time when you can’t work and I’m just saying it could take some stress off.”

“I’m fine.” I love her for worrying, but I have this. “I’m working so much now, so that I can tuck away enough to last a few months. I’m taking all my tips and keeping them so I can pay a month or two ahead on rent. I’m good.”

It’s tight, super tight, but I don’t need much. As long as Grayson has everything he needs, it’s good.

“Do you promise me that if it gets to a point that it’s not good,” she uses air quotes, “you will tell me?”

I nod even though she knows I’m lying. I am stubborn and I hate asking for help. More than that, I hate admitting that I need help. Because to me that means I failed, and if I failed then it means my father was right.

You will never amount to anything, Presley.

ChapterNineteen

Zac

Me: We are at Sully’s if you feel like joining us?

I’m still staring down at my phone when I hear the chair next to me scoot across the floor. I don’t look up, knowing already it’s Jace from the worn out boots he’s wearing.

“You watching porn?” he asks, trying to lean in and see the screen.

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