Page 43 of One Touch

Oddly enough,it wasn’t the knowledge I was in a kitchen with my former college teammates and friends that clued me into this moment being real. It was the words and look on Lathan’s face. Not even in my wildest dreams had I believed he’d admit to liking me, or this thing between us. My stupid heart thumped hard in my chest, and I gripped the back of the barstool I’d stopped in front of.

Chaos ensued around us, but it was just Lathan and I staring at each other for a blissful minute. I couldn’t tell what his gaze held, but it almost felt like hope. Or maybe that was just me wanting it to be.

I was aware enough to know that coming out to his brother and his partners, and subsequently admitting to our situationship, wasn’t a declaration of love. It wasn’t even a promise that our arrangement would become something else. No. I had to keep myself in check. I couldn’t let any romantic notions take foot. I had to remember the score. At the end of the day, we were roommates and fuck buddies, verging on friends. Nothing more.

“All right, how about we eat before the food gets too cold?” Reese asked, halting all the other conversation.

I dropped my gaze from Lathan’s and met theirs. “Yeah, I’m starved, and there’s a lot of cooking still to do.”

“Food!” Cam groaned. He hopped off his perch on the counter, grabbed a plate of food, and deposited it on the table. His plate was already loaded before anyone else moved.

The rest of us followed, more subdued, and filled our own plates. It was quiet as we ate, a drastic contrast to the earlier cacophony of noise that rattled something inside me. Too much quiet gave me too much time to think.

“So, what’s on the menu for today?” I asked.

“Ah, yes!” Reese grinned and peered over at me. “I was hoping to get your help with a few dishes. The turkey is precooked, thank goodness. I just need to put it in the oven. Then I was thinking…” As Reese listed all the dishes they wanted to prepare, I kept sneaking glances at Lathan. He was quiet as he ate, and I worried he’d regret sharing and abruptly end things. I wasn’t ready to let him go, even if I should.

“What do you think?” Reese asked.

Shoot. I’d totally zoned out. “Yeah, sounds doable. Just point me in the direction of the ingredients, and we’ll knock it out.”

Reese smiled, and I relaxed. I was thankful I hadn’t zoned out too severely. Everyone finished eating soon after, and while Landon and Lathan worked on the dishes, Reese and I began gathering everything we’d need. It didn’t take long for the counter to become covered in cans, spices, and mixing bowls.

The morning went by quickly as everyone pitched in to cook, and I’d barely blinked before it was time to eat again. Lathan and I hadn’t gotten a chance to talk about his confession, but there wasn’t any tension between us, so I was hopeful things weren’t over.

I got my answer after lunch as we all retreated to the living room to relax. I’d just taken a seat on the couch when Cam bombarded me.

“Cuddle buddy!” he shouted, snuggling up to my side.

“Hey, Cam.” I chuckled and lifted my arm to wrap it around him but was halted before I could drop it down.

“No,” Lathan said, removing my arm from touching Cam. I didn’t know who was more surprised, Cam or me, at the action. Before I could respond, Lathan planted himself on my lap.

On. My. Lap.

I froze.

It wasn’t uncommon for us to take this position, but typically, we were in his apartment. Alone.

“What?” he asked, turning his head to look at me. “If you’re going to cuddle someone, it will be me.”

“Ah, no fair. Miller’s the comfiest, and I need cuddles,” Cam pouted.

“Come here, Camdler,” Landon said, opening his arms for his friend. Cam vaulted off the couch onto the big chair Landon was perched in. Reese laughed and snuggled into his other side. Braden rolled his eyes, sat on the chaise, and stretched his legs.

“Scared to cuddle me in front of others?” Lathan whispered, drawing my attention back to him.

“Not scared at all. I’ll cuddle the heck out of you, Silver.” I smiled, and my body relaxed. Lathan melted into me as I wrapped my arms around his waist and rested my head on his shoulder. “I just didn’t take you for PDA. That’s all,” I whispered.

He turned his head, and our lips nearly met. His ice-blue eyes assessed me. “I didn’t think I was either, but knowing the truth is out there… shifted something. If we’re not a secret with them, why should I stop myself from doing what I want?”

I smiled. He was just too cute sometimes. “And the thing you want to do is sit in my lap?”

“I want to do more, but it’s the only family-friendly activity currently allowed.”

I gulped. Confident Lathan was sexy. “Oh. What are these things?” Did my voice sound growly?

His eyes dropped to my lips, and I licked them out of habit. His Adam’s apple bobbed, and I suddenly wished we were alone. “I have a few ideas in mind, but you’ll have to wait.”

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