Page 181 of The Head Game

And he was in love with Nico … Nico who had spent his whole life in a relentless pursuit of pleasure and enjoyment. Nico who had admitted planning wasn’t his style.

What reason did August have to think he would want the same kind of life August did?

All signs pointed in a completely different direction.

And with no career, what did he have to offer Nico outside of supporting him during his recovery?

What could he give Nico that Nico didn’t already have or couldn’t find better elsewhere?

August felt a soft brush against his ankles and looked down to see Miss Muffins winding around his feet.

With a sigh, August reached down to pick her up, cuddling her close.

Nico had been right. He was a softy.

He’d fallen in love with her too.

“You’ll be in good hands with Nico,” August said roughly as he stroked her soft fur. “You’ll have a great life here.”

She chirruped, squinching her blue eyes shut in contentment at the touch, and he managed a weak smile.

She had the unfortunate habit of leaving long white hairs all over his clothing and she’d spent the past few nights attempting to sleep on August’s pillow, but she was a sweet, cuddly cat and Pieter and Isa were delighted Nico had something else to occupy him during this recovery.

It had all worked out, like it always did for Nico.

August was glad.

Throat tight, August carefully set the cat down, then walked to the bedroom.

He pulled his suitcase out of the closet and methodically gathered his belongings from the dresser, closet, and bathroom. He packed them all carefully, his ragged breathing and the whisper of folding fabric the only sound in the room.

When August was done, he looked around, seeing all of those moments he’d shared with Nico in the past month.

A month.

How in the hell had August fallen in love in a month?

Ridiculous but there was no denying it. A month to the day from when Nico had fallen to the ice in Buffalo and, here he was, in love with him.

August could never have imagined it, never have anticipated it, absolutely hadn’t planned for it.

But how could he have anticipated falling in love with Nico Arents? Of all of the people in this world, he seemed the least likely candidate.

August remembered the way Nico had annoyed him at first, the way they’d snarked at each other.

He tightened his grip on the handle of his bag and lifted it, carrying it out into the living area.

He pulled his phone out and sent a text to Nico. Hearing is over. You can come back now.

August breathed shakily as he took a seat on the couch, remembering the feel of Nico’s head settling into his lap. He tossed the phone aside and stared blankly ahead.

The TV screen was dark but he could see the ghost of NHL games playing across the screen and he swallowed thickly.

That game in Buffalo was his last.

He’d worked so hard, given up so much to become a referee. Because of it, he’d lost one man he loved and for what?

To fall in love with another who could never love him back?

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