Chapter Sixteen
Reed
Iwoke up slowly to the sounds of the birds outside and warm sunshine against my skin.
And that delicious burn between my legs that only meant one thing.
I had been fucked two ways to Sunday, and it was worth it.
I reached for Cole on the couch, but when I realized he wasn’t there, I sat up.
Was last night too much for him? We had spoken about what would happen after the summer, and even though he had said he wanted to continue to see me, maybe I came on too strong.
Maybe I shouldn’t have said anything and just waited to see how everything played out. Maybe...
Cole came around the corner; his phone pressed to his ear and a smile on his face. He gave me a small wave, and I relaxed. Nothing to worry about. Everything was fine.
“It sounds like you’re really having a good time.
You’ll have to send me more pictures. It looks beautiful there.
” Cole nodded. “I miss you guys, though. It feels weird to be here at this house without you.” His face burned red as he listened to whatever was being said on the other end.
“I mean, yeah, we’re spending a lot of time together. ”
Oh. That had to be about me, right? Had Maverick told Dean that I had been here for dinner? What if Beau and Dean didn’t like me? Would Cole not want to see me anymore? I started to climb from the couch only for Cole to come sit down next to me.
“He’s my boyfriend. We’re together. And we’re going to continue to see one another once school starts.” He reached for my hand and laced our fingers together. “Yes, I know it can be difficult, but we can do it. I believe in us.”
Warmth spread through my belly and body.
Whatever his father was telling him, Cole didn’t care.
He shot it down, and that had to mean something.
I squeezed his hand as I brought it to my lips to press a kiss to the back.
He smiled again and tugged me closer. But I didn’t want to put a wedge between the two of them either. I wanted Beau Whitaker to like me.
“We’re being careful. God, don’t talk about sex stuff right now.
It’s bad enough that Maverick took me to buy lube and condoms. Right in the open at the pharmacy, where anyone could have seen us.
Don’t laugh, it was mortifying. What if someone recognized him?
” Cole huffed, and his cheeks burned pink again.
I chuckled softly and took a moment to take him in.
His curls were a mess, flattened on one side, and he still looked half asleep.
But Cole looked happy as he spoke with his father.
A smile lit up his face like a Christmas tree, and when he laughed, my body grew all warm and tingly.
He had put on pants, which was disappointing, but I still got to ogle his chest since he was shirtless.
I could never grow hair like that on my body. I wasn’t built that way.
“He’s here now, yes.” My eyes darted up to Cole’s blue ones. “Yes, he spent the night.” His lips curled into another smile. “I’d rather you meet him in person, but okay.” He held out the phone. “My father would like to say hello.”
Was it hot in here? Why was I sweating so much? I pressed the cell to my ear. “He-Hello.”
“Reed Kelly, it’s a pleasure to speak with the man who has been keeping my son occupied these past few weeks.” Beau Whittaker’s deep voice boomed in my ear. Was he mad? He sounded mad. Did he not want us to be together? I mean, I guess I could understand that.
“Beau! Be nice. He’s Cole’s boyfriend. He might end up being our son-in-law someday.” That had to be Dean in the background. “Give me the phone, baby, don’t scare the boy. Hello, Reed? It’s Dean Frost-Whitaker. Ignore my husband. He means well.”
Yep, I was absolutely sweating. And I was having a really hard time finding my voice. “I understand.”
“See, you’ve scared him. He can’t even speak.
Reed, Cole is a good kid. I love him so much I can’t even stand it sometimes.
Beau and I just want our son to be happy.
That’s all. We don’t want him to end up hurt or broken-hearted.
You understand, right? So, if this thing between the two of you works out, which we want it to, that’s all that matters.
We’ll welcome you into our family with open arms.”
I nodded, even though he couldn’t see me. “I care about Cole. He’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me, sir, and I promise I won’t break his heart.”
“Happy now, baby?” Dean chuckled. “And you don’t have to call me sir, either.
Dean is fine. I knew I liked you. I mean, your dad is basically Killian’s other best friend, so there had to be a reason you were brought into our life.
Take care of my kid, all right? You can put Cole back on the phone now. ”
Tears suddenly stung my eyes. All I wanted was to take care of Cole. He was everything I had ever thought he would be and more. He treated me like a princess. He had planned a romantic dinner, took me out on dates, and wasn’t afraid to tell his dads about me.
“I love you.”
Oh, well, maybe I shouldn’t have just blurted those words out like that. It had only been a few weeks since we met in real life.
“I’ll talk to you tomorrow. Have a fun time. I love you, too. Both of you.” Cole ended his call and stared at me with wide, blue eyes. “I think you might need to repeat that.”
I tried to untangle my fingers from his. “Let go. I shouldn’t... I didn’t... I’m sort of freaking out here, Cole, and this isn’t helping.” I nearly fell from the couch when he released me. “I know. It’s crazy soon. And it’s cool if you don’t feel the same way. Totally, completely, co—”
Cole jumped to his feet and kissed me. His hard body pressed against mine as he wrapped his strong arms around me. “Please say it again, baby.”
“I love you, Cole.”
“I love you, too, Reed.”
I stared at him. Searched those beautiful eyes of his and tried to figure out if he meant it or not. “You don’t think it’s too soon?”
“I almost told you last night.” Cole smiled as he touched my cheek. “You’re beautiful.”
A blush crept up my neck as he pressed his other hand to my lower back. “Thank you. Why didn’t you? Say it last night, I mean.”
“Because we had just had sex. Isn’t that a big no-no?” Cole leaned forward to kiss me again, his lips warm and soft. “But I do. Love you. And I’m glad you said it. My dad’s heard you, too, and I think that sealed the deal for them.”
I rolled my eyes. “I think Beau hates me. Dean seemed a little more chill. But man, I’ve never wanted to run away and hide so badly before. They’re not even here, and I don’t want them to see me on the camera all the time.”
“Dad doesn’t hate you, he’s just... He’s my dad.
I’m sure that your dad feels the same way about me.
And Dean, well, he’s cool. I’m glad that Dad has someone like him.
They make a great couple.” Cole sounded a little sad.
“I miss them. I know this is their honeymoon, but I spent all year at school, and now they’re gone.
I can’t wait until they come home so I can spend some time with them before I have to go back again. Very uncool of me, I know.”
I rose onto my toes to kiss him again. “Not uncool at all. Kind of sweet, actually.” I kissed him again before I realized I hadn’t even brushed my teeth. “Oh, my breath has to be terrible.” I clapped a hand over my mouth.
“It’s fine,” Cole assured me. “But if you want to wash up, feel free.”
I started toward the stairs. “You want to join me? We can save water that way.”
“Save water, huh?” Cole grinned, and I laughed as he chased me up to the bathroom.
OVER THE NEXT FEW WEEKS, Cole and I spent as much time together as we could.
When we weren’t together, I was usually helping my mother with her classes while Cole was off with Jackson and the rest of the Panthers.
He said it was surreal that he was able to practice and play hockey with them.
He had hoped it would help his game come September, when school started again.
I kept telling him I would come watch, just like he told me he would come watch me dance, but our schedules never seemed to work out that way.
Except for today. A few of the kids in my mother’s class had come down with a cold, and so my mother canceled the class.
She said it was much better than having two kids who would be confused and worried about their friends.
I was thrilled that I finally had my chance to drive down to the Panthers Arena and watch Cole in action.
The moment I stepped inside, I wished I had worn something warmer.
I had grabbed a hoodie, but these shorts weren’t going to be enough.
I was freezing. I could do this. I wanted to see Cole on skates, doing what he loved and dreamed about doing as a career.
Even if it meant I would freeze my ass off while doing it.
As I quietly walked down the steps, I was surprised to see Maverick sitting in one of the chairs.
Should I sit with him? Would that be assuming too much? Would he even want me to?
“Reed!” Maverick’s entire face lit up when he saw me, and he quickly got to his feet. “It’s so lovely to see you. Please, sit with us.” He gestured toward their row, and I had to keep myself from flinching when I saw Ezra Bardot.
Oh, I liked Ezra enough, but he was very intimidating. It didn’t matter that he was a tiny man. He looked like he might eat me for dinner.
Ezra smiled, his dark eyes taking me in. “You’re going to freeze in those shorts, boo.” He moved slightly and then reached over to hand me a blanket. Did he just carry them with him? “It’s not going to bite, I promise. I keep them around for Mav. He gets cold very easily.”
Maverick nodded. “It’s true. He’s thoughtful like that.”
The two of them giggled together as I sat down and spread the blanket over my legs. Why was my stomach twisted up into knots like this? I was an adult. I could do whatever I wanted. This wasn’t high school anymore. And these were two openly queer mine like myself.
“Thank you,” I managed, then my eyes slid over to the ice. I tried to figure out which one of the guys might be Cole, but it was nearly impossible. They were all bundled up in all that hockey gear and looked the same no matter how hard I squinted my eyes.
Maverick leaned closer. “Cole’s wearing one of Wyatt’s old uniforms since Wy’s not here. Number fifty-three. In case you were wondering.” He pointed toward the ice.
And sure enough, the second I located number fifty-three, Cole turned to look up where I was sitting with his uncle.
I couldn’t make out all his features, but the smile that appeared assured me that this was a great idea.
I wanted to keep that look on his face forever.
He raised his hand in greeting, and I couldn’t help but blush.
“Look at that,” Ezra murmured. “Kid’s all lit up like the fourth of July.” He leaned forward and across Maverick. “Might have something to do with you, pretty boy.”
My ears burned. Was that a compliment? “Thank you.” I tried to sound normal, but I was anything but. Like I said, Ezra was terrifying. It always felt like he was judging me.
“Behave yourself, boo.” Maverick slapped at his friend playfully.
I chewed on my bottom lip. “I’m not as pretty as you, Ezra.”
I hoped that didn’t sound like I was trying to win him over or anything.
I just meant it. Ezra was stunning. He always looked ready to walk on a runway somewhere.
He wore makeup, dressed like a runway model.
He was fucking stunning. He had his own clothing line that he designed himself. I was not even close.
“Mm, keep talking like that, and I might have a new best friend.” Ezra winked and leaned back in his chair.
Maverick snorted, and the three of us sat watching the ice.
I didn’t really understand the sport much, but I should probably learn.
Especially if my boyfriend played. It looked a little scary, if I was being honest, with the sticks and the puck flying around.
I shuddered at the thought of one hitting Cole.
Did that actually happen? I remembered the bruise he had come home with.
Was that what it would be like? His body broken and battered from the sport he loved so much.
At least the goalie was covered from head to toe.
I could probably do a little research, too.
Cole looked good out there, though. He moved like he was part of the ice, gliding across it like he was born to be there.
And he was able to keep up with the other guys.
The ones who were professional players or had been at one point.
“You know what I think?” Maverick wasn’t really talking to me, but I saw the way his and Ezra’s eyes landed on me. “We should take Reed out.”
My brows shot up. “When you say take me out, what exactly does that mean?”
“We’re going to spoil you, boo. Our treat,” Ezra added. “Don’t worry, you’ll love this. We’ll even stop and grab Saint on the way. He should be done with his classes.”
Maverick nodded in agreement. “Should we grab all the WAGs? I mean, it’s kind of a WAGs thing.”
WAGs? What was... “What is going on here? Are you going to sacrifice me or something? Punish me for dating Cole? I mean, I get it, but I don’t want to end up with no eyebrows or something like that.” I touched my forehead.
“No one is getting sacrificed. We’re inviting you into our group. That’s it,” Ezra assured me. “And trust me, no one looks good without eyebrows. Yikes.” He grimaced at the thought.
I glanced back at Cole, who gave me another little wave. “Okay, yeah, sure, that sounds like fun.” I didn’t have a lot of friends now that they had all graduated, and this would help me make a few more. I might actually enjoy myself.
I just hoped that I didn’t regret it.