Chapter Twenty-Two #2
I reached up to brush the wetness from his face, only to have him turn away.
I knew the second I let go of him; Reed was going to run.
Back to his parents’ house, hell, maybe right back to New York, and the chance I had to talk to him would be gone forever.
I couldn’t force him to stay here or give me the answers I was desperate for.
I relaxed my grip, and the second I did, Reed rushed away from me and right to Zach.
Zach’s expression turned from surprise to shock and then he wrapped his arms around Reed to pull him close.
He glanced at me for a second before he hugged his friend closer.
This was not going according to plan. I wanted Reed to confess everything to me so we could move on.
Maybe try again. Instead, I was stuck watching as another man gave him the comfort he wasn’t willing to let me give him.
I sighed, turned around, and nearly smacked right into Wyatt.
Standing right behind him were his husbands, Noel and Seth.
“Everything good?” he asked. He glanced over where I had been staring and then shook his head. “Which one is it? Reed or the blond who’s been chatting up Ezra all night?”
I pretended not to notice the tray of shots that had suddenly appeared or the fact that Reed had just downed three of them in a row.
That wasn’t going to end well. Who was going to take care of him when he drank too much?
What if he threw up in his hair? Who would help him tomorrow morning when he was nursing a hangover?
Wait, that wasn’t my problem anymore, was it?
“I should go.”
“It’s Reed.” Seth looked more than proud of himself. “What? Don’t look at me like that. I remember when your dads got married. You two were inseparable that summer. We all saw you running around town together. We made him a WAG.”
I felt myself grow warm, only when I looked back at Reed again, he was laughing with Zach. Guess he had forgotten all about me again. “We were inseparable that summer, but things change.”
“Ah, well, that makes sense. He’s here now, right? That has to mean something.” Wyatt squeezed my shoulder.
Yeah, but he won’t even talk to me.
“I guess.” I watched in horror as Reed and Zach inhaled more shots. Who was going to make sure he got home safely? I shook my head. Nope, not my problem. Maybe I should go find a hookup to ease my sorrows. I’m sure there were plenty of willing participants here.
“You’re going to go over there, aren’t you?” Seth teased, a smile pulling at his lips.
Noel rolled his eyes. “You’ll figure it out. In the meantime, I’m going to take my guys home. Congrats on the win tonight, man.” He patted my shoulder before he wrapped his arms around his husbands and guided them toward the door.
I stood there watching Reed and Zach for a couple more minutes before I decided I needed to intervene.
Before they got too drunk to go home or someone tried to take advantage of them.
As I got closer, I could hear Reed slurring his words while Zach was nodding his head in agreement.
They both stopped to stare at me with glossy eyes.
That had happened way faster than I thought.
“Hey, youuuuu.” Reed batted his lashes at me. Yep, he was drunk. “Come to try to force me to tell you all my deep, dark secrets? I mean, you don’t have to force me. I’m almost willing now.”
I sighed softly. “Time to go.”
“Party pooper.” Reed stuck his tongue out at me and blew a raspberry.
Zach giggled loudly. “Fun ruiner.” He looked around the bar. “Where did that big, sexy hunk of a goalie of yours go? I was hoping to climb him like a tree tonight.”
“Home.” And there was no way Zach was getting anywhere near Oscar. He was too innocent. And in love with Tate. “Which is where I’m going to take the two of you.”
Reed blew another raspberry. “That’s not happening. I can’t go home drunk.” He hooked his arm through Zach’s.
“And where do you propose you’re going to go, huh? I can’t just leave you here.”
“Always such a good boy, aren’t you, Casanova?”
My dick perked up at the nickname he had given me.
“Knock it off, Reed. I’m only trying to look out for you.
You know what? Fuck it. Stay here. Find your own way home or don’t.
It’s not my damn fault you decided to do too many shots and are too embarrassed to go home to your parent’s place because you’re shit-faced and won’t take the help I’m offering you.
I’m sorry that I’m not good enough for you.
” I started to storm off, only to hear Zach call out to me.
“Cole, wait.” I turned to find Zach right behind me. “He’s not always a happy drunk. Reed doesn’t mean what he’s saying.”
“Lies! Yes, I do!” Reed shot back.
I closed my eyes and shook my head. “I can call Jackson. I’m sure you can stay there. They have plenty of room, and it wouldn’t be the first time they’ve taken in strays.” I flinched as soon as the words came out of my mouth.
“Strays?” Reed huffed. “We are not strays. I will call my father before I let you take care of me, Cole Whitaker.” He folded his arms across his chest and glared at me. I knew he was trying to look mean, but he looked more like an angry kitten, all fluffy and cute as he pouted at me.
Zach’s eyes ping-ponged between the two of us.
“Look, while I appreciate whatever sexy flirting the two of you are doing, I think we should probably go. People are sort of staring, and these shoes are really uncomfortable, and I know once I take these pants off, they aren’t going back on.
” He waved at the tight leather he was wearing.
“So, can we come to your place? A couch will be fine.”
“Traitor,” Reed hissed.
“My car is parked outside.” I flashed a smile at both of them. “Your chariot awaits.”
Zach grabbed Reed’s hand. “Babe, come on. I’m tired. It’s just one night and then we can go back to your parents’ place.”
“Fine. But I’m sleeping on the couch with Zach,” Reed grunted.