Chapter 25
Twenty-Five
Nic recognized Cam’s shock setting in as they left the hospital.
It had been another few hours after Edye woke before they’d given everyone goodbye hugs and finally made their way to the elevator.
Hours during which Cam had held it together remarkably well despite the swing from low to high to low again.
He’d held his mother’s hand while she cried in grief and relief over the news of Erin.
Nic hadn’t drifted more than a few feet away from Cam at all times, even when the nurse had insisted she treat the cut on his head.
He’d had her clean it and butterfly it shut while he sat in the chair behind where Cam stood by Edye’s bed, always within reach, ready to catch Cam’s trembling hand or to lay a steadying hand on his back whenever he needed the extra support.
In the elevator though, on their way down to the ground floor, the slight tremble in Cam’s hands and knees spread to the rest of his body, leaving goose bumps in its wake. And when the doors opened, Cam’s dark eyes stared ahead, unseeing.
“Hey, Boston,” Nic called gently, grasping his hand. “Exit’s this way.”
He tugged him out of the elevator, trailing behind Jamie through the hospital lobby and out to the parking lot.
Jamie glanced over his shoulder periodically, expression increasingly worried as the chatter of Cam’s teeth grew louder despite the warmth and humidity that hung heavy in the air.
When they reached the Jeep, Jamie opened the back door and Cam practically fell inside.
“He’s in shock,” Nic murmured low to Jamie.
“Should we take him back in?” Jamie asked, eyes cutting to the hospital entrance.
Nic considered it. Considered how Cam would be admitted and he’d be left outside in the waiting room. Not family technically. He shook his head. “I think what he needs most right now is a good night’s rest. It’s been days.”
“Agreed.” Jamie shrugged out of his jacket and shoved it in Nic’s hands. “Get in there and wrap him up.”
Nodding, Nic removed his own coat and slid into the backseat with Cam. Jamie closed the door behind him, climbed in the front, and started the car.
“Can’t stop shaking,” Cam chattered.
“You’re in shock.” Nic wrapped him in the jackets, then in his arms, holding him close.
“We’ll get you warmed up,” Jamie said, blasting warm air out of the vents.
With it eighty degrees inside and outside the car, it was sweltering, but the slight easing of Cam’s tense frame was worth it.
Nic ran a hand through his dark hair, down his neck, and over his back, coaxing the relaxation through the rest of him.
“That’s it, Boston.” He pressed a kiss against his temple, breathing in his own moment of calm.
The tears came not long after. No giant heaving sobs, no audible whimpers.
Just short breaths and wetness that seeped through Nic’s shirt.
The shock worn off enough, the time for responsibility passed such that Cam could grieve.
Nic held him closer, whispering “Let it out” and “I’ve got you” as Jamie slowly wove the Jeep through the lingering rush hour traffic.
By the time they hit South Boston, Cam’s tears had dried and he was snoring in Nic’s arms, the week-long roller-coaster ride having finally caught up to him.
“I hope you don’t mind a bedmate who snores,” Jamie said.
Nic’s eyes shot up, catching Jamie’s blue ones in the rearview mirror, the corners crinkled, somewhere between exhaustion and a smile.
He pulled Cam closer, resting his chin on his head. “I was in the military. Impossible to ignore it in the barracks. You learn to tune it out. And I was probably one of the loudest.”
Jamie chuckled. “Get a pug and you’ll be a symphony.”
“Don’t think Bird will take kindly to that.”
“That cat could probably take down a German Shepherd.”
“It’s fucking huge. And that name . . .”
“I tried to rename it Jordan.”
They both laughed, and Nic marveled at the ease and oddity of the mundane yet momentous conversation. He’d basically just agreed to move in with Cam. To Jamie, of all people. The mind boggled.
The silence was surprisingly comfortable the last few minutes of the drive, and Cam didn’t stir as Jamie idled the car near the hotel’s entrance. “Go ahead and take him up. I’ll park.”
Nic tried to rouse Cam, only to have him burrow closer. “Will he wake and pull his weapon on me if I carry him?”
Sympathy clouded Jamie’s face as he regarded his sleeping friend. “That’s twenty years of guilt and grief off him.” He glanced again at Nic, face softening. “I think he’ll sleep through just about anything right now. Besides, doesn’t look like he’s letting go.”
No, he was still holding tight. Hiding from the world now, and Nic was happy to continue to shield him. “Okay, then, help me out?”
Jamie nodded and got out, while Nic, unwrapping Cam, put his jacket back on and pulled out his room key. He hauled Cam into his lap, one arm around his back, the other under his knees, and when Jamie opened the door, climbed out with Cam in his arms, still nestled against his chest.
“You got him?” Jamie said, closing the door.
“Got him,” he said, readjusting and securing his hold. It had been a while since he’d carried someone so solid, but he wouldn’t have Cam anywhere else right now. “We’ll be in my room, if anything—”
“I’ll see you in the morning.” The trust and friendship in Jamie’s smile pushed the last of the water under the bridge out to sea for good.
Even brought a smile to Nic’s face, but it fell as they entered the hotel lobby and heads turned their way. He glared off every person who looked like they might approach and ignored the rest of the stares as he stalked past the front desk on his way to the elevator.
It opened as he reached it, a young couple on their way out. The one man looked concerned, the other like he might swoon. Concerned shuffled Swoony out of the way and stretched an arm in front of the elevator doors, holding it open for Nic. “Can I hit a button for you?”
“Top floor,” he replied gruffly, then softer, added, “Please.”
The man reached in, hit the button, then backed out. “I hope he’s okay.”
“Me too.”
As the doors closed, he heard Swoony mumble “relationship goals” to Concerned, and Nic chuckled lightly.
He made it up to his suite and inside, walking swiftly into the bedroom and sitting on the end of the bed with Cam.
He didn’t wake as Nic rid him of his outer layers, and when Nic laid him out on the bed, he rolled onto his side and buried his face in the pillow Nic had used.
Standing, Nic worked free his shoes then spread the blanket at the foot of the bed over him, gazing down at him a few moments before he headed into the living room to turn off lights and lock up.
He was on his way back to the bedroom when the phone in his pocket vibrated.
Nic recognized the DC-area number lighting up the screen and suddenly remembered it was Friday. He owed someone an answer. “Sir,” he answered, “I apologize for missing our call today.”
“I was afraid you’d forgotten about me,” the Deputy AG replied.
“No, not at all. I’m still in Boston working that case. We just wrapped it.”
“I heard. Nice work. Cleared more than one case off the board.”
“Including my boyfriend’s sister’s.”
“Boyfriend?” Said not so much in judgment—the fact that Nic was gay had long been in his file—but in surprise. “I didn’t realize there was someone serious.”
Nic leaned against the bedroom doorjamb, admiring Cam sleeping soundly in his bed, curled around his pillow with a smile on his handsome face, finally at peace. “We recently made it official.”
“By the smile in your voice, I guess I know your answer on San Diego.”
“It’s a no, sir,” Nic confirmed. “I appreciate being considered, but I’ll be staying in San Francisco.
” Though the Deputy AG wasn’t completely correct as to the reasons.
Cam was a big part of the reason, but Nic also had a brewery to run and friends and family in San Francisco who he didn’t want to leave any more than Cam did.
Even if it would be the safest thing for them.
His list was in ink now, as good as if he’d etched it on his skin with the other names he cared about.
“Okay, then,” the Deputy AG said. “That’s what I needed to know. Bowers is lucky to keep you.”
Nic’s bitter laugh snuck out.
Laughter sounded on the other end as well. “San Francisco is lucky to have you.”
“Now that I’ll believe,” Nic said. “Thank you again for the opportunity.”
“You’re one of our best, Price. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.”
“Thank you, sir.”
Hanging up, Nic felt oddly settled. He’d just made a decision that would make his day job hell, continuing to work for Bowers when he could have had his own office.
But at home . . . His gaze fell again on Cam’s sleeping form.
He wasn’t foolish enough to think it would be easy.
There was so much open still and Nic needed to make certain provisions to protect those he loved, but there were people he loved.
And the one he loved most was in his bed right now.
He tossed his phone on the bedside table next to Cam’s, toed off his shoes, and flung his jacket into the chair, then crawled under the blanket, spooning his boyfriend.
Cam scooted back in his arms, as if seeking more heat. Nic wrapped his arms around him, tightening his embrace.
“Did you carry me up here?” Cam mumbled, still sounding half asleep.
“I did.”
“Shit,” Cam cursed. “I missed it.”
Smiling, Nic kissed behind his ear, whispering, “I promise to do it again sometime later when you’re awake.”
“You better, and sometime sooner.” Cam twisted and kissed the underside of his jaw, then burrowed back into the pillow with a mumbled, “Love you.”
Nic smiled against the nape of his neck. “Love you too, Boston.”