“I… I mean, yeah. But a lot has happened.” We weren’t the same people anymore. At least, I wasn’t. And I knew Nix wouldn’t wait long for answers. He wouldn’t rest until he knew every detail about what had happened to me.
I wasn’t sure I wanted to relive it though, to dredge up all those dark and desolate memories. Not to mention the fact that the more Nix knew, the angrier he would be about my father.
My father.
God, there was a lot to unpack there.
I was choosing denial for the moment though. Because if I let myself think about it, if I let myself go there…
“I know we didn’t get off to a great start, Nate. But I wanted to say thank you. For being there for me even when I didn’t want you to be. You’re a good friend.”
“Friend… yeah.” He ran a hand up and down his face, and a strange sensation took root in my stomach.
“Nate, what—”
There was a commotion over by the door and Nix appeared. “Okay, time’s up, Miller.” He stalked toward us, and Nate laughed.
“Good luck with that.” He gave me a small nod and headed back inside.
“You couldn’t give us five minutes?”
“What can I say, Birdie, I’m a possessive idiot.” He hooked his arm around my waist and drew me into his chest. “You two clear the air?”
“I guess.”
“And did you make it clear that you’re mine?”
“Nix…” I sighed.
Guilt flashed in his gray eyes. “Shit, sorry, I’m being an ass. I… I didn’t think we’d ever be like this again. And now I have you back, I don’t ever want to let you out of my sight.”
But that was impossible.
Because we lived on opposite sides of town now, and the reservoir might as well have been a vast unpredictable ocean between us.
“B, what is it?” he asked, noticing my solemn expression.
“Nothing.” I forced a smile, unwilling to burst his bubble. He looked so happy, like the boy I’d grown up adoring.
I didn’t want to take that away from him.
Not in this moment.