“Is this Killian’s sister?” Cole was looking at my IG again. “Were you two together? There are a lot of pictures—”
“Cole, that’s enough,” Beau warned, and even though I knew he was trying to help, I didn’t mind. Helena and I were still very close.
I waved a hand at him. “It’s fine, really.” I flashed a smile. “Helena and I were together for a little while, but it didn’t work out. We’re still really good friends. We talk and text all the time. And yeah, she’s Killian’s sister.”
“I didn’t mean to upset you.” Cole’s brows dipped, and he picked at one of the fries on his plate. “I’m sorry.”
I looked at Beau, who was staring down at his plate, his foot still running up and down my shin.
“You didn’t upset me, really.” I patted Cole’s arm lightly. “Hey, can I follow you back in Instagram? Dad, is it okay with you?”
“Please?” Cole’s eyes went wide as saucers. “Dad, please?”
Beau nodded. “Of course.”
“Oh my God. My friends are going to be salty af,” Cole whispered.
I chuckled softly. “How about a selfie, too?”
“Yeah. Yeah! Wow, this is literally the best day of my life.” Cole’s eyes were still big and round as he moved closer to me with his phone. When I noticed his hand was shaking, I helped him and took the picture. “Can I tag you?” he asked.
I nodded. “You better.”
I glanced up to find Beau watching us with a look I couldn’t figure out. Was he mad? I hadn’t meant to overstep.
“Thank you,”he mouthed, and I smiled, warmth sinking into my belly. I never thought I would want to please someone as much as I needed to please Beau. “We should probably think about heading home, Cole. It’s getting late, and you have school in the morning.”
Cole nodded. “Right.”
The ride home was quick, and I desperately wanted to kiss Beau goodnight. I couldn’t, though. I gave Cole a fist bump with a promise to come by again before I left, and Beau gave me a smile and a nod, but nothing more. A feeling of sadness built inside of me as I waited for the elevator, until I heard the door of Beau’s apartment open, and then he was kissing me, pushing me against the wall and shoving his tongue inside my mouth, his big hands cradling my head.
“I don’t know what you’re doing to me, Dean Frost, but I don’t hate it.” He nuzzled his face into the crook of my neck. “Promise me you won’t go back to California without saying goodbye. The team is going away for a few days, but I just... I need to see you again.”
I carded my fingers through Beau’s soft, dark hair. “I promise.”
And then he was gone again, leaving me with my thoughts and a boner I tried to force down. I quietly made my way intoJackson’s apartment. I grabbed myself a bottle of water and went to sit down on the couch, only to find my brother watching me from the doorway.
“Jesus Christ, you can’t just sneak up on me like that.” I dropped my hand over my heart as it thumped wildly against my chest.
“Mm, can’t I?” Maverick popped a brow at me. “Have fun tonight?” He giggled and then hugged me, like he hadn’t seen me in months. “You like him.” He cupped my face in his hands, the coolness of his skin making me break out in goosebumps.
I nodded. “Probably more than I should.” It was on the tip of my tongue to bring up Cole; but did Maverick know about him? I decided not to say anything.
“And? How does Beau feel?” My brother dropped onto the couch and patted the spot next to him.
I sighed softly as I joined him. “He’s not ready for a relationship.”
“And you are?”
“I think I am.”
Maverick stared at me, his emerald eyes searching my face. “Have you tried talking to him? Maybe tell him how you feel and see what might happen? Maybe he’d consider it if Beau knew you were interested in pursuing this thing between the two of you.”
“Beau isn’t ready to come out yet.” And honestly, I didn’t care. If my sexuality was a problem for people, that wasn’t because of me. “I have to respect that.”
Maverick twisted his small frame toward me and tucked his legs under his bottom. “And he has a son he’s trying to protect.” He chuckled softly. “Don’t look so surprised. It’s not exactly a secret that Beau has a son. He just doesn’t parade him around in front of everyone. I’d probably do the same if I was a father. I’d want to protect my kids, too.”
“Me, too.” Not that I ever planned on having children. “You look happy, Mav.”
