Why not go now? It’s as good a time as any, right?
Nathan gave a tiny shake of his head and mouthed, “Tomorrow.”
I guess one more night won’t hurt.“No. I was thinking more of tomorrow afternoon. Thought I’d let you cook me one last tasty dinner before I go back to my shitty cooking.”
Jared beamed at him.Totally the right thing to say, then.“So generous of you.” He was already heading towards the kitchen, smiling. “You staying for dinner, Tim?”
“Thanks, but I can’t. I need to check in with Alec”
At the mention of that name, Seb stiffened a little. “Reporting back?” He couldn’t help the edge to his tone.
Tim sighed. “It’s not like that. I need to let him know what’s going on.” He cast a quick, meaningful glance Nathan’s way. “As I’m sure Nathan will be doing with Gareth.”
Seb looked to Nathan for confirmation, and he nodded.
“Yeah. I should really go up there in a sec.”
Tim met his gaze. “We can’t afford to have any secrets, Sebastian. Not about things like this.”
Seb hummed but didn’t comment further. He supposed Tim had a point, but that didn’t mean he had to like it. “I’ll walk you out.”
He went first, ignoring Jared’s raised eyebrows as he mouthed “Sebastian?” at him and being extra careful not to slip this time. The memory of that kiss sent a shiver down his spine.
Fuck it all, this was the worst plan he’d ever agreed to.
Chapter Eight
Tim watched the deliberate way Seb placed his crutch down as he walked out to the hallway. The urge to help him was almost impossible to quell, but he managed.
Nathan’s whispered “Be careful with him” startled him, and Tim glanced back to see both Jared and Nathan watching him. Seb carried on, oblivious.
“I will,” Tim whispered back, just as softly. The more time he spent with Seb, the more his well-being became a priority.
Seb stopped in front of the door and shuffled around until he could lean back against the wall. He sighed, and Tim’s heart stuttered; he expected Seb to change his mind about the whole thing.
After a quick look towards the living area, Seb seemed to decide on something. “I’m assuming you want to drive me to my flat tomorrow?”
Tim nodded. “Yeah, I think that would be best.”
Seb scratched at the back of his head and let out a half laugh, half sigh. “I still have no idea how we’re supposed to do this. I mean, are we supposed to be starting out dating, or already a couple, or—?”
Confusion marred Seb’s features, and Tim couldn’t stop himself from reaching out to smooth the lines on his forehead. Seb swallowed, but didn’t move or look away.
“I think the easiest and most believable would be to start at the beginning.”
“So… dating, then.”
Seb’s smile was small but definitely there, and the spark of hope it caused in Tim’s chest made him smile in return. “Yes. Dating.”
“Okay.”
They stood awkwardly in the small hallway. Tim wanted to pull him in for a kiss, but was unsure whether he should or not. He should have spoken to Nathan about what was expected in this sort of situation. Nathan was the expert, after all. Going into this as unprepared as he was could be dangerous for everyone. The P-Pack shifters weren’t stupid. Some of them were wankers, but they wouldn’t be easily fooled. Not again. For about the fiftieth time, Tim wondered what the hell he was doing.
He cleared his throat and reached for the door handle. “I’ll pick you up tomorrow. What time?”
“Just after lunch? About two?”
Tim nodded. “See you tomorrow, then.”
