“I obviously was not around the past ten years to see everything you four have dealt with, but from what you’ve told me, and shown me in the last month trying to reconnect and apologize to Walker, I’d say you want to move past it. Maybe not have a career together again, but at the veryleast, salvage your friendships. And if this is the opportunity to do so, why wouldn’t you take it?”
His throat bobs with a heavy swallow. “I see what you’re saying,” he says finally.
I perk up. “What was that?”
He rolls his eyes. “You heard me.”
“What I heard was, ‘You’re so right, Aspen. Everything you said makes perfect sense and I’m going to take your advice.’” I giggle as he tosses my hand off his chest.
“That’s definitely not what I said.”
“I think that’s actually word for word what you said.”
He tucks the blanket up higher and stares at the ceiling. “Whatever. I’m going to sleep.”
“Sure you are,” I tease and poke his side before settling onto my own side of the bed.
The moon shines in through the small slits of the blinds. I look at the pattern it creates across my room, not tired yet.
Reid doesn’t seem to be the only one not ready to sleep. He shifts, the entire mattress dipping with his weight. “You need a bigger bed,” he grumbles.
I laugh as he tries to get comfortable. “You’re just a big guy, it’s not my bed’s fault!”
“Well from now on, we’re either sleeping at my place, or I’m buying you a new one.”
I shoot up and glare at him. “Don’t you dare.” I don’t want him spending more money on me than he has already.
“Then all the more reason for you to sleep at my place.”
The orange furball at the foot of the bed, currently shooting daggers at the man in his spot, would beg to differ. Reid notices the attention and Macaroni gives him a long blink.
“Can I help you?” Reid snips at Macaroni, and I hide mygrin with the comforter. It’s amusing to watch him talk to him.
Macaroni continues to sit straight up, front paws pressed together, staring at Reid.
“That’s his spot,” I tell him, “and you’re in his way.”
Reid looks at me in exasperation. “I’m in his way?” He points a finger at him. “He’s the one who won’t let my legs stretch out all the way.”
Macaroniisblocking his feet, and I’m not quick enough at hiding my smile this time because Reid notices and instantly pounces. He tosses the covers off and climbs on top of me, strong fingers tickling my armpits and neck. I squirm, bucking my hips trying to dislodge him, but it’s fruitless. My squeal pierces both of our ears, mixing in with his low laugh in the most beautiful melody.
It’s a sound I’d like to listen to forever and ever.
25
Reid
Itook more than a night to think on it. I take almost a week before I text Nikolai.
Me: Fine let’s do it
His reply is almost instant.
Nikolai: Hell yeah dude. This is gonna be great I know it
I sure as fuck don’t, but I’ll take his eternal optimism.
Me: I assume you and Arun already have some sort of plan?
