“Thank you. It’s like, I’ve felt left out for my entire life, and now I’ve met someone who really cares about me, and I don’t want to fuck it up. I want to understand myself better so I can be better for him. And for myself, I guess, because I didn’t get help when I was a kid, but I can help myself now.”
When I glance up at the screen again, he’s smiling and nodding softly. “Of course, and we’re here to help you too, Elliot. With whatever you need.”
“Thanks.”
“I’ll get the process started on this today and get back to you either later this evening or tomorrow with the arrangements. Does that work for you?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Great. We’ll speak soon.”
I end the call, and a whoosh of air escapes me.
Closing the laptop, I place it on the couch next to me and rest my head back against the cushion, covering my eyes with my arms.
I did it. I made the first step.
“Are you finished?” Hunter asks from down the hall.
“Yeah.”
He appears a moment later, a proud expression on his face. He sits down next to me and opens his arms. I lean into him, burying my face in the soft collar of his shirt. His hand sinks into my hair, and I hum like a happy cat.
“I’m really proud of you,” he says, pressing a kiss to my forehead.
I smile to myself. “I’m kinda proud of myself too.”
“How did it go?”
“It went well, I think. He’s going to set something up and get back to me.”
“That’s good. I’m here for whatever you need from me.”
I lift my head, smiling into those kind brown eyes. “Thank you,” I whisper.
He kisses me, and I melt into him.
“Can we be lazy today? Just eat, and nap, and watch TV?” I ask, resting my head on his shoulder again.
“We can do whatever you want.”
“I still can’t believe you took time off work for me.”
“You better start believing, because I’d do anything for you, El. Absolutely anything.”
I curl into him more, knowing he means that with his whole chest.
Chapter Seventeen
Hunter
Stepping out of the shower, I wrap a towel around my waist and make my way out of the bathroom to find Elliot lying on the bed in only his boxers and one sock, the other one clearly forgotten. He’s scrolling through his phone, giggling at whatever is on the screen.
We’re meeting Blaine and Alex, and also his teammate Zach and his boyfriend, Carter, for dinner in thirty minutes, and it seems Elliot is in procrastination mode.
“El? Are you going to start getting ready soon?” I ask.
“Yeah,” he says in an automatic reflex, but doesn’t make a move to get up.
