“Uh...thanks?”
“Noah helped pick what you may like. But he seemed to believe you’d eat anything we’d order.”
“Pretty much. I’m not picky.” I’d even eat things I didn’t like. It was a hard habit to break, even when I was nearly twenty-one years old.
“You didn’t need to, but thank you.” I looked at my friend since he was safer to keep my eyes on. “Uh...sorry for falling asleep.”
“You were tired. Nothing wrong with needing a nap, darlin’,” Beckett said. “And nothing to be ashamed of.”
“I didn’t say anything about being ashamed,” I huffed, crossing my arms across my front. The words came out a bit rougher than I intended. That wasn’t even something I was currently feeling. Now I was just annoyed.
Beckett simply hummed, not agreeing or disagreeing with my remark. I briefly wondered if my words had gotten me a punishment from him, but I quickly dismissed it. I couldn’t let my mind think about such things.
“Well, Noah, hon,” he walked around the one couch to be closer. “I’m gonna head out now. I think someone needs a bit of space and I don’t want to overstep anywhere.”
I didn’t hear Noah’s response as I made my way towards the kitchen. I went straight to the sink to run the water, giving them some sort of privacy. I didn’t want to know what they talked about. And I surely didn’t want to see how they may end up saying goodbye to one another.
I knew some relationships turned hot quickly. Which, is good for them.
“Asher?” I shut off the water when Beckett called my name. He was still by the couch, hands back in his pockets. When he had my attention, he went on. “You don’t have to hide from me.”
What the heck was that supposed to mean?
Before I could ask, Beckett turned and left. The door clicked softly behind him before I could wrap my head around what had just happened.
Not in the mood to dwell on it right now, or ever for that matter, I finished getting a drink of water. Debating on whether I was hungry or not, I gave a mental shrug. I wasn’t hungry enough to warm up anything. So, my feet took me to Noah. They always did.
Once I was sitting on the couch, Noah crawled up beside me, letting his body lean onto mine.
“Did you have a good nap?”
“Yeah.” I pulled my arm around him, knowing my days to do so were limited. “Didn’t realize I was that tired.”
“That’s okay.” He paused for a moment. “Was...was it okay that Beck stayed here for a bit? I didn’t want to leave, because then I’d have to pretend to be big. Even though he said no one would care.”
“I didn’t mind.” I probably would have worried about Noah being out with the man anyway. “But I’m glad you settled enough to let him have time with you.”
“He’s so....gah.” Noah made some sort of sound that wasn’t a huff but was like ... well I have no clue. It caused me to laugh, shaking him lightly. “He’s nice and sweet and patient. Perfect.”
It took more work to keep my snort from coming out. Noah was the perfect one, and no one would ever be perfect enough for him.
“As long as he treats you good.” There, I could be supportive.
“He does. We did a lot of talking. Last night and today. Loads of talking. About limits and what I want, and what he wants.”
I hummed, leaning my head on his.
“He may have mentioned he can be what you want, too.”
“Noah, sweetheart,” I pulled back enough so he could tip his head up. I gave him a sad smile. “No man could possibly want whatever the hell I want and want someone as adorable and sweet as you. I’m everything you aren’t.”
“No, you’re not. You’re my Asher.”
I smiled, letting a hand trail down the side of his face. “That may be so, but there are things I can’t do with you. We have lines that can’t be crossed. And sharing a lover is one of them.” Among other things. But that didn’t need to be spoken. “You’re my friend. Nothing more, Noah.”
“Oh.” His shoulders dropped, his face turning slightly red before he turned his gaze to the TV. What the heck was he thinking?
“We are just friends, Noah. You understand that, right? We may share a bed, and I’m happy to be a step-in caregiver. But I’m not your lover. I can’t be. You’re like...family.” The last bit tasted sour as I spoke it. But I’d ruin him in a matter of minutes if he thought otherwise.
