I rolled my eyes, smiling despite myself. “All of the above.”
“You… um…” He nodded. “Same, Pack.”
My hands started shaking again. “I’msointo you. But before I let my thoughts run away, I should know what you want. Hookups? Friends with benefits? Maybe something else?” I looked away, afraid of seeing rejection in his eyes. Why would he want anything besides casual sex with me? It was a wonder he wanted that.
“Something else, like what?” He scooted closer until our knees touched, then reached for my hand. “Tell me.”
I looked back at him. “Maybe… Could you want what I do? Someone who makes the noise stop. A guy who makes things feel okay.”
A little smile worked its way across his lips. “I’ve liked you since the day we met. Back then, I thought I was bi. I didn’t completely understand my feelings about you, but no one had ever come close to affecting me the way you did.”
“Really? I thought we were best friends.”
“We were, but for me, it was more. I thought I had a crush. Every time I looked at you, it was like watching the sun come up on a perfect summer morning.” He shrugged. “But crushes fade, and my feelings for you never did. When everything blew up, I wasn’t just pissed. I was hurt.”
“I know.” I squeezed his hand. “Me too.”
“These last few weeks have been a do-over I never thought would happen.”
I swallowed hard, and my voice came out rough. “I always liked you too, but I didn’t know what to call it. I thought I was straight, sobest friendswere the only words I had.”
He leaned so close his breath brushed my nose. “You asked what I want. That’s easy. I wantyou. I’ve wanted to be with you for years, and I’d like to see what happens if we stop pretending we’re not already halfway there.”
My heart rattled like a snare drum. “Me too. You’re gay, and I don’t know what I am. Fuck if I care. But I know I want to be with you.”
He brushed a kiss over my lips, then pulled back. His eyes were bright. “You mean you want us to date?”
“Yeah. I don’t know how this works with guys, but… yeah.”
He laughed and then caught himself, but his shoulders still shook. “I think you’ve already figured out how a lot of things work with guys, and I promise to show you more.”
I groaned. “You’re impossible.”
“Part of my charm.”
We went quiet, both of us still smiling. “I’m not interested in anyone else,” I said. “Haven’t been for a long time.”
He nodded once. “Good. Neither am I.”
My heart beat a little faster. “So… Does this mean we’re boyfriends?”
He winked. “Think the league will fine us for that?”
“Not a chance. They’d have to fine way too many guys.” I was so giddy I barely knew what I was saying. “Play video games for a while?”
He traced a finger across my cheek. “I’m up for games, but I had something more physical in mind.”
My breath caught. “Like seal-the-deal physical?”
He nodded slowly. “Up for another hat trick?”
24/
nico and packy
NICO
Pack tookmy hand as we left the living room. Every few steps, I looked over; each time, he was already looking at me. His eyes were bright with the same stunned amazement I felt in my chest.
