“Hey, you’re part of that company. My favorite part, actually.”
“Why?” Brent asked, meeting Riley’s eyes. “Seriously,why?Everyone you know is cooler than me. Even Emily is cooler than I am. I’m a boring small-town accountant and you’re… borrowing a dominatrix’s BDSM cabin.”
Riley’s heart sank. Rose leaving Brent obviously still hurt, and it hadn’t done wonders for his already shaky self-esteem.
“Okay, so, obviously, you’re actually cooler than a dominatrix. Or I wouldn’t be hanging out with you,” Riley said.
“It’s not out of pity?” Brent asked.
“Absolutely not,” Riley responded. “You’re my best friend, and I love you. I don’t pity you. I’m sorry your week has been rough and I want you to take a break, but I’m not here because I feel sorry for you. I’m here because I wanted an excuse to hang out with you. It’s been too long. I’ve missed you.”
“It’s only been a few months,” Brent said softly, looking down at his feet again.
“Sure, but I’m only ever around for a few days at a time. Maybe a week, tops. And I don’t get to spend all that time with you. So here I am… trying to catch up a little. I realize that right now your brain is telling you that I’m bullshitting, that I couldn’t possibly want to spend time with you because I like you, but that’s your brain being an asshole. Trust me.”
Brent sighed again. “That’s exactly what my brain is saying. I just… I feel like there’s nothing about me to like.”
“Brent, look at me,” Riley said, pausing while he waited for Brent to look up. Even when he was miserable, he was beautiful. Riley stared into his big, green eyes for a moment too long, forgetting what he’d been about to say.
“You’re so smart, and so kind, and you give great hugs. You’re the most dependable man in the universe. Sometimes you’re funny, too. Even if you don’t always intend to be.” Riley grinned.
Brent huffed in response, but the ghost of a smile turned up the corner of his lips, just for a moment. Just long enough for Riley to know that Brent had taken the joke well.
“The point is, you’re not the one at fault, here. You’re a sweetheart. Things kind of happen to you because of it, and also because sometimes the universe is a cruel place. But it’s not your fault. You’re perfect. Other people are less so.”
Riley didn’t believe in perfection—not really, anyway—but Brent came close. He never meant anyone any harm. He always tried his best for everyone. And sometimes he got it wrong, and sometimes things didn’t go quite according to plan, but he wasalwaysthere.
Rock solid. An anchor for the incredibly turbulent lives he tended to get tangled up in.
Everything Riley wanted in a life partner. He couldn’t imagine why anyone would throw that away.
It wasn’t impossible that he was looking at Brent through rose-colored glasses—maybe he was terrible in bed, or something—but Riley couldn’t imagine anyone not loving him with all their heart. Not based on what he knew about Brent.
Which was practically everything, since they’d been inseparable as children.
“Thanks, I think,” Brent said. “Hey, uh… there’s only one bed.”
“The couch folds out. It’s very comfortable, and I’m happy sleeping on it. I like the way the sun comes through the living room windows in the morning.”
“Are you sure? I mean, you obviously planned this…”
“I’m sure. I’m used to the couch, in case you’re wondering.”
“I was wondering, a little,” Brent said. “I don’t think I have any platonic friends whose cabin I could borrow.”
“You’re always welcome to my RV,” Riley countered.
“Well, yeah, but we’re not… I mean, I guess we are… but…” Brent sighed. “What I mean is, you’re different. You’re my friend. But you’re… different? Special? Something, I dunno.”
“I am both different and special.” Riley grinned at Brent, who was blushing furiously again. “I know what you mean. I just make friends easily, I guess.”
“I feel like every time I open my mouth today I just shove my foot in it. I’m sorry. I’m so tired.”
Riley made a soft, sad noise. “I bet. You should take a nap, I need to go grocery shopping anyway. The only things on my list are beer and ice cream.”
“Can you get actual food, too? I like beer and ice cream as much as the next guy, but I don’t wanna die of scurvy or anything.”
“So you want a lime to put in your beer?” Riley teased.
