She clings to me for a few moments longer, and I enjoy it as much as I can. But all too soon she pulls away and scrubs her face with her hands.
“Sorry about that,” she says, her gaze flicking everywhere but at me. Is she embarrassed?
I frown, not liking that idea. “You don’t have to apologise. I’m just happy you felt safe enough to be comforted by me.”
The relief is stark on her face. “Thank you, Rhys. You’re a good friend.” She pats my chest.
Friend. I’m starting to resent that fucking word.
“Come on. I want to show you where you’ll be living.” I move on before I do or say anything stupid; like telling her I’m revoking our friendship before kissing the fuck out of her.
Ollie nods—oblivious to my internal struggle—and follows as we make our way through Haven. Harlow happily trots beside us, having worn herself out and covered in mud. I grimace at the sight; we’ll need to wash her off before we let her inside the cabin.
Most of the newcomers have been ushered towards the old swimming baths where they can grab a shower and some food before being assigned to their living quarters. A few hover on the outskirts, chatting with other residents of Haven. Thankfully, my ex-wife is nowhere to be seen.
Along the way, we pick up Theo and Alex, who immediately sidle on either side of Ollie.
“Hey baby, you ready to see your new home?” Theo asks as he slings an arm over her shoulders.
“Sure. I take it I’m living with you?” Her eyes flick to me.
I nod. “The three of us live in one of the family cabins on the outskirts of the property, and since you’re with these two idiots, I figured you’d want to live with them.” I hesitate and scratch the back of my neck. “I can move out if that would make you more comfortable.”
“No!” she blurts, before blushing at how quickly and vehemently she’d spoken. She clears her throat and glares at the huge grin on Theo’s face before turning back to me. “What I meant to say is that it’s your home and I’m fine with you being there. Besides, we’ve been living in close proximity with one another for almost a month now. If I can deal with you on the road, having separate rooms will be a luxury.”
“Good. Glad to hear it.” I quicken my step, wanting out of this awkwardness as soon as possible.
Ollie seems to agree because she keeps up with my pace.
We move past the newer part of the holiday site where the caravans sit and into the wooded area at the back. The cabins here are older, dating back to when Haven first opened nearly twenty years ago, and most need some work. Luckily, our cabin is one of the few that was renovated just before the world ended, meaning we have access to electricity and hot water thanks to the solar panels lining the roof.
It sits in the middle of a small clearing with a pond on one side and a stream trickling by on the other. The dark wooden walls blend almost seamlessly with the trees, making it appear as if it grew out of the ground. There’s a small covered porch area at the front which has a small sofa and a rickety table that’s seen better days. The cabin closest to us is about fifty metres behind and completely obscured by overgrown bushes and thick trees, giving us privacy.
I pause in front of the cabin, close my eyes and soak in the feeling of finally beinghome. No more worrying about zombies or the Scourge, nomore having to walk miles upon miles each day, and no more having to deal with so many people. Just peace.
While I’ll never stop leaving the safety of Haven—I’m too good at what I do—there’s nothing like the feeling of finally coming home.
“This place is beautiful,” Ollie says, her soft voice filled with awe.
I open my eyes to see her taking everything in with a look of pure wonder and amazement. For some reason, that she likes our home soothes a part of me I didn’t even know was unsettled.
“Harlow is staying outside until we can wash her off,” I tell her, eyeing the filthy dog who’s already trotting around the clearing, sniffing everything.
Ollie huffs out a soft laugh. “I think she’s too interested in all the smells around here to really care.”
“Come on, let’s get inside. It’s freezing out here.” Theo grabs her arm and practically tows her onto the porch and into the cabin.
Alex watches them go with a soft smile and a shake of his head before following them.
I linger outside, giving them the time and space to be with one another. I’m all too aware that I’m currently standing on the outside of their relationship; an uncomfortable place I’m all too familiar with. While I understand I put myself here, I can’t help but yearn for more. To slot myself into their relationship with Ollie as easily as they did.
But it’s not that simple.
I fucked up, and I need to pay the price. Maybe one day I can have what they have with her. As long as I don’t mess up again. Or rather, as long as I don’t mess uptoobadly.
I shake myself from my thoughts and step into the cabin, figuring that they’ve had long enough alone. Only to be assaulted by the sounds of Ollie moaning, Alex cursing, and Theo growling something that’s probably filthy.
Great. Now not only does my chest feel like it’s caving in, but my cock is rock fucking hard.
