“Yeah?” His voice sounded almost fragile. “I was worried it was too much.”
“It wasn’t at all. I’m so happy you’re here. And I’m so happy you and Matthew hit it off.”
He pulled me into a full hug and I felt every muscle and bone sway into him. We held each other like that, and I listened to his breaths.
For all the bravado he put on, Nick was so soft and sweet. It was his armor, and I’d realized that recently. He was like Austin in that way, except the two of them expressed it in completely different ways.
“I want something sweet now,” he sighed, slowly releasing me. “Not sure what. Should I order something for us?”
“What?” I snorted. “No. You’re dating the town baker. You’re not gonna get anything better than what I can make.”
His eyes lit with amusement. “I don’t want to make you work though. I could get us ice cream.”
I shook my head at him. “Let me throw on underwear and an apron, and I’ll blow your mind.”
“Oh, I have absolutely no doubt.”
I winked at him and left the bathroom for my bedroom. I brushed out my hair, pulled it up into a bun, and found my favorite cotton panties. I hesitated, wondering if I should put on something sexier, but . . .
This was the real me, too.
Nick filled the doorway, letting out a low whistle as I slid them on.
“Don’t tease me,” I snorted. “These are basic.”
“Yeah, and? You’re sexy as hell. I can’t take my eyes off you.”
I pulled on a big T-shirt that hit my knees and held out my arms. “There. Am I still sexy?”
“More than you’ll ever realize,” he said, his gaze raking over me with appreciation.
I sauntered up to him and leaned up on my tip toes, stretching up to slide my arms around his neck.
“Also, um . . .” he trailed off, his expression becoming serious. “It means a lot to me that you’re happy I’m here.”
He was holding something back. I could sense it. I let my heels drop back down to the floor, but still kept my hands smoothing up and down his chest. “What else?”
He made a face. “I’m not good at hiding shit, am I?”
“Not at all. Oh god, is something wrong?—”
“No, no. I have a request, that’s all.” He tightened his arms around me. “The whole thing with Phil. Matthew and I finding out after everything, quite a while later too, and then not being invited to the family thing hurt my feelings. I want to be there for you, Evie. I want to protect you. I know that we’re still new to having labels on our relationship, but the idea of somestranger cornering you in the bakery scares the fuck out of me. And I know it has to do with Austin. I know you guys gave me a rundown of it all. But I wish I could have been there.”
Fuck.“That’s a completely reasonable request,” I said.
I rubbed my chest, trying not to let the guilt eat me up. I took a few seconds to let my heart settle, and to think about what I wanted to say. I was glad Austin and I had been on the same page after the conversation about Phil. He’d noticed it felt wrong without Nick and Matthew there too.
I should have talked to them. And they were right, I should have called the three of them too.
I was still learning. We all were.
My heart finally calmed. “I’m sorry I didn’t call either of you immediately. I got overwhelmed and then Mateo wanted us to call the family together. I’m used to handling things like this alone. But, I will make sure to include you. Both of you. I’ll talk to Matthew as well. I’m sure he’s hurt.”
I wanted to make sure he knew I’d wanted him there too.
Nick breathed out, pressing his forehead to mine. “Thank you.”
“Of course. I’m sorry Nick. And I’m sorry, too, that we made you feel excluded.”
