At the moment, his scowl was set on Declan and Alex, who were damn near right under the goal he was supposed to be using, smiling at each other like they didn’t have a worry in the world. Nick cast his glare to the ball as he dribbled it, cursing those two for being in his way. When he looked back toward the goal, they were gone, and then Alex was right next to him.
“You need to loosen up,” Alex said as he took a shot at the goal on Nick’s right and sank it easily.
“I’m makin’ every shot,” Nick replied pointedly.
“It’s not only about making the shot,” replied Alex, who then appeared in front of Nick swiftly, stealing the ball right out of his hands. “Just because it’s shooting practice doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be focused onallof your skills.”
“Whatever,” Nick scoffed. “You and Declan are pissing me off.”
“Why?” Alex blinked, following Nick’s gaze to see Declan waving at them. Alex almost smiled, his face softening, and then he waved back as if they hadn’t been together just two seconds ago. “I understand. Because you miss him, right?”
“Hah? Who? What the hell are you talking about?”
Alex just snorted and tucked his red hair behind his ear, tipping his head back when Declan walked over to them and spoke up.
“Why are you pouting, Nick?”
“Yes, why are you pouting, Nicholas?” Alex pressed, dark eyes challenging.
“Who’s fuckin’ pouting?” he growled, tossing the ball without even looking at the goal. Theswishof it sinking between the net wasn’t satisfying enough to calm his irritation.
“You could just call him.”
Nick growled again, the sound deeper, a threat that didn’t faze Alex in the slightest. “You think I haven’t—Declan. Shut your boyfriend up before I do it for you.” He wasn’t about to argue with them, or admit that he’d already called more than once.
Alex’s smile was dark. Proud. Devious.
“Watch your ass, Shorty.”
“Be nice, Nick. Reece will call back soon. Just wait for him.”
“Mind your own business, Declan.”
15
Chapter 15 - Reece
Reece survived the first week without Nick and started the second thinking he’d be able to power through. He had a lot of work lined up for the week. Not only would he be working with a photographer to strengthen his portfolio, but he had several modeling gigs that would keep him distracted enough, he supposed.
Starting the week off was a cologne ad, which took up his morning before lunch. After lunch, Reece had a shoot for an article focusing on 80s fashion, which was a collaborative project with another friend from college. Draven Carter was as naturally successful as Nick. Swoon-worthy looks. Brains that went as far as his brawn. He was as popular as they came—a fashion icon and designer in the making. He totally could’ve been Reece’s type if he wasn’t blond. Since the two of them would be working together again, Reece suggested they meet up for lunch. The only reason Draven begrudgingly agreedwas because Reece’s cafe of choice just happened to be where Draven’s favorite person worked.
“You’re late,” Reece said, pushing his sunglasses up to rest atop his head so he could level Draven with a proper glare. They were the same height, but Draven’s physique was much more sculpted. Even more so lately than it used to be. “Have you been working out?”
“Fuck off,” Draven scoffed at him, the guy had as much attitude as he had swagger. And he certainly had it. Reece was no talent scout, but the instant he ran into Draven on campus during Draven’s first year, Reece knew the guy was a natural who could go far as a model, but Draven had no desire to pursue modeling. He much preferred to dress models and Reece had to respect it, because Draven was good.
Draven led the way into K&R, a local cafe whose coffee and baked goods were second to none. The place had been expanding a lot lately, but the location on campus was special, and not only because it was the very first location.
Ivory made it special too. He was practically the face of the cafe, another popular icon around campus, one that was always associated with Draven for multiple reasons. Ivory embodied the energy and radiated the joy that was meant to greet the K&R customers. As soon as they were inside, there was Ivory behind the counter, a cheeky smile on his face, his hair piled up in a messy bun. Reece hadn’t seen Ivory since before he graduated, so he quickly noted the bottom half of his blond hair had been dyed pink. It suited him.
“Dravey, I was just about to text you back on my break.” Ivory was looking at Draven with hearts in his honey-brown eyes, and when Reece looked at Draven and found his hardened features newly softened and a smile on his lips, he was almost offended. He wasn’t surprised though.
“Surprise,” Draven said teasingly and Reece almost gagged.
“Get a room,” he grumbled under his breath and when Draven and Ivory turned their attention to him, Reece found himself distracted by a beast of a man coming from the back. He wasn’t as tall as Nick or Declan, but he was broad and thick and older. Reece didn’t think he’d ever laid eyes on a man more intimidating, but Reece was reminded never to judge a book by its cover when said beast laid a gentle, tattooed hand on Ivory’s shoulder and spoke kindly to him.
“Go ahead, Ivory. Take your break and play with your friends. I’ll take over.”
Reece heard Draven grit his teeth and glanced back at him to find his brows pinched and hazel eyes narrowed on that hand on Ivory’s shoulder. If only Nick could be that obsessed with him.
