And only then did Nick whisper, “I’m sorry, Ree.”
He cursed himself and held Reece until Declan tiptoed his way into the room and took off his pants by the bed, getting in behind Nick.
“Declan James. I will literally fuck you up so bad you’ll never play basketball again.”
“Relax, man. The couch is too damn small for my ass. The bed’s got plenty of room. Somebody’s gotta watch your ass anyway.”
“You better count your fuckin’ blessings and be glad Ree’s here to protect your ass.”
“Thanks, Ree. Night!”
Seconds later, Declan was snoring. It took a lot longer for Nick to fall asleep, but he was in heaven having Reece in his arms, his nose in those soft blond locks, breathing in the scent of his shampoo, feeling Reece’s soft breaths until finally, he drifted off too.
And he dreamt of Reece in all white, a pretty blue flower in his hair, and a smile on his face that stole Nick’s breath away.
39
Chapter 39 - Reece
Reece thought he was dreaming when he woke up. His body was draped halfway over Nick’s and Nick was lying on his back, Reece’s legs tangled with his in that habitual way they’d come to have.
He was so warm. So comfortable that Reece didn’t want to move. He just wanted to savor that dream. But then Nick’s large hand laid over his head, long fingers combing through his hair, and it felt too real to be a dream.
Then he remembered the night before. Nick and Declan at his show, joining him at the after-party. He remembered dancing with them both, and there were vague flashes of being in the car with them, and being in Nick’s arms, and Nick looming over him, taking off his clothes.
His head lifted as it all hit him at once, and as Reece’s eyes locked on Nick’s, getting captivated by those endless pools of blue, he felt himself heating up all over.
“Mornin’,” Nick said, and Reece went lax, his body melting over Nick’s because oh, it felt like he was home. Like every day of agony had never even existed. He could’ve taken it all over again, just to have this moment.
“G-good morning,” Reece said, clearing his throat when his voice cracked. “I… I must’ve fallen asleep.”
“Yeah.” The corner of his lips quirked up, and he looked both distracted and content as he brushed Reece’s bangs back off his forehead.
“You put me to bed… You’re still here?”
“You asked me to stay.”
“Oh—” Reece sat up, wondering what he should say or do to make things not be awkward. “I’m sorry…” What more could he say? He was far from over Nick, and just as hopeless as ever. Maybe even more than ever.
“Sorry for what? I wanted to stay.”
Nick sat up too, but Reece stared at his legs as he tucked them under himself, lacing his fingers together between them. What did Nick mean by that? Reece wasn’t sure, but his eyes were burning regardless. “You did?”
“I did,” Nick said, curling a finger under Reece’s chin and forcing him to lift his head. He felt intimidated looking into Nick’s eyes, but bit his lip and willed himself not to look away. “Listen… We should talk.”
Reece sighed shakily, not knowing what to make of that. The last time Nick wanted to talk to him, it went horribly, but did that mean it would be the opposite this time? Why was he here? Why was he being so soft with Reece? Hugging him and coming to his show and putting him to bed and sleeping with him and—
“I fucked up. My head was a mess. It’s still a damn mess. I don’t want to get in your way or anything, Ree, but fuck, I don’t want to just let you go either. I should’ve fuckin’ talked to you, I just… I don’t fuckin’ know. I panicked.”
Reece’s heart was pounding. Was Nick taking it all back? Was he saying that he wanted them to go back to how things used to be?
“Alright, you two, time to eat. We ain’t got all day, unfortunately.”
Reece looked at the door where Declan stood, shirtless, with his brown hair a mess. “Oh no… What time is it?”
“We’ve got some time,” Nick scoffed, muttering under his breath about wanting to get his hands on Declan.
“Seriously, food’s here. Let’s eat, or I might eat it all myself.”
