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He kissed Liam but kept it short. A frown creased Coury’s brow when he moved back.
“What’s wrong?” Liam asked.
“Beckett.”
“What?” Liam turned toward the door. “Is he here?”
Coury tapped Liam on the shoulder. “No, silly. I need to call him and tell him about us.”
“Right now?” Liam knew they should, but he didn’t want anything to ruin the mood.
“Last time I didn’t tell him right away and it ended badly. I want him to know before anyone else.”
“I guess.” Too late. His good feeling was waning already.
“Hey.” Coury pulled him in tight. “I’m not going to hide we’re together. Nothing he says will push me away again. I promise.”
“You’re right, but he has this way of needing me to listen to him. I’m worried he’s going to freak.”
“Do you trust me?” Coury smiled happily.
“Um . . . yeah.” He earned another kiss for his snark.
“I mean, do you trust me with this?”
Funny how Beckett’s best friend knew him better than his brother. “I do.”
“Then don’t worry. It might be a bit awkward, but I’m positive he’ll be fine.” Coury dug out his phone.
Liam sat on the bed to put on his socks. He admired the strength of Coury’s conviction. If he decided something, he acted.
“Hey, Becks.” Coury didn’t sound quite as confident as he had a moment ago. “Yeah, we’re talking. We always were, you just lost my number or something.”
Coury laughed at what Beckett said. Sucking in a deep breath, he plowed ahead. “Listen. I need you to not lose your shit for a few minutes and hear everything I have to say. . . . Yes, you. . . . It’s a scientific fact.”
He touched his fingers to his lips and turned them toward Liam. “Here’s the deal. Liam and I are together.”
Chapter Twenty-Six
Liam
Coury tossed the ball harder than the last time, but Liam caught it without flinching. All the time practicing with Coury had paid off. Even his return throws had improved dramatically.
Proof that he could do more if he applied himself to baseball like he did to studying. All it took was the rest of the semester. He’d still never be good, but he held his own. It allowed him to give something back to Coury.
The back door opened, and Helen backed out laden with things for the barbeque. Coury flicked off his mitt, jogged over, and held out his hands for the large wicker tray.
“I can get that.”
Helen smiled and patted his cheek. “Thank you, Coury.”
Liam thought his heart would burst. Typical of his guy. Always there to help without being asked.
A second later, Pop pushed open the door, and it was Liam’s turn. Pop gave him the platter of food without a word.
“When is Beckett coming?” Pop asked.
“You’re asking me?” Liam rolled his eyes. “I’d say he’ll be late, but we all know how well things went the last time I said that.”
A pair of hands slipped around his waist and warm lips kissed his nape. “Early, on time, or late. Won’t matter this time.”
“If he’s too late, he’ll miss dinner,” Pop said.
“It’s a Friday, Albert. He might get stuck in traffic.”
“I can call him if you like,” Coury said. “He has Bluetooth in the car, right?”
Leaning back, Liam nudged his cheek to Coury’s. “He does. The question is does he know how to use it.”
“Stop.” Coury hugged him tighter. “He’s—”
Coury’s phone rang, so Liam reluctantly stepped forward. “Is that him?”
“No.” Coury’s confused tone had Liam turning around. “Coach Brophy.”
“Today?”
He shrugged and tapped his phone. “Hello?”
Although he wanted to listen, Liam joined his grandfather at the grill. “And?”
“I don’t know,” Pop said. “But the call is a good sign.”
“No, sir. I haven’t changed my mind.”
Liam’s stomach flipped. Coach Brophy had asked Coury a few times if he was sure he didn’t want to put in for the draft. Why was he asking him again now?
“Really?” Coury’s face gave him away. Whatever the coach said, it pushed all his buttons.
Hard as he tried not to worry, Liam wanted this to be what he hoped. Coury deserved it for all he did for everyone.
“Wait, the Harrisburg Senators? Really?”
He tamped down his hope. Despite how Coury bounced, he wouldn’t relax until he knew for sure.
“Yes. Of course.” Coury smiled and flashed a thumbs up. “Yes, sir. Please tell them I’ll be in touch. And thank you. This is amazing.”
Coury listened, his smile practically splitting his face in half. “Thank you again, Coach. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate this.” He laughed. “Yes, sir. I will absolutely come ready to pitch.”
Digging deep for every ounce of control, Liam tried to hide his excitement. It had to be what he expected, but he needed to hear it before he was sure.
Coury stared at his phone for another second, pocketed it, and rushed over. “That was Coach Brophy.”
“Yeah, I heard.”
