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Pushing the food to the side, Bas lifted him onto the counter, tangled his fingers in Kai’s hair, and kissed him until he couldn’t breathe. “Thank you.”
A pink flush tinted his cheeks, and he looked a little dazed, but the tightness hadn’t eased from his shoulders. “It’s just some fish.”
It was about so much more than the food, though.
He had said goodbye to his own sister not moments before crisis had struck. Despite having his own shit to deal with, he hadn’t hesitated when Bas had needed him. For someone who claimed to not be a people person, he was pretty damn good at taking care of everyone around him.
“You amaze me, darlin’.”
“Well, yes, I am fairly amazing.” Sitting up straighter, he wrapped his arms around Bas’ neck and pulled him closer until their lips met in a sweet, lazy kiss. “We should get this on the table so everyone can eat.”
The guy was also an expert at deflection, but Bas wasn’t going to let him hide behind sarcasm this time. Unwinding Kai’s arms from his neck, he brought his hands to his lips and kissed each palm in turn. Then he reached behind him, sliding his cell phone out of his back pocket.
“I’ve got dinner.” He pressed the phone into Kai’s hand, making a point of closing his fingers around it. “Call Melissa. It’ll make you feel better.”
Kai stared at the blank screen for a long time before shaking his head and jumping down from the counter. “I don’t want to distract her while she’s driving. I’ll call her later.”
“Kai.”
“I’ll call her.” Placing the phone on the counter, he opened the nearest cabinet and began pulling plates down. “Just not right now, okay?”
“What aren’t you telling me?” He held his hands up when Kai glared at him over his shoulder. “I’m not trying to fight with you. I just want you to talk to me.”
“I’m fine.” A tired sigh rolled off his lips. “I just want to get this food on the table before it gets cold.” Kai wouldn’t look at him, but when he passed by the window, the waning rays of sun glistened off a single tear as it trekked down his cheek. “Maybe I should toss everything in the oven for a few minutes. Do you know where a cookie sheet is?”
“Hey.” Removing the plates from his hands, Bas set them to the side and cupped his cheeks, forcing him to meet his gaze. “Forget the food for a minute. Talk to me.”
“It’s nothing.” He sniffed a few times and wiped roughly at his face. “I guess the day is just catching up with me.”
Bas locked his arm around him and held tight when he tried to pull away. “Kai, talk to me. What’s really going on?”
“I was really scared for your sister, and I hate what she’s going through, but all I can think about…” Trailing off, he closed his eyes and shook his head. “Never mind.”
“You’re worried about Melissa.”
“Yes,” he breathed without opening his eyes. “I know you think I’m crazy, but there it is.”
He didn’t expect Kai to abandon his sister or never worry about her. He just wanted him to see that he didn’t have to sacrifice his own happiness in order to be his sister’s savior.
Basically, the same thing Annette had been trying to tell him.
Damn karma.
“I don’t think you’re crazy.” He brushed the tears from his cheeks, then followed with a kiss. “I think you’re gorgeous and smart. I think you have a big heart, but you’re afraid to let people see it. I think you love your sister and would do anything for her.”
“I do. I would.”
He leaned in until his lips brushed the curve of Kai’s jaw. “I think you’ve had to be strong for so long that you’ve forgotten how to lean on someone else.” Lowering his voice, he whispered the next words. “I think you’re afraid to let yourself be happy.”
“I’m happy,” he answered, his tone defensive. A heartbeat later, he sagged back against the counter and shook his head. “Can I tell you a secret?”
Bas nodded.
“I have no idea what I’m doing.”
A secret indeed. Bas had the feeling it was the first time in his life Kai had ever admitted that to another living person. Luckily, Bas had broad shoulders.
“Then, lean on me. You don’t always have to be strong, Kai.” Framing his heart-shaped face between his hands, he kissed both eyes, the tip of his nose, his lips. “Lean on me, and I promise I’ll never let you fall.”
