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“At least they’re drawstring,” I mutter again and slip them on. My fingers graze the door handle and I think about how I got here. I’m about to climb into bed with Chase Reeves. The boy I once thought was cute and lashed out at because of my insecurities.
Because of what I thought everyone knew and wasn’t saying out loud.
They left you.
You weren’t good enough.
I step into the bedroom; it’s dim, with just one light on my side of the bed—a simple sconce on the wall. It casts a cozy glow, making the space feel warm and inviting in the darkness.
I assume it’s my side since Chase is asleep on the other, partially turned and facing the window. There’s more than enough room for two of me on this side of the bed, making the odds of us ever touching almost non-existent.
Super.
Slipping under the covers, I hold back another moan. This bed. I haven’t had relief like this in ages. Can we say five-star comfort?
I don’t know what it is, whether it’s the peace of knowing I’m safe tonight because Chase is beside me, or the fact that I’m not alone—or just the comfort of knowing I’m being protected…by four very capable men. It feels like I could finally get a good night’s sleep.
Instead of being kept up at night by the same nightmare I’ve had since I was eighteen.
11
The house is empty when I step in.
“Elliot?”
Silence.
Make that empty and quiet. It’s dark in here as usual. My brother and his stupid black curtains. The brightest soul of the Reeves brothers sure has one eerie obsession with darkness.
I pretend I don’t know.
We all pretend we don’t know about Ethan’s affairs. He hasn’t come out to Dad yet, but he’s told me. Levi and Noah always had their suspicions. Likely because when Dad is trying to set Elliot up with a Gwen or Teresa, our older brothers are a little too quiet.
There’s no joking or teasing when Dad brings up a new girl who would be perfect for Elliot. Just letting the conversation pass, knowing how uncomfortable it makes him.
My little brother just turned twenty-three. And all the kid wants to do is play hockey like his favorite player—me.
All I want? Is for him to stop hiding behind every sport he can get himself into just to keep Dad—and maybe the town, from being suspicious.
“The only one passing judgement here, is you,” I’d tell him. But it wouldn’t do any good.
Elliot stands before me—appearing from thin air. A part of me—a deep, deep part of me knows he’s not real. Knows this is another dream—but I embrace it. His presence—no matter how much in my head it is—is a bittersweet reminder of the bond we once shared.
He's choosing to come to me. And I won’t push him away.
Elliot’s eyes are vibrant with admiration—for me. For the only brother he looks up to.
The one who knows and doesn’t—would never, ever judge.
“Don’t look at me like that,” I say, my voice hoarse.
“Sorry. I wanted to say congratulations. You won tonight.”
“It’s not for you, Elliot.”
“Why not?”
“People get hurt—”
