Page 36 of Beck

“First, you don’t need to apologise for messaging late. You know I don’t mind. And second, are you ready to tell me what’s going on between you two?”

Ethan’s no-nonsense tone sent Kole’s pulse spiking, but he couldn’t lie to him. Not when they were talking; he’d hear it in Kole’s voice.

“Not really. But only because I don’t know what’s going on if I’m honest.”

Ethan said nothing for a moment. “Is this something we need to talk out face to face?”

Was it? Kole needed someone to talk to, but was bringing Ethan into it the best option?

“I’d be happy to discuss some things, but I can’t tell you everything.”

“I understand that. If it won’t help you, I’ll leave it alone, but you sound like you need an ear.”

“I do,” Kole answered honestly.

“You order the pizza. I’ll bring the vodka.”

Before Kole could argue, Ethan had hung up. Resigning himself to a long night—but also inwardly grateful to his best friend—he ordered their usual food, despite being unlikely to be able to eat it.

Half an hour later, Ethan was at his door, and the man pulled Kole in for a hug straight away.

“I was wondering how long it would take for you to need to talk about it.” Ethan pulled back and gave a lopsided grin. “Whateveritis.”

Kole pushed him away with a laugh. “You’re nosey, that’s your problem.”

“Oh, honey. I have so many problems I wouldn’t know where to start.” Ethan snorted and headed for the sofa, placing the bottle of clear liquid on the coffee table. “I couldn’t decide what juice to bring, so I brought apple juice, orange juice and some coke. The drink, not the drugs.”

Kole handed Ethan two glasses and settled beside him, tucking his legs beneath him and resting his elbow on the back of the sofa. “I can always rely on you to make me laugh.”

“Not just me.” Ethan side-eyed him, and Kole exhaled, staring at Ethan’s hands as he made their drinks.

“There is a lot I can’t tell you, Ethan.”

“And that’s fine. But just know, whatever you tell me will never go further than these four walls if you say it can’t.”

“I know. But it’s not my story to tell.”

Ethan nodded, handing him a drink. “Understood.” He leaned back, meeting Kole’s gaze. “How are you?”

Kole sighed. “Tired.” He frowned. “Worried. Unsure.” He stared into his glass. “Scared,” he whispered.

Ethan’s hand dropped onto his forearm. “Scared of what? Is someone bothering you? Is Beck bothering you?”

Kole shook his head quickly. “No, not Beck. Never Beck.” He licked his lips. “I’m scared of falling in love with him.”

“Oh, Kole. It’s a little too late to be scared offalling,don’t you think?”

Kole closed his eyes and swallowed against the lump in his throat. He opened his eyes again and gave a wry smile. “Let me rephrase. I’m scared ofbeingin love with Beck.”

Ethan squeezed his arm and let go. “He’s not Andrew. He would never be Andrew, I can almost swear to that.”

“I know that. I truly do. My brain keeps flitting between knowing that and being scared.”

“What is scaring you the most?”

Kole considered the question while sipping his drink, wincing at the strength. “Giving it a go and realising we’re bad for each other.”

“I doubt that would be true, but I can see why it might be a worry.” He scraped his teeth over his lip. “I know nothing aboutBeck’s past, but I know Beck, and so does Joey. If he wasn’t a good guy, he wouldn’t be working with them.”

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