Page 103 of Revival

I could say no. I could tell Spencer he should leave to make sure Ollie isn’t uncomfortable, but then he brushes his fingers through my hair, and the soothing touch chases away the doubt.

“Nothing is happening here besides some cuddling.”

Ollie makes a retching sound. “Is he your boyfriend?”

Oh fuck. What do I say here? We agreed not to tell anyone, but I can’t lie to my son. Not when the evidence of something he’d rather not have to confront is staring him in the face.

Our relationship was built on honesty. I believe we’re close because of the trust we built when it was just the two of us making our way through this world together.

I lick my lips.

“He’s someone special to me.”

“That sounds like he’s your boyfriend.”

“I don’t think adults use that term so much.” I wouldn’t know. Sebastian and I went from dating to engaged quicker than I care to admit out loud. My last official boyfriend was Ollie’s father before he was born.

“I’ll be your boyfriend,” Spencer says behind me.

Ollie grimaces. “Don’t ask out my mom in front of me.”

“We don’t know what this is yet, Ollie. I’d appreciate if you didn’t share this with anyone else. For tonight, he heard I was hurting, and he came over to help.”

Oliver gives a hasty nod. “I’m leaving.”

I smother my smile with my duvet. “Order dinner if you’re hungry. I didn’t get around to cooking.”

“Don’t forget that I’m here. In my room. With the door open!” Oliver spins on a heel and leaves my bedroom door cracked.

I burrow back into Spencer with a groan.

“I think he just gave us the don’t-have-sex talk,” Spencer jokes, tucking my hair behind my ear.

“They grow up so fast.” My lashes flutter at his soft touches.

“That didn’t go so bad.”

“What?”

“Letting someone you know find out about us.”

Oliver’s horrified face springs to mind again, and I can’t help but smile. “Yeah.”

“Cortney?”

“Hmm?”

“Can I be your boyfriend?” His next laugh is nervous. “Never thought I’d ask that question again.”

My eyes pop open wide in the dark room. “You want to be my boyfriend?”

His voice is measured and quiet. “I want whatever this is to be serious. I wantyouto know it’s serious. And when you’re ready, I want whoever we run into to know it’s serious.”

“Sounds like you’ve given this some thought.”

“Just about the only thing I’ve thought about in the last month.” His thumb rubs across my knuckles.

“I know exactly how that feels.”

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