Page 52 of New Year

“Me too.” God, but he did have feelings for Zack. Big feelings, and those feelings scared him, because he’d been wrong before. He wanted to take the leap into a relationship, but he was also terrified of crashing to the bottom again.

The toaster popped up two waffles.

“What if we take things a day at a time?” Zack asked. “Hell, half a day. Let’s have breakfast. I don’t go into work until after brunch is over, so we’ve got time. Tomorrow’s my day off. If Chase doesn’t need you all day, maybe we can do something. Go out to lunch or see a movie.”

“Yeah?”

“Of course. No big rush into things. But if you want, you can put your clothing tub in the bedroom. Maybe hang a few shirts in the closet?”

Nat grinned, loving that Zack saidthebedroom and notmybedroom. “Okay. I like that plan.”

“Excellent.”

* * *

Monday morning, Chase needed Nat for a few hours to drive him to a doctor’s appointment, and then agreed to release him in the afternoon to spend time with Zack. Nat hadn’t been alone with Chase since before Saturday night’s amazing date with Zack—Chase had napped most of Sunday and not wanted company—so he wasn’t sure what to expect when he went next door to fetch Chase.

Chase was in his recliner with his double-handled mug of coffee, and a morning program on television. He was dressed and smiled brightly when Nat entered the living room. “Good morning, young Nathaniel.”

“Morning, Chase. Did you have a good weekend? I didn’t really see you.”

“I did, yes. But I think I overdid it Saturday by working at River Bistro so late. I slept most of yesterday.” He didn’t seem annoyed with himself, which Chase sometimes did when speaking of his limitations. Just accepting of the consequences of pushing himself too hard.

“How do you feel today?”

“A little more energetic than the last few days. How are you feeling?”

Nat’s breath caught. “I feel fine.”

“Are you going to need a pillow to sit on today?”

“Dude.” Nat’s face flushed. “What did Zack tell you?”

“Breathe, my friend, he didn’t give me any details about anything. I’m assuming, because I’m horny and a little jealous, and because I know how good Zack is in bed when he gets going.”

The complete lack of anything except kindness in Chase’s hopeful smile kept Nat from taking offense, or from being even a smidgen jealous of Zack and Chase’s history. Nat and Zack hadn’t had penetrative sex last night; they’d rubbed off together before falling asleep in Zack’s bed. Their bed?

He also didn’t want any misunderstandings between himself and Chase. “I’m not taking advantage of Zack for a place to stay.”

“I know. I don’t think anyone could truly take advantage of Zack when he’s in full control, which he always has been. At least, he’s been in full control when I’ve been in his life, and that’s not tooting my own horn. It’s just the man I know now and knew back then.” Chase carefully put his coffee mug on the side table. “Am I fucking this up? I’m not trying to offend you, Nat. I really hope if you and Zack had sex that you’re happy about it. He’s an amazing person, and I think you’re pretty great, too. I think you two could be great together.”

Nat stepped deeper into the room and perched on the corner of the couch, nerves soothed by Chase’s complete acceptance of Nat into Zack’s life. “I think we’re pretty great together, too. Zack’s amazing. He’s…kind.”

“And kindness is hard to find nowadays?”

“Yeah. Really hard.”

“Hard enough to need a pillow?”

“Not answering that.”

“Fair. Can I safely assume he told you about Brett and Riley?”

“He did.” Nat picked at the hem of his shirt. “I can relate to someone you care about turning into a completely different person than the one you thought you knew. I’m glad everything turned out good with Riley.”

“So am I. My heart broke for him when Zack first told me that story. Zack had become a man I’d never met. I’m proud of him for recognizing the dangerous path he was on and self-correcting. I’m proud of anyone who finally says enough, and walks away.” His intense gaze silently said that pride was extended to Nat, too, even though Nat had never shared details of his relationship with Austin.

“It’s not easy to admit you’ve made a huge mistake,” Nat said slowly. “Not to yourself or to other people.”

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