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“Right,” Beau says with a laugh. “Well, since we’re here, can the facials wait? Can we hang out for a bit?”
I glance over at Max, who has his head cocked slightly, eyeing me curiously. He so knows. He has to.
This thing inside of me is shifting. It has been for weeks now, and I want to tell him about it. To get his reassurance. To get his approval.
I need him to understand. To tell me it’s okay. To tell me that I’ll be fine.
“Of course. Let me put some clothes on and we can sit outside. Wine?” Coop says.
“Hell yes,” Beau says. “The sweet kind. Lots of bubbles.”
Max chuckles and pulls Beau in for a kiss. “None for me. I’m driving.”
“So responsible,” Coop coos. “I have the perfect wine. Got it in Sonoma while I was on vacation. Bought it just for you, babe,” he adds and then disappears to change and grab the wine.
“Come on,” I say as I lead them outside to the balcony. It’s cool out, the setting sun having taken all the warm light with it. Now the sky is dark gray with just a sliver of moon and a few stars shining. The ocean sweeps and crashes in the distance, the tide high, but even still, it’s relaxing, calming even. I love sitting out here, just listening to it. I’m going to miss it when I have to leave.
“So, dude, how are you settling in?” Max asks, and I shrug as I turn the heaters on, the blast of warmth settling around us as we all take a seat. My usual spot feels slightly empty without Coop to cuddle into.
I realize I need to get a grip, that this isn’t normal, but at the same time, I can’t help but feel this way. Maybe this isn’t normal for everyone, but maybe it’s my normal.
“I mean, it could be worse,” I joke, and Beau laughs as Max leans forward, his elbows on his knees, his eyebrows meeting in concentration.
“Yeah, but in all honesty, you seem happier,” Max says, and I feel my cheeks heat. Damn heaters always making me so fucking red.
But the truth is, I am happier. I’m more relaxed too. For the first time in my life, I have someone who takes care of me. Even if it’s all temporary and somewhat of a ploy on Coop’s part. I still don’t know what he’s getting out of this and honestly, part of me never wants to find out.
I want to live in blissful ignorance.
“Guess I am,” I tell him and then lean back, watching as Coop strides out with a few wine glasses and a bottle tucked under his arm. He’s put on some silk pants and a long-sleeve sweater. But under it, I can make out the fabric of my white undershirt sitting against his skin, and my heart flips excitedly.
I’ll never admit it, but the fact that he wears my clothes makes me melt into a puddle of goo.
“So, tell us all about your honeymoon. What did you do?” Coop asks as he takes a seat on my lounger, a little too far away from me.
I take the wine bottle and work on uncorking it, handing it to him when I’m done and watching as he pours a few glasses. If my body shifts slightly toward him, it’s just gravity.
“And please, no sex stories. I really don’t want to imagine Beau doing any of that stuff.”
Beau grins and then leans into Max.
“No sex stories. Promise. Just lots of romantic interludes.”
Coop grins widely as he hands Beau a glass and then one to me. Our fingers brush and I feel myself heat from just this simple touch. Jesus, I need to get a grip.
“So, tell us everything,” Coop says, spreading his legs out in front of him and crossing them at the ankles. I wish he’d sit behind me and hold me against him. Not that I ask him to. I just sit there, inches away from him and sip at my wine, trying to be as cool as a cucumber.
I’m not managing it very well. I keep fidgeting and scooting closer and closer until our legs are pressed together. Coop glances down at where our bodies finally meet and his lips twitch slightly.
Beau doesn’t seem to notice, just prattles on about what the two of them have been up to. The things they did, the places they went. I should be a better brother, ask questions and listen with rapt attention, but to be honest, I barely hear a word he’s saying.
“Hey, Matt,” Max says abruptly when Beau pauses to take a breath. “Can you show me where the bathroom is? I have to pee.”
I nod and stand just as Coop lets out a small laugh. “Honestly, can you not remember where it is? You’ve been here before.”
“I can’t remember,” Max says with a stupid grin.
That fucker. I know what he’s doing. He’s trying to get me to tell him something. To open up. Hell, I want to. I want to tell him everything.
