Page 113 of These Wicked Hearts

“I’m afraid I’ll lose him as a friend,” I admit. “I’m afraid I’ll walk up to his door and he’ll tell me to fuck off. That his life is better without me in it. That he never wants to see me again.”

Gage’s hand slides onto my thigh, giving me a squeeze. “I can’t imagine anyone not wanting to see you.”

I glance at him quickly then force my gaze back on the road. “You didn’t want to see me again.”

I sigh. “And yet here I am driving to upstate New York, huh?”

“That’s because you like my ass.”

Gage is quiet for a moment. “Hey.” He pats my leg then massages the muscle. “He’s not going to say any of that. Okay? He’s not.”

I find the number I’m looking for on the mailbox. It’s not up on a hill like his old place, but I haven’t seen another house for a bit. Of course Grey found a house in the middle of nowhere.

We pull into his driveway, and I see his pickup truck parked by the blue house. There are flowers planted in boxes along the front of the house, and a small stone path leads up to a big porch. There’s a swinging chair sitting on it that looks big enough for multiple people.

Or just Grey and Felix.

“Hey.”

I look at Gage and feel my heart race out of my chest.

“Look at me.”

I do, because I mean, look at him. He’s so pretty. His fingers lace the back of my neck, squeezing the tension out of it.

“He’s going to be happy to see you.”

“You don’t know that.”

Gage watches me a moment. “I don’t, you’re right, but I promise I’ll be here in case he doesn’t.” He leans in, brushing his lips against mine. Quick and steadying. “I got you, Atlas. We didn’t come this far to chicken out.”

“I’m not a chicken,” I grumble. “I’m a majestic eagle.”

He laughs, resting his forehead on mine. “Fuck me, you’re ridiculous.” He presses a quick kiss to my forehead then pulls back, and I look beyond him out the passenger window. Grey stands in his doorway, staring at us.

“Fuck. Okay, here we go.”

“You want me to get out?”

“Please.”

He nods and I’m out of my truck. Each step toward Grey feels heavier than the last. My thoughts spiral, but I try to focus on Gage’s footsteps behind me.

“He’s going to punch me.”

“He’s not going to punch you,” Gage whispers.

“Atlas?” Grey’s voice feels like a relief. He glances back into his home and Felix appears behind him. He stares at me for half a second, just long enough for my stomach to clench. Then he moves, grabbing me and pulling me into a crushing hug. “Holy shit, I missed you.”

It knocks the air out of my lungs. My arms hesitate a moment before wrapping around him. “I missed you too.”

He pulls back, hands still on my shoulders. That’s when I remember we have an audience. Grey looks over my shoulder at Gage then looks back at me. “Who um . . .”

“This is my friend, Gage.” I’m still thrown by Grey’s hug. I’d braced for a punch. “He came with me.”

“Hey.” Gage gives them a tiny wave.

Grey looks him over briefly. “I was just on my way down to campus. I have to do something quickly. It’s not far from here. I won’t be long. I um, I wish I knew you were coming.”