Page 38

OLLIE

Ollie had the coffee brewed by the time Dex arrived. Harper hadn’t surfaced from his room, but given what he’d said about not sleeping well, Ollie wouldn’t wake him.

“I’ve got croissants today.” Dex raised his bag as he entered the apartment. “We can do breakfast sandwiches.”

“Hell yeah.” Ollie led him into the kitchen. “I’ve got eggs and everything else we need, so it’s perfect.”

“That’s what I like to hear. I’m starving.” Dex unpacked a box of croissants and a bunch of bananas.

“You work up an appetite last night?” Ollie teased.

Dex peeled a banana and took a bite, shrugging slyly. “Maybe.”

Ollie waggled his eyebrows. “Anyone worth seeing again?”

“I didn’t get that vibe. Or a phone number.” Dex hadn’t had a steady relationship or anything resembling one in years. Even his interest in hooking up seemed to come and go.

For a flash, Ollie wished Dex had a mate. He deserved that kind of partnership even more than Ollie. Someone he’d never lose, never have to worry about dying or being taken from him .

“How about you, still over hookups?” Dex asked around another bite of banana.

“Huh?” Ollie’s face burned. “I mean, yeah. Something like that. I’m never redownloading that app.”

“Come out with me next time. You know I’m a good wingman.”

He was, but Ollie wouldn’t ever need that particular help from Dex again. “I don’t know, maybe. How’s selling the car going?”

“Good. I’ve got a buyer lined up. Should be done this week. I’m going to call a realtor soon too. Selling the car made me realize it’s past time to get out of the condo, you know? I probably won’t even bother renting the parking space unless it looks like it’ll take a long time to sell the place.”

“You want to be out that soon?”

“It’d be for the best. I need a fresh start. Not that I’m leaving the city,” he added quickly. “I couldn’t leave everything I have. Especially you.”

Ollie was hit with a rush of affection. “I couldn’t leave you either. But if you wanted a bigger change, you wouldn’t lose me.”

A hint of sadness crept into Dex’s gaze. A blink later, it was gone. “No, I wouldn’t. But all I’m doing is selling the condo. I probably won’t even move neighborhoods.”

“Why would you? We already live in the best one.” They shared a smile. “Let me know if you need help with anything. Selling the place is going to be so much work.”

“You’re going to regret offering.”

“Ugh. Don’t ask me to clean.” Ollie almost regretted it. He didn’t because he’d be there for Dex no matter what. But cleaning was not his favorite.

“Yep. You’re helping scrub the place for sure.” Dex looked more closely at Ollie. “You seem better than the last time I saw you.”

Ollie averted his eyes. “I am.”

“You want to talk about it?”

Ollie had been vague when Dex asked how he was doing last time. Everything had felt unimaginable and confusing, and if he were honest, he hadn’t wanted to share the worst of it.

Today was different.

“Something, um, happened at the beach last week.”

Dex put his banana down. “Something like what?”

Ollie’s hand found his throat of its own volition. “I was there with Dante. Hanging out. He works with seabirds. But, um, this man attacked me.”

“Oh my god.” Dex grabbed Ollie’s shoulder. “What do you mean attacked you? How?”

Ollie scrambled for a lie. “I think he wanted to mug me, maybe? I’m okay, physically.

Obviously. But he held a knife to my throat, and I keep flashing back to it.

I didn’t want to tell you before. I didn’t know what to say.

Dante saved me, which should make me feel lucky, but the whole thing shouldn’t have happened. You know?”

All Ollie’s fears from that day came rushing back. His fear of dying, fear of being bound to Dante, and his fear of an unknown future. He wasn’t wrong about it all, was he? For a second, he doubted everything. Was he being a fool with Dante, thinking he’d ever choose this?

No. He wouldn’t sink back into that mindset. He and Dante might have bonded out of a horrible situation, but that didn’t cancel out what they had. They were fated. And as mindboggling as that was, it was Ollie’s guarantee of something good.

“Of course it shouldn’t have happened.” Dex hugged Ollie close. “I’m so sorry. That’s awful. But I’m so glad you weren’t hurt. ”

If only that were true. “Seems like a miracle,” Ollie mumbled.

Dex pulled back to inspect him. “Did the guy get away?”

Ollie nodded. “I think that’s part of what freaked me out. Why I couldn’t tell you.”

“You had to process, Ollie. That’s okay. I’m glad Dante was there.” Dex looked heartbroken, knowing Ollie had almost been hurt. He’d experienced so much loss. This kind of thing always affected Dex deeply. He had to be running through all the worst-case scenarios in his head, and Ollie hated that.

“Me too. I didn’t know what was happening, but Dante did everything he could.” Ollie reached for his coffee mug. “I’ve been hanging out with Dante more, since then. He’s been helping. Talking to me and listening. It’s been nice.”

Dex smiled and it warmed his cool eyes. “So he’s being good to you?”

Ollie bit his lip. “Very. I shouldn’t have been so worried about him. I think we’re going to turn into something.”

Dex’s brow creased. “Something like dating?”

“Yeah. It’s what I’ve always wanted with him.”

“Oh, you’re being honest with yourself now. Great.”

“Shut up.” Ollie shoved Dex’s shoulder, then said more seriously, “I talked to Dante about my exes and told him my hang-ups. It made everything easier. I think I’m making progress and can figure this out in a way I couldn’t before.”

“That’s so great. I knew you’d get here. Didn’t I tell you?” Dex slung an arm over Ollie’s shoulders. “You can trust yourself, Ollie.”

“You know, Dex, I think you’re right.”