Page 55 of Full Split

I give her a sympathetic look. “Fifteen minutes from now, he’ll feel great. Energized. Maybe inspired. He’s gonna start bouncing off the walls and suddenly want to alphabetize something.” I pause. “No one’s sleeping tonight.”

That last line? Not for Aimee.

I hear Niles swear softly from the hall, and even though I’m disappointed, too, I can’t help but chuckle. It feels a little like payback for the mega-mart.

CHAPTER 17

NILES

Wyatt’s throwing a backyard BBQ to celebrate us heading to Worlds. It doubles as a birthday party for me, since I’ll turn twenty-one in Belgium.

The weather is gorgeous after several days of near-constant rain. There’s good food and music, and tons of friends all having a great time. I should be having a great time, too. I should be happy.

Instead, I’m getting frustrated plotting how to corner Wyatt and get him alone. It’s been seven and a half days since we’ve been together, and I’m losing my mind.

I’ve gone months without getting laid before. And it didn’t bother me too much, especially when I was keeping myself busy. But now? Now that I’ve got Wyatt’s gorgeous, surprisingly filthy mouth available?

I’msuffering.

I was getting so used to getting off daily, a week feels like withdrawal.

It’s not just the sex. It’s also just being alone with him. Talking, really talking, and getting to know him on a whole other level. The talking was what was doing the most towards all the progress we were making.

It’s taken him longer to get comfortable enough with our new dynamic. He’s afraid that what we’re doing is wrong. Not because he’s been my coach. Not even because of the age difference. It’s all because I’m Weston’s best friend. Someone he’s known since childhood. It doesn’t matter how much I tell and show him I’m an adult, who is perfectly capable of making my own decisions. It doesn’t matter that I’m the one who demanded—hell, practically forced—him to see me this way.

I was finally getting him right where I wanted him—on all fours and begging for it—then my so-called best friend had to cock-block me for the last two days we had before we had to leave for Worlds prep training because he’s allergic to fucking cats. On top of that, since his girlfriend is busy with the start of a brand-new semester, he hasn’t left me or Wyatt alone for more than five minutes since we got home the day before yesterday.

Every time I get close to Wyatt, someone gets in my way. First, Sid intercepts him, dragging him into a long conversation about some new promotional material for the gym. Then someone knocks over a whole platter of cupcakes. I help him clean up the mess just to have a reason to be close to him, then follow him to the trash cans when he goes to throw out the mess.

The moment we turn the corner, I don’t even attempt to pretend I followed him out here for anything else. I’m just about to lean in, hoping at least to steal a kiss, when someone shouts his name from the patio.

I pout. He groans.

When Weston comes around the corner, I glare at him. He doesn’t notice, leaning in to whisper something into Wyatt’s ear. Whatever it’s about, Wyatt tenses, nods, and walks towards the front of the house.

I pull Weston to the side to ask him what’s going on, but before I can get anything out of him, there’s a commotion. My mom is carrying out a giant cake and everyone starts singing.

Fucking hell.

Finally, I make up an excuse to pull Wyatt aside. I grab his wrist, drag him inside the house, and shove him straight into the guest bathroom.

He blinks, confused.

Then I lock the door.

“Niles—”

“Hmm?”

“We can’t?—”

“Can’t what?”

“Niles, we’ll get caught.”

“You’re really cute when you try to be responsible.” I kiss him. Hard. Then push him against the door. I know he’s missed me too, because he can’t resist me. His mouth moves under mine automatically.

I reach for his belt.