Page 105 of Something Like Winter

Ben was apologizing again, the regret in his voice like a knife in Tim’s chest. How could Ben regret what had felt so perfect? Tim soon forgot his pain when he heard Jace’s response.

“It’s all right.”

Ben’s reply mirrored Tim’s thoughts. “What?”

“I said it’s all right.” Jace was closer to the entrance and easier to hear. “I knew something like this would happen eventually, if it hadn’t already.”

“I didn’t do anything with him before!” Ben replied. “Just now, I promise.” There was a pause, Tim straining to hear more when Ben spoke again. “Aren’t you angry?”

“Not really. Old feelings don’t just disappear overnight. It’s normal that you and Tim still find each other attractive.”

Great. Now Jace was channeling Eric, sending a surge of guilt zipping down to Tim’s stomach.

“That’s it?” Ben didn’t sound happy. “I wish youwerepissed. At least then I could tell that you care.”

“I care.” Jace’s voice was louder now. “I just thought I’d give you the benefit of the doubt.”

“What’s there to doubt? You saw everything. I did something stupid, and you should hate me for it.”

No, it wasn’t stupid. They did what they both desperately wanted. Tim leaned closer to hear Jace’s response, his ear grazing the waterfall.

“I’d never hate you.”

Nice move, but Tim wasn’t about to let things turn sweet again. He pushed through the entrance, grinning shamelessly at Jace as he waded into the pool. “Hey, it’s my fault. I grabbed him and started kissing him. Ben wasn’t even kissing back. Really. Please don’t blame him.”

Jace nodded as if considering his words. Then he pulled his fist back and swung so fast that Tim didn’t even have time to flinch. Boom! Those big gentle hands of his fucking hurt! Tim fell backwards into the water, laid out so flat that this time his head went under. He felt hands grab him and pull him up again, but he didn’t need to wipe the water from his eyes to know they belonged to Jace. Tim’s head was still reeling from the punch, but as soon as it cleared, he would tear Jace to pieces. The asshole even helped Tim lean against a wall so he could recover, making him all the more livid.

Jace released him and turned toward Ben. “How’s that for angry? Come on, we’re going home.”

Tim looked at Ben, waiting for him to say no, to declare his love for him. But instead he followed Jace out of the cave, only sparing him the smallest of glances. Tim let him go. There would be another time when Jace wasn’t around, when they couldn’t be interrupted, and then Ben would be free to give into the feelings they both shared. Tim wasn’t giving up. Not now. Not ever.

* * * * *

Rubbing his jaw, Tim made his way to the front of the park, hoping to catch Ben and Jace in another argument on the way, but they seemed to have disappeared. He didn’t know how. Were they going to walk back to Austin? It was that or wait for Marcello’s party buses to shuttle most people home.

The restaurant hosting Marcello’s party was packed now, people trading fun in the sun for cool drinks in the shade. Tim wished he hadn’t driven down so he could have a stiff drink. After changing back into his clothes, Tim grabbed a beer anyway, leaving it closed but pressing the cold bottle to his jaw. No sign of Ben and Jace here either, but Marcello spotted him and made his way over.

“From the red mark on your cheek,” Marcello said, “I take it your friend said no.”

“He said yes.” Tim grimaced. “His boyfriend said no.”

Marcello chuckled, clapping his hands together. “Well, be sure to make your next move before the dust settles.”

“Huh?”

“Little infidelities can either tear a couple apart or push them together again. It just depends on how forgiving the other person is.”

Great. Jace was ridiculously noble and would probably try harder in their relationship. “Round two will have to wait because I think they took off. I’m about to do the same.”

“Not before I blow out the candles on my cake.”

“Yeah, all right.” Tim tried to put the whole incident behind him and act cheerful. After all, it was Marcello’s birthday. But after a slice of cake he said a quick goodbye and left the restaurant. On his way, he bumped into Allison.

“Tim! Where are the boys? I’ve been looking everywhere.”

Man. Couldn’t they have taken Allison with them? “I’m pretty sure they left.”

“Without me?”