Crossroads

Bryce did just as Jamie had said: he took over the job he usually had. “We might have a problem, guys. Looks like Jamie might switch to the other team, as well. Sorry about that, Hope. All I know is, I’m not sharing Nick.”

No one laughed.

Nick was going to fucking kill him.

“Nick brought me lunch. Be fucking jealous, because he’s an incredible cook. We’re going to go eat in my office. I’ll be back in a little while.”

“I love you, Bryce. I do. And I don’t have any issues with someone being gay. If you fall in love with Nick, that’s fine. I’ll support you and welcome him into the family, but I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that I’m worried. You don’t think about the consequences of your actions. You react. I have no doubt that you really feel like Nick is important to you. But I’m scared to death that he’ll get attached and we will, too, only for you to realize it’s not really what you want. That’s the reason I can’t support this.”

Bryce couldn’t move. Couldn’t speak. All he could do was close his eyes and hope like hell his mom wasn’t right. He would never forgive himself if he hurt Nick or his family.

Listen, I’m so glad you came by, but I’m suddenly not feeling well. I’m going to go lie down. Please lock the door on your way out.”

She knew. She had to fucking know, but she didn’t want to hear it. Didn’t want to believe it.

Nick hadn’t expected anything else.

They were at a crossroads, not the first one they’d hit, and he sure as shit knew it wouldn’t be the last.

“You’re blushing.”

“You’re naked, and I just jerked off while telling you I like edging myself and playing with my balls. So, yes, I’m blushing.”

“I like it.”

His mom frowned. “All I want is for him to know how he should be treated. He’s my only boy, and I just want what’s best for him.”

Nick knew his mom would never think of Bryce as what was best for him.

“Bryce?” Nick asked and then licked his lips. Every logical thought fled from Bryce’s brain. All he did was react.

He took a step inside, then another. With a slow hand, he touched Nick’s cheek, fingers shaking as they rubbed against the growth of hair on his jaw.

Then, he slowly leaned in and pressed his lips to Nick’s.

“First of all, if you ever push me again, I’ll beat your ass. Second, get a fucking clue. The two of you haven’t taken your eyes off each other all day. You constantly watch him, and he does the same with you. You defend him with mom for some reason, and you touch him more than I’m thinking you realize. Every five minutes you’re making sure he’s okay or checking if he needs a drink, or whatever other excuse you can think of to be near him. I swear you look like you want to bite Christi’s head off every time she talks to him, and the kicker is, he’s doing the same thing with you. I’ve never seen you treat anyone else the way you treat him, not even Christi. You’re into him, Bryce. I have to admit, it’s strange as fuck, but it’s there. Now the question is, what the hell are you going to do about it?”

Like he hadn’t just dropped an atomic fucking bomb into Bryce’s lap, Jamie walked away. Bryce stood back, trying to process what his brother said. He couldn’t be right...could he?

Nick walked away, unlocked his place, went straight for the shower, jacked off, and then fell into bed.