“This vacation is gonna kick ass.” Ryan’s enthusiasm was addictive. It flowed over me with familiarity and warmth I’d thought long disappeared.
“Damn straight it is.” The sound of Ivy’s cries filtered toward me. “Shit, your niece is awake. I’ll go and see to her, as Amber said she had a headache earlier. I’ll talk to you soon.”
“Okay.” Before I could end the call, Ryan saying my name stopped me.
“Yeah?”
“Thanks for making this happen. It means a lot.”
I stood, smiling, my heart doing a little flip at his gentle tone. “No worries, mate. I can’t wait.”
CHAPTER8
RYAN
MAY
With my cappulled low and my shades blocking a decent portion of my face, I angled my head down, only allowing myself brief glances around the busy terminal. Steel walls filled my periphery, framing large, curved glass windows filtering in the spring morning light.
That Nate was arriving on such an early flight was a relief. It meant the crowds were yet to swell to capacity, so I hoped to stay incognito. It was always risky being out in the open like this, so I worked hard at blending in as much as humanly possible. The positive was, being in LA meant I wasn’t on my own turf, where my team’s fans would much more likely spot me.
A quick glance at the time told me barely a minute had passed since the last time I’d checked. Nate should be heading through security by now, perhaps clearing customs. His flight landed almost thirty-five minutes ago.
I paid no mind to the few groups standing around me, too focused on evening my breaths and willing my heart to slow. Shit, was feeling giddy like this really a thing? The last time I’d been this hyped up was when waiting for the draft announcements, but something about this moment seemed different, bigger, and wasn’t that a mindfuck.
There was little doubt in my mind that Nate’s hold on me was as strong as it always was, but now, after the past four months or so of conversation—of late- and early-night calls, video chats, and texts—that hold seemed more significant.
With no chance of convincing myself it was just the excitement of seeing my childhood friend again, I didn’t even bullshit myself. What was the point?
My initial flipping out when I first saw that photo on Instagram last year told me my overreaction was more than me being a protective big brother. It was all about Nate and just how fucking gorgeous he was. The guy had me wanting things I was too terrified to dream about.
But that was then.
Now, at this moment, with this visit, everything seemed possible.
Two more minutes passed by, and a low hum buzzed through me as passengers tugging luggage, looking tired from their flight from Brisbane, poured through the automatic doorway.
I held my breath, flexing my fingers before scrunching them together, the vibrations in my fingers freaking me out.
And then he was there.
Nate was taller than most around him but a few inches shorter than my frame, all bright-eyed, with a grinning face, and making a beeline toward me.
My plan of a smile and a bro hug flew out of the window when he was in touching distance. My large limbs wrapped him up, held him tight, and like the desperate man I was, I buried my head against his neck and inhaled. I didn’t let go, didn’t ease up, and with Nate’s strong arms gripping me just as tightly, he didn’t seem in any rush either.
The sounds of voices close by, the increased foot traffic around us, and a slight nudge as someone rushed past me cut through the moment and the reality of the situation. I needed to get him in the car I’d organized and back to the hotel.
I eased out of Nate’s embrace, raking my gaze over him, wanting to have my fill of every single inch of the man. Unable to do so, I cleared my throat, struggling to contain the smile of happiness stretching my mouth wide. “You got everything?”
“Yeah.” He nodded, indicating his small bag at his feet and backpack on his shoulder. “We should get out of here, right? There’s only so long I expect you can blend in for, yeah?”
I snorted and bumped his shoulder with mine before leading him away. I’d organized a car with the hotel the team was staying at. As the driver took Nate’s bags off him, I was relieved I’d planned ahead. Driving when I couldn’t take my eyes off the man at my side would have been catastrophic.
“The drive should take us about half an hour,” I said to him once settled. I strapped in, legs open and breath hitching when his thigh brushed my own. He didn’t move away, nor did I. “Your flight okay?”
“Yeah… and business class?” He quirked a brow at me, but since he didn’t look too pissed off by the upgrade I’d surprised him with, I gave a one-shoulder shrug.
“Did it mean you slept so we don’t waste our day together?” I challenged, a little sass and gruffness to my voice. I’d arrived at LA early after negotiating with my coach to do so. I still had training to do today, but I had plans for Nate to join me with that, so I really did hope he’d managed to sleep.
