“Yep. Got it.”
Charlie looked behind Liam. “If that’s your bro’s bestie coming this way, I can totally see why. He’s definitely hot.”
Liam turned just enough to see Coury heading toward him. When their eyes met, Coury flashed him a big smile that Liam never got tired of seeing. “Yeah. That’s Coury.”
“Hey Liam,” Coury said as he glanced at Charlie. “Sorry I’m late.”
“No worries.” When Coury inched closer, Liam kissed him. It was barely a peck on the lips, but it sent a jolt through him. “This is my friend, Charlie.”
“Nice to meet you.” Coury smiled and held out his hand. Was that a hint of relief Liam saw onCoury’s face? Probably wishful thinking, but Coury had stepped right up to Liam.
Charlie shook hands and looked flustered. “Nice meeting you, too. I’ll . . . um, get back to work.”
He banged into the cart. It was loud and the trolley wobbled, but it didn’t tumble.
Charlie’s face was as red as Liam could remember. He fixed a pair of books that toppled and smiled at Liam. “Sorry.”
“It’s all good, Charlie. See you around and good luck with Evan.”
He breathed out loudly and shook his head. “That’s a dream. It won’t happen. But thanks. And nice meeting you, Coury.”
Coury waved and put his arm around Liam’s waist. “He seems nice.”
“Charlie is really nice. He also has a crush on his gay frat brother.”
“That can be dangerous.”
“Or maybe it can be good.” Liam raised an eyebrow. “Dream guys sometimes come to their senses.”
“This is where I nod and agree rather than argue with my brilliant boyfriend.” He winked and set his bag down. “Who is right, again.”
Liam smiled at the way “boyfriend” rolled so effortlessly off Coury’s tongue. Ignoring the 800-pound gorilla in the room, he stayed in the moment. “Right. Let’s start with Glover’s class. You have a test tomorrow.”
* * *
Coury
He closed his statistics book and yawned. Liam had been right, as usual. He could do better if he studied harder. It also wore him out.
“Tired?” Liam rubbed Coury’s shoulders. The way he squeezed and massaged loosened his tight muscles.
“A bit. It’s been a long week.”
“Between school and baseball, you’re busy.”
“Especially if I put as much time into studying as baseball.” He leaned his head back and rested it on Liam’s shoulder.
Liam dropped his hands and wrapped them around Coury’s torso. “I’m proud of you.”
“Truth? I’m proud of myself.” It helped that it made Liam happy.
He leaned into Liam’s hard body and melted into the hug. His body thrummed with the contact. It was a perfect moment, until he yawned again.
“Come on.” Liam let go. “Bed.”
The easy way it rolled off his tongue made Coury smile. They fit so well together.
“Hold on.” He tugged Liam’s arm to keep him seated. “About tomorrow.”
