“I guess.” Too late. His good feeling was waning already.
“Hey.” Coury pulled him in tight. “I’m not going to hide we’re together. Nothing he says will push me away again. I promise.”
“You’re right, but he has this way of needing me to listen to him. I’m worried he’s going to freak.”
“Do you trust me?” Coury smiled happily.
“Um . . . yeah.” He earned another kiss for his snark.
“I mean, do you trust me with this?”
Funny how Beckett’s best friend knew him better than his brother. “I do.”
“Then don’t worry. It might be a bit awkward, but I’m positive he’ll be fine.” Coury dug out his phone.
Liam sat on the bed to put on his socks. He admired the strength of Coury’s conviction. If he decided something, he acted.
“Hey, Becks.” Coury didn’t sound quite as confident as he had a moment ago. “Yeah, we’re talking. We always were, you just lost my number or something.”
Coury laughed at what Beckett said. Sucking in a deep breath, he plowed ahead. “Listen. I need you to not lose your shit for a few minutes and hear everything I have to say. . . . Yes, you. . . . It’s a scientific fact.”
He touched his fingers to his lips and turned them toward Liam. “Here’s the deal. Liam and I are together.”
Chapter Twenty-Six
Liam
Coury tossed the ball harder than the last time, but Liam caught it without flinching. All the time practicing with Coury had paid off. Even his return throws had improved dramatically.
Proof thathecould do more if he applied himself to baseball like he did to studying. All it took was the rest of the semester. He’d still never be good, but he held his own. It allowed him to give something back to Coury.
The back door opened, and Helen backed out laden with things for the barbeque. Coury flicked off his mitt, jogged over, and held out his hands for the large wicker tray.
“I can get that.”
Helen smiled and patted his cheek. “Thank you, Coury.”
Liam thought his heart would burst. Typical of his guy. Always there to help without being asked.
A second later, Pop pushed open the door, and it was Liam’s turn. Pop gave him the platter of food without a word.
“When is Beckett coming?” Pop asked.
“You’re asking me?” Liam rolled his eyes. “I’d say he’ll be late, but we all know how well things went the last time I said that.”
A pair of hands slipped around his waist and warm lips kissed his nape. “Early, on time, or late. Won’t matter this time.”
“If he’s too late, he’ll miss dinner,” Pop said.
“It’s a Friday, Albert. He might get stuck in traffic.”
“I can call him if you like,” Coury said. “He has Bluetooth in the car, right?”
Leaning back, Liam nudged his cheek to Coury’s. “He does. The question is does he know how to use it.”
“Stop.” Coury hugged him tighter. “He’s—”
Coury’s phone rang, so Liam reluctantly stepped forward. “Is that him?”
