Reed turned to face me. “If you’re not okay with this—”
“Baby, I’m more than okay with this. I just want you to be.” I glanced at Ezra, who wiggled his red nails at me.
Reed slid his lips over mine. “I want to be included.” His voice was low, barely a whisper, but I heard him.
“I’ll miss you.” I cupped his cheek with my palms. “Go make some good memories with your new friends.” I kissed him again, not caring that they were watching us.
Reed grinned. “See you tonight?” He took both his hands and formed a heart against his chest.
“You will,” I assured him. “Be careful with him. That’s precious cargo,” I told Maverick and the others. “I want Reed back in one piece.”
Maverick clapped his hands. “You two are adorable. Come on, WAGs, let’s go.” He grabbed Reed’s wrist. “I’ll make sure he’s in top condition when we drop him off at home later, Cole.”
I DON’T KNOW WHY Iwas so worried. The few texts that Reed sent me assured me he was having fun. He even included a few pictures, and the smile on his face rivaled the Cheshire cat. Ezra could be a lot, and combined with the rest of his friends, Maverick included, I was scared that Reed would be overwhelmed. Obviously, he fit right in, and I was happy for him. He deserved to relax and enjoy himself today. And I knew that Maverick would keep an eye out for Reed, especially if Ezra got a little carried away.
“You look lost,” Tate teased as he slid into the seat across from me. I had found myself at Bean on Main again, and he had happily supplied me with an energy drink and a muffin. The cranberry-blueberry flavor was to die for.
I huffed. “Is that you telling me you want me to leave? Am I holding you up?” I glanced around the little coffee shop and noticed how busy it was.
“What? No, I was just pulling your arm.” Tate leaned forward. “Everything okay? I mean, you look like someone just kicked your dog.”
I leaned back against the chair. “I’m good. Actually, I’m great. Reed and I are official.” I didn’t want to get into specifics, but by the way Tate’s eyes went wide and the blush that crept over his cheeks, he knew exactly what I meant.
“That’s great.” Tate dropped his eyes to the table.
I chuckled. “How are things with your new friend? Any more messages?”
“We’ve been talking.” Tate’s cheeks turned even pinker. “He’s nice.”
I bet.“Do you think you’ll see him again when Boston comes to North Carolina again? You know, hang out with him or whatever?”
“Oh. I don’t... Maybe. If he wants... I don’t know,” Tate stuttered. “I should probably go back and check on what’s in the oven.”
I grabbed his hand when he climbed to his feet. “I didn’t mean to upset you, Tate. I was just curious. You don’t have to see Oscar in person if that makes you uncomfortable. Online friends are good, too.”
“I’ve...I’ve never been with anyone. What if Oscar wants that?”
“You mean sex?”
Tate swallowed hard. “Not just that, everything else. I’ve never kissed anyone or held someone’s hand. Oscar’s this hot hockey goaltender, who has been with hundreds if not thousands of people, and I’m just...I’m just me. I’m no one special.”
“First off, you’re notjust you. You’re an amazing catch. Anyone would be lucky to have you, Oscar included. What I think, if you two want to take this new relationship to the next level, is to be honest with him. Tell him what you just told me.” I squeezed his hand in reassurance.
Tate chewed on his bottom lip. “You want me to tell Oscar I’m a virgin?”
“I mean, not in those words, but yes.” I could see the wheels begin to turn in his head. “Only if things progress. If you’re just going to be friends, he doesn’t need to know.”
Tate sighed. “I told you.”
“And I will keep your secret safe until the day I die.” I made a cross over my heart.
Tate glanced over at the register, where the new hire who had just started was helping a customer. “I think you’re probably my best friend right now, Cole. I just thought I would tell you that. I’m glad that you came to North Carolina for the summer and wegot the chance to become friends. It’s okay if you don’t think of me like that way.”
“I don’t really have a best friend.” I thought about my friends back in Boston. Sure, they were fun, and I enjoyed hanging out with them, but I didn’t trust them. Not really. “Until you.”
Tate’s lips curved into a big smile. “Thank you, Cole. For listening and helping me. I hope that you and Reed have a happy life together.” This time I let him stand up. “I should go help Penny with some of the orders.”
“Of course.” I looked back down at my phone to find a new notification from Reed.