The Sweetest Thing

by E. M. Denning

  “I love you, too. Say hi to Christian for me.”

  “I will.”

  Nathan curled up in a bed that felt foreign and fell into an uneasy, but exhausted, sleep.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Scotty

  Scotty had itched to call Nathan at least sixty different times the day before. But he refrained. Nathan had taken off without so much as a second thought, and yeah, Scotty supposed it was okay. He was worried about his brother, but it still stung that he hadn’t wanted Scotty with him. And Scotty was still kicking himself for offering to look after the contractor, who still hadn’t shown.

  He paced outside Reggie’s house. He’d gone inside initially, but it had felt weird to be there without Nathan. Scotty dialed the number for the contractor he’d grabbed off the side of the guy’s truck the day before. It went straight to voicemail.

  “Fuck.” Scotty raked a hand through his hair. Feeling completely lost he called Tod.

  “Hey Scotty, what’s up?” Tod answered on the first ring.

  “The contractor isn’t here and he’s not answering his phone.”

  “Wait. What?”

  “Nathan had to leave. His brother got hurt. I told him I’d look after things here, but the contractor isn’t here and he’s not answering.”

  “Why are you looking after that?”

  “Because I offered.”

  “No, I mean… never mind. I’ll be there in ten minutes.”

  Before Scotty could protest, Tod ended the call.

  Scotty spent the next ten minutes debating on whether he should call Nathan or not. He didn’t want to bother him while he dealt with his family stuff. Tod pulled in and hopped out of his car.

  “What the hell is going on? Tell me everything, but not out here. Do you have a key?”

  “Yeah.” Scotty led Tod into the kitchen and didn’t protest when Tod pulled out a kitchen chair and made Scotty sit down.

  “Start talking.”

  Scotty told him everything from Reggie being in the hospital for testing, to the phone call.

  “It’s not a big deal,” Scotty sighed. “I feel like I’m letting him down. The contractor isn’t here, and I don’t know what to do.”

  “Did you call Nathan and ask him?”

  “I didn’t want to bother him. He’s busy.”

  Tod sighed. “You’re both impossible.”

  “Excuse me?”

  Tod held his hand out. “Give me Reggie’s key and the phone number or name of the contractor.”

  “Why?”

  “Because you’re going to do what you should’ve done yesterday and you’re going to go be with your boyfriend. I’m going to do best friend duty and stay here and take care of this for Nathan, and you’re going to go there and remind him why he doesn’t want to stick around and let his mother dictate what he does with his life. If she has her way, Christian will stay in bubble wrap and Nathan will be the babysitter.”

  Dread settled in Scotty’s stomach. “You think he won’t come back?”

  “I think it’s a possibility.”

  “But… I don’t want to get in the way of him and his family.”

  Tod looked exasperated. “You two are meant for each other. Seriously. Mom had to call the entire family and set up a schedule for childcare for Mason so you wouldn’t end up doing it all alone. Nathan has let his mother heap a pile of responsibility on him for years. And yeah, it’s great that he’s the type of guy who will be there for his family, but he needs a life too, Scotty. And I thought you were it for him. I admit,” Tod paused and dropped into the chair across from Scotty. “At first I was irritated about you both. I was confused, and a bit angry. I kept running all the worstcase scenarios through my head, but it was all about me, when it has nothing to do with me. You and Nathan are good for each other. You make Nathan want something for himself and Nathan accepts you. The real you. And that’s important, especially after the way Dad left.”

  Scotty flinched. Tod had never talked about their dad leaving. Not since it happened. For a long time, he froze Scotty out and now that the door was open Scotty had to know. “Do you blame me for Dad leaving?”

  “At first, I did. And then I realized Dad was a piece of shit, and then I felt guilty for blaming you, because it meant I was also a piece of shit, just like him.” Tod swallowed and Scotty shook at the display of raw emotion on Tod’s face. “I’m sorry. I didn’t react well to the real you at first. And then I didn’t apologize because I didn’t know how. I want you to be yourself, Scotty. And I want you to have someone like Nathan, who is kind and deserving of you. Who will treat you right.” Tod cleared his throat. “Now, give me Reggie’s key and the contractor’s name and get the fuck out of here. Go be there for your man. He might look tough, but he’s got nothing on you.”

  “I have to call Kate.”

  “Already done. I called her on the way over here.”

  Scotty stood and pulled the key out of his pocket and held it out to Tod. When Tod took it, Scotty moved and wrapped his arms around his brother. “Thank you.”

  Tod squeezed him back, then laughed. “Get out of here. Let me find this moron. Drive safe. Text me when you get there.”

  “I will. Thank you.”

  Scotty warred with himself over whether he should call Nathan and let him know he was on his way. After a brief battle with himself, he decided against it. He wanted to surprise Nathan, and truth be told, he didn’t want to give Nathan the chance to tell him not to come.

  The fear that once he was out of Nathan’s sight, Nathan would be blinded by his sense of duty to his family and would cast Scotty aside, was palpable. It crawled under his skin and settled into his bones. He’d never wanted anything or anyone more than he’d wanted Nathan. It had always been him. Even when he was Tod’s friend, and he barely saw them. Even after Nathan moved away. He’d stayed in Scotty’s mind and he’d become the stick against which he measured every guy he met.

  There had never been a single moment where Scotty believed he’d have a shot with Nathan until he saw him on the app that night. And he’d taken a chance, banking on Nathan not recognizing him. The moment Scotty opened the door he knew he’d never gotten over his crush on Nathan, and seeing him years later, in the flesh, had not only brought back all the old feelings, but it had stirred up new ones as well.

  Scotty wasn’t the same person Nathan had known. Not in any capacity. He’d upended his entire life and carved it out to look the way he’d always wanted it to. And now the only thing missing from it was Nathan.

  If Nathan wanted to leave town again to be with his family, then Scotty would follow. They could come back and visit, and Scotty could help shoulder some of Nathan’s responsibilities. They could have a life anywhere, so long as they were together.

  Scotty’s GPS took him the long, winding way through back roads and for a minute or two, he could’ve sworn that he was hopelessly lost, but he arrived in the city unscathed. Scotty drove to Nathan’s parent’s house. He decided to check there first before driving across town and trying to track him down at the hospital.

  Scotty climbed out of his car and stretched his legs. His stomach churned, angry about being empty, but feeling too unsettled to eat. Scotty knocked on the door and waited. And waited. And no one answered.

  Not giving up yet, Scotty climbed into his car and drove to the hospital. Scotty found out what room Christian was in, but also that he’d been checked out an hour ago.

  There was only one other place Nathan could be if he wasn’t at home and wasn’t here. He scrolled through the texts Tod sent him and found the address of Nathan’s apartment. By the time Scott arrived at Nathan’s building a quivering panic had started to build in him. He practically shook with terror as he stepped into the elevator and rode it up to the fourth floor.

  Maybe Nathan was avoiding him. Maybe he’d decided he was going to stay and didn’t know how to tell Scotty. He tried talking himself out of the thoughts he was having, but his stupid lizard brai
n was loud. It told him things that made his stomach sour. Like Nathan didn’t love him and was happy his brother had an accident. He couldn’t get away from Scotty fast enough, after all.

  He almost didn’t get off the elevator, but as the doors started to close, he snapped out of his stupor and hurried out. He steeled himself with a few deep breaths and walked down the hallway as quiet as he could. He must have stared at Nathan’s door for a solid three minutes before he raised his fist and knocked.

  No answer.

  He knocked again, promising himself that he’d leave if Nathan didn’t answer this time. He gave it five minutes, then knocked again. One last time.

  No answer.

  Scotty exhaled and though he felt like sliding to his knees and crying dramatically outside of Nathan’s door, he turned and headed for the elevator and avoided being totally pathetic.

  Scotty made it to his car before he pulled out his phone and called Nathan.

  Nathan answered on the first ring. Scotty closed his eyes and soaked in the sound of his voice.

  “Hey babe.”

  Scotty’s chest loosened. “Hey.”

  Nathan must have heard how wrecked Scotty felt. “What’s wrong?”

  “Where are you?” Scotty asked, deflecting Nathan’s question.

  “Well, it was supposed to be a surprise, but I’m almost back in town. I’m about ten minutes out.”

  Scotty couldn’t help himself. He laughed. “Why are you coming back?”

  “Really, Scotty? I should think it’s obvious. Christian’s injury was minor, and… it was a whole ordeal. But I’ll be there in about fifteen minutes and I’ll fill you in then.”

  “About that.” Scotty took a breath. “I’m sitting in my car… outside your apartment building. Surprise?”

  “Oh, for fuck sake.” Nathan laughed. “What are you doing there?”

  “I should think it’s obvious. I came to be with you.”

  “What a pair we make.”

  “The contractor didn’t show up this morning and I called Tod in a panic. He was going to deal with it.”

  “I can’t believe this happened.” Nathan’s voice was full of humor and it made Scotty feel infinitely better that Nathan had already tried to return to him.

  Scotty started his car. “That’s what we get for trying to surprise each other.”

  “No more surprises from now on.”

  “Good idea. Okay, I’m leaving now. I’ll be there as soon as I can.”

  “Drive safe. I love you.”

  “I love you, too. Be there soon.”

  Scotty ended the call and took a deep breath before backing out of the parking space and heading home.

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Nathan

  The hours he spent waiting for Scotty proved to be the most torture he’d ever experienced. Tod did his best to keep him company which was half the problem.

  “I had this whole thing arranged perfectly, you know. He lit out of here like his ass was on fire. It would’ve been such a beautiful reunion. And you had to go and ruin it,” Tod joked. “Honestly though, I’m surprised you came back so fast. I thought for sure your mom would’ve planned out the next six months of your life.”

  “She tried.” Nathan grimaced. “Christian put his foot down. She tried to get me on her side. I helped him move. She’s not very happy with me right now, but she’ll get over it.”

  “Did you tell her about Reggie?”

  Nathan shook his head. “I’m not unleashing my mother on poor grandpa. Whatever’s going on with him, we’ll all find out soon enough. Let him have his peace and quiet before she goes full on hover mode.”

  Tod looked at his watch. “I should get going. Scotty will be here in an hour, less if he drove like a lunatic, and I doubt you want me around for the happy reunion.”

  Nathan didn’t argue. He walked Tod to the door but stopped him before he left. “You know, I think I’m moving back. I’m telling Scotty later tonight.”

  “Yeah?” Tod’s excitement shone through the grin that spread from ear to ear.

  “Yeah. So, if you wanted to hang out at the batting cages sometimes, or go for a beer now and then, that’d be great.”

  “Sure I do, you shit. Tell me if you need help moving your stuff or finding an apartment.”

  Nathan nodded, though he secretly hoped Scotty would help him find a place to live. Maybe with him. He wouldn’t ask though, he didn’t want to put any pressure on Scotty. Being in the same city would be enough for now.

  “I will. Now get out of here. I have to get ready.”

  “I’m going, I’m going. See you later.” Tod gave him one last knowing look before he slipped out the door. Nathan ordered dinner, then jumped in the shower. By the time he was out, he was able to set the table. The food arrived and the driver was pulling out of the driveway as Scotty was pulling in.

  Nathan hurried inside and put the food on the counter then went to the door and pulled Scotty into his arms. He buried his face in the crook of Scotty’s neck and breathed him in. “You smell like orange juice.”

  Scotty laughed. “I spilled some on myself when I was driving. I stopped for a drink and a snack at a gas station.” Scotty’s arms tightened around Nathan’s waist. “I thought I’d never get here.”

  “It sure took you long enough.”

  “Oh, shut up,” Scotty laughed. “I got here as fast as I could. If you’d have stayed put, we’d have been together hours ago.”

  Nathan tangled their fingers together. He knew if he started kissing Scotty, he’d never stop long enough to eat. “I ordered dinner. I hope Thai is okay.”

  Scotty clutched his stomach. “Oh god, anything is fine. Other than a gas station hot dog, I haven’t eaten.”

  Nathan cringed. “You risked your life on a gas station hot dog?”

  “I was desperate.”

  “Sit your ass down and I’ll serve you up.”

  “Yes boss.”

  “I like that.” Nathan grinned.

  “What, being called boss?”

  “It’s making my dick hard.”

  “I’ll have to remember that.”

  Nathan piled food from each container onto the plates and set one in front of Scotty.

  He picked his fork up and looked at Nathan. “Tell me what happened.”

  Nathan took a deep breath and started at the beginning. It took most of dinner to get through the story, and when he was done, Scotty looked at him with an unreadable expression.

  “I didn’t realize what kind of control your family had over your life. Like, I know you told me, but I don’t think I got it before now. How did you not go crazy?”

  Nathan shrugged. “I must have been at least partially insane, but at the time, it was the right thing to do. I’d still do everything the same. But it’s not the right thing to do anymore. Christian is eighteen. He’s brilliant and capable and our mom needs to give him some breathing room.”

  “And you? What are your plans now that you’re not willing to babysit your fully-grown sibling?”

  Nathan’s mouth went dry and he imagined the future he wanted, and Scotty was there. There was a house and a yard, a dog, some cousins, friends, Tod, and happiness. “I thought I’d move back here.”

  Scotty’s face lit up like a thousand-watt bulb. “Moving here? To the same city?”

  “Is it okay?”

  “Shut up.” Scotty stood and went to Nathan and climbed into his lap. “It’s okay with me if you want to live here. But I have one question for you.”

  “Ask me anything.”

  “Are you moving here, or are you moving in with me?”

  Nathan gripped Scotty’s face in his hands and pulled him in for a kiss. Scotty kissed him enthusiastically, licking his way in between Nathan’s lips, tangling their tongues together.

  “Is that a yes?” Scotty asked, slightly breathless.

  “That’s a hell yes.”

  “We can find a place together. Move into a new place that
’s both of ours.”

  “Or we can stay in your apartment. I don’t care. Wherever you are, it’s home to me.”

  Scotty looped his arms around Nathan. “You say the sweetest things.”

  “Just telling it like it is.”

  “What about your job?”

  “I can get a different one. It’s a job. I have savings.”

  Scotty kissed him again and Nathan could feel the way his lips were still curved into a smile.

  “We’re doing this?” he breathed.

  Nathan slid his hands up Scotty’s back. “Yeah, we are.”

  “I want to fuck you so bad,” Scotty groaned and pressed their erections together.

  “Then let’s go home and you can do whatever you want to me.”

  “What a dangerous thing to offer me, boss.”

  “Anything you want, it’s yours.”

  “God, I love you. You might regret that.” Scotty climbed off Nathan and tugged him to his feet. They cleaned up their mess from dinner and locked the door before piling into Nathan’s truck and driving to Scotty’s apartment. Soon to be Nathan’s home, too. Frankly, he couldn’t wait. It felt like he’d been waiting years already for his life to begin, to be his, and now it was here, in his grasp and he wanted to bask in the feeling of joy and peace being with Scotty gave him.

  Scotty unlocked his door and pulled Nathan inside. They didn’t speak. They didn’t need to. They kicked their shoes off and Scotty led Nathan to the bedroom. He faced Nathan and started to unbutton his shirt.

  Nathan peeled his shirt off over his head and tossed it aside. “Did I ever tell you how fucking beautiful you are?”

  Scotty laughed breathlessly. “Probably, but you can tell me any time you want.”

  Nathan reached for Scotty’s newly bared skin. His fingers grazed the top of Scotty’s jeans. He couldn’t believe how soft Scotty felt under his touch. How smooth and perfect every inch of skin and every curve was.

  Scotty popped the button on his pants and shoved them down, revealing a pair of white lace panties. His cock strained against the lace and Nathan exhaled.