Crispin finally, regretfully, pulls out. They clean up and tangle back together under the covers. “You didn’t say that you loved me that time,” Crispin says shyly. “Usually you mix that in between with the ‘fuck me harder’ and the ‘oh god’s.”
Wills looks down, then back up. He’s trying so hard, Crispin realizes. So damn hard. “I love you,” he says, like it’s costing him something precious, like he’s taking a piece of himself and handing it to his best friend. “Loved you for so long, Crispin. Probably since the day I kissed you.”
“I’ve been scared to say it,” Crispin says. He rests his forehead against Wills’. “I was scared you didn’t.”
“I know,” Wills says. “That’s why I made myself say it.”
They’re quiet for a few minutes. The hotel is nearly silent. Wills feels so good against him, all warm, hard muscle. Crispin would do anything to have this, he knows, Anything.
“You can come see me,” Wills says quietly. “I’ll come see you. It can work, Crispin.”
“Do you think so?” Crispin asks. He wants to hear Wills say it.
“Yes,” he says. “If we love each other. It’ll work.”
“I love you,” Crispin says. “For so long, Wills. It hurt when you were gone.”
“Then we’ll make it work,” Wills says simply. “Go to sleep, Crispin.” Gently, Wills turns him over so he’s the little spoon, then wraps around Crispin and rests his lips on his neck. “It’ll work.” He swallows and says it again. “Because I love you.”
The blinds are still open. The lights still reflect off the river, still make a soft glow in the dark. Yes, Crispin thinks. We will work. Wills and I, together. We will work. If Wills says it, Crispin can believe it in his bones. He knows it now, like he finally knows Wills loves him. He falls asleep in his best friend’s arms, in the soft glow of the Christmas lights. Crispin believes it now. He believes everything is possible.
About the Author
Julia McBryant is, as the saying goes, Southern born, Southern bred, and when she dies, she’ll be Southern dead. When she’s not riding her horse or writing, Julia likes to play with her German Shepherds and rescued greyhounds, make all the crafts (especially those involving glitter), and hike, especially in the North Carolina mountains. She is grateful her husband tolerates both the dogs and the glitter, and is happiest living in the prettiest city in the world.
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Also by Julia McBryant
Available for preorder NOW! Find out what happens next to Crispin and Wills …
Like Sunshine
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07SD5V7XL
Crispin visits Wills in the liberal town of Athens, four hours from the Georgia coast. He worries their relationship won’t have changed much from their time in Savannah’s stilted high society. But without the strictures of their repressive upbringing, he and Wills find something else entirely.
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