Page 169 of Cheap Shot

“Good.” She reached out and squeezed his forearm. The pub was warm and he’d stripped down to a T-shirt a while ago. Her fingers were cool from the glass she held and it was nice against his overheated skin. She looked up, studying his face. “Something’s worrying you though.”

“What if I get it all wrong?” he said thickly. “I don’t know that I’m any good at this.”

“Luke …” She sighed. “I’m going to let you in a little secret. No one is.”

He gave her a skeptical look. “You and Declan make it seem pretty easy.”

“We’ve had many years to practice.”

“True.”

“Declan’s a bit like you, I think. He doesn’t like to talk about his feelings much. It doesn’t come naturally to him. But he worked at it. And I know you understand hard work.”

“I do,” Luke agreed.

“So put that work into your relationship. Talk, even when it feels uncomfortable. And never forget how lucky you are to be with someone who understands you.”

Luke nodded, watching Sebastian throw back his head and laugh at some nonsense from Tanner. “I can do that.”

“And you know you can come to me if you ever need relationship advice, right?”

“Yeah,” he said, leaning in to kiss her cheek. “Thanks, Mrs. O. Don’t know what I’d do without you.”

Because although he did love his parents, he’d never in a million years go to them for advice. The O’Sheas? Yeah, he’d consider it at least.

“Where is Declan tonight?” Luke asked.

“Hockey tournament with Nolan,” she said, referring to Connor’s son. “Their team is on a tear this season. That seems to happen after guys come out, actually.”

Luke grinned. “Well, much as I hate all this shit”—he gestured to the rainbow explosion in the pub—“hopefully that bodes well for the postseason.”

“Can’t hurt,” Catherine agreed. “It’s almost like being open and honest and having loving support is good for the game or something.”

“Almost,” he agreed with a smile.

CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE

As the cab let Sebastian out on the sidewalk in front of Nicky’s building in Manhattan, Sebastian’s stomach flipped anxiously.

When he’d texted Nicky about coming to visit, Nicky had invited him to stay in his condo. Sebastian had sublet his place in New York to a lesbian couple before he moved to Boston and they’d take over the lease once it was up next fall.

So it was either Nicky’s place or a hotel.

Sebastian had agreed to stay with Nicky but now he was beginning to regret it. What if this conversation went badly? What if Nicky couldn’t forgive him for dating Luke?

But it wasn’t the thought of having to find a hotel that had his palms sweating as he briefly checked in with the concierge, then took an elevator up to Nicky’s floor. It was the thought of losing his friend. Theoneperson other than Brie who had always been there for him. Who had stood by him during the toughest times in his life.

By the time Nicky opened the door to the condo, a cold sweat trickled down Sebastian’s back.

“Hey!” Nicky said, reaching out to hug him, all smiles. “Great to see you! Come in.”

They spoke about Sebastian’s flight and his plans for the week as Nicky wheeled Sebastian’s suitcase in. He showed him to the guest room, then gave him a tour of his condo.

He’d moved recently, so Sebastian hadn’t been to the new place. He was surprised when he got to the open living area and the heavy curtains were all drawn, the room dimly lit.

Sebastian turned to look at Nicky. “Uhh, hey, are you okay?”

Nicky stared blankly at him. “What do you mean?”