Page 129 of Rise Above

Talon’s words about reaching out for help rang in my head. My friends were my family, and they probably cared for me more than my own family did. They didn’t judge me like my parents did. There was genuine, unconditional love between us all. It warmed my heart to know people loved me for me.

“You know, Davis, I could really use a hug right

now.” I put the words out there. I was never one to admit that I needed help, but it felt like a weight was off my shoulders to actually say it aloud.

“My place or yours?” Davis was always ready to

drop everything to be there for his friends and family.

“Mine, please.” Tears were welling in my eyes for

some reason. The sensation of being a burden was all over my body. It made me feel icky and uncomfortable. But, I needed to stay strong and rely on my friends when I needed them.

“I’ll be there,” he said without further question.

He’d probably be at my apartment before me with all kinds of supplies. Davis was just that type of friend.

As I predicted, Davis was outside my apartment

with supplies in hand. He had a key to my place, so I wasn’t entirely sure why he was waiting for me outside. Davis spotted me and immediately pulled me into his broad chest. His arms wrapped tightly around me, and he gently 275

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stroked my back. Davis smelled good, like cinnamon and fire. It was a comforting scent.

“Come on. Let’s go get some rest.” Davis led me

into my apartment where I was surprised to find Dre, Nat, Zeke, and Talon. Talon and Zeke were putting the finishing touches on a ridiculous pillow fort. The girls were putting out all kinds of snacks. My eyes once again filled with tears.

Dre and Nat spotted me first and immediately

pulled me into a fierce bear hug. Nat was rubbing circles into my back while Dre stroked my hair softly. I could feel the sobs wanting to escape but repressed the urge as I allowed my friends to comfort me. I’d missed Dre and Nat. It felt like a lifetime since I’d seen them, and we all worked at the same hospital. They hugged me for what felt like hours, and my whole body seemed to drop from relaxing for the first time in years.

Zeke approached me next after the girls had

released me. He patted my back and gave me a fist bump. From my limited time with Zeke that meant he liked me. He didn’t seem to be a very touch-feely person. I was okay with that. I was just happy he was willing to be there for me.

Then there was Talon. Talon looked so attractive in

his tight black shirt and Levi jeans. His hands were pushed deep into his pockets as he stared at me. Once everyone had moved away from me, Talon swept me into his muscular arms and quickly pressed kisses into my hair and forehead. I nuzzled my nose into his chest and breathed in his delicious scent. He was all man: pine and something slightly sweet. I felt the most comfort in his arms.

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“I’m proud of you,” Talon whispered into my ear.

“You did good by asking for help, darling.”

My chest and face grew red at his praise. It was the

little things that could make me feel so special and wanted. Talon seemingly always knew how to do that.

“Alright!” Dre’s loud voice broke up our moment.

“We’ve got all your favorite movies on deck. What you feel like watching?”

Looking around at all my friends, I just felt so