Bryce felt his heart start to crumble. Maybe they saw it that way, but he couldn’t. Part of him did blame himself for what was going on now, but when he looked at what he and Nick had, he knew it wasn’t a mistake.

“I’m sorry you feel that way. If you change your mind, you’re welcome to come. And if you think there’s something wrong with the man your son is, then you don’t know him. He’s the best man I know.”

With that, Bryce turned and walked away. He couldn’t believe Nick had lied to him about this...couldn’t believe Nick would risk losing his family for Bryce. And Bryce couldn’t even tell him he knew. Not yet. Because if he did, Nick would know he came here today.

CHAPTER FORTY-TWO

Nick lay beneath a sweaty Bryce in their bed. He called it theirs now. It didn’t matter that Bryce had one next door.

“It’s after midnight. Happy birthday. That was your birthday fuck. That’ll be our new tradition. I’ll fuck you senseless on every one of your birthdays.”

Nick shook his head with a smile on his lips. “Is that the only time you’re going to fuck me? On my birthday? And is that all I get?”

“What? My magic dick isn’t enough for you?” Bryce teased.

Nick cupped his ass. “It’s more than enough. Your dick, your ass. I want it all.”

“Good. Then I’ll fuck you with it every day if you want. By the way, you’re taking the day off work tomorrow.”

Nick looked at him even though it was too dark to really see him. “I can’t take off at the last minute.”

“You’re not. Everyone knew but you. I’m a fucking perfect boyfriend. I went and talked to them. That Henry guy is going in for you. There’s a shit ton of meat marinating at Christi’s. She’ll bring it over. My mom is making her famous potato salad—it’s not as good as your potatoes, but they’re a close second.”

Nick cupped the back of Bryce’s head, threading his fingers through his hair. “You did all that for me?” Bryce had planned a party for him. Bryce’s family was coming. Georgina had called him a couple of weeks back to apologize for her behavior, and to let Nick know that it was never about him. She was happy to have Nick as a part of their family. It meant the world to him, almost made him pick up the phone and call his own mom, but he couldn’t. Not if she wouldn’t accept Bryce.

“I did. I want you to have everything.”

“I do,” Nick replied easily. Still...there was a part of him who wished, who hoped, that he could have just a little bit more. He wanted his family.

Karrie would come, if he asked. He knew that.  He’d confided in her often lately. She enjoyed hearing how happy Nick was with Bryce. Erin and Michelle would probably come, too. Nick had never spent a birthday away from his family.

“Well, yeah, you have me.”

Nick chuckled, but didn’t really feel it. He missed them, missed them so fucking much he could hardly stand it. But he wouldn’t give in, either. As much as he wanted to, he knew he couldn’t invite his sisters. The last thing he wanted was to cause a rift between them and his mom. And it would, too.

“You okay, baby?” Bryce ran a hand through the hair on his chest.

“A little sad, but I’m okay. Thank you...for tomorrow. It’s perfect.”

“It hasn’t happened yet.”

“It’s still perfect.”

***

“You’re not supposed to be the one to come out and help me, hot neighbor Nick. It’s your birthday!” Christi said to him when Nick came out to help her get things out of the car.

“Stop calling my boyfriend that.”

“You’re right. I’m sorry. I don't know what I was thinking! You’re not supposed to help, hot live-in boyfriend, Nick. It’s your birthday.”

Bryce ruffled her hair like she was a kid and Christi yelled at him. Nick loved watching the two of them together. They were about as close as two people could be, he thought. But it wasn’t romantic. Anyone could see that.

“I can’t believe you’re not going to let me cook!” Nick said to Bryce when they got inside. They had their new tables out back, and the grill ready to get going. The weather would change soon, so it was nice to take advantage while they could.

“It’s your birthday.”

“So? I’m a chef. It’s what I do.”

“Yes, but all I can do is barbeque. This way, I cook for you at least once in a while.”

The three of them had a beer, and a few minutes later there was a knock on the door. “Come in!” Bryce called out.