Free Daybreak by Keira Andrews Page B

sputtered and choked on his coffee. “What?”
    “See, I made you smile.” Casey grinned. “But seriously, you’re a great guy. Okay, you made a mistake. But if Nate can’t get over it, then it’s his loss.”
    As Lucas finished his coffee, he couldn’t help but feel that the loss was entirely his.
    * * * * *
    Lucas opened the door and his heart skipped a beat. Nate stood a few feet away with a T-shirt in his hand and a large duffel bag at his feet. Two of the dresser drawers were open.
    “Nate.” Lucas closed the door behind him and cast about for something to say. “I…”
    “Don’t bother, okay? I don’t want to hear how sorry you are.” Nate turned back to the dresser and continued yanking his clothes out.
    “But I am! I’m so sorry. I don’t know what happened --”
    “Do you want a refresher? Let me see, I think what happened is that you hooked up with some random guy the minute I turned my back.” He exhaled sharply. “I should have known better. I should never have let this go beyond a casual fuck. I told you when we met that relationships aren’t for me. I guess they’re not for you either.”
    A tight band squeezed Lucas’s chest. “Nate, please. I know I screwed up. I wish it had never happened.”
    “Why? It certainly looked like you enjoyed yourself. I’m sure the -- what was he, a pirate, or something? Yeah, I’m sure the pirate sucked cock like a champion.”
    Lucas didn’t know what to say. “I’m sorry.”
    “No, it’s good it happened.” Nate slammed one of the drawers.
    “Good?”
    “Yeah, it was just the wake-up call we needed. We were being ridiculous, Lucas. Playing house and pretending that, what? We’re going to live happily ever after? Please.”
    “It’s not pretend. Nate, I lo --”
    “Don’t.” Nate shook his head sharply. “I don’t enjoy being made a fool of.”
    “Nate, please…”
    “How many other guys have there been? You know, I actually understand it. You want to explore, you want to see what’s out there. I get it. But don’t lie to me and tell me you want a boyfriend.”
    “Wait, what? There hasn’t been anyone else! I swear. It was just that one guy. I would never do that to you.”
    Nate snorted. “It’s okay, you can stop lying. Have you been screwing your pal Casey too?”
    “No!” A flash of anger sparked to life. “I’ve told you a hundred times, Casey’s only a friend.”
    “Why should I believe you?”
    Lucas wished he had a good answer. “Because it’s true! The other night, it was just…”
    “What?”
    “I couldn’t believe that guy wanted me. Me. It felt so amazing and I got carried away. I wish to God it hadn’t happened.”
    Nate’s face creased in confusion. “Why wouldn’t he want you?”
    “I don’t know why anyone would!”
    The words hung in the air, and Nate’s jaw clenched. “What the hell does that say about me? I guess I’m a real loser for wanting to be with you. For giving up other guys.”
    “No, that’s not what I meant.” Lucas didn’t know how to make him understand. He didn’t even understand it himself.
    “So you need other guys to feel wanted because I’m not enough. Maybe you just don’t want me anymore.”
    “No!” Lucas threw his hands up. “Of course I want you! It’s not that. Believe me, it’s not. I keep waiting for you to wake up and realize that you could do way better than me.”
    Bending down, Nate picked up his bag and slung it over his shoulder. “Well, I guess you’re right.” He jerked open the door. “I’ll come back for the rest later.”
    “Wait, it can’t be over just like that. Please .”
    “You did us both a favor, Lucas. This was a mistake to begin with.” He smiled grimly. “Don’t worry, you won’t be single for long.”
    Lucas sat on the floor, his shoulders shaking as the tears came.

Chapter Eight
     
    “Okay, what are you doing this weekend?” Casey opened his knapsack and tossed his notebook inside as students filed out of the