Chapter Nine

CHAPTER NINE

TY

Entering the art gallery that Noah chose as the venue for our comic book's launch party, I am more than ready for a cocktail. Our book's release day has been more stressful than I anticipated. From dealing with my roommate removing my wet clothes from the dryer mid-cycle because he deemed drying his clothes to be more important than mine, to customers yelling at me over issues with claims that are out of my control at work, to responding to the hundreds of comments on our social media posts for the book, it's been a very long day.

Behind me, Slater and Noah jostle each other, rushing inside to avoid the rain that's increased to a steady drizzle. Slater pulls the door shut behind us. "It would be cool if we could control the weather. Our next superhero or villain needs to be able to do that."

"Good idea." I wish I had superpowers of my own. Ones that could get me across the rainy city without the need to drive, or compel my roommate to not eat food labeled with my name, or teleport me to Craig anytime I want.

The soles of my red high tops squeak on the polished floor. My black tee and dark jeans aren't what I'd planned to wear tonight, thanks to the drama with the dryer, but Craig's leather jacket gives the outfit an edge. He lent it to me when I was in LA, in case I got cold during the flight home. It smells like him, and the scent calms me.

Colorful posters featuring the characters in our series dominate the walls of the art gallery. Panel after panel, like something I'd see at a comic book convention. But this is our work, our characters, and it's amazing. Mouth agape, at a loss for words, I turn to Slater. He looks as surprised as I feel.

Behind him, Noah steps up, grinning, and lays his hands on our shoulders. "Congratulations. I'm so proud of you both."

Swallowing hard, I find my voice. "Noah… This is amazing. Thank you."

A large table holds stacks of paperback copies of our book. Another table has a tiered cake in the colors of our hero and villain. Themed treats and signature cocktails decorate a third table. The tablecloths are the same blue as our superhero's hockey uniform, and the cocktail napkins are imprinted with both the hero and villain's likenesses. Noah has outdone himself.

Slater grabs him and pulls him into a tight hug. The emotion working over my ginger friend's face tugs at my heart. As a kid, Slater had trouble reading, and his mother getting him into comic books encouraged a love he might never have found otherwise. He still has reading difficulties now, and told me early on in our working together that he hoped our books would help people like him to not give up either.

Leaning back, he brushes his hand along Noah's face. "I can't believe you did all this. Thank you. "

Noah clasps his wrist, holding him in place. "Anything for you. I love you."

"I love you too." He bends his head, drawing Noah closer, into a kiss.

Smiling at the pair, I step around them and take a video panning the room. I want to remember everything about tonight.

We've put in countless hours on the project. Early feedback for the comic is positive. My phone has been going off all day with notifications. Pride at what Slater and I have accomplished together fills me. Collaborating with him on this feeds so many parts of my soul.

A bunch of Slater and Noah's Buffalo Bedlam teammates, other friends, and a few of my co-workers mill around the bright, modern space, drinking cocktails, taking in the comic book artwork, and talking. I'm swept up in a sea of hugs, handshakes, and well wishes.

I should be happy. And I am. But I miss Craig.

He is supposed to be here, but instead of arriving yesterday, work kept him in LA an extra day. He texted me from the airport a while ago, but traffic is a mess, the rain isn't helping things, and I don't know when he'll arrive.

I end the video, then take a few photos. No new text updates appear from Craig.

It's been three weeks since our weekend together in LA. He's been busy with collaboration meetings with clients, songwriting for his own band, and duties for the foundation. He and his friends signed the contract with Furious Records, then did an impromptu studio session, playing Better Days Ahead the same day Craig recorded the duet with Luke. After the Fury released the song on their social media channels, the video went viral, and Falling Midnight's star has been steadily rising .

I can't help but worry over what will happen when the band dominates his time. Things are already changing. He's pulled in so many directions. Will he grow too busy to want to keep talking to some guy on the other side of the country?

I'm terrified the answer to that could be yes.

Slater gently nudges my shoulder. "What's wrong? You look worried."

Blinking at him, I paste on a smile. "No, I'm good."

Noah crosses his arms over his chest. "Want to try that again? Talk to us."

My face heating, I gesture to the crowded room. "We have guests."

"Who are all enjoying themselves. We can take a few minutes. Talk."

I tuck my phone into my pocket. "Fine. Craig's on his way here to support me tonight, but aside from that, we've only spent two weekends together in person. I feel so connected to him, but I've been thinking about what happens to our relationship now that his band has plans for recording and touring. Will he get too busy for me?"

Slater's expression turns doubtful. "Every time I turn around, you guys are texting each other. Like the other night, when you were so distracted with those texts, Noah said it reminded him of how I used to be."

I snort. "Yeah, right. I am nowhere near your level of social media addict. Though, you have gotten a lot better."

"Your phone is in your hand as often, if not more than, Slater's." Noah lifts his chin and his expression dares me to argue. Which I can't, as Noah is correct about the amount of times I look at my phone.

"I can't help it. Talking to Craig is one of my favorite things. I always want more. And I never know when something will come in, so I check it a lot. His hours are getting odder and he's so busy now, I don't hear from him as often as before."

I open my phone's photo gallery and angle the screen so the guys can see it. "He sent me flowers today for the book release." Red roses, yellow sunflowers, and blue delphinium. They're the same colors as the book cover's graphics. And that superhero congratulations card continues the theme.

Leaning into Slater, Noah smiles at me. "He put a lot of care into this."

"I know. It made my day. There was a small box of chocolate truffles too that also matched the book cover. My pain in the ass roommate swiped the box and ate them."

Slater exchanges a look with Noah, and they both turn toward me, side by side, like a united front. "You should just move in with us."

"What? Are you serious?"

"You should," Noah agrees. "But we can talk about that later. Back to Craig, if he didn't care, why would he send the gift that he clearly put time and thought into, and why would he come tonight?"

Dragging my hand through my hair, I huff out a breath and then roll my shoulders to dislodge the frenzied uncertainty residing there. "I don't know. I'm just… scared. We've never had the conversation about labeling what this is. Maybe things would be different if we lived closer together, but I feel like the distance and time difference are making things more complicated. I know what I want…"

"And what's that?" Noah's question is simple. Only three words. But they are asking me to spill the longings of my soul.

"Him." I can't leave it at that, because even though the answer is true, it's entirely too vague. "I want what you guys have—with him. "

Slater raises a brow. With his towering height, arms crossed over his wide chest, and no-nonsense expression, he looks every bit the enforcer, the protector he is on the ice for his hockey team. "You need to have that conversation with him."

"I know…" Plucking at my shirt cuff, I give voice to my fears. "What if he doesn't want what I want?"

Noah's features crease in sympathy. He shifts closer and lays his hand on my shoulder. "Then that would suck, but at least you'd know. And there's always the other, happier scenario: What if he wants the same thing as you? You're eventually giving your hero and villain a happily ever after, right? So why shouldn't you have one?"

"Exactly," Slater adds. "You're our friend and we want you to be happy. And Craig makes you happy. So talk to him."

My gaze bounces between the two men and my thoughts spin. For my own peace of mind, I need to do it, no matter how vulnerable I feel. Excitement and nerves whirl like mini tornadoes in my gut.

In a year of change, it is time to take another leap. And if I crash and burn, my friends will be there to help me through it.

As if Slater is reading my mind, he lays his hand on my shoulder. "No matter what happens, we're here for you."

"Thank you." Gratitude for the two men wells deep, washing away some of my nerves. "You'd really let me move in with you?"

"You should. With how often you've been over, it's like you're living there anyway. You don't need the stress of inconsiderate people making your life more difficult." Noah nods his thanks to one of the servers and takes the plate she hands him filled with snacks. "Plus, we like having you around."

After years of feeling like a burden when I was growing up, hearing that I am wanted and liked squeezes something in my chest. "I'd like that."

"Good. We'll do the official thing of adding you with the management company later this week." Slater snags two cookies from the plate and hands me one. "If you and Craig want to stay over tonight, you can. Then you won't have to deal with your roommates."

"He's staying with Devon for this visit. But he was going to stay with me tonight. We'll take you up on that." More people have arrived, and Craig and Patrick aren't with them. I need something to calm my nerves. "If you guys don't mind, I think I'll head over to try one of the cocktails."

"Go ahead. We'll catch up with you in a bit."

Various Bedlam players join me on the way to the bar. They suggest the comic book for our next book club pick. I'm touched by their support and I also have to laugh because Noah, who has next month's pick, told Slater and me today that he's choosing it for sure. I choose the drink named for our villain. It has whiskey, champagne, honey, and a squeeze of lemon juice. The cocktail is strong, and I take small sips as I chat with the guys.

A few of us drift away to the food, and I take a photo of that too. I'm starving, and stuff a sugar cookie decorated like our superhero's mask into my mouth. The crowd shifts, giving me a view of the front doors. One opens, and Devon and Cody enter the building. I wash down the cookie with the rest of my drink and wave my hand high, catching their attention.

"Ty!" Cody's exuberant voice hits me seconds before his hug engulfs me in a tight embrace. There are raindrops glistening in his dark hair, and scattered drops dot the shoulders and arms of his pink button-down. Beaming, he pulls back and his glance bounces around the room before returning to mine. His eyebrow piercing glints in the light. "Congratulations. Great party."

"Thanks for coming. The party is all due to Noah." I point to where Noah and Slater are standing across the room. "Slater's the redhead who co-wrote the series with me. Noah's the dark-haired one beside him. He's Slater's boyfriend and the one who put the party together."

"Oh, I know who they are. I've seen Bedlam games with Devon." He gives a sly smile to Devon, who is standing next to him.

Clad in a blazer, T-shirt, and jeans, Devon tears his gaze from a group of Bedlam players. Clasping my hand, he pulls me in for a quick hug. "Congratulations on the series. I bought my copy this morning."

"Thank you." They were so nice to me that weekend in LA, making me feel included right away, and they've kept it up since, whether we're texting in the group chat about the logo I tweaked for them, or about whatever randomness they come across in their daily lives. "How are you guys doing? It seems like your Better Days Ahead video is everywhere."

"Right? It's wild." Cody practically vibrates, and it's clear his excitement from The Fury's offer to now has not dissipated in the slightest. "When we were hanging out in the studio to support Craig, and Luke asked us if we wanted to play together like we did at his place, I couldn't begin to imagine the reaction we've received. It's unreal."

"It really is." Devon's voice is soft, threaded with wonder as though he still can't believe the positive response. "We're seeing a lot of downloads of our other songs too. I'm really happy we had you make our logo better. It's badass now. I'm proud of people seeing it."

Pride pushes me to stand taller. I'd sent ideas for tweaks to the four of them and incorporated everyone's input. "Glad you like it."

"Luke and the rest of The Fury do too." Devon peers at the pictures lining the wall, open admiration in his gaze. "You should do the artwork for our album. You're amazing."

Working with them was interesting and entertaining, and I'd do it again in a heartbeat. "I'd be honored."

He nods, like that's settled. "Craig texted me, saying that he should be here soon. He and Patrick hit heavy traffic on the way from the airport."

"He texted me too. I hope it clears up soon."

Cody grabs my arm and points across the room to where a group of the hockey players have congregated near the bar. "I didn't know your Bedlam buddies were coming. Is the entire hockey team here? Celek looks good in that shade of blue."

Devon's head whips in that direction. " Celek's here?"

What Cody said about Devon's interest in the team captain when we were in LA flashes into my mind. Maybe I should attempt to play Cupid. Cody would. And if I don't, I'm sure he will. "The team came to support Slater, and me too, well, the ones that know me anyway. These guys always show up for each other." I wrap my arm around Devon's biceps. "Come meet Celek."

His eyes widen and he stiffens as though he's frozen to his spot. "Really?"

"Sure. Unless you don't want to?"

"No, I do." He sucks in a breath and smooths a hand over his chest. His pupils are blown wide. "I'm just nervous."

Cody steps in and fixes Devon's hair. "You look great. You're amazing . He's the lucky one, getting to meet you. "

That makes Devon crack a smile. "Thanks for being my hype man."

I remember how nervous I'd been walking to Craig's booth the day after we'd met. "Celek's really nice. He'll like that you do the book club with us."

He sucks in a breath, then exhales in a rush. "Okay. Yeah. Let's do this."

"You coming, Cody?" I don't want anyone feeling left out.

"I'll wait here. Dev, you'll be fine." He stares into Devon's eyes like he can make his statement true through sheer willpower. "I'll do a walk by in a few minutes. If you need me, I'll swoop in."

"Thanks," Devon says.

With a tug on Devon's jacket cuff, I lead him a step forward. Then, we're side by side, and weaving through the partygoers.

Celek looks up as we approach. He smiles at me, and then his gaze moves to Devon. His brows lift and interest flares in his brown eyes. He extends his hand, his smile deepening. "I don't believe we've met."

Devon's breath trembles as his and Celek's hands lock in an embrace. "Devon Milne. I'm a friend of Ty's."

"Anton Celek. Everyone calls me Celek." Celek shifts closer, still holding his hand. "It's good to meet you, Devon."

"You too. I'm a big fan." Devon's throat bobs and he licks his lips like he's gone days without water. "Of the team, I mean. But you're my favorite player." His voice pitches high. He closes his eyes, clears his throat, then opens them. "I loved your last pick for the book club."

"The mystery? Yeah, that was a good one. Did you know a sequel is coming out next month?"

"I pre-ordered it. I'm looking forward to seeing what they throw at the detective next. The premise sounds really good. "

"Oh, I have thoughts on that…" Celek moves his hand to Devon's elbow. "Can I get you a drink?"

They only have eyes for each other, so my work here is done. I take a step back, catch Cody watching us from across the room, and grin as he gives me a thumbs up.

"Ty!" Slater waves me toward him. "Can we get a quick photo? I just realized we didn't take one together yet, and don't want to miss out on doing it."

"Oh, sure." I glance around us. "Let's stand in front of the poster of the book cover."

He snags a copy of the paperback for us to hold too. "Dream come true, bud. Thanks for making it happen with me."

We pose, our arms around each other, as Noah, with his phone in hand, lines us up in his shot. "We make a good team. I can't wait to get started on the next one."

Noah takes a few photos, then at Slater's insistence, joins us, and hands his phone to someone else so they can play photographer.

After we finish with the photos, I walk through the room with my friends, sipping another villain's cocktail, and contemplating food. Two small cookies weren't enough. Devon is still talking to Celek, and a few other Bedlam teammates who are also in the book club have joined them. Cody's standing near Devon and holds the attention of two players who joined the team last season. The pair aren't in the book club, so I haven't met them yet.

The sound of the gallery's doors opening behind us brings in the patter of rain and swish of cars traveling on wet roads along with two low voices. I turn. Craig comes in, followed by Patrick. Brushing at the raindrops in his hair, he stops short and a smile bursts onto his face when his gaze meets mine. "Hey. "

"You're here." Happiness surges through me like an electric charge. I put my glass on the nearest table then leap forward, wrapping my arms around Craig's firm torso, and tuck my head into the cradle of warm skin at his neck and shoulder. The familiar hint of cinnamon fills my senses and flashes me back to the first time I'd held him in an embrace.

Craig's arms band around me, locking us together. Soft lips graze my temple. "Feels good to hold you again."

That deep, husky voice and the breath feathering against my skin makes me shiver. I tighten my embrace and absorb the fiercely spoken words. "You too. I missed you."

"I got here as fast as I could. Congratulations on your book release. I'm so proud of you." One hand briefly leaves my back and Craig's head leans away for a moment. "Hello, Slater and Noah. Congratulations on the book, Slater."

"Hey, Craig." Noah's greeting is quickly followed by Slater's, "Thanks. Good to see you, man."

Beside us, Slater, Noah, and Patrick exchange hellos and introductions.

I know I should step back, but I can't let go of Craig, and his arms are still wrapped tight around me. The threat of tears burns behind my eyes. I bite my lip until the sensation passes. It's been such a stressful few weeks. I needed this so much. Needed him. Under control again, I raise my head and force myself to shift to his side, but we keep our arms around each other. "How was your flight?"

"Slow. And traffic was a mess. But I'm here, finally."

"Thank you for coming."

His soft smile is as gentle as the stroke of his finger along my cheek, and then the press of his lips against mine. "I wouldn't miss this."

My heart stumbles at the care in the gestures and the certainty in his words. They give me hope that he might want the same thing as me regarding the future of our relationship.

I catch Patrick's gaze. "Thanks for coming."

He leans in for a quick hug. "Congratulations on the release." His gaze scans the room, taking in the happy atmosphere. "Tonight, we can eat, drink, and be merry. Tomorrow, we get down to business. We've blocked out the next two weeks for writing the rest of the songs for the album, but we might not need all that time."

"Words are flowing for me." Craig slips his hand beneath my jacket and draws circles over my back. "We also have a good amount of material we've wanted to use for a while that's working well with the sound we're going for on this record."

I lean into his touch, studying the faint shadows beneath his eyes. "That's great. Maybe you'll have some downtime and can relax."

"I hope so. I want to spend time with you." His gaze drops to my chest and he smiles. "My jacket looks good on you."

"I like that it's yours." In his black button-down with the sleeves rolled to the elbows, and his legs encased in dark jeans, he is my tall, dark, and handsome superhero. I catch hold of his hand. "Can I get you a drink?"

"I wouldn't say no to that. But first, can you give me a closer look at the artwork on the walls?"

We walk to the posters. Craig stops by one of the villain and hero, locked in battle. "I'm really proud of you, Ty. You created this entire world, drew it out, formed the characters, gave them personalities, conflicts, and feelings. You're incredible."

It's not the first time Craig has admired my work. And just as it did when I saw my sketch of him hanging on his refrigerator, the flutter in my chest makes me lightheaded in the best possible way. "Slater and I worked hard. I never imagined his initial idea would springboard us into ideas for multiple stories, but it did. Sharing this with him is special."

"That's how I feel when I collaborate on a song with someone." He tucks me closer to his side as we pass a small crowd of people Slater and I know from the comic book store. We move on to another poster, showing the hero surrounded by his hockey team. "Did Slater put his teammates in the story?"

Laughing, I glance at the gaggle of Bedlam players. "Not intentionally. Though they all want to be included. You wouldn't believe the number of times they've asked. We're trying to figure out how to do it. I thought we might draw something special for the holidays and it can be our gift to the team."

He glances at the table loaded with the paperbacks. "I want to buy copies of the books to give to the older kids at the hospital. If you have extras left over after tonight, I'll take them. Otherwise, I can order some."

"You don't have to buy those. We'll donate them…" An idea hits me and my hands itch for my sketchbook, which is at home. I grab my phone and open my notes app. "Maybe we can make a special issue, one with the hospital kids as the superheroes. We can set up a fundraiser and give the issues to anyone who makes a donation. I'll talk to Slater."

His fingers wrap around my wrist, halting my typing. "I love the idea, but don't want to create more work for you."

"It's work I enjoy." I give him a quick kiss on the cheek because he's here, next to me, and I can, and I've been wanting to kiss him for weeks. After saving the note, I tuck my phone away. I do like the idea, and my excitement begins to build. Then an unwanted thought pops into my head. It is a lot of work. I'm not doing it to keep myself in Craig's orbit should he begin to slip away, am I?

I don't want to think about that possibility.

"I'm sorry I wasn't able to fly in yesterday. I hate breaking plans with you." Craig brings my free hand to his lips and brushes them over my knuckles, leaving a trail of tingles in their wake. "I wish I'd been here to start off your book's publication day with a celebration this morning. Starting with waking up with you."

"It's okay. You were busy. Plus, you sent me a very thoughtful present."

He scowls. "And your roommate ate the candy."

"When I watched him throw the empty box with my name on it , into the trash, I couldn't believe it. I wished I could channel one of our characters' powers and put him in his place. I'll get him back by making him a character in the next book who meets an unfortunate end."

He grins and kisses me. "You just got the cutest, evil genius smirk on your face."

"I'm thinking up ways to punish him on the page."

"I'm sure you'll think of something creative and fitting." His hand is a warm weight on my low back as we reach the bar. He orders a superhero cocktail for himself and gets me another villain one. Taking a taste of his, he surveys the people milling through the room. "I know Slater and Noah play for the Bedlam, but it's a little bizarre seeing so many of their teammates. I mean, we watch these guys in action at the arena or through our TVs, and here they are. Whoa, Devon is talking to Celek?"

I sip my drink, savoring the sweetness of the honey, the champagne bubbles tingling my tongue, and the smooth burn of the whiskey. "I introduced them. They're still chatting? That's great. What about Cody?" Turning, I peer into the crowd.

Cody stands squaring off against Patrick, gazes locked on each other, the light of battle in their eyes. He gestures with his drink as he talks. Or is this a debate or argument? Patrick shakes his head and responds with something that makes Cody huff, but then he presents Cody with one of the mini sub sandwiches from his plate, and Cody accepts with a beaming smile.

"They have an interesting dynamic," I say.

Cup at his lips, Craig snorts into his drink. "To say the least."

In the front of the room, Noah claps his hands together, and waves to catch everyone's attention. "Thank you all for coming tonight and celebrating Slater and Ty's superhero series. One of the main characters is a hockey player. And we all know hockey players are superheroes, right?"

His Bedlam teammates cheer.

Noah grins. "They've put in a ton of long hours and hard work. Slater and Ty, we're proud of you and know this is only the beginning." He raises his glass. "To Slater and Ty."

"Slater and Ty." The words echo back. Craig taps his glass against mine, then bends and kisses me. The warmth from his kiss is better than any of the warmth from the alcohol circulating in my system.

I drain my glass and one of the Bedlam players near the bar gets me another. I'm feeling pleasantly buzzed. Cody and Patrick join us and Craig chats with them as I lean against him, content to stay in the circle of his embrace.

Soft lips brush my temple. "How many of those drinks have you had?"

"Three? No, wait. Four?" I shrug out of my jacket, then pluck my shirt from my chest, fanning the fabric, but it does nothing to cool me down. When did the room get so warm?

"When's the last time you ate anything?"

"I had a cookie right before Cody and Devon arrived."

"We need to get some food into you." Craig hugs me tighter to his chest.

Cody sets his glass on the table. "They're cutting the cake. I'll grab some slices. Paddy, help me? Ty probably needs a sandwich or something too."

The pair walk away. I tip my head back and kiss the scar on Craig's chin. "Your friends are nice."

"I like them."

The room's noise level rises as the event staff pass out plates of cake. Cody and Patrick return with a plate of sandwiches and another of cake. Cody also sets a glass of water beside me. The next time I look up, they're gone.

With one arm around me, Craig feeds me a bite of the chocolate raspberry goodness, then takes another for himself.

I snuggle in, playing with the bands in his bracelet. Maybe I'm picking up his nervous habit. "I'm really happy you're here."

He licks frosting from his lower lip and feeds me another bite. "I wouldn't have missed this for anything."

"No?" Looking at the cake remaining on the plate is easier than looking into his eyes. The room is still too warm and too loud, and I'm too buzzed to have this conversation. But emotions are welling up and I can't stop myself from talking. "Things seem like they're changing, and I'm scared those changes will drift us further apart. I don't want that to happen."

"Neither do I." His fingers touch my chin and raise my face to meet his serious gaze. "We won't let it."

"I want to believe that." All around us are pictures of superheroes. Somehow, those heroes always find a way, no matter the odds stacked against them. "I wish superpowers were a real thing so I could see you anytime I wanted."

"I wish I had them too. It would make things much easier." Craig sets the plate down then cups my face in his hands. The intensity in his eyes takes my breath away. "You matter to me, Ty. That's not changing."

"You matter to me so much, it's scary." Burying my face in his neck, I draw his scent into my lungs. "I'm happy you're coming home with me tonight. We're staying at Slater and Noah's instead of my place. I want to go to sleep and wake up holding you." I raise my head and look into the eyes I've longed to see up close for weeks. "Not just want it. I need it."

His arms band around me, cradling me against his body. "I need it too."