13. Nakul

Nakul

I’m bent over the last of the blueprints, fine-tuning measurements and ensuring everything lines up with the specs Athena and I agreed on. The brainstorming part of the project is nearly complete, and while I’m proud of the work, part of me feels an odd pang of disappointment. Finishing this step means fewer excuses to hang around the office, fewer chances to… well, accidentally run into Judd. Not that he’s even here most days.

As if reading my mind, Athena speaks up from her desk. “You’re looking around like someone’s missing.”

I straighten, scratching the back of my neck. “Just stretching my neck,” I say, my voice a little too casual. “Sitting over blueprints all morning messes with your posture.”

She smirks but doesn’t push it. “You’re probably wondering why Judd isn’t here much.”

My ears burn and I focus on rolling up the finished blueprint. “I wasn’t, but sure, let’s go with that.”

Athena laughs, obviously knowing I’m full of shit. “He works from home most of the time. It’s cheaper than daycare and since he’s the accountant, he doesn’t really need to be on-site. Plus, Stevie likes having him close by.”

I nod, though my stomach twists at the mention of Stevie. I’ve only met her briefly, but from those few moments I was around her, she’s the kind of kid who could melt even the coldest heart. “That makes sense,” I say, trying to sound nonchalant.

Athena stands and crosses her arms, watching me with an amused expression. “You know,” she begins, her tone light but pointed, “You could just ask him out again.”

Being confronted by Athena is always daunting, especially with how in tune she and Jess are with my growing relationship with Judd. It’s unnerving but also strangely comforting to know that Judd has so much support. I nearly drop the blueprint. “What?” My voice cracks and she grins.

“Oh, don’t act surprised. It’s obvious, Nakul,” she smirks. “The way you two steal glances at each other? You’re not exactly subtle.”

The heat rises in my cheeks. “We’re not… I mean, it’s not like that. Kind of.” We talked on Monday but I want to ask Judd officially. I don’t want to beat around the bush about what we are, especially not after I went home and fucked my hand in the shower, imagining Judd pressed up against me as I sunk into his ass.

Neither one of us are ready for those fantasies but I can’t take this further until Judd knows what I really want.

Athena tilts her head, her expression softening. “Judd is worth it. Every moment. He’s special to us—our family. We don’t take kindly to people messing with him, but I don’t think you’re the type.”

Her words hit me harder than I expect. “Am I really that readable?” I ask, a frown forming on my lips.

As if on cue, Jess strolls into the room, her voice sing-songing as she passes by. “Yes, Nakul, you are that readable.”

Athena bursts out laughing and I groan, burying my face in my hands. “Great. Just what I needed.”

Jess leans against the doorframe, a mischievous grin on her face. “Don’t be so dramatic. It’s cute. You’ve already been on dates anyway.”

I blink at her, startled. “What? No, we haven’t.”

Jess raises an eyebrow. “Dinner at his place wasn’t a date? Sharing a meal, talking about your lives, connecting —that’s a date, sweetheart.”

“It wasn’t a—” I pause, replaying Friday night and then Monday in my head. The food, the easy conversation, the kisses, his cock … Oh, God. It was a date. I blink, her words sinking in. My chest tightens, and I’m not sure if it’s excitement or panic.

“You okay there, buddy?” Jess asks, laughing again. “You look like someone just told you Christmas was canceled.”

I shake my head, trying to clear my thoughts. “I’m fine. Just… processing.”

“Don’t overthink it,” Jess says, waving a hand dismissively. “You’ll drive yourself crazy. Besides, love doesn’t have to be complicated.”

“Oh, sure,” I say dryly. “Coming from someone who clearly has it all figured out.”

Jess laughs. “I’m just saying, don’t worry so much. You think Athena and her husband had it easy? She left him on read for years before she finally stopped being stupid and married the guy.”

Athena blushes, throwing a crumpled piece of paper at her sister. “Thanks, Jess. Very helpful.”

Jess dodges the paper, grinning. “What? It’s true!”

Athena shakes her head, but there’s a fondness in her expression. “Okay, fine. She’s right. It took me years to realize my love was right beside me the whole time. However, Jess was just as bad, making her husband jump through a billion hoops to prove himself. Don’t wait that long, Nakul.”

Their laughter is infectious, but it also leaves me feeling exposed. I like Judd—there’s no denying that. But it’s complicated. I lean forward, blurting out the thought that’s been sitting heavy in my chest. “I’m not gay. That’s why this is so confusing.”

The laughter dies down as Athena gives me a thoughtful look. “Who says you have to be? Love isn’t about labels, Nakul. It’s about connection.”

Jess agrees immediately. “Exactly. You don’t have to figure it all out right now. Just take it one step at a time.”

Their words sit with me as I turn back to the blueprint, trying to refocus. But my thoughts keep drifting and before I know it, I’ve pulled out my phone. My fingers hover over the screen for a moment before I type out a text:

Dinner again soon?

It seems to be our code question, one that ends up forming whatever kind of evening we choose it to be. The response comes almost immediately:

Yes. When?

A smile overtakes my lips as I text back:

Thursday?

Perfect

My chest tightens again—this time with anticipation. I’ve never had dates this close together before but I know better. Deep down, I know what this is. I have feelings for Judd and they’re only growing stronger.

Jess’s voice pulls me from my thoughts. “You texting my brother?”

I look up, startled, forgetting that the sisters were there. “Yeah,” I admit, my voice quieter.

She smirks. “Good. Don’t overthink it, Nakul. Just let it happen.”

Easier said than done. But as I glance down at Judd’s reply, I can’t help but feel a flicker of hope. Maybe this doesn’t have to be so complicated after all.