Chapter 21

“Ouch…got me,” Reed responded with a bit of drama. “Jim, I do owe you an apology. I…well, I didn’t treat you the way you deserved. I was a shit.”

“Yes, you were; don’t wait for me to disagree.” Jim snorted, finally getting his due.

“Can we be friends, at least?” Reed asked with trepidation.

“Of course, you idiot. I don’t have that many friends that I can afford to throw them away. But, Reed, I have someone in my life. I don’t know where it’s going yet, please don’t ask me for any more.”

The truth was there in his eyes to see and Jim knew it. They said, ‘Don’t ask me, because I may not refuse.’ Jim lowered his eyes and hid behind his lashes. He couldn’t handle Reed changing his mind again. Jim wouldn’t survive. He’d come this far knowing that although he would love Reed forever, Reed would never, ever, be his. He couldn’t, wouldn’t begin to doubt that truth.