Chapter 40

Shane buried his nose in the top of Luke’s shoulder and tried to breathe.

“It’s okay,” Luke repeated. His hand was warm on the back of Shane’s neck, and he was rocking lightly. “It’s alright, I promise.”

Shane exhaled, and it shook.

“Anna’s going to make up the spare room so we can…”

“No,” Shane breathed.

“…It’s got more spa—”

“No,” Shane repeated. “Your room. Please.” He didn’t need space. He needed that crushing lack of it, the way they had to twist around each other to fit. He wanted Luke to be there, wanted to just wrap around him and cling for a while.

“…Okay,” Luke murmured, and squeezed Shane’s shoulders before pushing back a little and kissing the edge of his mouth, soft and chaste. “Get in the shower. Leave the door unlocked. I’ll be right back, okay? Have you…do you want something to eat?”

“Not hungry,” Shane mumbled, grinding the heels of both hands into his eyes. He had a headache, and he still felt sick. He should eat, but…