Nick was excited about getting the money that morning—or at least getting the process ready. What was he going to do with it? What did he want to tackle next?

His mind wandered back to the drawing of George. He really wanted to at least make time for life drawing again, because that had done things for the soul that nothing else did. He'd been in the zone and enjoyed every moment of it.

Maybe he'd ask George to pose again for him that night.

Once again, Nick was overwhelmed with affection for George, although thoughts of Clifton still intruded. It was hard not to compare them, although it wasn't fair to George. George was nothing like Clifton. He was his own beautiful man, and Nick had to try and remember that. He was open, sweet, and kind. Although he was shy, he did have a sense of adventure as well. After all, not everyone stripped down and allowed themselves to be drawn naked.

So many memories from the past rushed over him. How many times in high school had he wished to be close to George, but was scared away because of the fear Great Uncle Jasper put in him? If he could have that time back...

No, he really had to stop thinking about and dwelling on the past. He had to move forward. Maybe the new ring on his finger was exactly what he needed to move on.

Deep down inside, no matter how much he tried to tell himself otherwise, he loved George. He'd always loved George.

His breathing was sharper as the silent admission made him feel more alive than ever. While he wasn't ready to tell George yet, perhaps this marriage might lead to more than monetary riches.

As he pulled up to the small bookstore to pick George up, Nick was almost shaking. He couldn't wait to see George—a sensation that was foreign to him. He was so used to being alone and doing his own thing without thinking of others.

He parked the car on the curb and climbed out. He drew in a calming breath then strode in through the front door. As soon as he did, he spotted George on the ground with some dude sprawled on top of him.

“What's going on here?” Nick demanded as he approached. In that instant, protectiveness flared inside of him at the thought of someone somehow hurting George.

But then terror overtook him as the memory of finding some guy braced over Clifton and fucking him into their bed flashed across his mind. The creaking of the bed, the heaving of their sweaty bodies, and the way Clifton cried out with pleasure while clawing at this bastard's back...

The man jumped up off George instantly, his hands up and his eyes wide. “Nothing! We ran into each other. Are you all right, man?”

“Yes, I'm okay. I'm so sorry, sir,” George quickly apologized as he sat up, pushing his glasses back into place. “I should've been watching where I was going.”

“It's nothing,” the man said. It looked like he was about to offer a hand to George to help him up but thought better of it with Nick there.

Nick snapped out of it and swooped in to take George's hand. His grip was harder than he meant as he hauled George to his feet. He'd hauled George so quickly to his feet that George stumbled a little and stared with surprise at him.

George then broke the stare and pulled his hand from Nick's, his face red with embarrassment. “Sir, are you all right?” he asked, turning his attention to the customer.

“I'm fine,” the man said with a sharp nod before awkwardly continuing on.

“That was so embarrassing,” George moaned as he stooped down to collect the books. Without missing a beat, Nick stooped down to help George out.

“You must've hit him pretty hard to end up on the floor,” Nick chuckled, trying to shake off that moment of incredible dread.

“I need to actually look where I'm going sometimes. I hope he doesn't file a complain with my boss,” George fretted, though eyed Nick. It was like he wanted to say something else but was holding back.

“I think he was just as embarrassed, so I wouldn't worry about it,” Nick assured him, picking up the last book and placing it back into George's arms. His heart was still pounding, although he was trying to will it away.

George nodded and smiled slightly to Nick. “Thanks for helping me. I'm just going to put these on the shelf and then I'll be ready to go,” he said as he clutched the books to his chest.

“Take your time,” Nick said as he shrugged casually, though watched after his husband as he moved away. He was okay. They were okay.

“Ready to go?” George asked once he returned a few minutes later, grabbing his coat from behind the counter.

He tried not to get emotional right now. There’d be time for that later, when he was alone. Maybe. Instead, he focused on getting them to the solicitor's office in one piece.

“Ready.”

* * *

That afternoon, once everything was taken care of and George was returned back to work, Nick headed to Jett's. He had some time to kill before he'd pick up George after work and take them out for dinner. He wanted to celebrate the fact that money was soon officially coming their way. He also felt guilty about how he acted at the bookstore and wanted to make it up to George.

Ryan's house was nice and it was only now that he had a chance to appreciate it without being distracted by his own wedding party. From what he knew, Jett spent more time there than in his own apartment. Nick had a feeling Jett was just waiting out the lease.

It was small, simple, but full of love. The moment he walked in through the door, it was easy to feel that. A mixture of kids and cat toys showed that it was a nice family home.

“Hey,” Nick greeted as Jett led him inside. “I didn't see Ryan's car. He's not home today?”

“No, he went to the library to work.”

“Where are the kids?”

“With their grandmother for the day. Can I get you something to drink?” Jett offered.

“No, I'm good.”

“So, what brings you here today?” Jett drawled with a curious look as he moved to the dining room table and took a seat.

Nick laughed lightly and rubbed the back of his neck as he joined Jett. “Well, just wanted to let you know that the whole inheritance process is coming along. My bank account will be happier soon.”

“Congratulations!”

“Thanks, man. Also... something came up today at George's work,” Nick continued, unsure if he should open his mouth about his moment of vulnerability. What was the point?”

“What happened?” Jett asked as he leaned forward.

“When I stepped into the bookstore to pick him up this afternoon, he and some other guy were on the floor together. They ran into each other. I know it was an accident, but it still made me... feel things.”

“Go on,” Jett encouraged.

Nick ground his jaw. “Firstly, seeing him on the floor like that made me want to jump in and save him, as weird as that sounds. I thought he might've been hurt. That riled me up more than I thought it would. And secondly...”

“...Yes?”

“It scared the shit out of me because it reminded me of when I caught Clifton cheating,” Nick admitted, his muscles tense. “It was just a flash across my mind but enough.”

“I'm sorry,” Jett murmured, his eyes sympathetic. “That must've really sucked.”

“It did! But it's not fair to George that I can think like that. I doubt George has a cheating bone in his body, but... I didn't think Clifton had one either.” Even as he said it, dread took hold, making it harder for him to breathe.

“This is definitely something you need to get out into the open with George,” Jett pointed out.

“We're supposed to be talking through everything soon, considering our relationship is fake.”

“But is it?” Jett asked.

Nick straightened up in his chair at these words, his body feeling as though it'd been zapped with electricity. His heart instantly started pounding harder. “I don't know.”

“Talk me through it,” Jett said casually and calmly, crossing one leg over.

Nick wanted to make some snarky remark about Jett being a therapist, but decided to bite his tongue. “I'm falling for the guy, Jett,” he admitted, going for it. “I've always been attracted to him, but I was too much of a coward to act on it before. Since we've reconnected, it's like my whole world is... brighter. For the first time in ages, I was even able to just draw for fun. George inspired that.”

“So what's the problem, then?” Jett asked, flicking his wrist in a “continue” gesture.

“I just don't know if I can ever truly trust anyone again after Clifton,” Nick admitted, shame taking hold.

“Have you ever thought about getting counseling?” Jett questioned, his tone gentle.

Nick tensed. Counseling wasn't a bad thing, but, just like with most people, he was afraid of the stigma it carried. “No.”

“I know it's not pleasant, but I think you should seek some help,” Jett said. “There's no shame in it. I think if you're able to work through some of this with a professional, you may be able to properly move on.”

Nick worked his jaw around to work out the tension caused by him gritting his teeth so hard. Being able to properly move on sounded wonderful. Of course, finding new love wasn't going to make his old problems and worries disappear. It wasn't a magic cure-all. Having support from George and something to work toward didn't hurt, though.

“Maybe I'll look into it...” Nick hedged.

“No 'maybe' about it. Just do it. I'm sure you'll feel a million times better,” Jett said sternly.

Nick laughed sharply. “Yes, sir.”

“I just want you to be happy,” Jett said simply.

“I really appreciate that, man,” Nick said, his chest fluttering in a funny but warm way. He and Jett didn't typically have these heart-to-heart chats. Both of them liked to keep their time together filled with bantering and work. But they’d also come through for each other when they needed real help, too.

Nick wanted to let all of the hurt in the past go so that he could truly see where things with George went. The chemistry was there—it buzzed through Nick every time he was close to George. Even despite the times Nick had screwed up, George was willing to give him second chances, too. He couldn't take that for granted.

Nick cleared his throat and debated how much more he wanted to say. Really, he'd gotten straight to the point with Jett and felt it was resolved enough for now. He was about to open his mouth to move onto more casual conversation when his phone buzzed.

It was a message from George that read:

I think I'm in trouble.