Because I Want To - Grace R. Duncan Page 0,37

explain.”

“That’s bullshit and you know it,” Ethan said, and Adam winced.

“Yeah, it is.”

“You could have gone after him, called him back… talked to him since.”

“I know. I know.”

Ethan shook his head. “Look, we’re really close friends, been friends since middle school, and found out we were both omegas. I understand a lot since we are. But… I just can’t figure this out.” He stared at Adam for a long moment. “I think you’re being kind of stupid about this.”

Adam winced again. “Ouch. Harsh, dude.”

“Maybe. But I think it’s accurate. He at least deserves to know why. You know he thinks you won’t even let him see his own kid?” Ethan even looked pissed.

“I wouldn’t do that. I’m not that much of an ass. He should know that.”

“How? None of this is even remotely normal, even for you guys. And I don’t think he’d ever have imagined that you’d try to do everything for the baby by yourself.”

Adam had to admit Ethan was right about that, at least. “Yeah, I guess.”

“Look, even if you still won’t let him help—though I think that’s ridiculous too—then he at least deserves to know all of it. He loves you, Adam. I don’t see him as anything but wanting to be with you and the baby.”

Adam met Ethan’s eyes and considered his friend. Whether that was true or not, Adam didn’t know, but it was clear Ethan believed it. Adam didn’t know if he could believe it himself. He could, however, admit something else. “Yeah, you’re right—he should know.”

It stung, admitting he was wrong to keep it from Matt, but it was his fault. Things weren’t going to change the way they were, and it was up to him to do something about it.

With a deep breath, he nodded. “I’ll talk to him. Thanks.”

Ethan smiled. “It’s not often I get to be the one to call you on your bullshit. I’ll just enjoy it as my reward.”

Adam rolled his eyes, but he smiled at the same time. “Enjoy it. It’ll be the last time.”

Chapter 17

Adam stood by the front door of the building their second class was in, waiting for Matt to come out of the bathroom. It was annoying how often Adam needed pee already, but he couldn’t help it and had gone in as soon as the professor dismissed them. And since Matt was avoiding him, he’d waited and gone in after Adam did so they wouldn’t run into each other.

There were two other doors out of the building that Matt could use to leave, but the one Adam stood at was the most direct. Adam hoped Matt would realize Adam wanted to talk if he was waiting. That didn’t stop his heart from pounding, though, or from him being afraid Matt would simply avoid him.

When you get your head out of your ass and remember that I love you, that I want our child, you know where I’ll be.

Adam reminded himself that even with all the craziness and the changes in their relationship, he did know Matt. And Matt would never go back on a promise like that. No matter how mad he might be, Adam didn’t think Matt would truly walk away. At least, not yet. If Adam’s fears proved true and Matt felt trapped, that was a different story.

This, however, he didn’t think Matt would go back on.

Matt stepped out of the bathroom just a few moments later. He stopped and stared at Adam, then turned to Parker, who’d come out behind him. Adam couldn’t hear what he said, but Parker simply motioned for Ethan and Evan where they’d been waiting near the bathrooms. The three of them turned toward one of the other exits but before they left, Ethan looked over his shoulder and smiled at Adam, who smiled back, feeling a little calmer.

Adam couldn’t tear his eyes off Matt as he crossed the entranceway. He stopped a little too far away to be able to touch, and Adam felt that distance achingly. Clearing his throat, he opened his mouth to speak, but nothing came out. He closed his mouth again, then took a breath, opened it and blurted, “I’m sorry.”

Matt tilted his head. “I’ll accept that.”

Adam wasn’t sure how to take that or how to read Matt’s expression, but Matt wasn’t walking away. That was a start.

Swallowing around his dry throat, Adam forced himself to speak, but dropped his gaze, focusing on the floor. “I want to talk, if it’s okay, but, uh, not here. Do you maybe