C10 10

He squeezes the back of his neck and grimaces. Awkwardness threatens to creep back into the room.

Now’s as good a time as any. “About last night,” I say, at the same time as he says, “I’m sorry if things moved too fast.”

I blow out a long breath. “It’s not that, Carter. It’s . . . you’re my friend.”

He takes a seat at the table. “And you’re mine. I’m not interested in changing that