Selfless: Book Two (bxb) ✔️

Chapter Eighteen: A Little More Than Like

Ace Villan

I never was hit with the excitement of doing something nice for someone, and immediately wanted to show them because I knew it would make them happy. But then Cade's smile popped into my head, and I realized that the only thing I wanted to do was see him smile. I didn't need the appreciation factor of doing something kind--his smile would be enough for me.

Cameron came back only two days ago, and things have been calm. The triplets wouldn't leave one another's side, which meant I couldn't see Cade much, but that was fine. Mostly. I still wanted to talk to him about my feelings and all of that bullshit. But for now, I focused on decorating the tree we picked up, and put in the room Cameron was now occupying. Mom managed to keep the triplets busy with her festivities while we prepared.

The triplets once had a tradition and I hoped this would aid all of their healing journey. You could carry out traditions from anywhere. It was the people that mattered.

Ew.

There was no way I was starting to like Christmas.

"Stop hitting my balls with your balls!"

I peeked around the tree with an arched brow as my little brother Ethan shoved Liam with his shoulder. "You do realize how that sounded, right?"

Asher snorted as he fixed the garland on the tree. "Even I know how that sounded."

"Me three." Alastair chuckled as he arranged the lights. "I'm sure Nolan would love to hear that come out of your mouth."

Ethan grinned evilly at Alastair. "He does, but I'm usually begging."

"I want to drench myself in gasoline and light myself on fire." I curled my lip and went back to my task of fixing the ornaments. "I do not need to know the details of your sex life."

"Stop being a grump," Ethan said. "You could have an active sex life if you just told Cade how you feel."

"He's a little busy right now, and I can't interrupt that dynamic. Cade has wanted his brother back in his life. It can't all be about me."

My feelings weren't all that complicated for me to figure out. I knew what I felt for Cade, mostly. It was like a crater formed in my chest, and when it broke apart, I was smacked with this strong sense of understanding. I liked Cade. A lot. Maybe a little more than like. I couldn't particularly tell what it was hiding in there. But my feelings were clear enough, and I didn't need much more of an explanation.

If only I had the chance to tell him.

It was killing me.

There was an invisible line separating us, and I wanted to erase it.

"Take him out." Ethan offered. "You two still haven't gone out for that dinner. He never got his train ride. Take him out."

I tossed the ornament in my hand at my brother. "I'm sorry, did you miss the part where Cameron came back? Separating the triplets is literally impossible. I'd have more success getting world domination."

Alastair shrugged. "Why don't you ask him? It would be good for Carter to spend some alone time with Cameron. Then, Cade can do the same while I take the rabid fox out for something to do. It balances."

Asher pointed at Alastair. "See, that could work. I'd suggest it and see where you get. It would do the triplets some good to get one-on-one time with each other."

I frowned. "If I don't ask him the right way, it will look bad."

"Then ask him the right way." Ethan, oh so helpfully, provided. "Cade is dreamy over you, and I know how snappy you get when someone suggests the boy has feelings for you—but you're damn near, or already are, in love with him. But you two look at each other the same way—so. You know."