The Vanishing of Brandyn Taylor

Three's a crowd

Liam showed us up a flight of stairs to our room and then left, telling us he would be back tomorrow at 2pm. The room was basic, but nice. It had a kettle, two mugs, some tea and coffee making supplies, hanging rail style wardrobe, and a bed. One bed. I felt a little anxious about stripping down to my underwear in front of Tim, the only other thing I could do was sleep in my clothes, and I didn't want to do that. After a quick shower, I climbed into the bed quickly, while Tim took a shower. At least he hadn't seen me almost naked. When he came back out into the room he stood near the bathroom doorway.

"Are you sure you're ok with this?" He asked me.

"Yeah, like you said, were two adults. It's just sleeping in the same bed after all."

"Yup. I just don't want you to feel uncomfortable about it Kiera."

"Honestly it's fine. Just no poking me in the back halfway through the night," I teased.

"You're so evil you know that? I'll face the other way the entire night."

I did feel a little bit uncomfortable, I'd never been this close to Tim before. He was wearing just his boxers now, and I couldn't help but stare at his chest. It was slightly muscular, a nice toned chest with a tiny patch of hair.

"I see you checking out my bod!" He joked.

I felt my cheeks burning, he had caught me looking at him. Tim was very attractive, and seeing him wearing almost nothing made him look even more attractive to me. When I didn't reply to him right away he walked round and got in the other side of the bed. It did feel good to be close to someone, and i was glad it was Tim with me. I could feel the heat coming off his body, and I wanted to cuddle up close to him. It had been so long since I'd had anyone to cuddle up to in bed. I didn't move though, I wasn't sure what he wanted, but I knew I was attracted to him. He had done a lot for me in the time we had known each other, he was a reliable friend.

"How are you feeling? I know you miss Brandyn a lot." He asked me.

"I do miss him. I'm ok though. I'm getting weary of all the dead ends. It's been tiring, and to keep coming up with nothing, well it doesn't make it all seem worthwhile. Not yet at least."

"I get that. I know you two have always been close."

"Tim, I know it's hard on you, this situation between us." I said quietly.

"It is at times, but I do understand. You're a great friend to have."

"So are you, a really great friend. Thank you so much for bringing me over here."

"It's no bother. Plus I get to spend the night with you now - huge bonus!"

"You're such a goof."

"Yeah, but ya love me." He smirked.

"You know I do in my own weird way."

There was a pause, silence between us for a few moments, and I wondered what Tim was thinking.

"Can I cuddle up to you?" He asked me.

"Yeah. I'd like that actually."

He slid across the bed a little and I turned onto my side, so he could cuddle up close behind me. It felt good to have his arm wrapped around me. I felt so cosy, so close to him right at that moment. I rubbed the back of his arm a few times as I began nodding off. I was almost asleep, so I wasn't certain, but I thought I felt him kiss my shoulder and whisper "I love you." It was so quiet though that I thought I'd dreamt it.

I woke up, unsure of the time, but it was still dark outside. It took me a few seconds to realise where I was. Tim still had his arm over me, and he was in a deep sleep. I didn't want to move and disturb him, so I just lay there for a while, listening to him breathing. I thought about what to do while we waited for Liam to come back to work, there didn't seem much point going round other hotels anymore, not now that I was convinced it was Brandyn on the footage we had seen. Maybe Tim and I could have a lay in and then go for brunch somewhere. I was finding it comforting to be so close to him, like I was safe and protected. If I wasn't so hung up on Brandyn I might have realised, long before now, just how much I liked Tim. I'd been letting my feelings for Brandyn block my feelings for Tim, and in reality there didn't seem to be anything there between the boy and I. Brandyn hadn't once told me anything to say he loved me, I had just always felt sure he did, but was that because I so badly wanted him to? I could have wasted so many years of my life waiting for him, and he might not even feel that way about me at all. Yet, here was Tim, wanting to love me, waiting there for me to let him into my heart. Had I been a fool all along to say no to Tim? I suddenly had the urge to kiss him, but I still didn't want to disturb him. I was going to need to move at some point. I waited a few more minutes and then slowly began to turn over, facing Tim. I was getting a sore arm from laying on one side.