Chapter 81

“Hey, it’s cold out here. Come with me.” Xavier leaned in closer. He’d get on his knees for Billy. “Please. I’ll explain everything. I have so much to tell you. Please, Billy.”

“You know, I waited a month for you.” Billy frowned, hurt creeping into his eyes. “I—I don’t even know who I am to you anymore.”

Xavier had to look away. “I wanted so badly to meet my father’s expectations, I just—I lost myself again.” He chanced a look at Billy. “I don’t know what to say.” Then he realized this wasn’t what Billy needed from him. Excuses. Explanations. He needed to hear the words. And Xavier surrendered them to him. “Billy, I know I’m hard to know. I’m stubborn and complicated and probably a hot mess, but take a ride with me up the mountain, and I’ll tell you who you are to me. Please.”