1 - One Brave Thing: Oak Haven by S Bolanos

Author:S Bolanos [Bolanos, S]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Oak Haven#1
Publisher: Chaotic Neutral Press LLC
Published: 2023-07-17T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 11

Ash

Ash ping-ponged between overwhelming joy and freaking out. Had they really just labeled their relationship with Nicco? And had Nicco…agreed? Not to mention “joyfriend” was hands down one of the coolest titles they’d ever heard.

A happy shout from the bleachers caught everyone’s attention. Henry ducked his head, though it did nothing to hide his grin. “That’s my mom. I better get over there before she rallies the Boosters to come and get me.”

“Good game, Henry.” Nicco held up the hand not wrapped around Ash.

The quarterback highfived him, then turned to Ash. “It was great meeting you.”

Ash beamed, feeling like for once they were part of something instead of on the outside looking in. “Likewise. And congratulations again. Those spirals were sweet.”

Henry’s smile nearly split his face in half. Ash was still watching him bounce away to meet up with his friends and family when Nicco unexpectedly pulled them close and nuzzled their neck.

“Ashtyn Fairheart, did you read up on football terms for the game today?”

Ash gave him a shy smile. “Maybe?”

“Color me impressed.” Nicco stole a kiss that captured Ash’s senses. They were still reeling when he asked, “What do you say we get out of here?”

“Won’t your co-coach need your help?”

Nicco glanced over his shoulder where it looked like Blake was trying to wrangle caffeine-fueled squirrels. “He can handle it. Besides, even if I offered to stay, he’d tell me to go.”

“Why’s that?”

“Because…” Nicco wrapped both his arms around Ash so that they were perfectly cocooned. “I haven’t gotten to spend any time with my joyfriend tonight. Something that direly needs correcting.”

“Is that okay?” Ash blurted. “I know we haven’t really talked about…things.”

Nicco’s gaze softened, and he cradled Ash’s chin. “It’s more than okay. Now, about getting out of here…”

Ash gave up trying to school their smile. “Did you want to grab a drink? We could head over to The Twisted Pine or hit up Ginger and Thyme again.”

“Mmm, food does sound good, but does it make me boring if I say I’m not really up for going out and being social?”

Ash chuckled. “He asks the bookworm.”

“Fair point, Fairheart.”

“If you’re not into going out-out, then let’s stay in. We could order a pizza and hang at your place.”

“You’re brilliant. Sold.” Nicco swiped a kiss and set Ash free, only to snag their hand and lead them toward the parked cars.

After some back and forth, they agreed Ash would pick up the pizza on their way to Nicco’s while Nicco grabbed some beer and cleaned up. Everything might have even gone smoothly if it hadn’t taken a small eternity for Ash to get out of the parking lot because of all the cars from Spruceville. By the time Ash retrieved the order and pulled up beside Nicco’s truck in his driveway, they were ravenous.

They grabbed the pizza off the passenger seat—a true classic of pepperoni and cheese that had been smothered with veggies and extra marinara—and made their way to the door. Before Ash could even knock, the door swung open and Nicco grabbed for the pizza like one of those adorable cat “gimme” gifs.

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