Page 44 of Nitro

What Tommy and I had was special. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Spike's words were a reminder not to take it for granted.

As Spike closed his eyes, drifting into sleep, I quietly slipped out of the room. Then I remembered I owed Tommy an update.

Pulling out my phone, I sent Tommy a text, assuring him that Spike was fine. I asked him what time he was free to meet.

Tommy's immediate response made me chuckle.

"Right now."

11

TOMMY

Hearing the doorbell, I interrupted my conversation with Dylan.

"Nitro's here. I'll tell you how today went later," I informed him.

"You better," came Dylan's reply through the phone.

Ending the call, I took a moment to glance at myself in the mirror, making sure I looked decent for our date.

Nitro had hinted at a hike, so I had opted for comfortable exercise clothes—jogging pants, sneakers, and a windbreaker.

As an extra touch, I had prepared a couple of sandwiches, in case we both got hungry.

Finally, I headed to the door and opened it. Nitro stood there, his presence a welcome distraction.

“Hey," Nitro greeted me with a smile, but I couldn't ignore the exhaustion etched in the tired lines around his eyes.

He reassured me over the phone that Spike was okay, but it was evident that looking after his best friend had taken a toll on him.

Nitro leaned over and kissed me softly on the mouth.

I kissed him back, eager for the taste of him. His familiar scent wrapped around me like an embrace.

Nitro had only left me a few hours ago. It was crazy how much I already missed him.

"You ready?" Nitro asked.

"We can do this another time, you know. You look exhausted," I said, my hand cupping his unshaven cheek as I gazed into his eyes.

Nitro surprised me by resting his hand over mine and shaking his head.

“A dose of Tommy is exactly what I need right now,” Nitro said.

"Okay," I replied. "One moment.”

I quickly grabbed my small backpack and the bag containing our sandwiches as Nitro waited by the door.

"What do you have there?" he asked curiously as we left my apartment building.

"Some sandwiches, in case we get hungry," I explained, deciding to keep the food in my bag for convenience.

Nitro grinned in approval.

"Great idea,” he said.