Like Real People Do (Breakaway #1)

by E.L. Massey

“I’m in love with Alexander Price. Fuck.” “Uh. Should I come back later?” Alex asks from the bathroom doorway, and Eli turns to look at Hawk, betrayed. It’s her responsibility to let him know if anyone else enters the bedroom. She is unrepentant. “So,” Eli says since it’s not like he has any other options. “I love you. Apparently.” “Okay?” “I’m—okay? What do you mean ’okay’? This is not okay. This is the opposite of okay.” And that’s Alex’s hurt face. “No,” Eli says, reaching for him. “I mean— That came out wrong. Sorry. How are you being so calm about this? This is a big deal.” “Because it’s not new for me,” Alex says. “I’ve been in love with you for a while.” “A while.” “Yeah.” “All right.” Eli takes an intentional breath. “So. We’re doing this, then.” “We’re doing what?” “This—we’re in love. With each other. That’s a thing that’s happening.” “Yes,” Alex agrees. “Sorry. This makes things a lot more real, I guess.” “Do you…not want it to be?” “No. No, I do. Oh my god, I do. But I thought you’d get tired of me. Or change your mind. And I’d be brokenhearted, and it would be shitty. But you’ve gone and talked to your agent and management and— Are you really going to come out?”