“Hey.” I released one of his hands and lifted his chin so our eyes connected. “Whatever you need, I’ll support you, okay? You don’t have to deal with any of this alone.” I waited for what felt like a lifetime as the air around us crackled with tension. The slightest of nods from Carter though had me exhaling deeply. I grinned, a big-ass genuine smile. “I’ve got your back.”
He nodded again. “Thanks, Tanner.”
Our gazes remained locked before I dragged my eyes away, conscious of the time. “Come on. Best get your fine ass to work.” I stood and tugged him up with me. “I’m driving.” I grabbed my keys and pulled him toward the door, not giving him a chance to stop me. “You have everything you need?” I asked before we stepped outside.
He picked up his wallet and jacket before nodding. “I do now.” Once outside, he paused. “Oh, lunch.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll bring you some.” I caught his blush and pleased grin as he stepped toward the car door. “Yeah, yeah, not only can I toast bread, I can make a mean sandwich.”
Carter snorted. “I look forward to it.”
The car journey, while quiet, was surprisingly relaxed. I was expecting Carter to be agitated, so I was impressed he was taking everything in his stride. He was no pushover; gentle, sure, but he wasn’t weak, nor was he a pussy. Because of that, I’d had a hard time this past weekend trying to get my head around the situation with Scott.
I supposed I was lucky and hadn’t really found myself in that situation. Even as a teenager, I’d been a big guy. I’d also been openly gay. I knew mine was a rare story; I hadn’t been bullied or ridiculed in high school, or even during my apprenticeship. It helped that I had a reputation for handling myself as well as being a cocky fucker, and that two of my best friends, both straight, in addition to Davis who was bi had known for as long as I had that only guys did it for me.
We were a bunch of jerkoff jocks, all four of us. My attitude, good arm, and kickass friends had meant I’d been protected and pretty untouchable. Sure, over the years, I’d received stares, some disgusted glances or double takes when I’d been holding hands with a guy. There had also been a fucktard or five who thought it would be a riot to shout fag or whatever unimaginative crap they came up with at me. But each and every time was an isolated moment, not even an incident.
I knew I was lucky, just as I knew I’d been an arrogant fuck. But what I also knew was that most weren’t as lucky as me. And that sucked like ass.
“What time shall I bring lunch?” I asked as we pulled up outside the clinic.
Carter angled toward me and smiled. “Are you going to eat with me and we can have a lunch date?” He wiggled his brows suggestively. “You know you don’t have to woo me, right?”
I arched a brow at him return. “Woo you? What fucking century have you just stepped out of? Seriously? Woo?” I teased.
Leaning toward me, his eyes squinting in what I was assuming was meant to be pissed or intimidating, he said, “Yes, woo. It’s a word. People use it.”
My laughter filled the small space of the car. “Yes, I’m aware it’s a word, dork.”
He pressed his hand against my chest. I couldn’t help but flex under his palm. And there it was. The pink. “Dork?”
“Yes, dork. I like dorks, so it’s all good.” I took his hand in mine and tugged him close. “Now what time do you want me to woo you?”
His grin was perfect. I’d done the right thing taking him to work. I wanted him to start on a positive at least. “Midday works.”
My lips touched his. “Good,” I mumbled before pulling back. “Just get through today, yeah? We’ll figure things out tonight.” I pressed my forehead to Carter’s, hating that my words brought him back to reality.
“Okay.” He then moved away and got out of the car. I swiftly followed suit. Carter paused, looking over at me. “What are you doing?”
I shrugged nonchalantly. “Just walking you in.”
“Tanner….”
“You can show me where you’ll be so I’ll know how to find you later.”
Carter nibbled on his bottom lip. “You can just let whoever is on reception know you’re here. They’ll get me.”
“Nope.” I stepped forward, took hold of his hand and led him toward the door to the clinic. “That won’t do. I need the visual. It’ll help with my fantasies later when I feel the urge to jack off when I should be working. My boss is a ballbreaker.” Carter snorted and shoulder-checked me lightly. “But I gotta say, he’s kinda hot. He’s the reason I have to take my hand to myself at least a couple of times a day.”
I turned to look at him and grinned at his wide eyes and gaping mouth. “What?” I asked. “I’m kinda hoping after this weekend, that I’ll find the need less and less.”
“I—” Carter cleared his throat. “I’m sure that we can figure something out.” A playful glint entered his eyes when he paused, and his gaze roamed my face. “The last thing we want to happen is your job to be affected as you’ve developed carpal tunnel.”
My heart squeezed and my gut clenched, right alongside the jerking taking place in my pants. Mischievous Carter was my favorite. Well, after sexy Carter. “Come on.” I tugged on his hand and then reached over and opened the door, holding it ajar for him.
I allowed Carter to lead me inside, hand still in mine.
* * *
