“What’s that even mean, not exactly?”
“It doesn’t matter really. I was telling you about Sc—”
“Nuh-uh. What does not exactly mean?”
He sighed, his cheeks going crimson. “Well, I kicked a guy once.” I bit the side of my cheek as he continued. “It was in college, and this guy was being an idiot, sprouting some BS. I was with a friend at the time when this guy charged up and punched Billy. The guy then tripped, landing on his ass, so… I kicked him real quick before making a run for it with Billy, who had a bloody nose.”
Carter narrowed his eyes at me just as my first burst of snort-laugh escaped. “So, you kicked a guy when he was down?” I could just imagine the scene. My sweet Carter kicking out before hightailing it out of there. He wasn’t a small guy or weedy by any stretch of the imagination, but he also wasn’t a fighter.
“I didn’t say I was proud of it, but this guy was a lunatic. He almost broke Billy’s nose. Plus I thought he was going to jump back up and punch me too, so I took my chance while I had it.”
I grinned widely as Carter looked a mix between mortified and indignant. “Have you got a lot of these compelling stories tucked away ready to share?”
“Maybe.” He released the word with a small laugh and an exhale, relaxing against the sofa. “It’ll take a long time to share them with you though.” He pulled his bottom lip between his teeth. The coyness that I loved about him appeared on the man who’d stolen my heart. Since I didn’t want it back, that was fine by me.
I reached out for his hand, the whole moment softening. “I can handle long.” I shrugged. “Maybe even forever.” Swallowing loudly, I was all too aware of the shift in the mood. He was my forever for sure. I’d known it for a while. Admittedly there were times I expected our bubble to explode in a mess of ugly wounds, for no other reason than the last thing I’d been looking for was Carter.
But I continued to wade through any hesitancy I had, and even went as far as happily kicking the crap out of doubt.
“Forever sounds perfect.”
It did, and he was. I cleared my throat.
“What?” Carter tilted his head, scanning my face. His eyes widened and brightened with delight. “Is that pink I see on those cheeks of yours?” He mock gasped. “Are you going shy on me?”
Narrowing my eyes, I reached out and dug my fingers into his side, making him squirm. “You’re an ass. We’re having a ‘moment.’” I shook my head, my lips tilting up at the corners. “Or we were.”
Carter laughed loudly and all but pounced on me, snuggling against my chest, his mouth pressing against my neck. “It was a perfect moment, baby.”
I gripped his narrow waist and flexed my fingers slightly. “Are you mocking me by any chance?”
He shook his head, his lips brushing against my skin. His shoulders shook though, giving away his laughter. I flexed again, and he virtually squealed. Loud laughter burst out of me at the sound. “What the fuck was that?”
I tilted him back to look at his face. Carter sucked at schooling his features. There was no hiding his amusement, despite his piss-poor attempt at a scowl.
“Nothing.”
I raised my brows.
“It was a manly guffaw.”
If I’d been drinking, I would have sprayed the contents on his face for sure. “Manly guffaw?” I nodded, brows raised high. “Right, that’s what we’re calling squeals these days.”
“I did not squeal.” He went to pinch my nipple, but I managed to stop him just in time. If he went there, we wouldn’t be able to get back to the conversation about Scott. Instead, I’d be spreading him out and burying my face between his legs.
My cock twitched, and Carter raised a brow in amusement. I pinched his ass cheeks lightly and then placed him back on the couch next to me, causing him to groan.
“No more distractions. We’ll come back to the squealing.” I grinned. “Get back to telling me about today.” And he did.
I sat and listened, pretty fucking pissed off at the whole situation. I wasn’t a complete asshole that I couldn’t understand the fear of someone coming out, but after the nightmare he’d put Carter through, I couldn’t forgive or forget so easily.
“But you didn’t see how much he was hurting, Tanner.” He gripped my hand tightly when I told him what a turd I thought Scott was.
“I get that.” Admittedly not fully. I had no idea who Scott really was. It seemed the guy didn’t know himself either. “I just can’t believe you invited him over to ou— your house tomorrow, that’s all.” Carter’s eyes softened, but I chose to ignore his reaction.
“Don’t you think it’s odd— No, not odd, I mean terrifying and… sad that a guy his age has the need to not only stay hidden but to go a step further and behave the way he did toward me?” He shook his head, face straight, and emotion heavy in his eyes.
Fuck me, this man was going to be the death of me. “You kill me, you know?” He tilted his head in confusion, so I continued. “You’re so kind and forgiving, hell… trusting. I’m not sure I’ll ever be good enough to deserve you.” I meant every word. Carter had me tied up in knots, had done since day one when I’d found him butt-naked and trapped.
