“We have a farm hand for my aunt. When I leave town, he just helps over at our house too, since it’s right next door.”
Finishing off the beer in my hand, I get up and toss it in the trash before heading toward the camper. I tell myself it’s to grab a hoodie to slip on since it’s a bit chilly tonight, but I know better than that. It’s because I can’t help myself. I need to have eyes on him, even if only for a moment. It’s pathetic, and each step closer to the door pisses me off even more.
The inside of the camper is blanketed in darkness, but with the moonlight peeking in through the blinds, it doesn’t take long for my eyes to adjust. My bed and all my stuff are off to the right, and Grady’s bed is to the left. I cross the small space, where the hoodie I want is already sitting on the bed. Slipping it on, I sit on the edge of the mattress, elbows to my knees as a war rages on inside of me. As if I have no say in the matter, my gazeautomatically drags over to Grady’s sleeping form. He’s rolled onto his side, facing me, one hand under his cheek, the other sprawled out in front of him. Lips slightly parted, long, dark eyelashes fanning the apples of his cheeks.
Memories flood my mind as I watch him sleep so peacefully. Memories of my cock in my hand. Him in my doorway, watching me. How it felt to have his attention on me as I did something meant only for me to see. I loved it. As much as I want to pretend it revolted me, it didn’t. I felt alive. Free.Desired.
Then there’s the memory of us outside of the bar. His lips pressed up against mine. My tongue rolling with his. His sweet, forbidden taste. The feel of our bodies aligned.
Fuck.That goddamn kiss.
It’s seared into my memory. It’s become a part of me. And fuck if I don’t desperately want a repeat.
Huffing out a breath through my nose, I stand up and, without a second glance, leave the camper. I grab another beer from the cooler before sitting back down by the fire, where everybody else is still talking and laughing about who knows what, completely oblivious to my inner turmoil.
I crack open the beer and take a few pulls, wishing I could drink away all of the memories of Grady and me.
“What’s your problem, man?”
Turning my head, my gaze connects with Shooter. He’s sitting on the other side of Sterling, who’s right beside me. Something about the smirk on his face as he waits for my answer grates my nerves. It’s like he’s not asking because he’s concerned. It’s almost like he’s asking because he knows and, honestly, he probably does. All of this is his fault anyway.
I take another drink, wiping my mouth with the back of my hand. “You know what, Shooter? You. You’re my problem.”
He snorts. “Me? What the fuck did I do?”
“You just never know when to mind your own fucking business,” I spit out. “You’re always meddling in other people’s shit, giving opinions no one asked for. Why don’t you ever just shut the fuck up and mind your own every once in a while?”
All chatter has gone silent around the fire. Sterling is looking between the two of us, equal parts amused and confused.
Shooter glances around the fire for a moment before his eyes find mine again. They’re fucking twinkling, and it makes me want to fucking deck him. “Wait a minute,” he says, smirk plastered on his face. “Is this about Grady?”
“What about Grady?” Colt asks from beside Shooter.
Ignoring him, I say, “It’s about your smartass mouth never knowing when to shut the fuck up.”
“Aw, is somebody bothered by the revelation I dropped on you all those months ago?”
“You don’t know what you’re talking about!”
“Oh, but I think I do,” he teases. “I think I know pretty well. I also think I know how much it’s gotten to you. What’s wrong, Booney boy? You feeling some type of way now that your eyes have been opened? Seeing him in a new light, maybe?”
“Fuck you,” I grit out, nostrils flaring. “You don’t have a fucking clue!”
Shooter shrugs. “Can’t say I really blame you. He is a cutie.” He nudges Sterling’s arm before adding, “Isn’t he, baby?”
“Shooter, knock it off,” Sterling hisses.
That only makes his smirk grow. “You wanna keep it in the family, Boone?” he taunts. “You’ve already had Jade. Maybe you wanna give Grady a taste next. I’ll be honest,” he goes on. “I’ll bet Grady gives real nice head. That need-to-please attitude. Those lips…”
My vision goes red as I lunge out of my seat, tackling him to the ground before he can get another word out. We roll around a few times, both of us trying to get the upper hand. Finally, I findmyself on top of him, and my blood is running hot as I rear my fist back, clocking him right in the mouth. It’s the only hit I’m able to get in before he rolls us, putting him with the upper hand. His lip is bleeding, but he’s smiling like a maniacal asshole.
“Man, this is really fucking with you, isn’t it?” he says before spitting out some blood beside us.
“Jesus Christ,” I hear Sterling mutter.
Shifting my weight, I roll us again, bringing me back on top as I fist his shirt. “I was perfectly fucking fine being in the dark, and then you had to go and open your big fucking mouth, and now I’m confused!” I shout, feeling just as infuriated as I am desperate to understand.
“Is somebody not as straight as they thought they were?” he taunts, laughing as he reaches up to pat my cheek in the most condescending way. It pisses me the fuck off, and I land another blow to his jaw. He hooks his leg behind mine, using his weight to throw me off of him. “The first time you hit me, I let it slide, fucker. Not this time.”
