“Now. It wasn’t always like that.” Glover zipped his bag shut. “When it’s the right person, you’ll know it. In the meantime, I need you to pick up your game inmyclass. Do whatever you did before, but don’t short-change your education.”
“Yes, sir.” He met the man’s gaze. “Thank you for taking the time to talk to me. I appreciate it.”
“You’re welcome, Mr. Henderson.”
Coury stood there while Glover walked off, and when the door shut, he pulled out his phone. That F hurt. He’d prided himself on all the hard work he’d done with Liam, how much better he’d been. He should have studied harder, like Liam said. But it was impossible to do anything when he jumped at every beep his phone made, hoping it was Liam.
He ground his teeth and called up Liam’s name. He started to type. Stopped. Erased the message.
Coury swallowed tightly.
He shoved his phone into his pocket and jogged up the steps.
Chapter Fifteen
Liam
The screwdriver slipped out of the grove, flew from Liam’s hand, and skidded across the floor.
“What the fuck!”
Slider looked up from his dog bed in the kitchen, his head cocked to the side.
“Sorry, boy.” He scratched the dog’s head as he picked up the errant tool. “Guess I’m not as good at this as I thought.”
Installing the spice rack on the cabinet near the stove was supposed to be a thank-you surprise. Pop had ordered the rack before Liam moved in; years before, if Liam had to guess. He’d talked about installing it “one day.” When Pop went out for the afternoon, Liam decided the day had arrived.
Only he didn’t count on being such a klutz. Screwing was supposed to be easy. At least with screws. Liam, however, had his mind on a different kind. Not that he and Coury had come close to that particular fantasy.
It wasn’t just sex—though he really wanted to have marathon sex with Coury—it was Coury himself. Liam missed how thoughtful he’d been. How he’d made sure they did things Liam liked, even if Coury didn’t enjoy them. It was the way he appreciated Liam for who he was and didn’t try to change him.
He sighed and looked at the reclining terrier. “Be glad you’re a dog. You don’t have to deal with this stuff.”
Slider barked and Liam thought he might be answering. A second later Slider rushed to the door.
Looking at the half-finished rack, Liam shook his head. “Another epic fail.”
The front door opened and a swirl of cold air swept down the hallway until it hit Liam on the kitchen floor.
“Liam?”
“Kitchen, Pop.”
Slider led the way, stopping to lick Liam’s face.
“What are you—oh.”
“Surprise?” He smiled sheepishly. “Either you’re home sooner than you said, or I suck at this.”
“I might be a bit early . . . what are you doing?”
“Trying to surprise you.”
“Okay. Any reason, other than you’re my favorite grandson?”
“It was supposed to be a thank you.” He shrugged. “You do so much for me. I wanted to give you something.”
Pop smiled but didn’t say anything for a few seconds. “You’ve done more than you know for me, Liam. I’m so glad you moved in, even if it’s just for a short time.”
