“Thanks. I’ll be in shortly.” Carson smiled. “I’ll be back.”
“Don’t waste too much time out here.” Phil waved, then herded Nicole and Erin back into the building.
Luke clutched the railing. They’d acted like he didn’t exist. Some things never changed. Carson was hot, had money and fame. Everyone wanted a piece—even him. Why was he surprised Carson was so popular? Because he knew another side of Carson and wanted that side to himself.
“We should go in,” Carson said. “And get this over with.”
“Yeah. I’ll be in after a moment.” He couldn’t face them yet.
Carson touched Luke’s arm, sending tingles through his being. “Jesus.”
Luke met Carson’s gaze, and the electricity intensified. “What’s wrong?”
Carson laced his fingers with Luke’s. “I know that was shitty. They know what they’re doing and that it’s mean, but don’t worry about them. I didn’t come back to see them or meet Duncan. I came here for you.”
Luke parted his lips and said nothing. What was there to say? Being with Carson was like old times. Carson gave him strength. He wanted to believe what his ex-boyfriend had said. God, he needed to believe.
“Let’s get through the banquet and slip away. I need some Luke time.” Carson tugged him close. “I’ve missed you.”
“Carson?” He didn’t quite have faith in Carson.
“We can get coffee and talk,” Carson said. “No interruptions.” He hugged him. “I can’t tell you enough how much I’ve missed you.”
“Yeah?” He wondered if he’d regret being with Carson one more time. Even if they just talked, he’d have some closure, right? The more Carson touched him, the more he liked it. He headed inside with Carson and didn’t let go until they reached the table.
Duncan pushed between Luke and Carson, pinning Carson between himself and the woman.
Luke moved to the other side of the round booth. The woman scooted over to him. “Hi, I’m Carson’s assistant, Sindy McCallum. You must be Luke. I’ve heard good things about you.”
“Hi. I’m Luke.” He shook hands with her. “Nice to meet you.”
“Likewise.” She grinned. “I think they’re underway.”
“They’ve already started,” Duncan growled. He cuddled right up to Carson. “They’re about to announce the award winners. I’ll bet you win a ton.”
Luke suppressed the urge to roll his eyes. Of course Carson would win awards. He was freaking famous. He’d done the most since leaving high school.
Luke listened to the list of awards and applauded for each winner. Best arms, best hair, best smile, most children, longest marriage, class couple. Various classmates strode up to the podium to accept the chintzy statue awards. He folded his hands and wished they’d finish distributing the awards already. He stole glances at Carson and Duncan. Carson still blew his mind. The lines around his eyes were a bit deeper, but his eyes flashed when he smiled. He missed Carson’s kiss, the way he held Luke as they slept and the little sounds Carson made when he snored.
Could he have those things again? Even if only for one night? Possibly.
“The award for nerdiest member goes, without a doubt, to Luke Benjamin. He’s a library junkie,” Beth said. She applauded. “Our resident nerd.”
The tips of his ears burned. So what if he liked his library and didn’t mind being a nerd? The class didn’t have to call him out for it.
Duncan gestured to Luke. “Get your award.”
Luke forced himself to his feet and accepted the statuette. At least he didn’t have to make a speech. He placed the statuette on the table and averted his gaze. He couldn’t look Carson in the eye after winning the award. He hated embarrassment and being called out.
Carson reached across the table and grasped Luke’s hand.
He wished he could be as confident as Carson.
Beth spoke again. “The award for the most popular member of our class … Carson Garett. No one compares to you.” She grinned and applauded. “Congrats.”
Carson let go and stood. Instead of retrieving the statuette, he simply returned to his seat and reached for Luke again. Luke’s stomach churned. He wanted to leave the banquet hall. The nerd and the popular man. They were such an odd couple.
Like sucked in a ragged breath and steadied himself. Just like in school, he refused to let his classmates see him crumble. He waited until the rest of the awards were distributed and dinner served, then abandoned the table.
Duncan chased him down in the foyer. He held onto the award. “I need a photo with the winner.” He shoved the award into Luke’s hands. “I already took a selfie with Carson. I can’t wait to put it on social media.”
“It’s a popularity contest,” Luke said. He pushed the award back to Duncan. “I’ll be back. I need a moment.” He didn’t give a shit about the statuette. He’d rather get some air. If he could’ve left, he would’ve in a heartbeat.
“Luke.” Carson caught up to him again. “You keep avoiding your problems. Do you want to go for a ride?”
“If you’re going to bring Duncan, I’ll pass.” He wanted alone time with Carson. He still craved him, even after so many years. “And yes, I’m avoiding my problems.”
Carson cocked his head. “I’m not bringing Duncan.”
“What about your assistant?” He liked Sindy. She seemed forthright and nice. A little old for Carson, but whatever.
“Luke, honey, she doesn’t follow me everywhere. She came tonight in case I needed to leave.” Carson laughed and held Luke’s hand. “Come with me. Please?”
Like he could tell Carson no? “I’m game.” He might regret his decision. Carson was handsome, rich and his ex, but he was also the only man Luke had ever loved.
Chapter Three
Carson thanked God that Luke had agreed. He couldn’t wait to have Luke alone. Duncan irritated him. Jesus. How could one man be so overwhelming? If Duncan mentioned Carson’s income one more time, Carson would scream. If Duncan was truly interested in dating Carson, he wouldn’t have to talk about money or status. He should want to get to know the person he’d lusted after. But no, Duncan wanted to be attached to someone with money.
Carson led the way to the waiting limo. He knew just what he wanted and from whom. He allowed Luke into the car first, then joined him and closed the door. At least the media wasn’t following him. Having not mentioned where he was at the moment did help.
“Ready,” he said into the intercom. Carson switched off the com, then darkened the privacy screen. He didn’t care where they went, but he wanted no interruptions.
“Carson.” Luke faced him. “I’m glad you decided to attend.”
“Me, too.” Carson scooted over to Luke. He didn’t want to talk. He cupped Luke’s jaw. “I missed you.”
“Did you?” Luke stiffened.
Instead of answering, he kissed Luke. Damn, the man was still sweet and needy. He bumped noses with Luke and swallowed his moan. When Luke arched into him, he slid his palm over Luke’s thigh, then up to the bulge in his trousers. Another moan rumbled in Luke, spurring Carson on. He’d made Luke hard. Score. He broke the kiss first and panted. “I won’t hurt you.”
“I know.” Luke rested his forehead against Carson’s and smoothed his hand over Carson’s chest.
He didn’t want to talk. Instead, Carson sank to the floor and allowed his base needs to take over. He parted Luke’s thighs. He caressed from Luke’s erection up to his chest, then shoved the jacket off Luke’s shoulders. Fire burned in Luke’s eyes. Carson kissed him, basking in the velvet of Luke’s tongue. Luke’s moans were music to his ears. He couldn’t get enough.
Carson stroked Luke’s cock through the fabric of his trousers. He needed more. He wanted to taste Luke. Luke gasped as Carson opened his pants. The way Luke blushed and the slight smile on his lips reminded Carson of old times. The fumbling, the desire, and the love were just as strong as before.
Luke shoved his hands beneath Carson’s jac
ket and massaged his chest before threading his fingers into Carson’s hair.
Carson fondled Luke’s erection through his boxers. He’d missed Luke’s dick. He loved the blunt head and the thatch of dark curls at the base. Luke’s shaft was a thing of beauty.
He kissed Luke again, “I want you.”
“I’m here.” Luke massaged the back of Carson’s neck. He tugged at the small hairs, spurring Carson on.
Carson dipped his head between Luke’s legs. He raked his teeth across Luke’s fabric-clad cock, before easing the sides of the boxers open and exposing his dick. Perfection. Being with Luke was his way of coming home. He belonged right here with his man. He breathed in the scent of Luke and buried his nose in the curls. He loved Luke.
Luke groaned and slid down in his seat, giving Carson better access. He massaged Carson’s head. “Carson.”
He would’ve answered, but he’d rather continue enjoying his lover’s cock. He bobbed his head, in and out. He slid his tongue along the underside of Luke’s erection, then nibbled on the blunt head.
Each time Luke tensed and whimpered, Carson swallowed more of Luke.
“Carson.” Luke panted. He tugged on Carson’s hair and widened his knees. “I can’t.” he shuffled his feet. “Need.”
Carson missed this—he loved how he’d broken Luke down to one-word sentences. He increased his pace and moved with gusto. Desire charged through his veins. He wrapped one hand around Luke’s shaft and cupped his balls with the other hand.
“Oh Jesus.” Luke jerked in his seat. “Carson.”
He stopped stroking Luke and shoved his hand under Luke’s shirt. When he located Luke’s nipple, he pinched. He paused for a split-second. Was there a ring in Luke’s nipple? He tugged on the metal. Sure was. Damn. Luke had sexy secrets? Were there more? He wanted to find out. He wanted to unwrap Like and learn every bit of him all over again.
Luke’s breaths turned ragged. He moved his hips, filling Carson’s mouth. “Car.”
Carson let go long enough to speak. “Do it. Come for me.” He pinched Luke’s nipple. He wanted Luke to come apart. He needed Luke to crumble with him.
Luke arched his back and shoved his dick deep into Carson’s mouth. He shivered as he came. Sticky cum slid down Carson’s throat, pleasing him. Luke released his grasp on Carson’s hair. “Fuck.”
Perfection. Carson bobbed his head a few more times and lapped up every drop. He wouldn’t miss this. No way. When Luke sagged in his seat, Carson eased away. He let go of Luke’s dick with a pop.
“Yum.” Carson licked his lips. “So good.” He returned to the bench seat and settled beside Luke. He tucked Luke to his side. “Like that?”
“Yeah.” Luke panted and rested his head on Carson’s shoulder. He closed his eyes. “You always knew how to blow my mind. I can’t think straight.”
Luke had blown his mind, too. All he wanted to do was run away with Luke and be them again.
Luke tucked his dick into his pants. “Where are we?” He moved his shirt back into place and sat up. “We’re missing the reunion.”
“So? The party I wanted is right here.” Carson wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. “We’ve stopped.”
“Where? Did we leave the parking lot?”
“We’re at the reservoir, if my directions were followed.” He opened the door and gestured to Luke. “We’re at the curve by our bench.” He left the car first and stretched. “Want to join me? It’s nice out here. We can get some air.”
“Sure.” Luke wobbled and managed to exit the vehicle. He wandered over to the bench. “It’s pretty here at twilight.”
“It is.” Carson wrapped his arms around Luke and rested his chin on Luke’s shoulder.
“Are we permitted to be here?” Luke held onto Carson’s wrists, but didn’t pull away. “The reservoir closes at midnight.”
“It does, but I’ve rented out the property,” Carson said. “I wanted to see you without the bullshit of the reunion in the way.”
“I don’t want to know how much it cost you to do this.” Luke released his grasp on Carson and turned in his embrace.
Carson shrugged. The price wasn’t as bad as it could’ve been. He’d pay any price to have Luke back again. “I’m glad you came to the reunion.”
“I’d love to say I am, too, but I could’ve done without the ridiculous awards ceremony. I get it was done as a joke, but I hate being referred to as a nerd in public.” Luke eased away from Carson. “I know I’m a nerd, but they didn’t have to rub it in.”
“I agree. You might have nerdy tendencies, but you’re also an interesting man and they should’ve gotten to know you the way I did.” Carson widened his stance. “They’re missing out.”
Luke shivered.
“Cold?” The temperature wasn’t too chilly yet. “You’re still tense. Did I lose my touch, or is something else bothering you?”
“No, you’re fine.” Luke said. “I’m nervous.”
“Why?” What secrets did Luke have? “The media isn’t intruding. No one knows we’re here except the driver and Sindy because she helped me make the reservations.”
“That’s nice.” Luke sighed. “Why shouldn’t I be nervous?”
“Because this is me and we used to tell each other everything.” Carson gathered Luke in his arms and toyed with the hairs at the base of Luke’s skull. “Talk to me.”
“I’m afraid.”
Luke could be so cryptic sometimes. But that was Luke. Carson had worked hard in school and college to get Luke to open up. He wouldn’t stop now. “Of what? I won’t bite.”
Luke met Carson’s gaze. “I’m scared of you, of what we had, who you are, what you expect of me and what might happen. Jesus. I know we walked away from each other with no questions or hard feelings, but I never quit.” He closed his eyes. “I’m not done.”
“With me?” Carson asked. “You still care?” Please, Jesus. Did he still love him?
“Yeah.” Luke shrugged away from Carson and walked toward the water. “I need air.”
“We’re outside.” He didn’t understand what had changed between them. He’d heard Luke’s words, but saw no issues. “We’re fine. You and me. Us. You said we’re good together. We can be again.”
Luke kept his back to Carson. “I said that before we split.”
“Did your feelings change?”
Luke faced him, but didn’t speak right away. He shoved his hands into his pockets. Sadness filled his eyes. “Duncan will be pissed. He’s in love with you.”
“No, he loves my money.” The creep. “Now stop avoiding and tell me what’s going on.”
“You’re all he talks about.”
“He showed up with you and he’s talking about someone else?” Carson bridged the gap between them. “I’m sorry, but that’s shitty.”
“It’s Duncan,” Luke said.
“You deserve better.” He tugged Luke’s hand from his pocket and held Luke’s fingers. “You deserve better than me, that’s for sure.”
Luke tensed. “We’re being impulsive. How do we know this will work? What if this—whatever it is—is a mistake?”
“It’s not.” He knew to his core he and Luke were meant to be together. He knew his heart.
Luke opened his mouth and said nothing, but shook his head.
Carson bit back a groan. He couldn’t let this chance go without a fight. Luke was his other half. He’d screwed up when he’d let Luke walk away before. The money, the fame, the chaos in his life didn’t matter. Luke knew him. He’d seen Carson’s rough sides and still loved him. He knew it. “Give me the rest of tonight to prove we made a mistake years ago by splitting up.”
“What happens if I do?” Luke murmured.
“You’ll see we’re meant to have a future together.”
“And if it all goes to hell? I can’t handle that again.” The muscle in Luke’s jaw tensed. “I can’t.”
“If you can’t do this, then we call it quits.” But he hoped that would
n’t be the case. He loved Luke Benjamin.
“Carson.”
“What?” He needed this man more than his next breath.
“We’re different people. You need someone who isn’t easily embarrassed. Someone who can be on your arm for those fancy parties. Someone who isn’t nerdy. I’m a librarian to my core. I like being quiet, and I’ll embarrass you. Look, my job is here. My life is in Litchfield. You’ve always been meant for more than this town,” Luke said. “I might be lonely, but I know my place in life.”
Carson wanted to give a snappy answer, but paused and let Luke’s words sink in. He didn’t agree. “You’re lonely?”
“So?”
“You’re with Duncan, aren’t you?” How could he be alone if he had someone? Then again, if he was in a relationship, then Luke had no business being here with Carson.
“No. We’re not together. I only asked him to come along so I wouldn’t be here on my own.” Luke shrugged. “Stupid, huh?”
“No.” Carson swallowed his relief. He hated the sadness in Luke’s eyes and the way he’d relegated himself to being just okay. He and Luke had been apart for too long, and the distance had done them no good.
“I need to get my car and take Duncan home.” Luke shrugged away from Carson again. “The dream has been wonderful, but that’s all it is—a dream.”
“Do the valets have your keys?” He had to think fast. “Right?” Carson whipped out his phone. “They parked your car, right?”
“Yeah.” Luke strode up to him. “So?”
“Sindy can deposit Duncan at home and bring your car to your house. Apartment?” He typed out a text asking her to retrieve Luke’s vehicle. “Don’t sweat it, but what kind of car is it?”
“A Chevy sedan.” Luke held onto Carson’s wrists again. “You can afford this? Don’t put yourself out for me.”
“What I can afford is not an issue right now.” Luke’s irritation with money should’ve bothered him, but he remembered how Luke had had to fight and claw to get what he needed to survive. “I’ve got it covered.”
Billion Dollar Love: Manlove Edition Page 29
