“No, I figured out I was bi when I was fourteen, but I wasn’t into any of the guys I went to school with. I mean, I knew Lennon Barkley since we were five years old. Sure, he was hot as sin, but he used to eat paste and fling his boogers at everyone. What part of that is sexy, and it had been hard to kiss him when that was all I could think about. He was a good kisser, though.” I winked.
Travis snorted. “I like you, Charlie. You’re all right.”
“Yeah, sure, you’re cool.” But Ollie didn’t sound too convinced.
Either he was actually in love with Jones, or he still didn’t trust me. Or both. My bet was on both. But I didn’t want to argue with the man. It had to be hard to suffer in silence like that.
I plastered a smile on my face. “Listen, I have like a million of these tickets. Do you think you could help me pick out something that Jones might like?” I held them out for Ollie and Travis to see. “You know him much better than I do.”
“You want to get him something?” Ollie murmured. His green eyes softened. “That’s really nice, Charlie.”
Travis nodded. “Yeah, really nice.” He echoed his brother’s response. “Come on. Let’s go check out the prizes and see what they have.”
I followed behind them as they pushed and shoved one another like a couple of children. Once we arrived at the display case full of prizes, they argued over what was the better gift. Ollie thought Jones would like a stuffed teddy bear, which I sort of agreed on, while Travis thought he would like the whoopie cushion. Hard pass. The three of us examined every single item they had before I finally came across the perfect item. It might seem a little soon, but if it would get Travis to shut up about the childish whoopie cushion and Ollie to stop doubting my feelings for Jones, then I had to have it.
It was a silicon ring that I prayed would be the right size. It was a pumpkin color with little gray cars etched into it. Most likely made for a child, but it was absolutely perfect. It took every ticket I won, and it made my heart beat wildly inside my chest. The kid behind the counter boxed it up with white tissue paper, and I quickly grabbed it before Ollie or Travis could take it.
“What?” I asked as they both stared at me with wide eyes.
“It’s a ring,” Ollie said, like I didn’t know.
I nodded. “It is.”
“You’re going to give that to Jones.” Travis tilted his head.
Fuck, I was this crazy? I wasn’t going to propose to him. I just... I wanted Jones to know I was serious. That no matter what, I was always going to be his.
“Yes, yes, I am.”
“Charlie, I mean... You’re really into him, huh?” Ollie’s brows furrowed as he looked at Travis. “Does this mean we should plan a bachelor party?”
I barked out a laugh. “No, no, think of it more like a promise ring. You know I’ll be going back to Boston. I want Jones to know he’s mine, and I’m his. No matter what happens. I’m never going to belong to anyone else.” Ever. No matter what.
“That is seriously so sweet I might throw up.” Travis made a gagging noise, which seemed to break the tension.
I felt my phone buzz in my pocket, and when I pulled it out, I saw a message from Jones. I hoped to hell he had something good to tell me.
Jonesy:I signed with Richardson Motorsports. See you in three hours.
I glanced up to find Travis and Ollie staring at me. “Yeah, so, he’s on his way back.”
“Spill! I will murder you!” Ollie exclaimed.
“Are you kidding me?” Travis gasped.
I threw my head back, laughing, as they both spoke at the same time. “He signed. He’s going big time. Quick, let’s get out of here and plan a big celebration.” I started toward the door, only for the brothers to grab me. “What?”
“Don’t you, I don’t know, what to celebrate with him alone, just the two of you?” Ollie asked. “We’re all for a party or whatever you want to do, but this is a big deal. You’re going to give him a ring. Travis and I can do something with him later. You’re the boyfriend. We appreciate you wanting to include us.”
Damn, now I really had to like the guy. “You’re sure?”
When they both nodded, a smile broke out over my face.
“Fine, but I still want the two of you to help me get the house ready.”
“Wait, are you going to, like, romance him? Woo him or whatever? Sex stuff? I don’t think I’m comfortable helping you buy rubbers and lube, Charlie.” Ollie’s cheeks burned pink.
Travis elbowed his side. “Dude, not cool. That’s private.”
