“Char, he knows you were a dancer. And Ray not only loves you, he’s crazy about you. Are you really afraid of him leaving you?”
“No. I don’t know. She makes me irrational.”
“Then don’t let her get away with it. Tell Ray what she’s doing and forget about her.”
“Ugh, I can’t. I want the kids to know their grandparents. They don’t see our parents because I can’t bear to think about what they did to you. They’re nobody to emulate.”
Learning he had a sister was the best day of his life. To know he’d always have someone in his corner, standing up for him no matter what, had taken some getting used to, but he was slowly believing that good things could happen for him. He chewed his lip. “Have you…do you ever speak to them?”
“They were there for the wedding before I found out everything. They call on the kids’ birthdays and Christmas, but I let Ray handle it. I still feel so betrayed. I can’t even imagine how you dealt with it.”
“In some ways, I think it might’ve been easier. After all, I knew she gave me up, but I don’t remember her at all, so it’s not like I’m missing anything, not really. I always figured she wanted to forget about me and had a whole new life. You had no idea I existed, so it was a bigger shock.”
“Do you ever think you might want to see them? Or talk to them?”
The question was a valid one, and he’d wrestled with those thoughts when he’d first met Charlotte. Now he was at peace.
“No. I have zero desire to hear any bullshit excuses. I get that things were difficult. Life sucks. Trust me. I know. But I was out there, and they never tried to find me to see if I was all right? I’m not trash you throw away and forget about. I wastheir son!” Embarrassed by all the emotion springing from his chest, Sean clamped his lips together. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to yell.”
“You can do whatever you want. I’m amazed you’ve held it in for so long.”
There was so much more he’d never say; the little he’d let slip was only the tip of his childhood misery. He’d never tell anyone because he couldn’t even process it himself. But here, he could be the big brother and offer Charlotte his advice, and it made him feel good to help her for once, instead of the other way around.
“I’m fine. And don’t let Iris get to you. Ray loves you to death, and he’s not going to put up with that crap. What do you care what anyone says behind your back? You’re a great wife, sister, and mom, and that’s all that matters. True friends stand up for you and won’t care about nasty whispers.”
“I know. You’re right. Ray says the same thing. I have to let her behavior roll off me. Thanks, honey. I love you.”
“I love you too. I’ll talk to you soon.”
“Don’t forget about the website. I’ll work up some ideas for you.”
Her resourcefulness on his behalf astonished him. “I know you will.”
He ended the call and thought about what she said, then pulled over his laptop to start researching what he’d need to start an entertainment business. He wanted to have something to show his sister, Ray, and Tristan that he was on the right path—that he wasn’t that guy who always fucked up and needed a bailout. Not anymore. The past could only be a problem if you lived in it, and he was finally ready to put it all behind him and move on.
Chapter Twenty
Tristan rolled over and collected the comforter from Sean, who had it wrapped around him like a burrito. “Stop stealing my covers,” he whispered. For good measure, he nipped at Sean’s earlobe and grinned as Sean snuggled closer and turned, offering his lips for a sleepy kiss.
“Why? Then you don’t get to do this.”
Tristan covered his mouth and slid his tongue past Sean’s soft lips, losing himself in the wet heat. Their hard dicks rubbed together, and Sean threw his leg over Tristan’s hip, forcing them even closer.
“Mmm, you’re right. Cutest blanket thief I’ve ever seen.”
“Arrest me, Officer. Lock me up and have your way with me.” His cock swelled at Sean’s teasing words, and Tristan rocked his pelvis faster. “You like that thought,” Sean gasped in his ear, and took both their shafts in his hand. “But you don’t have to worry about me escaping. I’m all yours.”
Those startling words, coupled with Sean’s touch, undid him, and fiery pleasure burst through him. Every nerve ending buzzed, and as their kisses grew more frantic, deep, and searching, he and Sean hit their climaxes together. Warm stickiness spread over his stomach as Sean sighed and rested his head on his chest.
Tristan played with the ends of Sean’s hair. “I could get very used to starting my day like this. Matter of fact, I already have. I hate having to leave for work, though I know you do too, so we wouldn’t have the morning to ourselves anyway.”
“Mmm.” Sean rubbed against him like a sleepy cat and buried his face in Tristan’s shoulder, responding with what Tristan thought sounded like “me too,” but he couldn’t be sure.
He tightened his grip. Since the previous day, he’d been hiding a secret from Sean, and it was eating away at him. But he wasn’t sure when the perfect time to tell him would be. Each hour they’d spent together had him wanting the next. Seeing Sean’s laughing face across from his as they ate breakfast and dinner, watching him come alive under him as they made love, sparked a joy inside him he hadn’t believed possible and used to tease Terry about whenever he spoke of Monique.
There’d be no teasing now.
Those reasons and a million more had him hesitant to break his news, but he had to, and as they lay sated and comfortable, this was as good a time as any.
