“Really?”
Carmine sat on the seat next to him.
Noah took a breath. “I’m sure you’ve done your Wikipedia research. I lost my parents at an early age. It would have destroyed them if they’d thought they were leaving me and Malcolm alone in the world.”
“Is Malcolm your brother?”
Noah nodded. “I’m solely responsible for him. Imagine if a child came along and something happened to me?”
Carmine frowned. “It was a car accident. There’s no reason to think history will repeat itself.”
“I know. I’m responsible for my brother. That’s enough for anyone.”
The matter-of-fact way this guy went about life came as a refreshing change.
“You’re amazing. You know that?”
“So I’m told,” Noah replied. “One day I might even believe it.”
“Under any other circumstances I would kiss you now,” Carmine said.
Noah stared into his eyes. “Then why don’t we change the circumstances so you can?”
They left the alley mid game. Once the suggestion had been made, Carmine wouldn’t be able to concentrate on getting strikes. He suspected neither would Noah.
“My place or yours?” Noah asked when they got back into the car.
“Mine is closer although don’t expect much.”
“I’m more interested in its occupant.”
Carmine had been astounded at the rents being charged in the centre of Manchester so had gone for a cheap one-bedroomed option. It wouldn’t compare to the kinds of places Noah usually hung out in. Yet deep down, Carmine was sure that it didn’t matter to him.
They set off.
“I presume it’s near to where I picked you up?”
“Yeah. There’s a car park.”
Anticipation rushed through Carmine’s system as he stole a glance at Noah. Carmine hadn’t slept with anyone since California and even that had been a drunken one-night stand as part of his attempts at post-breakup moving on.
It hadn’t worked. Yet, tonight felt different. Carmine couldn’t stop himself. He wanted Noah liked he’d never wanted anyone. His cock was tingling. Ready to leap into action at the first opportunity.
Down boy. We need to get into the flat first.
“I wasn’t going to do this,” Noah said eventually.
“We don’t have to if you’re uncomfortable.”
Panic surged through his system. Of course, if Noah wasn’t up for it, Carmine wouldn’t push the issue.
Noah squeezed Carmine’s leg. “Uncomfortable? Hardly. You’re gorgeous. No, I mean I wanted to hold out until date three or even four. I’m aware of the reputation footballers have.”
Interesting. He can’t help himself.
That was a major boost for Carmine’s confidence.
“Sorry to ruin your plans.”
