“I think you’re scared. Not just of letting me down or my mom… but also lettingyourselfdown,” I say softly.
“I think you’re right.” He admits. “I’m scared of losing…everything.” His grip around me tightens, like he needs a hug, so I give it to him, holding him close and squeezing him tightly.
I lift my head to look him in the eyes. “But, are you losing everything? Or just one thing? Because the way I see it, what’s losing when you have so much to gain? It’d bea lotto gain…wouldn’t it?”
“Of course.” He pinches his eyes shut, threading his fingers through my wet hair. “Somuch, Noah. You have no idea what you mean to me.”He takes a deep breath in, cupping my cheeks. “But, it’s more than that. It’s…saying goodbye to a version of myself that I’ve always known.”
I suck in a breath. That’s the most honest he’s been with me since I came back. “So…if that’s the case…what now, then?”
“I… don’t know,” he whispers softly.
I hate the way that stings my chest. “Youdoknow.”
“Please tell me, then.” He holds my shoulders, keeping me from stepping away. “You make it all sound so simple so why don’tyoutell me? How am I supposed to tell your mom that I’ve been involved with her son? What if she takes Paislee away from me?”
I shake my head. “That’s not going to happen. Paislee’syourdaughter. They can’t just do that. There’s the court, there’s rules put in place for this scenario. You’ll work it out and I’ll be there for you, the whole time.”
I place my palms on his cheeks, forcing him to look into my eyes. “Brad,” I sigh. “I know you may think I’m just being biased. And fuck, maybe a part of me is. I want you so fucking bad.All of you. I don’t want to share. But, I’m also coming from a place of a friend.” I press my forehead on his. “You and my mom…you’re not a match. You both know that. You deserve to be with someone who makes you happy. And you know what? So does she.”
He clenches his jaw and looks away. I know he knows I’m right. The answer is clear as day.
“I never should’ve proposed to her,” he grits out.
I shake my head. “Yeah…that was stupid. But, I also don’t blame you. You were pissed and didn’t think I was coming back.”
His eyes find mine again. Water drips off his chin and down his neck. I smooth back his hair, and he leans into my touch.
“I’m so happy you did.” He smiles softly, nipping at my wrist. “When’d you get so smart?”
“I was always this smart. You’re just more of a dumbass than we originally thought.” I chuckle, running my hand through my hair and lowering my head under the water stream.
When I come back out for a breath, I wipe my hand down my face and open my eyes to see Brad staring at me, full of heat.
“I’ll see what I can do and…and I’ll make a move.” He nods.
I feel my heart thump out of my chest. Wrapping my hands around his neck, I press my lips to his. He runs his hand up and down my back, gripping my ass tightly.
“We can be together? Like, for real?” I pant.
“Is that even a question?” He laughs, pulling me against his waist.
I moan, feeling myself harden, yet again, against his stomach.
“Brad?” I gasp, loosening my grip around his shoulders. “Please fuck me.”
He takes a look down at my awoken dick, and takes a moment to lick his lips.
“Put your hands on the wall and spread your legs.”
34
Brad
I have no idea what time we ended up going to sleep.
We got cleaned up—after dirtying ourselves up again—remade Noah’s bed with clean sheets, checked on Paislee when she woke, and played more music until we passed out.
I haven’t had a night like that in…years.Just completely and utterly…happy.
