“I did,” I say, chuckling. “It was pretty epic, actually.”
“How’d he react?”
“Surprised and confused, but I’m not sure if that was because I came out or because I stood up for myself.”
“That’s huge,” he breathes, wrapping his arms around my neck. “I’m really proud of you.”
“I’m kind of proud of me, too, actually. Not sure I’ve ever felt that before.”
“Well, then we’ll just have to make sure you do more of whatever it is that’s getting you to come out of your shell.”
“Oh yeah?” I say, biting my lip.
“Mmhmm. We’ve got about two hours if you want to work on your confidence a little.”
I can’t decide if that’s corny or sexy. Or maybe a confusing mix of both. So I kiss him and nip his bottom lip to let him know I’m ready.
“You can start by unbuttoning that ridiculous shirt,” he says, then leans into me. “Then you can go to my room, take off everything else, and wait for me on your knees.”
I’d like to say I stand up and walk out of the room in a very dignified manner, but I don’t. I snap half the buttons off my shirt and trip over my pants trying to run and strip at the same time.
CHAPTER 32
BRODY
We leave earlier than I planned.
Originally, I would have stayed through the end of the holiday break, but Beck has things he needs to do back on campus, and I don’t have my car here so it makes the most sense for me to head back with him. And truthfully, I’m greedy for more time alone with him.
I love my family. I love the way Davis laughed and talked with Beck like they were friends, and the way my mom pulled Beck into her arms and treated him like he’s always been one of hers. I really, really love watching Beck folded into our chaos.
He was stiff at first, too polite and careful with his words, like he was afraid to say the wrong thing. He was surprised by every hug and show of affection. He held back his laughter and excitement. But eventually, he relaxed into it and became part of the family. He didn’t even mind the extra big feelings we all had this year.
On Christmas night, I made an off-handed joke about our poor people Christmas probably being underwhelming for him, and he’d looked at me so wide-eyed I thought he might be offended.
“Are you kidding me? I think this might be the best Christmas I’ve ever had. Your family is amazing, and the way you all just shared it with me…” He swallowed hard. “It means more than anything my father’s money has ever bought me.”
It made me sad for the lonely life I realize he’s had. It also made me want to jump his bones. Unfortunately for us, my home is small and has thin walls, so those moments were few and far between.
So when Beck said he had to hit the road, I was sad to leave my mom and Davis, but I felt like I should go with him. I’m pretty fucking stoked to have a few uninterrupted days with my boyfriend.
Still getting used to that word.
I didn’t realize one of the things he had to do was visit Ms. Delia. I’m worried that I overstepped by inviting myself on his trip home, but he seems genuinely excited for me to meet her.
I’m more nervous than I’ve ever been to meet anyone. This is the woman who raised him. The one person he felt actually loved him in the whole world. She matters a hell of a lot more than the man who gave him his name or his sharp jawline.
The facility is amazing. It looks like a fancy hotel from the outside, with sprawling lawns and walking trails, even a tennis court and indoor pool. There are so many amenities, it seems more like a spa than a care facility.
“I didn’t know they made care homes this fancy.”
Beck laughs and takes my hand. “It’s obscenely expensive,” he says. “But it’s worth it. Ms. Delia deserves the world, and even my dad recognizes that fact.”
“Your dad pays for this?”
“When her mental faculties started showing clear signs of decline, he had her retirement benefits consolidated to provide her with the best care possible. She moved from the UK when she was young and doesn’t have any family left.”
“Other than you,” I say. He squeezes my hand and smiles.
