He goes still beneath me, the reality of what we’re doing settling in a little deeper. I keep rubbing slow, grounding circles against his ribs with my thumb, letting him feel me there.
Andrew whispers, “You’re not old, Slade.”
“No… but I’m oldcomparedto you.”
He hums, understanding but clearly disagreeing, though he doesn’t argue. After a moment he asks, “Do you wanna look through the college website with me?”
I smile, lifting my head so I can see his face properly. “Yeah, baby. I’d like that.” Then I narrow my eyes, unable to resist. “Still can’t believe you went without me.”
Andrew rolls his eyes, shoves at my chest so he can sit up, and says, “God forbid I take responsibility.”
I grin, watching him with something warm and new twisting in my chest. “Uh huh… go get your laptop.”
Chapter Eleven
Andrew
Five Weeks Later
It’s noon on a Wednesday, and Slade is still dead to the world in bed, which feels almost illegal for a man who’s usually up before the sun. He and the guys had worked late again on the Benz after finishing all the regular service jobs at the garage.
I’d gotten curious enough the other night that Slade took me down there under the strict “we’re not in a weird relationship” pretence.
The car looks gorgeous in that way that only classics can manage, though they’re nowhere near finished. Slade keeps reminding me that a full restoration like this can take months. Todd only managed to score the steering wheel from that family friend they visited. The engine was apparently shot; it wouldn’t even turn over… I remember the disappointment in Slade’s voice when Todd called. They’re still hunting for the right one. The last guy they found waswayoverpricing it, and the boys couldn’t haggle him down. Slade always says the right part will come along when it’s supposed to.
I’m in the middle of stuffing a baguette full of ham, cheese, and way too much mustard when I hear the faint metallic clunk of the mailman opening the box by the front door. I lick my fingers clean and head out, grabbing the little black mailbox key off its hook. The mailman’s already moving on to the neighbour’s house as I step outside. I unlock the box and pull out a small stack of envelopes, before locking it again and padding back inside.
In the kitchen I flick through them quickly. Slade… Slade… another for Slade. The next envelope makes my stomach flip; my name printed neatly on the front. I take a deep breath, tear it open, and pull out the letter.
My heart is already racing. I’d gotten the official acceptance for the software development program a week ago. Slade and I had celebrated with drinks, then very not-usual, very hot sex that left me limping the next morning. This one is the financial aid decision. I really,reallyhope it’s good news. I unfold the paper with shaky hands.
‘After careful consideration of your application…’My stomach drops. Oh fuck. That’s never a good way to start.But then the next line hits me and I have to read it twice.‘…we are pleased to inform you that you have been awarded the Federal Pell Grant in the amount of $7,395 for the 2026–2027 academic year.’
I blink hard. The letter goes on to say that my $3,000 tuition fee has already been deducted and will be paid directly to the college. The remaining $4,395 is mine. splitinto two separate payments, to use for books, supplies, living expenses, whatever I need.
It takes a second for the numbers to sink in. I’m not going to have to pay a dime out of pocket for tuition, and there’s still actual money left over. My first clear thought, bright and certain, is that I’m finally going to pay Slade back for every single bail fee he’s covered for me.
I grin so wide it almost hurts, fold the letter carefully, and jog up the stairs two at a time. I feel a little bad about waking him, he really did work late, but he’d want to know.
I push the bedroom door open, sling myself onto the bed, and swing a leg over him so I’m straddling his waist. “Slade…”
He doesn’t move, so I shake his shoulder gently. “Slade.”
He yawns, long and groggy, cracking one eye open. “What time is it?”
“Uh… about half twelve.”
He groans and tries to roll over, pulling the pillow over his head. “Just a couple more hours, baby, please.”
I grin, unable to help myself. “Okay… I guess Iwon’ttell you how I’ve been awarded the Pell Grant for college then.”
I start to climb off, but his hands snap out and grab my hips, holding me right where I am. “Wait… what?”
He rubs his eyes and pushes up onto his elbows, suddenly much more awake. I hand him the letter, still smiling like an idiot.
Slade reads it quickly, then breaks into a huge grin. He pulls me down and kisses me, slow and warm and proud. “Drew, this is brilliant. Now you can actually enjoy the college experience without burning yourself out from a job on top of it.”
“And… I can pay you back,” I say quietly.
