The kiss was gentle, unhurried. It was as if he were testing the waters and making sure that I wanted this. I placed a hand on his cheek and kissed him back.
His lips were softer than I expected. His mustache tickled my upper lip, but it was a sensation I quickly lost myself in. I kissed him deeply, allowing him to lick his way into my mouth. He tasted like whiskey and smelled fucking intoxicating.
I moaned against his lips as he pulled away. He left a hand at the nape of my neck as our foreheads rested together. He had the sweetest smile on his face as he spoke.
“How are you feeling?”
I closed my eyes and thought. How am I feeling? I had a hand on Harper’s thigh while she sat on my lap as I made out with the only guy I have ever considered kissing. This was definitely worth exploring. I felt like my mind was spinning just from that little question.
Tucker pulled away slightly, causing me to open my eyes. His eyes were laced with confusion. “I’m sorry. Was that too much?” His hand dropped away from my neck.
“Tuck, no. That was everything to me. It definitely opened my eyes. I think… I need some time to think about things before we go any further.”
18
TUCKER
Icouldn’t mask the feeling of rejection that appeared on my face. I understood what Cam meant, and by no means wanted to rush him into something he would regret. I could tell he was reading my facial expression like a book.
“I’m sorry, Tucker.” He moved his hand away from Harper to hold my face. “It’s just a bit overwhelming for me, that’s all.”
I didn’t want him to feel guilty about his decision because it was a big one. Especially since this was his first time being more than platonic with a man. I hate that my pride was a bit hurt because, at the same time, I understood. I gave him a big smile, “I’ll go at whatever pace you need me to, if you still want to continue some other time.”
He patted my cheek lightly, and his hands fell away from my face. I already missed the warmth of him. He didn’t say anything right away, just stared at me with eyes that reminded me of a cloudless day. This man was truly so beautiful. “Absolutely. I just need… time. I have lived a lot of life, but never for myself. I’m still figuring things out.”
I let out a breath. “I believe we have more in common than you realize, Callahan. When you are figuring out who you are,just remember you don’t always have to call it something. You don’t need a label to just be you.”
He closed his eyes and let out a shaky breath. When he opened them, there were tears threatening to fall. This man looked as tough as fucking nails, but was actually just a big softy.
“He’s right, loverboy.” Harper’s voice came out small as we turned to face her. Her eyes glimmered in the shadowy light. “And I need you to know, whatever you uncover about yourself, I will always be here in any capacity you need me.” She took his stubble-covered chin between her thumb and forefinger. She looked into his eyes, searching. “Your happiness matters, Cameron. As you said, you lived a lot of life putting yourself on the back burner. But now? It’s your time to shine, baby.” She kissed the top of his nose as a single tear trailed from his eye.
“Thank you both. I needed this.”
I smiled, “Betcha’ glad you invited me inside, huh, love?”
Cam raised a brow in confusion, “Love?”
I smirked, rubbing the back of my neck. “Ah, sorry. Just slipped out.”
He smiled back at me and then looked at Harper with silent appreciation in his eyes. I glanced down at the phone, and it was already a little after two in the morning. I let out a mental sigh, knowing I had to be up at six for work. I got accustomed to working early almost every day of the week back home in Juniper Ridge, Wyoming. That was quite a while ago, though. It had been some time since I had been home.
“Alright, guys, I should be heading out. I have to be up and at a house in less than four hours, so I need to get some shut-eye.” I stood up, adjusting my pants. My dick was getting softer, but because of its girth, it sometimes took a while.
Cam practically pushed Harper off his lap.
“Jesus, Cam! A little warning next time,” she huffed. She was even cute when she was annoyed.
“I hope I didn’t make you uncomfortable, man.” He scratched the back of his head, and the blush on his face deepened.
I pulled Harper to me, ignoring him for just a second. “You get some beauty sleep, sweetheart.” I pressed a chaste kiss to her forehead, wrapping my arms tightly around her and breathing her in. “I’ll see you in a few days for house shit, okay?”
She nodded against my shirt and replied with a muffled, “Goodnight, Tuck.”
I pulled out of the embrace to see a smiling Cameron. He looked at us with such adoration; it was sweet. He outstretched his hand for a handshake, and I took the opportunity to pull him to me. I leaned down a bit and whispered to him. “Walk me to my car,love?”
He rolled his eyes and smiled, “Sure.”
Harper waved us off as she sat back down on her phone. We walked to the foyer, and Cam waited for me to get my shoes on as we braced the chilly late September night.
