Yeah, we knew we were playing with fire, but I should have been firmer about boundaries while our parents were here. He and I both knew they wouldn’t take this well if they found out, and certainly not by finding out like this.
Lana spins on her heel and leaves us standing in the hallway with my dad, who looks terribly uncomfortable.
“Go ahead,” I tell him. “Might as well get it off your chest. I know you think I planned this somehow. You probably think this is part of some revenge plot to ruin your precious, perfect child as a way to get back at you for picking favorites.”
“Stone, I nev?—”
I hold up my free hand to stop him.
“I don’t really care. Hanlonisprecious, and now he’s mine. And I will do everything in my power to support him, to lovehim, and to protect him. And you and Lana can either get on board with that or not, but I’m not giving him up.”
Hanlon’s fingers dig tighter into my side while my dad…our dad…just stands there nodding his head, unsure of what to say.
This is his moment. This is his moment to fix everything. Accepting this now would cover a multitude of sins.
But he can’t do it.
“I have a phone call to make,” he says, following Lana down the hall.
Chapter 34
Hanlon
It’s been six weeks since our parents’ visit, and we still haven’t heard a single word from either of them. My mom was far more upset than James, but he didn’t attempt to hide his disapproval either. They didn’t even hug us goodbye.
I’ve wanted to send a text asking to talk, but Stone reminded me that we don’t owe them anything. I hate being at odds with them, though. It just makes a constant low hum of stress in the background of my life.
Knowing I shouldn’t let their opinion detract from my happiness doesn’t change the fact that itdoes.
“Come here, Skittles,” Stone says, holding his arms out for me to crawl into. It was a long day. There have been four backcountry rescues already this week, and it’s only Tuesday. I’ve been testing on the mountain multiple times a day in various places to help ensure our blasting schedule is effective, as an unseasonably warm February threatens to weaken the snowpack further.
Today was pretty awesome because Jeremy asked for myopinion on a few things, and when he changed his report to reflect my insight, I felt a huge surge of pride…which quickly turned into arousal when I looked at Stone.
There was nothing but heat in his eyes as he bit his lower lip and nodded his approval.
Now, we’re stretched out along the couch, the TV playing quietly in the background, as he holds me when my phone goes off.
My heart rate kicks up, thinking it’s finally our parents, but it’s just Chase.
Chase
Sup, bro? It’s been a minute. Ran into your mom today. She totally ignored me when I asked about you. What’s that all about? Anyway, campus is lame without you, but the break from the gym has been nice. Hope your dickwad of a brother is treating you alright. Hit me back.
Stone huffs,clearly reading over my shoulder.
“I hate that guy,” he pouts.
“Because he called you a dickwad?” I clarify?
“No, because when you first got here, you told me he touches your cock all the time.”
Oh. That.
“He’s straight,” I remind Stone.
“So are a lot of girls, but I don’t want them touching your dick, either.”
Valid point.
