Page 51 of Take My Hand

My mouth parts on a gasp watching him clean my release from his skin. It’s so savage, so salacious. A thrill shoots down my spine.

Hayden lies beside me, both of us on our backs, staring up at the ceiling. The charge that was in the air settles with our silence.

I turn to look at him, poised to ask him what he’s thinking. Because while he may not be saying anything, the whirring of his mind is loud between us.

But before I can, he says, “Did you get the photos you needed?”

His question is so abrupt that I can’t help the laugh that comes out.

His head falls to the side so his eyes lock on mine and they instantly cause my hackles to rise. The peace that was behind them only moments ago is gone. Now they look almost…scared?

“I think so,” I answer him. “Are you okay?”

I don’t like the way his face looks like it’s shuttering closed, locking his emotions down and reining everything back inside.

“Yeah, I’m good.” The words are hollow and they send a sinking stone in my stomach. “I uh—” He sits up and rubs the back of his neck, looking around at the mess around us. “I should get back upstairs then. Some interview prep to go over for the late-night show.”

“Oh yeah, of course,” I say, taking my shirt that he offers me. I quickly slip it on before standing and adjusting my shorts as well, suddenly feeling too exposed in the broad light of day.

Hayden gracefully pulls his sweatpants back on and runs a hand through his hair, pushing it off his forehead.

We stare at each other for a moment, shifting from foot to foot, waiting for the other to make the next move.

I duck my head and look at the mirror pieces scattered on the ground, not liking the way this awkwardness has fallen over our moment.

Hayden closes the space between us and cups my face. He pulls me in for a kiss, tender and sweet, but it does little to settle the rising doubts inside.

“Thank you for trusting me,” he whispers against my lips before giving me another soft peck on my cheek and pulling back. “Don’t worry about the mess.” He gestures to the space around us. “I’ll clean it up later.”

And with that, he goes upstairs, leaving me to process everything that just happened between us.

Alone.

18

CARTER

Me: I’m heading downstairs for a bite to eat before tonight. Wanna join?

Scar: hey sorry I’m late responding! I don’t think I’m gonna make it down…spending some time with Walker before the guys have to leave for their interview before the show

Me: don’t worry about it! Enjoy your time together ;)

Scar: ooohhh you bet your ass i am

The waiter places my food in front of me and instantly my mouth waters. The chicken sandwich looks cooked to perfection and the fries are golden brown and crispy.

“Thank you,” I tell him before turning my attention to the plate and diving in. The heat of the hot sauce shoots straight to the back of my throat and I welcome the tingle of the spice.

Taking another bite, I can’t help the slight moan that falls out at how delicious it is until I hear a throat clear next to me.

“Looks like that’s what I need to order, huh?” Hayden stands beside my table, looking down at me with a smirk.

Goddamnit. A white tank top, gray athletic shorts, and black sunglasses have no business looking as hot as they do and yet there’s drool gathering at the corner of my mouth that isn’t from the food.

I set my sandwich down and wipe my hands with a napkin. “I would definitely recommend,” I say, swallowing the last of my bite and licking my lips clean.

He takes his sunglasses off and hangs them on his shirt. His eyes follow the movement and my chest stirs, watching them darken as he stares at me.

---