Page 20 of Loving You

Monty looked concerned. “Ah. No. I was…putain, this makes me sound like such a spoiled asshole, but my grandfather left me a plane when he passed. I can’t fly it now, thanks to my condition, but Kylen and I met when I hired him as a pilot. He mentioned Lucas wanting to learn, and I thought…” He trailed off, making a pfft sound with his lips. “Chais pas. I assumed you knew about it.”

He didn’t. Lucas had shown interest in a lot of things, planes being one of them, but he’d never hyperfocused on it. Unless hehad, and Bronx was too busy with his head up his own ass to realize it.

Fuck, he felt like such a failure.

Why wouldn’t Lucas say something about it? Had he gone behind his back to Dallas and Kylen?

“I’m sorry,” Monty said quickly, hugging himself around the middle. “I didn’t mean to cause a problem, and I hope Kylen isn’t overstepping.”

“It’s so not you. It’s not Kylen’s fault either. I feel like…” He swallowed heavily and rolled his eyes up toward the ceiling. “I feel like I’ve been so wrapped up in my failing marriage and my divorce that life went on without me, and I’m just waking up to see the mess left behind.”

Monty cocked his head to the side. “That’s very normal. You’re not a bad person for being overwhelmed by your marriage ending.”

“That’s just it. I wasn’t really overwhelmed by it ending. I was overwhelmed by trying to save this goddamn sinking ship. A ship I didn’t even want to be on.” His hands were shaking, and he curled them into fists. “Once the shock wore off and I realized Jules was gone for good, I was relieved.” He stopped and shook his head. “Sorry. I don’t mean to be dumping this on a total stranger.”

“If it helps, Dallas has talked about you so much you don’t feel like a stranger to me. And,” Monty added, even softer this time, “I don’t mind listening. You seem like maybe you need it.”

God help him, but Bronx did.

For the first time in months, Bronx managed to finish most of his dinner. He felt uncomfortably full, but he also felt good. He didn’t trauma-dump all over Monty, even with the offer on the table. Instead, they just talked. Monty told terrible date stories, Bronx told several ridiculous pet stories, and he laughed harder than he had in years.

He felt alive in ways he couldn’t really describe in words, and when the bill came, his stomach sank because he didn’t want this to be over.

“Let me,” Monty said, pulling out his wallet. Bronx made a noise of protest, but Monty leaned forward and pressed a fingertip to his lips. It lingered as theireyes met, and Bronx knew without a doubt that this wasn’t just an absentminded gesture. “Let me.”

Bronx nodded and let out a soft sigh when Monty dragged his hand back. He didn’t break eye contact as he pulled his card out and set it in the little billfold. Bronx licked his lips, then swallowed, and Monty tracked his throat with his gaze.

“I don’t live far,” Monty said after the server swept the payment away. “And I live alone. I wouldn’t mind some company tonight.”

Bronx’s cheeks heated. Lucas wouldn’t be home, and there was little to no chance that Dallas and Kylen would show up at his place. But there was always a risk, especially now that he knew what Monty was offering.

“It’s been a while for me,” he murmured.

Monty nodded. “I know.” Bronx’s cheeks erupted with color, and Monty burst into a fit of giggles. “Oh, mon ange, I don’t mean that because it’s obvious.”

“God, itisthough, isn’t it?”

“If I didn’t know about your history, I’d just say you were adorably awkward. But I don’t want you to say yes if you’re not ready. And it’s important you know right away that I’m not looking for a relationship.”

Bronx wasn’t either. As much as it would have been amazing to fall for someone like Monty, who was genuinely kind and attentive, he needed to figure himself out—who he was and what he actually wanted—before giving himself to someone new. If he was ever going to feel brave enough for that.

He wanted to be okay with that never happening. He wanted to know he could happily thrive alone for the rest of his life.

“Don’t worry. I’m not in a place for anything more than just…”

“A night?” Monty offered with a sly grin. “And maybe a good morning.”

“Or a few mornings. No strings,” Bronx said very softly.

Monty’s eyes darkened. “That sounds perfect. I can’t wait to get my hands on you.”

Bronx flushed hard, but not in his face. His cock thickened with the rush of blood heading south. “Careful, or this’ll all be over before we can get started. I’m not young anymore.”

“You’re also not old. I have faith we can take our time,” Monty said. “And I definitely want to take my time.”

Shit. He was in big, big trouble. But in the very best way.

Chapter Six

---