Page 32 of Loving You

“I’m not seeing a guy,” Bronx said quickly.

Lucas scoffed. “Yeah, right. You’re out all night and acting sketchy as hell the next day. I had to lie to Uncle Dallas for you, and he’s been texting me asking me to find out what you’re hiding. Not to mention, you’ve been in an actual good mood for the first time in, like, three years. It’s dick. It has to be dick.”

Bronx wanted to curl up and die before he talked with his son about the dick he was getting. “Stop talking right now, or you’re going to end up an orphan, and neither one of us wants that for you.”

Lucas burst into a fit of giggles, and he reached for Bronx, grabbing him and hugging tight. “Whoever it is, I’m happy for you. You deserve someone good to you for once.”

“Your dad wasn’t always bad. And I’m not seeing anyone, okay? I was just…out.”

“You know I can literally hear when you lie, right? It’s my superpower, and it’s telling me you’re full of shit.”

“Language.”

“I’m almost too old to get grounded,” Lucas declared. He reached between his feet and pulled up his folding cane. “Wanna point me in the right direction?”

Bronx looked at the back of the building. The door was the same color as the painted brick. “It’s about three feet toyour right if you step out and walk straight ahead. Lane said to text him, and he’ll let you in. No one can hear the back door if someone knocks.”

Lucas opened his door and stepped out, unfolding his cane before he swept his hand down his front. He was in black slacks and an old white T-shirt with nonslip shoes. He looked official. He looked so goddamn grown up.

Bronx had a sudden urge to take a photo and send it to Jules, and he hated himself for it because even if they hadn’t split, he knew his ex wouldn’t have cared. God, he’d wasted too much of their lives on that man.

“Lane said he’ll give me a ride home,” Lucas said, leaning back in to the car. “Will you be there?”

“Of course I will.”

“Okay, but just so you know, I won’t mind if you’re not. I want you to be happy, Dad. I really do. Also, do me a favor and drive away before I get to the door. I want to do this by myself.”

Fuck, it was like the first time Bronx had dropped him off at his school, and Lucas hadn’t wanted him to walk him inside. It hurt. But in the best way. “I love you, and good luck.”

“Thanks. Love you too. Go away now, but don’t run me over.”

Bronx did his level best not to give in to the urge to ignore his son’s request, and instead, he pulled out of the space and headed for the street entrance before Lucas made it to the door. He reached the first stoplight, then grabbed his phone and hooked it up to the car and dialed the first number that pulled up.

“I was hoping I’d hear from you today.” Monty’s accent was like a warm wash of tide coursing along his shore.

Bronx flushed, and then the light turned green, and he started forward. “About that offer. Are you free tonight?”

“I’m free whenever you want me.”

“Now,” Bronx said.

Monty chuckled softly. “You know where to find me, mon chéri. I’ll be here. Waiting.”

That was all he needed to hear.

Chapter Nine

MONTY

Monty didn’t knowwhy he was nervous. He’d wanted to see Bronx again, and while their relationship hadn’t been defined, they’d both communicated exactly what they wanted from each other. A good time, many orgasms, touch comfort, and no strings. Bronx hadn’t given any indication that he wanted to change those terms, and while Monty couldn’t deny he wanted more than that, he also knew he wasn’t ready or willing to bend.

Not now.

Maybe not ever.

So why was he fretting like he was some hormonal teenager? He paced the floor until his limbs felt tired, and then he forced himself to sit with his eyes closed until he heard the sound of a car pulling up into the driveway. His heart kicked up again.

He alternately breathed deep and then held his breath until there was a soft knock at the door. “Come in!”

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