Page 61 of Loving You

Bronx shook his head. “It was for him. I have a feeling he hasn’t gotten much support over the years.”

“I try,” she said very softly. “It’s not easy. I didn’t know it was going to be like this. I didn’t meet his children untilsix months after we were married. Then Rod started in on this whole stepmom business, and I just…I don’t know what to do about it. I don’t know how to make it stop.”

“He’s not cruel to you, is he?” Bronx asked.

“You going to save me too?”

He flushed. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to sound like that. I just don’t understand. You seem perfectly lovely, and as far as I can tell, you care about Monty.”

“I do. It…it was different, when it was just me and Rod. I don’t know how to reconcile the man he is to me with the man he is to them.” She glanced away. “It’s getting harder.”

“Well, you know a good family attorney if you need one,” Bronx said. He didn’t want to feel sorry for her, but he was having a hard time shutting his emotions off.

Poppy smiled sadly. “Yeah. I suppose I do. Anyway, I just want to say thank you. I think Monty’s been alone for too long, and it’s gotten worse since his illness.”

“You don’t need to thank me. It’s not some act of charity.”

“You’re in love with him,” Poppy said.

Bronx bowed his head. “He doesn’t know yet. So…just between us for now?”

“Sure. But tell him soon. He deserves to know.”

Bronx was well aware, but he wanted to do this on his time. On their time. He shoved his hands into his pockets and turned, walking around the corner. Monty was by the door, his face unreadable, but he brightened a little when he saw Bronx.

“Ready?” Monty asked.

“Do I need to say goodbye to your dad?”

Monty laughed. “No. He’s retired for the night. I think we wore him out.”

Bronx leaned over, taking one hand out of his pocket so he could hold the back of Monty’s neck, and he kissed him. “Good. I have big plans, and I didn’t want anyone to spoil the mood.”

Monty seemed a little deflated in spite of the good evening, so Bronx just led the way to the car and said very little on the drive back. He wasn’t sure if he was invited to stay, but Monty grabbed his hand when he got out and tugged him along.

“Will Lucas mind if you’re not back right away?”

Bronx pulled his phone out of his pocket and dialed Lucas’s number. It went to voicemail, and by the time Monty had the door unlocked, there was a text on Bronx’s phone.

Lucas: At Gage’s. We’re gaming. Talk later?

Bronx: Staying the night?

Lucas: Yeah. Cool?

Bronx: Make good choices. Love you.

Monty shut the door behind them, and Bronx quickly bustled Monty against the wall, cradling his face. “Can I stay tonight?”

“Yes, but…” Swallowing thickly, Monty didn’t look sure. “Is it alright if we don’t have sex? I know that’s against the rules, but?—”

“We make our own rules, sparky.”

Monty bit his lower lip for a second. “You said you had plans.”

“Yes. And I still do. Go into the bedroom and dress inwhatever you’re most comfortable in. I’ll be there in a sec.” He stole a kiss, then waited for Monty to disappear down the short hallway before he made his way into the kitchen.

He couldn’t cook, but he could put together a tea tray. Monty had a wide variety, so he chose the box that looked like it had been used the most, and he flicked the kettle on. Monty didn’t have a ton of supplies. His kitchen was more bare than the last time Bronx had seen it—which was likely because of his work schedule.

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