Page 62 of For Fake's Sake and other stories

I wipe my hands on a tea towel, take his hand, and pull him gently into my arms. “You don’t have to thank me. I’ve had a great evening. All I wanted was to see you, and if this is how it happens some nights, then I’m good with that. I’m serious about us, Noah. I want a future with you.”

“I want that too. I want it all.”

“What would you like to do tonight, sweetheart?” Everett pulls me to him, sliding his hands down my back, but as always, he stops before they touch my arse. I don’t understand why we haven’t taken this any further. I see the heat in his eyes when we kiss, and I sure feel his dick stiffen against mine when he presses against me as we say goodnight. I want to take it further. We don’t have to jump straight to naked and fucking, but a little more intimacy wouldn’t go amiss.

“Hmm,” I murmur, my lips still on his. “We could go and have our wicked way with each other.” Smiling, I take a step back. The look of want is written all over his face, yet I know he’s going to turn me down.

“Soon, love. We’ve got plenty of time for that. For now, why don’t we take a walk down the river to the pub? I’m hungry, and they do a great fish and chips.”

“Why?”

“Why what?” He takes my hand in his.

“Why don’t you touch me? How do you know we’ve got time for all that? We’ve been seeing each other for over two months, Everett. Is it me? Do you not want me that way?” I can’t help the whiny pout in my voice, but it’s been bugging me for a while now.

Everett stops, his brows knitting together as his forehead wrinkles into a deep frown. “Noah, you have no idea how much Iwant you, how I want to take you to bed. But I don’t want to rush. I want you to know that when we do make it to my bed, I’m in it for the long haul. You must feel how much I want you. Please, sweetheart, be patient with me.”

How can I blame him when he says things like that? It’s pretty much a declaration of how serious he is about wanting us to be. But the older men I’ve been with all wanted me in their bed and under them as soon as possible. He probably doesn’t want to know about other men, but maybe it would be good to explain my past lovers, if that’s what they could be called. It would let him understand where my insecurities come from, that thanks to the reminder of being used, my embarrassment and shy nervousness come back. Of course Everett feels my tension rising and looks at me, worry in his eyes.

“Have I got this wrong, disappointed you by wanting to wait?” He removes his hands from my back and cups my face.

I draw in a long breath, then exhale slowly. “It’s not you.” I let out a chuckle that is loaded more with self-deprecation than humour. “It’s just… it’s just not the way I’ve been treated before. The older men I’ve dated only wanted a cute twink for an easy fuck.”

Everett winces at my harsh words. Damn, I’m getting this all wrong. “I know you’re nothing like them. You’ve proved that over and over again. You’re kind and thoughtful. You put me first every time, but I can’t help thinking you don’t want me, y’know—that way.”

He stares at me for much longer than is comfortable, his face unreadable. “Noah, if we were anywhere near my home, I’d have you in my bed right this minute. I’m not sure if I want to spank you or sink inside your body so deep you’ll never feel neglected again.”

I shudder at the thought, not knowing which I would prefer. With a sigh, I shake the images away. “We should go and get some fish and chips.”

“Yes. But, sweetheart, it’ll be soon. Can you wait?”

I nod. I would wait a lifetime to be with him as long as I get him forever after.

Work is quiet, but Monday usually is. It gives us plenty of time to clean, tidy, and restock shelves and display units. It also gives me time to run through my weekend with Everett. Not a full weekend, but we did spend most of the two days together. I’m feeling better about the way our relationship is developing, and yes, I consider it a relationship. Everett has proven more than enough how much he wants us to be together, to build something solid that isn’t just based on sex. Now we’ve talked more about us and what we want, I feel so more excitement for when it will happen. Apparently, there’s a lot to be said for anticipation. And judging by how handsy Everett was when we said goodnight last night, I have a feeling it will be soon. As in possibly next weekend. But I’m not going to ask him. I’ll wait for him to invite me to his house.

As I move away from my section, someone mentions my name. Chloe is talking to a tall, broad man. I can only see his back, which doesn’t give much more than his size away. Chloe’s frowning at him but catches me looking. He looks over his shoulder and smiles at me, then makes his way over, sizing me up and down in an extremely uncomfortable manner.

“Can I help you?” I’d rather he left.

“I thought it was about time I checked out the man who has my baby brother wrapped around his little finger.” He barks out a burst of laughter at what he must consider a joke. “Onlykidding. Well, maybe.” I don’t like this. I feel the eyes of my colleagues and customers on us. “I gotta admit you’re younger than I thought. Have you been honest with him?”

Is he serious? Who the hell does this? Does Everett know he’s here? “I don’t think that’s any of your business, sir. In fact, this isn’t something you should be asking me about. Everett is fully aware of my age, and he’s not in any way wrapped around my finger. You should leave the store.”

“Maybe, just maybe, you’re stringing him along to see what you can get from him. He’s been hurt by boys like you, ones who find out he’s got money and use him until someone better comes along. Although he’s been with you for a while now. What is it? Three months?”

Before I can answer, one of the store security officers comes over to us. “Noah, everything okay? Is this man being a nuisance?”

“Hey, there. There’s nothing going on. I’m just saying hello.”

“It’s okay, Thomas. It’s Everett’s brother. He’s just leaving.” I give Phil a pointed look as he lifts his hands in surrender.

“Okay, I’m off. Good to meet you, Noah.” He saunters off, whistling an off-key tune.

I’m shaking as I watch him go. I don’t know if it was some kind of test or a joke he has with Everett, but I’m bloody angry right now. Thomas puts his hand on my shoulder and leads me to the staff doorway.

“Call your man,” he says to me kindly. “And that wanker will not get past us a second time.”

I storm into the office like a fucking tornado without paying attention to anyone around me and not caring that I stomp soil and cement over the carpet.

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