Page 141 of Billion Dollar Love: Manlove Edition

Chapter Five

Luke strolled through the crowd at the football game. He loved having Carson beside him. For two guys who hadn’t been together in eight years, they’d fallen into the relationship like they’d never been apart. This time, though, things were better. No one cared they were together, and they had forever to strengthen their bond.

Plus, no one had recognized Carson yet.

“Want a hotdog or popcorn?” Carson asked. “My treat.”

“Dog and a soda, please? Thanks.” He waited off to the side as Carson ordered the food and paid. He spotted Beth and Chris over by the fence. A few of their other classmates were at the game, too, and why not? Tonight was the night the team honored the alumni. That didn’t mean he had to make eye contact and draw attention to him and Carson just yet. He’d rather stay anonymous a little longer.

Carson handed one of the cups and a hotdog to Luke. “Dress it however you want. They said the condiments are over there.” He nodded. “I see the jugs.”

Luke added relish and onions to his hotdog, then groaned. “Shoot. I shouldn’t have done that.”

“You’re not allergic.” Carson chuckled. “Besides, I don’t mind that you’ve got onion breath. I will, too.” He shrugged. “I’ve seen you at your best and worst, and I still love you. I don’t care about the onions.”

Luke allowed himself to laugh. He relaxed, too. He missed being part of a respect-filled relationship. He’d only had this kind of twosome with Carson. “Where do you want to sit?”

“Behind the band.” Carson pointed with his cup. “Follow me.”

“Will do.” He wandered through the crowd and up the bleachers to the emptier section behind the band. The space was noisy, but less crowded. He didn’t care. He loved listening to the band. He ate and said nothing. The moment was too nice to pass up.

“How many kids on the team do you know?” Carson asked. He balled up his wrapper. “Most? None? Do kids come into the library much?”

He snorted. Only Carson could turn a simple question into something requiring an essay for an answer. “I know everyone on the football team. The seniors are required to complete term papers, and freshman have their research project. All have to use at least one paper resource and must use the library so they know how to use one. They can’t rely solely on the internet. Some students use the media center because they have to use the laptops and tablets. They don’t have the tech or WiFi at home.” He finished his hotdog, then squashed his wrapper. “It’s nice. They learn how to do research, how to use the physical resources, and they get help for their projects. It’s good for everyone.”

Carson nodded. “What items can the library use? I’m sure you need supplies or stuff replaced. It doesn’t last forever.”

“Why?” He sipped his drink. “Are you offering?”

“Hey, I’m all about giving back,” Carson said. “I got my start at this high school, found my boyfriend here, and realized I’m not strange because I’m gay. I should give back. I’ve got the advantages to do so, so tell me how I can help you.”

He grasped Carson’s hand and let the words sink in for a little bit. Carson had such a big heart. Everyone forgot he could be nice because they assumed he’d be stuck up. Because he’d come from a nice family with money, everyone thought they knew him. They had no idea. His family loved him and he’d been given opportunities, but he wasn’t a jerk like many believed.

“What?” Carson blushed. “Did I say something wrong?”

“No,” Luke said. “We can always use new laptops and tablets for the students to use in the building. They can check out the older equipment and take it home, so it would be nice if we had more for them to use. I can always find space for more books, updated ones. We had to do a purge when the library became the media center. There isn’t a dedicated library any longer.”

“People like tech, but that’s sad. Books are important, too.” Carson sighed and scooted closer to Luke. “I forgot how chilly it gets at night.”

“Tonight’s a mild night.” Luke laughed again. “But you’re right. Books are important. I want the students to read more. I want them to understand social media isn’t the only place to get news. Hell, half of what’s on there isn’t real anyway. I’d love to have a class where they have to sort out the real from the fake—and I mean blatantly fake, like the stories about people having moon babies or they’re back from Mars.” He shook his head. “But I’m old school and want the kids to read. Some don’t know what a newspaper is.”

“Holy shit.” Carson shivered, then palmed Luke’s thigh. “You’re my kind of old school. Speaking of school, I want to help, and I’m donating to the library. I was approached already about donating to a scholarship, and I’ve been thinking about it since. What do you think about a scholarship for students interested in library sciences? Or something involving community work and making strides within said community? They have to do something, not just have good grades or look wonderful on paper.”

He stared at his boyfriend. Carson wasn’t just handsome and was more than a big heart. He had common sense, too. Students who might not be on track to become doctors or teachers needed opportunities, too. “Those are great ideas. You’ll need to speak to the principal, superintendent, and school board about them, I’m sure. I’ve never tried to implement a scholarship, but I’d start there. I’d also talk to them about your donations.”

“It can’t be too hard to figure out.” Carson sighed. “Next question. How is the cross-country team doing for equipment? Do they need anything? Tents? Help with shoes? Watches? I seem to remember we always needed something.”

Crap. He attended the school sponsored invitational meet, but he hadn’t checked in with the coach in a couple years. “They’ve expanded since we ran, and I’m sure they can use more uniforms,” Luke said. “I’d say call the coach, Coach Guinn. He’s still there. Why not consider donating watches for students who can’t afford a GPS version and donate money so if there are students who need a little help buying shoes or spikes, they can? The trails are still good, though. I run them three times a week.”

Carson kissed Luke on the temple. “I knew I loved you for a reason. I won’t have to run alone.” He draped his arm around Luke’s waist. “But it sure does sound like you’re trying to spend all of my money.”

He thought Carson wanted suggestions for where to send his donations. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be.” Carson bumped shoulders with Luke. “I have too much money, and if I can help others, I’m all for doing it.” He tensed. “Fuck. We’ve been spotted.”

“I knew it’d happen sooner than later.” He noticed Beth and Chris approaching.

“Hi.” Beth sat beside Luke. “You all made a hasty exit last night.”

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