Page 142 of Billion Dollar Love: Manlove Edition

Chris plopped next to Carson. “We thought something might have happened,” Chris said. “Duncan was spitting fire.”

“I’ll bet.” Luke switched his attention between the game, Chris and Beth. “Duncan is highly strung.”

“I’m surprised to see you and Carson together.” Beth leaned into Luke. “Did you break your engagement with Duncan? I know you’d set a date.”

Engagement? He and Duncan weren’t dating, and he hadn’t agreed to any engagement. They’d only gone to the reunion because Luke hadn’t wanted to attend alone. “I’m sorry?”

“Tell me all about this engagement,” Carson said. He kept his arm around Luke. “My boyfriend never mentioned having a fiancé.”

“Well, I didn’t see it, but they were engaged. Everyone knew Luke and Duncan were together.” Beth nodded. Concern etched onto her face. “I heard you were engaged, and he popped the question in November. Everyone’s put bets in as to whether you’ll set a date, Luke.” She elbowed him. “Even I wondered.”

At least she was talking to him, not just about him. Luke nodded once. “It’s funny. Duncan and I weren’t together in November. We’d split up by then, and he was dating Ero at the time. If he says he proposed, then maybe it was to Ero, but it wasn’t to me.”

“Ero?” Chris’s eyes widened. “Duncan told me specifically you were engaged.”

“Told me you were moving into a condo in Lake Terrace Estates.” Beth shivered. “I’m guessing he lied.”

“Interesting,” Carson said. The corner of his mouth quirked.

“It’s one big lie.” Luke shifted his gaze between Beth and Chris. “Duncan lives for drama.”

Carson patted Luke’s ass. “Well, things happen.”

“We weren’t engaged. We barely got along when we were together, and we’d broken up when he says he popped the question,” Luke said. “Duncan probably did say he was marrying someone. I’m sure he wanted attention.”

“Maybe.” Beth frowned. “He spread rumors and lies.”

“Duncan couldn’t help himself,” Carson said. “He knew Luke and I were engaged, and I’m sure he shared the wrong names. Or he just thought he wanted to marry Luke. He knows I’ve got the best guy ever and he wanted what he had.”

Luke suppressed his shock. He and Carson were engaged? Cool, but it would’ve been nice to have been asked. He kept a straight face. Once he and Carson were alone, he’d get things straightened out.

“You are?” Chris blurted. “We thought you’d just hooked up.”

“I thought it was a let’s-do-this-one-more-time-for-old-time’s-sake fuck.” Beth shrugged. “I guess you’re vying for class couple now?”

“I figured you’d bring home some hotshot lawyer or someone fancier than Luke,” Chris said. “You always did like flair. Luke’s so plain.”

“He’s more than you think,” Carson said. He squeezed Luke’s ass. “But you’d have to get to know him.”

Boy, did they not know him. He laughed to himself. Wouldn’t Beth and Chris be shocked if they knew his secrets? They’d never believe he had tattoos and piercings.

“Well, okay.” Beth straightened up in her seat. “The reason we joined you was that we wondered if you’d given a thought to donating to the various scholarships and the alumni club.”

“I have.” Carson finished his drink. “I’ve got the ball rolling. Thanks for asking, and I’ll be in touch.”

“Oh. How will you be donating? We’d love to make an announcement at the dinner tomorrow,” Chris said. “Scholarship? Endowment?”

“I’m giving an endowment to the library and the cross-country team,” Carson said. “For now.”

“Wonderful.” Beth applauded. “I’m honored to know a celebrity.”

Luke groaned. Why didn’t she run up to the announcer’s booth and let everyone there know Carson was in the house? Maybe someone hadn’t heard yet.

“Tonight, I’m not a celebrity. I’m an alumnus.” Carson grinned. “I’ll talk to you and the others about donations later. Why don’t we enjoy the game, since we’re here to watch it?”

“Sure,” Beth said. “Do you know any of the players?”

“Luke’s got me informed.” Carson bumped shoulders with Luke. “We’ll figure it out.”

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