Page 100 of Worlds Collide

“I have a condition,” he says. His smile can only be described as mischievous.

“Let me have it.”

“You have to let me finally suck your dick, Max. That’s a deal breaker.”

I snort and shake my head. “If you must,” I tell him, acting like it’s a big bother.

“You’re really going to let me?” He springs up to his knees excitedly. The smile on his face is way too happy for the subject, but I relish it all the same.

“Yeah,” I say with a shrug, as if it’s no big deal.

“Why wouldn’t you let me before?” he asks with a tilt of his head.

I let out a steady breath. I didn’t know why when I refused him, but now I do because it’s something I discussed in therapy. I’m not crazy about talking about it with CJ right now, not after so many emotions, but I swallow my resistance down and try to explain it as best I can.

“I felt like I didn’t deserve it,” I whisper looking away. It’s foolish, I know, but it’s the truth. And knowing it still doesn’t mean I want to see CJ’s reaction to my words. I have no idea what he must think now.

“Jesus, Wolf,” CJ whispers. I hear him shuffle for a few seconds, rustling the sheets, and then he’s on top of me, hugging me tight with his cheek on my chest. “You’ve always deserved everything, not just that.” There’s a conviction in his voice that I can’t quite trust.

I still have so much to make up to him, to prove to him, and I realize as I release my arms as much as I can to hug him back, I still need to give him the world.

“So, when is your next shift?” I ask, worried that it’ll be tonightright after dinner. Besides, I want CJ to have no doubts that I take his job seriously and am interested in it. With the whole disaster of his suspension last year, I need to show that I care.

“Tomorrow at seven,” he tells me with a smile when he lifts his head and rests his chin on my sternum. I caress his back softly—I don’t want to come off as clingy but I can’t seem to stop touching him.

“Will you give me until then?” He only tilts his head, questions in his eyes. “Give me your time until tomorrow at seven. I’ll take you there in time.” Well, Rich will drive, but I’ll be there too. “I want a day with you here,” I do my best to explain. “Where we can be together without worrying about anything. Just being. Please,” I don’t stop myself from begging.

“That’s the most romantic thing I’ve ever heard in my life,” he says with wonder in his voice.

“Really? That’s a low bar,” I tell him with a frown. It’s a bit worrying, really.

He chuckles and rests his cheek on my chest again, but this time looking in my direction.

“No one has ever done anything romantic for me except you, so the bar is yours to move up and down as you please. And yes, of course I’ll spend the afternoon, night, and morning with you.”

The thought of being responsible for his romantic expectations is a bit daunting, but I think I’m up for the task.

TWENTY-NINE

CJ

I feelactual butterflies when Wolf opens the door of the SUV for me then closes it and rounds the car to climb in himself.

I’m on a date with Wolf Storm.

My fifteen-year-old self would’ve had a boner and come already just from the thought of it. And since that’s a bit of a disturbing thought, I focus back on the present.

“Where are we going?” I ask him as soon as Rich steers the car back onto the street.

“To the Delicia in Bel Air,” Wolf says as he settles back.

“Tacos?” I ask with a smile.

“Fancy tacos,” Wolf corrects me.

I stretch my seatbelt to plant a smacking kiss on his cheek, and love the look of surprise on his face.

“Thank you,” I tell him, really touched. I can’t believe he planned all this but... “When did you fly back?” I wonder why I didn’t think to ask before.

---