Page 61 of Pit Stop

It’s just the bond, I tell myself as I grab some drinks and make my way outside. Maverick is holding up some sliced eggplant, his eyebrow arched as Sage speaks.

“It’s good. I promise. It’s just healthier than meat.”

River snorts. “I love meat though. In my mouth.”

I roll my eyes at River’s comment as Maverick stares at him. “I do too, but I’m not sure about eggplants. I’ve never even seen this vegetable before.”

“Well, you’ll love it and your heart will thank you.”

Maverick looks unsure, but he still grills them while Sage, River, and I sit in lounge chairs, River drinking a beer while Sage and I sip on wine coolers.

“So, how has it been living here? You guys need anything?” Sage asks as River lets out a large burp.

“Sorry,” he murmurs.

“No, I think we’re good. I don’t even know how long I’ll be here.” I look at my brother, not making eye contact with Maverick. “Have you heard from Red?”

“Not yet. I called and texted him. He’s notoriously difficult to nail down. But I’m sure we can get an invite as soon as I’m able to meet with him.”

“You think he’ll do this for me?” I ask, and Sage nods.

“Of course. Why wouldn’t he?”

I don’t know, and part of me hopes it doesn’t work out, but then I think about my future. Maverick’s future. Us being together isn’t tenable. It’s just not. As hot as the sex is, as easy as the two of us are together, it just won’t work long-term.

We both have lives that need to be lived apart after this summer.

I peer up at Maverick, who is focused on the grill, his shoulders slightly tense.

I hope he didn’t hear any of that.

“So, what do we eat with this weird plant?” Maverick finally asks, flipping them over.

Sage pulls something out of the bag. “I have this sauce that you can dip them in. It’s really delicious.”

Maverick still looks unsure. “I don’t know if this will fill me up. I’m going to grill some steaks as well.”

“It’s much more filling than you’d think but go ahead. Make sure to get those steak juices on the eggplant, please.”

Maverick eyes Sage and then disappears inside, returning with the meat.

“You know, if you like meat so much, you should just eat it,” I tell Sage.

“I’m doing it ethically. I’m trying to be a better alpha.”

“By not eating meat,” River snorts. “Get it? Meat. Like a dick. Man meat.”

None of us laugh at that while River continues chuckling to himself. I turn my gaze to Maverick. The scent of him mixes with the food he’s grilling and my mouth waters for more than one reason.

I want his meat in my mouth.

Gods, I want to suck it. It’s all I can think about as he finishes cooking, handing me a plate first, with some steak and a bit of eggplant.

I eat both, trying to occupy my mind with something other than sex. Because if I let myself, I will lean over and stuff my mouth with his cock. I’m pretty sure my brothers don’t want to see that.

I guarantee it, actually.

We chat about life and how my brothers’ jobs are going until, at last, they get up and leave, promising to be in touch soon. Maverick and I wave to them and then bring all the dishes inside. I get to work washing them, Maverick moving to put things away in the fridge.

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