Page 89 of Bad Boy
Afterward, I dropped Linc off at his place and went to mine for dinner with Mom and Gramps. I’m dying to question her about Otto, but I’m pretty sure she’ll question me about Linc if I do that. And this relationship is all on his schedule—when he wants to come out and to whom—not mine. Because I’m cool with whatever.
I am bisexual and proud, and I am definitely Lincoln’s boyfriend and proud. I will climb Mount fucking Mitchell and scream from the top of my lungs to the entire state that I am Lincoln Anderson’s boyfriend.
But until he’s ready, I won’t.
Speaking of coming out, Linc’s parents are unfortunately back in Hunter Springs tonight, so he has to sneak out to link up with Grady and Sierra. He texted me to meet him in the woods behind my house, and he’ll show me the way to some secret spot where the three of them hung out as kids. Away from their lonely homes and nosey parents. And I’m definitely curious to get a glimpse into his past.
Preppy: Walk straight back from your deck. I’ll find you.
Following Linc’s directions, I start walking down the trail, using the light from my phone to help guide me. The trees rustle in the wind, carrying scents of damp earth and pine. I pull my hood up and stuff my free hand into the leather jacket I threw on. The late October air is finally cold enough for another layer.
Not even one minute into my hike, Lincoln steps out of the trees like some ginger-haired woodland nymph.
“Hey.”
I stop abruptly, stumbling back a step. “Jesus Christ!Are you trying to give me a heart attack?”
“Sorry,” he giggles, reaching forward to thread his fingers with mine. “It’s this way.” Linc nods his head to the side, shining his flashlight into the dense, untamed part of the forest, leading us off the beaten path.
Now I’mreallycurious about where we’re going.
“Where are you taking me, Preppy? I’m getting excited. And kinda turned on.” He tugs my hand harder, pulling me after him while he laughs freely. The sound is like a balm to my soul and a firm squeeze to my dick.
“My secret lair. To have my wicked way with you.Again,” he teases, and I love it when he can just be himself. Free to laugh, free to flirt and joke.
“Oh, fuck yeah. Use me, baby,” I tease back. His giggle turns into a snort, and he trips over a log on the ground in front of us. Before he can fall, my arm whips out lightning fast, and I pull him to me, spinning us until his back is pressed against the tree trunk.
“Told you I’d always have your back,” I whisper over his lips, staring into his mesmerizing eyes lit by the soft glow of the moon barely peeking through the thick trees.
I dart forward, licking at the seam of his mouth. He kisses me back, our tongues tangling. Before we get carried away and someone gets fucked against the rough bark of this old oak tree, I peel my lips away, resting my forehead against his instead.
“You feeling okay about tonight? About telling your friends?”
“Yeah. Think so.” He smiles softly and pecks me on the lips. “It’s not as scary knowin’ I have you there with me. As my boyfriend.”
“Good,” I growl, nipping his lip one more time before stepping away and letting him lead us through the forest. To hislair.
We step over fallen logs and duck under hanging branches until we reach a small clearing in the woods. The most magical treehouse I’ve ever seen comes into view.
Built around a massive oak tree, a small wooden house sits untouched by time other than the vines crawling over the roof, weaving their way through the wooden slats. The quaint structure is illuminated with draping fairy lights and flickering lanterns. A spiral staircase made from natural wood leads up to a small porch full of colorful pillows. I feel like I’m in another world. A book or some shit.
It’s the most extravagant and fantastical child’s playhouse I have ever fucking seen. But I guess Iwouldthink that when my comparison is a cardboard box and a blanket.
“They’re already here,” he whispers unsteadily.
“It’ll be fine. You know it will.” I squeeze his hand in mine before dropping it.
“Okay. Let’s do this,” he says, more to himself.
“I’ll go first.” I climb the surprisingly sturdy stairs, popping my head through a small hole in the deck. Grady and Sierra sit on a pile of pillows and blankets, with several lanterns surrounding them.
“Hey guys,” I say casually, hoisting myself up. I reach down to grasp Lincoln by his forearm, helping him into the treehouse, carefully avoiding the bandage around his hand.
We crawl over to the twins, sitting down across from them.
Sierra’s dark hair is down in loose, glossy curls tonight, and her face is void of makeup. She’s wearing plain black leggings, Chucks, and a Blue Ridge Prep hoodie. She looks so young like this but beautiful as always. Grady is in comfortable dark sweats like Linc and I, and they’re sitting there waiting for us to take the lead.
“Oh my gosh, Linc! What happened to your hand?!”
