Page 61 of Declan
“It doesn’t have to be complicated,” I responded, releasing his hands and leaning against the wall. “I just thought it’d be fun to have you tag along with me. Another week of incredible sex. We can part ways after.” I hated adding that last sentence, but I didn’t want to get his hopes up that I was ready to take that next step. A step I didn’t know I’d ever be able to take. “You said you wanted to see the world. Come with me.”
Interest flickered in his eyes, but his face remained composed. Guarded.
“I don’t have the money, Declan. I can probably afford to travel to the city over from Addersfield, but even then would be pushing it.”
I stared at him like he had three heads.
He honestly expected to pay for himself?
However, then it didn’t seem so crazy. During the time I’d known him, he’d never once expected me to pay for anything. Even though he knew I was made of money. He’d even bought our pizza a few times, plus the day he’d paid for our burgers at Chase’s Diner. He was a giver who never asked for anything in return.
“Money isn’t an issue,” I said with a wave of my hand. “It’s on me. I invited you, so I pay. So, that problem is solved. Any more excuses?”
Kyler smiled. “You’re an ass, you know that?”
“Will your work let you have a week off?” I asked, ignoring his playful jab. I reallywasan asshole.
“Since I’ve worked there, I’ve never used my vacation days,” he answered, his smile growing wider. Fuck, a dazzling white smile, tan skin, and freckles. He was a walking wet dream. “I can talk to my boss and see if she’ll let me.”
“Give her a call.”
“Bossy much?”
“Not bossy.” Grabbing his hips, I tugged him to me before softly kissing beneath his ear. “Just eager to fuck you all over the world.”
Kyler tilted his head and wound his arms around me. “Aren’t you worried someone will spot us traveling together?”
I stopped kissing him and peered down into his freckled face. It’d crossed my mind, sure, but I’d dismissed it.
“I’m allowed to have friends,” I said, shrugging like it was no big deal. “And Gideon will be with us, too. If someonedoesspot us and conjures up some wild story, it wouldn’t be the first time gay rumors had been spread about me.”
Rumors sprang to life every day. Unless there was solid proof—like pictures of me fucking Kyler or some shit—rumors never got to me. The public didn’t take them seriously, either.
“So, I’ll be yourfriend?” Kyler asked, loosening his hold on my shoulders.
My chest ached at the hurt in his voice.
I didn’t know what would happen at the end of our trip. I doubted another two weeks of screwing him would get him out of my system. I’d want more, just as I wanted more now. In order to have more, though, I’d have to be brave. I’d have to let go of my fears and self-loathing and come out.
Kyler had been with too many guys in his past that had kept him as their dirty little secret. I didn’t want to be added to that list as another guy who fucked him over and broke his heart.
One more week was all I could give him. And then I’d need to distance myself from him. Because it wouldn’t be fair to ask him to be with me, and in the same breath tell him he had to keep it quiet. He’d been in that position too many times with other men.
He deserved better.
“It’s all I can give you,” I answered, holding him looser. “You can always say no, Kyler. If it’s too much for you or if you think it’s a waste of your time, tell me the truth. I’m a big boy and can handle it.”
“I don’t want to say no.” His eyes met mine. “Another week of casual sex with you? That’s good enough for me. Whatever happens after that will happen. I’m a big boy, too, Spartan.”
I wondered if he meant that. The way his forehead creased a little with his smile—unsure and maybe a little let down—made me doubt the truth of his words.
“If your boss says it’s cool, where do you want to go?” I put on a flirty smile and slid my hand to his nape.
“Anywhere,” he answered, returning my smile and closing the small gap between our bodies by stepping forward. “As long as we can have great sex and eat amazing food, I don’t care.”
“Sex and food,” I repeated with an amused shake of my head. “Is that all you care about?”
Kyler chewed his bottom lip as he held my gaze. “What can I say? I’m a man of very simple tastes. Don’t need much in life.”
And that’s exactly why I wanted to give him the world.
Not because he asked me for anything, but because he was humble and kindhearted. A giver. He deserved to be spoiled, to be surrounded by luxury.
“I can guarantee you loads of food and orgasms if you come with me.” I played with the wavy strands at the back of his hair. “All the pizza and sex you could ever want.”
“Be careful, Spartan,” he said as one corner of his mouth lifted. “Keep talking like that and I might just fall for you.”
He’d said it in a joking way, but the truth reflected in his eyes. Just as I was sure it reflected in mine.
I’d already fallen.
