Page 84 of Still Bruised
“Have I told you today that you’re my favorite?” his father asked. “Because you absolutely are.”
Foster laughed. “Nice try, Dad.”
“Hey, I’m hungry. I’ll say anything for food.”
16
The sun had long set when Jude marched down Foster’s street. He walked through the shadows, a hint of chill to the evening air. About time their Indian Summer was over. He’d already spied the leaves changing color. While still a bit early, Halloween decorations had begun to pop up around town. Jude didn’t mind. It meant fall was finally doing its thing.
Speaking of doing its thing, he’d never been so happy to see that text. Jude had gotten his results the day before and he was good to go, as well.
He’d waited long enough.
One week had felt like an eternity.
Jude needed another round or two with Mr. Big Dick. Their last night together had been the most mind-blowing series of orgasms of his life… and he’d had to wait to attempt another? Talk about torture. There had come a point midway through their pause where he’d considered asking Foster over regardless of test results for a fuck and cuddle. It had been a verybriefconsideration, and he’d spent three hours at the gym that evening, wearing himself down to the bone as punishment for even thinking it.
Fucking wasn’t really the insult. Cuddling was. That wasn’t going to happen.
They weren’t—nor would they ever be—a couple.
Jude hooked a left onto the Price’s driveway, headed for the apartment over the garage. Lifting his gaze from the pavement, he noticed the Mercedes wasn’t parked and there were no lights on upstairs.
He glanced at his phone and reread their earlier text conversation.
Foster
Results in. Good to go. Tonight?
Jude
Sure. I’ll come to you after work.
Marching up the stairs, he knocked, just in case Fosterwasthere and sitting in the dark for some reason. Maybe someone had borrowed the SUV. Maybe he’d dozed off.
Maybe. Maybe. Maybe.
If he’d been ghosted, there would be hell to pay.
No one arrived at the door. He peeked through the narrow window beside it but there were no signs someone was home.
Fuck!
Hopes dashed, he chuckled. Foster had likely found someone else to fuck around with. It was likely for the best. He needed to end things before they got any stickier than they already were.
I thought I’d have more time…
I’m not ready to let?—
Jude’s chest tightened, his next breath difficult.
Shoving that last thought from his mind, Jude spun and climbed down the stairs—just as Foster’s SUV pulled into the driveway. He paused midway down and watched as Foster got out and walked towards him. When he got to the base of the stairs, he noticed Jude. The corners of his mouth curved upwards.
What’s so funny, asshole? The fact you’ve caught me waiting? It’ll be the last fucking time I do.
Jude’s gaze drifted down Foster and back up. He wasn’t accustomed to seeing him so well-dressed. He was usually wearing shorts or sweats when Jude saw him. Tonight, his clothes looked expensive. His hair was perfectly styled. The farther he climbed up the stairs, the stronger the scent of his pricy aftershave became.
He’s been out on a date!
