Page 43 of Knight

He presses his lips together for a moment. “Do I think there have been times over the past twenty-eight years that each of us has wished you were ours? If I’m being honest, yes, I do. Any man with eyes and ears would. But Nelson is next level. He’s just always had it in his mind that you were meant to be with him and not Scott. I’m sorry you have to deal with this. It shouldn’t have happened. I really meant these Monday night gatherings as a way to get you out of the house and have some fun, Dare. Our way of checking in on you to make sure you’re doing alright. I promise there was nothing more involved. I was just trying to be a good friend to Scott by having you over each week. I wanted to be a good friend to you as well.”

I can see the truth of that statement in his eyes. “I know you were Alan. You’re a good guy.”

We’re silent for a few minutes as. Everything he said sinks in. I eventually turn to him. “I don’t think I can come back here again though.”

He slowly nods. “I know, sweetie. I’m sorry for that. But the good news is that it sounds like you’re ready to spread your wings and fly again. I’m happy for you. I really am.”

“Maybe.” It’s time for me to go. I don’t think I can even hug him goodbye. I get up, wave, whisper goodbye, and get into my car.

I drive away with the tears flowing down my cheeks. I pick up my phone and call the only person who can make me feel good right now.

I dial the number and the phone rings. I hear a sleepy voice. “Hey, sugar. I didn’t think I was going to hear from you tonight. I’m so happy you called. I miss you in my bed.”

I smile at the mere sound of his voice. It soothes me. His sleepy voice is actually kind of sexy too.

“I’m sorry, were you sleeping?” I tried to get that out without sounding like I’m crying, but I clearly fail.

“Darian, what’s wrong? Are you okay?” He sounds more alert.

“Can I come over?”

“Of course, you can. Do you want me to come and get you? Where are you?”

“No, I’ll be there in a little bit. I’ll see you then.” I hang up and drive to Jackson’s house.

Fifteen minutes later I pull into his driveway. He’s standing outside by his door in his boxer briefs and an opened button-down shirt he must have just thrown on. His hair is sticking up all over the place like he’s been running his fingers through it.

As soon as I stop, he runs over to my car door barefoot. He opens it. It’s clear that I’ve been crying the whole way over. “Oh my God. Are you hurt?” He starts moving my clothing around looking for an injury.

I grab his hands. “Stop. I’m not physically injured.”

He lets out a deep breath as he unfastens my seatbelt and helps me from the car. He puts his arms around me and lets me cry in silence into his chest for a few minutes.

I eventually pull back a bit. Just enough so that I can look at his face. He tucks some stray strands of hair behind my ear and wipes the tears from underneath my eyes.

I look up at him. Everything about him soothes me. The way he looks. The way he smells, so uniquely Jackson. The way he touches me and holds me with such affection.

“Jackson,” I say softly, “I need something from you tonight, but if it’s too much to ask and you’re not up for it, just tell me.”

“I’ll do anything you want. Anything to make you feel better.”

I know he means that too. I rub his 5:00 shadow with my fingertips. He’s so gorgeous. I look at him in the eyes. “I need you to make me feel good.” I’m silent for a beat. “I need you to make love to me.”

Without a moment of hesitation, he nods. Without another word, he closes my car door, scoops me up into his arms like a bride with my arms around his neck, and walks straight into his house.

He closes the door with his foot and walks us to his bedroom. He places me down so I’m sitting on the bed.

With no sense of urgency, he removes my shoes and socks. He takes my hand to help me up. He pulls my jersey up and over my head. He unbuttons and unzips my jeans to pull them off.

He slowly kisses his way back up my legs first, then my body, then my neck, and eventually ending with a soft kiss to my lips. He takes off my bra and tosses it to the side.

He slides the backs of his fingers down the sides of my body, until he reaches my panties. He loops his fingers through the top and pulls them down and off my legs.

He removes his own shirt and boxer briefs. We both stand there completely naked.

He softly runs the back of his hand over my cheek and breaks the silence. “Darian, you’re so incredibly beautiful to me.”

He pulls the sheets back and helps me to lay down on my back. He lays down on top of me, between my legs, and pulls the sheets and blanket back over us. He continues to run both of his thumbs over my cheeks, staring at me with so much affection.

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