Page 120 of The Husband Game

Dustin had gotten the impression they’d maybe had some kind of falling out but Charlie had never elaborated on it.

Now, he scrolled the pictures, spotting several throwback photos from Charlie’s time at the Olympics—wild that we competed in the same games and never officially met, Dustin thought idly—and he smiled fondly at the picture of a skinny, adolescent Charlie holding up his silver medal.

He had a toothy smile with braces, wild curly hair, and flushed cheeks.

He’d been adorable, but so young. For the most part, Dustin forgot there was nearly a ten-year age difference between them, but this was an abrupt reminder.

No wonder Charlie hadn’t registered on Dustin’s radar at the time.

“What are you smiling about?”

Dustin glanced over to see Charlie lounging in the door between the bathroom and bedroom.

“Just this old picture of you,” he said absently as he set his phone aside.

“Oh God, please forget about that,” Charlie said with a little laugh.

“Forgotten.” Dustin drank in the very tempting picture his husband made. He wore a satiny pink bodysuit that showed off every beautiful line of his body. “God, kitten, you look edible.”

“Better than the silly old picture of me you dug up wherever?”

“Definitely better,” he said with a strangled laugh. “But I didn’t dig it up. It’s on your mom’s Instagram profile. She sent me a friend request.”

Charlie jerked to a stop a few inches from the bed, all of the color draining from his face.

“What?” he asked hoarsely.

Dustin shrugged, puzzled and a little concerned by the reaction. “Well, I mean, I was going to meet them eventually. It makes sense she’d want to get to know the guy her son is married to.”

Charlie pursed his lips. “Please, block her.”

“Block her? She’s your mother.”

Charlie’s swallow was audible in the quiet room. “She’s toxic and I don’t want anything to do with her ever again.”

The ice in his voice made all thoughts of sex abruptly flee and Dustin swallowed hard. “Shit. I … I had no idea. I’m sorry.”

For the first time, Charlie’s frozen expression seemed to soften. “I know that. There’s no reason you would know. I haven’t told you about my family.”

He shivered and Dustin could see little goosebumps appearing on his skin. “Hey, you’re freezing. Come here. I’ll warm you up.”

Charlie hesitated, chewing at his lip. “I’m not sure I’m in the mood anymore.”

Dustin swallowed. “Yeah, I wasn’t thinking about sex. I’m concerned about you, okay? No pressure, I swear, I just want to be here for you.”

After a pause that made Dustin wonder if Charlie might not bolt, he lurched toward the bed before he shook his head. “No. Wait. I need to change. I need to get out of this.”

“Okay,” Dustin said softly. “I’ll be here waiting.”

When Charlie returned, he was dressed in briefs and a tank. His face was scrubbed clean of all makeup and his expression was drawn.

Dustin had already tucked away the lube and put his phone face down on the nightstand.

“C’mere,” Dustin coaxed. “Please. If you want.”

Charlie bit his lip but he slid in beside Dustin. “I don’t know how to start.”

“Would this be easier with the light off?” he asked.

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