it,” I say, and then it’s time to go.
I say goodbye on the street as I head to Grant’s car, parked a few feet away. My dad whistles at the Tesla. “Nice wheels. Bet that wouldn’t take long to get to the Outer Sunset.”
I toss the keys up in my hand. “Probably not. Bye, Dad,” I say, then wave goodbye. He blinks, then waves too, and I get in the car.
I don’t offer him a ride.
Maybe that makes me a dick. Or maybe it means I’m finally learning some boundaries.
On the way to Grant’s house, I stop at Fog City Bakery and grab a sesame bagel.
32
Grant
For the record, I am an excellent sleeper. I can crash anywhere.
Team plane? Not a problem.
Any hotel on the road? I’m down for the count in seconds.
My own bed on a Saturday morning?
There is literally no place I’d rather be.
That’s why it pisses me off that my brain has a motherfucking bee in it right now. It’s flapping its wings, whispering dangerous thoughts.
Check your phone.
Maybe he sent you a breakup text.
Don’t check your phone.
He probably took off for New York without saying goodbye.
I figured, stupidly, that I could sleep through Declan’s morning outing to see his father. Like it was just a dream. I’d wake up and he’d be back kissing me.
But that’s not what happens. I can’t fall asleep again. Still, I’m glad he went. This is a test.
It’s not a test for Declan though.
It’s for me.
Can I trust him to return? Can I trust he won’t break my heart again?
I want to pass the trust test so badly.
Staying busy will help.
I get out of bed, brush my teeth, take a quick shower, and pull on some hot briefs—because positive thinking—and a pair of gym shorts—because I’m meeting Crosby and Holden for a workout later. I pad downstairs to the kitchen and start some coffee. When it brews, I pour the mug, go to my couch, grab my tablet, and catch up on sports news. The Dragons still don’t have a new manager. Our cross-town rival team has been cleaning house lately, and the last piece of the puzzle is a new skipper. Holden’s been antsy, hoping for one.
When I check the clock, it’s been forty-five minutes since Declan took off, and my heart grows a little more restless every second.
But I talk back to it.
Trust him.
I repeat that, as needed, until I hear the most wonderful sound—my garage door opening. A few seconds later, it closes, then I enjoy the clicking of the door that leads into my house, the footsteps pounding up the stairs.
“They were out of sesame. I got you an everything bagel,” Declan calls out.
All the butterflies in the city land in my chest. “Perfect.”
I rise, meeting him in the kitchen. After I toast the bagel, I spread peanut butter on it, and then take a couple bites.
He arches a brow. “You like peanut butter on everything bagels?”
“I like peanut butter on everything.”
Declan closes the distance, presses his body against mine. “Would you like peanut butter on my cock?”
“Is that a trick question? Two great things that taste great together? Yeah, I would fucking love that.”
I set down the bagel. I’m not into food play, but I’m into him. I’m into the fact that he’s here.
He runs his thumb along my cheek, across my whiskers. “And I like your morning stubble too, Grant.” He kisses my jaw, enjoying my half-a-day beard. “Mmm. You just got out of the shower.”
“I did,” I say.
“Love your freshly showered smell,” Declan whispers, and my skin sizzles, then heats even more when he crushes my lips with his.
When we break the kiss, I ask, “How did it go?”
“It was good. We just talked. He didn’t ask for anything. And I didn’t offer him a ride when we were done.”
I arch a brow. “Is that a big step for you?”
“I think so. He was angling for one, but I didn’t want to let him that far into my life—or yours. It’s my life. And ours. I want to live it on our terms.”
I grab his hips, splaying my hands wide on them. “You’re so sexy when you’re all therapied and shit,” I tell him.
Declan cracks up and hauls me in for another hot kiss. After a few minutes of making out just because we want to, I glance at the clock. “When do you have to leave?”
“Around twelve-thirty. Maybe twelve forty-five. Flight’s at three.”
“I’m meeting the guys at one to go to the gym.”
“Perfect. We have