Boy Issues - Morticia Knight Page 0,62

stay with me at the condo.”

Silver tilted his head. “Super careful? What does that mean, we use two rubbers?”

Donovan’s stomach was twisting in knots. He wanted him there so badly—yet at the same time—was terrified Silver might accept his offer.

“No, no.” He gave a nervous laugh. “I just meant…” He glanced around, then lowered his voice. “You know…not be too blatant about it.”

Silver’s eyebrows shot up and he snorted. “Nah, I’m good.”

Donovan’s stomach dropped and he thought he might throw up, the greasy burger he’d just consumed no longer sitting too well. Silver rubbed his eyes with his knuckles, then regarded him with a sigh.

“I’m sorry, mijo. I didn’t mean that to come out so sharp. It’s been a bitch of a day and my nerves are all jacked up.” He locked gazes with Donovan. “But that’s no excuse, not when it comes to my precious boy.”

Donovan’s eyes burned. He wished he could be the man Silver deserved.

“No, don’t apologize.” Donovan fiddled with the corn cob carcass, swirling the stick it had been impaled on. “I’m the one who’s sorry. I know I need to stand up for myself, and just be who I am. To quit letting my father dictate how I live my life.” He lifted his gaze. “To be with you, with us, and not hide anymore.”

“I told you I’m a patient man, mijo. I’ll be by your side as your Papi until the day you tell me you can’t do this anymore.”

Silver might as well have plunged a knife into his gut. The mere hint that he might not have Silver in his life someday was an agony he never wanted to know.

“Well, what a surprise! I see you’ve recovered from that nasty wreck at Willow Springs. I can barely see the scar.”

Donovan tensed. What the hell? The guy was like gum he couldn’t scrape off his shoe.

“Hello, Jarrod.” Donovan steepled his fingers as he gazed up at the slimy bastard, his ‘I abhor you’ smile firmly in place. “Enjoying the show?”

Maybe he couldn’t control his expression, but he could at least show his Papi that he knew how to conduct himself verbally.

I hope.

Silver’s patience might be unlimited, but Donovan held no illusions about his own.

“Oh, yes. I attend every year.” Jarrod’s gaze darted to Silver before he regarded Donovan again. “Doing some car shopping? I see you brought your mechanic with you. Are you sure he knows anything about high-end vehicles? I could always recommend an expert, if you’d like.”

“I’m sitting right here, and he doesn’t need any recommendations,” Silver growled.

Jarrod appeared taken aback, as if a statue had suddenly come to life. “Oh, I do apologize. I didn’t think you spoke English.”

Donovan clenched his teeth. “You’re clearly mistaken. This is my friend, Silver. And he knows more about high-end vehicles than you could ever comprehend.”

Having a mirror held up to him so accurately was a real bitch.

“Goodness.” Jarrod laughed lightly. “It’s certainly frosty out here. And on such a hot day!” Jarrod glanced between him and Silver, then shrugged. “Well. I’ll leave you two alone.” He wrinkled his nose. “I could tell you were having a very personal conversation when I strolled over.” He fixed Donovan with a knowing gaze, then sauntered away.

Shit. Everything Charlotte had said to him the previous week slammed into him. He inhaled on a shaky breath then looked at Silver. The man he was seriously falling for was observing him with interest.

“Sorry about that.” Donovan’s feeble apology wasn’t enough, and he knew it.

“Hey, you stood up for me, and that’s a great start.”

Donovan hung his head. “I called you my friend. You’re much more than a friend.”

“But you didn’t pretend I meant nothing to you, and that’s a big step for you right now. I appreciate that, mijo.”

Donovan’s temples were beginning to throb. Silver deserved someone so much better than him, someone who wasn’t trying to hide, who didn’t want to hide Silver. Silver could have any guy he wanted. The man was young, gorgeous and had the biggest heart of anyone he’d ever known. Yet, Donovan was the one he’d chosen.

And I’m terrified everyone will discover he’s my boyfriend.

He should be fucking proud to have Silver on his arm.

“Donovan, look at me.”

Donovan lifted his gaze, humiliated beyond belief that he was such an asshole after all. Maybe he should let Silver go so he could find someone who appreciated such a wonderful man, and wasn’t afraid to show it.

“I truly am sorry, Silver.”

“Knock it off, mijo.” He huffed.