Love Him Free (On the Market #1) - E.M. Lindsey Page 0,42

I’d teach you restraint. Maybe, I’d get you worked up, and get you coming over and over until you can’t anymore.’

Simon’s eyes were nearly all pupil now. ‘And then?’

Rocco’s hand landed on his thigh and squeezed just for a brief moment. ‘And then you would fuck me.’

Simon didn’t come—but Rocco knew it was a damn near thing.

Chapter Ten

Simon wasn’t really consciously aware of where he was going, only that he had to get away. His apartment felt like it was closing in on him—Rocco’s offer, and his kisses, and the heat of his hands felt both erotic and terrifying, and he didn’t know what the fuck to say.

So many things warred inside his head, he started to lose grip on reality. He had a mountain of work waiting for him in the bakery kitchen, and for the first time since before he left for college, he didn’t care. He found himself winding through the dirt path that led to a massive, open stretch of several acres. He knew where Collin, Spencer, and Max lived—he just hadn’t ever been out there.

Collin had given him half a dozen invites out to their place since he started coming into Chametz to visit with Simon, but Simon had never taken him up on it. Even now, he felt waves of guilt that he was here to unburden himself rather than visit a friend, but he knew Collin was the sort of person who wouldn’t mind—even if it was late.

Simon had tried the market first, anyway. After Rocco left, he’d tried to clear his head with a long walk, but Collin’s booth looked like it had been closed up for a while, and Simon eventually gave in to his urge to just…go.

Now, he pulled into the drive and saw a light on in the front room and prayed he wasn’t interrupting anything. His palms sweat with anxiety as he made his way up the steps. They creaked, but in the sort of brand-new, house settling way since the place had only finished being put together over the last two months. Simon had sent over a massive basket of welcome goodies when they had their house-warming party, and he regretted not showing up—but it had been a Friday night.

Collin always forgave him, but Simon knew he couldn’t blame Shabbat for everything.

With a breath, he rang the buzzer, then waited. Only a minute passed before the door opened, and Max’s face peeked out, his face dropping into a startled smile as he realized who was standing on his porch.

“Hey. Simon?”

Simon offered a sheepish smile. “Is Collin home?”

Max chuckled, shaking his head as he swung the door wider. “Yes, he is. Do you want to come in?”

“I,” Simon started, but Collin appeared just then, setting a hand on Max’s shoulder.

“You look like you could do with a walk. I need to check the paddock gates anyway. Want to come along?” Collin’s soft English accent was soothing to Simon’s frayed nerves, and he let out a grateful sigh as he nodded.

“Yes, thanks. Sorry, Max. I’m…I don’t mean to be rude.”

Max waved him off. “It’s fine. You boys play nice.”

Collin leaned in and kissed his cheek, whispering something into Max’s ear that made him blush. Simon didn’t ask—didn’t want to know. He hated intruding, but he did like knowing that his currently one and only friend in Cherry Creek was happy.

Collin took off ahead of him, and though they had flood lights, he struggled to keep up in the dark. The paddock wasn’t far though, and Simon managed not to fall on his face as they reached the fence, and two of the smaller kids came running up, excited for the attention.

“You alright, mate?” Collin asked after a bit.

Simon loved how Collin knew that he needed time to gather his thoughts. He’d never been impulsive, though right then was the closest he’d ever felt to it. “I think I’m seeing someone.”

Collin chuckled. “Deaf bloke, eh? The one staying at the Lodge?”

Simon was glad the dim light hid his blush. “His name is Rocco. Uh…you might know who he is. I guess he’s kind of famous in some circles.”

Collin turned to him, and Simon could just make out a frown on his face. “He some sort of…YouTuber or something? Spencer’s been obsessed with them lately—make up and things. I honestly can’t stand the lot of it.”

Simon laughed with some relief. He knew that enough people were aware of who Rocco was and what he did—and it was nice to have a