Total pages in book: 88
Estimated words: 85167 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 426(@200wpm)___ 341(@250wpm)___ 284(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 85167 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 426(@200wpm)___ 341(@250wpm)___ 284(@300wpm)
Driver.
Their eyes clashed and everything came to a standstill. Even Tam’s heart.
Hell, maybe the whole world stopped spinning.
Was he dreaming? Was this all some weird alcohol-induced hallucination?
Driver was here.
Then details began to cut through the shock. The bruises on his shoulder, the bandage on his cheek, the pain in his eyes. And the crutches, the cast.
Tam dropped his shoes and ran to Driver. “What happened? Oh my God, are you okay?” His hands were on him, checking his bruises. Yes, he was real. He was really real. And here! Not a dream. But Tam couldn’t focus on that now, not when more and more injuries were identified.
“Tam.” Driver’s voice was gruff.
“Sorry, did I hurt you?” He looked up into endless gray-blue eyes. Eyes that were full of tears and relief and longing and...maybe...
No. That was too much to wish for. If he was stupid enough to get caught up in such strong dreams, he definitely wouldn’t survive the letdown.
“I’m okay.” Driver’s rough fingers combed through Tam’s hair.
“What happened?”
“I was stupid.”
* * *
I was stupid.
Driver wasn’t just talking about how dumb he’d been to drive during a freezing rainstorm. He’d been an idiot to think he could leave Tam and go on with life the way it’d been before.
“I was distracted. It was raining hard and my mind was caught up with other things.”
Those big beautiful eyes blinked up at him with worry. “Me?”
“Yes. No. It’s not your fault. It’s on me. I knew better than to ride in those conditions but I was so caught up, I wasn’t thinking. I came so close... I could’ve...” Driver shook his head, pushing the what-ifs and potential disasters out of his head. Thinking of all the things that might have happened would only keep him in the past. He was through living in yesterday. Tam was here.
Tam was now.
The present was all that mattered.
“Anyway, I’m lucky. Just minor scrapes and bruises, a broken leg and a slight concussion.”
Tam didn’t meet his eyes, instead focusing on Driver’s bandaged cheek. His body language was still too distant and defensive for Driver’s liking. What could Driver do to get through those barriers?
“How’s the bike?” Tam’s voice was small, but he did flick a glance up when he asked.
A quick smile stretched Driver’s cheeks and made his wound pinch. Not only was Tam concerned about Driver’s well-being but he was also worried about the bike.
“I haven’t seen her yet, and Brandon is being suspiciously vague.”
Tam hummed, his brows knitted together.
“Don’t worry. I’ll fix everything.”
Tam slipped out of his hands, lips twisted. He was at the door before Driver realized what was happening.
“Where are you going?”
“Home.” He bent to gather the shoes he’d dropped.
“What? Why?”
Without looking back, Tam said, “I’m glad you’re okay.”
“Tam!” But he was already out the door. Driver struggled to get the crutches straight. Crossing the living room took too long. He threw them to the ground and limped as quickly as he could after Tam. “Stop. Wait.”
Tam was unlocking his door when Driver finally caught up with him. His hands shook so hard that he missed the keyhole. Driver placed his hand over Tam’s.
“Tam.”
“Don’t.” It sounded more like a sob.
“God, baby. I’m so sorry.” Forcibly, Driver turned Tam by the shoulders and pulled him into his embrace. Tam stayed stiff except his head, which found its home under Driver’s chin.
“Let me go.”
“Never. Not ever again.” Driver smoothed Tam’s hair before burying his face in the silky strands. Tam’s unique scent imbued his soul with serenity.
“Please, stop giving me false hope.” Tam’s effort to extricate himself from Driver’s hold was surprisingly strong, but Driver tightened his arms.
“I deserve that, but I promise—”
Tam pushed against his chest hard enough to break Driver’s grip. He backed away. “Don’t make promises you can’t keep.”
The sight of Tam, all fiery and defiant, was absolutely stunning. It filled his heart with pride even while he wanted to fall to his knees and beg forgiveness. “You take my breath away, you know that?”
Tam shook his head. “Damn it, Driver. I was going to be okay. I was going to move on.”
Driver slid his hand into Tam’s. “I don’t want you to move on. That’s what I’m trying to tell you.”
“But—”
“Tam, I love you.”
Tam’s watery eyes went round.
“I love you,” Driver said again, because he couldn’t not say it. Now that it was out there, now that he’d finally, finally let himself acknowledge the strength of his own feelings, all he wanted to do was shout it from the rooftops. “I love you.” With every breath, he closed the distance between them until they were only a breath away. “I love you, Tam.”
“Driver.”
Driver hated the sliver of doubt that tainted Tam’s tone. “I know I don’t deserve your forgiveness, but I’m asking for it anyway. Please, baby, I need you. I’ll beg if I have to.”