Total pages in book: 112
Estimated words: 103637 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 518(@200wpm)___ 415(@250wpm)___ 345(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 103637 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 518(@200wpm)___ 415(@250wpm)___ 345(@300wpm)
His fake boyfriend didn’t even flinch.
“Hey, Jack. You know my boyfriend, Arden, right?” Mike asked in a casual tone that seemed to keep everyone on edge. Over a dozen people gathered around them now, and while Arden appreciated being noticed, he’d have preferred it happened for different reasons.
Jack poked at Mike’s chest with his finger. “You are so full of shit. I don’t know why you’re doing this, but I will find out.” He stalled, and then poked Mike several times more. “Wait. It’s because of that Harlyn girl, isn’t it? You think the Jarens will hear the rumor that you’re gay and leave you alone? It won’t be that easy, Mike, but you can find out on your own. I’ll just watch the performance and laugh my ass off.”
Jack must have hit the right note, because Arden noticed several people nod and relax, as if that explanation put them at ease. An elaborate scheme of this sort was far more acceptable to them than Mike actually wanting to be with a man. Which told him everything about Mike’s love life.
“Dad will still want to have a word with you,” Rain said without anger. She watched them as if she were trying to figure out the truth, cautious despite the lack of trust in Mike’s story. Arden felt like such a shit about this stunt.
“Oh no, you think he’ll ground me?” Mike asked, pulling Arden along toward her.
As some of the people went back to their beers, satisfied with the reasonable conclusion to Mike’s relationship status, Kane got in their face out of nowhere, his shoulders squared as if he were ready to throw punches. Arden expected Kane to bark at Mike, but the guy’s crazy eyes focused on him.
“You can tell me if he’s put you up to this.”
Arden wouldn’t have trusted Kane enough to tell him that he snoozed on the job the other day, let alone confide in him. “Wow. Can no one see how happy I am?”
Kane’s pale green eyes were like those of a wolf, and Arden half-expected teeth on his throat before Mike pushed his cousin back. “Easy. You’re scaring him.”
Kane pulled his large front teeth over his lip, but his entire face remained scrunched, the red hair like warning coloration. Whatever was at stake here, he was ready to fight for it.
“I do not believe this shit. You’ve been gone what, four hours?” Five?” he roared, and the flush on his face descended down his chest, making his circus-themed tattoos even redder.
“More than enough when you have game,” Mike said smugly.
Arden laughed and playfully swatted Mike’s arm. “Stop it! They’ll think I’m easy.” It was so strange, but he found peace in these lies. It was as if he could be himself again under a disguise. Because before Luke, he had been easy. He had been a lot of fun. And he’d liked to flirt, talk dirty, and be that little bit in everyone’s face.
Mike grabbed Arden’s chin. His fingers were rough to the touch but gentle, and when Arden met the blue gaze, the roguish grin, the softness in his knees was inevitable. This guy was too hot for Arden’s good.
“You’re only easy because I’m irresistible,” Mike said and leaned in, making Arden freeze while his insides melted in anticipation of a kiss. Their noses met, then their foreheads, and Mike shut his eyes, rubbing his face against Arden’s, as if he really were in love and longing for tenderness.
The fake sound of puking coming from Kane didn’t matter. In fact, it spurred Arden to let go, and be that bit more like his past self, in the safety of Mike’s lack of real interest. “That much is true. Can’t keep my hands off you.” He slid his hands to Mike’s sides. He was so firm. Like Arden loved a man to be.
Kane raised his hands in defeat and walked off. “I’ll be talking to you later, Mike!”
“Aaand he’s gone,” Mike whispered, but just as Arden thought the hot cake would slip out of his hands, Mike’s own palms landed on Arden’s buttocks and gave them a squeeze. “You’re costing me my reputation, boy.”
Arden had been jumpy since the incident with Luke, yet there was nothing frightening about Mike’s touch. And that made his insides spark with light. Maybe Luke hadn’t taken everything from him. Maybe there was a way out of the hole he’d been so brutally thrown into?
This was a big joke, but maybe there could be someone else for Arden one day.
He grinned at Mike, giddy that the physical closeness didn’t bother him. “I promise it’s gonna be worth your while.”
“I’m sure, but I think I need some tips from a pro,” Mike said and led Arden away from the bike, toward Leo, who rolled his eyes, pretending he didn’t see them.