Total pages in book: 75
Estimated words: 71647 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 358(@200wpm)___ 287(@250wpm)___ 239(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 71647 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 358(@200wpm)___ 287(@250wpm)___ 239(@300wpm)
“Hmm.” I was itchy to move the conversation to lighter topics. Let’s be real, honesty and truth were bigger concepts than I was ready to tackle over orzo. I was busy searching for a segue when Holden spoke again.
“You’re wrong to say you aren’t passionate. You throw yourself into everything you do. No hesitation. If you want to be the best, you will be. I have no doubt about that.”
I didn’t take compliments well. It was my nature to tell a joke and divert unwanted attention, but you know, I happily took this one ’cause I wanted it to be true. I wanted him to think well of me and to know that I intended to be someone better than the guy he met last year.
But I’d already admitted I was terrible at communicating, so I didn’t bother with words. I crashed my mouth over his instead, pouring everything I had into the connection.
And when I ran out of breath, I led him upstairs.
We left lights on and doors open, careless in our hurry to be naked and horizontal. But at the first slide of skin, we slowed to a crawl as if mutually agreeing to savor the moment. Tender kisses and lazy touches morphed into hungry tongue tangles and feverish groping. And when I finally made my way inside him, we started the dance all over again…slow and sweet.
I caged his head between my arms, loving his expressive face. His eyes fluttered and closed as I fucked him, rolling my hips with intent to be sure I lit up every nerve ending in his body. He worked himself over and begged me for more, but I held back. It wasn’t about control, although…yeah, it was hot as fuck to know I could make him so desperate for my cock. But this time…I wanted to make it last.
I barely held on. The pressure and pleasure won in the end. I devoured him with deep kisses and hooked my arm around his knees, bending him in half like a pretzel before thrusting double time.
We came within seconds of each other, gasping like fish out of water. I couldn’t tell if he was shaking or if it was me. I just knew that I didn’t ever want to let go.
All the truths I’d been spinning over earlier came at me in stereo. I was bi, my lover was a man, and it was good. This was my new direction. This was what I wanted.
Holden.
11
HOLDEN
Omg. HRS just received a LARGE donation from an LA law firm. I mean big! The note says it’s tagged as a reference for the department of physics and astronomy at USC. Anyone you know?
I reread Val’s text before responding. USC? No, but that’s good news.
It’s most excellent! See you tomorrow!
“Holden, my…friend! How are you this fine Friday?”
I secured my pirate’s cap as I glanced over at Marlon, settling himself a respectable few feet away from me on the bench outside the Physics building. I slipped my cell into the side pocket of my bag and pasted a friendly smile on my face.
“Oh, hi, Marlon.”
He tilted his chin toward the sky and sucked in a dramatic breath. “You have the right idea. It’s important to stop and smell the roses. I know you’re in the final stretch before your Renaissance fair, and I, for one, will be there with bells on. However, I’d love to pick your brain about the Return to Saturn event.”
“I’d prefer to wait. I was just on my way to class, and I won’t be able to concentrate on it until after Renaissance in the Park is over. How about Monday?”
“That’s fine. There are a few broader matters to discuss, such as bringing in other faculty members. Um…might I walk thee to class?”
I couldn’t come up with a nice way to refuse and I had volunteered, so… “Sure.”
We discussed activities and budget in an abstract sense as we headed to the Physics building.
“Professors Lu and Dixon will most likely join in. I’ll email you a list of other potential candidates,” Marlon said, lowering his sunglasses in what I thought was a come-hither manner. “If that’s agreeable to thee?”
To thee?
A warning bell buzzed in my brain. Thees and thous were Marlon’s idea of sexy speak. I knew that because I’d found it vaguely charming a few months ago. It was alarming now. And then I remembered the roses no one claimed and the sweeping letter M and—
“Marlon, you can’t send me roses,” I blurted.
He furrowed his brow in confusion. “Pardon me?”
“The roses. The gorgeous bouquet of long-stemmed red roses, Marlon.” I lowered my voice when a student passed. “They were lovely, but not appropriate. And now you’re saying thee, and soon you’ll say thou, and I know what you’re doing. I’m flattered. I truly am, but I will not be wooed and I will not—”