Page 102 of The Best of Us

“Really,” I affirmed. “The scars . . . that’s for your father to tell you when or if he’s ready.”

“At least he felt comfortable telling you.” He lowered his gaze to the floor.“Did Uncle Easton say anything else? Like compare Dad to?—”

“Carter?”

He peeked at me again.

“Kind of.”They both have dangerous baggage.That was information I’d leave out for a while. It would only concern Colin, making him worry about how it would negatively impact me.

“I mean, he is like him, though. Billionaire. Former military. Bad guys piss their pants at hearing just his name alone. Fights likeJohn Wickbut tries to keep people alive when he does.”

I was well aware of that fictional character’s name. He’d made me watch the first movie, and I still hadn’t recovered from having to watch a dog die.

Before I could respond to his observations, Constantine reappeared, holding the PlayStation box and two video games on top of it.

“Thank you.” Colin stood, stepping around our dishes, ready to accept the gifts, but Constantine shook his head.

“I need your fake ID first.”

“You have a fake ID?” At this point, why was I even surprised?

“It was just to get into clubs to dance,” Colin remarked, far too nonchalantly for me, before reaching into his back pocket for his wallet. Thankfully, he handed it over to Constantine without protest.

Constantine stuck to the deal and swapped the PlayStation and games for it. “I was wondering if I can playCall of Dutywith you?”

“Like now?” Colin’s shoulders went back in surprise.

“Yeah. But it’s been a minute since I’ve played, so you’ll need to go easy on me.” He smiled as he pocketed the fake ID.

I stared at the two of them as more pieces of my broken heart repaired and slid back into place, knowing damn well the same held true for these two strong men in front of me who desperately needed one another.

“I’ve seen you in real life. You’re not fooling me. It’s you who probably needs to go easy on me.” Colin laughed, and I could cry happy tears to hear that sound pass between him and his father.

Constantine shot him a knowing smirk, then gestured with his head to the hall. “Go get it set up in the game room. I’ll join you in a minute.”

Colin nodded, and I knew he was trying to play it cool even though he’d waited a lifetime for this moment. “Yeah, uh, okay.”

Once he was gone, Constantine knelt to pick up our plates. “I’m sorry I didn’t mention the ID before. We keep getting distracted.”

“Oh gosh, that’s okay.” I stood as he set the plates on the nightstand. “Are you, um, going to be all right?”

He scrubbed a hand over his face. “I will be, now that I have you two.” He gently tugged me into his arms before I could respond to his sweet words. “Do you mind if I hang out with him? I feel bad leaving you.”

“Mind?” I fake-scoffed. “Are you kidding?” I gestured with my head toward the hall. “You’re making him happy, which makes me unbelievably happy. So, you could say I’m more than good with being left alone.” I kissed his cheek, and he fully faced me, nearly catching my mouth in the process.

His brows pinched as he stared at me, our lips impossibly close. “You’re even better than I imagined,” he whispered. “You. Colin.Ustogether. It’s more than I knew it ever could be.”

I was right there with him on that. “I feel the same about you.” I wet my lips and swallowed, and he zeroed in on the movement and groaned.

“If only you were one hundred percent sober.” He closed his eyes, letting a gruff breath fall between our too-close lips.

“All-or-nothing deal before I get that kiss, hmm?”

“Mm-hmm.”

I couldn’t believe it, but he made me laugh after all that heavy talk. “Mm-hmm,” I murmured back. “Such a stubborn man.”

“More like the most patient man on God’s green earth.” His eyes opened, and he stared into my eyes while huskily saying, “But, sweetheart?” He swallowed. “My patience is about to run out.”

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