Page 19 of Risky Taste
“Logan too?”
“I’m not sure why you’re so surprised. You’re a catch, smart, adorable as fuck, and those sounds that fell from your lips the last time I had my cock—”
I cut him off, shaking my head so that he doesn’t finish those words. My cheeks heat as I grab the espresso and chug it, the heat and bitter taste burning on the way down. “Got it. Yep, definitely… fuck that burns.”
“You weren’t supposed to chug it, Noah. You’re ruining the date a little.”
“Am I?”
He laughs as he scoots around the curve of the booth and then strings an arm around my waist. “Not in the slightest. However, I also wanted to check in with you. See how you were doing.” His eyes search mine, waiting for me to respond and theabsolute anguish that held me captive yesterday is there but not as overwhelming.
“It’s a little difficult waking up knowing that I can’t just call him. That we’re not going to disappear for a weekend trip or he’s not going to walk into the clinic and cause a ruckus. It hurts even more because I feel guilty, like it’s my fault.” Declan tilts his head as if preparing to say something but I continue before he gets the chance. “I know it’s not my fault but knowing and actually believing it are two different things.” A sob catches in my throat. “And it’s going to be a while before I can see it differently.”
“It doesn’t have to happen all at once, Noah.”
“I’m aware and maybe it’s selfish of me but I do want this, as terrified as I am of what Kurt will do. I don’t have a support system. Ronny was it. We were each other’s rock and without him…” I sag back against the cushions, looking up as I blink away the tears. “It feels good to be able to talk without all the judgment.”
Declan leans in, pressing a chaste kiss to my temple. “Have you ever thought about talking with someone?”
“I used to but reliving the memories hurt too much…”
“Maybe it’s time to start again.” I tense and he drags me closer. “Noah, you do whatever is best for you but know that you have us while you heal your heart. We’re sticking around for a little while this time.”
They’re like gods sent to help guide me and I can’t refuse them even if I wanted to. Because the alternative is doing this alone. Maybe I will call Dr. Taney next week to set up an appointment. For now, though, I’m going to soak up the attention these men are willingly giving me so I can disassociate from the rest of my reality.
“I’d like to try,” I finally say. “I’m not going to be very good at this, though. It’s been a little while.”
“That’s all I can ask for. Now, let’s get you to that date I planned.”
“I thought this was a date.”
Declan snorts as he slides from the booth and then pulls me into his chest. “Sweetheart, if anyone hands you an espresso and calls it a date, break up with him immediately. That was just for a bit of energy. For where we’re going, you’ll need it.”
The sultry, suggestive smile he gives me has heat pulsing through me. For some reason, it feels like whatever he’s got planned is going to end up with me naked.
Chapter twelve
NOAH
The salty tang of the beach hits me as we arrive, the crash of waves a dull roar in my ears, Raven’s Cove just up ahead. I’ve got my shoes dangling from one hand, following beside Declan, my other hand firmly tucked in his. It feels almost like if we had started something in college, if I had allowed myself to love despite what I thought everyone else would think.
If I had given myself the same grace I gave everyone else.
The rush of memories from this hidden place hit me all at once—freedom, laughter, a version of me I buried—reminding me of a time when I was truly happy and not burdened down by everything else in this world.
Declan shouldn’t know about this place though. Sebastian was the only one I ever brought here, years after my few nights with the other two. But they must have shared everything between the three of them, including my love of this place. A place I haven’t been in I’m not sure how long.
“Would you quit sighing, Noah? This is supposed to be fun.” Declan’s teasing voice cuts through my haze.
I glare at him, my breath catching as he peels off his shirt, gripping it in one hand. His torso gleams in the sunlight, a canvas of tattoos sprawling across taut muscle, ink swirling over scars I ache to trace. Another sigh falls from my lips but this time for an entirely different reason.
His lips quirk up in that devilish smile he’s known for as he pulls me deeper into the sand, away from civilization. That’s when I catch Sebastian and Logan waiting for us, Sebastian pushing off the stone he was leaning on. “Hey, babe.” Sebastian’s voice is a low rumble, wrapping around me as he slides an arm around my waist, pulling me flush against his chest. His lips press to my forehead like we never moved on, broke apart, or that there was ever any distance between us.
It shouldn’t be this goddamn easy.
“How are you doing with everything?” he murmurs, his breath hot against my skin.
“Confused.” I pull back just enough to catch Logan’s gaze, then flick my eyes between them. “Hopeful? Terrified. All of the above.” I bury my head in his chest, not yet wanting to leave the embrace even as Logan steps up to my side, softly caressing the back of my neck. When I flinch, his hand lowers to rest on my back.
