Page 151 of Control Freak
Bailey nodded.
“I know this wasn’t your idea, but you deserve to get out there and see what the world has to offer. Do great things, kid, okay? We’ll be here whenever you need us.”
“Yeah,” Bailey said, voice thin. “Thanks, Holden. For pushing me. I didn’t really believe in me, but you did. I don’t know much, but I know you want the best for me, and you always have. I’m lucky to have?—”
Holden grabbed him in a hug, cutting off the rest of his words. “Love you, Bails.”
“Love you too,” Bailey said.
Holden released him, stepping back. He glanced at us both. “What? Don’t look so shocked. I can hug people now.”
Bailey laughed. “Yeah, but you usually save all the good stuff for Shiloh.”
“Not sure you want some of that stuff, Bailey,” I teased. “Might be weird since you’re brothers.”
“Oh, gross, stop. You’re putting images in my brain that I don’t want there.”
Holden chuckled. “Drive safe, all right? Call me when you get there, or I’ll worry.”
“Okay,Dad.”
“Yeah, we don’t wantSugar Daddyto worry,” I joked.
Holden rolled his eyes and groaned, but Bailey laughed, which was what I was going for. He was far too serious for a guy about to head off to college.
Just as we headed to the house, Flynn came around the side of the building, hands tucked in his front hoodie pocket.
“Hey, Bailey!”
Bailey paused at the driver’s-side door while Flynn jogged over and gave him a big hug. A hug that went on for maybe a beat too long.
Holden lingered on the porch, glaring at the final goodbye.
“Really? He said goodbye already at the party.”
“They worked together for months,” I said. “Maybe he wanted a private goodbye.”
“Well, he doesn’t need one with my baby brother,” Holden grumbled.
Flynn released Bailey, whose cheeks were a little red. They exchanged a couple of words, then Flynn took a couple of steps back, and Bailey got in the car.
“Relax, Sugar Daddy. Bailey’s going to school. Flynn won’t be there.”
He sighed and cast me a baleful look. “I don’t want him to have distractions.”
“Mm. But maybeyouneed one?” I teased. “Want me to put on a little show for you tonight?”
Holden might be too tense with this goodbye for more touch. Stress tended to aggravate his aversion. I didn’t mind. Giving him shows was how we first fell in love, after all.
His eyes darkened. “Only if you do everything I say.”
A thrill zipped down my spine, just as it did every time he gave me an order.
“Okay, Sug?—”
“Anddon’tcall me that ridiculous nickname, or I’ll make you pay.”
Tempting. But tonight was about comforting Holden, not teasing him.
