Page 89 of Something Good
“It’s hard, honey. I know that. I’m sorry to dump this on you while you’re on your way to a wedding rehearsal. It’s just been weighing on my mind, and I was surprised when you said Sammy wasn’t with you.”
“It’s okay, Mom. But I do have to go. I’m going to be late if I don’t get moving.”
“Alright, honey. I’ll let you go. I love you.”
“Love you too.”
The rehearsaland dinner that followed were tedious affairs. I’d made it to the venue on time with just a few minutes to spare, but there wasn’t much for an usher to do, and I didn’t know most of the people in the wedding party. Still, I wore a smile and put on a good face, not wanting to put a damper on Ally’s weekend. But while I made polite conversation with other members of the wedding party, I spent most of the time mulling over the conversation I’d had with my mom this afternoon. And at the end of the evening, when I was invited for drinks after dinner, I politely declined and headed back to my room.
After changing out of my suit and pouring myself a drink, I slid into bed in my boxers and FaceTimed Sammy.
“Hey, golden boy. How was the dinner?”
“Eh. It was fine. I didn’t know anyone except the brides, but I made small talk and got through it.”
“Is that why you’re back in your room already?”
“Partially. Mostly, I missed you and wanted to talk.”
I loved the way his eyes lit up when he smiled. “Yeah?”
“Yeah. I wish you were here.”
His eyebrows drew together. “I told you I would have come.”
“I know.” I scrubbed my hand down my face and blew out a breath. “I think I fucked up.”
“What?”
“I owe you an apology.”
He shifted positions, sitting up more fully in his bed. “What are you talking about?”
“I talked to Mom earlier, and she made me see some things I hadn’t before. But as usual, she was right.”
“Spit it out, golden boy.”
“I’ve been holding out on you. And it wasn’t completely intentional, I swear. I told myself I was scared. That I was just being cautious. But I think I was still angry too. And I think I was punishing you.”
To my surprise, his face relaxed. “You think I didn’t know you were holding back?”
“You knew?”
“Well, yeah. Sometimes, I think I know you better than I know myself.”
I chuckled. “That’s probably true.” I pushed my hair off my forehead, running my fingers through the strands and down the backside of my head to rest at the back of my neck. “I’m sorry, Sammy. If this thing is going to work between us—and I do want it to work—I have to let go of the past. You said you were all in—I want to be all in too. No more holding back.”
“Yeah?” His smile stretched wide, lighting up his face. Once upon a time, I’d had to work for every one of his smiles. These days, he gave them away more freely, but I still treasured each and every one.
“I wish you were here.” I ached with the wanting of him. “I’m sorry I didn’t ask you to come.”
“What would you do to me if I was there right now?” Even through the small phone screen, I caught the glint of mischief in his eye, the ring in his eyebrow rising in challenge.
“Seriously?”
“Come on, golden boy. No more apologies tonight. Let’s have a little fun.”
I felt my face heat, but my cock was already thickening beneath the sheets. “Hmm. I suppose I’d start with kissing you. I fucking love the way you use your tongue.”
