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Luke moved to the other side of the round booth. The woman scooted over to him. “Hi, I’m Carson’s assistant, Sindy McCallum. You must be Luke. I’ve heard good things about you.”

“Hi. I’m Luke.” He shook hands with her. “Nice to meet you.”

“Likewise.” She grinned. “I think they’re underway.”

“They’ve already started,” Duncan growled. He cuddled right up to Carson. “They’re about to announce the award winners. I’ll bet you win a ton.”

Luke suppressed the urge to roll his eyes. Of course Carson would win awards. He was freaking famous. He’d done the most since leaving high school.

Luke listened to the list of awards and applauded for each winner. Best arms, best hair, best smile, most children, longest marriage, class couple. Various classmates strode up to the podium to accept the chintzy statue awards. He folded his hands and wished they’d finish distributing the awards already. He stole glances at Carson and Duncan. Carson still blew his mind. The lines around his eyes were a bit deeper, but his eyes flashed when he smiled. He missed Carson’s kiss, the way he held Luke as they slept and the little sounds Carson made when he snored.

Could he have those things again? Even if only for one night? Possibly.

“The award for nerdiest member goes, without a doubt, to Luke Benjamin. He’s a library junkie,” Beth said. She applauded. “Our resident nerd.”

The tips of his ears burned. So what if he liked his library and didn’t mind being a nerd? The class didn’t have to call him out for it.

Duncan gestured to Luke. “Get your award.”

Luke forced himself to his feet and accepted the statuette. At least he didn’t have to make a speech. He placed the statuette on the table and averted his gaze. He couldn’t look Carson in the eye after winning the award. He hated embarrassment and being called out.

Carson reached across the table and grasped Luke’s hand.

He wished he could be as confident as Carson.

Beth spoke again. “The award for the most popular member of our class … Carson Garett. No one compares to you.” She grinned and applauded. “Congrats.”

Carson let go and stood. Instead of retrieving the statuette, he simply returned to his seat and reached for Luke again. Luke’s stomach churned. He wanted to leave the banquet hall. The nerd and the popular man. They were such an odd couple.

Like sucked in a ragged breath and steadied himself. Just like in school, he refused to let his classmates see him crumble. He waited until the rest of the awards were distributed and dinner served, then abandoned the table.

Duncan chased him down in the foyer. He held onto the award. “I need a photo with the winner.” He shoved the award into Luke’s hands. “I already took a selfie with Carson. I can’t wait to put it on social media.”

“It’s a popularity contest,” Luke said. He pushed the award back to Duncan. “I’ll be back. I need a moment.” He didn’t give a shit about the statuette. He’d rather get some air. If he could’ve left, he would’ve in a heartbeat.

“Luke.” Carson caught up to him again. “You keep avoiding your problems. Do you want to go for a ride?”

“If you’re going to bring Duncan, I’ll pass.” He wanted alone time with Carson. He still craved him, even after so many years. “And yes, I’m avoiding my problems.”

Carson cocked his head. “I’m not bringing Duncan.”

“What about your assistant?” He liked Sindy. She seemed forthright and nice. A little old for Carson, but whatever.

“Luke, honey, she doesn’t follow me everywhere. She came tonight in case I needed to leave.” Carson laughed and held Luke’s hand. “Come with me. Please?”

Like he could tell Carson no? “I’m game.” He might regret his decision. Carson was handsome, rich and his ex, but he was also the only man Luke had ever loved.