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Luke tucked his dick into his pants. “Where are we?” He moved his shirt back into place and sat up. “We’re missing the reunion.”

“So? The party I wanted is right here.” Carson wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. “We’ve stopped.”

“Where? Did we leave the parking lot?”

“We’re at the reservoir, if my directions were followed.” He opened the door and gestured to Luke. “We’re at the curve by our bench.” He left the car first and stretched. “Want to join me? It’s nice out here. We can get some air.”

“Sure.” Luke wobbled and managed to exit the vehicle. He wandered over to the bench. “It’s pretty here at twilight.”

“It is.” Carson wrapped his arms around Luke and rested his chin on Luke’s shoulder.

“Are we permitted to be here?” Luke held onto Carson’s wrists, but didn’t pull away. “The reservoir closes at midnight.”

“It does, but I’ve rented out the property,” Carson said. “I wanted to see you without the bullshit of the reunion in the way.”

“I don’t want to know how much it cost you to do this.” Luke released his grasp on Carson and turned in his embrace.

Carson shrugged. The price wasn’t as bad as it could’ve been. He’d pay any price to have Luke back again. “I’m glad you came to the reunion.”

“I’d love to say I am, too, but I could’ve done without the ridiculous awards ceremony. I get it was done as a joke, but I hate being referred to as a nerd in public.” Luke eased away from Carson. “I know I’m a nerd, but they didn’t have to rub it in.”

“I agree. You might have nerdy tendencies, but you’re also an interesting man and they should’ve gotten to know you the way I did.” Carson widened his stance. “They’re missing out.”

Luke shivered.

“Cold?” The temperature wasn’t too chilly yet. “You’re still tense. Did I lose my touch, or is something else bothering you?”

“No, you’re fine.” Luke said. “I’m nervous.”

“Why?” What secrets did Luke have? “The media isn’t intruding. No one knows we’re here except the driver and Sindy because she helped me make the reservations.”

“That’s nice.” Luke sighed. “Why shouldn’t I be nervous?”

“Because this is me and we used to tell each other everything.” Carson gathered Luke in his arms and toyed with the hairs at the base of Luke’s skull. “Talk to me.”

“I’m afraid.”

Luke could be so cryptic sometimes. But that was Luke. Carson had worked hard in school and college to get Luke to open up. He wouldn’t stop now. “Of what? I won’t bite.”

Luke met Carson’s gaze. “I’m scared of you, of what we had, who you are, what you expect of me and what might happen. Jesus. I know we walked away from each other with no questions or hard feelings, but I never quit.” He closed his eyes. “I’m not done.”

“With me?” Carson asked. “You still care?” Please, Jesus. Did he still love him?

“Yeah.” Luke shrugged away from Carson and walked toward the water. “I need air.”

“We’re outside.” He didn’t understand what had changed between them. He’d heard Luke’s words, but saw no issues. “We’re fine. You and me. Us. You said we’re good together. We can be again.”

Luke kept his back to Carson. “I said that before we split.”

“Did your feelings change?”

Luke faced him, but didn’t speak right away. He shoved his hands into his pockets. Sadness filled his eyes. “Duncan will be pissed. He’s in love with you.”

“No, he loves my money.” The creep. “Now stop avoiding and tell me what’s going on.”

“You’re all he talks about.”

“He showed up with you and he’s talking about someone else?” Carson bridged the gap between them. “I’m sorry, but that’s shitty.”