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“It’s Duncan,” Luke said.

“You deserve better.” He tugged Luke’s hand from his pocket and held Luke’s fingers. “You deserve better than me, that’s for sure.”

Luke tensed. “We’re being impulsive. How do we know this will work? What if this—whatever it is—is a mistake?”

“It’s not.” He knew to his core he and Luke were meant to be together. He knew his heart.

Luke opened his mouth and said nothing, but shook his head.

Carson bit back a groan. He couldn’t let this chance go without a fight. Luke was his other half. He’d screwed up when he’d let Luke walk away before. The money, the fame, the chaos in his life didn’t matter. Luke knew him. He’d seen Carson’s rough sides and still loved him. He knew it. “Give me the rest of tonight to prove we made a mistake years ago by splitting up.”

“What happens if I do?” Luke murmured.

“You’ll see we’re meant to have a future together.”

“And if it all goes to hell? I can’t handle that again.” The muscle in Luke’s jaw tensed. “I can’t.”

“If you can’t do this, then we call it quits.” But he hoped that wouldn’t be the case. He loved Luke Benjamin.

“Carson.”

“What?” He needed this man more than his next breath.

“We’re different people. You need someone who isn’t easily embarrassed. Someone who can be on your arm for those fancy parties. Someone who isn’t nerdy. I’m a librarian to my core. I like being quiet, and I’ll embarrass you. Look, my job is here. My life is in Litchfield. You’ve always been meant for more than this town,” Luke said. “I might be lonely, but I know my place in life.”

Carson wanted to give a snappy answer, but paused and let Luke’s words sink in. He didn’t agree. “You’re lonely?”

“So?”

“You’re with Duncan, aren’t you?” How could he be alone if he had someone? Then again, if he was in a relationship, then Luke had no business being here with Carson.

“No. We’re not together. I only asked him to come along so I wouldn’t be here on my own.” Luke shrugged. “Stupid, huh?”

“No.” Carson swallowed his relief. He hated the sadness in Luke’s eyes and the way he’d relegated himself to being just okay. He and Luke had been apart for too long, and the distance had done them no good.

“I need to get my car and take Duncan home.” Luke shrugged away from Carson again. “The dream has been wonderful, but that’s all it is—a dream.”

“Do the valets have your keys?” He had to think fast. “Right?” Carson whipped out his phone. “They parked your car, right?”

“Yeah.” Luke strode up to him. “So?”

“Sindy can deposit Duncan at home and bring your car to your house. Apartment?” He typed out a text asking her to retrieve Luke’s vehicle. “Don’t sweat it, but what kind of car is it?”

“A Chevy sedan.” Luke held onto Carson’s wrists again. “You can afford this? Don’t put yourself out for me.”

“What I can afford is not an issue right now.” Luke’s irritation with money should’ve bothered him, but he remembered how Luke had had to fight and claw to get what he needed to survive. “I’ve got it covered.”

Luke narrowed his eyes, then nodded. “It’d do me no good to argue, will it?”

“Nope.” He threaded his arm around Luke. “Let’s go home.” He had to get Luke to understand he’d worked hard to make himself a success. He’d wanted to be the best he could for Luke because he’d planned this—he’d always known he’d return to his first love. He belonged with Luke. They were meant to be. No question.

****

Luke gave Carson directions to his house. Within twenty minutes, the driver stopped in front of Luke’s home. A shiver of embarrassment ran the length of his spine. He had a small dwelling, but he’d paid the loan off early and owned his car, too. He might have space enough for another person. Maybe. Would Carson be happy in Litchfield, in his two-bedroom house?

Would Carson really want to stay?

Luke unlocked the front door and gestured to Carson. “It’s small, but it’s mine.”