Page 136

“You’ve been using them.” Luke didn’t move. He couldn’t. “I want to do that again.”

“Me, too.” Carson reached for Luke. “After a shower?”

“Whatever you want.” He didn’t want this night to end.

Carson sat up and frowned. “Fuck. You have company.”

“You mentioned something about your assistant bringing my car back. Could be her.” Why was Carson trying to have a conversation? Hell, he couldn’t think straight. “Big deal.”

“Someone is pounding on your door.” Carson left his shirt open, but removed the condom. He pulled his trousers back into place and zipped. “I’ll answer it. Get yourself sorted out. I’ve messed you up big time. I like it, but if there’s something important brewing, you’ll want to be decent.”

His brain barely cooperated, but he managed to leave the chair. Luke wobbled into the house and ducked down the short hallway to his bedroom. He needed to unscramble his brain, but he had too much Carson on his mind. Now that they’d had their second act, he’d never be the same. Never.

****

Carson strode through the house and tossed the used condom in the garbage as he made his way to the front door. He hated pushy people, even if he could be the pushiest. He doubted Sindy would be the one causing this much noise. Knowing her, she was around the corner enjoying the champagne bar in the limo and waiting for his signal to drop said keys off.

Carson opened the door and stopped short. “Duncan.”

Duncan’s glare brightened. “Hi.”

“Hi.” His irritation grew. Who did this guy think he was? “Is there a problem?”

“Not now.” Duncan rested his hand on the doorframe. “I’m glad I found you. Were you checking out Luke’s house? It’s not much. My apartment is bigger.”

“It’s fine,” Carson said, keeping his voice level. He hated when people acted fake to get what they wanted.

“So, first thing, I’m glad I found you. But second, you’re with my boyfriend.” Duncan drummed his fingers on the door. “We’re having problems, so if you’re ready to leave, I’ll take you wherever you want to go.”

“Your boyfriend?” Carson folded his arms. “Interesting.” This guy thought he’d just walk away from Luke with no question or backward glance? No, Duncan thought he’d do it. He’d stomp on Luke while he pushed his way to the top of the dating pile. Asshole.

“Are you letting him down gently? You should,” Duncan said. “It’s been forever since you saw him, and even if he still loves you, you deserve better. I would be a great companion. I know fashion, culture, and how to behave at a party. I mean, Jesus. He walked out on the reunion and me. That’s no way to conduct himself. But he’s always been shy and clumsy at these things.”

Wasn’t Duncan a gem? If Duncan had truly been with Luke—Carson wasn’t convinced Luke and Duncan had actually dated—then Luke didn’t deserve a jerk like Duncan. But Duncan didn’t deserve Carson’s attention, either. “Don’t worry about Luke.” He’d be fine without Duncan in his life. “I’ve got it under control.”

“Good. Why don’t you get your coat and shoes? We’ll go. I’m dying to introduce you to my friends. You’ll love them, and I know they’ll adore you,” Duncan said. He offered his arm. “We’ll have such a great time. Better than so far.”

“We will.” Carson didn’t move. “I’m going to watch you leave.”

“We’ll leave separately so it doesn’t look so suspicious, good thinking,” Duncan said. “Just don’t take too long.” He inched close to Carson. “I’m attracted to you.”

“Are you?” He didn’t detect attraction to him at all. Duncan saw dollar signs.

“We’re good together. You’re handsome. I’m handsome.” Duncan reached for Carson. “Come on. You don’t need to string Luke along anymore. You belong with me.”

“No, I’m good. Go on without me.” Carson stayed still. “I should stay here.”

“Don’t do this. Don’t choose him.” Duncan shook his head. “You can’t.”

“Why?” He cocked his head. “What’s so bad about Luke? He’s quiet?” He wanted Duncan to leave before Luke heard the argument. Duncan just wanted to cause trouble.

“He’s a nerdy, quiet, bookish guy. You need flash,” Duncan said. His voice cracked. “You need me.”

“How do you know? Luke might be perfect.” He already knew his heart—Luke was his other half.

“Do you really know him? Huh?” The vein in Duncan’s forehead bulged. “Do you know what he’s done?”

“I know enough.” If Luke had secrets, then it was up to Luke to tell him, not Duncan.