Page 11 of Governor

“I can’t afford to spend a lot,” I finally admit.

He shrugs. “This one’s on me.”

I have my pride, but I’m not an idiot. “Can we take it in trade or something?”

There’s a playful twinkle in his eye when he cocks his head at me. “How do you mean?”

“I don’t know. I can do your laundry for you or something.”

He studies me for a moment before nodding. “Deal. Although I’ll never turn down a blowjob.” He follows that with a wink and starts moving again, so I know he’s kidding.

At least…Ithinkhe’s kidding.

He’s kidding, right?

Like hell am I going to ask and look like an even bigger doof than I’m sure he already thinks I am.

Ofcoursehe’s kidding.

I’m…pretty sure.

Chapter Four

The meal plan I have doesn’t kick in until Monday. I really don’t want to shell out money at a dining hall when Carter has graciously purchased groceries for us.

He has me go first in the checkout line, since I have so few items.

“I always wanted a little brother,” he says as he stacks groceries on the conveyor belt.

“You don’t?”

“Iamthe little brother. Mom made Dad get snipped after I was born. She’d always wanted at least one girl. After she had me, she told him if he ever wanted to have sex with her again, hewouldget it done.”

“Poor woman.”

“Yeah, well, she holds her own against all of us, trust me. We’re all terrified of her. I mean, in a good way. She had to be tough with Dad off on deployment so often. I’m not giving her grandkids, though.”

“Why’s that.”

“I got snipped a few years ago, while I was stationed in Germany. Kind of had a thing going with someone then, and it helped with logistics.”

“Oh.” I’m still waiting for the elderly woman in front of me to count out every fricking coupon in the known galaxy to the checkout clerk, who apparently has an infinite well of patience. “What happened with her?”

He isn’t looking at me when he answers, but his voice drops in a way that makes me think it’s a painful topic he doesn’t really want to discuss. “Things didn’t work out.”

“Sorry.”

“Old news.” He shrugs. “You?”

“I’m single.”

“I meant kids.”

“Kind of need a relationship to have kids.”

He gives me a “look.” Like a big brother might give a little brother, something between “you know what I mean” and “don’t be a smart-ass.”

“Eventually, yeah, I’d love to be a father. It’s always been a dream of mine.” I try not to think about all the emotional baggage surrounding that. “I definitely want kids. School comes first, though. Relationship will have to wait, too. I can’t lose my scholarship.”