Page 65 of Mr. Perfect

“That, I can do,” Felix said. “Just no opiates.”

The nursing staff began removing the glass and asphalt imbedded in his skin before cleaning and treating the cuts and scrapes. Afterward, Felix had a barrage of tests to clear him of a brain injury or internal bleeding. By the time they exited the hospital, Felix felt as shattered as his cell phone. Ramos had found it in the parking lot and returned it to Felix, but not before someone ran over it.

“I can take you to the cell phone store in the morning if you want,” Jude offered.

Felix heaved a sigh. “It will certainly be easier to replace than the car.” He mentally began ticking off the things he needed to do: call his insurance company about the car, replace his phone, and track down Todd Dartmouth to give him the beating Felix should’ve given the bully in high school.

Imagining plowing his fist in Todd’s face started to reinvigorate Felix. With every imaginary hit and kick, Felix felt less like wilted lettuce disguised as a human. Felix might’ve been knocked on his ass, but he wasn’t down for the count. He silently called to his fighting spirit.

Give methe strength to see this battle through to the end.

Felix suddenly noticed the direction Jude had turned when they exited the hospital parking lot. “This isn’t the way to my house.”

Jude briefly met his gaze, a slight smirk tilting at the corner of his mouth. It did more to boost Felix’s energy than the fantasy ass-whooping he’d given Todd Dartmouth.

“No, but it is the way to mine.”

Felix snorted. “You think my near-death experience has softened me toward an alliance with you?”

Jude stopped at a red light, then turned his full attention to Felix. “Hardly.”

Despite everything, Felix smiled at Jude’s play on words. “No more games, Jude.” Felix couldn’t risk them. “No more holding back.” He wouldn’t accept it. “All or nothing. Do you agree to the terms?”

The hint of a smile tugging at Jude’s lips disappeared. “I do.”

Jude’s acquiescence was a victory. So, why did it feel like Felix had cut the wrong wire, and an invisible doomsday clock was ticking down?

Jude’s house was everything Felix had imagined it would look like. It was modern, two stories, and beautiful—inside and out. He couldn’t help imagining his rustic farmhouse style mingled with Jude’s sleek modern furnishings. Oddly, the old-meets-new aesthetic really appealed to Felix.

Could the same be said for them?

“Are you hungry?” Jude asked when the tour of the first floor ended in his enormous kitchen. “I have some leftover soup I made a few nights ago. I can make a couple grilled cheese sandwiches.”

“I’m starving,” Felix admitted. “I haven’t eaten since breakfast.”

Jude narrowed his eyes. Was he remembering the first time he’d seen Felix’s bare chest? Jude had sucked in a sharp breath, making Felix reach for the shirt he’d tossed to the floor. He’d always been underweight and hated changing around other people, especially in gym class. Fucking Todd used to count Felix’s ribs out loud while the other boys laughed. What was funny about a malnourished kid?

But Jude, or maybe it was Felix’s hormones, had made him temporarily forget his self-consciousness.

“No,” Jude had said, grabbing Felix’s wrist. “I like looking at you. I want to touch you.” He’d had a silver tongue even back then.

“I’m too skinny,” he’d said, crossing his free arm over his chest. Felix’s scholarship came with a meal plan, but he only had enough for three meals a day. He didn’t get care packages from home like the other kids, and he didn’t have spare cash for pizza and junk food. Felix was always so fucking hungry. With Jude, he craved something beyond food.

“You’re beautiful.”

They hadn’t had sex that night, but Jude had kissed his chest, teased and sucked his nipples, and made Felix feel as unique as Jude claimed him to be. Afterward, Jude had made them grilled cheese sandwiches. It took him a while to recognize the pattern, but Jude had taken every opportunity to feed him from that day forward. Felix was humiliated when it first occurred to him, and his youthful pride reared its ugly head. He’d chosen to view the gesture as a token of Jude’s affection because feeding Felix had made Jude happy.

“Still trying to feed me, I see.”

“Some things never change.”

“Do you still make the best grilled cheese sandwiches?” Felix asked.

Jude’s lips curved into a smug smile. “I do.”

“Would you mind if I take a shower and maybe borrow a pair of shorts?”

“Of course not.”