Page 68 of Easton
“I went to see my mom after work. The shop is on my way home, so I stopped by.” I force myself not to put an arm around East, not to pull him close and kiss him. “She asked for your number. I hope that’s okay. She said something about you being her favorite and wanting to take you out to lunch.”
“I…” He nods. “Yeah, that’s fine.” And then he surprises me by reaching over and taking my hand. Dusty notices, of course, but just grins and doesn’t call us out. “Will you be around on Sunday? We were thinking that might be a good day for Dusty, Morgan, and Rhett to come over.”
Jesus, he’s trying so fucking hard. I can see it. He’s unsure right now, nervous, but he’s doing this, holding my hand and inviting them over. Hell, I’d call off for work if I had to. “Yeah, that works for me.”
“It’s a plan, then,” Dusty says. “I have to go…take care of something. Or you know, make up a reason to give the two of you a moment. I’ll be back.”
I laugh while East shakes his head. The moment Dusty slips into the office, I pull East close, leaning against one of the counters and wrapping my arms around his waist. “I think my good boy deserves something special for that.”
He bites his bottom lip. “Oh yeah? What did you have in mind? Giving me that big fucking cock of yours?”
“Anything. I’ll give you anything, East.”
He presses his mouth to mine. I flick my tongue against his lips, and he grants me entrance. It’s a short kiss, not one where I can devour him the way I’d like to do, before someone clearsher throat behind him. East jerks away from me, and damn it, I was just making out with him in the middle of the shop in my uniform.
“Archer Thorn…is that you?” old Mrs. Williams says.
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Oh, I didn’t know you two boys were…you know. I think that’s very nice.”
I laugh, grateful for her reply, even though it’s ridiculous.
“I came by to check on my vehicle.”
“Yes, ma’am. I can help you.” East walks over to her, and I wait for him. Maybe I should be worried about her seeing us or how fast it will get around town, but I can’t find it in myself to care.
East talks to her for a few minutes, before she waves to me and is on her way. I pull him close again.
“What are you smiling at?” he asks.
“I like people knowing you’re mine.”
East drops his forehead against my shoulder. “You’re ruining me, you know that?” I’m not sure how to take that, but then he says softer, mouth against my throat, “But in the best way.”
“Then you already ruined me, sweetheart. I’m just waiting for you to catch up.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
Easton
I’ve been freakingthe fuck out all day. I realize that’s not a normal reaction to having one’s brothers over, but then, we’re not exactly what you’d consider a normal family. It doesn’t help that I’ve already been on edge since the nightmare Archer witnessed. I keep waiting for him to realize I’m too much or that I’m not worth it. So far he’s sticking around, and I want to do anything in my power to make that happen.
You have to do it for yourself too, East.
El?I breathe out a sigh of relief. She’s been so quiet lately. Every day I’m worried that she’s gone for good. I promised her I would never let her go, and I won’t. I just have to find a way to be better for Archer without losing her.
Focus on today with Morgan and Rhett. You deserve it.
People keep telling me that—all the things I deserve—and it’s fucking with my head. But maybe they’re right. Maybe I should believe them.
“How are you doing?” Archer comes up to me from behind, wrapping his arms around me and nuzzling my throat. The warmth of his body is welcoming, the feel of his muscles and bones against mine. I lean back into him the way I’ve never done with anyone other than Archer, just trusting him to help hold me up and be there for me to lean on. There’s something so healing in that.
“Good.”
“And?” He nibbles my neck.
“Nervous, you asshole. Now don’t get me hard before they get here.”