Page 68 of His Secret Santa
Darren Pratt leaned back in his chair, a dry smile on his face. “I came home last night.”
“What…?” Oh fuck. “I… I didn’t hear you come in.”
His dad chuckled and sat forward. “It’s no wonder, between the music and the fucking.”
Lincoln couldn’t move; he heard them?
Of course, he heard—how could he not?
“I, um…”
“Don’t look so guilty.” His dad smiled. “It’s fine. I told you to fix things with McKenna. And that’s how you fix things with women—with a good fuck.”
McKenna…? He thought Lincoln was with McKenna last night? Lincoln’s survival instinct kicked in and it was on the tip of his tongue to go along with it, and let his dad think it was McKenna up there in his bed. But the lie wouldn’t come. A warm calm settled over him as Holden’s face drifted up behind his eyes… and last night replayed through his mind in intoxicating detail.
This ends now. He wouldn’t betray and shame Holden by going back into hiding. He wanted out—wanted to be out.
Sam, give me courage.
Lincoln swallowed, his heart racing. “I…” He cleared his throat. “I wasn’t with McKenna last night.”
“What?” His dad rose from the table. “What do you mean it wasn’t McKenna? Then who the fuck…” He went silent abruptly, his eyes darting past Lincoln… narrowing dangerously.
Lincoln turned around. Holden stood in the kitchen doorway, shirtless and wearing only his jeans, his hair messed and sleep in his eyes. Good God, you’re sexy in the morning. The thought tore through his mind, causing a sizzling in his loins before reality came snapping back.
Darren Pratt slowly shifted his cool stare to Lincoln. “What the fuck is going on?”
Holden immediately tensed and looked like he wanted to flee. He shot Lincoln a worried, apologetic look as if he’d somehow outed Lincoln. Maybe his presence at that moment helped it along, but it certainly wasn’t his fault.
“Who the fuck is this?” his dad demanded, the tightness of his face telling Lincoln he was quickly putting the pieces together.
Lincoln stepped to his left, putting himself between Holden and his dad. “This is Holden Dunkel. We go to school together.” He glanced back at Holden and his heart leaped with love for the young man. Lincoln faced his father. “He’s the one I was with last night.” He breathed deeply and released. “I’m gay, dad. And Holden… he’s my boyfriend.”
The man’s face twitched, and he seemed about to spontaneously combust. If only.
“And there’s nothing you can say or do to change it,” Lincoln added before his dad found his voice. “I’m not going to be a stockbroker. I have my own life to live, and I’m going to live it with Holden.”
Darren Pratt breathed hard, eyes smoldering. “Get out,” he hissed. “Get out of my house, you filthy faggot, and don’t ever come back.”
“I’m already packed,” Lincoln said calmly.
Holden moved to the side as Lincoln’s dad stormed from the kitchen. The front door slammed moments later, then his dad’s car started and drove away.
“Lincoln…?” Holden whispered uncertainly. “I’m sorry—”
“No.” Lincoln turned around and walked over, wrapping his arms around Holden. He hugged him tightly. “It was perfect timing.” He kissed his lips. “I was just about to tell him when you came in. Having you here with me… gave me courage.”
“Are you… really packed?”
“Yeah.” Lincoln smiled. “I’ve been packed for a while now, just waiting for this day. I just have to grab a few extra things from my room, then I’m done here.”
Holden laid his head on his shoulder. “Come home with me.”
“Are you sure?”
“I am.” He raised his head. “If they won’t let you stay… then I’m not staying either. I want to be with you, wherever you are.”
Lincoln touched his face and smiled. “Even if I’m living under a bridge?”