Crashing Hearts (Pine Valley College #2)

31. Skylar

CHAPTER 31

SKYLAR

“ G et dressed,” I order Bones, who lounges naked on my bed like an oversized cat—hell, he pretty much is. He likes to be pet when he demands it, and he likes sleep and food and can hiss when he wants. “As much as I love the view, beautiful, we are going out.” I slap his ass as I pass him.

“Going out where?” he asks as he rolls over to keep me in sight. His eyes darken when he notices I’m wearing nothing but a towel.

“Behave,” I warn as I lean over him and nip his tempting lips. “We are going on a date. I realized last night I haven’t taken you on an official date as a couple, so get dressed.” I head to my closet, but I feel him hesitate, and I look back. “You don’t want to go on a date with me?”

“I do,” he admits as he leans up. “But people will see us. I know you’re open about your sexuality, but will it be good for your image?—”

“Silas Townsend,” I growl as I stalk his way and lean over him until he has no choice but to focus on my words. “I don’t give a fuck about my image. All I give a fuck about is what’s in my arms right now—you. Get your beautiful ass dressed so we can go on our official first date.”

He smiles as he leans up and kisses me. “Fine, but it better be good. I have high standards.”

“Go,” I order, smacking his hip as I grin and head to get ready.

Excitement courses through my veins as well as nervousness. I’ve never been on a real date, since he admitted the one we went on before didn’t count. I want to impress him.

He was born rich, and I want to prove I can take care of him and give him the same life he is used to. I want my boy to have everything in this world, and tonight, I’ll show him that.

Bones looks good enough to eat. His dark red shirt is open, exposing his tattoos and stunning chest, paired with dark slacks and shined shoes. It’s hard to keep my hands off him, but I try. His eyes, however, are filled with hunger as well, and not for the fancy five courses we are working our way through, but for me.

I lean back, letting him look.

I’m his, after all, and this is all for him.

My fancy, new black button-down is open all the way down. I have my boots on, but my hair is slicked back, half up and down, and I know I clean up well. If the way he has been looking at me since I knocked on his door is anything to go by, he likes it a lot.

“You like the restaurant?” I ask hopefully. It’s supposed to be the hottest new spot in Pine Valley, recently opened with a waitlist for months. It took me days to pull strings to get a reservation out here on the roof terrace. The vibe is intimate and screams money with low lamps and heaters, private tables separated by flowers and artful bushes, and an incredible view of the city. Everybody here is suited and dripping in diamonds. He fits right in. My boy is so fucking beautiful, I debate bending him over the table and eating my dessert right now.

“I’ve been wanting to come here,” he says as he looks around. We’ve had our first course, some tinier than life salad, but watching him nearly come over the taste of it was worth it. I’d eat tiny rich meals for the rest of my life if he made that face again.

Wrapping my feet around his under the table, I nurse my mocktail. I won’t drink with my boy here, but he’s nursing a red wine and seems super relaxed and happy, which makes me think I’m doing something right.

“So how am I doing so far? Impressing you on our first official date?” I ask with a grin.

“You’re doing okay,” he replies coolly, and I grin wider, knowing he likes it. I’m learning to read every nuance of Bones, and when he looks away like that, it means he’s lying. He shakes his head, but he smiles as he looks out at one of the best views of the city. I just stare at him because he’s better than any view. I could watch him for the rest of my life. “It’s beautiful.”

“You can say that again,” I murmur, and he glances over to see me watching him.

“You corny ass. I was talking about the view.”

I smirk. “So was I.”

He gives me an exasperated side-eye, but I lean back as the next dish is served. I wait for the server to leave before spooning up some of the foam and fish.

Cupping my hand under the spoon, I feed him the second course, wiping his mouth as he chews. “Good?”

“Really good,” he admits after moaning.

“You make that moan when I’m deep inside you,” I comment casually.

He smacks me, looking around in shock as I laugh. Hooking my foot around his chair, I drag it closer to the table so I can run my leg up his.

“Skylar,” he warns, but he’s smiling, and I can’t help but smile back.

I’ve never been this happy. I want to spend the rest of my life doing this—racing all day and coming home to him, sharing our lives.

“Silas?” a barked voice calls. We both whip around, and my smile drops as I eye the man. Bones chokes, however, and when I glance over, he’s sitting upright, his face cold and closed down, but I see fear in his eyes. I run my gaze over the man again, already hating him. The older man spares me a look, and the way he dismisses me by averting his gaze lets me know he doesn’t approve.

That’s fine. I don’t either, whoever he is.

“Father,” Bones responds curtly. All traces of happiness are gone.

Ah, so this is the devil who raised him. I hate him instantly and debate making Bones an orphan.

What little I know of Bones’s childhood is cold and unpleasant. His father, a dick-torian, was cold toward his son. No wonder Bones almost appears sad to see him here, tonight of all nights.

“What are you doing here?” Bones asks. His father arches a brow, and Bones swallows. “I meant to ask if you are here for business or pleasure.”

“Then say it as you mean it. You know better,” his father warns, his words cutting and sharp, and I watch them sink into my boy like a weapon. “Words hold meaning. They should be chosen carefully. I thought I would have taught you that by now.” He looks at me again, his nostrils flaring. “I had a business meeting with a potential client. Why are you here? Shouldn’t you be studying, not . . . playing around?”

“Yes, Father,” Bones mutters, but he seems shaken and withdrawn. I hate it. I hate how quickly this man ruined my boy’s happiness.

“We aren’t playing around. We’re eating. Food is important, no?” I ask his father.

“I wasn’t speaking to you,” he snaps angrily. It’s clear he’s a man used to getting his own way and inspiring fear in others.

“Father,” Bones cautions.

“Well, that’s too bad because I was talking to you,” I drawl with an arched brow. “You can glare at me all you want. It doesn’t intimidate or scare me. I grew up surrounded by stronger men willing to do anything to get what they want. Since you didn’t introduce yourself, I won’t either, but Bones and I are busy, so I suggest you go back to your business meeting.”

His eyes narrow, and he leans into me, trying to physically intimidate me. No doubt it has worked on everyone in the past. He carries power and money like a weapon, but what I said is true. I grew up on the streets, surrounded by drug dealers, gang bangers, and murderers, so not much scares me anymore, not even the devil dressed in Versace. “Now you listen here, little boy. If I were speaking to you, you would know it. I was speaking to my son?—”

“More like ordering him around.” I lean close to his face, and when he flinches back a bit, I smile in victory. “Did you even wish your son a happy birthday?”

“Sky, it’s okay.” Bones’s voice shakes, and I want to throttle this man. Can’t he see how scared his son is? What kind of father wants that?

“No, it isn’t. You are his father. Did you even call him? Text him? Send him a card?” I arch a brow. “No, so clearly you know nothing about your son’s life. You shouldn’t be making adjustments to it, now should you?”

He leans back, eyeing me. “Birthdays are trivial events. I have important work. My son understands that.” He turns to Bones. “You should keep your . . . friend on a leash.”

“Woof,” I bark, and he shoots me a glare as I smile. “You can go now. I’m sure you have important work that’s much more pressing than talking to us. Besides, I didn’t invite you to stay, and you are annoying me and spoiling my view.”

He splutters, and the reaction only makes me smile and lean back. His face turns red in annoyance, and with one last glare at me, he gives Bones a pointed look and marches inside.

Smirking, I look back at Bones to see he’s pale. “Skylar, I’m sorry?—”

“Don’t you ever apologize for your father.” I cover his hand with mine and lift it, kissing his knuckles. “How about we get out of here?” I ask. He looks upset and uncomfortable. “Let’s go somewhere he can’t follow us.”

Nodding, he stands. I keep his hand in mine as I pay the bill and head out with him at my side, quiet and withdrawn.

“Were you really not scared of my father?” he asks sometime later as I’m driving, his head turned as he watches me.

“Not even a little. Trust me, he’s nothing compared to the gangsters I used to eat dinner with when I was a kid.” I wink. “But forget about him. Don’t let him ruin our night. You are allowed to enjoy life, beautiful, and go out and have fun. It isn’t all about work and school.”

He swallows but nods, and I drive us deeper into the city, away from the glitz and glamor, from the rich and the famous and the fancy places he’s used to. “Where are we going?” he questions after a while.

“Somewhere different. You grew up in places like that, but I grew up in places like this. I’m not saying either are bad, but tonight, I think you could use some home cooking and community,” I tell him.

He doesn’t fight me on it, and I want to see him smile again, so I take him to the one place that always made me happy. We pull off the side streets in the area I grew up in and to the restaurant at the bottom. It’s more of an old building with half the front missing, but nobody steals from Mama’s. She fed us all, after all. It’s her motto, feeding starving street kids or businessmen alike.

The front has a metal gazebo the community built after a bad storm, and tables are spread under it, picnic style. There are black chalkboard menus, and even at this time, it’s busy. A live band plays in the back as home-cooked food is served. Climbing from my car, I take Bones’s hand as he gets out.

“What is this place?” he asks, his eyes wide.

“Mama’s,” I answer as I pull him after me. “When I couldn’t afford food, she would feed me, never complaining or asking for anything in return. When I grew up and started making money, I gave it back here. It’s always been a good place for me. It reminds me of how a home should feel—safe, happy, and with love in every meal. I think you could use that tonight,” I say as I head inside, ducking under the opening and heading toward a free table in the back.

“Sky!” I smile and wave at those I know, clapping shoulders as I sit and pull Bones down opposite me on the small picnic table. His eyes are wide as he looks around.

“What do you want to eat?” He didn’t get to finish his fancy meal. Besides, even if we did, we would still be hungry.

“Um . . .” He glances at the menus with a wary expression, and I grin.

“Want me to order?”

He nods, and I grab the pad from the table, scribbling down our order before heading toward the counter.

“Skylar!” Mama calls as she pushes the server aside and kisses both of my cheeks before checking me over. “You lost weight. You haven’t been eating properly,” she admonishes in the way only a mother can.

She will always be a mother, even without her son.

“Been missing your meals,” I admit as I hand over the sheet. “Make this with extra love. I brought someone special.”

“Special?” She leans around, and I point out Bones. She grins at me, slapping my side. “He’s handsome.”

“He is.” I grin and hand over a wad, but she waves me off like normal. She could earn a fortune, but she doesn’t care about money. She just wants to feed our community and save as many as she can through her home-cooked food and care.

I’d be dead if it wasn’t for this woman who saw a scrawny, angry kid and kept bringing me food, even though I wouldn’t speak.

Rolling my eyes, I shove the cash into the tip jar, and she sighs as I hustle to my table to avoid her scolding. Not five minutes later, our food comes out, the trays heaping with more than I ordered. Mama leans into my shoulder as it’s served.

“You’re Skylar’s boy?” she asks kindly, analyzing him in a way only she can. Within two minutes, she knows everything about him and what he needs. It’s her gift.

“Yes, ma’am. I’m Bones. It’s nice to meet you. The food looks incredible, so everything he said must be true,” Bones says with a soft grin.

Mama swoons, hitting my side. “Call me Mama, everyone does. My boy, you picked good. Don’t be an ass to this one. Keep him.”

“I plan to.” I smirk as she kisses my head, sending warmth through me. The familiar gesture brings both happiness and sadness, as I have forgotten how my other mother did that.

“Eat up. We’ve missed you, although we’ve been watching your races. I knew you could do it. We are all so proud. Look.” She points to the back wall, and I grin when I see the flag with my number on it. “Enough, eat.” She walks off, but I hear my name, and I wave as the people she’s talking to whoop and call out.

“I feel like I’m with a celebrity.” Bones grins, but he seems more relaxed, and when he takes a bite, his eyes widen. “What is this?”

“That is Mama’s love.” I laugh. “Best food in the city.”

Blinking, he shovels the food into his mouth, and I watch proudly while eating my own. When he’s done, he leans back. “I am so full,” he remarks.

Just then, Mama returns. “You haven’t eaten a lot. Let me get you some more?—”

I catch her arm and kiss her hand. “We’re full, Mama. It was incredible, as always.”

She frowns, looking at our plates. “I’ll pack some to take home. Can’t have my boys going hungry,” she mutters and hurries away.

“Looks like she’s adopted you too,” I say. “She’s like that. You’ll be hers now, no escape. She’s a mother to everyone here.”

He smiles and continues to do so all night as I talk to the usuals and people I know. He watches me in a way that makes me want to kiss the shit out of him, and when I come back from the restroom, he’s talking to Mama. She’s fixing his hair and smiling brightly, clearly loving him as I head back over.

“He’s so smart,” she whispers to me. “Marry him before he realizes you’re an idiot.”

“Mama.” I sigh. “Where’s the love?”

“Uh-uh, it’s a good thing you’re pretty. Bones, you remember what I said, okay? And come back any time. I’ll keep a plate for you.”

“Thank you, Mama,” he says, smiling widely.

Shaking my head, I grab his cup and head over to top it off. As I’m there, she leans into me. “I love him. He’s perfect for you. He has fire and sass . . . . I think he’s hurting though. I think deep inside, he has the same pain you have. Be kind to him.”

“I will,” I murmur as I hold the drinks. “I’ll make sure no one hurts him again.”

“That’s my boy.” She grins. “I approve. Now enjoy your night. Go.”

Shaking my head, I head back to him and hand him his drink just as the music starts up again.

“She’s lovely,” he says, indicating Mama. “She really takes care of everyone here?”

“She grew up here, raised her kid here—her son was shot when he was a teenager—and she opened this place for him, since that’s what he always called her, so all of us street kids could have a safe place like he needed. That’s why we all call her Mama. She was a mother without a son, so we gave her hundreds so she’ll never feel alone again,” I explain.

“I didn’t know,” he whispers, eyeing her sadly.

“She doesn’t talk about it a lot. He was a good kid who fell in with the wrong crowd. We all make sure to take care of her and this place. Don’t worry, she isn’t alone.”

He nods, but he’s watching her sadly, so I take his hand and kiss the back of it. “Feeling better?”

His smile is slow but there. “Much. Thank you for bringing me here. I like learning more about your past and life. Everyone here loves you. It’s strange. I’ve passed my neighbors for years but don’t even know their names, yet here, you all know everything about everyone.”

“Community.” I shrug. “It’s important. Without it and the love we all share, what’s the point?”

“I guess I wouldn’t know,” he says as I rub the back of his hand. He watches me as we lapse into silence. The band kicks into another song, this one fast, and whoops fill the air.

Bones and I smile as everyone gets up and dances, laughter filling the air as they move through the tables under the sky.

Holding out my hand, I get to my feet. “Dance with me, beautiful.”

He rolls his eyes, but he lets me pull him up, and in the middle of the street, I wind him in circles, twisting and dipping him. His laughter rings out with everyone else’s as we move to music, everything else forgotten.

He just lets go, trusting me as we dance together, his cheeks red with happiness. I want to take a picture and never forget it. His hand holds mine as I lift it and turn him again. He laughs and then does the same for me. I spin under his arm, grinning as the music fades and we pant, sharing secretive smiles.

I tug him deeper into my arms as the music slows to something soft and loving, then I slide my hand from his and drape both arms around his waist. His own slide around my neck, and he rests his cheek on my chest, our bodies pressed together.

Rocking under the moonlight, I hold him closer and move us to the soft music. No one cares here. Tonight, we can be anyone.

“I don’t want to ever let you go,” he whispers as he lifts his head. I massage the back of his neck as we sway.

“Me either,” I admit.

We stare into each other’s eyes before he leans in and kisses me. It’s the first time he’s kissed me in public. It’s soft and chaste, but it’s there, and when he leans back, I can’t help but grin.

“Thank you, Skylar, for showing me what life can be if I let it. Thank you for loving me when no one else does.”

“Always,” I vow as he leans into me again.

We sway like that for hours, neither of us wanting the night to end.