Chapter 24
TWENTY-FOUR
ISAAC
Having my family here for a long weekend was great.
I was sad to see them leave. They hit it off with Evan and my mom told me that she can see how much we love each other.
I wasn’t lying when I told Evan he’s the one.
My mom saw it before I told her my true feelings.
We had a great heart to heart on Monday afternoon and she told me that she and Dad really like Evan and they’re glad I found someone as amazing as him.
They don’t know all the details of my relationship with Devante, but they know it didn’t end well and I had basically given up on dating or finding the love of my life.
I was content with living the bachelor life and convinced myself that I’d be single for the rest of my life.
Since the secret is out to those closest to us, I’m having Tyson and Carter over tonight to hang out with Evan and me.
Evan is bringing one of his bourbons to share and some potato salad.
I’m cooking burgers and veggie kabobs on the grill.
Tyson and Carter will likely show up with something to add to the table.
Evan and I spent a couple of hours in bed this afternoon.
I considered taking a shower with him, but that would have probably ended in amazing shower sex and possibly another round between the sheets.
We didn’t have time for that, so I took a quick shower first then forced myself to the kitchen while Evan got ready.
I’d never hear the end of it if our friends showed up and we weren’t able to answer the door.
It would have totally been worth it, but there was no way I was convincing Evan. He’s kind of a rule follower.
Evan joins me in the kitchen, freshly showered, looking like sex on a stick with his damp hair, a pair of tight black jeans and fitted green t-shirt.
He’s been working out at the gym in his complex and between the days spent there and the times we go to the beach, he has gained some muscle mass and darkened his tan.
It a sexy combination that makes me want to lick him constantly.
The green shirt was a little loose the first time I saw him in it a couple of months ago.
Now, it hugs his tight body. Even though I can’t see his six pack, I know what’s hiding under the shirt and I want nothing more than to rip it off of him.
He walks up to me and uses his thumb to wipe the side of my mouth. “You’re drooling,” he teases, pulling me out of my lustful thoughts.
“What?” I ask, running the back of my hand over my mouth. “No, I wasn’t.”
Evan doubles over with laughter. “You weren’t, but you were staring pretty damn hard.”
“Something’s hard alright,” I mumble.
“How? How can you possibly be hard? We just went one round on the couch and two in the bed.”
“What can I say? I can’t get enough of you.”
“Me either, but I’m spent.”
“Eh, maybe it’s your age,” I tease.
“You better take that back,” he growls.
“You are pushing thirty.”
“I have over two years.”
“You’ll be twenty-eight in less than a month. You can call it two years.”
“You aren’t that much younger than me.”
“I won’t be twenty-five until January. I’m more than three years younger. Apparently, it makes a difference.”
“It’s a good thing I like our friends or I might be inclined to go home and leave you with nothing but your hand to handle your needs.”
I gasp in horror. “You wouldn’t.”
“Are you sure about that?”
Before he has a chance to realize what’s happening, I grab Evan and pull him into my arms, kissing him deeply.
Our tongues collide and the feel of him against me sends a shudder through me.
My dick hardens and I’m a little surprised.
Teasing Evan is fun, but honestly, I’m not sure I have another round in me right now.
“Ah, Jesus, do you two ever keep your hands off each other?” Tyson bellows.
Evan jumps back at the sound of Tyson’s voice. I knew I should have kept the door locked. I thought it was a smart idea in case we were outside at the grill, but now I’m regretting that decision, especially since it embarrassed Evan.
“Fuck off,” I bark in return, causing Tyson and Carter to double over laughing.
Evan busies himself pulling toppings out of the refrigerator. I glare at my friends, but they’re totally unfazed by the fact they embarrassed my boyfriend. I’m mad they upset Evan but amused by the situation.
Tyson and Carter place a tray of chicken wings and several bags of chips and dip on the counter while I walk over to Evan and take a few items from him.
“You okay?”
He nods, but won’t look at me. Shit. I hate that he gets embarrassed and upset so easily. I know it’s because of the things that asshole ex of his did to him.
“They were just teasing. They love you,” I whisper even though Tyson and Carter have retreated to the other side of the room to give us some privacy.
“I know. I’m sorry. Why am I such a mess?”
“You’re not a mess,” I say, turning him toward me. “It’s okay to kiss me in front of our friends. We didn’t do anything wrong.”
He nods slightly. “I’m okay. Let’s enjoy the night.” Evan smiles at me then continues placing condiments on the counter and pulling out the plate of onions, lettuce, and tomato we cut this morning.
Rather than making any more of a fuss, I accept that Evan is fine and go on about our night.
It isn’t fair to him to make a big deal out of his reaction in front of our friends, but it bothers me that something as small as getting caught kissing sends him into a spiral.
I need to let it go. This is all new for both for us.
I’m a little surprised at myself for being so bold and open in front of Tyson and Carter.
Maybe it’s because I know them well and trust them.
I’ve forced Evan to keep us a secret and then got angry at him when I thought he betrayed me.
Now, I’m only willing to let a few select people know about us.
It has to make him feel unsure about our relationship and my love for him especially after everything Mike put him through.
“Tyson,” I call, gaining his attention. “The grill should be hot by now. Can you and Carter go put the burgers and kabobs on?” I ask, handing him two trays of food. I try to silently communicate that I need a minute with my boyfriend.
He must understand because he takes the trays with a nod. “You got it. Carter, grab some tongs.”
When Carter closes the door behind them, I turn to Evan, take his hand and lead him to our, eh, my bedroom. Where did that thought come from? I’m not sure, but I like the idea of sharing a home with Evan.
When we reach the bedroom, I face my boyfriend and cup his cheek.
“Hey, I’m sorry if them seeing us like that embarrassed you, but I want you to know, I’m all in.
I’m not ready for the world to know, but I won’t hide in front of my family, our friends, or Hope.
Just so you know, I regret not meeting your parents and I think next time you talk to them; you should share the news. ”
“What? Are you sure? Isaac, I’m sorry I told Hope and the guys found out. I feel really bad about it, and I don’t want you to feel like my parents have to know.”
“Stop. I meant every word I said. I want your parents to know, and I want you to be comfortable around Tyson and Carter.”
A smile tugs at his lips as he relaxes into my touch. “Thank you.”
“One more thing. No more apologizing for people finding out. You did not do anything wrong, and I never should have blamed you. It’s in our past and we’ve both apologized. There’s no reason to keep reliving it.”
“Really?”
“Absolutely.”
“I love you so much.” Evan kisses me quickly. “It’s time to have some fun with our friends.”
Our friends. I like the sound of that and I’m grateful Tyson, Carter, and Evan hit it off and get along. I want Evan to be part of everything in my world, but for that to truly happen, I have to quit hiding who I am.