Page 101 of Wrecked

* * *

We order in food and watch a Chicago Bulls versus Knicks game on TV. We’re seated side by side, with our bare feet propped up on the coffee table. It’s pretty much like old times, very relaxed. Sam leans into me. I lay my hand on his thigh.

It’s getting late, and before long, Sam starts to doze off. I’m sure he’s exhausted from the trip home. I nudge him gently. “Come on, kid. You’re tuckered out. Let’s get you to bed.”

I stand and pull him to his feet. While he stops in the bathroom to get ready for bed, I pull the bedding down, then take a seat at the foot of the bed.

I’ve made up my mind. I’m going home to fix things so I can come back to Sam with a clean conscience and ready to move forward. At Shane’s request, Jake agreed to come with me. We’re leaving in the morning. I’m not going to tell Sam about this. Not until after it’s done and I’m free to give him what he wants.

Sam walks into the bedroom wearing just a pair of gray boxers. I can’t help my reaction to seeing him practically naked. Heat shoots through me, down my spine to pool between my legs.God, I want him.It’s been so long. I’d give anything to fuck him right this minute.

I stand and point to the bed. “In you go.”

“You’re going to stay, right? You said you would.”

Yes, I’m a glutton for punishment, kid.

I sigh. “I’ll stay.” What other choice do I have?

As Sam climbs into bed, I go to the bathroom and get ready for bed. When I return, I slide into bed beside him and pull him into my arms. He rests his head on my chest and lays an arm across my waist.

It feels so good to lie with him like this. He’s home, with me. I rub circles on his bare back, smiling when I feel him shiver. At least I know he’s not completely immune to me.

Sam groans against my skin as he presses his face into my shoulder. I’m getting hard all over again from his proximity, and if I had to guess, he is, too.

But I’m going to honor my promise. No sex. I don’t want him to think that’s all I want him for. It’s not.

I kiss his forehead. “Sleep, baby. Your body needs sleep to heal.”

Sam ends up being my little spoon, and I lie pressed against his back, my arm around his waist. I kiss the back of his head, his neck, and shoulder. He falls asleep pretty quickly, worn out, I’m sure.

Sleep doesn’t come so easily for me. Jake and I fly out of Chicago tomorrow, heading down South. I don’t know what to expect. I haven’t been home since I left as a teenager.

But as much as I’m dreading this trip, I’m committed to doing it for Sam’s sake. I can’t be what he needs until I put the trauma of my past behind me.

With my lips pressed to the back of his head, I make a vow. “I’m going to make this right for you, baby. You just gotta trust me.”

* * *

Early the next morning, I slip quietly out of bed, not wanting to wake Sam, dress in the bathroom, and head up to the penthouse. Jake will be arriving at the penthouse soon, and I want us to get going. When we’re on the road, I’ll call Sam and let him know I’m going to be away for a few days.

At nine, I hear the elevator opening its doors in the foyer. I figure it’s Jake.

“Cooper?”

But that’s not Jake’s voice. It’s Sam’s.

Shit!“In the kitchen.” I quickly make up a breakfast plate for Sam and set it on the counter. “Eat. You’ve lost weight and muscle tone. You need both to get your strength back.”

“Yes, sir!” He salutes me as he picks up his fork.

I walk around to his side of the counter and cup the back of his head to pull him in close for a long kiss. “Don’t get smart with me.”

Sam digs hungrily into his food, which makes me happy. He asks about how Miguel is doing as Beth’s temporary bodyguard. I can tell he’s a bit jealous of Miguel for filling in. He asks me how Beth’s doing with her pregnancy.

I step between Sam’s legs and cup his face. He instantly relaxes, closing his eyes and leaning into my touch. I can’t resistkissing him. Then I slide my lips down the side of his throat and suck on the tender skin at his pulse point, just enough to leave a tiny mark—something for him to remember me by while I’m gone.

When Sam moans, I reach down and palm his growing erection through his jeans. My touch turns his soft moan into a louder groan of frustration.