‘I want to set things straight,’ Max said, a contemplative look in his soulful eyes. ‘College was college. You were young, I didn’t want to tie you down. Well, not likethatanyhow.’
‘But you could have explained that to me,’ Channing said, determined to not let Max off the hook that easily. ‘It really freakin’ hurt me. It’s been an influence on my relationships ever since, and not in a good way either.’
‘And for that, I’m truly sorry,’ Max replied, the sincerity in his voice clear. ‘That’s the last thing I’d want. Even when I left, it didn’t change the fact that I felt so many strong feelings toward you. I always have done. I just have never been in the rightplace, you know?’
‘I think I hear you,’ Channing said. ‘But… what about now? What about last night?’
‘Last night was fun as hell,’ Max said. ‘I’d like more,muchmore. But I can’t make any promises, I want to be clear on that. My life is a mess. As much as I’d love to do a big romantic gesture, I can’t. It wouldn’t be fair. I know how much having a Daddy means to you.’
Channing took a moment to consider what Max was saying.
Yes, it wasn’t exactly the promise to total commitment that Channing would have dreamed of. But it was one thing. It washonest. Channing could see that Max meant every word that he said.
‘So…’ Max said, running his finger over the top of his beer.
‘So,’ Channing replied, licking his lips.
‘Shall we…’
‘Head back to mine?’ Channing said, his heart racing and his cock hardening.
‘No,’ Max replied. ‘I’ve got a better idea. And it’s an idea that I know you’re going to justlove.’
Max flashed one of his enigmatic, totally enticing smiles. Channing felt like putty in Max’s hands.
Whatever Max had in store, Channing wanted to find out what it was.
Fortunately for Channing, the wait to find out what Max had in mind was even shorter than he imagined…
Chapter 8
MAX
Max’s heart was beating, and that old sense of thrill seeking lust for life was practically bursting forth from every bone in his well-maintained body.
This was a risk.
Not just the act itself, but there was also no guarantee that Channing would be into it. But Max knew that he had to offer Channing the chance to do it.
The boy needs fun.
He needs to let loose, like I know he can.
But he has to want it…
‘Follow me, I know the way,’ Max said, taking Channing by the hand and guiding him down a steep flight of partially covered steps.
‘Are we going to the beach?’ Channing replied, his voice quivering with excitement.
‘Kind of,’ Max replied. ‘You’ll see.’
Max smiled and continued to lead Channing down the winding, tight stone steps that would take them to Max’s intended destination. The fact that Channing was going along with this made Max very happy indeed.
It hadn’t always been the case that Channing would go along with spontaneous or even a little bit risky plans. But it seemed like in this moment of his life, Channing was a fair bit more amenable to going off script.
But Max still held a degree of caution toward Channing’s ability to let loose…
Don’t get too ahead of yourself.
