“Maybe I’m the one who should be thinking about my future. Me wanting us to live together doesn’t mean I’ve stopped thinking about what I might want to do once I leave high school. You work in the city but live here. Maybe I can commute to college like Cody does.”
“Maybe you could, but you don’t have to make any of those decisions yet. You have plenty of time and it will take months to have your house built. That doesn’t include fitting out the interior.”
“Of course you’re right.” Orsen gave him the fakest smile. “Can I get in?”
“Yes, of course. We can go back to my place to talk—”
“No, that’s okay. I’d like to go home.”
Santino unlocked the car and watched Orsen get in, but remained outside. He only wanted to put Orsen first. He had his whole future ahead of him and Santino wanted him to explore all options and that included him. Did Santino really want Orsen making promises he might later regret?
Running a hand over his face, he sighed. Maybe their age gap still affected him if he considered the possibility Orsen could leave. There were no guarantees in life, but when you were younger, you changed your mind, and Santino was concerned that Orsen would do the same.
If Orsen went to college, he would meet new people, have new experiences, be exposed to different cultures and events that rarely, if ever, occurred in Robinson. Santino didn’t want to be left behind. There, he’d thought it. He didn’t want Orsen to leave him behind once he’d had more experience in life and discovered what it could offer. He didn’t want to be hurt. Didn’t want to have his heart broken.
Getting in the car, he started the engine, then turned to face Orsen. “We said we’d go slow.”
“We did,” Orsen murmured, staring out of the passenger window. “I’m sorry.”
“Don’t apologize. I’m more than happy you want us to live together, but we need to slow down.” He was happy, but his apprehension outweighed his happiness. “Let’s get to know each other better. Dating is fun. I like coming home to you, knowing you’re here.”
Orsen gave him a ghost of a smile. “I’m always excited when Friday comes.”
“That’s so you can jump me the minute I open the door.”
“Hmm. Sex. I’m old enough for that.”
Santino heard him and gave Orsen a sharp look. “You are, and we waited even when you pushed things.”
“I know, because I’m young, right? Always wanting to rush into things. Don’t worry. I won’t rush into this. I’ll go slow.” Orsen yawned. “I’d like to go home now.”
Santino nodded and drove back the way they’d come, but the tension hadn’t eased between them by the time he pulled into Crompton’s. Orsen sighed, then twisted in his seat and looked at Santino. “You’re right.”
“About what?” Santino’s brow furrowed and when Orsen didn’t respond, he said Orsen’s name.
“Thanks for helping me. I know you didn’t have to do that.”
Santino’s chest tightened. Was Orsen ending things between them? It sounded like it. “You know I’ll always be there for you. It’s what people in relationships do.”
“It is, but we’re not in one now. I’m sorry but… thanks for helping me when I needed it. If anything comes up about Ambrose or the money, we can arrange to meet.” Orsen gave him a shaky smile, then got out and slammed the door shut. Santino got out as well and watched Orsen run toward Crompton’s ranch. Crompton came out seconds later, glared at Santino, then pointed off his ranch.
Santino got back in his car and pulled away, his mind going over their conversation. What had he said that had caused Orsen to break up with him? He’d been honest about something they’d agreed on when they’d first met. He hadn’t lied to Orsen, and now he was single because of it.
Pulling into his driveway, Santino blinked. He had no recollection of driving home and now he was here. It was the last place he wanted to be. Fuck, his chest hurt, and he rubbed it, trying to relieve the ache. Getting out of his car, Santino walked into his house, stroked an overly excited Charlie, then pulled his phone out and called TJ. Orsen would need Cody.
“Santino! How are you two doing?”
“TJ,” Santino mumbled his name, then exhaled. “Fuck.”
“Uh-oh. That doesn’t sound good. You’ve annoyed Orsen, haven’t you?”
“He broke up with me.”
“He did what?” A pause, then, “Orsen broke up with you?”
“Yes.”
“Why would he do that? He adores you, Santino.”
