Page 42 of Pieces of Me

When Tanner moved in closer and kissed him, Scott didn’t resist, didn’t push him away, just―let him.

“Oh my God,” Tanner said when he pulled away. “That was amazing. Like all my fantasies come to life. Hotter, even.”

Scott chuckled, and Tanner went on, “What? You don’t think you rival any of the hottest gay porn stars, or underwear models, out there? Baby, you cast them all in the shade. You’re wasted here in this piece-of-shit town. You should be in LA!”

Scott laughed out loud. “You know what? You’re the second person to tell me that. Maybe I should go.” He was joking, but Tanner leaned in, his face earnest.

“I was thinking of heading to San Diego soon, to visit my sister and nephew. I could―I could drive you to California.”

“Really?” Excitement flared in Scott, but then reality set in. “Ain’t got no money,” he said dismissively. “For gas or hotels or a place to stay when I get there.” He made to walk away again when Tanner grabbed him, his face alight.

“I have an idea!” he exclaimed. “I’m sure you could stay with my sister until you find a job, get on your feet. You could do some yard work for her, handyman-type stuff. Her husband left her recently,” he clarified. “I know it would be a big help to her.”

Tanner reached out and smoothed his palms down Scott’s chest until he was resting his hands on his hips, sliding his thumbs under Scott’s tank top to stroke his skin. “As far as gas money, hotels, on the way there, well, I’m pretty sure we can work something out. Don’t you think?”

He tugged Scott closer and kissed him again, his meaning clear.

“Come home with me,” Tanner whispered against his lips. “I promise I can make you forget all about your bad day.”

Step, step, breathe.

Forget.

Yes.

✩✩✩

Rylan jumped up when he heard Scott climb in through the window.

“It’s three a.m.!” Rylan hissed. “I’ve been worried sick.”

Scott shrugged. “Sorry.” He stripped his tank top off, and Rylan gasped. There were bruises all over his neck, his chest…

“Scott? Are you okay?”

“Yeah.”

Rylan drifted closer, his nostrils flaring as he recognized the scent clinging to him, the scent of―pain roared through him like a tidal wave. “You were with someone tonight? A boy?”

Scott looked at him, and there was no emotion whatsoever in his flat green eyes. “What of it? Had fun, got my rocks off. Happy birthday to me.” He grabbed a large duffle from under his bed and started emptying his dresser drawers into it.

Rylan pushed aside the hurt that was making his knees shake and focused on what Scott was doing. “You going somewhere?”

“Moving to LA” was the succinct reply as Scott slammed the last of his drawers closed and stood there with his hands on his hips, looking around. “Joel is gonna drive me.”

“Joel?”

“The guy I’m fucking.”

The casual cruelty of the words made tears spring to Rylan’s eyes, and he dashed his hand across them impatiently. Scott had never promised him anything; it was Rylan’s own foolish expectations that were hurting him now.

“What―” Rylan’s voice wobbled. “What about the recruiter, the Navy?” Scott made a derisive noise, and Rylan went on doggedly, “They can still pay for college even if you decide not to go into the flight program. Enlisting is still a good move toward your future.”

“Don’t give a shit about that anymore. I’m goin’ to California.” Suddenly his eyes narrowed. “Heather asleep? I don’t want no scene when I walk out the door.”

Rylan glanced toward the darkened hallway. “I don’t know. I haven’t been back out there since―well, I’ve been waiting for you.”

“Will you go check for me, please? Then when you come back in, we can talk for a minute.”