Page 74 of Brought By the Storm

I stroked Carrington’s arm. “I don’t purport to know everything behind what happened or why Stefan did what he did.” I looked to Stefan, and he dropped his head. He appeared to be ashamed about the incident. “But Carrington, I forgave you. And as a wise man once told me, if you punish someone, it should be to teach them a lesson. When they’ve already learned their lesson, punishing them further is just revenge.”

Carrington lifted my chin and kissed my nose. “I believe it isn’t the man that is wise—but he is smart enough to respect advice from his mother. And now, from his boyfriend.”

I was elated. He hadn’t used that term before. “Boyfriend?”

His face softened and became loving. “If you’re all right with that.”

I gulped. “Yes, I would like that.”

Carrington smiled. “Good, because I love you, Eric. I know it’s quick, but…I love you.”

“I love you too,” I blurted, pulling him back to me. I wanted his mouth back on mine.

After a few moments of kissing, I remembered that Stefan was still in the room.

“I’m sorry,” I told him when we broke for air.

Stefan grinned. “Congratulations, Carrington. You found the person who is right for you. I mean that.”

Carrington rushed to Stefan and pulled him into a hug. “Thank you.” He then whispered in his ear. “I forgive you, even if you and Mateo kept me awake all night, snoring at me in stereo. But Stefan, can you forgive me? I was too self-absorbed to see you for who you are. I hate that I was hurting you.”

Stefan hugged him back. “It’s okay, mate. Your friendship means the world to me. I won’t betray it again.” He then glanced at me. “I’m sorry, Eric. I was unfair to you because of my jealousy and insecurity. You’ve been kind and generous from the day I met you. I hope you can forgive me and that we can be friends as well.”

I crossed the room and pulled Stefan into an embrace. I pulled away, flushing, realizing I was still half dressed. “Uh, I forgot I don’t have clothes.”

Stefan laughed. “Trust me. I don’t mind. You might have made me a little stiff there.”

Carrington feigned anger. “Hey! Don’t make me regret forgiving you.”

Stefan laughed louder. “Sorry, mate. I saw the photos, remember? I know what’s under his briefs. My body’s going to react when he’s half-naked and hugging me.”

My cheeks heated more, and I wanted to change the subject. “So, speaking of looking at other men, where’s Mateo? You can’t leave him alone too long, you know.”

Stefan smirked. “Oh, I have that lion tamed. I told him I would be right back down. I figured you two would want some private time together.”

“But we have to check out,” I reminded him.

Stefan waved a hand through the air. “Nah, I figured you two would kiss and make up. I went to the check-out desk and secured a second night. There was another empty room available. Guess who’ll be next door?”

Carrington smiled, then turned to me with alarm. “Eric, you’re supposed to be at work today!”

“Ugh,” I groaned. “I’d better call in sick. They must be wondering where I am. Since I’ve never faked an illness before, they shouldn’t suspect I’m lying.”

“But you aren’t lying. You’re lovesick,” Stefan reasoned.

Carrington pulled me back into his arms. “Lovesick? In that case, I hope there’s no cure. Sorry, babe.” He kissed my cheek and stroked my back. “Eric, consider moving back to this wretched city.”

“What?”

“I don’t love New York, but I have learned there is a good sports medicine training program at NYU. You could follow your passion and resume your photography full-time. I have the resources to make it work for us,” he urged. He turned to Stefan. “You and Mateo should move here too. Mateo could restart his hair-styling business, and you could continue being my security and protect Eric from any would-be creeps that come into his studio.”

I patted Carrington’s chest. “It’s a lot for us to consider. We don’t have to decide right now. You make your calls back home and I’ll call my office to tell them I’ll be out today.”

Stefan rose from his chair. “And I’ll head back down to bring Mateo to our hotel room. Carrington, I’ll text you when we’re ready to hook up again. Plan on something like twenty-four hours from now.” Stefan shot us a mischievous grin, then hugged each of us one more time. He put a hand on one of my pectoral muscles as he pulled away from me. “Hmm. Make Carrington work for it. He has no problem punishing others.”

“Get out!” Carrington laughed.

Once Stefan exited, Carrington put the ‘don’t disturb’ sign on the outside of our door. “Even though I’m resigning, I guess we don’t need to invite another scandal by having the housekeeper walk in on us and snapping pictures on her phone.”