Page 73 of Carver’s Craving

His grin split his face. “You better believe it. I figured they were from Friday last week.”

“Yeah.”

“Well, we’re prepared. I like a man with a plan. Because I haven’t been into town to get supplies, and what I had was still in the van. Spike’s in for a bit of a surprise if he ever opens the thing and takes a really good look around.”

“Yeah. About that.”

He cocked an eyebrow.

“I talked to him today. Validated who you were and what your relationship to Baxter is. He said if there are clothes and stuff that you need, he’s absolutely willing to give it to you—as long as you can prove it’s yours. Just…he didn’t feel comfortable giving you the guitar. Even though, as you said, it has your name on it.”

Styx blinked. “You asked?”

“Of course. I wanted him to know how important the guitar is. Eventually the van will be declared as abandoned, and he’ll be able to do what he wants with it.”

“Oh.” He winced.

“Spike’s agreed to sell it to you for the cost of the repairs. Then it’ll be between you and Baxter, if he turns up, what to do about it. That way, you’ll get your guitar.”

“The van’s worth more than that. Not much, but—”

“Spike doesn’t care about that. He’s entitled to ask for a storage fee. But look, he’s not out to screw either of you over. He’s worried about Baxter as well. That’s his nature. It’s why he and Dickens are such great people.” I implored him to take my meaning. To get that I was looking out for him. But not being overbearing.

Slowly, he nodded. “Thank you.”

I moved so my knees touched his thigh. “You’re welcome.”

He pointed to the corner of the room.

Two guitar cases sat on the floor.

“I don’t know how I’ll ever thank you for that.” This time, I got the feeling he was attempting to implore me to understand.

“I wouldn’t have done it if I hadn’t wanted to. If I hadn’t had the resources.”

He started to speak.

I held up my hand. “A gift. An early Christmas present, if you want to look at it like that. And we don’t have to talk about it now—” I considered. “But if you want to go to Lorcan and Cody’s Christmas party, then I’d be glad to take you. And any other Friday nights you want to join the crew. Jim often comes. So, like, you can talk shop with him.”

“Agatha’s husband? The drummer?”

I nodded.

“She’s got my number. Literally. In her phone. And as nice as this chat has been—” He bit his lip. “—are you going to fuck me?”

To this, I had to smile. “Yeah.” Neither of us, though, was particularly aroused. Well, he was about halfway there, but he’d been entirely there before, so I felt my responsibility was to get us back on track. I reached out to brush the back of my knuckles along his length.

His cock jumped a little—undoubtedly reacting to my touch. So I did it again. And he moaned.

“You like that?” I wanted to use some kind of endearment, but now wasn’t the time. Too soon. Or so I told myself.

“Uh-huh.” He grinned. “You going to help me out?” He opened his thighs.

I maneuvered myself between them and grasped his cock more firmly. “Hand or mouth?”

“Oh baby, always the mouth.” He appeared to consider. “No, I shouldn’t say that. Quick hand jobs in the shower when we’re in a rush are good as well.”

When he talks about something we haven’t done yet, it feels like he’s making plans for the future. I’d hold that near to my heart—as well as the baby comment—because they gave me hope. I totally didn’t mind that nickname. Because I was pretty certain he’d never used it before. “Whatever you want…sweetheart.” I held my breath while I waited for the word to land. Damn thing felt right to me—but that didn’t mean he felt the same way.