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Orson blows out a long breath when we’re out of earshot. “That was …”
“Not true. The love thing. I don’t know where—”
“Relax, man. I figured they were messing with you. Tried to do the same, but …” His face crumples. “Teenagers are kinda mean.”
“They are.”
“No way would I have talked back to a grown-up at their age.”
I was the same. “Probably why the world is in such shitty shape. None of us wanted to talk up.” My gaze strays back to where the three of them are huddled over a plan, and even though they’re little shits, I love that I’ve gotten to spend this time with them growing up. They were some of the first kids here when I offered up the land, and it’ll be sad in a year or two when they grow bored with it or take off for college. “I hope those guys never lose their voice.”
Orson nudges me. “Someone’s a big softie.”
“Surprised you’re only now figuring this out.”
“Don’t get too excited. I had a hunch.”
My lips pull up in the corner. “You okay with them guessing there’s something between us?”
“Sure. I’m not embarrassed.”
“But you’re still figuring yourself out.”
“I am.” He steps closer, hand finding mine as he stretches up to kiss me softly. “But what happens in the future doesn’t change what’s happening between us now.”
“Which is?” My gut is in my throat as I ask the question, and I don’t know why I’m pushing the point. The last week has been incredible. Hanging out, getting to know each other more, lots of kissing, and another frotting session. I’ve been handed my dream guy, and I should be happy with that. With what we have. But the buzzing under my skin won’t let it go without asking.
His lips flatten for a second, eyes uncertain. “I don’t have an answer to that, if I’m honest. But it’s definitelysomething, isn’t it?”
“Feels like it to me.”
He smiles, and I run my thumb over his silver-streaked scruff, watching the way it practically glistens under the floodlights. “Wanna come home with me tonight?”
“Yes.” His eyes light up. “It’ll still be early. I was thinking … why don’t we spend some time with Rita and Missy?”
“Really?”
“Sure. You’ll need to tell me what to do, but I’m good at following instructions.”
I pump my eyebrows. “I know from experience.”
“Perve.”
“Geez. Called a prude a few minutes ago, and now I’m a perve. There’s no winning with you people.”
He slaps my ass as he walks away and tells me to get back to work. I do. Gladly. Even though I know the sixteeners are going to be even more unbearable after Orson saved me and then kissed me out in the open where anyone could see. Maybe we should be playing this thing closer to the chest, protecting it somehow, but … that doesn’t feel like either of us. Plenty of people have reasons to keep their relationships private, but I don’t give a fuck who knows I’m into Orson, so long as he’s fine with people knowing he isn’t straight.
Erin opens her mouth as soon as I rejoin them, but I shut her up with a stern look.
“One more word out of you lot and I’ll wait until these cars are built, then throw them in the crusher. I’ll make you watch too.”
“It’s cute when you play tough.”
“I’m not playing.”
“Uh-huh, yeah, okay …” They share a look between themselves.
“Are we here for cars or what?” I grumble, crouching down beside Daryl’s frame.
