AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Marshall starts waving his hands wildly and says, "Yeah, we heard something, alright. Something I never thought would happen, especially with sweet little Sutton."
Sutton squeaks and pulls the blanket over her head while I shoot death glares at Marshall. The last thing I want is for Sutton to feel ashamed of what happened or become self-conscious about how much she enjoyed it.
I can't hold back my frustration. "Dude, shut the hell up," I rumble, anger lacing my tone.
Marshall, seemingly unfazed by my stern tone, assumes I'm joking and proceeds to make a crude gesture in reference to what he believes took place between Sutton and me. And, well, he's pretty much spot on. I'm relieved that Sutton's hiding under the blanket right now because she'd turn as red as a tomato witnessing that act.
Liam, on the other hand, is doing an excellent job at bearing the embarrassment for him and Sutton both. He's attempting to meld with the couch, looking like he might pass out any second.
I can't help but chuckle. It's no wonder Sutton and Liam get along so well. They're like two peas in a shy pod.
Leia springs up from the couch and bounces over to Sutton, snatching the blanket from her face with an exuberant smile. "Hey, babe," she greets her.
Sutton whispers a meek, "Hey."
Groaning in a playful manner, Leia offers Sutton some encouragement, "Don't be embarrassed. Marshall just tried to ask me out, and I told him no."
Laughter bubbles out of me as a small smile stretches across Sutton's red face.
Marshall pales, looking a bit deflated. "Hey! You said you wouldn't tell anyone about that."
Leia flashes him an evil smile and winks. "I lied."
Marshall quiets down after that and sinks into the couch. Leia then hops over toward him, clearly determined to torment him further.
Ronan, who typically doesn't show much sentiment, is intently observing the scene. Our eyes meet, and he wears the most sincere expression I've ever seen on his face.
Oh, hell, he was so right about Sutton.
What's even more remarkable is that he's not rubbing it in my face that he was right. He's simply letting me have this. It makes the moment feel all the more significant.
CHAPTERTWENTY-TWO
SUTTON
Lincolnand I have been practically inseparable for the past month. Thanksgiving break is on the horizon, but the thought of going home doesn't appeal to me.
We're nestled in his bed, cuddled up while watching TV. My arm and leg are draped over him, and he's rubbing my back in a soothing, rhythmic motion.
I've only just come to realize how much I love being touched and held like this. The only physical contact I usually get is when Leia wraps me in a bear hug. Aside from that, there's the occasional brotherly embrace, but that's about it.
I've been touch-deprived for so long that I'd grown accustomed to that life. Now that Lincoln and I have opened this door, I hope it never closes. I relish being close to him like this.
The tranquility in the room is abruptly shattered when Lincoln drops a weighty statement. Amid the dim lighting, he confesses, "I don't want to leave you. If we go away, it won't be the same when we get back."
Startled, I sit up abruptly, my eyes scanning his face for answers. "Wh—why?"
Genuine distress clouds his expression as he explains, "It all seems too good to be true."
His words weigh on my heart, causing it to sink. "It's not too good, I promise."
He pulls me into his chest, nuzzling the top of my head, and I whisper into the darkness, "You're not even the one with abandonment issues, but you're afraid I'm going to leave you?"
I can't help but wonder how he doesn't understand the depth of my feelings for him.
I nestle even closer into his side.
"Why would I ever do that to you?" I ask.
