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He’s right, we are. Maybe it’s my subconscious at work, not wanting to go at all. I don’t usually dread these things as much as some people do. I’m very good at schmoozing executives with deep pockets. Tonight is going to be different, though. Very different. This is still the annual charity gala. But it is also turning into a sort of coming out announcement for me and Carter and I’m regretting that decision a lot.
It’s not like me to do something like this. But Carter has me doing a lot of things that aren’t like me. I was just sitting on the floor talking to a dog. I smile these days, a lot. People are noticing it. I’m just really, really happy and in some crazy moment of joy, I asked Carter to go to this with me.
I sweep my hair back and dress quickly in the walk-in closet attached to the bathroom. I take a deep breath and step out into the bedroom and …“Holy shit.”
Carter looks up, his hands still holding the tie. “I don’t…” he shakes his head.
I swallow hard. “I got it.”
I step to him and inhale his cologne. This is the pricey stuff again. I let my hands and eyes stroke down his chest as I reach up and give the tie one last tug. He reaches for the jacket and puts it on. “Holy shit.” I say again.
Carter grins at me. “I’m going to assume that means I look okay?”
“No,” I swallow again. “Carter, you do not look okay. You look fucking hot as hell!”
“Oh, well then, please tell me more,” he chuckles again.
“If I tell you more, we might not leave this room, and I’m not sure I want to be the one who scars Crystal for life because of the sounds that will come from in here. Because, I promise, you will not be able to be quiet.”
Carter makes an adjustment and presses his hand to his cock. Then he raises an eyebrow at me. “You look pretty damn smokin’ yourself.”
“Thank you,” I step to him and brush a kiss across his lips. “The sooner we go, the sooner we return.”
“Wow!” Crystal exclaims when we step out of the bedroom.
“You have my number. Of course, we will be the same place your mom is,” I say. My mind races with a million other things to tell her. “Madison goes to the balcony doors when she needs to go out, and as soon as you notice she heads to the door, her harness is hanging on the hook, there are poop bags attached to her leash…” Crystal grins, but the smile is directed at Carter. He quickly schools his features and gives me an innocent look when I look at him.
“Is she allowed on the furniture?” Crystal asks.
Carter snorts.
I scowl at him.
“That would be a yes,” Carter says and then tugs at my arm.
“Oh and the TV is in the office,” I point down the hall. “The remotes are all in there.”
Crystal nods, but smacks her backpack. “I have studying to do, so I’m good.” Then she turns to the wall of bookcases. “All those books may easily distract me though.”
I laugh at her. “Take anything you want.”
Carter tugs my arm again. I glance at Madison one more time and stop at the treat jar in the kitchen…I pull one out and Madison sits for it like a perfect princess. “Treats are—”
“Davis!” Carter scolds me.
Chapter thirty-two
“You’re shaking,” Carter says, squeezing my hand.
I am. I shouldn’t be dammit, but I am. “Don’t take that as a statement about how I feel about you,” I say. “I’ve never come to one of these with a date before.”
Carter’s eyes widen. “Not even a fake one?”
I shake my head. “Nope, she usually came to these with Nic.”
Devyn had been my cover story for years. Most bought it at first. Later, after Casey died, it became a way to divert any interest from forming around her relationship with Brady. But even she used to come solo to these, or walk in and do the photo ops with Nic. I did everything I could to remain invisible. Devyn is anything but invisible.
We sit as the car comes to a stop. Neither of us makes a move to get out when the driver opens the door. For all intents and purposes, I am out. Everyone, everyone who matters anyway, knows I am gay. It is going to surprise nobody in that ballroom to see me walk in with a man. But having everyone know it and me putting it on full display for everyone to see…are two entirely different things.
