Grayson didn’t look his way until Finley stood over him. That was enough to give Finley chills. Grayson was too innocent to even look out for trouble. He was a sitting duck on a park bench in New Orleans. A sad smile touched Grayson’s lips before he looked away and took a bite of the sandwich he held.
Finley took that as a silent offer to join him. He filled the spot next to Grayson. “I thought you were going to dinner with your brother tonight.”
Grayson shrugged while he chewed. “We had plans, but he didn’t show. I made this sandwich, in case he forgot me, because Jacob always forgets me.”
Finley wanted to punch someone. Grayson sounded so accepting. It wasn’t right. “Why do you bother with him if he disrespects your time?”
Grayson shrugged again. The gesture alone broke Finley’s heart. It was obvious Grayson was so used to being mistreated, he thought it was all he deserved. “He’s famous. I don’t think I told you that, but that keeps him busy. I mean, I’m just me. I can’t expect to be high on his priority list when he has lots of celebrity things to do.”
“You’re his brother. You should be at the top of his list.”
Grayson glanced his way, looking genuinely confused by Finley’s claim. “Why? He didn’t ask for me. I just landed on him.”
Finley wondered if he would pop a vein. “Is that what he tells you?”
Finley took another bite of his sandwich. “I worked it out for myself,” he said around the bite. He swallowed before continuing. “I’ve had a lot of time to think over the years. Jacob was already nearly grown when I was born. There was no way he could’ve known my parents would get caught up in a ten-car pile-up, leaving him with me. He has a great career. Not many people make it as far as he has. I imagine I was a huge inconvenience.” Grayson stared at nothing. “That’s pretty much the story of me, though. No one wants me or wants to want me. That’s just life for some people.” Before Finley could respond, Grayson looked his way. “You’re dressed pretty casual for a Silas’ party.”
Finley chose to be honest. “I didn’t come for the party. I came to see you. When Benji said you were out for the night, I left. I wish I had known you’d been stood up. We could’ve gotten you some real food.”
Grayson glanced at his half-eaten sandwich. “Have you not eaten tonight?”
Finley shook his head. “I came to steal you away for a dinner date.”
For a moment, Grayson didn’t respond. When he did, his generosity blew Finley away, as always. He held out the uneaten portion of his sandwich. “You can finish this if you’d like. You’re bigger than me. It probably takes more food to sustain you.”
Finley pushed the sandwich out of the way and claimed Grayson’s mouth instead. “Mhmm. Peanut butter.”
Grayson chuckled against his lips.
Finley deepened their kiss. He couldn’t let Grayson get away. The truth was always staring him in the face. Grayson was amazing. He deserved so much more than life had given him. Finley was in the position to give him everything. He wouldn’t keep pushing his luck by keeping Grayson at arm’s length. Coby would want him to be happy, and he would definitely want Finley to save Grayson.
Grayson turned his head, ending their kiss. “Sorry. I didn’t mean for that to happen. I know it’s not what you want.”
Finley grabbed Grayson’s jaw and pulled him back. “For fuck’s sake. Stop apologizing,” he mumbled as he recaptured Grayson’s lips. Grayson didn’t fight him. Now that Finley had decided he would take back his happiness, he couldn’t get enough. Anger had him in its grasp too. He couldn’t believe the amount of neglect Grayson tolerated from everyone, including him. That ended today. Finley pulled away when his rage made their kiss more aggressive than intended and he nipped Grayson’s bottom lip.
He snagged what was left of the sandwich and ate it. While he chewed, he pulled Grayson to his feet. “Let’s get some real food. I have some things I need to say.”
Grayson allowed Finley to hold his hand as they headed for the car. Finley couldn’t stop smiling. Things were definitely looking up.
Grayson was happy, sad, scared, and confused, all rolled up into one. It hurt being stood up by Jacob, as usual. He hadn’t expected Finley at all. Then Finley had kissed him, and now they were going to dinner. Grayson didn’t have a clue what happened in the last half hour. It seemed like things were changing, but he was too scared to hope. Then Finley held his hand. It was nice, but Grayson didn’t want to get attached. Finley had said he couldn’t be Grayson’s daddy. Grayson had to remember that.
He was so wrapped up in his feelings, he didn’t realize how quiet he was being until Finley pointed it out.
“It’s okay to talk. I won’t bite.”
Grayson racked his brain for something to say. Before he figured it out, the truth escaped. “I’m scared to say anything that’ll make you take your hand away. You made it pretty clear you don’t want me.”
Finley pulled into a parking lot and parked, as if this required his full attention. He brought Grayson’s hand to his lips and kissed Grayson’s knuckles. When his gaze swung Grayson’s way, Grayson nearly sighed. He looked so sweet and steady. Grayson didn’t think he could be blamed for wanting Finley.
“I’m sorry for making you feel unwanted. I recognize I should’ve worked through my feelings before I hurt you. In my defense, since the moment I met you, I’ve been swept away. It’s hard for me to move past losing Coby. But if you’re still willing, I want to be with you. There’s no doubt in my heart. Meeting you just sideswiped me a bit.”
Grayson melted. His night went from terrible to amazing in an instant. Heat filled his cheeks as a smile tugged at his lips. There was no way he could tell Finley no. “Oh. Okay. I’d like that.”
Finley leaned his way. Grayson didn’t hesitate to close the final gap between them and press his lips to Finley’s. It was a sweet kiss. Their lips brushed and clung. Grayson wanted to climb into Finley’s lap for cuddles. Between dealing with Finley’s rejection for a few weeks and Jacob’s latest letdown, Grayson felt overwhelmed and exhausted. He needed his Dino pajamas and to be snuggled. Kisses were amazing. They made his skin tingle, but insecurity still had him in its grasp.
As if Finley felt his neediness, he slid his seat as far back as it would go, unsnapped Grayson’s seatbelt, and hauled Grayson across the car into his lap. With Grayson sideways across Finley’s thighs, Finley held Grayson tightly against his chest and placed light kisses against the shell of Grayson’s ear. Grayson’s entire body relaxed. Air filled his lungs. He unclenched his teeth. Until that moment, Grayson hadn’t realized how he had been holding himself together by tensed muscles and nothing more.
“You’re worthy of attention and affection. It’s not your fault your brother is selfish. That’s no reflection of you. In fact, it’s his loss because you’re absolutely amazing, wee one. He doesn’t deserve you and neither do I.”
Grayson’s eyes stung. It was as if Finley read his mind and plucked out the words Grayson needed to hear the most. Grayson wasn’t special. He likely had nothing to offer someone like Finley, but he would try. Grayson planned to give Finley all the affection and keep watch for whatever Finley needed from him. Finley wouldn’t regret letting him in. Grayson would be a good boy.