Page 103 of Turn Me On

He collapses, falling to his side, pulling me next to him, both of us smeared in the evidence of the way we need to fuck. And like this, coming together, I can see our future day after night, night after day.

I’m sure he can too, as he whispers in my ear, low and tender. “Maddox.”

“Yeah?”

“I’m yours. I have been since the night I met you.”

I smile, feeling the passion and all the possibilities ahead of us. “I know. I’ve always known.”

I just had to find a way through our present so I could reach for our future. And now, I have it.

31

CEREAL AND EGGS

Zane

The sun streams through the bedroom window in the morning warming my skin. I draw a deep inhale, catching the scent of ocean breeze on the pillow. When I open my eyes, the bed’s empty. The home is quiet. But I’m not worried.

This time, I know he’s coming back. Well, it’s his house. But still, I have faith in him, and in us.

I sigh happily, push up in bed, and grab my phone from the nightstand. Damn. It’s already eleven. I turn offdo not disturband text messages rain down.

My brother.Are you having Cinnamon Life cereal or eggs? I’m guessing both since you didn’t come back.

Then Gunnar.Lunch before BP? There’s a cool new spot by the ballpark. Trace wants to join.

Vance too.Can’t wait for the game! Don’t play too hard, buddy. Just remember no one tries in the All-Star Game.

He’s right, but taking it easy on the diamond is not a language I speak.

After a quick reply to my brother, I scroll past the others to the texts I want most.

Maddox:Hey, you. I’m going for a run. I know—you’re not surprised. Text me when you get this.

That was sent four hours ago. He’s so fucking cute. There’s another from three hours ago.

Maddox:I’m back. You should win an award for your sleeping prowess.

I smile, clicking to one sent two hours ago.

Maddox:I don’t have to go to the office today, but I couldn’t work in my home office either. Not sure I could focus after what we did there last night. But if you ever get your ass out of bed, you’ll find me working poolside. Don’t give me a hard time for working. I love work. But feel free to give me a hard time.

He sent one forty-five minutes ago too.

Maddox:I’m taking a scooter to Abbott Kinney to grab something for you to eat from a new organic food truck. Yes, I said scooter. Do not laugh.

Ah, hell. I can’t resist.

Zane:YOU HAVE A SCOOTER? That is so not what I pictured from you. I NEED TO KNOW EVERYTHING.

Setting the phone down, I get out of bed and pad to the bathroom. After I brush my teeth and take care of business, I return to his bedroom, swinging my gaze around in the bright light of day. Minimalist, like I predicted. White walls with a few photographs of cityscapes at night—London, Miami, New York, Tokyo, Barcelona.

I smile, tucking away this detail of the metropolitan man. He loves to travel. Does he know any other languages? There’s so much more I want to learn about him, and I finally have the chance. I find my boxer briefs on the floor, tug them on, then grab my phone and head into the hallway, then out to the living room.

There’s been no reply to my last text, but seconds later, the front door opens, and Maddox walks in, setting a helmet down on an entryway table. He’s wearing aviator shades, and carrying a backpack.

Slack-jawed, I stare at the man. I have so many questions. “Scooter. Backpack. Shorts. Who are you?”