Damaged (Boys of Winter 2)

Carver nods. “I agree,” he says, his hands still on my waist as his thumb moves back and forth over my skin, making me desperately wish that things could be different. “I know it’s going to take a lot more for things to truly be okay between us, a lot of things were said, and I know I hurt you last week, but let me extend an olive branch.”

My eyes narrow. “What exactly does a Carver version of an olive branch entail?” I ask, slightly nervous about his offering.

“Let me escort you to the annual Dynasty Ball next weekend. You don’t have to be my date or anything, but let me pick you up and deliver you to the party where I’m sure you’ll have three … boyfriends waiting for you.”

I skim over his ‘boyfriends’ comment because labels don’t sit well with me, and if I’m honest, I’m not even sure if that’s what they are. “Ball?”

Carver nods. “Yep, the annual Dynasty Ball. It’s to celebrate the anniversary of when Dynasty was founded all those years ago. I don’t know, I think this is the seventieth year running. It’s a traditional thing.”

“And I’ve got to wear a dress?”

“Yep, you’ll even have to do your hair too.”

“Shit.”

An amused smirk pulls at Carver’s warm lips. “The guys didn’t tell you about this? Cruz’s mom has been organizing it for years. The whole party planning thing is her jam. She loves it.”

“And you’re sure I have to wear a dress?” Carver nods and I let out a loud, frustrated groan. “Fuck.”

“This is only a recommendation, so don’t feel like you have to take this to heart,” he starts. “But I know how Dynasty is with making new traditions, though can I suggest that you don’t kill anyone during this party? I mean, it kinda fucked with the whole vibe of the last one.”

My mouth drops. “You are not seriously joking about that.”

“So what if I am?” he smirks. “But I’m still waiting. What’s it going to be? Are you going to let me escort you to the Ball or what?”

“I think the guys might have an issue with it.”

“Fuck them. What’s it going to be?”

I let out a teasing sigh and lean back into him, pressing my lips to his in a quick kiss. “I guess I can let you escort me, after all, you’re practically desperate for it. It’s the least I can do.”

Carver pushes me off his lap, making me sprawl out across the couch. “Fuck, you’re such an asshole,” he laughs, getting up off the couch, shaking his head in amusement. “If you’re one second late, I’ll be leaving your stubborn ass behind and making you walk.”

“Aye, aye, captain,” I laugh, throwing myself off the couch and getting the slightest glimpse of Carver rolling his eyes with a wide smirk across his face as he disappears around the corner. I can’t help the cheesy as fuck grin that stretches across my face as he slams the front door behind him.

CHAPTER 31

My legs rest comfortably in Grayson’s lap as his hands roam up and down, reminding me that today really did happen. “So, we’re really doing this, huh?” I ask, meeting his lazy stare. “Are you sure you’re okay with it? There’s not going to be any issues?”

“I’m not going to lie, just like the guys, I’m sure it’s going to be an adjustment, but I’ll need to speak with them and make sure they’re really cool with the idea of me … joining? I don’t know. Is that even the right word for this shit?”

I laugh and shrug my shoulders. “I honestly have no fucking clue. We’re just making it up as we go, but so far, it’s working. It’s been the best of both worlds. I get dicked whenever the fuck I want and don’t have to worry about all the bullshit that comes along with having a boyfriend.”

“So … no dates?” he questions. “No labels?”

I shake my head. “I’m not a labels kind of girl, and I mean, I’m not going to say no to a date if you want to take me on one, but what I meant by all the bullshit that comes along with it, is that I don’t have to deal with jealous guys fighting over me because I’m both of theirs … and well, yours now too. There are no secrets. Everything is out in the open, and like I said to King and Cruz, it won’t work if we’re not honest with one another.”

“I agree,” he says. “I’m not really one of those guys who can handle a chick hanging off me all the time, not that you’re one of those girls, but maybe sharing is exactly what I need.”

“First off, I’m not one of those girls who can put up with a guy constantly nagging for my attention all the time, so let’s just make sure you’re not one of them,” I tease. “And secondly, who the fuck wouldn’t want me hanging off them all day long? I know I would.”