Chapter 17

“Okay.” Jake nodded and suddenly his heart beat faster as Luke began unbuttoning his own shirt, revealing little by little a stretch of skin underneath the soft material.

Luke worked slowly but Jake suspected it wasn’t because he wanted to put on a show like he did earlier. The man’s trembling hands gave him away. Luke was afraid, despite what he said earlier. Jake was hardly aware what he was doing. He simply moved and clasped those shaking hands in his own. Luke’s skin was cold and damp.

“Damn it, Luke,” he said. “Please be honest with me. Just tell me if you’d rather not do it tonight, or anytime at all.” Jake gasped. “Oh God.”

“What?”

“Do you think we’re a mistake? If you feel that you’re with me because you must, you should back out right the fuck now. I’m not my father and I will not force anyone to be with me, ever.”

Luke backed away and his eyes turned glassy. Jake’s head felt like spinning. Now what?