“Hello, Casey, this is Grey Moore, Malik’s friend.” He dropped into a chair, brushed his hand across the back of his hair and peeked at me. “Do you want to know anything else about the car?”
I took a chair next to him. Fucking Casey had grown up so much since meeting Ryker. He’d become such a selfless guy.
“Not really. My boyfriend popped a boner when he saw the photos Tex took of it, and that’s good enough for me.” Casey snickered. “I can send you the eighty-K as a cashier’s check, wire transfer, whatever works best for you, and then I’ll arrange a service to come and pick it up. I’d love to visit and drive it home, but you know, football.”
“A wire transfer is great. It’s a New York title and registration, but I’ll head to the DMV with Malik and get that squared away.” Grey squeezed my hand, resting on the table. “Casey, you didn’t have to do this, but I’m so thankful that you are.”
“Nonsense. I want the car.” He huffed a laugh. “Hell, I think I’ll get laid more driving it.”
Ryker’s voice came through the phone. “Casey, what the hell? You get laid enough.”
“I can never have enough of you, babe, you know that,” Casey said.
My heart was so full it almost burst. I had thebestfriends, and Grey was fitting right in. My stomach grumbled. “Tex, can you reheat our breakfast while they work out the details?” I rose and patted Grey on the shoulder. “Let’s eat before we call your dad.” We’d need our strength.
After devouringthe breakfast Tex had made, we retired to Grey’s bedroom. Casey was sending a wire transfer tomorrow, so Grey wouldn’t go without money for long, and I could cover him in the meantime.
With a slow exhale, Grey paced to his patio doors, rain pattering against the window, and then tapped on his phone and set it on speaker. We’d decided his father would be more pleasant if he knew I was there listening. I was glad they weren’t on speaker for the last call.
The phone rang a few times, and then Dad picked up. “Hello.”
“Dad? I have something to tell you. I have Malik here, and you’re on speaker.” He snuck a glance at me and wrinkled his brows.
“Hello, Malik. I’m sure you both are calling to change my mind, but it won’t work,” his dad said.
As a knot coiled in my gut, I opened my mouth and shut it. I should stay out of this as much as possible. “Uh, hello, Leonard.”
“Well, Dad, we’ve come up with a solution.” Grey worried his lower lip for a beat. “I’m not coming home. I’m staying here. So, you can call off your people.”
“Greyson, I meant what I said.” He scowled. “Is Malik willing to help you pay your expenses?”
“No, but I’ll pay them.” He lifted his chin and, while his gaze locked on mine, he said, “I’m selling my car to an NFL friend of his, Casey Carter. He’s the new quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders.” A smirk spread over his lips. “I love Malik, Dad, and you can’t stop me.” He draped an arm around my waist and pulled me to his side. “And when I get drafted with him and have an NFL contract, I won’t need to depend on your money ever again. You can’t use it against me.”
Leonard was silent for a beat and then in a low voice, said, “You’re making a big mistake.”
“I’m living my life the way I’ve always wanted to. If I make a mistake, it’s okay. People need to make mistakes to grow.” He kissed my cheek. “But loving Malik is no mistake. He’s my person, Dad. He always has been, always will be.” His eyes grew glassy. “The sooner you understand that, the sooner we can mend things between us. If you’re open to it.” He drew a ragged breath.
As my heart filled with love for him, I edged closer to his side and pressed a kiss on his shoulder. His strength was incredible. In his ear, I whispered, “You’ve got this.”
His gaze swung to mine. “No,we’vegot this.” A smile teased his lips, and his attention drew to his phone. “What do you say, Dad?”
“You’re absolutely right. Sell your car. Survive on your own and let’s see how you manage. Maybe I’ve coddled you for too long.” He sighed. “But don’t come crawling back to me if you fail. It’s your decision, and so are the consequences.” He ended the call.
Grey blinked. “Holy shit, that’s it. I’m free.” He sucked in a shaky breath. “I can’t say I’m not a little scared.” His gaze searched my face.
“Don’t be.” I brushed a lock of bang from his forehead. “You’re good enough for the NFL, Grey.” I shrugged. “And even if the worst happens and you don’t get a contract, I’ve got you.” Resting my hand on his cheek and facing him, I pressed a lasting kiss on his lips. “I’ll have money for both of us, and if you want to get your MBA, I’ll pay for it.”
His brows creased. “I can’t ask you to do that.”
“You didn’t. I offered, and I won’t take no for an answer.” I kissed him again. He was finally mine.
A week later,Grey had the money from Casey tucked away in his own bank accounts, we’d said goodbye to his car, and then celebrated with a bottle of champagne. The car had become a symbol of his enslavement to his father, and he’d been happy to see it go.
In the meantime, I’d set up a FaceTime call with my parents to talk about Christmas and officially come out. “Grey, come over here.” I patted the couch cushion next to me. Tex was out with his tutor, a friend of a pro hockey player no less.
“On my way.” With a broad grin, he fell in beside me. “Will Landon be home, do you think?”
“Oh, probably.” Where I excelled at sports, my brother was studious. “I’m sure he’s getting ready for finals too. He’s a senior this year.” I plucked my phone from the coffee table.