Partner?
He didn’t know why that specific title popped into Wood’s head instead of boyfriend, but it caused his breathing to elevate as he stared at Trent’s warm, ivory skin. Next thing he knew, he was rushing into his bedroom and grabbing his felt-tip markers. Trent was going to have another surprise waiting for him when he woke in the morning.
Chapter Forty-Four
Wood
Wood was all smiles as Trent drove them home from their first Sunday service. Wood had chosen a nondenominational LGBTQ-friendly church, and he was glad he did. He wasn’t there fifteen minutes before he realized how much he missed it. He’d gone to church and Sunday school regularly when he was in prison. Reverend Hutchcroft had taken a liking to Wood’s vast knowledge of scriptures and his interpretation of the stories in the Bible.
“That wasn’t what I thought it would be,” Trent said, interrupting Wood’s good thoughts as he turned onto their street. “I’ve never seen a minister with tattoos and wearing jeans while he preaches.”
Wood took Trent’s hand and kissed his knuckles. “Thank you for going. I know it’s not your thing.”
“It wasn’t, but I really did like it. It was like listening to a regular guy around my age tell a real old story that somehow relates to what I’m going through today.”
Wood smiled. “How so?”
“He was talking about faith.” Trent shrugged. “I’m still thinking about it, that’s all.”
Wood knew exactly what Trent was feeling. He always tried to take a piece of the minister’s message away with him after service. He was just glad that Trent hadn’t given him a hard time about this very important side of him. His own parents had taught him about God’s unwavering love, only to try to take his God from him the moment he came out as gay. And Wood had refused to let go. The few gay men he’d talked religion with had all had negative experiences with church. He glanced over at Trent’s handsome face, his relaxed features, the thoughtful look in his eyes, and it made his heart soar that Wood had helped make another one of Trent’s firsts a success.
“You expecting someone?” Trent asked, pulling into the driveway.
Wood zeroed in on the shiny black Mercedes parked on the curb in front of their place. The windows were tinted too dark for him to see who was inside, and neither Brody nor his PO drove a luxury vehicle. “Not at all. Maybe Mike bought a new car.”
Trent barked an incredulous laugh. “Yeah, right. If Mike got a new vehicle, it’d be a big ass RAM for work. Not something that pretentious.”
Wood agreed and got out of the truck, waiting for Trent in front of the hood. He watched him lock up and stroll toward him with suggestion written all over his face. Wood laughed even though he could already feel his lower half responding. “You’re insatiable.”
“I just left church,” Trent whispered, tucking his bottom lip between his teeth, his warm eyes slowly scanning down Wood’s body. “I’m in the giving spirit.”
Wood felt the heat of that glare making him crazy for what he already had twice last night and once this morning. “I thought you said you wanted to rest your back today?”
“I will. After. But we’re working on our stamina, remember?” Trent grabbed Wood’s hand and pulled him toward the front door. “Come on. We got a whole hour before the game starts.”
Wood followed behind Trent’s hot ass in his new slim-fitted slacks he said Edison had helped him pick out for today, needing no further convincing.
“Woody?”
Wood tensed, glancing up at Trent in confusion. He was standing a step above him on the porch looking suspiciously at someone approaching behind him.
“Woody. It’s me.”
Wood turned around and almost lost his balance as he watched his ex, Adam, limp up the driveway. Without thinking, Wood let go of Trent’s hand and jogged toward his past, opening his arms wide.
Adam held his cane in one hand and wrapped the other one tightly around Wood’s back. Adam buried his face in the crook of his neck, and Wood moaned in relief. He’s alive and he’s fine. Thank you, God, that he’s okay.
“I never thought I’d hold you in my arms again,” Adam said, his voice sounding so broken that Wood ended up squeezing him tighter.
He closed his eyes and tucked his head against Adam’s temple. “Adam.” He sighed, breathing in the fragrant scent of his hair. “You’re not mad at me?”
“No, Wood.” Adam pulled back, slightly ghosting his smooth lips against Wood’s beard stubble. “I’m okay. It was a long recovery. But I’m okay.”
Wood took Adam’s hand and squeezed it in both of his, staring into his wide green eyes. His gaze roamed over his face, then down his slim body. He looked fine in his dark slacks and heavy blazer. He had on a long trench coat that matched the style of his car, sleek and expensive.