Heaven Can't Wait by Eli Easton Read Free Book Online

draw you a picture?”
    Wow. Kevin had never heard Chuck talk like that. He was a big guy but normally quiet and a bit withdrawn, even around his friends. But now his jaw was set and his eyes flashed. He looked like a bulldog about to latch on and render.
    Randy and Chris looked at each other, dumbfounded.
    “Well?” Chuck demanded. “What’s it gonna be?”
    Randy folded first. He shot Kevin an apologetic look. “Sorry, Kevin. Hey, we were just messin’ with ya.”
    Chris sat there. His shoulder suddenly jerked forward in a weird sort of shrug and Chris looked around in confusion. “Yeah, um, sorry,” Chris said in a rush. “It’s nice of you to help Chuck out like that. Sorry you got hurt.”
    Kevin swallowed. He didn’t say anything. But when he relaxed his clenched jaw, it stung like a bitch. He wiped it with his hand and it came away bright red.
    “Fuck,” Chuck said, his anger deflating. “Kevin, you need to take care of that and lie down. Come on, guys. Party’s over.”
    Randy and Chris didn’t argue. You could practically smell the awkward in the room. They gathered up their stuff and left with muttered good-byes.
    “Thanks,” Kevin whispered as the door shut behind them. He kept his gaze on the floor, not wanting Chuck to see any dampness that might be lingering in his eyes.
    “Oh, hell, Kevin.” Chuck sighed. “I’m really sorry I didn’t do that earlier with those guys. And Brian too. Hey, my mom sent a first aid kit. It’s in my bottom drawer. Bring it over here with that towel and let me help.”
    Kevin silently retrieved the first aid kit and sat on Chuck’s bed. He kept his eyes on his own lap. Chuck carefully wiped at the cut on Kevin’s jaw.
    “So tell me what happened.” Chuck still sounded a little pissed.
    “I’m not sure. This guy at the coffee shop. He, um, thought I was flirting with his boyfriend and he pushed me. I fell over a table.”
    Chuck’s hand stilled on Kevin’s jaw and he tensed. Kevin slowly raised his eyes. Chuck was staring at him intently.
    “He pushed you?”
    “It’s okay, Chuck. It’s over.”
    Chuck’s nostrils flared. His mouth drew into a serious line. “If I didn’t have this goddamn cast….”
    “I don’t wanna make a big deal out of it. Please.”
    “Where else are you hurt?” Chuck said in a rough voice. He resumed wiping Kevin’s jaw with light touches. He opened a packet of antiseptic.
    “My back,” Kevin answered quietly.
    Chuck dabbed the antiseptic along Kevin’s jaw. “It’s a bad scrape, but it’s not deep. Don’t think you need stitches.”
    “Good.”
    “Lemme see your back.”
    Kevin hesitated, but Chuck was being so gentle. Everything inside Kevin wanted to capitulate. He wanted to take his shirt off. He wanted Chuck’s hands on him anywhere he could get them. He needed to feel safe. So he stripped his T-shirt and hoodie off over his head, wincing at the pain in his lower back. It felt like it was right over his left kidney.
    “God.” Chuck breathed out on a heavy sigh. His breath was warm on Kevin’s shoulder and made Kevin shudder. “It’s already turning purple. Does it feel like your spine was hurt at all? Is it sore inside? Maybe you should go to the hospital.” Chuck’s fingers gently stroked one side of the sore area.
    “No… it’s just a bruise. I walked all the way home. I’m fine.”
    Kevin closed his eyes so he could focus on the feeling of Chuck’s thumb stroking his skin. And suddenly Kevin was hard and aroused, despite the pain in his jaw and back, despite what had been, until ten minutes ago, one of the worst nights of his life. He looked over his shoulder to meet Chuck’s eyes. There they were, sitting side by side on the bed, Kevin’s shirt off, and Chuck stroking his back. It was…. God, the sheer heat in Chuck’s eyes. Kevin couldn’t possibly be reading this wrong.
    He felt his own eyes go half-lidded and he gave a little moan of surrender. He gazed at Chuck, unable to guard