Beautifully Torn by Charity Parkerson (books for men to read .txt) 📕

spoke. “Obviously, it’s your team, so you can let him know and set his new wages. I’ll give you a list of dates that I need him covering for you. We have a designer coming next Wednesday to get started on our tuxes. You’ll need to be available.”

Rocky glanced over his shoulder. He hoped this didn’t take long. It was supposed to be his day off, and he didn’t want to miss seeing Jinx again. “Yeah. I’ll be here.”

“You two should just fuck.”

Rocky’s head whipped back around at Spencer’s words. “I’m sorry, what?”

Spencer looked like a Viking with his blond hair, beard, and blue eyes. Sometimes, his stare looked like it cut right through Rocky. Today was one of those days. Adding to Rocky’s surprise, Zayn was the one who repeated Spencer’s claim. “He’s talking about Jinx. You two should just fuck and get it over with. The tension in this house is making everyone crazy.”

For a moment, Rocky eyed Zayn, wondering if he had lost his mind. The same light brown eyes that had saved him fifteen years ago stared him every bit as steadily now. Zayn was of Asian descent, was smart as hell, and highly pragmatic. He was also one hundred percent serious. Rocky didn’t know what to say. He chose the most obvious path.

“I work here, and Jinx is like family.”

“To us,” Spencer said, confusing Rocky. “He’s like family to us,” Spencer clarified, obviously seeing the bewilderment on Rocky’s face. “You’re perfectly free to fuck him. Both of you are adults. Just get it over with. No one cares.”

He did. Before he could say as much, the sound of Hudson and Jinx coming down the hall distracted him. He glanced over his shoulder, desperately trying to catch a glimpse. Surely they hadn’t finished already. If that was all the time Hudson dedicated to Jinx, then maybe Rocky should be the one fucking him.

Zayn let out a loud sigh. “Just go.”

Rocky turned back the couple’s way, determined to pay attention. “It’s fine. Finish your spiel.”

With a shake of his head, Zayn closed his notebook. “Go before you miss him. Just don’t forget about Wednesday.”

Rocky flew to his feet. “Yep. Wednesday. Got it.” He was down the hall before he finished making his promise. Jinx wore different clothes. Otherwise, he looked unmolested.

“Hey. Are you leaving again?” It was a dumb question. They were obviously headed out.

Hudson held up the camera he carried. “Jinx came up with a great plan for an urban photo shoot for a hardback glossy accompaniment book to go with my next album—like a collector’s thing. We’re headed to Spencer’s place in the warehouse district to get started. You should come with.”

Rocky geared up to immediately say no, but Jinx’s face lit. “That’s a great idea. You’d make an amazing model.”

Hudson nodded. “You really would. Plus, if I put you two together, yum. People will be licking the pages. Come on.” Hudson headed for the door, as if it was settled.

Still, Rocky dragged his feet. He didn’t think spending the day with Hudson and Jinx together was such a good idea. Then Jinx took his hand. Rocky’s legs carried him in Jinx’s direction. He would go wherever Jinx wanted him to go, as long as Jinx didn’t let go. Outside, a large, black SUV with dark tinted windows sat waiting. As soon as Rocky closed the front door behind them, the driver’s side and passenger side doors opened. Two gigantic men in black suits stepped out, opening the back doors. Hudson circled the vehicle. He climbed into one side while Jinx dragged Rocky into the other. The leather bench seat was surprisingly roomy and comfortable. Still, they seemed squished together once the doors closed, shutting them inside. Rocky recognized it was his large frame taking up all the space. He draped his arm across the back of the seat, freeing up some room. To his surprise, Jinx leaned his way. He set his hand on Rocky’s knee.

Hudson held the floor, chatting the entire way to the warehouse district. Rocky didn’t hear a word. His entire being stayed focused on Jinx’s hand. It was such a small thing. Rocky’s skin burned with desire. He had never been more spatially aware. It felt like it took forever to get to Spencer’s warehouse. Rocky had to keep stopping himself from leaning closer to smell Jinx’s cologne. He nearly leaped from the car when it stopped. Hudson’s bodyguard looked more than a little surprised when Rocky not only didn’t wait for him to open the door, but also almost took him out with it. Rocky flashed the huge bald dude a smile.

“Sorry. I’m not used to anyone opening my door.”

Jinx climbed out behind him, and Rocky automatically turned to help. He didn’t realize what he had done until Jinx accepted his hand and then didn’t let go. Rocky’s entire being stayed focused the rest of the day on every way Jinx touched him. Then he read too much into each encounter. Hudson took several photos of the walls tagged with spray paint. He positioned Jinx in different poses before turning his attention Rocky’s way.

Rocky fought a blush. “No. Thanks, but you don’t want me in this thing.”

“Don’t be hardheaded,” Hudson said, rolling his eyes.

Jinx snagged the belt loops of Rocky’s jeans and walked backward, dragging Rocky into the frame. His mischievous smile was all Rocky could see. “Come on. Don’t be shy. Hudson plans to pay you really, really well for this. Plus, don’t you want to play with me?” Rocky didn’t know what that meant, but he still held still while Jinx unbuttoned his shirt. Jinx kept his gaze locked on his task. “You’re the only man I know who wears twill button-down shirts on their day off.” He ran his fingertip down Rocky’s forearm. “I love the way you roll the sleeves to your elbows, though.”

Too late, Rocky realized his shirt was open and Hudson had been snapping pictures all along.

When the sun began to set, Hudson