Page 39 of Refurbished

“I know, but I am the mother, and you should have been taken care of better. I’ll never forgive myself.”

I didn’t interrupt them, but the love these two had was palpable. When I looked at Angus, he was emotional, and I squeezed his hand. What he needed now was my strength. Amelia looked over at me. “I’m sorry, Eion. This is something he and I will continue to disagree about. That being said, Angus took his frustration out on his body.”

I looked at Angus, and he lowered his eyes. “I had anorexia. It was paired with depression, and I pulled away from everybody. Because I was skinny and awkward, I got bullied.” My heart broke for him, and I really wanted to fix the hurt he obviously went through. I’d never felt the pain he probably did losing a parent. I could only imagine the hurt, and even though it wasn’t intentional, it probably felt like he didn’t have his mother either. I knew it had sucked. I lifted the back of his hand to my lips, wishing there was something I could do to make him not have those memories.

“I passed out in a lecture hall the second week of university. The following day, I woke up in the hospital with a feeding tube and complications from the disease. I was put in a program for six weeks, and I still go to therapy.”

It felt so good to know he had gotten proper treatment for this disorder. He appeared to be physically and mentally healthy, which I hoped was a good sign. “I’m proud of you for getting medical help. I wish you hadn’t had to go through that.”

“I’m still a work in progress, but I am physically healthy, and mentally it's always a little wobbly.” He smiled at me.

“He did all the work and hasn’t struggled for years. We have even gone to therapy together, covering the things that created the storm he got swept up in.” Amelia added.

“It seemed important for you to know because it affects how I see myself, and sometimes how I handle myself. I still have anxiety and depression, but it’s controlled pretty well with meds.” He gave me a little smile.

“Well, if my math is right, you started your journey about fourteen years ago. Personally, I really like the person you are now. Looks like your hard work has helped some.

He cocked his head, which was too adorable, making me want to grab him like a caveman and claim him as my own, making him forget all he went through. “Only some?”

“A lot. Very much. I’d love to show you how much as soon as possible.” After the words left my mouth, I realized his mother was sitting on my other side. Oh God, what had I done? The things I said were not appropriate, especially since I was in my thirties and certainly shouldn’t have made those comments in front of the man's mother. Fuck. I knew my face was bright red, and by the way Angus was holding back his laugh, I knew I needed to now face Amelia after I had just said I wanted to dick down her son.

I looked at her. “That wasn’t appropriate. I am genuinely sorry.”

She smiled and laughed. “Well, at least I know you like him. I think, though, that is my sign to head to bed and leave you two alone.”

When she stood, I did too, and she pulled me in for a hug. “I’ll give you the shovel talk next time I see you. He really likes you.” She said when she pulled back. “It was a pleasure to meet you. I look forward to getting together again soon.”

“You too. Thank you for dinner.”

“You are most welcome.” She patted my hand, then hugged her son. “You two have fun.”

Angus was laughing before she was out of the room. “That was smooth. You’re saying you wanted to have sex with me while sitting with my mom.”

“If you keep picking on me, you won’t get to enjoy the things I offered.”

“Oh. Damn. Did I laugh?” He was still grinning. “Let me take you to my lair.”

“Oh, your lair? I can’t wait.” We walked up the stairs hand in hand, and when he got to the top, I found myself pressed against the wall. His lips were on mine, his tongue delving into my mouth, making me shudder. This man could kiss, and it lit me on fire. When I felt his hard body against mine, it made me instantly steel solid. I felt the desire to claim him surface again.

“I want you,” I said against his lips.

“How convenient that I want you too.” He kissed me hard, and we stumbled our way into his bedroom. “Can your mother hear us in here?” I kicked the door closed.

“Not a peep.” He said with a huge smile.

“Oh, that’s very good because there will be screaming.”

“From who?”

“Both of us, I hope.” I chuckled, thrilled to be right here right now with this incredible man.

Chapter nineteen

ANGUS

Eion now knew the worst part of me. Eating disorders were one of those things that always lurked in the background, but I had control for the last twelve years. What was most amazing was that he heard about my failure, and saw pictures of what I had done to my body, and he was here wanting to take me apart. Now I wanted him because I felt lighter than I ever had before. He still liked me, and he still wanted me. He pushed me backward until I sat on the bed, then straddled my thighs. The sweetest moan escaped from him as he devoured my mouth, and I gave it right back to him. His hips sought friction, which meant our groins rubbed together.

“The things you do to me.” I took a deep breath. “We’ve never discussed preferences or protection. Can we do that quickly?” He groaned but nodded, not leaving my lap. His mouth went to the sensitive skin of my neck, where he nibbled and sucked.