Free Secret Cravings by Sara York

Bryan had fallen asleep after their lovemaking and Luke didn’t want to disturb him. His mind kept turning back to what Bryan had said. God, to lose a baby and a relationship—he couldn’t imagine the pain.
    Anything bad that had happened in his life didn’t come close to that type of mind-fuck. Bryan was taking it all rather well, considering it had only been four months. Hell, he would fall apart if he had a baby, then lost it. His feelings for Bryan were growing deeper with every minute they spent together. He didn’t want to lose the guy, but if he wasn’t careful he would fall for Bryan and have no defence against the pain when things went south.
    “Why the long face?” Nichole asked.
    “Nothing. Want something to eat? I have fruit or some eggs?”
    “You have an apple?”
    “Sure.” Luke ambled over to the refrigerator, his mind still on Bryan losing his kid. He was such an idiot mooning over his own need to be wanted, when here was a guy who had lost everything.
    “Hey, you’re like a million miles away.” Nichole ran her hand down his chest, her eyes bright with lust.
    “I’m sorry, I’m just a little distracted.”
    “Distracted?”
    Luke didn’t feel comfortable talking to Nichole about his thoughts about Bryan. He liked the girl, but there was something about Bryan that made him crazy. He wanted the man for more than just a few quick fucks, but relationships had always been difficult for him. The twists and turns they took always threw him for a loop. Of course, none of his past lovers had really wanted to be with him. His money or his fame had fed their egos and they’d all pretended to like him for just long enough to screw him over. His heart had gone dead a long time ago and he’d never expected to actually feel the emotions he was having right now. His strong reaction to Bryan freaked him out.
    “It’s nothing. I’m just thinking.”
    Nichole took a bite of her apple and chewed, her eyes on him. She swallowed and took another bite. An uncomfortable feeling started deep in his gut and wound its way up to his brain.
    Nichole cocked her head to the side, her eyes narrowed. “Are you two going to hook up and dump me?”
    God, he hated the drama. Why did it always come to people wanting to pull him one way or another? “Nichole, you’re a nice girl but I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
    She took another bite of her apple and chewed. “Really?”
    “I know you’re hurt with your lovers kicking you out, but I don’t think we made any promises when we got together last night.”
    “This is crap.”
    “Nichole, what did you think was going to happen?” Luke was tired of being forced into relationships, bribed to give head or made to feel guilty and generally treated like dirt. He couldn’t take demands and drama anymore.
    “Never mind. I need to leave.” Nichole tossed the apple in the trash and pulled on her clothes. She looked back over her shoulder, her face blank.
    “Nichole, you don’t have to leave. I’m not kicking you out, but I’m also not going to live with drama. I made no promises except to have fun.”
    She turned to face him, anger and defeat playing across her face. “I can’t do a relationship right now. I thought being with the two of you would make me feel better, but it didn’t. Sure, the sex was good, but I want more.”
    “I can’t give more.” Luke felt like a heel saying it, but it was true. He was too tied up in Bryan right now, not her.
    She pushed the button for the elevator and the doors slid open. Nichole stepped in and shot him a sad smile. “I guess it just wasn’t meant to be. You are just another pretty face. I guess I don’t rate highly enough for you.”
    Luke sucked in a quick breath. Her statement was like a slap in his face. Luke froze, unable to speak as the doors slid closed and the elevator began its descent. His shoulders sagged and pain knifed into his side. Fuck, no one wanted him. Bryan would probably leave him