Make Me by Alyssa Turner Page A

stay for the weekend. I’ve just got to have my two most favorite Marines there.” She smiled at Kyle, who shrugged sheepishly at Manny, who smelled a photo op a mile away.
    “Oh yes,” one of the important-looking men said. “That would be perfect. Manny, you’ll be there won’t you?”
    Kyle looked conflicted. Manny felt sick. Olivia Hunter looked desperate not to be embarrassed.
    “I’ll think about it.”
    “Don’t make me haunt you,” Olivia said with a lilting chuckle. Everyone present had to know she wasn’t joking.
    “Mom, Manny can’t make it.”
    Oh, now this was interesting. The moment Kyle tried to speak for Manny, he suddenly wanted to speak for himself. He narrowed his eyes on Kyle before managing to flash Olivia the barest of smiles. “You know what? Sure, why not? Your parties over break were always a blast, Olivia. I’d love to come.”
    “Ah, Manny, you’ve made an old woman happy.” Olivia’s eyes twinkled. “Arrive at two. There will be lots of other servicemen there, but it will be extra special to have my son’s wingman in attendance.”
    “He was my gunner copilot, Mom.”
    “Yes, yes. I know.” She patted Kyle’s cheek, before turning to the two other men next to him. “Well, this was a very productive meeting. I am so glad I can count on you gentlemen to back me once again.”
    “You have our support, as always, Olivia. Just keep your eye on the target.”
    Her response came in the firm, confident voice that had put her at the doorstep of greatness. “Without fail.”
     
    * * *
     
     
    Manny completed his flight journal and watched Kyle say his good-byes to the two moneymen. He’d like to have been able to walk past him with the same cordial—if not complacent—manner. A simple good-bye. It had cut him open, deep and wide, the last time those words passed between them. Only Kyle showing back up in Manny’s life felt more like a hello, tearing at the scab that hadn’t yet healed enough to fall away on its own.
    They were alone, a risky thing when Manny wasn’t sure whether he wanted to kiss Kyle or deck him. He sighed, edging his way close enough to talk, but not close enough to touch. “So what gives?”
    “Listen, I was all kinds of fucked up for telling you we couldn’t see each other anymore.” Kyle had finally dropped the prep school, officer-and-a-gentleman act he’d perfected out of sheer obligation. “I mean ten years—that’s how long we’ve been friends. You don’t just throw that away.”
    “I didn’t, remember?”
    “I know. I’m sorry man. I freaked. My mom could be running for president next year.” Kyle shrugged as he seemed to search for more words. “I…I…”
    “I get it.”
    “No, don’t. Don’t let me off the hook.”
    Manny felt the lump in his throat get bigger. He watched, stunned, as Kyle closed in.
    “I miss you.”
    Manny shrugged, his smirk all bravado. “It’s only been two months.”
    “Too long,” Kyle said and reached forward, hooking his finger in Manny’s belt loop.
    Manny froze where he stood, bracing himself. Against what? There was plenty to be afraid of. Like the gash tearing open in his chest. “Long enough to be pronounced New York’s most eligible bachelor.”
    “That was just something my mom’s campaign cooked up. It means nothing.” Kyle kissed him on the cheek. A simple press of his lips that was more tender, more heart-wrenching than it would have been to have Kyle’s lips wrapped around Manny’s cock. But then Kyle pulled back, searching Manny’s eyes. What would he find there? Hurt? Need? Desperation?
    Vibrations rumbled in his pocket—Manny’s phone announcing a call. He checked the screen. Mystery Girl. And a smile bloomed across his face before he’d even answered.
    “Hey.”
    “I bought tartar sauce. Oh, and I got your extra key made.”
    Manny felt something warm wash over him with the sound of her voice. “Yeah? Good. I’ll be home soon.”
    “With trout?”
    “Going to