“Yeah, well. He’s not the only stubborn one,” Sawyer said, adjusting his tie. He then sent Hen a long look. Long enough that I wondered if he remembered I was standing next to him.
Huh.
I took a closer look, and the tender expression on his face told me a story I wouldn’t have ever guessed on my own. Major’s words from that night in San Antonio came back to me:“That one is a lost cause.”
My immediate thought wasOh God, no. Sawyer had to know that Hen was never going to be able to return his feelings. Not long term, at least.
“Shit, Sawyer. I?—”
He silenced me with a glance. “Don’t worry about it, Oz.” He smoothed out his expression. “Anyway, I cannot sit here and do nothing while Hendrix is suffering—so I won’t. He’ll hate every minute of it, but he doesn’t have a choice. As soon as the doctor releases him, we’ll both be moving into the cabin.”
I still didn’t know how to respond, so I kept it simple. “I’m here for you, brother. This thing with Hen—it’s going to take all of us.”
“Agreed,” he said, taking what had become his usual seat at the foot of Hen’s bed.
* * *
Walker took one look at me as I walked into his apartment and wordlessly grabbed my hand, leading me to his bedroom. He knew I’d been worried about Hen, and that was all he needed to know. For now.
Clothes came off, preparations were made, and soon enough I was hovering over him, smiling down at him as he smiled up at me.
“Make love to me, Oz,” he whispered, his expression glowing like the first light of dawn.
I kissed a trail up his neck as I pressed the head of my cock against his lubed and stretched entrance. I memorized the way his eyes, so blue, rolled back as his neck arched. The heat of his finely tuned body as I slipped inside, his open-mouthed gasp as I tilted my hips, finding that exact right spot.
“I love you so much, Walker,” I said against his soft lips, taking him in another kiss as I bottomed out.
Instead of returning the sentiment aloud, he answered with his body, his rolling hips the perfect counterpoint to my thrusts, his hands exploring my back and ass, his eyes burning with passion, capturing my gaze until I saw only him.
We took our time, kissing and bringing pleasure to each other however we could. He wrapped his legs around mine, and I was reminded of all the things I wanted to do with him.
With his cock trapped between our slick, sweaty abs, he cried out, coming so beautifully I couldn’t believe I got to have this man in my life. I came quickly after, pleasure unraveling fast, like a spool of ribbon.
Laughing, we separated and cleaned up and came back together in his bed.
“I love you, too,” he said, looking at me with such wonder it made my heart thump in my chest.
In that moment I silently promised to Walker and to myself that I’d do everything I could to make forever possible.
epilogue
NOVEMBER
WALKER
It was the day before Thanksgiving break, and I was exhausted. I’d enjoyed the hell out of this semester so far, but I could see why teachers burned out. Ren, however, had been a lifesaver. He’d quietly but persistently kept in touch with me, sharing his experiences, sharing Mr. Paige’s experiences, and generally keeping me together.
Ozzie and Joel had been working their asses off on the new restaurant, and the grand opening was next weekend. Tonight was the soft opening they’d planned for the Lost Boys. Although I wanted to nap for the next fifteen years, I was excited and couldn’t wait to celebrate everything they’d accomplished.
Before I could leave school for an entire glorious week off, however, I needed to make sure the shop was clean. Thankfully, Leo hung around after class and helped me sweep up the sawdust and put away the supplies.
“Hey, Leo, I appreciate the extra hands, but I know you wanna get your break started. I can finish up in here.”
Despite that fact that his mouth often got out ahead of his brain, Leo had shown some real maturity this semester. I’d spoken with his other teachers, and they all said that he was respectful and turned in his work on time. He was never gonna make the honor roll, but he worked hard, and I let him know that his efforts were way more important than his grades.
He was doing well at his work with Major, learning and improving his plumbing skills, and we’d all pitched in to make sure that his place in Major’s house was cozy and welcoming. Lovett was a frequent visitor, but according to Major there’d been no overnight stays. They were still playing the long game, and I respected it, especially since Leo was about to spend most of his holiday out at Wild Heart, helping Lovett with the horses.
“Actually, I wanted to talk to you about something,” he said, uncharacteristically nervous.
