Tash knew he’d done it to keep their conversation a bit more private, and for that he was grateful to his friend. “I’m not sure what I’m doing is right.” Gage had become like a brother to him during those black years and deserved his honesty. “He’s so young and starting a whole new life now.” Though it hurt him like a physical wound, he had to say it. “I don’t want to hold him back. What he thinks he’s feeling—”
“Is what he has in his heart.” Gage cut him off with earnest desperation. “Don’t go there. Don’t allow some made-up rules in a society that’s disappointed you for years decide who to love. You deserve this.” He glanced over at Brandon. “You both do.” Gage squeezed his shoulder and walked away.
Reflecting on what his friend had said, Tash remained deep in thought. If what Gage said was true, and he and Brandon continued their relationship, he wouldn’t be able to hide his emotions. Since Danny’s death, there’d been no pleasure in his life; one season melded into another, creating an amalgam of grayness.
Gage said he wore a cloud of darkness over him. Perhaps he did.
“Tash?” Brandon stood before him. His honey-colored hair caught the light, and his eyes shone with a bright hope. “Is everything all right? You and Gage looked pretty serious over here.”
When he looked into Brandon’s face, the clarity of Tash’s vision startled him for a moment. It was like driving out of pea-soup-thick fog in a valley to the sharp, wide-open night sky. Blurred lines came into focus, and the tightness of fear, so instinctual he didn’t ever realize it was there, relaxed, leaving him almost giddy with relief.
“It won’t be easy for me, you know.” He wasn’t sure Brandon would understand, but the light that kindled behind those wide green eyes dispelled any doubt. Brandon knew exactly what Tash alluded to.
“I’ve learned the best things in life are often the hardest won.” Brandon took a step closer to him. “Though I wasn’t aware we were on opposite sides. I prefer to think we’re in this together.” He arched a brow. “Are we? Together?”
Tash breathed in Brandon’s scent—leather and warm male. How long had it been since he’d hungered to be touched?
Now it wasn’t an amorphous person floating around in his head; it was Brandon who filled his mind and his heart. If they were alone, Tash could tell him how close he’d like to be. Fused together, bodies moving in perfect symmetry. Chest to chest, heart to heart.
“Yes.” He smiled up into the brilliant happiness of Brandon’s face. “Yes, we are. Together.”
Chapter Thirteen
The weekend couldn’t come fast enough for Brandon. It had been hell not being able to connect with Tash aside from some hurried phone calls. But Wednesday night was his first parent-teacher night, and he wanted it to be perfect. He also had lessons to plan, tests to grade, and a couple of classes to sub. By Friday night, he was exhausted, edgy, and ready to rip Tash’s clothes off. They were all meeting for dinner at Esther’s, and though Brandon looked forward to seeing his brothers again, he couldn’t wait to see Tash.
The dinginess of his studio couldn’t dampen Brandon’s eagerness; Tash had texted him to say he’d be swinging by to pick him up and whatever belongings he had. Tonight Brandon was moving into Drew’s grandmother’s house. He had no qualms about moving in with the elderly lady. Tash had assured him she was someone special, and Ash had texted him that Esther had already prepared an entire suite of rooms for him and even sent Brandon pictures of her interior decorating.
After glancing around the room to make sure he’d left nothing personal, Brandon sat down to wait, his attention fixed on the door. He’d leave this room the way he came—with merely two suitcases and his leather jacket. Now he was glad the room he’d rented was furnished so he didn’t need to concern himself with selling any furniture, which would have been a major hassle.
His phone buzzed.
Downstairs. Do you need help?
His heart rate accelerated. Damn, he couldn’t wait to see Tash.
Nope. I’ll be down in a few minutes.
With a final look around, he left the apartment and caught the back of the door with his foot to hook it closed. It slammed with a final hollow thump. As the landlord had asked, Brandon left his key on the table. Never in his imagination had he thought when he’d moved in that he’d leave with a man he loved, to move into the home of the grandmother of his brother’s boyfriend.
He couldn’t wait to see what the future held for him now.
The sight of Tash’s car idling at the curb lifted his spirits even higher. As he approached, Tash got out and the hatchback lifted. He walked to the rear of the car, and they each picked up a suitcase and placed it in the trunk. Tash slammed the hatch down, then smiled at him.
“Hi.” His smile was endearingly crooked, and without thinking, Brandon slipped an arm around Tash’s neck and kissed his cheek. He never thought of himself as a particularly demonstrative person, but when he was around Tash, he couldn’t seem to keep his hands to himself.
Tash didn’t seem to mind and brushed back the hair hanging in Brandon’s eyes. “Missed you this week.”
“Me too.” He touched Tash’s face with his fingertips, tracing the jut of his cheekbone. “So much, you have no idea.” He leaned in for a kiss, and Tash pressed his mouth to Brandon’s, their lips soft and giving.
For a second, they clung to one another; then Tash pulled back, his eyes glowing behind the tortoiseshell frame of his glasses. “Oh, I have a pretty good idea.” His smile grew broader. “Let’s get you moved in. If I know Esther, she’s prepared a feast for you, and having eaten her cooking, you do not want to be late.”
They drove off into the early evening traffic that for once flowed freely. He and Tash chatted about inconsequential stuff, and before he realized it, they’d reached the quiet, almost suburban-like enclave of a part of Brooklyn he wasn’t aware even existed. Tash pulled the car into the narrow driveway and killed the engine but made no move to get out.
Brandon looked at him curiously. “What’s the matter?”
With a more serious demeanor than he’d had a moment ago, Tash took his hand. “I know we decided to give this a try. But we still haven’t told anyone, so there’s time for you to change your mind.”
“Tash.”
