“That goes without saying. But I won’t have that career you always talked about anymore. No ‘superstar partner’ material.” A bit breathless after the whole confessional, Blake waited for Jeremy’s reaction.
“After everything we talked about today and before, is that still a concern? Do you think I’m shallow like that?”
“No, it’s not you. It was my own insecurities again. That I’m never enough being me. Only if I had a great job that made money.”
A frown twisted Jeremy’s lips. “I don’t care how much you make or if you’re not working and wait at home for me naked, covered in ice cream with a cherry on top.” He stopped and grinned. “I have no idea where that came from, but damn, my visual right now is awesome.”
“You’re insane.” Blake tossed a napkin at him. “Anyway”—he pretend-glared at Jeremy, who waggled his eyebrows and licked his fingers—“Cassie has a degree in public health, and together we want to do this. I’m thinking of asking a few of the people I worked with at this job to come with us after we get up and running.” He drank some juice to quench his dry mouth. “Do you think we’re crazy? Can we make it work?”
“I’m so excited for you with this. You’re gonna rock it. And as for what I said to my mother, I promise to cut it out. I had no idea shit like that bothered you. I guess it’s because I’d always had to point out my own success to my mother so she’d be proud of me. Having you was like a notch in my belt. Like, ‘Look, Ma. He’s a successful CPA, and he loves me as I am.’”
Surprised at Jeremy’s admission, Blake pushed the waves of hair hiding Jeremy’s eyes. “Your mother loves you.”
“Never mind that now. Let’s concentrate on your idea. Fucking fantastic. I love it.” Jeremy pulled him into a bear hug. “Almost as much as I love you.”
Blake wrapped his arms around Jeremy, holding on to his forever.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
“Ican’t believeI’m letting you make me do this.” With a pout that could rival any four-year-old’s, Jeremy slouched down under the bedcovers. Inside, however, he’d never been happier. The past two weeks with Blake had been the best time of his life.
This Sunday morning came way too early for Jeremy. Now that he and Blake were back together, all he wanted to do was stay in bed and explore how many different positions they could have sex in. At last count, they were up to ten overall. But when Blake announced their brunch plans, even him serving coffee in bed naked didn’t help.
“I faced my biggest fear. Now it’s your turn. I ordered a nice spread from the bagel place, and Noah said he and Oren will be here at eleven.” Blake sat on the edge of the bed. “It’ll be fine.”
“I’m looking forward to getting to know Oren better. Guy has a lot of guts to do what he did.”
“Which thing? Walking away from his super-religious background or his job?”
“Both,” Jeremy said. “And you might want to talk to him about your business plan. He and Noah both work at this clinic in Red Hook, on the suicide hotline. But the whole place deals with at-risk youth and young adults. You and Cassie might be able to work together with them on social services and stuff.”
“I spoke to Harvey the other day and told him not to bother fighting for me anymore. I wouldn’t ever want to go back to that place, even if they did offer me my position back. And you know what?”
“Tell me,” Jeremy said, loving the excitement in Blake’s eyes.
“He wants to know if he can help us. Sort of be in an advisory position. Get us hooked up with some big corporations looking to expand their job searches to underserved parts of the community.”
“See?” Jeremy sat up and put his mug on the night table, then gave Blake a kiss. “Everyone is excited for you to start this new chapter. I know you’re nervous, but it’s going to be a success. People are moving away from these huge companies and want the personal touch. Like my gym. So you and Cassie keep doing what you’re doing.”
“I’m in awe of your business sense.” Blake sipped his coffee. “You’re a man ahead of the trends. I don’t know how you do it.”
“So you can stop thinking of me as a pretty face and more like an equal.”
“An equal? I don’t understand.” Blake’s face scrunched up, and if it didn’t mean so much to Jeremy, he’d laugh at Blake’s comical expression. “Of course you are.”
“As long as we’re being honest with each other,” Jeremy said, “I hate when you talk about my looks. It makes me feel like I’m nothing but my outside appearance.”
“I understand. And I’m sorry. When we were apart, Michelle made me see that I was guilty of exactly that. Focusing on your good looks instead of the man you are.” Blake set his coffee down and slid both arms around his neck, lips trailing along his cheek. “You are more than something pretty to look at. You’re everything I ever wanted and never thought I could have. You’re mine. I’m sorry I misjudged you and promise to make it up to you.”
“I may have a few suggestions.”
Blake’s eyes twinkled, and he pressed a kiss to his cheek. “That’s what I love about you. That mind of yours never stops thinking and working.”
“I’ve got three major things my dial is set to: you, sex, the business. I don’t need anything else. Well, maybe food, but that’s it.”
“Glad I’m number one.” Blake joined him under the covers and tangled their feet together. Happy to see those lines of strain on Blake’s face had smoothed away, Jeremy kissed his brow and then his mouth. Their mutual hungry intensity left him gasping for breath. He needed Blake. Now. Jeremy rolled on top of him and nudged his legs wide.
“You’re always number one, baby. You’re number one to one hundred. Everything else is chopped liver.” Jeremy picked Blake’s legs up and put them over his shoulders, spreading him wide and exposing his hole. “I always need you. I need you right now.” He kissed along the muscle of Blake’s thigh, up to his groin, and tongued his balls.
