“I guess. And in the same vein…I’d like to be able to talk to Dev about us. I don’t keep things from him, and this is something no one else has insight into like him and Brody. Would it be okay if I spoke with him?”
Fear and doubt played in Patrick’s beautiful, blue-green eyes. “He’s gonna be really angry with me.”
“Until I explain everything, yeah, probably. And if you say no, I won’t. You should have a say in when you come out and to whom.” I bit my lip. “But Dev…he’s the only one who’s always been there for me. He saved my life. And I know he blusters, but it’s because he loves me and wants me to be happy. I think he’ll come around once he knows the whole story of how we firstmet.” I couldn’t help grinning. “After all, if he hadn’t given me that membership, you and I would’ve never met.”
Patrick pulled me close. “Don’t even say it.” He rested his chin on my head, and it was times like this that I was reminded just how big he was. “All right. Maybe it’s better if I’m not there when you tell him. That way, by the time I see him, he’ll have calmed down.” With his lips buried in my hair, he murmured, “I’d better go. I haven’t even been home since my plane landed. But I’ll see you later, right?”
I nodded. “Yeah.”
With one final kiss, he left, sucking all the energy out of the room. Patrick was such a presence that no matter where he went, he drew attention. If we were going to keep our relationship quiet, we’d have to be careful. I reached for my phone.
“Dev? You busy?”
“Never for you. What’s up?”
“Can we talk?”
“Okay,” he said, sounding guarded. “Everything okay?”
“Yeah. Can I come over?”
“Of course. I’m here all day, catching up on stuff. Brody’s got a doctor’s appointment, but he should be back soon. Come when you want.”
I was glad to hear that, as Brody would be able to keep Dev calm when I broke the news about Patrick and me.
“Be there soon.”
Showered and dressed, I left my apartment for the five-minute walk to Dev and Brody’s place. After all the years I’d worked for Dev, the doorman greeted me and let me up without announcing me.
Dev opened the door, his face wary. “That was quick.”
“I do live in the neighborhood, you know,” I joked. “It’s not a far walk.”
“Let’s sit in the living room. Do you want a drink?”
A bottle of tequila would help right now…
“No, I’m good.”
We sat facing each other on the couch, and I tried to ease the obvious tension. “You look like you had a good time in San Diego. Did you and Brody get to go to the beach at all?”
“No. We came right home after we wrapped up our network obligations. Not to be rude or anything, but can we discuss what you came here for?” My heart hiccupped at his steady gaze. “What advice do you need?”
The door opened, and Brody walked in. Seeing me sitting there, his face brightened. “Fal, great to see you again. How’s it goin’?” His soft, Southern lilt played in direct contrast to Dev’s steel-edged rumble.
“Fallon called and asked to come by for some advice. We were just getting to that part when you walked in. All good, by the way?”
Brody joined us and kissed Dev on the cheek before taking the chair across from us. They were way too big to share the couch with me there as well.
“Fine and dandy.” He and Dev smiled into each other’s eyes, and it made me realize…what the hell was I so worried for? If Patrick and I could have this, it was worth whatever storm might blow my way. At the end of it all, I knew that Dev, who loved me, would only want me to be happy.
“Getting back to you”—Dev refocused on me—“what’s going on? Are you okay? That’s my only concern.”
“I’m fine. There’s no need to worry about me. I just…I need to tell someone, and there’s no one else I can share this with who’d understand. At least, I hope you will.”
Dev’s lips pressed together, and he nodded. “Go ahead.”
“I think you already know, don’t you? Patrick and I…we’re together.”
