“But you’re right,” Arthur said. “I ought to introduce you to the members of my household. At theveryleast, I ought to introduce you to Charlotte.”
“Arthur, I know how careful we have to be. It makes sense for you to have to meet Giuseppe eventually, but I know we can’t be ourselves around most other people. I know how lucky we’ve been, too. We’re fortunate that no one here in Bridgeport seems to care very much about my comings and goings. But we shouldn’t be careless.”
Arthur moved a hand through Jesse’s hair.
“We won’t be,” he said. “Let me figure out a way to introduce you to Charlotte. I may have to wait to introduce you to Emma so that I can explain this to her properly, but Ipromise youthat I will let you into my home—into mylife—just as you’ve let me into yours.”
Jesse peered up at him through his lashes. “Don’t be foolish, Arthur.”
“I’m not being foolish. Or, well, maybe I am being foolish, but who cares? I know that we could probably keep things the way they are now, with me coming to see you once or twice a week, but it’s not fair this way. It probably feels to you as though I’m forcingyouto shoulder the risk alone.” Arthur sat up on his elbow. “Look, Jesse, I’ve kept a tiny staff for years. I only employ three people. And I trust them. I treat them well, and I like to believe that I have earned their loyalty and respect in return. I truly believe that none of them would tell people outside our household about the two of us. Not only because they could lose their employment, but because they’re good people. Good, loyal people with kind hearts. Let me have you over for a little while this coming Thursday. We can have dinner. Afterwards, the two of us can play cards.”
“Are you sure?” Jesse asked, crooking an eyebrow.
Arthur smiled sweetly. “I’m sure.”
Jesse took a moment to reflect on Arthur’s promise. All those years ago, he had fallen for a man who, on the surface, was so much like Arthur Hughes. Charming and wealthy and stylish. One of the sons of Chicago’s most prominent families. But Arthur continued to prove how very unlike Percy he was in so many other respects.
And Jesse so badly wanted to trust him.
Arthur’s words hung in the air for a few more seconds. Jesse then lunged forward and kissed Arthur with such violent ferocity that it sent the man tumbling backward. Both of them fell into a fit of laughter as Jesse climbed on top of him. He pushed a hand through Arthur’s hair.
“Sweet, silly man,” Jesse said. “I hate how much I like you.”
“You hate it so much that you’ve practically pummeled me in a fit of passion.”
Jesse planted one more kiss on Arthur’s lips before climbing off of him.
He still had one more worry, though. One that he hadn’t yet been able to shake. And Arthur’s continued sweetness—his willingness to welcome Jesse into his life—emboldened Jesse to voice it.
“Arthur,” Jesse began, tentatively, “if somethingwereever to... happen, and things between us... ended... then what would that mean for me? You know with regard to... Putnam Press?”
“What do you mean?” Arthur asked.
“I’m worried that you might not want me... working there anymore.”
“Good Lord, Jesse. Do you think that I would force you to find other work?”
“I know that’s probably silly, but—”
“Itissilly. I’dneverhurt you like that. I know how much you like working there. I know how skilled of a compositor you are. Oh, Jesse, I promise I would never, ever make you leave Putnam.”
Jesse let out a long breath of relief.
“Thank you, Arthur.”
“Besides, who says this ever has to end?” Arthur asked.
He captured Jesse’s mouth in a kiss.
Sometime later, while Jesse was resting his head on Arthur’s chest, Arthur sweetly playing with his hair, he heard Arthur exhale a lively sigh.
“Do you have to leave soon?” Jesse asked, craning his neck to look up at him.
Arthur was never not dramatic whenever he had to return home.
“No, no, not yet,” he said. “But I was thinking about the shop. Which, well, made me think about the fair as well.”
“Ah.” Jesse tapped Arthur’s chest twice with his index finger. “I hope you hear some news soon.”
