“Good luck,” Bruce called.
Simon crossed his fingers.Yeah, let’s hope we find it soon and Patrick’s mood improves. I have other plans for tonight.
The cell phonedidn’t turn up anywhere, despite nearly turning the house upside down. It wasn’t on the dresser, the bed, or the nightstands, or under any of them either. Simon had been groveling on his hands and knees so he knew for sure; the only things under their furniture were dust bunnies and a sport sock that had obviously been missing its partner for quite some time.
Patrick finished searching his pockets and sorted through the contents of his messenger bag one last time, then flopped back on the bed with a dramatic sigh. One forearm rested across his eyes as he chanted, “Fuck, fuck, fuck.”
Simon dusted off his jeans, swiping at his denim-clad knees, before lying beside him and staring at the ceiling. “Sorry.”
Patrick rolled onto his side, and propped his head with his arm. “What are you sorry for? I’m the idiot who lost my cell. Again. Bruce was stretching the truth a bit, but I have misplaced my cell a couple of times.” Simon raised his brow at Patrick, a smile playing at the corners of his mouth. “Okay, maybe more than a few,” Patrick conceded. “But the thing is, I usually find it. I usuallymisplaceit but notloseit. I just don’t understand where the stupid thing could have gone.”
“I know it’s a pain. Maybe give it a day or two. It might turn up.”
“I guess so.” Patrick flopped back down. This time Simon turned on his side so he could look at Patrick.
His usually happy expression was clouded, causing Simon to doubt whether now was the right time. But it was only a missing cell phone, and maybe what he was going to ask Patrick would change his mood for the better. God, he hoped so.
“Hey, Patrick.”
“Mmm?”
“I’ve got something I want to ask you.” Simon met Patrick’s gaze and took a deep breath. “I was wondering whether you wanted to move in?”
“Huh?” Patrick squinted in confusion. “Ah… I already live here.”
Simon chuckled nervously.Jeez, I’m fucking this up.“I meant whether you wanted to move in withme. You know, move intomyroom.”
Patrick sat up, moving till he was cross-legged facing Simon. “You want me to move into your room?”
This time Simon laughed. He’d obviously rattled Patrick, judging by his wide eyes and open mouth. “That’s what I said.”
“But isn’t that moving things pretty quickly? I mean, we’ve only just started seeing each other.”
Oh fuck.Simon’s heart plummeted. He’d been so sure that he and Patrick were on the same page. “I know it does seem fast,” he stammered, “but it’s not really. I’ve had feelings for a long time, and we’ve lived under the same roof for six months, but I understand if you don’t—”
“No!” Patrick grasped his hands, his hold strong and warm. “No, it’s not too fast. Not for me anyway. If you’re sure….”
“Oh, I’m sure.Verysure.” Simon couldn’t wipe the smile off his face. He gripped Patrick’s hands tightly, as if worried he’d suddenly let go, suddenly change his mind.
“So when do you want to—”
“Now!Let’s do it now. It won’t take long to move your stuff into my room.” Simon stopped as a thought struck him. “Unless of course you want me to move in here.”
Patrick’s answer was to let go of Simon and step toward the closet. He flung open the doors and was reaching for a suitcase from the top shelf as he spoke. “Your room is perfect. I haven’t liked this room much recently anyway, not since the letter was left on my pillow.” He placed the open suitcase on the bed, tossing clothes from the dresser into its depths. He stopped midload. “Well, what are you standing there for? Grab some shit, or better still, go and make room for me in your drawers. I do get a drawer, don’t I?”
“Yes, sir.” Simon saluted. “I’ll even give you more than one.”God, he can have the whole dresser for all I care.Simon’s smile was wide as he got up from the bed.
“Oh,” Patrick called as Simon reached the door. “And then how about we go out and celebrate when we’re finished?”
Simon’s heart swelled and he couldn’t keep the grin from his face. Oh, yeah, there was definitely something to celebrate.
