“I love you too.” He hiccupped and then giggled.
Patrick’s heart swelled, and he pulled him in for a gentle kiss. He’d wanted Jason to say those words for almost a year now, yet here they were, in this moment, and he knew deep down, no matter how much he fought and begged, Jason believed he had to walk away. He wanted Jason to stay more than anything, but it had to be his choice.
“I cheated on Grant,” said Jason.
“It wasn’t cheating.”
Jason jerked away and looked at him. “You opened the envelope?”
“Grant got in my head. You see, my dad cheated on my mum a lot, and she... she killed herself because of it. Grantknew my weak spot, and well . . . I’m sorry I looked when I promised I wouldn’t.”
Jason jumped off his lap. His face was red with anger. He hoped Jason would understand why he’d looked.
“I hate that man,” he snapped.
Patrick felt relief that it wasn’t aimed at him, but concern that Jason might do something stupid and confront Grant about it.
“You can’t say anything to him, Jason.”
“I know, but I can’t believe he’d do . . . Actually, what am I saying? Of course, he would do something like that. Wait . . . what did you mean when you said it wasn’t cheating?”
“I read all the messages, Jason. A few times.”
Jason went red and looked down at the floor.
“You’ve nothing to be embarrassed about. Take the sexy talk away and read the other messages, and I see someone who was lonely and vulnerable and conflicted. I see someone in pain who needed to feel wanted and loved.”
Jason looked at him again. The tears were back, but he was smiling.
“Nobody’s ever understood me like you. Not even my brothers.”
“You’re my boy. I’m supposed to understand you, so I can look after you.”
“What am I going to do?”
“Do you trust me, boy?”
“Yes, Daddy,” he smiled.
“Then let me fix it.”
“But Grant said –”
“Forget what Grant said. We’re going to make him feel like he’s won, for now. When are you expected to go back to Liverpool with him?”
“The day after Charlie’s wedding.”
“Then that gives us a month. But Jason . . . this has to staybetween us. You can’t even tell your brothers. Do you understand?”
“What about Sebastian?”
“Even Sebastian. This will be our secret. As far as everyone else is concerned, we’ve broken up. And we can’t see each other. You know he’ll be watching.”
Jason nodded. “He’s probably watching now.”
“What time do you need to leave by?”
“Before sunrise.”
