“We’re really okay with it,” Jasper says.
I glance at Zac, who’s watching me with a guarded expression. Breathing out a sigh, I run a hand through my hair and reach over to link my fingers in his. His lips quirk into a soft smile, and I shake my head, unable to hide my own, despite my pulse thumping in my ears.
Baby steps.
After dinner, Dane suggests we watch a movie. My nerves are shot, and I desperately want to escape to my room, but my housemates are making an effort. The four of us sprawl out in the front living room, Jasper on the bean bag in front of the fire and Dane stretching out on one end of the large sectional couch, while Zac and I take the other.
Every muscle in my body is rigid as Zac gets comfy, resting his head on my chest and his hand on my stomach, but neither Dane nor Jasper seems bothered by how close we are. As the movie starts—a covert spy action movie with one of the Hemsworth brothers—I slowly relax into Zac’s warmth. My fingers trail through his hair, and he sighs, his warm breath tickling my neck.
About twenty minutes in, I remember why we usually avoid watching movies with Dane.
He comments on every fucking scene.
“Cop that, fucker,” he hollers as the spy takes out one of the sleeper cells. “Didn’t see that coming, did you?”
Zac snorts a laugh.
“Don’t encourage him,” Jasper groans.
Dane flips him the bird as three more bad guys get shot in the head. “Ooh, that’s gotta hurt.”
Halfway through the movie, Zac’s breathing evens, and he falls asleep. Forgetting we’re not alone, I press my lips to the top of his head, just above his healing scar. He makes the cutest noise, snuggling closer, and I smile, but then I notice Jasper watching us, and the smile drops from my face.
“Relax, Noah,” he says with a sigh. “We like seeing you happy.”
I swallow. “Sorry. This isn’t easy for me. I’ve always had to hide who I am, so it’s going to take some time to feel comfortable being public. I’m still terrified that if I let myself relax and enjoy being with him, something will happen, and I’ll lose him for good.”
“That sucks, man,” Dane says.
“Yeah, but you can’t live like that,” Jasper adds with a frown. “You’re safe here.”
That familiar urge to scratch at my skin bubbles, but instead, I tighten my hold on Zac. “You guys don’t know what my father’s capable of.”
“Have you spoken to him yet?” Dane asks.
I shake my head.
“Isn’t your grandad on your side?” Jasper asks. “Maybe he’s spoken to your dad and sorted everything out for you? You probably have nothing to worry about.”
“Grandad’s running interference to give Zac time to heal after the accident, but he’s made it clear I have to talk to Dad when I’m ready.”
The problem is, I don’t know if I’ll ever be ready to face him.
With only three months left until I finish my business degree, I’m running out of time. I came clean to Grandad about Zac,but I haven’t told him about wanting to change career paths. He might be supportive of my sexuality, but how will he feel when he finds out I’m not interested in joining the family business?
“If things go bad with your dad, we’re here for you,” Jasper says. “We’re your family. So, be happy with Zac. Live the life you want to live. We’ll support you.”
I blink rapidly, determined to hold back the tears threatening to fall. Clearing my throat, I grunt out a simple, “thanks,” and the three of us fall silent, turning our attention back to the movie.
When it finishes, I shake Zac awake, chuckling at the sleepy noises he makes. “Come on, sleepyhead. You need a good night’s sleep.”
I climb off the couch and hold out my hand, helping him to his feet.
He groans as he stretches.
“Sorry,” he says with a yawn. “This medication really messes with me.”
“All good,” Dane says, already flipping through the sports highlights. “See you in the morning.”
