Reid shrugged. “I’ll clear out a drawer if you promise me you’ll come over more often.”
“I actually meant…” Gabriel swallowed past a lump that had suddenly formed in his throat. “I’ve been looking for somewhere I’d feel at home for so long. That was what drove me to space in the first place, I don’t think I ever told you. But I just… I feel so at home with you, and I’ve never felt that before.”
“Oh,” Reid said softly. “Well… I feel at home with you, too. I want you around. As often as you want to be here. With me. Anywhere, honestly.”
The lump in Gabriel’s throat only got bigger, but he knew for sure now that he’d done the right thing. Reid was his home, his comfort, the thing he’d always been looking for. It was too soon to know that, but Gabriel knew it anyway.
“I’m meeting someone in the morning to talk about moving to Florida,” Gabriel said. “I’ll cancel,” he added before Reid had a chance to panic.
“Is this for work?” Reid asked. “Because your career is important, and Florida is full of old people. I could start again out there.”
Gabriel shook his head. “I was running away. I don’t want to run away anymore. I’m sure he’ll be happy to know that I’d like to convert the position into a work from home deal. Maybe a few more hours. Maybe so I can see my boyfriend more often.”
“Your boyfriend would like that. He also likes being called your boyfriend,” Reid said, squeezing Gabriel’s hand.
Gabriel turned his head to brush his lips against Reid’s, smiling as they made contact.
This was perfect. This was everything he wanted.
Being in love with Reid was the most exciting thing he’d ever done, going to space included. It had happened without him trying—without himwantingit to happen—and that made it all the more precious.
He wasn’t going to give this up for some lab space on the other side of the country.
“You think you can stand yet?” Reid asked, his lips brushing against Gabriel’s ear. “Because it’s your turn to top.”
