Rowan reached out and squeezed Thomas’s hand.“I’m glad they were there for you.And I hope I’ll meet them someday.”
Thomas’s smile was soft.“I’d like that.Actually, once I tell them about the GED, I was thinking I could tell them about you, too, if that’s okay.”
“More than okay,” Rowan said, his heart feeling too big for his chest.“I’d be honored.”
They went to work since it was getting late, but Rowan couldn’t stop thinking about what Thomas had shared.Thomas had been through so much in his short life, yet he was kind, determined, and full of hope.
Rowan had left his pack looking for freedom and a chance to live life on his own terms.He’d found that and so much more.He’d found Thomas, and hopefully, Thomas’s family, and the possibility of building his forever in Mayport.
And if Jimmy or anyone else tried to threaten that, Rowan would do whatever it took to protect it and Thomas.
* * * *
THOMAS AND ROWAN WEREleaving work when Rowan once again surprised Thomas.
“Are you doing anything tonight?”he asked.
Thomas shrugged.“I’ll probably stay home, like always.Why?You have plans?”
Rowan’s smile told Thomas everything he needed to know even before Rowan opened his mouth.“Well, sinceyoudon’t have plans, I thought we should make some.”
Thomas stopped next to his car and turned to face Rowan.“I’m listening.”
He’d felt lighter this past week than he’d remembered feeling in a long time.He was hopefully done with his GED, and studying for it had taken over his life for long enough that it felt a little weird not hiding in the diner and opening his books.He’d been staying there late almost every evening, which was why Seth had been worried, but now, Thomas didn’t have to do that anymore.He was going to have to tell Seth why he’d now be getting home at a normal hour, but he wasn’t sure he wanted to do it before he got his GED results.
The thought of having an evening with Rowan was nice, though.They’d been spending a lot of time together lately, but most of it was at work or studying.Now that Thomas was free of that, he was eager to spend some time with his boyfriend rather than his tutor.
He still couldn’t believe that was what he and Rowan were, but he loved it.He’d watched his siblings meet their partners and fall in love, and he’d yearned for the same, even though he knew that he was young and had plenty of time for it to happen.When Rowan had first walked into the sanctuary, Thomas had been wary of him.He couldn’t have known what would grow between them, and he was eager to find out where it went.
It looked like he might get an answer sooner rather than later.
Rowan leaned closer.“How about you go home, take a shower, and get ready?I’ll pick you up in, say, an hour and a half.Is that enough time for you?”
“Are you going to tell me what you have in mind?”Thomas was curious and wanted to be prepared.
“I thought we could go with a classic and go watch a movie.”
“So jeans and a t-shirt will be fine?”
“More than fine.”Rowan’s grin was a little cheeky.“Wear something comfortable.”
“I will.I’ll also send you my address.It’s in pack territory.”
“Do you have to contact anyone for an authorization to enter it?”
“Not really.People are free to come and go.Chance keeps an eye on things, but it’s open.”
Rowan nodded.“Perfect.See you soon, then.”He hesitated for a second before leaning closer and kissing Thomas on the cheek.Thomas’s heart reacted as if Rowan had just proposed to him or something, which was a little nuts.This was Thomas’s first real relationship, though.It was the first time he’d allowed himself to relax like this with anyone.It made sense that his body reacted the way it was.
His hands were shaking slightly when he slid into his car and grabbed the steering wheel.He had to take a few deep breaths to be sure he could drive, but when he looked over at Rowan, Rowan winked at him, making it worse again.
Thomas rolled his eyes at himself.This was getting ridiculous.He didn’t want to make a fool of himself, though, so he quickly left the parking lot, ignoring his racing heart and focusing on what would happen tonight.He was a little nervous, but he knew that Rowan wouldn’t care if he was.The evening would be perfect, no matter what happened between them, but Thomas had a good idea of what hewantedto happen.
*
HE MANAGED TO DRIVEhome without hitting anything or driving his car off the road.He was pretty proud of himself as he exited the car, grabbing his backpack and slinging it over his shoulder.Now, he just had to take a shower, put on some clothes, and wait.
The house was silent when he walked in, so he went straight to his bedroom.Thankfully, he had his own bathroom, and he didn’t waste time using it.By the time he was out of the shower and back in his bedroom, he could hear Seth and Ryan talking downstairs.He wasn’t surprised when he heard footsteps coming up the stairs, but he didn’t pay them much attention.He’d pulled out a few pairs of jeans and even more t-shirts, setting them on his bed, and he was staring at them, trying to decide what he wanted to wear.Rowan had said he needed to be comfortable, which was great and all, but Thomas also wanted to look good.Did he own anything that would fit both criteria?
