Foster:HAHAHAHA! Absolutely, I can’t wait to see his face. He has no idea what to do with all these thirsty people surrounding him now. He’s used to running a silent and obedient staff.
Crisp:That’s what he gets for moving with Atticus into a house filled with daddy issues.
Foster:Damn. I really miss you. I can’t wait to see you.
Crisp:Same.
Foster:Enjoy that Scottish hillside for me too, okay?
Crisp:I will. Love you.
Foster:I love you too.
Even though Jay never expected to feel this way, he kind of hated that he couldn’t join Crisp for Foster’s wedding. He actually liked Atticus quite a bit. Anytime they were home, and Foster was busy doing other things, Atticus would always seek him out. The guy hid behind a haughty mask whenever people looked too closely at him. When his guard went down, he was the goofiest person Jay had ever met. Crisp had promised to record the ceremony on his phone, but that wasn’t the same. Foster was such a good friend to Crisp, and Jay hated that he couldn’t know him too. Since traveling with only Crisp and Tidy, he had been freer, but sometimes he felt very isolated, especially with days like today. Jay couldn’t even sneak from the room. Crisp’sentire family, along with the Bosi household, was here. Jay was trapped.
He turned on the TV and then turned it back off again. Jay paced and hunted for snacks. After he ate a snack, he felt guilty for all the overindulging lately, and he worked out. Jay showered and redressed. He was antsy as hell.
The door swung open and Crisp raced inside, pushing a food cart in front of him. The moment he cleared the doorway, Crisp quickly closed the door behind and sucked air like he had run all the way there.
Jay’s heart soared as he chuckled at the sight. “You look like you just survived a prison break.”
Crisp turned and met his gaze. Between the sexy tux and gorgeous eyes, Jay couldn’t look away. Crisp laughed. “That’s how it feels. It’s getting rowdy out there.”
“I noticed. You’re back now. It’s okay to breathe.”
Crisp’s chest swelled as if he inhaled deeply. A puzzled look came over him. “Wait. How did you notice?”
Jay motioned toward the door. “I’ve heard what sounds like hundreds of people trampling through the hallway. What did you bring?”
Crisp quickly locked the door. “I didn’t realize everyone was all over the place. You should’ve locked the door. Someone might’ve just walked in.”
Jay eyed Crisp. He looked extra stressed out. Jay knew Crisp. “This is not about the door, true? Tell me what’s in your head.”
Crisp swiped his hand over his eyes and wheeled the cart closer. “There’s some sort of fancy dinner here. It’s whatever they’re serving at the reception. Atticus sliced a couple of pieces of cake for us. If I know him, he’ll make a joke of the missing pieces.”
Jay snagged Crisp’s hand and pulled him toward him. “We’re not doing that. No avoidance today. Weddings are supposed to be happy. Why don’t you look happy?”
Jay could see the aggravation rising inside Crisp. He knew it wouldn’t be long until Crisp broke.
“Please tell me?”
At his whispered plea, Crisp sat. “I wanted you there. All I could think about the entire time was how badly I wanted to hold your hand. I wanted to sit with my brothers, with you next to me. We should get to do those things.” He held Jay’s stare. “I want to do those things.”
Jay blew out a sigh. “Thank God.”
Crisp’s forehead furrowed. “What?”
Jay nodded. “Thank God. I was just sitting here before you came back, thinking about how much I wished I was out there with you. You look so sexy and I’m so proud to be yours. I think it’s time to tell your brothers. This is eating away at you, and me too, if I’m honest. I don’t want to be something you hide anymore. After the last couple of months without all the sneaking business, I hate this.” Jay was so damn grateful Crisp didn’t fly off the handle at his confession.
Crisp smiled. He looked happier than Jay had seen him in a while. “Let’s go to dinner.”
Jay blinked. “That was an odd response.”
“Not really.” Crisp stood. “Do you want me to change, or do you want to dig out the tux we bought for that fancy-ass restaurant in France?”
It hit him. Going to dinner meant walking out the door with Crisp’s entire family here. A smile grew across his face. “I will match. Is there anywhere to go with a dress code?”
Crisp shrugged. His luminous smile was sexy as sin. “Let’s find out.”
