Page 64 of Necessary Time

I hated to think of being anything besides sure about Wesley. I’d already opened up to him in ways that were new to me. I’d done more with him than any man before, and while I knew his attraction toward men was more singularly focused than mine, it wasn’t like I was out looking for the next prospect. I wanted to be withhim. And after what we’d done earlier in the day, there was a moment that had passed between us. Almost something unspoken, but not ready for a name.

It was safe to say, I was sure about Wesley.

I wasn’t sure about the rest.

“A while longer, yes,” I agreed.

“Maybe it can be a birthday present.” He chuckled, posture almost righting itself.

“Let’s not put a time limit on it,” I suggested. “It’s a lot for both of us to plan for.”

“It shouldn’t be,” he countered. “I should be able to introduce my brother to my boyfriend and not worry about his reaction.”

“And I should be able to introduce you to my parents, but…” The rest of the thought caught in my throat.

“Your parents don’t know?” he asked.

“Do yours?”

Wesley shook his head. “No, but I’m sure they suspect it. With Henny being gay, there was a 50/50 shot. Or probably less because I’m not gay, but I’m bad with math and I don’t know what the breakdown is if you were to include bisexual or ace or anything like that.”

And just like that, Wesley was back to normal, his mind distracted from the treachery of the road that lay ahead for us.

“So.” I wanted to get back to the original conversation. “A doorman?”

“Is it silly?”

“I don’t think so. I think it would suit you.”

He smiled. “I don’t even know how to find a job like that. Grayson said he would help.”

“Good. That’s good. I’m glad you have a friend like him.”

“Me too.” Wesley sucked the rest of his chocolate milk up through the white and red striped straw. “Did you have plans today?”

Groaning, I glanced down at the time on my phone. It was early still, not even ten, but I hadn’t seen my parents since my birthday and I knew I owed them a visit. I’d been avoiding it because I was sure word of Amanda’s and my escape had made it back to them. My mom hadn’t brought it up, but I knew her better. She was waiting to ambush me in person.

“Not really, but I need to go see my parents sooner or later.”

“Do they live here?” Wesley frowned.

“Orange County. Why the long face?” I reached across the table and tapped his cheek. He leaned into my hand, the scruff there abrading my palm in the most enjoyable way. His features softened and he took the deepest breath.

“I miss my parents.”

“Do you talk to them often?” I asked, stroking my thumb over his cheekbone.

He shook his head. “Not as much as I should. They weren’t entirely happy about me moving out here out of nowhere.”

“Do they know about what happened with you and David?”

“No.” He tilted his head to the other side, pulling away from my touch.

“Are you going to ever tell them?”

“They probably know already, even though I haven’t. Brixton isn’t a big town. Everyone knows everyone’s business.”

“I’m sure they’d like to hear it from you,” I said.