Page 131 of Should Our Hearts Catch Fire

“It’s not that hard,” Dawson says.

“Why don’t you take her?” Ellis retorts.

“Donut hates other dogs.”

“Let us know if you change your mind,” Aubrey says diplomatically, disappointment written in her face. “Lola’s been with us for a long time. She’d love a real home.”

Ellis’ energy sours further, this time with guilt. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

Yeah, so dog-walking wasn’t Gabe’s greatest idea, as far as dates go. To be fair, he didn’t foresee Ellis getting ambushed like that.

Gradually, Ellis’ energy brightens once they start walking and chatting. He ends up at the front with Cal, while Gabe and Dawson stay behind.

“I still can’t believe it,” Dawson says, shaking his head incredulously. “You and Ellis. Ellis and you.”

Gabe’s aware he must be making some embarrassing, disgustingly smitten face, but who cares? “Pretty amazing, isn’t it? Sometimes I can’t believe he’s actually mine.” Just saying it out loud sounds fantastical. “What?” He feels Dawson’s intense stare burning a hole into his face.

“Nothing. Just…it’s so weird. I could never imagine Ellis in a relationship. He’s so straightlaced and serious.”

Gabe snorts. “Not so straight after all.” That earns him a laugh. “And I’m pretty good at revealing his playful side.”

“You’re such a strange pair. It’s awesome.”

“It is.”

“And he…” Dawson lowers his voice despite them being a good chunk of space behind. “He knows about you?”

“Yup.”

“Wow.” Dawson seems very astounded. “How did he take it?”

Gabe smiles at the memory of their first date. How scared he was to tell the truth, bracing himself for rejection that would sting more than being blown off because he’s a man. But none of it ever happened because Ellis is, as it turns out, the most wonderful human being on the planet. And Gabe is so fucking lucky to call himhis.

“I’ve never had anyone accept the truth about me so fast. Acceptmeso fast.” His voice is thick with emotion, and he knows Dawson can hear it.

“He’s a great guy.”

“The best.” Needing a distraction so he doesn’t start happy-crying on a date, he asks, “How is it going with you two?”

“It’s…good,” Dawson gives a vague answer, but he’s smiling. And even if he wasn’t, Gabe can feel the warm, fluttery emotions coming from him. “We’re taking it slow.”

“Good idea.”

Maybe Cal can sense they’re talking about him because he looks back, his eyes instantly finding Dawson as if Gabe’s not even there, and he smiles.

“He looks at you like you hung the moon,” Gabe says, finding Dawson’s shy smile endearing.

“Yeah?”

“You look at him like that too.”

“Shut up.”

Gabe laughs, but as he watches Cal and Ellis walk side by side, talking and laughing, his chest begins to feel constricted. He loves to see Ellis happy. Making him happy has been his number one priority ever since he got a feel of Ellis’ energy. Of his heart. But keeping a secret from him makes everything feel tainted.

“Hey.” He touches Dawson’s elbow to get his attention. “There’s something I wanted to bring up with you. I get you’re still getting used to all this, but have you considered telling Ellis?”

Dawson blinks uncomprehendingly, and his features darken as the meaning finally sinks. “Why? What good would it do?”