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“Wouldn’t it be better to get it sorted? Then, we can either say goodbye or start now, depending on what we decide.”
It would be, but Ethan wasn’t sure he was ready if the conversation went in the direction he didn’t want it to go. On his drive down, he’d already been through the options he could see, and he’d decided that if he had to, he would move to London to be with Joey. It wasn’t his first choice, but he didn’t have a business like Joey did. Joey couldn’t just up and leave without considering a lot more things than Ethan had to.
“I suppose.”
Joey traced his lips, the soft sensation leaving prickles along the route, and Ethan could barely contain his need to scrape his teeth over it to rid himself of the tickle.
“Come on. Let’s shower, and we can talk while I make some food.”
Joey kissed him chastely and climbed from the bed, striding for the en suite without a backward glance. He didn’t need to, after all. Ethan would follow him wherever he went.
He stood, heading for the bathroom, when he heard a soft mewl at the door. “Joey, should I let Joelle in?”
Joey popped his head out of the doorway. “No, leave her for now. She’s just asking for food because she’s heard us moving around. I’ll get her something when we’re done.” He crooked a finger at Ethan.
The shower was a mutually beneficial arrangement, and Ethan’s knees were weak when Joey finally switched the water off.
“Do you want to borrow these until you grab your bag?” Joey asked, holding out joggers and a T-shirt.
“Thanks. I’ll grab my bag once I’m dressed.”
They dressed in silence, though their gazes roamed each other’s bodies despite how many times they’d orgasmed in the shower. Ethan didn’t think he had another one in him. While Joey disappeared into the kitchen area, Ethan left to grab his bag. It was the only one he’d brought with him, and to be honest, he couldn’t guarantee what he’d put in there. As he grabbed it from the backseat, he heard shouting and glanced towards the road. The car park was behind the shop and apartment, but there was an alley from the road to allow cars entry. Several people stood on the path at the entrance to the alley, pointing and shouting towards him, although he couldn’t hear what they said. He nearly went closer when there was a flash of light. He blinked and realised they were reporters.
He blew out a breath, locked his car and ran back up the steps to the apartment. The car park was private property, and the reporters would be breaking the law should they come into it, which he was glad about. Some reporters probably wouldn’t care, but those seemed to be hesitant. For now, at least.
He didn’t mention it to Joey when he entered the house. He just put his bag next to the door and headed into the kitchen to see if he could help with anything.
“No, I’ve got it.” He nodded to the counter where a glass of apple juice and a cup of tea sat. “I made you those to keep you going until the food is ready.”
“Thanks.” He sipped the tea, closing his eyes and enjoying the warmth. He knew what was coming.
“What do you want from this, Ethan?” Joey’s back was to him, so he couldn’t see Joey’s expression.
“Is this a good day to have this conversation?” Ethan said instead of answering.
Joey glanced over his shoulder. “If I’m going to lose you, I may as well grieve two losses at the same time.”
Ethan dropped onto a bar stool and closed his eyes. “I’m scared to lay it all out there in case it’s too much.”
“You’re not scared of anything,” Joey countered. “Except ghost tours.”
Ethan smiled and swallowed. “I’m scared of losing you.”
“Tell me what you want, Ethan. Please. Be as blunt as you need to be.”
Ethan took another sip of his tea, fortifying himself for laying himself bare. This could backfire spectacularly.
“I want to be with you. I don’t care about the media. I don’t care if I have to move. I don’t care if I’m making a mistake. I want you. Whatever I need to do to have you.”
Joey moved the pan off the burner and switched it off before facing Ethan. He kept his hands on the counter behind him as he stared across the space at him. Ethan worried he had put too much on Joey until the sheen in Joey’s eyes spilt over and ran down his cheeks.
“Truly?”
Ethan nodded. He couldn’t speak.
“I want you, too. I—” Joey sniffed and blew out a breath before meeting his gaze again. “I’m falling in love with you, Ethan.”
Emotion bubbled up inside Ethan, and he inhaled shakily, trying to calm his racing heart. “I’m falling for you, too,” he whispered.
