“You use a CPAP? I’m sorry, I didn’t know.”
“It’s okay, I don’t talk about it much.”
“I’m sorry, you fell asleep because of me. You should have been able to go to bed.”
Rory closed his eyes, fighting back tears. He’d prevented Bernard from going to bed and using his machine to make sure he breathed.
Bernard pulled him in tight. “You don’t have to be sorry. Holding you was worth it.”
“Still, you shouldn’t do that again.”
“I promise I won’t do it again.”
“I should head home. I have to make the preparations for our date. I’ll pick you up at ten next Saturday.”
“I can’t wait.” Bernard leaned in to kiss him. Their lips met and Rory felt sparks shoot through him, stronger than the last kiss.
I’ll never get enough of his kisses.
“You are an amazing kisser,” Rory said.
“You have such a sweet kiss. I like it.”
Rory’s face warmed. This was his first kiss, and Bernard had enjoyed it as much as him.
*
AS HE DROVEhome, adrenaline rushed through his body. He was disobeying the church and his mother. Bernard was in his heart. He’d had feelings for him since high school. He’d get the chance to fulfill his dreams of being happy. Of being with someone who cared about him.
Rory slept better that night than he had in months. A day with Bernard would be magical. He would give Bernard the date he deserved, one that ended with a kiss and a promise to do it again. They could be happy together.
Chapter Twenty
Rory
Saturday, July 18
RORY PULLED INTOBernard’s driveway at a quarter to ten on Saturday. It was their first official date, and excitement filled every part of him. A date with his best friend, the man he should have asked out years ago.
He had a spring in his step as he made his way to the door. He took a breath and knocked.
“Good morning,” Bernard said.
His warm smile eased the knot in Rory’s stomach.
“Good morning, are you ready for our…our date?” Rory’s cheeks warmed at the words.
“I’m ready. What do you have planned?”
“Well, I thought we could start with mini golf at that little place in San Jose, then we could grab lunch.”
“I think this is going to be the best date I’ve ever been on.”
“That’s not all,” Rory said. “I have tickets to a show, then we can complete the evening with dinner, and then I’ll bring you home.”
“Are you expecting a goodnight kiss?” Bernard giggled.
“Let’s see how the evening goes, and then we can decide.”
