“Yep.”
“I’ve never taught anyone to play,” Patrick admitted. “But I’d be glad to try.”
Derek chuckled. “Good enough. And Mickey, that boy is smart as a whip. He just needs some guidance and I’m positive he’ll master it in no time.”
Patrick sighed. “If I just had my guitar with me…” He looked sick. “I hope my parents don’t get rid of it.”
“Do you think they would do that—get rid of your stuff?”
“I don’tthinkso,” Patrick mumbled uncertainly. “But maybe. If my dad is angry enough, he might throw it all out, or sell it.”
“No.” Derek shook his head. “That’s not going to happen. We’ll get your stuff back—including your car and your money. It belongs to you and they have no legal right to hold on to it. If it comes to it, Gideon will get you an attorney and a court order. Whatever it takes, you’ll get it all back.”
“Gideon would do that?” Patrick murmured. “He barely knows me.”
“You’re living under his roof and his care,” Derek said. “In Gideon’s book, that makes you one of his own and there’s nothing he won’t do for his own.”
. . .
Patrick was stunned by Derek’s words. He had immediately liked Gideon upon meeting the man—beforemeeting him, to be honest. Now, headmiredhim beyond compare.
When their conversation hit a lull, Patrick slipped back into his thoughts. This time, he didn’t think about his parents or his belongings… but yesterday, in his room, and Derek’s declaration of commitment. Neither had mentioned it again throughout the remainder of the day yesterday or this morning. He was sure Derekwouldn’taddress it until Patrick did. He’d made his case and left Patrick to decide if he wanted to go forward. He did but felt nervous bringing it up. His thoughts immediately after Derek left his room, let him know what he wanted deep down. But his convictions and fears remained present—and powerful.
His father’s words—condemning him tohell—pricked his heart like barbed thorns that he couldn’t pluck out. What if his dad was right? And Brian and Robby. If he left behind the former path he was traveling… and walked this new path with Derek—wouldhellawait him at the end of it?
Or heaven?
He had no way of knowing because he’d only been taughtonething. His heart insisted that wasn’t the only way, the only path, but could he trust his heart right now? It wantedDerek—and maybe it would tell Patrick whatever he needed to hear to make that choice as well.
“A lot on your mind today?” Derek murmured with a smile.
Patrick smiled nervously. “Yeah… I-I guess so.”
“If you need to talk… I’m a good listener.”
As they approached the area with the fallen logs, Derek led them into the small clearing and sat on one of the logs. Patrick sat beside him.
“Are you still thinking about your parents?”
“No,” Patrick whispered. He looked around, avoiding Derek’s eyes. “I was thinking…” His gut coiled up and he felt lightheaded. “I-I was thinking about yesterday in my room… and what you told me.”
Derek nodded silently.
“How could I ask that of you? It wouldn’t be fair to you.”
Derek sniffed and leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees as he stared at the ground. “You didn’t ask… I offered.” He looked at Patrick. “And I meant it. Whatever your terms.”
“But… but you’re aporn star,”Patrick whispered. “How can you make that offer—thatcommitment—when… whensexis your life?”
“It isn’t my life.” Derek straightened. “It’s myjob.I can get a new job… but there’s only one ofyou.”
Pleasant shivers tickled Patrick’s spine. “How can you know this is what you want?” He glanced tentatively at Derek, his words straining. “ThatI’mwhat you want? You hardly know me.”
“I know that you’re special.” Derek’s heart crawled into his eyes. “I knew it the moment we met. I know that I’ve never felt this way about anyone… and no one has ever mademefeel the way I do right now.” His throat worked. “I can’t explain it. I just know what Ifeel.I… I don’texpectyou to feel the same and if you don’t want this… if you don’t have any of these feelings for me… then you can tell me.”
Patrick lowered his eyes as his heart raced away with him. “When we met,” he whispered, “and I told you about the Side B stuff… you said you couldn’t imagine not… not making love to your husband.”
“Maybe I can’timagineit,” Derek murmured. “But it’s even harder to imagine living my life without the man I loved enough to marry. I haven’t had much experience with love and relationships, but it’s all around me every day and I know what it looks like, I know that it’s more than fluffy words and feelings.Love isn’t a delicate thing—it’s tough as nails, it’s grit and determination, it’s a willingness tosacrificeand take risks.” Tears filled his eyes. “I’m not trying to pretend it will always be easy, but if love waseasy… it wouldn’t be worth working for, worthfightingfor.” His gaze caressed Patrick’s face. “I’m willing to do that for you—forus—to work, fight, andsacrifice—for us.”His voice softened with deeper emotion. “Forlove.”
