Page 93 of His Choice

Aaron scratched his neck. “Yeah, my parents are probably freaking out right now, too.” He glanced at the camera, as well. “Mom and Dad, I didn’t mean for you to learn this way that I’m into dudes. Well, one guy…for real.” He turned back to his friend. “Mikey, I’m talking about the whole thing. Being in love, monogamy, banging sex…the works.”

Mikey’s jaw dropped. “But how can you just not be straight anymore?”

Aaron shrugged. “It wasn’t overnight. Like I said, it’s been a realization over time. I guess every day with you just opens my eyes more.”

“But why wouldn’t you have said anything?” Mikey whispered.

Aaron looked my way. “How can I compete with that? Aside from his hairy ass, he’s a…superhero with wealth.”

I jerked my head back. “I don’t have a hairy ass.”

Mikey shot an apologetic look my way. “He has a strange aversion to…that. And veiny…smelly penises.”

“Um, again, I don’t…”

Aaron ignored me and continued talking. “You’re so into Cliff, and I wanted you to be happy. I know it’s a longshot for me—especially after all the unsuccessful flirting I tried the last couple of months, or the chance I took last night only to have you tell me you still wanted Cliff…”

Mikey’s mouth opened and closed a few times, his expressions indicating he was recalling things…realizing things.

“But I didn’t know…” he started to explain.

“The thing is, I’m not that noble,” Aaron interrupted. “If I was, I would have kept my mouth shut—like the night we fought because I couldn’t hide how jealous I was. Or how I tried to put doubts in your head about Cliff. Then I’d feel guilty and try to do the right thing. But it’s like Ms. Walker said, my good intentions won’t stop me from moping and questioning myself later—and more importantly, wondering whether you might have preferred me but just didn’t know I was an option. So yeah, I know it’s crazy to think you might choose me over Cliff Walker, but I’m asking…hoping, you might anyway. I don’t have as much to give, but what I have, it’s all yours if you say yes.”

Mikey still had his mouth open in shock. “Really? Banging sex? And kissing…on the mouth, too?”

Aaron must have realized he’d won, because his face finally relaxed and he chuckled. “The in-love part was kind of important, too. I’m not just a toy, pookie.”

Mikey smiled and closed the distance between him and Aaron before the two embraced. Mikey seemed uncertain as to whether to initiate the kiss he desired, so Aaron did instead. From the passion and duration, it should have erased any doubts Mikey had about Aaron’s sincerity.

When they parted, Mikey grinned again. “I don’t believe it. I’ve been in love with you, Aaron.” As if remembering where he was, Mikey turned my way, a worried expression on his face. “Cliff… I’m so sorry. I really do like you, very much. It’s just…”

I waved a hand in the air to dismiss his apology. “It’s fine, Mikey. In fact, I was hoping for this outcome. I’ve had my suspicions that you both felt this way.”

“Oh,” Mikey whispered, then grinned and let Aaron put an arm over his shoulders. “Aaron and I were the only ones who were clueless?”

“Shocking,” Daryl muttered mockingly.

Emilio turned to me. “If we open this envelope, are we going to find that you had chosen Mikey?”

“No,” I replied.

Mikey appeared relieved, though Aaron and Brighton seemed surprised. Brighton looked more perplexed, yet hopeful, with every step I took as I approached him.

“I don’t understand,” he murmured.

“I choose London,” I answered.

“Who’s London?” Dani wondered.

Brighton seemed unsure, but started to grin. “Seriously? You’ll move to be with me?”

I nodded. “If you’ll have me.”

Brighton gave me that gorgeous model smile of his, then pulled me into a hug. “My God, yes! I thought there was no chance. Cliff, I had been wishing for a do-over on last night’s conversation. I figured it was too late—that my name wasn’t in that envelope. I had wanted to propose a future for us anyway—maybe most months in England, but three or four months here in White Pines. I still wish to make that offer. I don’t want to take you from your family and friends.”

I hadn’t expected that. My heart lifted. “You’re sure?”

He nodded. “I shared my woes with Clara this morning. She was miffed that I hadn’t had the realization in time that there was a compromise that could be made. She likes you. Maybe almost as much as I do.”