Page 34 of Joey

“You’d be swallowed whole by the weight of admin,” she joked, holding her left hand out to Ethan, presumably so he didn’t have to let go of Joey’s hand.

Ethan chuckled and shook hands. “I know that weight. It’s not pleasant. You must be a heavyweight champion to take all of what I’m sure he throws at you.”

Ani grinned. “He tries his hardest to break me, but I pull through every time.”

Joey’s tension eased as they joked back and forth despite it being at his expense.

“They’re going to the hotel now. Are you joining them?” Ani asked him.

Joey glanced over to the gravesite, watching the people disperse in groups. He shook his head. “I don’t see that I’m needed, so no. I’m going home.” He peered at Ethan. “Are you coming?”

Ethan nodded. “If that’s okay?”

“More than.”

“I’ll head over to the hotel then, just to keep up appearances. Are you okay getting home?” Ani asked.

Joey opened his mouth, but Ethan beat him to an answer. “I have my car. We’re good.”

Ani nodded and squeezed Joey’s shoulder before waving and striding down the path towards the stone arch.

“Did the reporters catch you on your way in?” Joey asked.

Ethan nodded. “It doesn’t matter. I don’t mind.”

“We need to talk, don’t we?”

“We do, but let’s get you through today first.”

Joey slid his hand across Ethan’s cheek and to his nape, pulling him forward for a kiss. The moment their lips connected, tingles started everywhere, and it was all he could do to stop them from going too far in such an inappropriate place. It had been far too long since he’d touched Ethan. He rested his forehead against Ethan’s and licked his lips, getting every taste of him he could.

“Let’s go back to yours,” Ethan said. “I bet you haven’t eaten today.”

Joey shook his head. “I’ve not had much of anything if I’m honest.”

“Then let me look after you.”

“You don’t—”

“I want to do this, Joey. Ineedto. You’re hurting, and I need to help.”

Joey pulled Ethan into a hug and then stood, tugging Ethan to stand. “Lead the way.”

“No. Side by side.”

Joey’s nostrils flared as he tried to contain his emotions, not wanting to be a mess when the reporters photographed them when they left.

“This is a beautiful place,” Ethan said.

“It is.” Joey glanced around as they wandered towards the entrance. “Elliott would’ve loved it. I didn’t even know this place existed.” The closer they got to the entrance, the tenser Joey became. “Are you sure you’re ready for this? We can go our separate ways and meet up at the house instead.”

Ethan pulled them to a stop just before they exited. “I will do whichever you want to. I don’t want to hide, but if it would make your life more difficult, then yes, we can. Is there a wake?”

“There is, but I’m not going.”

Joey wrapped his arms around Ethan and closed his eyes, soaking in his amazing strength. Joey was the Dom of this relationship, but it seemed Ethan had taken over the role for the moment. He pulled back, threading their fingers once more.

“Let’s go. As one.”

---