Page 17 of Off Limits

The man he was now was capable, mature, intelligent, and fun to be around. His gorgeous looks may have snagged my attention, but it was his heart and personality that drew me in. He embodied everything I'd been looking for, in a package I didn't expect.

Gavin turned his head for a kiss on the lips before snuggling into my side again. He wasn't shy about showing affection, which I loved. I enjoyed showing the man I was with how I felt through physical touch. Men had broken up with me for it in the past, whether because they weren't comfortable with PDA, or because I was “too touchy-feely”, but Gavin and I seemed to be suited for one another in so many ways.

The front door opened and I stiffened in my seat as Wade walked inside, coming into the living room where Gavin and I sat. He was so close to me that he was practically in my lap, while one of my arms was around him and the other rested on his thigh. Gavin didn't budge, so I assumed he was comfortable with Wade seeing us wrapped up together, but I was curious about my son's comfort.

Wade stopped a few feet away from the sofa, and looked between me and Gavin, and back again. “Well, it's about damn time,” he said finally before sitting in the recliner.

I sighed in relief. That had been my last worry; how Wade would react to seeing us together. Thinking he'd be okay with it and actually being okay once he saw us were two different things. And if it bothered him or made him uncomfortable, or affected their friendship in any way, that would make Gavin off limits, no matter how badly I wanted to be with him.

But it seemed I wasn't giving my son enough credit. It was hard not to see him as the boy I'd raised. I needed to remember he was a grown man now as well. I'd been focusing on the possible reasons why I shouldn't be with Gavin instead of thinking of the ways it could be great.

“So, where have you been?” I asked Wade as he kicked his feet out. “Job hunting?”

“Nope.” Not surprising. “Gavin took care of that for me already.”

“What?” That did surprise me.

“You didn't tell him already?” Wade asked, turning his attention to Gavin.

“I didn't have a chance; I had his dick in my mouth.”

“Come on, dude! I did not need to know that shit!”

Gavin and I both laughed. The two of them had a long history of teasing and purposely irritating each other, and it tickled me that I could contribute. And though Wade's response sounded disgusted, I knew their joking actually showcased their comfort.

Gavin lifted his head from my shoulder to tell me, “Remember Mr. Salyers we met at the party?” I nodded; he was an accountant from the company we acquired. “He contacted me a couple days later to say he'd heard of a potential marketing job from his nephew's friend.

“He gave me the information and when I called, I learned the man, Jackson Fuller, was starting a business consulting firm called Vantage Point. He had most of his staff hired, but he was still searching for a marketing specialist. He set up an interview with me for later on in the week. When I went in for the meeting, I wasn't at the top of my game…”

I gave him a guilty look and a squeeze, knowing it was all my fault he'd been distracted. “But Mr. Fuller was still impressed with my interview and offered me the position.”

“That's wonderful!” I gushed, before planting a kiss right on his lips. I discreetly peeked at Wade to see his reaction, and found him smiling at us.

Gavin continued, “Mr. Fuller warned me that he couldn't make any promises since it's a new start up; some businesses thrive while others fall flat. But honestly, he's taking a chance on me too, since I'm fresh out of school. But I've got a good feeling about it. I believe in his vision and I'm excited to team up. I think it'll work out great.”

“Yeah, yeah, fantastic, now tell him where I come in,” Wade teased.

“I'm getting there,” Gavin replied with an eye roll. “So anyway, Mr. Fuller told me that I was free to bring on an art consultant for my team if I had anyone in mind.”

“Ta da!” Wade exclaimed, shaking his hands to the side. “Just call me Art Consultant Extraordinaire.”

“That is such incredible news!” Not only had they both quickly found careers in their field, but they would be working with each other. I knew what a great pair they made. Gavin was hard working and dedicated, and would push Wade to his full potential. My son was creative, and would bring a fresh eye to any project. I wasn't shocked as to why Wade hadn't shared the news with me the night before; we were otherwise occupied with a very different conversation. It also explained why he hadn’t been interested in the teaching job he mentioned. “When do you start?”

“Next Monday.”

“I'd like to take both of you out to celebrate,” I offered, and they both nodded their agreement. “And if my expertise can help in any way, I'm here.” I didn't care if it was a conflict of interest to help a rival company. If my son and my boyfriend needed me, I'd be damned before I'd let anyone stop me. My boyfriend. I hadn't even thought of the title yet, and it filled me with intense, tingling joy.

“You're already helping me,” Wade insisted. When I cocked my head in question, he explained, “I was out shopping all day. I figured I'd need suits for a job like this, and I don't have any. I bought some with your credit card.”

“Of course you did,” I sighed sarcastically, but I honestly didn't mind. I was happy to give him the best possible start to his career. I couldn't be more pleased with this path; he was entering my business world, but on his own artistic terms. I was forever grateful to Gavin for giving my son this opportunity.

“I'm so proud of both of you.” Gavin thanked me with a kiss, and Wade smiled brightly back at me, looking pretty damn proud of himself, too.

“You definitely need to take us somewhere fancy to celebrate,” Wade decided, “But I'm hungry tonight, too. Ooh, let's order from Sal's Subs; you're treat, of course,” he nodded at me. “We can get three of their twelve inch monsters.”

“You know what else is a twelve inch monster?” Gavin asked with a sneaky smile.

Wade pinched the bridge of his nose. “Don't say it, dude-”

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