Page 52 of Unexpected Boyfriends

“I’m sober. I consent. Now let’s have champagne.”

“It’s not that simple. Can we modify that? I’ll take it you’re consenting to anything we’ve done before, but not anything else.”

“I trust you,” he says simply.

“Yes, but there are so many ways I could hurt you, push you further than you’d want to go in retrospect.”

“You wouldn’t though.”

“You’ve never told me ‘no’. There might be boundaries you don’t want to cross that you don’t know about yet. And if you’re not in a fit state to judge…”

Justin huffs softly. “Okay. I meant it though. I feel safe with you. But if it makes you happy, I consent to anything we’ve done sofar. But please don’t let me go home without making me come at least one more time.”

I pull him to me, place a chaste kiss on those soft pouty lips, and murmur in his ear.

“Thank you. And there is no chance of that, don’t worry.”

We sip our drinks, sitting on the mat with the quilt pulled up over us for warmth. The nights are starting to get cool at this time of year. Justin leans against me, his warm body fitting snugly against my side. The tips of his ears are cold when he leans in, resting his head against my neck. We talk and we sip champagne, the night grows old around us, and the candles burn low. Tomorrow looms ahead of us, with the start of another separation, but we made it through the first one intact which means this one isn’t quite so intimidating.

So, we just enjoy the night and each other’s company.

When our glasses are empty, I remember the box. Picking it up, I hand it to Justin.

“This is for you, to remember me by.”

“Like I’d forget… ”

“It’s for you anyway.” I put the box in his hand. He looks at me through his long lashes, eyes soft and moist.

“I’m going to miss you,” he whispers, softly.

“Likewise.”

He rests his head on my shoulder for a moment, while the small moment of sadness passes between us. Then he heaves a sigh, sniffs, and begins to open the package.

The ribbon falls away and Justin takes the lid off the little box. Nestled inside is a fine leather strip with a silver charm. Justin takes it out carefully and lays it in his hand. It’s a neckchain, the silver charm is a…

“Scorpius,” he breathes. “To connect me to you.” And he looks up at me, eyes shining from the moisture welling up there. Tears start to roll silently down his cheeks.

“I love you,” I whisper, “And I don’t want to let you go.”

“Will you put it on?” Justin asks, holding up the neck chain, and I take it from him and tie the leather strap around his neck. The silver scorpion sits over his heart.

“Perfect.”

“Thank you.”

Then we snuggle under the quilt. The candles burn low, and then snuff out. And then, in the darkness, we do things to each other that only lovers do.

******

We must have fallen asleep in the end, because the next thing I know, my phone’s alarm is going off, and I open my eyes to see the paleness of the sky and a yellow glow on the horizon. I gently shake Justin awake.

“Mmm?” he mumbles sleepily. He looks gorgeous with his blond hair all sleep-mussed, and sleepy eyes.

“Wake up, beautiful.” I kiss him. “It’s morning. Let’s watch the sun rise before I take you home.”

We huddle together with our arms around each other as the golden disk slips over the horizon. A new day. I take Justin’schin gently between my thumb and forefinger and kiss those soft sensual lips. It’s a promise. A sigh escapes him as we pull apart. I look deeply into those gorgeous grey eyes.

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