Page 98 of Just Bromantically Invested

“So, you and Penn are together?” Gabe asks, breaking my focus from Xander.

Hearing it said out loud is something I never thought I’d have. “Total surprise, but I’m happier than I’ve ever been.”

“That’s awesome, man. I’m so happy for you.”

“Things still going well with Aleks?”

Gabe smiles, the broad kind that brings out his dimples. “It was a life adjustment but the best one I ever made.”

I know exactly what he means. This whole thing with Penn has been a complete overhaul of our relationship. I’m having to relearn so much about him and me, and it’s taking some adjustment for my default not to be to hide my feelings from him. For the past year especially, I’ve been pulling away, trying to act like things are normal, and in the process, I messed so much up.

That ends now though.

I’m determined to start showing him that he’s as important to me as I say he is. Starting with Tuesdays, and talking through my feelings, and soon enough, letting my safety blanket of Bertha go.

I want to move in with him, but it’s fear holding me back. Fear of losing my brothers.

There’s one thing that scares me more than that though, and it’s losing Penn.

I’m going to put in the work on my issues.

For him.

I kissbehind Penn’s ear as I thrust slowly inside him, still so incredibly turned on by what a business badass he was. The way he took ownership over that meeting was incredible and made me prouder than ever of him. Damien didn’t know what to say, and I never would have thought up the idea of us taking over the maintenance contract because I don’t think that far ahead, but after Damien ran the numbers past me, it became clear, pretty quickly, that Penn’s plan could work.

I haven’t said anything to him because I don’t want to betray Damien’s trust, but I have a good feeling Penn’s going to be getting a call from him tomorrow, and our whole lives are going to change.

For the first time ever, that thought doesn’t terrify me.

“I’m so close,” Penn moans, and I wrap my hand around his cock. I lovingly jerk him off until he comes before I unload in his ass. I’m so fucking happy and in love, and sex with him was the perfect way to end the day.

I pull out and flop onto my back while Penn cuddles up beside me.

“Normally, I’m the one jumping you when you walk in.” He props his head on my chest. “What gives?”

“Nothing. I’m proud of you, I guess.”

He’s trying not to smile, and it’s really fucking sweet. “Is it weird I’m sort of proud of me too?”

“Nope. Just good. All good.”

He smothers a laugh. “You’re looking at me funny.”

“This is how I always look at you. You just never catch me doing it.”

“It’s so weird to me that you’ve had these feelings for so long and never said anything. And then I’ve had these feelings for so long and never clued in on what it was.”

“We’re both idiots.”

He draws patterns on my chest, still radiating this happy, peaceful energy.

“At that meeting, I don’t think I’ve told you yet just how awed I was of you.”

“I finally felt it,” he whispers.

“Felt what?”

“That whole head, heart, gut thing you’re always talking about. None of it was planned, but as I was talking, even though I have no clue if Damien will even consider it or not, it felt right. Like I was who I was supposed to be in that moment.”

---