Page 61 of Lost Boy

“I really do. I think I can do good there. Help people who don’t have the money to hire an expensive firm.”

Byron kissed his temple. “You make me so proud.”

Mitch wrapped his arm around Byron’s back. “I feel like everything is coming together. Like, when I finally accepted this thing between us, everything else is just falling in place.”

“Then I’m doing my job. Taking away your stress so you can concentrate on what you need to take care of.”

Mitch bit his lip. He wanted to bring up his plans for the next two weeks. He didn’t want to go on vacation. He just wanted to spend time with Byron.

“What is it?” Byron asked. “You know I don’t like you chewing on your lip.”

“If I get the job I’m going to ask to start in a few weeks. I’ve been working for so long without any time off.”

“That’s a good idea.”

“You’ll still be off too?” He liked knowing that Mitch’s teaching job at the university had a steady schedule.

“Yes, would you like to go somewhere? Take a little trip?”

“Maybe. Then could we stay here? In your house?”

“Is that what you would like to do?”

“I want to explore more things with you,” Mitch confessed. “I’ve been putting everything I want on hold. You’ve already let me explore so much and I’ve loved it all.”

“I think that would be wonderful. I’d love to explore things with you.”

Mitch relaxed against Byron. They were on the same page.

8

Mitch

Mitch loosened his tie as he stepped out of the restaurant where he’d just had probably the most important meeting of his life. He’d been shocked when only hours after he’d emailed his resume to the public defender's office Tony Stevenson called him.

Mitch and Tony had been on opposing sides in many cases. Mitch had always respected the work that Tony did. Getting the call had both been thrilling and scary. Even though Mitch had given his resignation, cleared out his office, it hadn’t seemed real until he’d made the appointment to meet with Tony.

Tony had offered him a position with the public defender office.

Even when Mitch had warned Tony that there might be problems from his old firm Tony hadn’t cared. He’d smiled. Mitch hadn’t been aware of the bad blood between Tony and his father.

He walked down the sidewalk to where he’d parked his car while sliding off his jacket. Mitch hadn’t worn his most expensive suit but he’d wanted to dress well. The shoes were the worst. He loved his light-up Transformer shoes. He wished he would have stashed them in his car. When he’d left his condo that morning he hadn’t thought about the rest of the day.

Byron had been there, to kiss Mitch, and wish him luck. Hopefully, his Daddy hadn’t left yet.

He turned the corner and stopped.

Of course, he shouldn’t even be surprised.

“Hello boy.”

“What are you doing here?” Mitch asked the man leaning against his car. He hurried forward.

Byron grinned. “I was out for a ride. Thought I’d stop by and see if you were done with your meeting.”

Mitch looked around them. “See any contract killers in the area?”

Byron laughed. “No.”

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