Page 67 of Thrown

When Mr. Hawthorne let go and stepped back, Toby was left beaming and blushing and feeling like, against all odds, he’d landed on his feet, despite being thrown out of the nest.

“I definitely won’t let you down, Mr. Hawthorne,” he said, stealing a quick glance to Robbie. “On any account.”

“Call me Robert, please,” Mr. Hawthorne said, beaming at Toby, like he was deeply proud. “You’ve earned that and a great many other things.”

“He’s a fine young gentleman,” George agreed, moving to thump Toby on the back with surprising strength. “His erudite explanation of the situation and his enthusiasm for you and your family was part of what won me over to this noble cause.”

“Hear, hear,” Michael agreed.

“He’s a gem,” Robbie said.

The words were simple, but they were the highest praise of all. It wasn’t what Robbie said, it was how he said it, with such pride and affection in his eyes. Whatever walls had once existedbetween them had been thoroughly knocked down, and nothing but promise remained.

“So. Shall we head up to the meeting room to talk about everyone’s least favorite topic, money?” Robert suggested, clapping his hands together.

“No, no!” Benny said, pinching his face in distaste. “I want a tour of this magnificent house-turned-school first.”

“Absolutely,” George agreed. “We heard so much about it at lunch and on the way over that the most natural first step is for us to see what we’re donating to.”

“And we can talk about why you and your son are not members of The Brotherhood along the way,” Benny added, shifting to walk closer to Robert as the group started off toward the hall that held classrooms.

“Do you need to go with them?” Toby asked. “You probably have a class or two that needs teaching, some pots that need to be thrown.”

Robbie laughed. It was more of a sound than the mild joke needed, but it was clear that all the emotion Robbie had been storing up all day, and probably for weeks and years before that, needed a way to get out.

“First things first,” he said, then stepped up to Toby.

He clasped Toby’s face in both hands and stood there grinning at him for a moment, like he was the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Then he leaned in and slanted his mouth over Toby’s.

There was so much to that kiss that Toby didn’t know where to start. He didn’t need to think about it or think about how things were between the two of them anymore. Things were good, and all he needed to do was feel it.

He slid his arms around Robbie, pulling him close and kissing him back with all the fervor Robbie showed him. Victorywas sweet, but it was so much sweeter when you had someone to share it with.

“I think I could get used to this,” he panted when they broke apart for air.

“What, kissing me?” Robbie asked, his expression alive with happiness.

Toby laughed and let his hands slide down Robbie’s back to grab his backside. “That, too,” he said. “But no, I could definitely get used to winning.”

“Is that all I am to you?” Robbie asked with pretend offense, though it was obvious to Toby that he felt the same way. “I’m just another victory for you?”

Toby laughed ironically. “I haven’t had many victories in my life, love, no matter how hard I’ve fought for them,” he said. “But I tell you what, everything I’ve fought for is worth it to be here with you like this. And no, it’s not too soon to say it. I think I love you.”

“Youthinkyou love me?” Robbie asked, joy shining in his eyes and in the way he wrapped his arms around Toby, despite the number of people watching them as they headed to and from classes.

“Alright, you nutter,” Toby laughed. “I love you. I do. There. Are you happy?”

Robbie grinned from ear to ear. “Yes,” he said, then kissed Toby’s lips quickly. “I’m very happy.”

He leaned in for another long kiss, delving into Toby’s mouth in a way that was probably a little much for the group that had just arrived from one of the local schools. Several of the kids gasped when they saw them, pointing and giggling. A few of them “eewed”.

“Er, maybe we should take this somewhere else?” he suggested, nodding to the school group, when they broke apart.

Robbie glanced to the kids, then jumped back a bit with an apologetic look for the teacher.

That reaction was momentary.

“Come on,” he said, grasping Toby’s hands and drawing him toward the family wing of the house. “I have a better idea of how we can celebrate this victory. I think we have just enough time before Dad and the others finish their tour.”

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