Page 149 of Better Late Than Never

“Yes. Definitely.”

We let the bride and groom know we were stepping out for a few minutes, and then we slipped out of the ballroom and onto the walk along the James River. As soon as we were outside, we both released long breaths. I didn’t need to ask if he was as relieved as I was, and I couldn’t even say for sure if this was our PTSD or if the noise and activity would’ve been overwhelming anyway.

Whatever. Being out here was a relief. That was all that mattered.

Across the water, the Norfolk waterfront was lit up and buzzing with Saturday night activity. Here in Portsmouth, things were quieter aside from the wedding reception. My ears were still ringing a little, but this helped. So did the cool breeze; I hadn’t even realized how stuffy the reception hall had gotten.

“Oh, man.” I exhaled. “It’s so nice out here.”

“Right? I was having a blast, but…” He waved at the reception hall. “I needed some air.”

“Same.”

He gently bumped his shoulder against mine. “And a little one-on-one time with you.”

I laughed, bumping him back. “So the one-on-one time we had last night and this morning didn’t count?”

“I didn’t say that.” He grinned. “I’m going easy on the champagne tonight because I’m hoping there’ll bemoreof that one-on-one time when we get back.”

I shivered. Seeing each other as rarely as we did, we were almost insatiable in the bedroom whenever we were in the same place. I loved it. “Guess I should go easy on the champagne, too.”

“If you want to get railed in that shower again…”

I bit my lip. “You’re such a tease.”

“Nah.” He drew me closer, and just before he kissed my cheek, murmured, “Teases don’t follow through.”

“Goddamn…”

He laughed wickedly. Then he found my mouth, and oh, my God, I was never going to get tired of the way he kissed. I wrapped my arms around him, and we just stole that long, quiet moment for a gentle kiss. It was still novel, being able to do this out in public, just like when we’d danced inside. We still had to be as cautious as any queer men were in public places, but we didn’t have to worry any longer about the Navy catching us. In fact, we were in full view of at least two ships in dry dock across the river. I doubted anyone aboard could see us, or would care if they did, but I still enjoyed the lack of worry on our part.

When Connor broke the kiss, he held my gaze for a moment. Then he dropped his and shifted it toward the water, some unspoken thought in his eyes.

“Hey.” I put my hands on his waist. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing. Nothing’s wrong. I…” He licked his lips. Then he gently took my hand off his waist and laced our fingers together. “I, um… I wanted to ask—are things still going good with your therapist?”

Thatwas what he wanted to talk about right now?

“Um. Yeah. She’s…” I pushed out a breath. “She’s been amazing.”

“Good. Good, I’m glad.” He gazed out at the water with a thoughtful expression I couldn’t quite read. Then, speaking softly, he asked, “Does she do televisits regularly? Or just when you’re out of town?”

“What do you mean?”

“Like if you didn’t stay in Corpus Christi, could you still see her?” He turned to me. “Virtually?”

“I… Yeah, I think so? She said she has patients who are fully virtual for various reasons.” I tilted my head. “Why?”

He swallowed. “Because I don’t want to ask you to give up your therapist. She’s obviously been great for you, and I wouldn’t want to take that away.” He looked in my eyes. “But would televisits with her be enough?”

Puzzled, I half-shrugged. “I don’t see why not. But… why?”

“I was just thinking…” He took a deep breath and gripped my hand a little tighter. “It would be a lot harder to see her in person if you came to Spain with me.”

I blinked. “If I came to… Like if Imovedto Spain?”

He nodded. “And wherever the Navy sends me next.”

---