Page 112 of A Hard Sell

’Cause it’s clear to see

That it won’t be me

I guess I’m way too shy

Please come over and say hi.”

Thomas stood and took the guitar from Luka’s hands, carefully placing it back in the stand. He leaned over and kissed him, before he pulled back an inch. “Hi,” he said, looking deep into Luka’s eyes.

“Hi,” Luka replied, so happy he could die.

“That’s my new favorite song,” Thomas said, pulling Luka to his feet and wrapping his arms around him.

Luka grinned at him like an idiot. “Like I said, sap.”

Then Thomas whispered into his ear, sending goosebumps skittering down Luka’s spine. “Let’s go back to bed, and I’ll show you just how much of a sap I can be.”

So he did. Twice. Then later, tangled up in sweaty sheets, before they drifted off to sleep, Thomas murmured, “I’ll have to find a new place to live.”

Luka’s gaze landed on his copy ofPride and Prejudice, still with the cherry blossoms pressed between its pages. “You can stay with me while you look.”

Thomas never left.

Epilogue

To the Sea

One Year Later

“I can’t believe we’re doing this,” Luka muttered as they approached the Bitter Exchange.

Thomas gave him an amused look. “You didn’thaveto agree to come.”

Luka sighed. “No, but I’m a good person.”

Thomas chuckled. “You just want to see if he crashes and burns.”

“I amshockedandappalledat such accusations…” Luka began, pressing a hand to his chest.

Thomas rolled his eyes affectionately as he held open the door. “Mmm. After you.”

The pub was packed, a small stage set up in one corner. Luka waved at the Breakpoint crowd as they headed over.

“Hey guys,” Tawney chirped, kissing them each on the cheek. “Ooh, is that…is that an actualcoloryou’re wearing, Thomas?” She ogled his cobalt-blue button-down. “You lookgorgeous.”

“Ha!” Luka crowed, squeezing Thomas’ waist. “I told you. We went shopping,” he explained to Tawney. “There were threats if he bought anything black or gray.”

Thomas grunted, trying not to smile. “Thanks, Tawney.”

“Well, look who showed up!” Finn appeared, slapping Luka on the back. “You almost missed the show. Did you guys get, uh, ‘held up’?”he asked with obnoxious air quotes.

Luka scowled at him while also blushing, because that was, in fact, the reason they were late. They had taken a shower together and… Well, things had gotten very dirty before they had gotten clean.

But Thomas stepped in smoothly. “Says the guy who walked into a wall the other day because he was sexting with his spouse.”

Finn flapped his gums for a minute then flounced off toward the bar, muttering something about Rory starting it.

Luka snickered and leaned in to whisper in Thomas’ ear. “I love you.”

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