Page 77 of A Hard Sell

Could I have you

For a day…”

The chatter slowed in the audience, hands stilling. More and more faces turned to watch him.

“Could I touch you

Hold your hand

Could I smile at you

Is there a way?

Is there a way

For us to be…”

Thomas was leaning forward over the table, hands clasped to forearms, lips pressed together, like he was holding onto what oxygen he could. Like he was breathless.

“Could I love you?

Kiss you, hold you

What will it take

For you to say…”

Thomas’ eyes crinkled as his smile grew. The audience seemed to take a collective breath, sensing something was happening. A few people even craned their necks around, looking to see who Luka was singing to.

“Is there a way

For us to be…

Be the one

Be your love

Be forever yours.”

The music faded to nothing, and a silence fell over the room. The quiet held for another breath, until one person clapped, then they all did.

Luka’s face hurt from how big his smile was. But he was only smiling at Thomas.

And Thomas was smiling back.

The host jumped back up on stage and took the mic. “Luka Moreno, everybody! Let’s hope he’ll be back again soon!”

Luka stepped off the stage, slinging his guitar around onto his back. He nodded absentmindedly at the kind comments being thrown at him, because he could only think about one thing at that moment.

Thomas had unfolded himself from his seat and was working his way through the narrow space toward Luka. Their eyes were locked, gold on blue, and the rest of the room had fallen away.

Luka threw his arms around Thomas as soon as he could reach, hugging him fiercely. Thomas’ hands slid around his waist, then were warm on his back. His nose was pressed to Thomas’ neck and he inhaled deeply, the now familiar spicy citrus scent like a drug in his veins. Thomas hugged him back. It was a long hug. Their hearts were beating at the same too-fast speed.

Luka pulled away to look at Thomas, but only a few inches. Their noses were almost touching.

“You did it.” Thomas’ face was split in a grin that mirrored Luka’s own.

“I did it.”

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