Page 69 of Gideon's Gratitude

“I’m curious about one thing.”

“That is?”

“What about the other two rooms upstairs?”

His face fell. “I decorated them for the kids. Silly, I know, but I wanted this place to be ready if I ever got the chance. I would probably fit on Melodie’s single bed, but—”

“It’d feel wrong.”

Relief washed over his features as his brow unknit.

I understood. Perhaps a day or two ago I wouldn’t have, but I did now. “Look, there is another solution.”

“I’m all ears.”

“It’s an enormous bed.”

“Enormous…oh.” His eyes widened. “Yeah, but…wouldn’t that be awkward? For you? For me?”

Be honest.

“The thought of sharing a bed with a man isn’t repulsive to me.”

Another rub to the temple. “Platonically?”

“Or otherwise.”

His gaze shot to mine, and I shrugged.

“You’re gay?” Disbelief laced his tone.

“I’ll admit to being bi. I had a boyfriend in university. Then I met Thea, and everything clicked into place. I’d located the most-suitable partner who eventually became my spouse.” I ate the last piece of my roll and savored the fluffy texture. We hadn’t created a honey butter, but we could do that in the morning.

Gideon’s gaze hadn’t wavered.

“Have I surprised you?” I probably should’ve mentioned this before, but it hadn’t seemed relevant. Gideon knew I wasn’t judging him for being gay, so that was all that’d mattered. Now, though, honesty was critical. “Look, I’m not going to jump your bones if we share—”

“What if I want you to?”

Wait…what?I couldn’t have heard thatcorrectly.

“I, uh, mean.” He took a deep breath. “I mean, like not inthatway, you know?”

I didn’t. But I was perversely curious.

“I just, after the day I’ve had, don’t want to be alone.” He let out an exhalation. Then promptly rubbed his temple.

Be honest.“I can do that. Hold you, I mean. I enjoy holding you.” What would this entail? I’d never done anything remotely like this.

“It feels right, you know?”

I did know. “Why don’t I clean up while you head upstairs?”

He held my gaze.

“This is on your terms. Whatever makes you comfortable.”

“What about you?”

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