Page 50 of Dance With Me
“Thatis a tough question, and one that I’ve struggled with. The honest answer is that I was a coward. Telling Clare isn’t the issue, but I suppose the timing of when I did it has been. I had the chance to do it on Thursday evening but chickened out. I wanted her to have this weekend, to spend some time with her folks. Plus, I wanted to speak to you first too and see if we were on the same page.
“Not saying I wouldn’t have called it off if you didn’t feel the same, because I would have done. I just wanted to know if there was any hope you felt the same. Do you, Seb?” Joe looked at him with such adoration in his eyes. “Could we make this work?”
“You know, Joe. I think we are and we could, but I won’t start anything until you’ve told Clare. I don’t cheat Joe, not ever.”
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Joe
Joe couldn’t have been happier with the outcome of his confession to Seb. His heart fucking soared. He hoped Seb would agree to spend the rest of the day with him in light of their newfound ‘friendship.’
He’d agreed with Seb’s decision to hold off until he’d told Clare. It wouldn’t be right, and he was feeling guilty enough with his not telling her already. He and Seb had a lot to discuss, though.
The hard bit over and done with, he made more coffee, and they went back to sit out on the patio. The sun got hotter as the day progressed. The previous tension between them had gone, and they were back to their usual light chatter. They flirted a little, and neither of them could help the small touches that passed between them. Seb teased Joe about his lack of music knowledge and terrible singing voice, and Joe teased him about football skills. Joe couldn’t remember ever being this happy. He was so grateful Seb had decided to stay a little longer.
“I’m going to need to head back home soon,” Seb said as he leaned back in the chair, his eyes closed. “Although, I could happily stay here for the rest of the day. It’s so peaceful here.”
Joe would have been happy for him to stay and never go home, but it was a little early for such decisions. He felt so much lighter now he’d confessed his attraction to Seb, and even though he wanted nothing more than to kiss him stupid, he knew he should wait.
“You can stay as long as you want; there’s no rush.” Joe touched Seb’s hand gently. “I like having you here, in my house, and Rocco’s having a great time with all the space in the garden.” They’d both played football with the dog, and Seb had brought along his favourite chew toy. Rocco was lying contentedly in the shade, chewing away.
“I know, but I can’t stay here all day. Clare will be home soon, and I don’t want to run into her. I feel bad enough already.”
Joe felt guilty that Seb believed himself responsible for Joe’s decision to end the engagement, despite his assurances that he shouldn’t.
“As I said yesterday, Clare won’t be home until later tonight. You have plenty of time.” Joe would love for him to stay but wouldn’t pressure him if he wasn’t comfortable.
“I know, but I have to get some washing and cleaning done in the apartment. I like to get a head start on the week, and I won’t have much time if I don’t go now. I’ve had a great weekend, though, Joe.” Seb looked over at him and held his hand. “The food, the wine, the company. Words can’t explain how I feel, though, knowing we were having the same thoughts.” Seb stood and trailed his hand across Joe’s shoulder as he walked past him towards the house. Joe shuddered beneath his touch. “I’d better go and get dressed.”
Fuck, if just a single touch could do that to him… He shivered again. He didn’t want to go there right now.
While Seb was upstairs getting ready, Joe collected Rocco’s things and put them into Seb’s backpack. He looked around for anything else that might be lying around but couldn’t see anything. Seb came down, dressed in the same clothes he’d worn yesterday.
“I’ve left the clothes you lent me on the bed upstairs. I didn’t want to go into your room. Is that OK?”
“No worries. I’ll put them in the laundry basket later.”
They stood looking at each other, neither knowing what to do or say now the time had come to say goodbye. Joe stepped forward and put his arms around Seb’s waist, pulling him close.
“Is this all right? I don’t want to overstep or presume too much at this stage,” he said quietly.
Seb put his arms around his neck and snuggled into it. Joe gently leaned in and placed a kiss on Seb’s forehead. A sweet, soft kiss that lasted mere seconds but meant the world. He reluctantly pulled away and opened his eyes. Seb had a dreamy smile on his face, his eyes still closed.
“Mmm, I really want more, but I know we have to wait. It’s worth it, though, just knowing we can do it again.” Seb slowly opened his eyes. “I really should go, but you’re making it difficult.”
Joe was tempted to ask him to stay for longer, but he knew if he did, they might well end up doing more than either of them was ready for, and he wouldn’t want him to leave.
Seb picked up his bag, and Joe took Rocco’s lead. He opened the front door for Seb and walked with him to the car. Once Seb was inside and ready to go, he opened the window.
Joe leaned against the car. “I’ll call or text you tomorrow and let you know how it went. We can make arrangements to meet up later, but only if you want to.”
“I’d like that. I have lessons until around five pm, then I’ll be free. Dom will be with me, so no need to worry, OK?” Seb looked relaxed, and Joe was more than happy to know he’d done that. He’d put that look on his face.
“Just make sure you stay safe. I don’t want anything to happen to you. Wish me luck for tomorrow?” He took Seb’s hand and brought it to his mouth, kissing it gently.
“Good luck, Joe.” Seb slowly removed his hand from his, put the car in gear, and drove away, waving as he left.
Now Seb was gone, Joe could finally reflect on the events of the weekend. He smiled to himself, secure in the knowledge that Seb returned his feelings and they would finally be able to be together. It felt like a weight had been lifted, and he could be himself again.
