Page 76 of Poles Apart
“Have you got five minutes? I wanted to tell you something.” His heart was beating so fast, and his hands were shaking. He thought he was hyperventilating, but he took a deep breath and calmed himself. It was now or never.
He took Jacob’s hand and led him to an area a little way from the eyes of any teachers or parents where a small bench was nestled under some trees. He sat, encouraging Jacob to do the same.
“Dom. You’re worrying me now.” Jacob did look worried, and he knew he had to say something quickly before he started to panic.
“Right, yes. I, er. Yep, need to say something.” It was rare that Dom was at a loss for words, but this was one of those times.
“I’m listening.” Jacob looked at him encouragingly.
He hadn’t thought this through at all and had absolutely no idea how he was going to tell him. Did he blurt it out, or should he try and explain? Fuck, he was such a twat!
“I love you!” he almost shouted. “I mean. No, that’s what I mean, but...fuck! That came out all wrong.” He stood and walked away from the bench but was pulled back onto Jacob’s lap.
He turned and straddled Jacob’s thighs, looking down, not wanting to see his face.
“Hey, look at me.” Jacob put a finger under his chin and lifted his head. He looked into Jacob’s eyes, not sure what he was hoping to see.
“Now, tell me again, but don’t shout this time.” Jacob had that fucking smirk on his face again. He was enjoying his discomfort far too much.
Dom took another deep breath. “I love you. I think I have for a while, but I wasn’t sure about telling you. But today, with Joe and Seb, it brought it home to me that I need to tell you. You deserve to know. And I don’t expect you to say it back…”
His words were cut off as Jacob kissed him. A ghost of a touch, over and over again. He kissed his lips, his jaw, his nose and even his eyes.
“Thank you,” Jacob whispered. “Thank you for saying it.”
Dom was hoping this wasn’t a brush off and the need to flee was strong, but Jacob wrapped his arms around his waist.
“Don’t think you’re going anywhere now that I have you.” Jacob had a big grin on his face. It gave Dom hope.
“I love you too, you idiot. Why do you think I’ve stayed around? I couldn’t leave you now if I tried. It’s always been you, Dom. I was waiting for you. Waiting to see if you felt the same way.” Jacob held Dom’s face in his hands and looked deep into his eyes. “When I said I loved you all those years ago, it was true. I did love you, and I don’t think I’ve ever stopped.”
Dom felt relieved at his words, and a grin spread across his face. He sagged against Jacob, throwing his arms around his neck.
“I can’t believe it’s taken us so long to get here. Who’d have thought all those years ago that we’d be here? I did love you then, but after you left, I got a little lost along the way, and if I’m honest, I tried to chase away those feelings in ways I don’t want to talk about right now. But I will tell you. I will be honest with you. That’s what boyfriends do, isn’t it? Confide in each other?”
He leaned back and gazed at Jacob’s face.
“Boyfriends. I think I like that. I’m not going away again. This time I’m here to stay, and I hope you are too.” Jacob ran his hands under his shirt, and Dom shivered.
“I know this sounds fucking cheesy, and there’s nowhere I’d rather be right now, but don’t you have to collect Abby from school?” Jacob stood quickly, managing to catch Dom before he fell to the ground.
“Shit, I almost forgot.” He put him gently on his feet and grabbed his hand. “We’d best get moving. You can follow me home, and I’ll cook. In fact, go home and ask your brother to join us. It can be a family affair.”
Dom’s heart soared at his words. Family. Something he and Jordan hadn’t had for a long time. He squeezed his hand and swung it between them as they walked back to their cars. He couldn’t remember ever feeling this happy. Even dancing didn’t give him this much of a high. They kissed briefly as they reached their cars, and Dom promised he’d be with him soon. They could cancel Abby’s lesson tonight. This was more important.
As he arrived home, he ran to their apartment, grinning as he went. This was the best fucking day ever, and as he burst through the door, he was met by another sight that made his day. His brother was slipping a ring onto Charlie’s finger, a bouquet of flowers and a bottle of champagne on the table in front of them.
“What’s going on, Jordan? You dark horse, you.”
His brother groaned and rolled his eyes. “I didn’t think you’d be home yet, and I wanted it to be a surprise.”
“I’ll say it’s a surprise. When were you going to tell me? Not that I’m not happy for you, but you could have said.”
“We were going to tell you tonight,” Charlie spoke softly, a shy look on her face, “and things moved so quickly. We didn’t want to wait.”
He hugged the happy couple. This was going to be the best day he’d ever had.
“Grab the champagne. We’re going to Jacob’s. I finally told him Jordan, and you were right.”
