Jared nodded. “I got it. But we’re not starting right now, right?”
“No, but we do have to get up in the morning to go buy paint.”
“It’ll be fine. We’ll get up.” He pulled Nate close, his crotch pressing against Nate’s thigh.
Nate sucked on his teeth. “Seems like somebody already is,” he teased.
With a groan, Jared rested his forehead on Nate’s shoulder. “Don’t say things like that.”
“To be young, huh?” Nate said and reached between them. He cupped the front of Jared’s pants. “Okay, you have my attention, but you’ll have to settle for a hand job. A quick one.”
“Seriously?”
“If you’d prefer to go straight to sleep—”
Jared lifted his head. “No, quick is good.”
Nate chuckled, gently tapping the back of his hand to Jared’s bulge-strained pants. He met Jared’s eyes. “Come on,” he said and took hold of Jared’s hand.
Time is precious.
“I love you.” Jared held Nate’s hand tightly, tugging him back and into an embrace. “I mean it.”
Nate smiled, relaxing into Jared’s hold. “I know you do.” He stroked Jared’s jaw and angled his head to meet him in a long, firm kiss.
And I intend to make the most of our time together.
They made their way to the bedroom in between kisses, laughter, and hugging and stripping away layers of clothing, until they came to lie together on the bed. They lay facing each other, each grasping the other’s dick.
Nate nipped at Jared’s bottom lip and gripped his erection, shifting his pace from long, firm strokes, to rougher, quick tugs.
Jared let out a throaty grunt.
“Oh.” Nate turned his head, pressed his face into his pillow as heat rose in his gut, excited by the prolonged kissing and touching.
I want to come so bad.
Jared slid his free hand over Nate’s hips, encouraging him closer before tracing his fingers backward and toward Nate’s butt.
“Hey,” Nate uttered and bit at Jared’s chin.
“What?” Jared grinned, slipped his hand lower and pressed between Nate’s butt cheeks.
“You don’t play fair,” Nate said.
“All’s fair in love and…” Jared kissed Nate. “Something, something.”
Nate clenched his ass. “Behave.” He thrust his hand down, his fist bumping Jared’s swollen balls.
“Ah,” Jared groaned. He dug his fingers into the flesh of Nate’s ass as he thrust into Nate’s hand. “Fuck.”
“Together,” Nate said, smashing his mouth to Jared’s, hungry kisses, panting, overwhelming sounds and sensations as they brought each other to a climax. Jared first, Nate chasing his own orgasm a heavy heartbeat later.
“Fuck,” Jared said again and rolled onto his back.
Huffing a breath, Nate sat up. He leaned over and kissed Jared. His heart was still racing. “Let’s clean up and get some sleep,” he said.
Jared caught hold of Nate’s hand. “I love you.”
Nate smiled. “Same.”
“What’s that?” Jared came to stand behind Nate in front of Luka’s bedroom door.
“It’s a surprise.” He pressed the wrapped gift to his chest.
They’d spent the morning staring at various shades of green paint, then paintbrushes as the ones Nate had thought they were going to use were still covered in paint and hard as rock.
When was the last time I used them?
“Please?” Jared hugged him from behind.
“It’s not for you,” Nate said. “It’s for Luka.” He glanced down at the purple tissue paper wrapping. “And maybe a little bit for me.”
Jared rested his chin on Nate’s shoulder. “Are you okay?” His tone changed from teasing to soothing. “You’re not regretting us, right?”
Nate raised his arm and stroked the back of Jared’s hair. “Don’t make me have to repeat myself. I’m a grown man making grown-up decisions. I want to be with you. Maybe all these years I was waiting for you somehow.” He leaned his head to Jared’s. “I’m too realistic to believe in things like fate, but, just maybe, Luka turning up at your office was a little bit of that.”
Jared kissed his cheek.
“Anyway. This.” He unwrapped the paper to reveal the wooden plaque.
“Luka,” Jared read.
“It’s to replace the one on his bedroom door.” He touched the raised lettering. “He’s always moving forward; he’s growing up.” He looked at Jared. “And I guess I need to do the same, well, the moving forward part.” He held the sign up, covering the one that had been on Luka’s door since he was a baby. “Time to move. Not exactly earth-shattering but for me, for you, it’s a sign I’m ready. At least, to wrap up the old one with great care, and tuck it away in a box somewhere safe.” He chuckled, his smile falling away as he turned his hand. “This, however, I’m not quite ready to take off,” he said of his wedding band. “It’s too final feeling for now at least.”
“You don’t have to ever take it off if you don’t want to.” Jared wrapped his hand around Nate’s.
Nate shook his head. “No. That’s sweet of you to say, but no, one day, when I’m ready, it’ll come off. I just need a bit longer, you know?” He faced Jared. “Is that okay?”
Jared hugged him. “As long as you need.”
“Thanks.” Nate closed his eyes and rested his head on Jared’s chest. He listened to the beat of Jared’s heart, such a comforting sound.
One day, not too far from now, I’ll be ready.
“I love you,” he uttered.
And I’ll fill my heart up with you.
Epilogue
“Luka, dinner,” Nate called from the kitchen.
“Coming,” he yelled, his feet thundering along the corridor as he rushed to the dining table.
“Did you wash your hands?” Nate asked.
“Yes.” He looked at Jared. “Did you?”
Jared laughed. “Yes, cheeky.” He pulled Luka’s chair out, resting his arm on the back when Luka sat down.
“What is it?” Luka asked when Nate put a plate in front of him.
“You really are being cheeky tonight.”
Nate handed Jared a plate. He smirked as if he was going to ask the same question. “Chicken noodle casserole,” Nate said
