“You know, I’m starting to believe that.I know that everyone isn’t happy to have me here, but that’s what families are like, isn’t it?You’re not going to get along with every single member.I guess that as long as Tyne doesn’t try to kill me, it doesn’t really matter how much or how little he likes me.”
Emory was glad that Graham was finally understanding that.“Just stay away from him.I’m sure he’ll stay away from you.”
“I have no doubt about that.But Penley, Ansley, and Keylon don’t want to stay away from me.I really think they do like me.”
“Why shouldn’t they?You’re a very likable person.”
Graham blinked.“I am?”
“You are,” Emory confirmed.“You rarely let people see the real you, but when you do, it’s nice.”
Graham’s cheeks turned pink.“Thank you.You’re really nice, too.”
Emory took a step closer.“Am I?”
“Yeah.I mean, not a lot of people would’ve decided to be my friend after what happened, but you did.”
Emory had, but right now, he was thinking things that weren’t very friendly.There was nothing friendly about him wanting to lay Graham on his bed and have his way with him.There was nothing friendly about how he wondered what Graham looked like under the baggy clothes he always wore.What would Graham think of that?Would it scare him?Would he want it as much as Emory did?
There was only one way for Emory to find out.It was a risk, but he’d taken many of those recently, and it all ended up being for the better.He’d faced Carlyle and had won that fight.He’d never have to deal with his ex ever again, and while he hadn’t allowed himself to look at the future for decades, now, he finally could.
He didn’t know if his future would be with Graham or if this was just a step, but right now, he didn’t think that mattered.The only thing that did was that he wanted to see more of Graham.He wanted to spend time with him, to hug him, to wake up with him.He wanted to reassure him that he’d always have a place to call home, even though he’d lost the only blood relative he’d had.He wanted to tell him that he was never leaving him, even though he wasn’t quite sure that was true.
There was no way for anyone to know what the future would be like, but Emory knew what hewantedit to be like.He wanted to explore what was happening with Graham, and he was pretty sure that Graham wanted the same thing.
That was why he didn’t hesitate when he cupped Graham’s cheek.Graham leaned forward instantly, his eyes fluttering shut.They didn’t stay shut for long, though.When Emory leaned forward and brushed their noses together, Graham’s eyes flew open again.He watched Emory with wide eyes, his mouth just a little open, giving Emory a peek of what was waiting for him inside.
He wanted it, so he took it.
He leaned even closer and pressed their lips together.Graham opened his mouth, and Emory dove in.It had been decades since he’d last kissed anyone.In fact, he hadn’t kissed anyone since Carlyle.Briefly, he wondered if the gesture would bring back bad memories, but kissing Graham was nothing like kissing Carlyle.
Carlyle had wanted to be in control...always.He was usually the instigator, the one who took and expected Emory to follow.Emory always did because it was what was expected of him.He was Carlyle’s shield.
He wasn’t Graham’s.
That was okay.In fact, it was a good thing.He didn’twantto be Graham’s shield.He never wanted to be anyone’s shield ever again, and he wouldn’t be.Graham didn’t need a shield.He needed a boyfriend, and Emory wouldn’t mind taking on that role.
Graham looked a little dazed when Emory leaned back.For a moment, they watched each other, and when Emory smiled, Graham smiled back.
“I didn’t expect this to happen when I knocked on your door,” he murmured.
Emory pressed their foreheads together.“I didn’t, either.You were unexpected.”
“I don’t know about that, but this definitely was.I liked it.”
“That’s good because I liked it, too.I’d like it even more if I could do it again.”
Graham nodded.“I’d like that, too, but would it be okay if we talked first?”
Emory wanted to say no.He didn’t want to talk.He wanted to lose himself in Graham and to ignore everything else for a little while.That wouldn’t be fair to Graham, though.He wanted to talk, and it was the least Emory could give him.
* * * *
GRAHAM’S HEART HAMMEREDin his chest.He’d been in Emory’s space before when he’d worried about him right after he’d been wounded the day Carlyle had died, but this was different.No one was worried or injured today.Graham was freaking out, but it was the good kind of nervousness.
He didn’t know what to do about it.
“I wasn’t expecting to kiss you tonight,” Emory said.There was a hesitancy in his voice that made Graham’s chest tighten.“Or ever, maybe.I didn’t think this was possible considering the circumstances.I, well, I didn’t think I could ever trust someone this way again, not after Carlyle.I’m still not sure I can.That part of me is broken.”