Page 75 of You Could Do Better

Chris’ heart was pounding and he didn’t know what to say.

Joq headed up the path.

Chris squeezed the pin in his hand.

He strolled down the steps after him. Joq heard him and turned.

“Felt?” Chris asked once he was an inch away.

Joq shook his head. “Feel. What I feel.”

Chris searched his eyes. “You still have feelings for me?”

Joq laughed at him, but it wasn’t mean, not at all. “Too many feelings.”

Chris smiled; he felt giddy and scared, but he also felt good for the first time in a month.

“I have too many feelings for you too,” he said.

“Like wanting to punch me in the face?” Joq asked.

“Not even close,” Chris grinned. “That would be Brendan.”

Joq huffed a laugh and winced at the same time. “I’m really sorry. If I could do it all again—”

“Hey,” Chris reached for him and reeled him in with a hand on his back. “I’m sorry too.”

“What for?”

“Not accepting your apology the first time.”

“You shouldn’t accept it this time.”

“Well,” he grinned down at him, “unfortunately I’m still in love with you. And you got me this lovely pin.”

Joq wrapped his arms around him and Chris hugged him close; he was surprised by how fiercely Joq squeezed him back.

“I’m in love with you too. Come home.”

Chris kissed the top of his head and murmured his reply into his hair. “I’d love to.”

“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me,” came from behind them.

“Don’t start,” Chris leaned back and told Brendan, but he was watching Joq, who was watching him back, barely ruffled by Brendan’s interruption.

“Don’t start?” Brendan started up anyway and came closer. “You could do so much better!”

And Chris laughed, eyes never leaving Joq’s as Joq replied, “Maybe he can, but I can’t.”

Chris beamed and kissed him.