Closet Confession

“Did you really file paperwork with HR?” Justin asked.

“I did. You said to push send.” Uncertainty filled Derek’s voice, and he hated he put that look there yet again.

“I’ll turn mine in tonight,” Justin stated, smiling as the uncertainty faded and Derek’s thumb caressed his hand. He supposed that meant he approved of the answer. “I’m gonna admit, your aunt scares me a little bit.”

“Yeah, me too. She lives a couple of blocks up. We can have breakfast and walk the blocks. She’ll be up and dressed by the time we get there. Thank you for going with me,” Derek said again and lifted their joined hands.

“It feels good,” he offered as they came to the first red light on the block.

“I agree, real good.” Derek leaned in, meeting him more than halfway with puckered lips. Justin watched those dancing green eyes challenge him.

“It’s like a Band-Aid,” Derek teased, leaning a little farther in. Justin manned-up and slightly extended for the kiss. It was quick and fast, but the warmth in his cheeks flared. “You’ve made me a very happy man this morning. Your family next?”

“Baby steps. We’ll get our game plan in place where they’re concerned this afternoon.”

“I’ll take what I can get as long as we throw marriage into the mix.” Derek waggled his eyebrows at him. What? Where had marriage ever come from? That was completely new, but as the idea settled over him, he found he really liked it. Trying to hide his excitement, he fished his sunglasses from his hoodie pocket and slid them in place as they reached the corner.

“I’ll talk marriage if you talk beachfront property.” The light changed and he stepped out into the crosswalk.

“Beachfront property?” Derek questioned, falling in step beside him.

“Yeah, I bet you look really good wearing nothing but sand.” They walked side by side, hand in hand, into the small cafe.

The End