They’d started early, he and Jay, waking in the same bed, warm and content. After quick handjobs, showers, and a simple breakfast, they’d set to work, finishing up Jay’s deck. The day had been more brisk than the previous, so shirts and hooded sweatshirts stayed on, but that didn’t stop them from subtly finding ways to touch one another. Jay’s surprising affection grew more frequent, as well as his easy, relaxed smile. There was a comfort in their little place, hidden from prying eyes, out in the country. Aside from acting like horny teenagers, they had a light lunch of sandwiches, made small talk, and managed to finish all but the final staining of the wood. The more time Landon spent with Jay, the more a blossom of hope grew in his chest. He knew the real test would come when reality and Jay’s children returned to call, but sitting on the finished deck as the sun disappeared behind the tree-line, sipping coffee, made it hard to stress.
