Chapter 35

CHAPTER 35

J ackson

Luca damn near broke my heart telling me his story, but he shatters it with his last words.

"Look at me," I ask, probably stronger than I should do, but I'm trying to hold it together. I can just about see him in the gloomy light—he looks wary.

"Is that what you think of me?"

He shrugs, trying to turn his head away, but I catch his face in my hands and turn it back. I want to look at him for this.

"I like you Luca, I like you a lot. Hell, I've never felt like this around anyone else. That's just you—not you offering me anything in return. It doesn't work like that. Genuine feelings don't have an agenda. It's not something we can give in order to gain something in return. It just happens, and there's nothing I can do to stop it."

"But I'm worthless, not worth your time."

"You are the most amazing person I've ever met—the bravest man I know. You're a survivor. You're talented, and you light my life up with your smile. Do you understand?"

He nods, and I see the tracks of tears down his cheeks. I wipe them away and draw him close again—I just need to hold him right now.

I wake to the half-light of early dawn. We're still in Luca's old bedroom, stretched out on the single bed. I'm pressed against the wall, with Luca's back curled into me and my arm round him.

My stomach grumbles, and I remember we haven't eaten since yesterday lunchtime. I climb over him and off the bed. He stirs slightly but doesn't wake.

I make us both some coffee and toast and return to the bedroom. Putting the tray down on the desk, I kneel by the bed.

"Luca," I call softly. I want to be the first thing he sees when he wakes up. He stirs and opens his eyes. I smile at him. I see the awareness of what happened flash across his face—and the wary look is back. He hasn't gone full mask, but I feel he might try to shut himself off from me again.

"How are you feeling?"

"I . . . er . . . ok I guess." He makes it up to a sitting position. I get up and sit down next to him.

"I brought us some coffee and breakfast, but first I want to do this." I reach for his chin and tilt my head to kiss him. A quick affirming kiss. I withdraw and take his hands, encompassing them within my own.

"Thank you for telling me your story last night. That took a lot of courage and I appreciate you trusting me enough to share it."

"You don't want to leave?" The hope in his eyes cuts through my heart. I've fallen hard for this man.

"No, I'm not going anywhere." He manages a smile.

"But I do have a question."

If this man is brave enough to go through everything he has and survive, then I can overcome my fears too.

"What is it?" his voice is barely more than a whisper.

I lift his hands and kiss his knuckles.

"Would you go on a date with me?"