Chapter Twelve
“Are you sure about this, Justin?” William asked as they exited the car. He was so nervous that he was practically shaking.
“You said you wanted us to be a real couple.” Justin took his hand. “This is what real couples do.”
“I’m pretty sure all your friends hate me though.” William knew he’d told them all about the past and how he’d been acting since he’d been home.
“It’s going to be fine. I promise.” William could only nod and let Justin lead the way.
Inside, the gallery was filled with incredible paintings. William was in awe of their beauty. He stopped by one he found simply mesmerizing.
“This is amazing.” The painting depicted a bloodred rose with the petals artfully falling to the bottom where a small pile sat.
“Yeah, Gabe does good work.”
Across the room, William saw Maddox and the man he was holding hands with heading in their direction. He tightly squeezed Justin’s hand.
“Hey, Justin.” Maddox gave him a fist bump, then the man he was with hugged Justin. “I’m so glad you’re here, man.” It was then that he seemed to notice William. He looked quizzically at Justin.
Justin shrugged one shoulder. “William, this is Maddox’s boyfriend, Emmanuel.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Emmanuel extended his hand and William took it. “What do you think of my brother’s work so far?”
“Your brother did all this?” William asked in surprise. Emmanuel smiled and nodded. “It’s some of the best artwork I’ve seen.”
“Hey, babe,” Maddox got Emmanuel’s attention. “Why don’t you take William around and tell him some of the stories about Gabe’s stuff?”
“Are you okay with that?” Justin leaned over to whisper in his ear. William nodded and followed Emmanuel. Over his shoulder, he could see Maddox pull Justin to the side.
“Where should we start?” Emmanuel wondered.
“How about the rose?” William asked.
“Oh, A Moment in Time .” He and Emmanuel walked over to the painting. “Gabe painted this a few years ago. He said he had captured the perfect moment in the life cycle of a rose.”
“It is an incredible piece. Do you think your brother would be willing to part with it?”
“I’m sure we could work something out. Why don’t you give me a call on Monday?” Emmanuel handed him his card then turned his head, looking in the direction that Maddox and Justin had gone. William looked as well. The two of them looked deep in conversation. “What would you like to see next?” Emmanuel asked him.
“Whatever you want to show me.” William shrugged. “I assume that this is the part where you keep me busy while Maddox questions Justin about our relationship.” William watched as Henry joined Justin and Maddox. He was a little worried that they would think this was a bad idea, and Justin would tell him that he changed his mind.
“It would seem so,” Emmanuel told him. “Sorry.” The man looked sheepish and a little tense.
“I completely understand their need to make sure Justin hasn’t lost his mind. I’m probably the last person anyone would expect to see him with,” William said, trying to keep his voice light. That caused Emmanuel to relax. “Come on, show me some more paintings.”
They walked around for at least ten minutes, all the while he was trying not to think about what Justin’s friends might be saying. He did his best to shake off the feelings of dread. Before too long, he felt a warm hand on his shoulder. He turned to look into Justin’s eyes. Justin winked at him before putting his arm around his waist and turning him to face his friends.
“William, do you remember my friend Henry?” William nodded.
Henry held out his hand. “I’ve heard so much about you.” His voice wasn’t hostile or scornful; he simply sounded annoyed as he dragged out the word so . The disapproving look he was giving him was enough to cause his cheeks to heat with shame.
“I’m sure you have.” William sighed, accepting the handshake. “I hope you’ll give me a chance to show you that I’m not that person anymore.”
“We’ll see.” Henry tilted his head to one side, narrowing his eyes on him.
“Back off, Henry.” Justin’s voice was calm, but his hand tightened on William’s waist.
“I’m just saying, let him prove that he’s past all that, and then we’ll see where we stand.” Henry shrugged.
Justin opened his mouth to again defend him, but William was already answering. “That sounds fair.”
As they were standing there, a man, who looked a lot like Emmanuel, came to join them. “How’s it going, guys?” he asked.
“Great, man. And you?” Maddox asked, looking a little anxious.
The man nodded, giving Maddox a covert thumbs-up before turning to him. “I don’t think we’ve met. Gabriel Kendrick.” He held out his hand.
“William Harper,” he said, shaking Gabriel’s hand.
“Very nice to meet you,” Gabriel told him. “I just came to let you guys know that it’s time for my appreciation speech. You should all come up to the front.”
“Come on, guys.” Maddox grabbed Emmanuel’s hand, pulling him after his brother. The rest of the group followed.
“Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention?” Suddenly, Gabriel was in the middle of the gallery, a beautiful woman at his side, with a microphone. The crowd instantly fell silent. “I want to thank you all for being here. Your support means everything to me. I love my wife and friends, and they’ve been loyal, compassionate, and understanding. But there is one person who has always been there for me, through thick and thin, for the great days and the extremely unbearable. Someone who has always been my biggest fan. I hope he knows that I’m his biggest fan as well. And I’m glad I get to finally see him happy.”
Still holding Emmanuel’s hand, Maddox joined Gabriel. “What are you doing?” Emmanuel asked in a whisper, which echoed through the microphone.
Maddox gently cupped Emmanuel’s face. “Your brother’s art shows will always be special to me.” He stroked the man’s cheek. “That’s where I fell in love with my angel.”
William could see Emmanuel blush from where he was. Justin pulled him closer, and William gave in to the urge to lean his head against his shoulder.
“Em, I know we just moved in together, but it has been so amazing. Every day with you is. I couldn’t have asked for anything more perfect, and I want that forever.” Maddox dropped to one knee in front of Emmanuel, who gasped and covered his mouth. “Marry me, baby.” He produced a small velvet box from his pocket, and tears streamed down Emmanuel’s cheeks.
This moment was so beautiful that William felt honored to witness it. It literally took his breath away, and he found himself holding it as the entire gallery waited for Emmanuel’s answer.
“Yes,” Emmanuel breathed out. Maddox took the ring out of the box and slid it on Emmanuel’s left hand. Emmanuel looked at it and shook his head as if he couldn’t believe that this was happening. Maddox got to his feet and pulled Emmanuel into his arms, kissing him deeply.
William looked up at Justin, his face was a mix of joy and envy. Suddenly he realized why Justin wasn’t interested in a hookup. He wanted what his friends had. If he was being honest, he wanted that, too. Justin looked over at him. The only way to describe the look on his face was to say that it was full of need. William wasn’t exactly sure what he needed, only that he really wanted to be the one to give it to him.
“Let’s go congratulate the happy couple then go back to your place,” Justin whispered to him. When he nodded, Justin pulled him toward them. “Damn, Madd, this is incredible.” Justin hugged him, then Emmanuel. “Why didn’t you tell us you were proposing tonight?”
“Honestly, I’ve been thinking about it for a while. When we got here tonight, I just knew.”
Justin hugged him again. “You don’t know how happy I am for you.” Maddox whispered something to Justin, and Justin shrugged.
Henry, who had been hugging Emmanuel, put his hand on Maddox’s shoulder. “That had to be the most romantic thing I’ve ever seen. I’m not sure how anyone’s proposal could top that.”
A crowd of people had formed around them. “We’re going to get out of the way,” Justin told Maddox. “Congratulations, man.” He grabbed William’s hand and led him through the flock of well-wishers.
“Justin,” a man called happily, and they stopped. “Hey, man, it’s been like forever.”
“Stew, wow, it’s good to see you.” Justin stopped to talk to the man.
“I’m going to go to the restroom,” William whispered to him. He nodded and continued his conversation.
William went into the bathroom. Seconds later, the door opened again, and someone walked in behind him. “Is this some kind of sick game to you?”
William turned around to see Henry glaring at him. “I don’t play games,” he said.
“Then what are you doing with Justin?” Henry demanded.
“I like him,” William told him.
“Oh yeah, since when?” he sneered.
“Believe me, I know what a monster I’ve been, and that I can’t undo what I’ve done. All I can do is not make the same mistakes going forward. We got to know one another, and we liked what we found. I don’t know what else to say.”
“I don’t trust you.” Henry shook his head. “And I don’t want to see Justin get hurt by you anymore.”
“I’m not trying to hurt him, in any way.” This is what William had been waiting for all night, the friend that deeply disapproved of them together and wasn’t afraid to tell him so.
Henry let out a heavy sigh. “Look, if you’re not really into this, stop now, before you break his heart.” Henry looked him up and down then shook his head and walked out of the bathroom.
William finished up, replaying the conversation with Henry in his head. It made him doubt himself. Was this something he and Justin should be doing? Was someone going to get hurt? He must have still looked pensive when he reached Justin.
“You okay?” the man asked. William forced a smile and nodded. Justin grabbed his hand and squeezed. “Ready to get out of here?”
“Yes.” Justin pulled him along to the exit and out to the truck.
“How did you like the show?” Justin asked as he drove.
“Emmanuel’s brother is incredibly talented. I talked to Emmanuel about buying the rose painting.”
“I could definitely see that in your bedroom.” Justin glanced over at him with a smile before putting his hand on his knee. “Did I tell you how fantastic you look tonight?”
“Do I?” Heat rushed through William as Justin’s hand crept up his thigh to the crease of his leg. William shivered.
“I can’t wait to get you home.” Justin’s voice was low and seductive.
William forced the conversation with Henry from his mind so that he could focus on the moment with Justin. “And what are you going to do to me when we get there?”
“Make you scream my name,” Justin said confidently.
William felt desire course through him. “Maybe you should drive faster,” he said.
They arrived at the Harper household in no time. Quickly and quietly, they made their way to the pool house. As soon as they were inside, Justin pulled him close, lips on his as his tongue demanded entrance. William moaned into Justin’s mouth.
“Want you,” William panted out. He took Justin’s hand and went in the direction of his bed. He took his time undoing the buttons on Justin’s shirt, kissing each bit of skin he revealed. Justin carded his fingers through William’s hair, humming his approval. When he undid the last button, he kissed Justin’s stomach right above the fastener of his jeans. His hands went to the man’s belt, undoing it as he sank to his knees.
“Damn, you on your knees for me is one of the hottest things I’ve ever seen.” Justin cupped his jaw. “But right now, I want you to undress for me.” He helped him to his feet. William unbuttoned his shirt, all the while watching as Justin removed his shoes and jeans. William’s breath was coming in heavy pants as he stared at Justin’s tight, toned body and incredibly hard cock. “Fuck, I want you.”
“Me too,” William agreed. He undressed faster, kicking off his shoes and shoving his pants down. He was in Justin’s arms the second he was naked. He kissed William passionately for several long minutes, wrapping him securely in his arms. William loved the closeness, but it was also filling him with need. “Can we move to the bed, please?”
“Whatever you need, baby. Tonight, I just want to take care of you.” Justin laid them down, kissing him again. He was on top of William, mouth on his neck, making him moan. He kissed down William’s body, heading for his cock. He wrapped his lips around him, and William forgot how to breathe. His eyes rolled back in his head, and he let out a whimper when Justin took him deep.
“Fuck.” His voice was breathy and high. “Fuck, please. Please,” he panted, not even sure what he was begging for.
“Tell me what you want, baby.” Justin pulled back to instruct. “Whatever it is. I really want to push you over the edge.”
“I want you to finger me until I come, then fuck me hard,” William told him.
“Do you want me to suck your cock while I do it?” Justin questioned.
“No, I don’t want you to touch my cock at all.”
Justin’s nostrils flared as he grabbed the lube and condoms. “Pull your legs back, Will,” he told him as he lubed his fingers.
A low moan escaped William’s lips at the first touch. Justin gently caressed all around his rim, driving him crazy. “More,” he begged.
“You need my fingers, baby?” Justin teased him, pressing a little more firmly with each pass.
“Yes.” Fuck, he needed that. He knew just how talented Justin’s fingers were from last night, and he needed to feel that again. Slowly Justin pushed one finger inside. He wasted no time finding William’s prostate. “Fuck, yes, yes, yes,” he chanted as Justin circled his gland. The man didn’t stop until he was writhing on the bed and begging. William felt a second finger line up with his entrance and shuddered in anticipation. Justin didn’t disappoint. He tapped, and circled, and caressed William’s sweet spot until he was barely coherent. “Fuck, Justin, I’m going to come.”
Justin adjusted his hand, applying a little more pressure. Every one of William’s muscles tightened as he strained toward orgasm. “That’s it, baby, just let go.”
“Fuck.” William came hard, cock spasming against his stomach as he babbled nonsense about how incredible it felt. Before he had a chance to come down from his orgasm, Justin had put on a condom and was pushing inside of him. “Fuck,” William said again as the head of Justin’s cock brushed his highly sensitive prostate. A shiver went through his entire body. Justin followed his request and fucked him hard and fast just like he wanted. William glanced up at Justin’s face. His eyes were closed, and his breath was huffing out through clenched teeth.
“This what you wanted, baby?” Justin asked, grabbing William’s hips and thrusting even faster and harder, making him lose every bit of sanity he had left.
“Yes, yes. Fuck me, Justin.” William never wanted this to end.
“Damn, you feel so good. Do you think you can come like this?” Justin’s voice sounded strung out.
“I’m good. I want to make you come.” William tightened his body around Justin, and the man shuddered. William thrust his hips in time with Justin’s.
“I’m close, baby, are you sure that’s what you want?” Justin asked him. William could see Justin’s clenched jaw and feel the tightness in his muscles as he tried to keep himself in check.
“Absolutely sure.” William’s own voice was ragged.
A few more thrusts, and Justin let out a deep groan. “Fuck.” He rested his forehead against William’s for a moment before kissing him lightly and getting up to dispose of the condom. He grabbed a towel from the small attached bathroom, handing it to William so that he could clean up, then he laid next to him and took him into his arms.
William looked up at him, and his breath caught at the sweet sleepy satisfied smile. “Will you spend the night with me?”
Justin couldn’t think of anything he wanted more. He reached down to grab the blankets and pull them over them. William settled back in his arms, causing a feeling of serenity to wash over him. He kissed William’s forehead, suddenly very sleepy. “Good night, baby.”
Sunlight creeping in through the curtains caused Justin to open his eyes. It took him a second to realize that he wasn’t at home, but in William’s bed. Their limbs were tangled, and William’s head was on his chest. Justin had never felt more at peace than he did in that moment. He carded his fingers through William’s hair, and the man looked up at him.
“Take a shower with me,” Justin said before lightly kissing his lips. William nodded and got out of bed.
William went into the bathroom to turn the shower on, letting the water heat to a steamy temperature. He got out a spare toothbrush and handed it to Justin, who quickly brushed. After he finished, they stepped into the shower. Justin pulled him into his arms, kissing him deeply until William was clinging to him.
“Good morning, beautiful,” Justin said when he pulled back. William’s eyes were soft and dreamy, causing Justin’s heart to throb. He wanted more than anything to keep that look on his face. He grabbed a bottle of expensive-looking soap and applied it to a loofah. Gently he ran the sponge over William’s body, loving the way he closed his eyes in pleasure. William poured a little of the soap onto his hands and started with Justin’s chest. “Love your hands on me.”
William’s hands dropped from his chest to his stomach. Justin’s cock was already hard, and all he wanted was for William to touch him. Justin pulled him closer, kissing him as William closed his hand around his thick member. Justin’s eyes shut, and he let the pleasure wash over him. But he needed more. He pulled them under the spray and rinsed them both off. He was sure the look of raw lust on his face was apparent to the other man. Justin saw it in William’s eyes as well. Without warning, Justin pulled them away from the water and dropped to his knees in front of William. The shower floor was hard and unforgiving, but he couldn’t bring himself to care about that right then. His knees might be sore for the rest of the day, but it was worth it to watch William come for him. Justin heard the man’s breath catch as he slid his lips down his shaft.
“Justin.” William gripped Justin’s shoulders tightly. The moans that bounced off the shower walls were driving Justin crazy. All he wanted was to take William back to bed. Too bad they had things to do. But nothing was as important right then than taking care of William. He needed to hear William’s strung-out voice chanting his name. He felt a burst of pride when he made that happen a few moments later. He didn’t stop until he felt William’s body go slack, then he gently eased him to the floor. “Fuck, Justin,” he said through heavy breaths.
Seeing William so satisfied turned him on even more. His cock was so hard that it ached. He reached down to take care of himself, but William’s hand was already there. He pressed himself against Justin, kissing his neck while he stroked him. Justin moaned, causing William to stroke faster.
“That’s it, baby,” Justin praised before pressing their lips together in a deep, passionate kiss. William’s hands were driving him crazy, and he was seconds away from exploding. He pulled the other man even closer. It was the perfect way that Willam fit against him that caused his orgasm. Justin held William on their knees in the shower, until the water chilled. “We need to get out, baby,” Justin said gently, standing to help William to his feet.
William got out two towels, handing one to Justin. As he dressed in last night’s clothing, he kept catching William staring at him with a shy smile. And he found that sexy as hell. “How about some coffee?” William asked after they’d dressed.
Justin nodded, following William to the kitchenette area. He watched as William started a pot then gave in to the urge to pull him against him. William looked at him with a smile before gently pressing their lips together. Justin couldn’t help but turn up the heat. He kissed him until he heard the sound of a throat clearing behind them. He turned to see Isaac grinning from ear to ear.
“I don’t mean to interrupt you boys. I came to invite William to breakfast. Perhaps you both should come.”
“Sounds good. Give us a few minutes and we’ll be up,” Justin told him.
“Of course, of course.” Isaac patted his shoulder and out the door he went.
When he was gone, Justin turned to William. The man looked a little weird. “Were you not ready for your parents to know?”
“It’s not that.” William shook his head with a smile. “It’s just a little awkward to get caught making out by my dad.”
Justin chuckled then kissed him lightly. “What are your plans for today?”
“I don’t think I have any.”
“Do you want to spend it with me?” Justin asked.
“Yes,” William agreed immediately.
“After breakfast, we need to head in to work so we can finish what we should have Friday, had I not acted like a jealous asshole.”
“Yeah, jealousy is not a good look on you.” William laughed, parroting back something Justin had told him on the way to the convention.
Justin chuckled as well. “Then I want you to meet my family. We have dinner together every other Sunday.”
“Okay.” William sounded a little nervous.
“They’re going to love you. You have nothing to worry about.”
***
At six thirty, the doorbell rang. Justin was putting the finishing touches on dinner. “Can someone get the door please?” he called from the kitchen as he was carving up the roast. After making sure the work matters had been figured out, he and William had separated so he could watch Hunter for a bit.
“Got it,” Evie shouted. “So, you’re the new boyfriend, huh?” Justin heard her voice carry through the house but couldn’t hear the response. “Come on, Justin’s in here.”
Justin had just finished and was bringing the serving platter to the table. William smiled when he saw him. “Hey, William.” Justin put the plate down and walked over to the man, pulling him into a hug. Damn, the soft beachy scent of William’s cologne was now one of his favorite smells. “My family is in the living room,” he said when the hug ended.
“Lead the way.” He noted that William didn’t look the least bit nervous or worried, like he had this morning.
Justin took his hand and they walked into the other room. His mom was holding his nephew, Hunter, while his sisters chatted. Maddison’s husband, Russell, sat next to her looking a little bored. He didn’t blame the guy. He didn’t want to listen to plans for shopping trips either. “Guys,” Justin got their attention. “This is William.” It was all eyes on them.
Nora handed Hunter back to his mother then walked over to them. “My goodness, William, look at you all grown up. Why, I haven’t seen you since graduation. It’s nice that you could come to dinner.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Sawyer.” William accepted her brief hug.
“Let me introduce you to our wild bunch.” Nora turned to the girls.
“Hi, I’m Maddison. This is my husband, Russell, and our son, Hunter.” Maddison was the oldest of his sisters but was still six years younger than him.
“I’m Natalie.” She waved at him.
“And I’m Evie.”
“It’s great to meet you all,” William told them.
“Dinner’s ready.” Justin, still holding William’s hand, motioned them all to the table. He sat William right next to him, and they filled their plates.
“William, tell us what you’ve been up to all these years,” Nora started the conversation.
“I went to New York and got a job covering sports for a newspaper. Right now, I’m back home working for my dad.”
“What is New York like?” Natalie asked in awe. She was a theater major and dreamed of being on Broadway.
“It’s a great city, but very competitive. There are a ton of people all vying for the same thing you are,” William told her. “But that’s how you meet the most interesting people, and experience things you wouldn’t have otherwise. There’s nothing like it.”
“I’m thinking about going, at least for a while, after college,” Natalie said.
“Like you could make it in New York.” Evie rolled her eyes.
“What the hell is that supposed to mean?” Natalie asked through clenched teeth.
“Girls,” Nora warned.
“No.” Natalie’s voice was hard. “I want to know what she means.”
“I mean that you’re too scared to live on your own here, and you think you’re just magically going to be able to do it in New York,” Evie shot back.
“How dare you, you little brat!” Natalie shouted.
The commotion caused Hunter to cry. Russell picked up the boy and tried to soothe him. “Great! Now you two have upset the baby.” Maddison got up, yelling as well.
“Girls, please,” Nora tried.
Justin shook his head. This was not the way he’d wanted this dinner to go. He hadn’t been ready for William to see the crazy side of his life yet. “Enough.” Justin’s voice rose over the chaos. “Everyone will sit back down, and this nonsense will stop.”
“But, Justin,” Natalie whined.
“Sit.” He put all the authority he could muster in his voice. He got up to take the baby from Russell, who looked grateful. No one could calm Hunter down like Justin could. “Not one word, from anyone.” Justin turned his attention to his nephew. “Hey, big guy, it’s all okay now.” He patted Hunter’s back, bouncing him gently. In no time at all, he had the child calm. “That’s my boy.” He lifted him into the air, causing him to giggle. He kissed Hunter’s cheek then put him in his seat. Justin returned to his chair. “Now, we are all going to chill out. Evie, you will apologize to Natalie. You were completely out of line.”
“It’s the truth though,” Evie protested.
“Evelyn!” Justin tried to keep his voice calm. “You will stop and apologize to your sister.”
“Why should I?” she protested.
“Because you are acting like a child,” Justin countered.
Evie rolled her eyes. “Whatever. I’m sorry.”
Natalie opened her mouth to light into Evie, but Justin stopped her. “Right now, we are going to have a nice dinner, and we will be talking about this later. Understand?” The girls nodded. “Good. Now, Russell, why don’t you tell us what’s been going on with you. Have you given any more thought to sitting in with your friend’s band?”
“I don’t want to take my time away from Maddie and Hunter.” He shrugged.
“Hobbies are good things, for both of you.” He made sure his sister knew he was talking to her as well. “We’re all here to help you guys.”
Justin was doing all he could to portray an aura of calm and in control, but inside, he was embarrassed beyond belief. Why couldn’t the girls have behaved themselves for one night? What was William going to think about all this? As an only child, William had never had to deal with this kind of thing. He couldn’t even look at the man right then. But when he felt William’s warm hand on his leg, he glanced over. William didn’t look the least bit bothered by what had occurred. He winked at Justin then squeezed his knee before questioning Russell about his music. His family managed to control themselves for the rest of the meal. Even Natalie and Evie were civil. As punishment for their behavior, Justin made them clean the kitchen together after Maddie and her family had gone home.
“Good night, William. It was good to see you,” Nora told her son’s boyfriend, giving him a hug. “I’m going upstairs to take a nice long soak.”
“Good night, Mom.” Justin kissed her cheek then watched her walk up the stairs. “Do you want to sit on the porch with me?” he asked William when they were alone.
“Yeah.” Justin took William’s hand. There was a small swing off to the side, and they headed in that direction. “Dinner was incredible,” he said as they sat. “Where did you learn to cook like that?”
“College,” Justin answered. “Sophomore year, I had two roommates, Gloria and Martin. One semester, Gloria convinced Martin that the best way to meet girls was to take a cooking class. Her schedule was full, so he talked me into joining with him. It turned out to be a lot of fun. How about you? Can you cook?” Justin asked him.
“Just enough to get by.” William shrugged.
Justin let out a heavy sigh when he heard raised voices coming from the kitchen. He shook his head and got up, going to the door. “Dishes don’t require a lot of conversation, so I don’t know what you could possibly be disagreeing about.”
“But, Justin—” Natalie whined.
“No buts,” he said firmly. “Understand?”
“Yes, Justin,” came in stereo.
Justin shook his head, returning to his seat beside William. “I’m sorry about all of this. My family can be a lot sometimes.”
“You have no reason to apologize to me. I had no idea you had so much on your plate, but you handle it like a champ. I’m in awe of you. You’re a badass at work, then you come home and turn into super dad.”
“That really didn’t get to you?” Justin asked skeptically. “Tonight wasn’t special. This kind of stuff happens around here all the time.”
“It’s no big deal, Justin. Your sisters got into an argument. Families fight, right? I’ve helped most of the kids I’ve mentored navigate sibling rivalry.”
“My mom can’t handle that kind of stuff, so I have to do it.”
“I’m sure this must be really hard on you.” William put his arm around Justin’s shoulders, and Justin relaxed against him. “Especially since you’ve been doing this all by yourself.”
“Finding someone who wants to share in all this madness isn’t an easy task.” Justin sighed, turning his head to look at William. “I’m kind of waiting for you to say that you don’t want to see me anymore.”
William used his free hand to cup Justin’s jaw. “What if I kissed you instead?” William lowered his mouth to Justin’s, kissing him softly. Justin pulled him closer and took over, turning the kiss from sweet to hot in seconds.
“Justin.” Natalie and Evie came through the door shoving one another.
Justin pulled away from William with a sigh. “Have you two forgotten you’re supposed to be grown-ups? Wait for me in the house.”
William stood and held out his hand to Justin. “Walk me to my car.” He turned to the girls. “It was a pleasure to meet you, ladies.”
Justin took William’s hand. “Inside,” he said to his sisters as they passed them on the way to the driveway. “Thanks for coming to dinner.” Justin stroked William’s cheek. From the porch, he heard his sisters continuing to fight.
“Any time.” William leaned closer to him. “You should kiss me good night before they kill each other.” He chuckled. Justin pulled him tightly against him, kissing him deeply until he melted into him. “I love the way you kiss.” William’s voice was low and husky. “I better say good night now.”
“Sleep well, baby,” Justin said, kissing him one last time.
***
Monday morning, Justin was waiting with William for Evie’s principal.
“Mr. Adams will see you now,” the woman behind the desk told them, and they walked into the office.
“Gentlemen,” Mr. Adams greeted with a grin. He had been the principal when they’d gone there, and Justin hoped he remembered them fondly. “How are you both?”
“We’re both doing well. I’m here because there is a problem with my sister, Evelyn Sawyer,” Justin said as he and William sat.
“We can’t have that,” Mr. Adams told them. “Ms. Sawyer is such a sweet girl. Always volunteering, joining clubs, and helping anyone who needs it. What’s been going on?”
“Evie is struggling in English. She tried talking to her teacher, but she refused to help her. I had a meeting with her, but I was met with thinly veiled aggression and her outright refusal to talk to me about it, even though I’m listed on all of her paperwork.” Justin worked hard to keep calm and present a professional air. “When our mother came, she was treated much the same.”
“That’s definitely not something we accept from our staff. Who is her teacher?” Mr. Adams asked.
“Faith Thornton,” Justin answered.
“There’s more,” William put in.
“Oh?” Mr. Adams turned his attention to William.
“I’m not sure if you remember, but Faith and I were friends while we were here.”
“Yes, I do recall that.”
“I went out with a few former friends for Faith’s birthday, and she made a troubling statement.” William sighed heavily. “For context, I’m ashamed to admit that we all bullied Justin. Faith is still holding on to those feelings, and she told me that she gives Evie bad grades on purpose.”
Mr. Adams eyes widened, and his mouth tightened to a thin line. “This is a very serious accusation, Mr. Harper.”
“It is,” William agreed.
“Mrs. Thornton keeps a binder for each of her students so that she can measure their growth,” Mr. Adams told them. He pressed the intercom on his phone. “Mrs. Jones.”
“Yes, sir,” the woman at the front desk answered.
“I need you to go to Mrs. Thornton’s room and ask her for Evelyn Sawyer’s file. I don’t want you to give her any notice and do not leave without it.”
“Of course.”
“We’ll get to the bottom of this, Justin,” Mr. Adams assured him.
“I appreciate that, sir,” Justin said sincerely.
“While we wait, tell me what you boys have been doing.”
“I recently returned from New York,” William told the man. “We’re both currently working with my father.”
“I’m sure he’s glad to have you back home.” Mr. Adams smiled. “How are your other sisters doing, Justin?”
“Both are doing well.”
A knock sounded at the door. “Come in,” Mr. Adams called.
“Here you are, sir.” Mrs. Jones handed him a red three-ring binder. “She didn’t seem happy to give it to me.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Jones.” The woman left with a nod. “Now, let’s see what we have here.” Silence filled the room as the principal looked over page after page. A frown formed and his brow furrowed. And when he looked up, Justin noticed that he didn’t look happy. “Would you mind if I got a second opinion? I want to have another of our English teachers regrade all of Evie’s work.”
“That would be great, Mr. Adams.” Justin was glad the man was taking this seriously.
“I’ll get back with you as soon as I can investigate this matter,” Mr. Adams assured him.
“Thank you, sir. I’ll speak to you soon.” He and William shook hands with the man then walked back out to Justin’s truck and got in. Justin breathed a sigh of relief. He felt like a weight had been lifted. He hadn’t known what he was going to do about this situation. “Hey, William,” Justin got the man’s attention as they drove. William turned toward him. “I want you to know how much I appreciate what you did.”
“I didn’t do anything special.” William shrugged. “I just did the right thing. I hope this makes things better for your sister.”
“I believe it will.” Justin reached over, putting his hand on William’s knee and squeezing. “Can I take you to dinner tonight?”
“Yes.” William smiled at him.