Chapter 55
CHAPTER 55
Ethan stood at the door, cargo pants hugging his thighs, a gray tee stretched over his chest, and a gear bag slung over one shoulder. His phone buzzed in his pocket, but as the calls from Brick continued to pile up, he ignored them all and adjusted his cap, ready to roll.
He faced the open door, the reality of base life pressing in. “Wait,” he said, nudging the door shut and grabbing Logan around the waist with both hands, pulling him close. “How about the weekend? I mean, let’s get together at the weekend and do this again.”
Logan sighed, hands settling on Ethan’s hips. “I’m not sure I can. I’ve got Jess coming up for the weekend and promised I’d be around.”
“So when? Logan, I need to see you again, and I don’t wanna wait.”
“I don’t know.” Logan’s gaze softened, his eyes tracing Ethan’s face—the bruises looked less obvious now, but his vulnerability was still raw. “We’ll figure something out. Look, we’re getting spun up, let’s focus on that for now.”
Ethan leaned in, brushing his lips against Logan’s, seeking reassurance. A smile tugged at Logan’s lips as he returned the kiss. “I know it’s hard, but we will find time—I swear. Now grab your gear, we gotta go. I need to swing by my place first and grab some clothes.”
“Promise. Promise me we’ll have time together, soon,” Ethan’s eyes pleaded, fingers flexing restlessly. “This is gonna be so damn hard, being with you, but not being able to touch you.”
“C’mon, you know how this has to be.” Logan’s smile faded, his boot nudging Ethan’s gently. “This is why I said this shouldn’t happen.” He frowned, stroking Ethan’s cheek, thumb grazing the bruise, guilt flickering. “Now, get it together. We’ve got work to do.”
“You’re right.” Ethan pulled Logan in, lips meeting his, a hand cupping his cheek. “Thank you, despite everything, I had a great time last night.”
His phone buzzed, Brick’s name again lighting up the screen. He quickly silenced it and focused on Logan, the man he’d fought to be with, the man he would risk everything for.
Their confrontation with Devon seemed insignificant now—them being together, stealing moments against the grind, is what mattered the most.