Page 119 of All The Things: The Last Thing He Needs Omnibus

“Well, if you advertised the mad kitchen skills, I bet you could find a permanent roommate and stop couch surfing.”

Gavin beamed at him for the compliment, but then he glanced down at his plate. “It’s better to just hop around. Don’t wear out any welcomes that way.”

Ben took a bite of his breakfast and considered that for a moment. He wasn’t sure, but he thought he understood. “Gav, you’ll never wear out any welcomes. Your friends want you around because they love you.” He could see Gavin’s cheeks turning pink, even though he had his face tilted down, his blond hair falling over his forehead and hiding his eyes.

“Better safe than sorry,” Gavin said quietly, not quite a whisper, but close enough.

Ben couldn’t think of a response to that. He disagreed, but he’d learned from previous experiences it was better not to argue with Gavin when he could avoid it. The kid had his own way of doing things, and damn it all, he was one stubborn little shit.

They ate quietly, only chatting here and there. Gavin seemed thoughtful, and Ben didn’t want to intrude.

As he stood at the door, Ben pulled on his jacket and said, “C’mere.”

Gavin stepped closer, a teasing look in his eye. “Here?”

With a laugh, Ben reached out and jerked him forward. “No, here.” He kissed Gavin deep and hard as Gavin wrapped his arms around Ben’s shoulders. “You be here when I get home tonight, okay?”

Gavin didn’t say anything but smiled and nodded before shoving Ben toward the door.

Ben laughed as he left, still grinning as he hopped on his bike.

Gavin

As soon as Gavin was alone, he went over to the sofa and snatched up his present from the coffee table. He’d been good and hadn’t opened it until Ben was gone. Now, though, he tore off the paper like a little kid, only saving the starry ribbons.

Inside the little box, Gavin found a note and a silver unicorn charm that made him laugh aloud. When he pulled it out, he realized it was a key ring with one key on it. He unfolded the note, written in Ben’s shitty handwriting.

Gav,

I know my place is too small to really invite you to room with me, but hell. I can’t stand thinking of you out there on your own and maybe not knowing where you’re gonna sleep from one night to the next. So, anyway, until you get your own place, just…think of my apartment as your home too, okay? No strings attached. You and the couch are old friends and, well, I just want you to know you’ve got an open invitation from now on.

Happy Birthday. Maybe I’ll buy you a real present on payday.

Love,

Ben

Gavin stared at the key for a long moment. Ben had given it to him last night, before they slept together. For some reason, that made it feel more special.

Though, Gavin hoped he wouldn’t be staying on the couch anymore.

He grinned so broadly it made his cheeks ache. The invitation wasn’t exactly will you marry me or even will you move in with me, but it was close enough for now. There was only one place in the world Gavin really wanted to be. Ben probably didn’t even realize it yet, but he’d given Gavin every secret wish he’d ever made.

He’d even given him the stars.

That wasn’t the best part, but it was close.

Chapter One

Ben

Ben closed the door and dropped his bag on the ground. He didn’t bother with anything else, just leaned back, looked around his empty, lonely apartment, and let out the mother of all sighs.

Visiting his friend Gene had been good. They hadn’t seen each other in a while, and he’d needed to reconnect. The free room while he was in town for the tattoo convention had been an extra bonus. Talking to Gene’s friend Tommy had been even better in some ways. It was amazing how much more stable his life felt when he compared it to someone who had next to nothing. Ben had steady work, money in the bank, a comfortable home, and—until a week ago—Gavin.

Gavin. Ben had tried to call him, but the stubborn little shit wouldn’t answer.

After a moment of self-pity, Ben finally forced himself to take a few more steps toward the living room. His heart skipped a beat when he saw Gavin’s phone sitting on the coffee table. Had he decided to stay, despite what Ben had said? Just as he allowed himself to hope, Ben noticed Gavin’s key ring, the little silver unicorn Ben had given him three years earlier—a lifetime ago—when he’d asked Gavin to move in with him. Under those was a bright yellow flyer for an elderly singles group for men who were “into assplay, water sports, and scat.” Ben couldn’t help a small, sad laugh at Gavin’s farewell fuck you.

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