Page 54 of Liam

"My family has organized a dinner for you."

My next exhalation stuck. My body didn't want to inhale I was so overwhelmed. It took some time before I could speak. "For me?" I needed to confirm the words Jamal had spoken.

Jamal's brow dipped. "Are you against birthday parties?" He gripped the front pocket of my jeans. "I'm sorry. I should have asked, but my family is so excited to have you over to celebrate."

My history of birthday parties as a young child was abysmal. A few of my foster parents had put together a celebration for me. Most had not. I'm not even sure they all knew when it was my birthday. It wasn't until Noah, Ethan, and Owen came into my life that I had reliable yearly acknowledgments of my journey into existence. I usually spent my birthday with the guys.

"What night?"

"Your birthday. Thursday. Noah and Brody are coming. Noah says you have the night off."

I put my hands on his wheelchair armrests, pushed him back against the wall, and leaned down and kissed him. As I pulled away, our lips almost touching, I spoke words that had been collecting in me, waiting to be shared. "You're doing all sorts of crazy things to my heart."

Jamal stroked my cheek. "Do any of those crazy things involve coming to a party?" It was an evasion, but I didn't mind. I knew we were travelling the same path forward.

"I wouldn't miss anything where you're going to be."

We touched foreheads, our warm breath heating our lips. Jamal clung to my neck with both hands, pulling me closer. "I need you so fucking bad."

"Liam, time's up." Noah's voice filled the small hallway.

I closed my eyes and groaned then stepped away from Jamal. I couldn't stop myself from touching his fingers when he placed his hands back on the armrests of his chair.

"We'll talk more after the party," I said and winked at him.

"Looking forward to it."

"Come on, lovebirds, break it up." Noah nudged me until I followed him back to the bar. Jamal didn't appear for a minute or two, then rolled into his place at the table.

I took every spare moment I could to duck away from the bar and speak to him without impacting the steady flow of drinks. A couple of hours later, Jamal finished his meal and the mocktails I had created for him. We shared a hug before he rolled away for the night.

I didn't get home until two in the morning. I had slung my clothes onto a chair in my bedroom when my phone dinged. I figured it was Noah looking for clarification on my bar closing.

A warm buzz built in my gut when I saw who it was.

Jamal: Are you finished work?

Me: Just got home.

Jamal: You in bed yet?"

Me: All tucked in.

Jamal: Wish I was there.

Me: Me too. What are you doing up so late?

Jamal: I wanted to talk to you.There was a long pause. My heartrate ticked up.

Jamal: You're doing crazy things to my heart too.

My spirit took off to chase and cherish those words. Wewerefollowing the same trail through the crazy wilderness that was our uncertainty and fears.

Me: I need to hold you again.

Jamal: After your birthday party. My gift to you is you can do anything you want with me.

Instant hard-on. There were so many things I wanted to do with Jamal, starting with his nipples. The one I'd played with had responded so well to my touch. I couldn't wait to get my mouth on it. To kiss and taste all the skin on his torso. To inhale and lick the scent under his arms.

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