Page 17 of Protecting his Heart

“Good to know.” Evan released him. “Let’s go.”

Owen exhaled shakily and stood, following Evan to the door. Evan opened it, but Owen didn’t immediately exit. “What are we? Lovers? Boyfriends? What do we tell Dom?”

Evan brushed a finger down Owen’s cheek. “I’d like to be a boyfriend at least, but we can figure out tags later if you’d prefer.”

Heat bloomed in Owen’s chest. “Boyfriends sounds good,” he murmured.

Evan smiled and nodded. They headed for Dominic and Randall’s house, stopping to grab some beer and wine in case they decided they needed it. Randall greeted them at the door, hugging them before leading them to the kitchen.

“Sorry for intruding on your Sunday,” Evan said, placing the wine on the counter.

Dominic chuckled. “You know you’re welcome anytime.”

Randall kissed his cheek and took the spoon from his hand. “Go chat. I’ll finish these and bring them in.”

They headed for the living room, settling onto the two sofas: Dominic on one and Evan and Owen on the other. Owen wasn’t sure how to act, so he sat on the edge with his arm on his knees.

“You both look serious. What’s up?” Dominic asked.

Evan sighed. “We have something we want to run by you.”

Randall came in with their drinks, passing them out. “I’ll be in the back room if you need me.”

“You can stay,” Evan said.

Randall waved them away. “No, it’s okay. You talk. Call me if you need anything.” He disappeared.

“He truly could’ve stayed,” Evan said.

“He knows. I can call him back if you’d prefer?”

Owen’s stomach was in knots. Were they about to make a mistake? He glanced at Evan, who was still talking to Dominic.

“It’s fine either way.” Evan looked at him and raised his eyebrows. Owen swallowed and nodded. “Owen and I are trying a relationship.”

Blunt and to the point. Owen closed his eyes, waiting for Dominic’s reaction. What he hadn’t expected was for him to hoot and holler for Randall. His boyfriend came rushing in, looking flustered.

“What?”

“Owen and Evan are together! I told you!”

Randall grinned and clapped his hands. “Oh, that’s so wonderful! I’m so happy for you.” He settled next to Dominic. “How did it happen? When did it happen?”

Evan cleared his throat. “Seven years ago.”

Owen winced and bit his lip. “Kind of,” he added.

Dominic looked confused. “What do you mean, seven years ago?”

Owen licked his lips, not wanting Evan to take the weight of the conversation. “We first got together seven years ago. The week before Evan left for Italy. Afterwards… I made the wrong choice. I told him it was a mistake.” Evan’s hand rested on his nape.

“I was a little upset, so I took the time for a breather. I never expected to stay gone for so long.”

“How come I never knew?” Dominic said.

“It wasn’t intentional,” Evan said and squeezed Owen’s nape. “But I couldn’t stay away. I made a promise to someone to see ifI could fix what was fractured. I’ve been struggling to find a way, but then, earlier today…”

Owen found his voice. “He decided to be a fucking hero.” He reached for Evan’s arm, gently pulling up the long sleeve he’d worn. “He got slashed at the hospital and has stitches. It’s why he’s not at work.”

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