Page 93 of Protecting his Heart

They flicked through the movie selection, vetoing several films and laughing at Owen’s shouted comments, but eventually choseDaybreakers, to be followed withQueen of the Damnedand, if they had time,Interview with the Vampire.Matteo had to goto work at midnight, which was why they’d cut him off after the second beer. They’d have plenty of time to ply him with fluids before he had to leave.

It was during their dinner, while finishing the first film, that Matteo said something that made Evan realise just how invested he was in Edward.

“I still can’t believe this happened to Anika. I helped her with her school project the other week. She wanted to interview a nurse about how their job was the same or different from a doctor’s job. Edward asked me if I’d be willing to talk to her, and we spoke for about two hours while I did her nails and hair. She’s such an amazing kid.” Matteo stared at the screen, moving his food around the plate but not eating.

Evan made a split-second decision. “We’ll help them, Matteo. They’ll get through this, and we’ll be there to help them. Okay?”

Matteo’s tear-filled gaze met his. “Okay.”

Owen disappeared and returned with ice cream—cookie dough. “Everything is better—”

“With ice cream,” Evan and Matteo finished in unison, laughing.

Evan glanced at Owen, who nodded at him with a small smile. He might’ve been on the fence about his feelings towards Edward, but Matteo was heartbroken. If it meant he could help his friend figure out what was going on, he would push aside his feelings on the subject. He wouldn’t forget what happened, but he would forgive. Because if his past had taught him anything, he didn’t need to forget events that had happened, but forgiveness was the only way he could move forward. It might be different for other people, but that was howheworked.

During the second film, Evan curled up in Owen’s arms, despite the bowl of popcorn and chocolate raisins Owen had made even after a bowl of ice cream, and Owen pressed his lips to his temple before whispering in his ear, “You are absolutelyamazing, you know that? You’ve not only forgiven me for my crap, but you’re willing to forgive Edward for putting us in danger. I doubt there is anyone in this world who is as self-sacrificing and empathetic as you are. I love you so damn much.” His voice cracked on the last sentence, and Evan tightened his hold.

“I love you, too,” he murmured.

****

Chapter 29

Owen

“Get in the car, Evan,” Owen ordered a week later, but Evan crossed his arms over his chest and wouldn’t budge from his stance by the passenger door.

“Not until you tell me why.”

Owen raked his fingers through his hair. How the hell was he supposed to give Evan a surprise when the pigheaded asshole wouldn’t do as he was told? Owen exhaled.

“It’s a surprise, and it can’t be a surprise unless you do as you’re told.”

Evan narrowed his eyes but then sighed and climbed in. Owen’s shoulders lowered.Thank fuck. He climbed into the driver’s seat and started the car.

“Since when do you give me surprises after I’ve just finished a long ass night shift? Usually, you wait until I’ve at least slept.”

Owen smiled at his tired grumbling. “I promise you’ll be able to sleep soon. It won’t take long.”

Evan huffed and stared out of the window as Owen navigated the roads. He’d been planning this surprise since he realised he wanted to marry the man and keep him beside him always. Asking his mum for help made sure Owen didn’t slip up and leave something where Evan could find it. She had booked everything using his credit cards. He just hoped he wasn’t making a huge mistake. Not the asking him to marry him part, the destination part.

“Why are we parking at Heathrow Airport?” Evan asked fifteen minutes later.

“Because this is part of the surprise.”

“Where are we going?”

Owen grinned. “You’ll have to wait to find out.”

“Is this like a weekend getaway?”

“Kind of. Except you’re not back at work until Tuesday.”

Evan’s eyes widened. “How did you manage that? I’ve had so much time off lately, I’m surprised I still have a job, let alone taking holidays.”

Owen chuckled. “It took a little persuading, but they saw it my way in the end.”

Evan opened his mouth to reply, then shook his head. “I actually don’t want to know.”

---