Page 59 of The Prodigal Son

“God, hearing you say that makes me want to do it right now,” he mutters, driving my ass into the wall as he grinds against me.

“I’m ready,” I whimper.

He chuckles as he moves his mouth to my collarbone, licking up the droplets of water. “Tonight.”

“Fuck me tonight and then give a sermon tomorrow. Sounds perfect,” I say with sarcasm.

He tenses, groaning against my skin. “Please don’t say it like that.”

I can’t help but laugh. “There’s my dark humor again…”

“I’ve noticed.”

“Just one of my many endearing qualities.”

He pulls back and looks into my eyes before brushing another strand of hair from my forehead. Then he kisses it as he mumbles, “Many, many.”

We swim for a while longer, mostly lounging in the water and making small talk. The longer we’re together, the more Jensenopens up about himself. With everything I learn about him, my heart grows more and more attached.

For the first time in my life, I look at him as someone I might actually want around for the long run. What’s really strange is that the more I picture Jensen in my life, the more I see him in the context of my family. He offered to come with me to see them.

Could I really take him up on that?

Half the reason I fear going home is that I know I’d be doing it alone, and I’m not sure I’m ready for that. Sure, I have Lucas and Sadie. And yes, I know my mother and brothers love me unconditionally and would never do anything to hurt me again.

But I’d still be just Isaac, walking in that door alone. Without that sense of comfort and protection I have with Jensen. He makes me feel stronger. Like I’m safe.

Regardless of whether or not he comes with me, there is definitely, without a doubt, a desire on my part to reenter the Goode family fold. I’m tired of missing out on Sunday dinners and birthdays and parties and get-togethers. I’m missing out on my nieces and nephews, and I won’t ever get that time back. Caleb’s daughter doesn’t even know who I am.

So whether or not Jensen comes with me, I’m ready.

But I really hope he does.

Jensen and I take turns in the shower after we get out of the pool. I go first and take a little longer to do some extra…prep. While he’s in, I relax on my bed, pull out my phone, and check my notifications. There’s a message from Luke updating me about our dad’s case, but I only skim it with little interest.

The sentencing has been scheduled for next month. He must be filling someone’s pockets because everything is moving much faster than it normally does. Caleb is getting worried, but I don’t want to stress you out. It’ll be fine.

Thanks for the update

I reply.

With my knee bouncing, I type out another message.

I’m seeing a new guy.

Oh yeah?

Yeah. I really like him.

In Nashville?

No. In Austin.

Wow.

Is that bad?

I just don’t want our family drama infiltrating your career. But as long as you like him and trust him, that’s all that matters.

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