Page 58 of Find Me Again

Neil snorted. "Not much of a secret, since we were photographed in a public place and I'm telling you about him. Now excuse me, I have to go."

The video cut off there, but Ryan hit a replay and stared in disbelief at the scene before him. His throat was tight, and he was honestly close to crying at this point, because his eighteen-year-old self would have wanted this more than anything.Hadwanted it. That boy had wanted them both to have their dreams and be together, and now… now they seemed to be getting there.

After he watched the whole thing two more times, he remembered Neil was waiting for his call and he got up quickly. He stopped by the bathroom first, making sure he didn't look as if he'd actually cried, then he stared at his reflection for another minute.

Neil had admitted to being in a relationship with him on TV.

They didn't have to hide anymore.

After leaving the bathroom, Ryan sat on the floor in front of the couch and placed his phone in the stand so he could video chat with Neil and not worry about dropping the phone again.

His leg was bouncing as he waited for the call to come through.

It was going to be fine.

The hardest part was over now. They were fine.

Neil did not seem fine on the small screen, though. He was frowning and biting his lip, and he crossed his arms over his knees as he leaned forward to the camera.

"Listen, I'm sorry," he started right away. "I know we haven't talked about it—I mean, we did, but in theory, we didn't discuss any details—and I went and did this. I'm truly sorry."

"Hey, hey," Ryan cut in, shaking his head. "I'm not angry."

Neil stared at him, closing his mouth and then opening itagain.

"You're not? I know the bodyguard part was stupid, but that honestly slipped out because I was thinking about you at work and the potential repercussions of somebody recognizing you. I didn't want for it to sound like that's all you are to me, so I said the rest, but I should've asked first. Fuck, I spent hours beforehand discussing strategy with a whole team of people, and then I go and do this."

"Neil, stop." Ryan leaned forward as well. "Take a deep breath, it's fine. On my end, it's all fine."

Doing as he was told, Neil visibly relaxed a fraction. "Really?"

"Yeah. Sure, I didn't expect it so soon, but I'm also…" Ryan ran his teeth over his bottom lip. "Well, I'll admit it. I'm happy. It felt great to watch you say what you said."

A tentative smile appeared on Neil's face.

"Good. That's good. I was mostly stressed, but saying that… It felt freeing, in a way. Everything's now in the open. There's going to be backlash, for sure, but in the meantime, I can live my life and not worry about any secrets coming out."

Ryan could feel himself grinning. There was nothing like finally saying one's truth, and he was so, so happy Neil was getting to experience that.

And apparently, they were going to experience it together now.

"I'm glad," Ryan offered softly.

While he didn't want to overwhelm Neil on this already emotional day, Ryan figured he needed to make it clear he was totally fine with what had transpired. Sure, he would have to talk to his boss in case it could potentially interfere with his work, but Kalei, for all that he led the company with a straight-forward, military manner, was pretty laid back about their personal lives as long as they did their job right.

Besides, some of the guys at KRK had partners who were arguably more news-worthy than a hockey player, even a very popular one. Ryan should be fine.

"You sure?" Neil asked. "You got quiet on me."

"I was just thinking that you're not going to be the most famous boyfriend or partner at my job."

"Oh, really? Who have you gotten there, then?"

Sitting back, Ryan smirked. "How about a senator and one of the Chief Justices?"

Neil stared. "You're kidding."

"Nope."

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