Page 44 of Secret
He pushed up from the bed, running a hand down his shirt as he glanced in the mirror, making sure he didn't look like a lazy bastard in his sweats and t-shirt. It wasn't like Kasey hadn't seen him in them before, but the fact they were what he slept in made it seem a little less appropriate.
Ignoring his nervousness, he went back out into the living room, turning on the porch light before sitting on the couch. Casper jumped up beside him, staring up at him curiously. "You're the best girl, you know that?"
She rested her head against his leg, going quickly to sleep.
He pet her as he watched for Kasey's headlights. When he finally saw them, he got up and went to the door, watching as Kasey climbed out of the car and headed up the front walk.
"Thanks for dropping by." He held the door open, so Kasey could get in, shutting it and locking it once he was inside. "Want a drink?"
"I'd rather a kiss." Kasey turned to him.
"I'd like that too." Noam opened his arms, and as soon as Kasey stepped into them, he kissed him softly. Tension drained off him as he held Kasey's hard body against his own. "I needed this."
"Me too." Kasey brushed a stray strand of hair back from Noam's face. "Must have been a bad night if you asked me over and still have to be up in three or four hours."
"It was. Hell, you'd think I'd be used to it, but sometimes I just wish I worked at some burger place dealing with bitchy customers and could ignore all the bad in the world." He nodded to the couch. "Have a seat. Did you want a drink?"
"I'm good. I'd rather just talk." Kasey sat down, wrapping his arm around Noam the moment he sat down beside him. "What happened?"
Noam blew out a long breath. "I shouldn't talk about it. The department, hell, even the medical response, we're all sworn to secrecy, but I just needed…" He paused, trying to think of what he exactly needed. "I just needed you."
Kasey turned, pulling Noam closer, hugging him. "I'm here. You tell me whatever you need to or can, or you just let me hold you and help you forget whatever it is. I'm here for you."
Noam inhaled Kasey's scent. He smelled freshly showered, his soft t-shirt still holding the scent of fabric softener along with the rich, spicy scent that was uniquely Kasey. He closed his eyes, forgetting everything for a moment and just getting lost in Kasey's arms.
"I'm glad you called me," Kasey whispered. "I was missing you."
"Is it crazy that we've only been seeing each other a few weeks really, and already I'm this needy?" Noam pulled back.
"Not when we've been waiting our whole lives to find each other." Kasey brushed a kiss over his lips. "I learned a long time ago not to question things that feel right. As scared as I am to do whatever we're doing together, there is no denying it feels right. I won't fight that."
"You're scared?" Noam met his gaze.
"Petrified. I don't let people close. I don't trust easily. I don't… Didn't believe in love. You make me believe again, Noam. You make me want things I thought were only in movies or songs."
"What if we don't—"
Kasey put his finger to Noam's lips. "I'm willing to take that chance. Are you?"
It wasn't a question he had to think about. Kasey was right. This felt like it was meant to happen, like they had waited forever to find each other. "Yes."
"Then we aren't going to worry about it. If it's meant to be we'll make it work. We'll have our issues like any couple, but if we want this bad enough, we'll find a way."
Noam nodded. "Okay."
"Okay." Kasey kissed him again.
When Kasey pulled back, Noam smiled. "I didn't ask you over to get all serious about us. Honestly, I just needed a hug. Needed to see you."
"I think we both needed that talk. It helps to know the other person is as lost as you are sometimes." Kasey smiled. "Still want to talk about work?"
Noam shook his head. He didn't want to bring up the images, the violence. "No, not now. This was enough to help. Thank you." He stared at Kasey, not wanting to let him leave. "I have an extra pair of sweats you can borrow, and I think Casper might give up her side of the bed if you maybe want to stay. I have to be up in a few hours, but you can stay as long as you want."
"I'd like that." Kasey smiled. "I'd rather be holding you than be home alone wishing I was."
"You always know what to say." Noam laughed.
"Trust me, before you, I would never have said anything like this." He reached out and cupped Noam's cheek. "Are you okay, honestly?"
