Page 39 of Heal
He should, but he didn't want to. The thing was, even with what he'd been told, he still wanted Beau. His attraction to the man hadn't changed. If anything, thoughts of him being a family man made him even more attractive. "No, I'd like to continue our date. For now, the dating and the adoption are two separate issues. Can we just enjoy the night for now and we'll discuss the rest after I've had time to think things through?" He shook his head. "That sounds selfish and greedy, doesn't it?"
"No, I get it. It's a lot to take in. There's no reason we can't enjoy dinner and talk about the rest of this later." Beau still looked tense. "For what it's worth, I'm sorry I put you in this position. If there was a way I could have done it without involving you, I would have. I knew you'd know I wasn't already approved. There was no hiding it from you. I don't want to hide it from you, especially if we're going to give this dating a try."
"I appreciate that. I'm not sure what my reaction would have been if I'd gone in Monday morning and found out. At least now I'll have the weekend to mentally prepare for what is going to happen."
"One way or the other." Beau sighed.
"One way or the other," Parson agreed. "Anyway, putting that all aside for now, let's focus on the food, and find something else to talk about."
Beau smiled. "Let me tell you about my sister."
Glad for the distraction from more serious things, Parson listened as Beau told him about his sister and shared stories from when they were younger. It was fun to imagine a young Beau running around, teasing his sister. He could relate to a lot of it. The fancy trips, the servants around the house, and even the struggle to try and have a normal life like the rest of the friends around them.
Dinner was over way before Parson was ready for it to end. He'd laughed and had one of the best nights he could remember. As they walked out to the car, holding hands, Parson found it hard to be upset about the foster care. He'd focused on Beau instead, allowing himself to forget just for a few hours before he would have to really think about things and make a choice.
"I've had a great time tonight." Beau stopped beside the passenger door of his car.
"So have I." Parson leaned against the car, enjoying how close Beau was standing in front of him. Only a few inches separated them.
"I thought about asking you back to my place for coffee and more conversation, but the more I think about it, it might be safer if we end the date for tonight and let you think things through." Beau reached out and brushed his fingers through the hair above Parson's ear.
He didn't want the night to end, but Beau was right. He needed to decide what he was going to do before they let things get serious between them. "I agree." Parson smiled. "I don't like it, but I agree it's probably best."
"I'm going to do this now because once I get you back home, I'm not sure I'd be able to stop. Here I have no choice." Beau closed the distance between them, his hand going to the back of Parson's neck, gently pulling him closer.
When Beau's mouth brushed over his, it was as if he'd been struck by lightning. His body lit up like it was being consumed by flames. He gripped Beau's hips, pulling him even closer as he opened his mouth, deepening the kiss, losing himself in something more powerful than he'd ever felt.
It was Beau who finally pulled back, breaking the kiss, but not moving away. "I knew kissing you would be amazing."
Parson couldn't speak.
"Shit." Beau took a step back. "Someone's taking pictures of us near the sidewalk."
Parson didn't even bother glancing over. "Then let's give them something to take pictures of." He reached out, gently gripping Beau's shirt and pulling him in for another kiss.
This time it was a need for oxygen that had Parson lifting his head and trying to catch his breath. "Sorry, I couldn't resist."
Beau laughed. "Did you see me fighting you off?"
"Now that would have made news if you'd done that," Parson teased.
"Maybe next time, we'll give them a show." Beau traced his finger down Parson's cheek. "I hope we get to do this again."
Parson nodded, but didn't answer. It was up to him if they did or not. He had to decide if he could ignore what Beau had done. He just wasn't sure.
"Let me get you home. If I don't, I'll be tempted to take you to my place and convince you how right this is." Beau brushed a soft kiss over Parson's lips before reaching for the car door and opening it.
"Thanks." Parson sat down.
With the night almost over, Parson had a lot to think about. It wasn't fair to keep Beau waiting. They sat in silence the entire drive.
Parson turned to Beau as they pulled into his driveway. "I'll call you in the morning. Let you know what I've decided?"
"Fair enough." Beau looked as if he wanted to say more but he didn't.
"Thanks for a fantastic night."
"It was my pleasure. I hope we can do it again. I'll walk you to your door."
