Page 27 of Treehouse Whispers
The first break he took, Jamie had to work fairly hard to get Benji to go back out again. Jamie had even promised sexual favours to get Benji to step foot outside the room. But, the second and third time, Benji was…not relaxed exactly, but as he knew what awaited him, it was easier to return.
Over three hours later, the final guest left the gallery, and the host closed the door. Benji wanted to run home at that point. He’d had enough.
“Well, Mr Walker. A very successful show if I do say so myself.”
“What was the result, Mrs Lusher?” Jamie asked, wrapping his arm around Benji’s waist, keeping him on his feet.
“A perfect score, just as I thought.” She beamed at them.
Benji’s eyes widened, his mouth dropping open in shock. His breathing increased as he blinked rapidly.
“Now, now, Benji. Don’t give up on me now. We’ve come too far for me to have to carry you home.” Jamie’s voice had a calming effect, as usual.
“But…but…” Benji couldn’t articulate his shock.
“Yes, sweetheart. I know.” Jamie pressed a kiss to Benji’s forehead. “Goodnight, Mrs Lusher.” He pulled Benji out of the front door and towards their car. Opening the door and helping Benji to sit, Jamie entered the driver’s seat and twisted towards Benji. Grabbing Benji’s hands, Jamie rubbed them together, bringing friction, and therefore, heat, to his fingers.
“All of them.” Benji stared at Jamie, tears welling in his eyes.
“Yes, sweetheart,” Jamie repeated, “All of them.”
“But, that’s…”
Jamie cupped Benji’s jaw. “Over seven hundred thousand, yes.”
“Fuck, that’s a lot of money.”
“You’re worth every penny.”
Benji beamed at Jamie, closing his eyes and biting his lip briefly before replying, “That was corny.”
“Yeah, but it made you smile.”
“I love you, Mr Walker.” Leaning forward, Benji kissed Jamie with everything he had. He had been overcome when Jamie had asked if he could take Benji’s name, stating he wanted the Walker name to continue, and he had siblings who could continue the Thompson name.
Pulling back after several minutes, Jamie returned the sentiment, “I love you, Mr Walker.”
