or gold bead necklace from every kid in that theater that night.”
Ben’s entire body vibrated with laughter. He shook his head, smiling as he stared at Gabriel, wondering what the hell he had done to be so lucky to have this man. Most times, Gabriel was the protective guardian. Other times, he was the big teasing guy with the devilish grin, playful eyes, and manipulative dimple. But underneath it all, he was always the caring, considerate man Ben loved who made his heart beat a little quicker.
“What?” Gabriel asked. “I couldn’t say no to all those little princesses wanting to give me jewelry. It would have hurt their feelings.”
Ben instantly folded his index, middle, and ring finger into his palm, leaving his pinky and thumb out as he pushed his hand down. “That,” he signed, “is one of the many reasons why I love you.” It was nice to be honest about his feelings and know that Gabriel felt the same. But in the back of his mind, he couldn’t fight the tiny tug that kept nagging him. The mental reprimand that warned him that loving someone too much would only lead to a broken heart.
A large, warm hand reached out to him. He glanced up at Gabriel.
“I’ve already told you,” Gabriel said, speaking slowly, carefully mouthing each word. “I’m not going anywhere. This isn’t temporary.”
Ben’s heart thundered. Gabriel’s mind-reading skill was another reason he loved this man so much. That, and his sixth sense for detecting those moments when Ben was at the edge of sanity and losing his balance.
“Can we go for a walk?” he asked.
With a quick nod, Gabriel settled the check.
Hand in hand, they walked along the shore. Ben would never tire of the salty air and hint of water sprayed up by the ocean. The beach was beautiful during the day, bright with the sun and full of color with the ocean’s blue hues and the sprinkle of colors from all the umbrellas and bathing suits. At night, it was magical. The full moon offered enough lighting to accent the crests of waves coming in from the ocean and usually lit a few feet of walking distance in their path. But tonight, with the cloud-covered sky, there was almost total blackness except for the occasional white water of a curling wave and the dots of light from the boats on the distant horizon.
It reminded him that he was a tiny piece in the world’s puzzle. That even without the sprinkle of color and bright lights, there, in the darkest of night, there was still beauty to be appreciated.
Hours later, they sat in bed watching TV. Ben pulled his attention away from the screen when Gabriel paused the movie to sign a question.
“Are you going to tell me what’s been bothering you for hours or do I have to guess?”
He chewed his lip, wondering how much he could say without triggering that tic in Gabriel’s jaw.
“Did something happen to Calvin?”
Ben blinked. Repeatedly.
A knowing half smile crept up Gabriel’s cheek. “I figured that’s who you were texting when you got home from our walk.”
He would never get over how easily Gabriel read him. He narrowed his eyes. His Gabriel was good, but he wasn’t that much of a mind-reader. “Did Matt call you?”
Gabriel shook his head. “Julian did. Told me Calvin was having a hard time.”
Ben nodded. “His father visited the house today. Told him he wanted to see his son for Father’s Day. But Cal said it was his father’s twisted way of giving himself the gift of making his son feel like crap.”
“Ah,” Gabriel said, leaning back against the headboard. “I get it. Probably the same present my dad has planned for himself this weekend.”
Ben reached out and ran his fingers along Gabriel’s jaw. He was both excited to meet Gabriel’s father but equally worried. “Cal doesn’t have anyone else. Just his father. And his life is pretty much limited to Halfway House and his job. He’s so distant I’m surprised we’re friends.”
“Because you’re Ben. And you’re irresistible.”
His cheeks heated. “I worry about him.”
“You worry and care about everyone.”
A weak smile pulled the corner of his mouth. “Sorry.”
“Don’t ever apologize for being you.” Gabriel leaned over and pressed their mouths together in a soft kiss. “How long does he have left at the house?”
“A little over a month. I’m not sure he’s going to make it.”
“I can talk to Julian and Matt. Put in the paperwork to see if they’d give him a furlough to