Page 64 of The Long Way Found

"Jack." Luke sat up and turned to face him. "I didn't say it to make you feel guilty. I said it because it's true. You don't owe me anything."

"I feel like I do."

"Well, you don't." Luke's voice was firm. "I love you. That's my truth. What you do with it is up to you."

Jack looked at him intently, and Luke saw the war happening behind those blue eyes. Fear and want and something that looked almost like panic.

"I want to," Jack said finally. "I want to be able to say it."

"But you can't."

"Not yet. When I do, it will mean everything to me, and I don’t want to rush it."

Luke nodded. At least that was honest.

They sat like that for a while, the TV playing something neither of them watched.

Eventually, Jack kissed the top of Luke's head. "I should probably head out. Early morning tomorrow."

Luke nodded. Of course, he thought. This is exactly what I knew would happen, but I still had to try.

"Okay," Luke said.

Jack stood and pulled on his jacket. At the door, he turned back and kissed Luke softly, like an apology. "Text me tomorrow?" Jack said.

"Yeah. Tomorrow."

Luke watched him walk to his Jeep, watched the taillights disappear down the street.

Marley padded over and rested his head on Luke's knee.

"I know, buddy," Luke said quietly. "I know."

He closed the door, then stood in his dark living room, wondering how it was possible to feel so close to someone and yet so far away at the same time.

CHAPTER 24

JACK

Driving home, Jack heard it over and over again in his head.

“I'm already yours. I love you.”

And what had been his response?

“Thank you.”

Like Luke had held the door open for him. Like he'd handed Jack a fucking napkin.

At a stoplight, Jack pressed his forehead against the steering wheel until the car behind him honked impatiently. Jack jerked upright, shifted the Jeep into gear, and drove.

His hands were shaking.

He knew he'd hurt Luke. Should've seen it coming, but Luke's confession had still shocked him.

Not because Jack didn't feel it. But because Luke had been brave enough to say it out loud.

And Jack? Jack had thanked him. Like a coward.