Harmless(60)

"She said she loved me," Seg admitted. "But I never doubted that for a second."

Roan was genuinely happy that it worked out for Seg. Unfortunately, that wasn't always the case, as Roan knew firsthand. "I came out of the closet when I was a teenager," he told Seg. "Fourteen, maybe. I can't remember. Anyway, I thought I was in love. Figured there was no way I could hide that from my parents. Hell, I didn't want to. I was happy. I think more so because I came to terms with the fact that I was gay. Looking back on it now, I wish I'd known then what I know now."

"Aww, babe," Seg groaned. "I'm so fucking sorry."

"It happens. My mother packed up and left, took her suitcase and everything. Said she couldn't live in a house with the devil. Thankfully, Cam's parents were cool."

"And your dad?"

"He never said anything, but I know he blamed me for my mother leaving. Truth is, I think they were headed for divorce anyway. They didn't even bother trying to hide their arguments. Of course, my sisters both blamed me, and they were very verbal about how they felt."

There was silence for a few seconds before Seg said, "I really want you to meet my mother. I told her about you and Liam. She's  …  happy."

Roan didn't know what to say to that. He wasn't sure how he felt about meeting Seg's mother. In theory, it was fine. But once he did that, it meant he accepted that this relationship was going full steam ahead. As much as he wanted that, Roan was still scared to make that commitment.

"I won't push you, Roan," Seg added, his voice low.

Closing his eyes, Roan sighed. "I know."

"I'll let you go. I've got practice early. We've got a game on Friday and Saturday. I was hoping you'd come to one or both."

"I'd like that," Roan admitted.

"Good. And I'll see you at some point this weekend. I'm not sure I can stay away for too long. Good night."

"Good night."

Roan disconnected the call and opened his eyes to see Liam snoozing in his swing. He wished Seg was there now so he could avoid the cold, lonely bed. Just a short time with the man and Roan was already looking forward to having him there.

He only hoped like hell he wasn't jumping the gun on this one.

For Liam's sake.

And Seg's.





Nineteen

Thursday, January 26th

"IF YOU KEEP PACING THE floor, you're going to drive me insane," his mother claimed when Seg walked through the kitchen and then back out.

He had no idea what he was doing, where he was going, or even what he wanted. Well, that wasn't entirely true. He wanted to see Roan, but he was doing his best not to push the man too far, too fast.




 

 

"Why don't you invite Roan over," Deb suggested.

Seg stopped moving. "Really?"

His mother's smile brightened. "Why not? It's obvious you want to see him."

He did. More than anything. Seg had hoped he'd be able to make it until Friday before he made the suggestion. He figured his best chance to see Roan was after the game.

Deb went to the refrigerator and pulled out the chicken breast she'd had him buy-one of the half dozen things on her list. "I'll make dinner. Nothing fancy."

Seg continued to stare at her, wanting to believe this was real, but still hesitant.

She shot him a grin over her shoulder. "Of course, I could always call him for you."

"No. Not necessary." He could only imagine how that conversation would go. Probably something like: Hi, Roan. This is Seg's mom. He told me all about you, including how he's head over heels in love and wants to make you his husband. Feel like coming over for dinner tonight? We're having chicken.

Seg choked on a laugh.

"What's funny?"

"Nothing." Nothing at all.

"Go. Call him. Tell him dinner will be ready at five."

Seg nodded, then headed for his bedroom. He pulled his cell phone from his pocket and stared at it. He was working up the nerve to call when his phone vibrated in his hand. He stared down at the screen to see a text from Roan.

Roan: I give up. I'm trying to be patient, but it isn't working.

Seg grinned. Rather than type a response, he hit the button to call Roan.

"Hey," Roan answered.

"Come over," Seg said by way of greeting. "My mother insists."

Roan chuckled. "It's that easy, huh?"

"That easy," Seg confirmed. "As long as you're that easy, that is."

"Oh, I'm easy, all right."

Seg laughed. That was so far from the truth, but Seg appreciated Roan's attempt to make him laugh.

"So, is that a yes?"

"Yeah. Do I  …  uh  …  need to bring anything?"

"Nope. Just you and Liam. We've got the rest covered." God, he missed this man.