Maybe he did like being looked after a little. He just wanted to know that Logan was aware that he was the same person he’d always been.
“Logan?”
“Hmm?”
“It’s your turn to ask,” he said, arching his head toward the fingers Logan was threading through his hair.
“Truth or dare?” Logan asked and then kissed his temple.
Tate licked the condensation off his lips and replied, “Truth.”
The silence that settled around them was comfortable and felt as warm as Logan’s embrace—until Tate heard the question.
“If you told me yes today, would it be because you think you have to or because you want to?”
Tate’s eyes opened, and he grasped the side of the tub with his left hand, pulling himself up so he could turn. He knew exactly what Logan was asking, and as he looked at him, his black hair slicked back from his face, Logan’s eyes held his in a bold-as-hell stare. Logan wanted this answer, and he wasn’t going to be put off.
Tate maneuvered himself as close as he could get to Logan in their positions and said just as boldly, “I wanted to and should’ve said yes the first time you asked. I didn’t because I wanted to be able to give you something in return.”
Logan started to speak, but Tate placed his wet finger over his lips. “Shh. This is my truth, remember?”
Logan silently inclined his head, and Tate continued.
“I want to say yes right now, but I don’t think you’d believe me. Not in here,” he said, moving his fingers down to Logan’s heart. “I think you’d always wonder. So it’s my turn to wait. Two, three days… Hell, Logan, I’ll wait forever. But my answer will never change. So when you’re ready to really hear me, ask. And I’ll tell you.”
Logan didn’t say a word, continuing to hold his gaze until Tate decided he should let him off the hook and then turned around to settle back against him.
He understood Logan’s showing caution—he didn’t want a decision from someone who was feeling vulnerable and needy. He wanted it from a man who was strong and sure of himself.
I’ll get better, prove to him that I’m the same—
“Tate?” Logan’s voice cut into his thoughts.
“Yeah?”
He felt warm lips by his ear as Logan carefully wrapped his arms around him and asked, “Will you move in with me? I don’t even care where. I’ve waited long enough, and I don’t want to wait another second.”
Tate turned his head, and as Logan looked down at him expectantly, he simply said, “Yes.”
Chapter Nineteen
The next morning, Logan stood at the foot of his bed and tightened the knot in his tie. Tate was silently watching him from where he was lying with two pillows propped up behind him, and Logan had to fight the urge to climb back in beside him and call in one last day.
“Okay, I put my numbers on the side table next to you. There’s the main office, Sherry’s desk, my direct number, and my—”
“Logan,” Tate interrupted with a grin.
“Yeah?”
“I’ll be fine. I have your number in my cell. If I need anything, I’ll call.”
Logan dropped his hands to his sides and came around to sit on the bed. He took Tate’s fingers in his hand and rolled his eyes at himself. “I’m acting like a moron, aren’t I?”
“No,” Tate laughed. “You’re acting like you care.”
He sighed, leaning forward to rub his smooth cheek along Tate’s stubbled one. “Of course I care. And I want to know that you have every way imaginable to reach me if you need to.”
“You’re only going in for half a day,” Tate reminded him.
“So? A lot can happen in four hours.”
Tate turned his head, and when their eyes met, he said, “I’m going to get up, eat breakfast, and then watch some TV. Then I’m going to get in the cab you’re insisting I take to meet you for lunch.”
“Good,” Logan said. “And then we’re going to—”
“Cancel my lease.”
Logan kissed his lips and then lightly nipped his bottom one. “See, that sounds like the perfect day.”
“Of course it does, bossy.”
“And?” Logan challenged.
Tate pulled his fingers away so he could touch his cheek. “And nothing. I kind of like you bossy.”
“Do you?”
“Sometimes,” Tate was quick to add.
“I’ll have to remember that. For later.”
“You do that. Now, go to work. Otherwise they’re going to think you quit.”
Logan got off the bed and walked to his closet. As he shrugged into his jacket, he looked back at Tate and asked, “Are you sure you’re okay about moving in here? I don’t mind if we look—”