Page 105 of The Way Home

Jamie turned back to Caleb, who was now scratching at his stubble.

“So?” he asked, unable to wait another second. “What do you think?”

Caleb looked up slowly.

“It’s really well written, J.” He sounded genuinely impressed. A warm flutter sparked in Jamie’s chest. “Honestly. It’s professional and clear and…” He hesitated.

Jamie’s jaw tightened at the flicker of doubt in his expression.How dare Halcombe make his confident, capable Caleb be sounsure?

“Do you think…” Caleb trailed off, frowning down at the phone. A series of emotions flickered over his handsome face, and Jamie sat back, letting him go through his process. Eventually, his eyes cleared and, as if coming to a decision, he dragged his tongue along his top teeth and gave a small nod.

“Okay. I’ll send it.”

Jamie blinked. “Really?”

“Yeah.” Caleb blew out a breath. “It’s respectful. It’s straightforward. I can stand behind it.”

Relief flooded Jamie so fast he nearly sagged with it. “Brilliant.” He leaned forward and pulled him rather forcefully into a kiss. Caleb startled for half a second, then melted, hand coming forward to squeeze Jamie’s waist. The kiss was soft and sweet, and Jamie felt a heady rush of gratitude that he got to do this whenever he wanted.

Pulling back, Jamie grinned. “You send that, and I’ll go help Mum with dinner.” He stood, smoothing down his shirt, then shot Caleb a mischievous look. “And then… I’d quite like my surprise present.”

He rushed through dinner prep and met Caleb in the backyard. where a brand new blue Cannondale Topstone 3, with a basket big enough for Jamie’s briefcase, waited for him. It was officially the best day ever.

“Caleb,” he breathed, staring at the bike. If he could feel his hands, he was certain they’d be shaking. “You…I—these are bloodyexpensive.” His jaw hung slack as he stared. “Why did—? You can’t just…”

Strong hands slid around Jamie’s waist from behind, pulling him back into Caleb’s solid chest. A soft kiss brushed his neck.

“I can,” Caleb murmured. “And I did.” The low timbre of his voice vibrated his chest in the sexiest way imaginable. Along with a brand new bike and being wrapped in Caleb’s strong arms, Jamie felt like a goddamn king.

However, his entire family was standing right there, so Jamie absolutelyrefusedto get turned on. Refused.

After his brain started working again, he noticed that his favorite canvas tote bag was hanging from the handlebars—the one with the carrot on it.

As if sensing his question, Caleb answered. “Oh, I bought you a bike lock for it, too. So you can ride to work.”

“I… you didn’t have to—”

“Sweetheart.” Caleb’s voice was a low rumble in his ear. He needed to stop immediately. “I’ve been wanting to give this to you for months. Are you happy?”

Jamie spun in his arms and dragged his face down to eye level. “Are you kidding? I’m so fucking happy.” Caleb smiled against his lips as Jamie kissed him.

“Language,” his mum muttered, while Pippa added, “Yeah, who saysfuck, am I right?” earning an immediate “Pippa Louise!”

Jamie laughed breathlessly and then found himself staring into Caleb’s brown eyes, chest full and tight. It wasn’t just the bike—though he was absurdlythrilledabout it. It was this. His family, hisCaleb,all together after everything.

A light breeze lifted his curls into his eyes, and Caleb reached up and brushed them away, a soft, fond smile lifting the corner of his mouth.

God, he loved him. It felt stupidly obvious now. His brain felt dizzy when Caleb looked at him like that. Something inside him had finally clicked together—the part of his mind that had been fighting him,finallylinking up to the signals in his body that had been drawn to Caleb the entire time.

Rising onto his toes, he kissed Caleb again. A chorus of exaggerated gagging noises sounded as his family retreated inside, but Caleb didn’t move. His hands slid up Jamie’s back to hold him there.

“Thank you,” Jamie whispered against his mouth.

“Anytime,” Caleb breathed, tugging him closer. His hand slipped lower, settling at Jamie’s back. If they didn’t stop snogging in his mum’s garden, he was absolutely going to get a hard-on in broad daylight. He pulled back instead and just… looked at Caleb.

A crease formed between Caleb’s brows. “Everything okay?”

Heat flooded his cheeks. “Yeah. Yes. More than okay. You are just… nice to look at.” Cringing at his sappy words, he tried to save it. “And the bike… I can’t wait to try it out. Thank you so much.”