Page 103 of Ethan

Brakes?Whatbrakes?

“So we’ve now figured out your one weakness,” Ethan declared.

Hank thought it was pretty fucking obvious that hisoneweakness was Ethan.

But Ethan just grinned at him and declared, “It’s Avery.”

“Sure, man,” Hank said, chuckling. “If you say so.”

“Maybe you’re gonna have to prove it to me that it’s not,” Ethan teased, the way he leaned forward just as alluring as the knowing, flirtatious edge to his voice.

Hank’s mouth went dry as he picked up the bill the waiter had left ten minutes ago. He hadn’t been in any real hurry for this dinner to end, but now suddenly, he could see the advantages to paying and getting out of here. He still wasn’t sure if he was as certain as Ethan was about taking advantage of whichever empty apartment was available, but he also wasn’tnotcertain, either.

He slid some cash into the folder and gave Ethan a look. He knew it promisedsomething; he just wasn’t sure yet just what it promised.

“I’ll see what I can do,” Hank said.

Ethan pouted, adorably. It wasn’t hard, looking at him like this, seeing him as the youngest of four that had routinely been spoiled and doted on. But Ethan wasn’t only that guy, either. He was remarkably chill, drama-free, and straightforward. Never bothered pretending what he wanted was what he wanted.

And what he’d been wanting, for some time Hank suspected, washim.

What he’d ever done to get this lucky, he didn’t know, but he wasn’t about to turn it down. Not now.

“Let’s go,” Hank suggested, and this time, he reached down and snagged Ethan’s hand. Ethan glanced at their hands, tangled together, and then back up at Hank’s face, and the grin on his face was nearly blinding.

He had to let go, for a moment, for them both to get into their coats, but when they were on, Ethan reached out for him, this time.

“This something you’re into?” Ethan wondered as they exited the restaurant, hand in hand. It wasn’tthatfar to their building,and Hank thought the walk might be good for them. Either clear both of their heads or the brisk night might bring them even closer together. Tease at the possibility of the heat they could make together.

“I’m into you,” Hank said, because it was the truth.

Ethan squeezed his hand. “I didn’t know you were such a romantic.”

Honestly, Hank hadn’t either. But the distance had given him perspective; reminded him constantly of all the things he’d had half-shaped wants for in his head that he’d never gotten to do.

But now he could, and he wasn’t about to push them away again.

“Is that okay?” Hank asked, even though he was pretty sure.

“Are you kidding?” Ethan glanced over at him as they turned the block. “I only wanted it forever.”

“It wasn’t that long,” Hank said lightly, even though sometimes it had felt like a fucking eternity.

Ethan looked outraged and Hank couldn’t help but laugh. “Are you joking? I was kindadyingover here.”

“Uh, yeah. Me too,” Hank admitted.

How many times had he seriously considered going AWOL from the Black Knights and driving the four hours down to New York; just so he could have one more kiss?

Well, he could have more than just one kiss, tonight.

When they reached the building, Ethan pulled his phone out and shot Charlie a text.

Nerves were sloshing around in Hank’s stomach, along with the wine he’d drunk at dinner.

He should be smart, cautious. A team player. He should speak up and say,it would be weird for us to hook up in Max’s guest room. Or in Barney’s.

But he didn’t, because if he said it out loud, he was going to want it even more than he already did.