Chapter 21

Shame flooded through him. He’d jumped to the most awful possible conclusion, and worse, acted like a baby by turning off his phone. “I’m not mad,” he managed to get out. “I’m…” He couldn’t say it. He was the asshole here, not Fess.

Fess set down the mug and came around the table. “But you don’t exactly look thrilled I surprised you like this. Shit. I knew I was coming on too strong.”

After days of wondering what he’d done to scare Fess away, the idea that Fess would even consider such a notion made him snort. “This isn’t too strong. This is thoughtful. Thank you.”

“Then why do you still look upset?”

“It’s not you.” He stopped himself before he added the hated phrase, It’s me. Better to show Fess how grateful he was.

Dropping his pack to the floor, he took long strides to stand in front of Fess as quickly as possible. Fess waited, eyes widening with each step. He inhaled sharply when Joe cupped his face and held him still while he kissed him.