Chapter 45

“I guess I made my desperation clear,” Nathan said. “I’m the biggest ass on earth, and I’m sorrier than I can say about the other night.”

A tiny spark of hope had his heart racing, but he tried to ignore it. The pain of Nathan’s rejection was still so raw. “We’re still different, aren’t we?”

Nathan was now close enough to touch him. His hand rose as though he intended to, but it dropped again. “Yes. But, I don’t think that matters.”

“You thought so before.” He turned away, not sure he could forgive and forget. Maybe Nathan had been right and they didn’t have a future.

Nathan did touch him then. His reached for Barnaby’s hand and turned him back to face him. His thumb brushed the top of Barnaby’s hand.

“I did because I was afraid. I’ve seen other relationships fail and I’ve even had a taste of that myself in the past. I didn’t think I could take the chance with you.”

Barnaby searched his gaze, hoping he would see what he desperately wanted to see. “And now?”