Chapter 17

But it didn’t take much effort to enjoy it. Especially when he started listening to the rhythm of Jag’s breathing and felt himself falling into the same rhythm. There had been so many long nights when he had just wished for somebody to hold. His eyes were heavy, but he refused to let himself sleep. There would be plenty of time to sleep after midnight, regardless of Jag’s decision.

Now that they had spent twenty-one uninterrupted hours together, Brace knew two things to be true. He didn’t want to go home without this boy, and he didn’t regret giving Jag the ring. If nothing else, he deserved to be happy, and the ring would buy him that opportunity. No matter what Jag did with the ring, Brace could feel good knowing that he had made the right decision.

“Why are you so quiet?” Jag asked, the words blurring together a little.

“You’ve worn me out.”

“Are you feeling rested yet?”

Brace chuckled. “Why? Haven’t you had enough?”

“No. But it won’t kill me to rest for a bit longer.”