No Strings by No Strings (epub)

Author:No Strings (epub)
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 0000000000000
Published: 2022-11-03T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 3

“Titus…” He was halfway across the room, and Ezra went after him. “That’s not what I was saying.”

“Is being someone’s everything good for either person?” Titus stopped at the fireplace taking up much of one whole wall. “That’s what you said.” He’d already imagined two Christmas stockings hanging there. “That’s what you asked.” And a kiss in front of it on New Year’s Eve when it might finally be cold enough to light it. “What’s your answer?”

“My answer is…” Ezra tried to take Titus in his arms.

“Just say it.” Titus held him off again.

“I think my answer is…no.”

“No.”

“I can’t be your everything.”

“So, it wasn’t my imagination when I thought the word commitment didn’t want to come out of your mouth.”

“What?”

“When we were talking about opening an inn last night.”

“I’m a businessman. Someone who knows building codes, structure, electrical and plumbing requirements, zoning variations…” Ezra raised a finger to count off each thing. “This place is a couple hundred years old. There would be all sorts of changes we’d have to make and some we can’t. No choice.”

Titus headed for the stairs.

“Where are you going?”

“You’re not being honest with me.”

“I am.”

“The commitment wouldn’t have anything to do with us?”

“Titus…”

“I know my name.”

“Fine. It would. If we go in on some sort of business venture, we’d be tied together for twenty, thirty, fifty years, at least until the initial investment is recouped or paid back.”

“And that’s a horrific thought for you?”

Ezra looked up and then away. “It’s a scary one.”

“Oh.”

“None of what I’m saying is a comment on how much you mean to me or how much I want to mean to you.” He went partway up to where Titus stood. “We’d be business partners and…”

“Lovers?”

“Yes. New lovers, and I wouldn’t want potential issues and worries about deadlines and work changes, failed inspections,” he did the finger thing again, “budget overrides, and profits and debits spilling over into us. The stress of one is enough without putting them together.”

“So, now being with me is stressful.”

“Stop putting words in my mouth. You’re in a bad frame of mind.”

“And that’s annoying.”

“It’s worrisome, Titus. Because I want to fix it, and though I’ve told you a thousand times what happened with your client is not your fault, though I remind you almost daily he’s better, which I only know because you know it and say so, it does no good.” Ezra went down the steps, maybe giving up. “Though I tell you I love you and that you’ll find your way again, it’s been months, and it seems my words don’t mean anything.” He turned and started back up. “Besides all that, a person should have many things to get out of bed for in the morning, to enjoy, to love. I love you. I love my job.”

“Well, I don’t have one of those.”

“You will again someday, and hopefully it’ll be one as important to you as…”

“Us?”

“Titus…” Ezra could almost reach him. “I don’t know if there’s a measurement for these things. Probably. I love you more than I love a new necktie.

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