by Emy Calirel
Trevor went to get drinks for him and Jerome. When he came back, Jerome and Hannah were in deep conversation.
“I can’t believe you didn’t bring him to the ocean yet,” Hannah said.
Trevor sat next to Jerome, close enough their legs touched under the table. “It’s drizzling and dark. We’ll go tomorrow if we can escape for long enough.”
“You really have to go.” Hannah turned toward Jerome. “My brother Connor and his friends are going surfing in the morning. If you can drag Trevor there before noon, you’ll be able to ogle some surfers.”
Jerome laughed, looking much happier than he had in Trevor’s room. “That sounds appealing for sure.” He glanced at Trevor and grinned. “You know what else sounds appealing? You telling me why you tease him about brussels sprouts.”
Hannah lit up. “Should I? Can I?”
“I told him you would,” Trevor said before he hid his embarrassment behind his Guinness.
Hannah leaned closer and lowered her voice conspiratorially. “Once upon a time, our gentlemen Trevor over there decided to try dating apps. His first relationship had just ended, and Trevor was scared the guy would end up being a creep or a gay basher in hiding. He convinced me to go with him and stay at the bar, just in case.”
“All it took to convince you was the promise of paying for your drinks.”
“Which you didn’t even end up needing to do, but we’re not there yet. Let me tell the tale.” Hannah shushed him before looking back at Jerome. “His safeword was brussels sprouts.”
Jerome chuckled. “Really? Why?”
“Because she wanted to make it as awkward as she could,” Trevor mumbled.
“You made me waste my Friday night.”
“As I recall, it wasn’t wasted for you.”
“The bartender was really cute,” Hannah told Jerome.
“And my date was super awkward,” Trevor said. “The guy was nice, but I wasn’t ready to move on yet, and I didn’t have a lot of experience either. I kept hoping Hannah would realize I was uncomfortable and find an excuse for us to leave. Except, she wasn’t looking at me and how do you place brussels sprouts into a conversation? So I ordered some and prayed she would see my plate and realize I needed help.”
“I didn’t see his plate.”
“She did see my plate but ignored it.”
“We agreed to disagree on that course of events years ago. I didn’t pay attention. The bartender had green eyes and a killer smile, Jerome. I didn’t care what Trevor was eating.”
“Which were the worst brussels sprouts in the world. They were burnt but undercooked. And I was stuck with them and a man I had nothing in common with. We ate in complete silence while she was flirting with the bartender.”
“Clive,” Hannah sighed.
“Whatever.”
Hannah smiled at Jerome. “I spent the night with Clive.”
“And I got one of the most awkward dinners of my life. Coupled with disgusting food and a meal I couldn’t afford at the time. And because she’s mean, she finds it hilarious, even twenty years later.”
“What’s hilarious is your flush when I bring it up. You react every time I call you sprout, and that, Trevor, is why this is so funny.”
Jerome laughed and put his hand on Trevor’s knee. It was worth the embarrassment just to see the amusement in his eyes.
“There you go. Now you know why she calls me sprout.”
“I should tell him about that time we went to the attraction park,” Hannah mused.
Trevor choked on his beer and his eyes widened. “Don’t you dare!”
Jerome squeezed his knee under the table. “Please dare. If it’s bad enough, I’ll tell you how my mothers once walked in on me and my girlfriend, kneeling naked in the kitchen with cherry jam all over the floor.”
WAKING UP next to Jerome was always a treat, and for a moment, Trevor could almost forget where he was. Bliss ended the minute they entered the kitchen to find Elias with a beer already in hand.
“About time you two showed up,” Elias said gruffly. “I hope there wasn’t any dirty fooleries last night. You know I won’t accept them in my house.”
He was looking at Trevor and completely ignoring Jerome. Trevor tensed.
“Good morning, Dad.” He glanced at the clock on the wall. “It’s already nine. You should turn on the telly if you don’t want to miss the beginning of the races.”
Elias narrowed his eyes but left the room without another word. A minute later the TV could be heard from the kitchen.
“Good morning, boys,” Molly said as soon as Elias left. “Come on, sit down and have breakfast. I made fresh scones. Would you like tea or coffee?” she asked Jerome.
“Coffee, please.”
“Thank you, Mom.” Trevor sat in front of Jerome, his foot against Jerome’s under the table. “I see Dad hasn’t changed.”
Molly put a fresh cup of coffee in front of Jerome before kissing Trevor’s head. “I know why you don’t come here often, pet, but I’m glad you’re here today.”
“I’m here for you, Mom. Only for you.”
Molly’s eyes saddened. “I know.”
“Those are absolutely delicious, Mrs. McGill,” Jerome said after taking a bite of a scone.
“Who’s this?” Erwan asked from behind Trevor.
Trevor immediately felt all his muscles tensing, and he turned around to face his brother. Tall, beefy, and glaring, he was the perfect copy of their father.
“This is Trevor’s friend, Jerome,” Molly said, standing next to Jerome. Trevor was immensely grateful when she put her hand on Jerome’s shoulder.
“You bring friends home now? Not enough to know about it, you have to impose your bad choices on us too?”
Trevor pushed his chair back roughly and stood up. “Mom invited him over. Show some respect.”
“Mom never knew what was good for this family.”
Trevor tightened his fists, his heart pounding in his ears. He wanted to tear his brother apart, but his mother’s quiet “boys” held him back, and he bit hard into his tongue.
Erwan smirked.
“Where are Natasha and Eli?” Molly asked.
“They stayed home. Nat wasn’t feeling good, and I’m glad they did. I don’t want my son exposed to his choices.” Erwan sneered.
Trevor opened his mouth to put his brother back in his place, but Molly put her hand on his arm.
“Let it go, pet.”
Erwan sniggered. “Be a good mommy’s boy, Trevor. You wouldn’t want to start a fight for Christmas and upset her, would you?”
He turned and left the room. Trevor was fuming, shaking with barely restrained anger.
“Fuck, Mom, why do you put up with this?” he growled.
Molly pushed on his shoulder until Trevor sat back down.
“He’s my son, too, and I love him as much as I love you. I know it’s hard for you, but can you please just ignore him? I only get to see my sons together a couple hours a year.”
Trevor grumbled under his breath and finally dared to look at Jerome. Jerome had stayed quiet the whole time, and Trevor was afraid of what his expression would be. There wasn’t a trace of anger or blame in his eyes, though, only understanding and sadness.
IT HAD been the worst Christmas ever, and Trevor had truly believed nothing could top the one during which he had come out. His brother had been his usual asshole self, his dad had been his usual drunk, and his mom had been her usual sad. Seeing all of it with Jerome there had been excruciating.
Every year, he hoped the holidays would be fine, and every year he was disappointed. Erwan was getting more and more intolerant, and his dad had guilted him about money again. About not helping them when he had so much and they had so little. Trevor knew everything he gave his mother would be drunk or bet on horses by the end of January, but he hadn’t been able to refuse. He had given them the money if only to see the sliver of hope in his mother’s eyes.
Erwan had, thankfully,
left just after dessert, and Jerome had excused himself to Trevor’s room. Knowing following him right away would fuel his father’s ire, Trevor had waited until Elias fell asleep on the couch before going upstairs.
Jerome was lying on Trevor’s bed with his phone in hand. He pushed himself up on his elbows when the door opened, and he started to get up. Before he could, Trevor took the two long strides to the bed and lay on top of Jerome, pushing him back down.
Jerome closed his arms around Trevor. “No dirty fooleries.”
“I don’t want to fool around. I want a hug.” Trevor shifted to get more comfortable. He had craved Jerome’s comforting arms around him all day. “I’m sorry about my family.”
“You don’t choose your family. And your mother is really nice. We had a good time cooking together.”
“She’s the only reason I keep coming here. Dad was always gruff, but he used to be a good parent. Into tough love but love anyway. I lost him to beer a long time ago, though. And my brother….” Trevor sighed, his heart heavy. “Well, you met Erwan. And I promise, you don’t ever have to see him again. I thought he would handle himself, but he’s just an asshole and getting worse.” Jerome stayed quiet, rubbing Trevor’s back. Trevor could hear Jerome’s heartbeat through the soft fabric of his shirt, and for the first time since they had left the bed that morning, he started to relax. “I wish we could go home tonight, but I drank too much to be able to drive.”
“It’s okay, we’ll leave tomorrow morning. Or we can stay longer if you want to spend more time with your mother.”
“You’re too nice. I don’t know what I did to deserve you.”
“The way your father looks at me, he thinks I’m the one who doesn’t deserve you. He doesn’t think I’m good enough for you.”
Trevor pushed himself up so he could look at Jerome. Jerome didn’t seem upset or angry, just realistic and resigned.
“My father would think any man in my life is a bad choice. I really don’t care what he thinks. You’re amazing and the one I’m in love with.”
Jerome looked like he wanted to argue, but he caught himself and put his hand behind Trevor’s neck instead, closing the distance between them. Jerome took his time, showing Trevor how much he cared through soft lips and tongue, and Trevor melted against him. It was one of those kisses that made Trevor feel like Jerome was embracing his very heart and soul.
When Jerome pulled back, Trevor’s mind was quiet again. “Tomorrow, I’m driving you home, and we’ll go out to a nice restaurant. I’ll show you around Dublin. We’ll walk from Trinity College to St Patrick’s Cathedral. Visit Dublin Castle and Kilmainham Gaol. I think you’ll like that. It’s full of history. I’ll bring you to my favorite pub for a Guinness, and on New Year’s Eve, you’ll meet my friends. And they’ll get to meet you. I want to start the new year with you in my arms and your lips against mine.”
Jerome smiled. “That sounds nice. I’m looking forward to all that.”
“Did you bring a suit with you?” Trevor asked. “I want to bring you to my favorite seafood restaurant, but you’ll need a suit to fit in and mine won’t do.”
Jerome’s eyes danced in amusement. “I did bring a suit. One of the few I kept from my time at the EU. It’s well fitted and everything.”
“You must look incredible in it.”
Jerome pulled himself up so he could whisper in Trevor’s ear. “If you’re really nice, you’ll get to take it off me after dinner too.”
Chapter 20—Jerome
JEROME LOOKED forward to spending some time alone with Trevor after the disaster that meeting his family had been. He had kept it to himself during their two days there, biting the bullet and keeping quiet, but not reacting had been hard. Seeing how much Trevor hurt had been harder.
Trevor’s apartment was amazing. Big and bright with large windows letting the light in and unscratched wooden floors. It was also perfectly tidy. Where Jerome’s place was clean but crowded, Trevor’s looked like it had been done by an interior designer.
Jerome was going around the place, looking curiously in all the rooms, when Trevor’s phone rang. He came back into the living room to Trevor looking at his phone, his lower lip caught between his teeth.
Trevor answered at the last second. “Good morning, Mr. Banks.” He glanced Jerome’s way guiltily before turning around, his back to Jerome.
From the one side of the conversation Jerome could hear, it was clear Trevor was being called into a meeting. And he wasn’t doing much to get out of it or argue that he was on vacation and couldn’t come.
“You’re going to work,” Jerome said when Trevor hung up.
“I’m sorry. I have to. I’ll get out of that meeting as soon as I can.”
Jerome looked away, disappointment burning his throat. “Okay.”
“And we can still go to O’Connell Street afterward. We’ll have time before the restaurant.”
“Sure.”
“I can drop you in town on the way if you want. You could sightsee on your own, and I’ll join you when I’m done.”
“I could come with you. Wait in the lobby or in a coffee shop nearby,” Jerome suggested instead. He wanted to visit Dublin, but after two days with Trevor’s family, he wanted some time with his boyfriend even more.
Trevor froze. “Um. It’s….” He stumbled. “I don’t think it’s a good idea. Coffee shops around there aren’t that great and you can’t stay in the lobby. It’ll be boring for you, and I don’t know how long the meeting will last, and—”
Jerome’s stomach dropped and he interrupted Trevor. “I get it. Not a good idea. I don’t feel like walking around, and I have work I should be doing anyway. If you don’t mind me staying here on my own, I’ll just do that.”
“My home is your home,” Trevor said quietly before going to his bedroom.
JEROME SAT at the table, checking his emails on his phone when Trevor came back five minutes later, wearing a gray suit and Jerome’s tie.
Jerome forced a small smile to his lips. “The tie looks nice.”
“My boyfriend has good taste.”
Trevor looked as uneasy as he had that Saturday morning Jerome had first met him in front of the hotel, hands in his pockets and shifting his feet. It was sort of endearing, but it didn’t erase Jerome’s hurt feelings.
“I’ll come back soon. In case you change your mind and want to go out, you should keep this.” Trevor showed Jerome a small silver key before putting it on the table.
“Thanks. I don’t think I’ll go out, though.”
“You should keep it anyway.” Trevor glanced away before looking back at Jerome. “I love you,” he said, sounding uncertain.
Jerome sighed and stood up to kiss him goodbye. “I love you too. Good luck at work.”
AS SOON as the front door closed, Jerome slammed Trevor against it and pulled him into a crushing kiss. They were just back from yet another restaurant, and Jerome had never been so glad to leave one. The place had been beautifully decorated, the food amazing, and the prices overwhelming. Seeing Trevor so at ease there had only highlighted the differences between them.
Trevor reached for him, but Jerome caught his wrists and pushed them back to Trevor’s sides, trapping Trevor against the door. Trevor broke their kiss and opened his mouth to talk, but Jerome spoke before he could.
“If it’s not to tell me to stop, hush.”
Trevor searched his gaze for a second, and Jerome waited, his heart beating wildly. He would step back if Trevor told him to, but he had felt so off-kilter since arriving to Ireland, he needed this.
Trevor finally licked his lips and nodded, relaxing his body. Jerome kissed him for it, bruisingly at first, then more gently as he pulled Trevor’s jacket down his arms. He threw it away blindly before taking Trevor’s wrists and bringing them over his head. He held them firmly against the door for a moment before letting go, grateful when Trevor took the hint and kept them there.
“I want you so bad,” Jerome said between kisses
, his hands working on undoing Trevor’s belt and pants. “I’m gonna make it feel so good for you, I promise. So good.”
He bit along Trevor’s jaw to his neck and shoulders as he unbuttoned Trevor’s shirt. Trevor sighed and tilted his head back against the door, baring his throat to Jerome’s mouth. Jerome pulled the lapel of the opened shirt aside and trailed his hands down Trevor’s chest, slipping them into Trevor’s pants to cup his ass.
Jerome pulled away, leaving a red mark on Trevor’s neck. “I want to fuck you right here, against that door.”
Trevor’s eyes were clouded with lust, his lips red and wet, and his skin flushed. “Anything you want,” he rasped. “Do anything you want.”
There was so much trust, so much love in the way Trevor looked at him, it gave Jerome pause.
“Je t’aime,” Jerome breathed, bringing his hands back up to Trevor’s waist. “Fuck, I love you.” He took a step back and let his hands fall, his fingers tingling with need and want. “Don’t move, mon coeur, I’ll be right back.”
Jerome all but ran to the bedroom, throwing his jacket toward the couch on the way. He startled when he came back into the living room with the bottle of lube in hand. Trevor was the picture of debauchery with his shirt and pants open, his legs spread, and wrists crossed over his head.
“You’re so fucking beautiful like that.” Jerome put the bottle in his back pocket on his way back to Trevor. “Do you have any idea how incredible you look right now? How much effect you have on me?”
Trevor pushed his hips forward.
“I can feel the effect I have on you.”
Jerome smiled and grabbed Trevor’s hips, pulling them flush together, their erections grinding against each other. Trevor groaned and moved with Jerome, his hands closing into fists above his head. Jerome let go just long enough to push Trevor’s pants and underwear down his thighs before pulling them back together, Trevor’s naked cock rubbing against Jerome’s still-fastened pants.
Trevor arched against the door. “Fuck that’s good,” he gasped.