Audible Read online

  “I suspect Blair’s fam would be disappointed if she ever did anything typical, to be honest,” Marcus says with a smile. “Besides, you’re adorable. Even if you’re a little shit sometimes. They’ll love you.”

  Jackson smirks. “Takes one to know one.” He sighs, but his shoulders relax a bit. Down on the field, Ajay waves at them, mouthing hi babe and wearing a shit-eating grin. Jackson rolls his eyes, but there’s a small smile playing at the corner of his lips.

  “You’re just lucky you’ll never have to meet my parents,” Jackson says mildly. “They’re exasperating.” He tilts his head and looks over at Marcus. “What are you and Sebastian doing today, anyway? Is your dad coming down?”

  Marcus shakes his head. “Nah. We’re going to see him next weekend. Tonight we’re gonna stay in and eat takeout. Watch a Rick and Morty marathon. Finish up our Call of Duty competition. Just keep it chill.”

  Jackson snickers. “You’re a pair of nerds. It’s endearing, yet sickening.”

  Marcus returns the grin but doesn’t offer a reply. Jackson chews on his lower lip for a moment before peering over at Marcus.

  Jackson clears his throat delicately. “You made that appointment with the new doctor, right?”

  Marcus doesn’t meet his gaze. “Yeah. Tuesday at three.”

  “Good,” Jackson says with a nod.

  “I don’t know that it’s good,” Marcus says. “It’s just different. It doesn’t mean anything will change. Could just be more of the same.”

  He smiles as he watches Sebastian slap Ajay on the ass while he whispers something that makes Ajay burst into raucous laughter. Sebastian looks up at Marcus, and wriggles his eyebrows suggestively. Marcus rolls his eyes and flips him off in return, but not without mouthing those three short words that they’ve only just started saying.

  I love you.

  Sebastian’s smirk melts into a genuine grin that gets Marcus’ cheeks burning.

  He pretends not to hear Jackson’s amused reply. “Things are already changing, you know. For the better.”

  For once, Marcus doesn’t feel like disagreeing. For once, he’s ready for better.

  THE END

  ABOUT SAM COUSTE

  Sam lives in New Jersey between the beach and the Pine Barrens with a recovering academic and a maladjusted malamute. You can find Sam on Twitter chatting about writing woes, pizza, and Bucky Barnes.

  For more information, visit alt-rumblr.net/samcouste.

  ABOUT JMS BOOKS LLC

  JMS Books LLC is a small queer press with competitive royalty rates publishing LGBT romance, erotic romance, and young adult fiction. Visit jms-books.com for our latest releases and submission guidelines!