"Roman?" Jensen turned, offering his complete attention. "What's wrong? Is everything okay?"
"I-"
"Son- hold on a second!"
The urgency in Jack's voice made Roman turn around in panic. His hands clenched into tight fists, taking hold of his trench coat's thick fabric. He backed up to put as much distance between them as possible.
Roman didn't want to go through this. The day had actually started out pretty well, and now his sense of peace had finally been disturbed. Losing his temper, followed by getting into an argument with Jack, hadn't been done on purpose. Preventing things from escalating any further was the most ideal outcome. He really didn't want to be stuck in yet another quarrel with someone who never bothered to listen. Roman just needed to find a way to get Jack to leave-
An arm wrapped around Roman's waist, pulling him against a warm, slightly larger body. He gripped a textured J stitched into the left breast pocket of a fleece letterman jacket.
Jack stopped in his tracks with shocked, wide eyes.
Jensen leaned down, his warm lips brushing against a cold ear. "This is your father, right? Is he bothering you?"
His straightforward question was met with a nod.
The protective arm keeping Roman close tightened by a small margin.
"Well, speak of the devil. I was just about to call you, Ro," Jensen announced with an excited grin. "I'm ready to go whenever you are."
"To go?" Jack questioned with genuine confusion.
"Yeah. We have plans to go to the library together today. I was initially going to pick Roman up from his house, but I just so happened to be passing by when he came out. Which works in our favor. The next trolley should be here soon, so..."
"Oh- I can drive you guys if that's the case-"
"There's no need." Jensen's smile widened. "We like taking the ride since it's on the scenic route. Besides, we wouldn't want to keep you. I'm sure you have other...business...to attend to. I can take things from here."
"But-"
"I insist."
Jensen tugged Roman a little closer.
Jack glanced between them. His gaze darted to the firm hand planted on his son's waist.
"...Oh. Oh. I see. If that's the case, then I'll get out of your hair. Roman, I'll reach out again at some point to make plans for our next lunch. I can't say for certain when that would be- just because Rose and the kids have a lot of things going on this month. And we're going to see my family next month. And then we're going overseas for a vacation in the winter-"
"Dad-"
Roman was interrupted by delicate, soothing rubs made above his hip.
"My, what a hectic schedule. So busy. Having all these excursions- you must be quite the family man, huh."
Although Roman hadn't been open about the specifics in terms of his strained relationship with his father, Jensen was observant enough to pick up certain bits and pieces. Declining Jack's initial phone call after moving to Maple Bay said a lot. Roman literally running away from his father and into Jensen's arms was even more telling. Jack ignoring his son's very clear distress to brag about the Rowland family's upcoming plans - well, neither of them felt like listening to that.
Jensen allowed a hint of annoyance to bleed into his words, making Jack deflate.
"Right then. I'll just..."
YOU ARE READING
A Step Closer to Me
Romance"You've had people telling you what to do your entire life. I think you should finally do what you've always wanted by taking a chance for yourself. My arms are open. So, leap into them. And I'll hold your hand as we fall together." ~~~ Roman Indigo...
