Now as a free man, free to do as he wished, could he choose to stay?
Luke reached out. Jake’s skin felt silky as his fingertips touched Jake’s cheek. Jake jumped, and his head turned.
“Jake,” whispered Luke, hesitantly. “I don’t want to leave you.”
Jake tilted his head sideways, as if not comprehending what Luke had said. Then a smile broke across his face.
“So let me buy something for you, all right?” He draped his arm over Luke’s shoulder before pulling Luke into his embrace. Jake hugged him, laughing with joy. “And I promise you can be sure of my taste of fashion, Luke.”
* * * *
Luke nudged at Jake’s elbow. “You mind if I buy a coffee?”
“Huh?” Jake seemed lost. “Yeah, sure. Sure. Here.” He handed Luke a ten dollar bill.
“You want one, too? Black or with cream?”
Luke had done th
