Page 74 (1/2)

Kellerman 404

Just then, so, and Ben caught it, slipping inside He could still turn around and leave Jason would never know he’d been there Ugh At this point he was feeling like a creepy stalker No, he was here, and he’d talk to Jason, and then ould be, would be

Resolved, he rode the groaning elevator to the fourth floor Marching up to 404, he knocked before he could chicken out His heart pounded as footsteps approached, a shadow falling over the peephole

The door sprang open, Jason standing in the threshold, jaw on the floor “Ben? Are you… You’re here?”

He dropped his duffel, shaky handsas he spoke “If you kick me out I’ll totally understand I just had to see you in person I couldn’t let this go without trying Couldn’t let us go”

When Jason siie all the time I realize we only knew each other a few days, but I’ve never felt anything this strong in my life You’re not a kid—you’re a brave and beautiful and wonderful man But I do want to take care of you I want to protect you froht and know you’re safe I want to , and that you have everything you could ever want”

Jason still stared soundlessly

Mouth dry, Ben barreled on “And it’s not because I think you’re weak You had to grow up so young Most people wouldn’t have had the balls to keep Maggie To raise her and sacrifice everything else You’re one of the strongest people I’ve ever , but it’s how I feel” He thumped a hand on his chest “I feel it so deeply I want to take care of you both I want to sharewhen I least expected it and filled up the hole inside ”

Jason still wasn’t saying a word He stood frozen, chest rising and falling rapidly

“I think we could be so good together You ain Excited to explore and share and really live We meet hundreds of people—thousands—and they come in and out of our lives But when I met you there was a spark, and I don’t know if it’s cheo I knorong to just show up here—”

Choking down a sob, Jason launched hirabbed Jason back, squeezing with all the love in his heart

Jason gulped in a breath “I can’t believe you’re standing here I orking up the nerve to finally call you and try to tell you how I feel, and now you’re here” He gripped Ben harder “God, I want that too,” Jason whispered as he lifted his head, eyes bright and glea “What you just said”

Ben’s impassioned speech was a blur now “Which part?”