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“You realize you may have bonded us together with my cum as the glue,” Jason said.

“It’ll be fun to get unstuck in the shower.”

The two kissed and wrapped around each other for several minutes before the phone rang again.

“Next time I’m turning the ringer off.” Ben repositioned himself and looked at Jason. “So listen, I’ve had an idea over the past week. And, well, I don’t know. maybe it’s too soon. But, Jay, you see, I really love you. I know it’s only been three months of back and forth between here and New York. But I’m tired of the travel. What if one of us moves?

Jason nodded. He’d thought about this a lot. Ben was the most incredible person he’d ever met—smart, driven, truly making his way with his own company and a solid set of principles. It inspired Jason.

“I’d like to spend every day with you, too.” Jason paused for a moment to take in Ben stretched out beside him. “I think now is a good time for one of your Christmas presents.”

Ben looked confused.

“It’s okay. I promise there’s a connection.”

Jason got up and padded over to the closet. He pulled out a gift from his bag. Ben’s view was blocked so Jason considered how to present the gift that currently did not look festive.

“Close your eyes.”

“Come on. If I do that, I don’t get to see your hot, naked self come back to bed.”

“If you want this present, you’re going to have to do it.” Jason turned so he could make sure he complied. “No peeking, now. Close ’em.”

“Okay,” Ben said, giving it his best fake-perturbed voice.

Jason got back on the bed and sat down cross-legged facing Ben. He placed the flat bag in front of him.

“Open your eyes.”

“Awwww, you shouldn’t have. I’ve always wanted something from Shop Rite.”

“Don’t be a jerk.” Jason playfully slapped the side of Ben’s head.

Jason put his hand on the bag as Ben reached for it. “I hope you like this, and that I’m not too presumptuous.” He took his hand away.

Ben sat up with his back against the headboard and picked up the package. He felt along its edges and outlined a flat object that was about the size of a standard sheet of paper. Giving Jason a perplexed look, he slid a bright blue folder out of the bag.

Ben opened the folder to reveal a piece of gray parchment paper attached to the folder at the corners. Jason watched him read the document and fought the urge to say the words out loud because he knew them by heart.

Announcing J&B Works. Events and marketing tailored to your specific needs. Event specialist Ben Stewart and marketer Jason Karn have joined forces to create a dynamic one-stop shop. With a passion for non-profits and clients who want to make a positive impact, J&B Works can get your message out to the masses and bring you success.

At the bottom, in smaller print, the text continued: New York? Chicago? New city? What’s the website address? Heck, what’s the office address? Or the phone number? Should the company even be called J&B Works? Is Ben going to go for this idea?

Ben chuckled before looking up at Jason, who was shocked to find tears at the edges of his boyfriend’s eyes.

“Serious?”

“Very.”

A single tear escaped down Ben’s left cheek. “This is the most amazing gift ever. I would love to work with you.”

Ben got to his knees and moved in front of Jason. He wrapped his arms around Jason’s shoulders and kissed him deeply.

“This is quite the move for you too.” Ben kept the loose hold on Jason. “I know you’ve wanted to break out of your job, but this is exciting, going out on your own.”

“Not completely on my own. I’d have you. Yeah, this is scary striking out like this, but with you it seems doable. I think it’ll be fun too.”

“It’s the perfect gift.” Ben’s brow furrowed. “I don’t think anything I got you will compare.”

“You accepting this is plenty.” Jason guided them down so they could snuggle. Their kisses had just begun when the phone rang—again.

“Ugh.” Ben buried his face against Jason’s shoulder.

Jason laughed. “You should answer. It might be one of our future joint clients calling.”

“Good point.” Ben rolled off the bed and bolted from the room.