A Few Years Later...
Max stepped out of the car, his briefcase in hand, his suit crisp as always. He gave a tired sigh, looking at the house in front of him, a big, cozy place tucked in the mountains. It had been a long day of meetings, but the drive up here always helped him unwind.
He walked through the front door and immediately heard the sound of paws running toward him.
“Hey, buddy!” Max called out as their golden retriever, Charlie, barreled into the hallway, tail wagging furiously. He knelt to pet him, letting out a small chuckle.
From the kitchen, Jaxon’s voice floated through the air. “You’re home late again, huh?”
Max smiled, standing up and taking off his jacket. “You know how it is, babe. Meetings. Deadlines. Corporate stuff.”
Jaxon appeared in the doorway, his hair messier than usual, wearing an oversized hoodie and sweatpants. Max couldn’t help but smile. Jaxon looked exactly how he always did when he was at home—relaxed and comfortable, probably doing something with the dogs.
“Did you get anything good for dinner?” Max asked, walking into the kitchen.
Jaxon grinned, holding up two bowls. “I made pasta. The dogs had their dinner too.” He set the bowls down on the table, and Charlie immediately jumped up to sniff the food, whining.
Max laughed. “Well, good thing we’re not eating dog food then, huh?”
Jaxon rolled his eyes but handed Max a plate. “You work your ass off all day, I take care of everything here. Someone’s gotta do it.”
Max set his briefcase down and took a seat at the table, feeling more at peace than he had all day. “I’m not complaining. You do more than enough. Besides,” he said with a smile, “I wouldn’t want anyone else here with me.”
Jaxon’s eyes softened, a small blush spreading across his cheeks. “Yeah? Well, it’s kind of nice, you know? Being at home, taking care of the place. The dogs keep me busy, but I’m glad I’m here.”
Max reached across the table, taking Jaxon’s hand. “I’m glad too. We’ve come a long way from those days, huh?”
Jaxon smirked. “You kissed me in front of the whole school. I’d say it’s been quite the ride.”
Max laughed. “I did, didn’t I? Guess I was just... finally being honest with myself.”
Jaxon’s expression softened as he squeezed Max’s hand. “I don’t think either of us expected this—this house, this life. But I wouldn’t change it for anything, my lover boy.”
Max raised an eyebrow, smiling. “I’m your lover boy now, huh?”
Jaxon chuckled, his gaze warm and fond. “Always. No matter what. You’ve been my lover boy since the moment I realized I was falling for you.”
Max leaned back in his chair, looking out the window at the mountains in the distance, the fading light of sunset washing over the trees. He had everything he wanted now—his career, his home, his life with Jaxon. And in the end, nothing else mattered.
“Neither would I,” Max said softly, then grinned. “Now, let’s eat before Charlie tries to take all of it.”
Jaxon laughed, shaking his head, and the two of them sat down to dinner, the dogs by their feet, the warmth of the house settling around them.
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