The drive back to Jay's apartment building felt shorter than it should have.
Roman kept the windows cracked, letting the mid-morning air mix with the faint leather scent of the new jacket still hanging in the back seat. Traffic was picking up cars merging onto the freeway ramps, the low growl of engines, the occasional sharp honk from someone impatient at a light. Jay sat quietly in the passenger seat, one elbow on the door, thumb absently tracing the seam of his jeans. Roman stole glances whenever he could Jay's profile sharp against the passing buildings, the small satisfied curve of his mouth that hadn't quite faded since the kiss on the sidewalk.
Roman eased the car to the curb outside Jay's mid-rise. Engine idling. He shifted into park but didn't cut the ignition.
Jay unbuckled slowly. Turned to face him.
Roman spoke first, voice low and steady.
