Sunday had been a quiet day for both Riley and Josh, which was not a big surprise since Riley was sure he'd been asleep by nine o'clock the night before. Saturday had been a long day. One filled with too much drama and eventually a little happiness and hope. So Sunday had been deemed a lazy day. They'd gone out for brunch then spent time reading, snuggling and watching movies. There had even been some time for making love … twice. It was a good day, and Riley surmised that Josh had been giving him some extra time to regroup since he didn't seek out any further conversations with regards to Riley's family. Monday was a different story entirely.
Monday would more than likely prove to be an even bigger day than Saturday if things went the way Riley planned. It wouldn't be an easy day by any means, but hopefully all the pieces would drop into their predestined slots.
Josh snored lightly beside him on his back, the blanket only half covering his naked body. Riley trailed his hand over Josh's relaxed face, prickles of stubble tickling his fingers as he traced Josh's strong jaw. He loved that face with all its perfect imperfections. Everything about Josh was perfect; at least Riley thought so, and he'd never thought it more or counted himself as lucky as he did today.
He let his gaze wander down Josh's naked body. He was horny and hard, his morning wood encouraging him to listen to his little head and not his big one. But Riley didn't feel right waking Josh from such a deep sleep for his own personal needs—at least not this time. He promised himself after the day was over, after everything had finally been said and done, he and Josh would spend some quality time just enjoying each other—no phones, no excuses, no secrets.
After covering Josh with the remainder of the blanket, Riley brushed the hair from his forehead and kissed him tenderly. He gazed down at him a moment more; then he slipped silently from the bed. Josh would probably be pissed that Riley hadn't woken him up, but things would become clearer later, and if need be, Riley could suck up with the best of them. He had a busy day, and the sooner he got started, the sooner it would be over.
*~*~*
With the most important decision of his life finally made, Riley skipped up the steps of the courthouse. He felt lighter, more composed, and calmer than he'd felt in some time, his stomach not twisting with snakes of dread and anxiety or even tiny butterflies of worry. He couldn't get ahead of himself, though. There were still things to be done, not the least of which involved tying up all the loose ends with Josh.
Riley had no idea how Josh would take the final piece of news that could radically change both of their lives, but things couldn't go on the way they were. Riley wouldn't cower away from his fears anymore. He wasn't his father, and he had no intention of becoming him.
He prayed Josh would understand why he hadn't given him the heads up on the events of the day. Josh was his rock—had been from the very beginning of their relationship—always wanting to know everything about Riley and his life: past, present and future. Riley was sure it was Josh's overwhelming curiosity, his need to delve deeper into whatever case he was working, that made him such a great lawyer, too. He'd been so lucky to sign on with a firm that hadn't tried to hamper or quash his childlike wonderings and the laid-back way he had of strolling through life. Riley loved him so much it hurt sometimes, and his deception—or, more precisely, lack of a detailed account of his past—was something Riley regretted deeply.
Shaking thoughts of Josh from his mind, Riley opened the heavy door and stepped into the hustle and bustle of the courthouse. He had purposely avoided Josh's texts, keeping himself busy with getting all his ducks in a row and all the pieces of what would soon be his new life into place. Josh just would have distracted him, and Riley knew what he had to divulge was something better put into action than merely spoken about. Not to mention Josh's kindness and support would have been too much pressure on Riley, and he might have started questioning his plan yet again.
He checked his watch as he neared courtroom number five. He was almost an hour early. It was very unlike him, but he'd probably been overeager to get out of the toxicity of his present situation. A cup of coffee would be good. He could sit and people-watch outside. That used to be something he and Josh did together until he'd allowed his boss to suck the joy from his life.
Riley missed quiet time with Josh, just the two of them being silly or enjoying each other. His iPad had become a permanent part of his body when he was at home, worry that he'd missed something or could improve on what he'd already done always plaguing his mind. He was a damn good lawyer, and it was time he acted like one instead of being some douchebag's bitch.
Bypassing the courtroom, Riley headed down the busy hallway to the opposite door where the "coffee cart of happiness" kept lawyers supplied with much-needed java. He'd almost reached his destination when a hand latched onto his forearm, yanking him into an alcove to the left of the main hall. He twisted his arm to get loose, not caring who it was manhandling him, only that the fucker needed to let go. A hard shove to his chest slammed him against the wall. The quiet calm of the narrow hallway was strange to his ears. A mouth covered his in a brutal clash of lips, teeth, and tongue, the scent of the owner musky, heady and familiar.
Josh pulled back, leaving Riley's lips cold and aching a little with the force of the kiss. "Where've you been?" Josh hissed, hands clamped around the curve of Riley's shoulders. "I've been worried," he added quietly.
Riley's smile tightened his entire face and as he tucked a few stray curls behind Josh's ear, he knew he'd never been happier. He leaned in, ghosting his lips over Josh's slowly, gently, chaste except for the little lap of tongue at the end. It felt like he'd done it a million times before, and he had, but not in the sanctity of the courthouse or anywhere else public. "It's nice that you worry, but I'm okay."
"Not so nice for me," Josh said, his tension obvious against Riley's caressing fingers. "I hate it when you sneak out before I'm awake, and then all that shit with your father Saturday … Dammit, Riley. Should I be worrying about you again?"
"No. I think I have things under control for the first time in a very long time."
With no thoughts of dread or exposure circling his brain, Riley took Josh's hand in his. He swept the pad of his thumb over Josh's knuckles, basking in the look of amazement in his copper eyes. "Care to join me for a coffee?"
Josh smirked and licked slowly over his lips. "I'd rather shove you against the wall again and have my way with you."
Riley decided he could afford to tease a little longer, and fuck, it was fun doing it out in the open. "What way would that be? My ass and your cock, or maybe your ass and my dick?"
Stifling a fake gasp, Josh's eyes widened dramatically. "What happened to the perfectly restrained non-lover who usually makes an appearance with me in public?"
"Maybe he's finally seen the error of his ways, or maybe he just doesn't care enough to hide himself anymore."
Josh screwed up his nose while Riley enjoyed the look of confusion that washed over him. It was nice to feel so relaxed, so comfortable, and so content in just being with Josh. Not having to check his messages every two minutes to make sure his boss wasn't riding his ass for one thing or another, or worrying about being sent down to the baby attorney cube farm was definitely a relief. He longed to spill the rest of the simmering pot of beans to Josh, but he wanted the timing to be just right, and he had strings to tie up first.
"What are you talking about? Where did this cryptic Riley come from?"
Riley brought Josh's hand to his mouth, turning it over and pressing a soft kiss to the palm before letting it fall away. "In time ... I promise. Coffee?"
Josh's smiling face validated that Riley was making the right decision. The man had so much love in his eyes, so much support to give, and Riley knew it was all for him. "You don't have any extra prep to do?" Josh asked.
"I'm more prepared than I ever thought I'd be."
"Cool," Josh replied. "You buying?"
"Always."
*~*~*
A tiny, ill-concealed smile on his face, his brain struggling to concentrate, Josh straightened the folder in front of him for probably the third time in a minute. He couldn't get over how affectionate and downright happy Riley had seemed in the forty-five minutes they'd spent outside in the sunshine just people-watching. It was like a weight had been lifted from his over-burdened shoulders, as if he'd found a new lease on life, and for the time being Josh wasn't going to worry about whether that was a good thing or bad in terms of their relationship. He forced himself not to look in Riley's direction where he sat at the opposing counsel's table, knowing his tiny smirk would undoubtedly grow into an inappropriate shit-ass grin.
He guessed that was a very good reason in itself why people in intimate relationships should not oppose each other in the courtroom: wanting to rip Riley's clothes off and bend him over that sturdy wooden table surely wouldn't score Josh any points with the judge, after all. Though there was no actual law or rule about living in the same household while acting as opposing counsel, it was definitely frowned upon within the system. It would never happen again; Josh assured himself of that. Riley was always his sounding board on his cases and vice versa, and he missed his lover's careful attention to details and practical advice on what he was working on.
This whole case had been a lesson in opposites. He was defending a company that had more than likely fired a man because he was gay, and that didn't sit at all well in Josh's mind. But at the same time, he was under oath to defend his clients to the best of his ability whether he liked them or not. The other contradiction came in overdramatizing his position in the case and practically bad mouthing the only man he'd ever loved.
"Enough bullshit," he whispered under his breath. "Let's get 'er done."
*~*~*
The smirk on Josh's face might have looked like arrogance to everyone in the courtroom, but Riley knew it for what it really was: happiness. He was relieved he'd brought some joy to Josh's day, but he still had a big task in front of him, and he needed to keep his mind on the big picture. He rose as Judge Morrison entered the courtroom and nodded to the galley. Riley's nerves fluttered like flesh-eating butterflies in the pit of his stomach. He smoothed his breathing, wiped his suddenly sweaty palms on the thighs of his black dress pants, and retook his seat at the table.
David Lane, Riley's client, sat to his left, the intense fragrance of too much cheap cologne and overactive body odor wafting in Riley's direction, assuring him his client was close to shitting bricks. He hoped David wouldn't freak out at what was about to happen, but he suspected there would be more than a little what-the-fuck? going on with his client.
Riley listened as the judge reintroduced the case and gave the galley—and more than likely Josh—instructions that no outbursts would be tolerated. He watched Josh nod and put on his best lawyer mask, the sweet smile turning to a serious look of contemplation.
Just before the judge was ready to start the proceedings, Riley rose again. "Your Honor. Permission to approach the bench?"
Judge Morrison raised his eyebrows but nodded in their direction, motioning for Riley and Josh to approach. Josh looked as confused as the judge, instant worry and stress shadowing his face. Maybe Riley should have filled him in, but it was too late for speculating. It was Riley's turn to set the record straight.
"Would you like to tell me what the problem is, Mr. Callahan?" the judge asked, a hint of impatience peppering his voice as he fidgeted with his gavel. "I believe we've wasted enough time on dramatics in this case." Josh reddened slightly and dipped his head so that Riley couldn't see his eyes.
"I apologize, Your Honor, but what I have to say can't wait." Riley realized he was rubbing his thighs raw through the material and consciously stilled his hands.
"Proceed."
"I wish to recuse myself from this case, Your Honor."
Out of the corner of his eye, Riley saw Josh's jaw drop and his body turn slightly toward him. Riley shook his head, sending a secret message to Josh to keep his composure.
"Recuse yourself? I believe I require an explanation for this action."
Riley nodded. "Of course. My client is represented by the firm Adams, Jordan and Watts, and as my intention is to resign from said firm as of today, I can no longer represent Mr. Lane."
"Resign?" Josh said.
"Mr. Devon, this is not your issue to discuss," the judge warned. "Mr. Callahan, I believe your client is more important than your resignation at this point. I cannot allow you to recuse yourself based on this reasoning."
Riley shifted his stance, glancing momentarily at Josh before focusing back on the judge. "Your Honor, there is also a conflict of interest involved. My colleague and I have a … relationship outside the courtroom that makes it unprofessional for us to be handling the same case."
Judge Morrison folded his hands in front of him, body leaning over so he rested his elbows on the high desk. Riley looked up at him, tiny beads of perspiration buzzing around his hairline, hands eager to reach up and sweep them away.
"Relationship?" the judge replied in a hushed voice. "Would you care to elaborate a bit on this relationship, Mr. Callahan? You do know it's perfectly acceptable for you to have a friendship outside the courtroom, do you not?"
"Yes, sir," Riley said. He snuck at glance at Josh, who met his eyes and nodded. "Mr. Devon and I are partners, Your Honor. Life partners."
Judge Morrison paused, clenched and unclenched his hands, and shifted a little in his chair before answering. "Let me see if I am understanding you right, Mr. Callahan. You and Mr. Devon are involved in an intimate relationship?"
"Yes, Your Honor," Riley repeated.
The judge switched his focus to Josh whose posture straightened a little with the attention. "Mr. Devon, do you confirm what Mr. Callahan is saying? Do you believe there is reason for him to recuse himself?"
Josh nodded, his normal cockiness missing as he cleared his throat and repeated what Riley had said. "Yes, Your Honor."
One minute of silence stretched into two and then into three—an uncomfortable lull that seemed more like an hour to Riley. He shifted a little, his stance widening, throat dry even as his body produced sweat from places he didn't usually worry about sweating. His mind whirled with what Josh might have been thinking, how he was feeling about Riley outing them both so publicly, not to mention the what-the-fuck-is-the-judge-thinking? that was rocking his own brain.
"I cannot chastise you in any legal context, gentlemen," Judge Morrison said. "But I do believe this is a situation that should have never happened in the first place. Am I correct in assuming this will not happen again, neither in my nor in anyone else's courtroom?"
"Yes, Your Honor," Josh and Riley said simultaneously.
"I believe no major harm has been done as the case has just started, but I suspect you'll have some explaining to do with regards to your clients. Mr. Callahan, may I ask you a question of a more personal nature?"
Riley snuck a peek at Josh. "Of course, Your Honor."
"Does this case have anything to do with your impending resignation?" Riley hesitated, lips moving but no words coming out. Judge Morrison leaned further over the desk. "Trust me, son," he muttered. "I'm well aware of the attitudes and practices of some of the lawyers and firms that grace my courtroom. Will you be reporting something specific to the Bar Association, perhaps? Something to do with your almost-former employer?"
"Yes, sir. I've already drawn up the necessary documents."
"And have you covered your own ass and got other prospects in your sights?"
Riley smiled warmly. He very much appreciated the caring words and assumptions. "Yes, sir."
The judge returned the smile and settled back into his chair, the grin replaced by seriousness. "Mr. Devon, do you wish to object to Mr. Callahan's Motion to Withdraw?"
"No, Your Honor, I don't."
"Very well, so be it. Please fill out the necessary paperwork. And Mr. Callahan?"
"Yes, Judge Morrison."
"Please take care of yourself."
"Thank you, Your Honor."
*~*~*
After explaining to David and reassuring him that his case would be back on the docket in no time at all, Riley shook his hand before turning to see Josh leaning against the wall across the hall. He picked up his briefcase, nervous again about how things were settling in Josh's head, and walked toward him.
Josh met him with a hug, not quite sexual, but definitely happy and more than something one would give his mom or dad or even an old friend. His arms captured Riley. Their bodies pressed together for no more than a half a minute or so, but to Riley it was all he needed to know things would be all right.
"Proud of you," Josh whispered in his ear before pulling back and reaching out to straighten Riley's tie. "Wish you would have shared what the fuck you were going to do, but still proud."
Riley beamed. "Thanks, and yeah, sorry about that. Thought I might lose my nerve, or you'd talk me out of it."
Josh shook his head and rolled his beautiful brown eyes. "Why the fuck would I do that? I told you to quit that fucker more times than I can remember. Now that you're unemployed and almost officially my kept man, how about I buy you a really early dinner?"
Riley bumped his shoulder and motioned him down the hall. "Sounds great. There's a couple of stops I need to make first. You mind?"
"Not as long as I'm with you."