Total pages in book: 156
Estimated words: 145676 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 728(@200wpm)___ 583(@250wpm)___ 486(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 145676 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 728(@200wpm)___ 583(@250wpm)___ 486(@300wpm)
“You’re silly, but after you hear what I was thinking, you might decide I should have my brain scanned.”
Landon didn’t move from his spot, lips puckered so Robert obliged the request, kissing him. He was just such an alluring man and being so close… Robert kissed him again. He couldn’t control his compulsions.
“I have an appointment with a student advisor at the Art Institute tomorrow. I think I’m interested in their culinary program.”
“Really?” Landon asked excitedly, rearing back to get a better look at Robert’s face. “What about medicine?”
“I can’t find any interest in going back,” Robert confessed. He slid his hand through Landon’s short hair. He lifted the glass, taking another long drink as he watched Landon’s face go through a range of emotions, starting at passive and ending in utterly perplexed. Landon gripped his thigh and gently squeezed. A move Robert took as support. He appreciated that since he hadn’t told another living soul about this possible life redirection.
“Medicine was my world—my whole life—but to add it back in my life would mean it would become all-consuming again. I don’t want that. I want to live. I’ve enjoyed spending the day open to whatever direction life leads. Most days are spent at the market, going through all the fresh produce, finding just the right ingredients. I get why my daddy loved it so much. I enjoy cooking. It’s a labor of love for me. I thought taking classes might help me understand the whys of what he and my grandfather taught me. They were both exceptional in the kitchen.”
“Hmm.” The strong hand at his thigh squeezed again. “When would classes begin?”
“I’m not sure. I’ll know more tomorrow. I’m not even sure I’ll commit. We’ll see,” Robert said, loving the connection they shared, of telling truths for the sole reason of needing and respecting the other’s opinion.
“That’s good then, if it’s what makes you happy. I think you’re talented enough to go to one of those top schools like your dad did in Italy,” Landon said. The words couldn’t have been kinder had Landon reached out and caressed Robert’s heart. Robert leaned in again, pulling Landon’s head toward him to help encourage another kiss. This time he kept Landon right there to let the lip play linger a little longer. Landon was so accepting of him, giving him the highest praise he’d ever known. He did it all the time.
“Even if I could get into one of those schools, I wouldn’t want to leave. I don’t know if you know this, but I’ve met someone I’m interested in, and he’s tied to this area. I think I’ll stick around.”
Landon did what he always did when Robert said things like that. He smiled, averted his gaze, and tightened his hold on Robert’s leg. “I have some news.” Landon’s voice grew quiet, maybe a little husky. Such a sexy sound. The butterflies in Robert’s tummy that seemed always ready to flutter took flight. Now Robert was smiling.
“What’s your news?” Robert asked, running his hand through Landon’s hair again. He loved the way the short strands felt against his fingers.
“I’m not sure how you’ll feel about this. Actually, I’m pretty sure you’ll be against it, but it’s better for me…” Landon trailed off, giving Robert a side look as if assessing him while he took another drink. He tried hard to pull off passive at such a declaration. “I decided on a motorcycle today. It’ll make the drive to and from the base much faster.”
“I didn’t know you were a motorcycle guy. It makes sense. You’ve just never said anything.” Robert wouldn’t even try to pretend he hadn’t seen the worst possible outcomes of motorcycle rides, but he could say the same thing with so many parts of daily life. He also understood the draw and kind of settled with the idea of riding so freely. “You gonna take me riding?”
Landon cocked his head toward Robert, studying him closely with a skeptical gaze. “You always surprise me. Of course, I’ll take you riding. My boyfriend needs to be on the back of my bike.”
“Your boyfriend, huh?” Robert asked, his heart leaping excitedly, instantly loving those unguarded words.
Landon must have liked claiming him as much as Robert liked hearing it, because he took the wineglass from his hand and set it on the coffee table beside his. Then he slid an arm around Robert’s back and pushed him against the soft cushion. He melted at the look in his lover’s eyes. Landon caressed his cheek, angling his face as the tempting man descended. Seconds before their lips touched, Landon whispered, “You’re so fucking handsome, my God.”
Landon slanted his mouth over Robert’s, his tongue tracing the path it instinctively knew. Robert opened for him as they came together hot and heavy. Their kisses were wet and hungry, tongues swirling as he probed the depths of Robert’s sweet mouth. He slid his hand over the hard bulge of Robert’s cock, itching to feel the warm flesh against his palm. Robert clawed at him as he massaged his lover through his clothes. They both gasped for air as he released the top button of Robert’s jeans, nibbling at Robert’s lips and licking into his mouth. He couldn’t wait to be inside his lover.