Total pages in book: 39
Estimated words: 36122 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 181(@200wpm)___ 144(@250wpm)___ 120(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 36122 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 181(@200wpm)___ 144(@250wpm)___ 120(@300wpm)
“You’re cute when you get flustered about sex talk. No, not everything needs sharing. And you’re right. We can confess to the broad strokes of our…courtship so to speak, make it a funny story, one we can feel proud telling over and over again. And if they’re too mad, well, we can leave early. Go to Maria’s or head home. More cupcakes for us.”
“You’re incorrigible where chocolate is concerned.”
“No, I’m incorrigible where you are concerned,” Esteban corrected him as Russ turned onto a side street. “But I think they’ll forgive us. People love a romance with a happy ending.”
“Well, we’ve definitely got that.” Russ gave him a stern look as he deftly parallel parked in front of a stately older brick home. “As long as you’re done trying to give us an expiration date—”
“Totally done. I want that happy ending.”
“Me too.” Finished parking, Russ leaned over and gave him a fast kiss. “There. That should last you until midnight.”
“Hardly.” Esteban pretended to pout, which got him another kiss, this one longer.
As they pulled apart, their gazes met. The warmth and emotion in Russ’s eyes stole Esteban’s breath. Russ really did mean it. He was planning on forever. This happy ending thing wasn’t simply idealistic thinking for him. He truly believed it was possible for them. And in his eyes, Esteban found the courage to let himself trust that their story would play out exactly the way it was supposed to, happy ending very much included.
Chapter Fifteen
One year later
“It’s almost midnight. And where do I find you? In the kitchen?” Esteban’s mock scolding gave Russ a warm thrill. He hadn’t expected Esteban to put much stock in the whole midnight kiss thing, not with this huge party swirling around them, Esteban’s brother’s house overflowing with happy people.
“Your brother’s dishwasher isn’t going to load itself. And I didn’t like the idea of him and your sister-in-law having a huge mess tomorrow with no cleanup help.”
“They have children,” Esteban said reasonably, even as he helped Russ stack the last few dishes. “Admit it. You came to hang out in here to avoid the dancing.”
“My knees…”
“Are fine. I watched you deadlift the equivalent of a small SUV three weeks ago at your gym. You can handle dancing with some eight-year-olds.”
“It wasn’t that much weight.” Russ tried to sound humble, but failed, preening instead. “Man, it felt good though. Personal best. The guys at the gym think I should try for that competition near Seattle around Valentine’s day.”
“I’m up for Valentine’s in Seattle. Watching my man lift big things sounds like the perfect appetizer. Let’s get a place with a hot tub for after. Just let me feed you some real food while you train for this thing.”
“You said you liked my last protein smoothie,” Russ protested. Some of his new weightlifting buddies did have some bizarre recipes to share, but he tried to stick to meals both he and Esteban could enjoy.
“First, it was chocolate. Second, I’m pretty sure you had your hand on my—”
“Come on! It’s almost time!” Maria stuck her head in the kitchen, making Esteban laugh and Russ’s skin heat like they’d been caught doing something naughtier than just reliving a pleasant memory.
Putting aside the dish towel, he followed Esteban and Maria to the living room. Maria’s baby, a little boy, was snuggled up on her chest in a colorful woven wrap. Russ liked her and the rest of the big, noisy family tremendously. And when the socializing got to be too much… Well, there were always dishes to do at these things. And he was good at putting food away.
“You owe me another game.” Esteban’s father called to them from the couch.
And chess. There was that too, a nice, quiet distraction from the kid chaos. And chess, it turned out, was a lot like organizing things or designing a kitchen. Lots of pieces to consider, each with a function and purpose, lots of decision-making and strategy. It was fun, and Esteban had been beyond thrilled when he’d taken to game, giving them even more of an excuse to visit his dad.
“As long as you mean him, not me.” Esteban playfully shook a finger at his father. “You were merciless to me. I might not make you the torrejas you requested tomorrow.”
“Ignore him. We’ll still feed you.” Russ knew Esteban had no intention of withholding the French toast-like dish from his father.
Esteban had perfected it at Easter time, and now his dad wanted it every weekend visit. They were hosting a New Year’s Day brunch at Esteban’s place for their close families. Not as big as this gathering because space was tight, but it would be fun to see Maria’s and Judy’s babies together again. And if Russ had his way, it would be the last time they tried to cram everyone into one of their small condos.