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)
“Now, is there anything specific you told them about the ex that I should know?” Esteban plucked the cheese from the oven, nestling it among the crackers.
“Not sure. It’s not like I was bragging about him constantly or something. I told them I’d met someone recently and wanted them to meet him. One of the designers came in with an order right as I was talking to Judy about the holiday. I kinda ducked out of the conversation at that point. I’m not the biggest talker,” he admitted.
“I noticed.” Esteban gave him an almost fond look. “Honestly, I thought for weeks you were mad about the cat and not interested in being friendly with a guy with a rainbow bumper sticker, but now I see…you’re a little shy.”
Russ wasn’t about to confess that said bumper sticker had been a big draw for him, but he did bristle at the other part. “I was a marine. And damn good at my job. I’m not shy.”
“So you’re a reserved marine.” Esteban made it sound so simple, like Russ’s issues with hanging back and not being a regular at the poker table or bar crawls were no big deal. “I’m sure you’re not the military’s only introvert. No one’s going to take away your alpha-dog card simply because you take a while to warm up to people.”
“Maybe so, but I’ve yelled at plenty of new recruits. I don’t have any issues taking charge when I need to.”
“Good to know.” Any other circumstance and Esteban’s look could have been considered flirty. As it was, Russ’s skin heated, body not sure what to make of the scrutiny.
Man, Esteban did fake boyfriend well even when they were alone. Before Russ could compliment him, though, he handed Russ the cheese plate while he grabbed the beverages and headed for the living area.
“Drinks!” Esteban announced in an upbeat voice as he handed out glasses, giving Judy the one without the splash of bourbon he’d added to the rest.
“An appetizer? And a cocktail?” Judy’s eyes went wide. “You’re going to turn Rusty into a foodie, aren’t you? I love it.”
“This is delicious,” Connie added as she took a dainty sip of the drink.
Esteban had used juice glasses, muttering to Russ about needing to add drinkware to the shopping list, but he’d made them look festive with sprigs of herbs and thin slices of apple.
Connie was the first to try the cheese too with more of her characteristic enthusiasm. One of the things that Russ enjoyed about working for her was her ability to have a positive attitude, even when correcting someone and while experiencing a trying personal year. Despite enjoying art and shop classes in high school, he’d never really considered working in remodeling, but he liked Connie a lot and had found surprising fulfillment in the job.
“Thanks. It’s all Esteban.” Russ refused to take the credit, even though Esteban had said he could. He was all about giving credit where credit was due.
“Well, I want the recipe for the brie.”
“He made it up from his head.” Russ was still impressed at Esteban’s ability to cook on the fly without recipes.
Esteban waved away the praise. “I’ll write it down for you. It wasn’t hard.”
“It’s fabulous. Benny, come try a cracker,” Judy urged, holding one out for him, but he ignored her in favor of the train he was pushing along Russ’s rug.
Esteban crouched low, moving another train for Benny who clapped in delight, especially when Esteban made the trains crash together.
“You should have told me how little he is. I have toys at my place.” Esteban scolded Russ, tone exasperated but indulgent. Like when Judy got on Bob for forgetting something key. “My nephews like to come visit, and I keep some magnetic blocks and other stuff for them.”
“You sound like a fantastic uncle,” Connie enthused, following up with a few more questions about the kids in Esteban’s family.
Russ paid close attention to Esteban’s responses—his answers were filled with warmth and humor—while watching him continue to smash trains with Benny.
Man, he’s good at this. Russ felt a surge of tenderness at seeing Esteban treating Russ’s favorite small human kindly. It brought with it an unexpected urge to touch Esteban, one he quashed by helping himself to a little of the appetizer.
The timer dinged and Esteban excused himself to go check the turkey breast.
“I like him,” Judy said as soon as he was out of earshot. “And I like the way he seems to knock you off-kilter. You seem pleasantly dazed. Like you’re surprised he’s even here. It’s cute.”
“Yeah.” Russ supposed that was one way to put it.
“Russ, you want to set the table?” Esteban called out, saving him from further grilling from Judy.
One of the things Russ had liked about the condo was its relative spaciousness for a one-bedroom, with a generously sized dining nook between the kitchen and living area. He’d put the extra leaf in the table yesterday. That was before Soren dropped his break-up bombshell, and honestly, their argument felt weeks removed from this moment.