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)
Russ’s mouth opened like he was about to say something, but another volunteer approached with a question for Esteban. Russ collected their trash, fading into the scenery while Esteban dealt with a few more details. Eventually, he dismissed all his helpers and headed home to shower and change.
They’d had a bit of a tussle over which car to take back to the party—parking was super tight around the venue so riding together was the plan—but Russ had pointed out, probably accurately, that his six-foot five frame wasn’t going to squash into Esteban’s two-door hybrid.
They met in the parking area by Russ’s truck. Esteban didn’t even try to hide his appreciation as he took in Russ’s dress pants and crisp white shirt topped with a gray sport coat.
“Oh, I’m taking you to every gala from here on out,” Esteban said.
It was a simple, classic look, but Russ got the little details right—perfect ironing job, nice quality fabrics, and well-tailored fit. He looked like a former NFL linebacker at a media event, and Esteban was only too happy to get to show him off.
“Thanks. It’s nothing. Same outfit I wore for Benny’s christening, but I figured it worked for this.”
“And how.” Esteban stepped up into the truck before Russ could try to talk him out of the compliment.
At the event, Russ was every inch the attentive boyfriend, taking on whatever errands Esteban needed done, from locating a missing ticket list to checking that each silent auction item had a pen by its bid sheet.
“You’re doing great. It’s already a success,” Russ whispered as he passed him a clipboard Esteban had misplaced.
For a long second, Esteban daydreamed of sexy ways to thank Russ for all the support later. But that would be the height of foolishness. Even if the idea of unbuttoning that dress shirt did get Esteban’s pulse thrumming. And even if Russ smelled even better than usual…
Snap out of it. He forced himself to return his attention to the job at hand, all the questions and concerns coming his way as volunteers took their places and guests started streaming in.
Circulating through the room, he made sure people found the silent-auction items, kept the lines for the drinks and food moving, answered questions, and directed volunteers. He was was less party host and more circus ringmaster, and his head was spinning by the time Russ found him again.
“Drink some water.” Russ pressed a cup into his hand. “And I nabbed you one of the chocolate cookies.”
“You’re too good to me.” Giving a little sigh, Esteban playfully let his head fall back on Russ’s broad shoulder as he nibbled the cookie.
“You guys are so cute.” Russ’s sister chose that exact moment to show up, Connie following behind her. “And everything looks so festive!”
“He did such a great job.” The pride in Russ’s eyes was too warm to be fake.
Esteban wasn’t sure he deserved a friend this good. “Eh. I had awesome volunteers. Especially you. Taking care of me all day.” Esteban didn’t move apart from Russ, partly to play the doting boyfriend, but mainly because leaning against Russ felt so good. Right.
“Well, you’re so good to everyone else. Maybe you deserve someone taking care of you for a change.” Russ’s voice was firm and logical and somehow more convincing than if he’d said it in a more dopey, besotted tone.
“And you’re good at that.” Judy’s fond expression reminded Esteban of his own sister. “Also, I’m sure your new decorating skills will come in handy next week. I’m totally putting you to work on party prep.”
Russ groaned. “I was maybe going to skip…”
“You are not.” Connie’s decisive tone had Esteban seeing what sort of formidable boss she must be. “It’s our annual company party. Esteban, tell him he’s going.”
“You’re going.” Esteban nudged him in the rib so that he’d know it was all in good fun.
“And of course, you’re coming too.” Judy sprung the trap Esteban should have seen coming. “It’s Friday night. There will be prizes and good food. Greek this year. Maybe not as much holiday spirit as this, but we try.”
Russ stiffened. “We don’t need to bother Esteban…”
“It’s no bother. And I love Greek food.” Smiling at Russ, Esteban tried to send him the message that this would all work out. So what if they delayed their little breakup a few days? It wasn’t like hanging out with Russ was a hardship. “Now, did you ladies make your bids on the silent auction? There’s some adorable kid and baby items that Benny and the new arrival might like.”
He gently steered Judy and Connie toward the auction tables, mentioning which item numbers to look for, before returning to Russ.
“Why did you do that?” Russ kept his voice low, his tone more confused than angry. “Now you’re stuck with me another week.”
“It’s no big deal. We were going to make fudge anyway this coming week. And we still haven’t picked a date to go get your breakup cat. Also, I like parties, remember? We’ll make a little appearance, and then when you’re all peopled out, you can use me as an excuse for leaving early.”