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)
Well, the irony wasn’t lost on him, nor was the fact that the object of his desires, both domestic and otherwise, had firmly placed him in the friend zone. However, Russ was a stubborn marine. He wasn’t going to let a little thing like impossibility keep him from wishing and hoping and scheming. And as he tucked Esteban under a throw he’d found on the back of the couch and slipped out of the condo, he resolved to find his way out of that friend zone, no matter how low the odds.
Chapter Eight
Esteban left work on Friday with a little extra bounce in his step. It was weekend energy. And the rapidly approaching holiday. That was all. Nothing to do with getting to see Russ soon for his company party, which was taking place at a hotel party room with catering from a well-known Greek restaurant.
And if he did enjoy Russ’s presence, well, there wasn’t anything wrong with that. They’d had a good week, that was all. Shared dinners. TV time. Russ tucking him in. A level of sweetness he hadn’t had since…
No. He refused to compare Russ to his exes. They were friends. So what if part of him wanted to climb Russ like a tree? He’d had crushes on friends before. He’d survive this one too.
Then he saw Russ on the sidewalk outside the hotel, and survival seemed like a pretty lofty goal. Damn, but he looked good, wide smile for Esteban, blue sweater that made his eyes look like sapphires, hair tamed like he’d ducked off for a trim on his lunch break, and khaki pants that hugged his thighs and ass exactly right.
“You made it!” For a gruff guy, he was so good at expressing joy at Esteban’s mere presence, making Esteban feel wanted in a way that wasn’t about sex or trading favors.
“Of course. Free food, and all,” he teased as they entered the hotel.
“Maybe. But I’m still grateful.”
Russ paused as they read the signs pointing to various events—a wedding, several other holiday parties, and a sweet sixteen. Their room was at the end of a long, wide hallway and smelled amazing as soon as they walked in—lemons, garlic, pastry, and something sweet all mingling together. A loaded buffet was set out along the far wall, and some were already filling their plates.
It was a lively affair with people having brought their families, children darting between tables, festively dressed couples talking in clusters, and the clink of glasses filling the air. Had Esteban been in charge, there might be a bit more tinsel and a theme of some sort, but there was a table loaded with small gift bags, and everyone seemed happy to be there, which was always nice and not always a given at these sorts of company parties.
“Introduce me around,” Esteban suggested, tugging on his sleeve. “But start with people you’re comfortable with. No need to force yourself to be a social butterfly.”
“I don’t know. For you, I might be willing to take up flying.” Russ gave him a fond smile. “Just saying.”
“There’s my favorite brother.” Judy came over, Bob and Benny in tow, before Esteban could decide how to respond to the compliment.
Then it was time to play the adoring boyfriend, the easiest role he’d ever had, especially with Russ continuing to give him sweet looks. He met various coworkers and nodded as all sung Russ’s praises for his organization and work ethic. Esteban could see why Connie was torn over the promotion. On the one hand, Russ was clearly great at his current job and replacing him could be a headache. But on the other, Russ deserved a chance to move up, prove himself in a role that challenged him in a new way, and Esteban tried to subtly suggest that in various conversations.
Eventually, they helped themselves to food and ended up at a table with Judy’s family.
“Has Rusty shown you pictures of what he wants to do to your kitchen yet?” Judy asked.
“It’s not perfect yet,” Russ ducked his head.
“That would be a no.” Esteban laughed as he gave him an exaggerated, pointed look. “And he better do it soon. I’m dying of curiosity.”
“It’s on my laptop. Maybe when we get back to our complex?” Russ made the suggestion, but his tone was hesitant.
“As if I’d say no. Yes, I want to see.”
“Okay. It’s a plan.” Russ’s shy smile made Esteban ache on a number of levels, made him want to wrap Russ in soft blankets, keep him safe—a fanciful urge for a guy who could undoubtedly handle himself, but there it was nonetheless.
Every employee got one of the small gift bags, and then there was a drawing for larger door prizes. Russ won two tickets to an upcoming symphony performance.
“I never win anything.” Obviously pleased, he studied the tickets, then offered them to Judy. “But I’m not sure what I’d do at the symphony. It’s before the new baby comes. You guys take them, and I’ll babysit Benny.”