Total pages in book: 72
Estimated words: 67981 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 340(@200wpm)___ 272(@250wpm)___ 227(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 67981 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 340(@200wpm)___ 272(@250wpm)___ 227(@300wpm)
“Now your pants,” Spencer said.
“Your wish is my command.” Emilio grinned as he toed off his shoes and socks and wiggled out of his jeans. “Good?” he asked.
“Almost.” Spencer took hold of Emilio’s briefs and shoved them down his legs, using his foot to get them all the way off. “Okay, now we’re ready.”
“Ready for what?” Emilio asked, trying to look innocent. “Are we going to one of those club meetings with Adam and Scott?”
“Adan,” Spencer corrected him. “He’s your cousin. Shouldn’t you know his name?”
“He’s a second cousin a hundred times removed or some shit. That was probably the first time I’ve seen him in my life.”
“That’s too bad,” Spencer said quietly. “Because I bet he’d really like knowing he has family members as wonderful as yours. I didn’t get the impression his mother was particularly supportive.”
Emilio knew Spencer related to that situation all too well. “You know, we can go spend Christmas with your family, if you want. If we go online, I bet we can find last-minute flights.”
“Why would we do that?” Spencer asked, looking horrified. “Everyone’s going to your parents’ house. I’m helping your mother bake the ham. She asked me specifically.”
“Yeah, I know she did.” Emilio grinned. “She thinks you’re a great cook.” He brushed his hand through Spencer’s hair. “I just wanted to make sure I wasn’t keeping you from your family.”
Spencer dropped his gaze and quietly said, “Would it sound horrible if I told you that your parents and siblings feel more like family to me than mine has in a very long time?”
Emilio’s chest tightened. “I’m sad you don’t feel connected to your parents and your brother, Spence, but you’re a part of my family now, so no, it don’t sound horrible to hear that you feel that way.” He tilted Spencer’s chin up. “I ain’t met your folks, so I don’t know what their deal is, but you’re ours now. We want you and we ain’t gonna let you go.”
“Promise?” Spencer asked.
“I do.” Emilio nodded. “Easiest promise I ever made.”
“Emilio?” Spencer said softly as he trailed his fingers over Emilio’s hand.
“Yeah?”
“If I got you a ring, would you wear it?”
Emilio’s heart sped up. “What kind of ring?” he asked.
“Whatever kind you want,” Spencer answered. “I was just thinking if you wore it here”—he traced the ring finger on Emilio’s left hand—“everyone would know you were taken.” He glanced up at Emilio, looking nervous but hopeful.
“Yeah, cariño,” Emilio answered thickly. “If you got me a ring like that, I’d wear it.”
Spencer smiled, then dipped his head and kissed Emilio’s hand.
“Spence?” Emilio said.
“Uh-huh.” Spencer rubbed his cheek over Emilio’s hand.
“If I get you a ring, will you wear it?”
Spencer gulped and looked up at Emilio. “What kind of ring?” he asked hoarsely.
“Whatever kind you want. But you gotta wear it here—” Emilio brought Spencer’s left hand to his mouth and swirled his tongue around Spencer’s ring finger before sucking it between his lips. “So everyone knows you belong to me.”
Spencer trembled. “Yes,” he gasped. “If you get me a ring like that, I’ll wear it forever.”
They gazed at each other for several long seconds, and Emilio absorbed the commitment they’d just made. Deciding it was the best moment of his life, he wrapped Spencer in his arms and held him closely, never wanting to let go.
“Do you have plans after work tomorrow?” Spencer asked.
“No.” Emilio shook his head. “What do you have in mind?”
“Well,” Spencer said, drawing out the word, “I was thinking we could go ring shopping.”
Emilio smiled so broadly his cheeks hurt. He pressed his lips to Spencer’s and mumbled, “Let’s go ring shopping, cariño.”