Total pages in book: 95
Estimated words: 92043 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 460(@200wpm)___ 368(@250wpm)___ 307(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 92043 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 460(@200wpm)___ 368(@250wpm)___ 307(@300wpm)
Z swallowed the lump in his throat as his eyes teared up. He’d known it was coming but he still hadn’t been prepared for the impact those words had on his heart. In that moment, he believed Connelly because he felt like he was glowing.
“I’m still not sure if I know what love is.”
Connelly opened his mouth to interrupt him and Z pressed a finger to his lips. “No, let me get this out.” He took a deep breath.
“I’m not sure I know what love is, but if I do, it’s because of you. I always thought that I was above it. That love was a weakness for people who needed to depend on others for their happiness. I was wrong. Love isn’t about dependence or independence. It’s about support. It’s about wanting to see someone else smile more than you want to breathe. I’d die to see your smile.”
Connelly took a long slow breath. “Azariah.” Connelly kissed him then and it felt like the beginning of something more grand and amazing than even the Milky Way. For once, Z wasn’t scared about the future.
Holding Connelly close, he finally, finally, let go.
Chapter Forty-Three
“Hey, Janie,” Connelly said. He was in the kitchen preparing breakfast while Azariah used the bathroom. “Sorry I didn’t call last night. Things got crazy and I had to deal with it.”
“I’m just glad you’re okay.”
“How are you?”
“We’re all fine. Mom is making the boys eggs and toast.”
“She’s not giving you a hard time, is she?”
“She actually apologized to me last night. I guess finding out my ex-husband held her son at gunpoint finally changed her opinion of him.” Janie sighed.
“Well, you’ll never have to worry about him again. He’s not getting out of this one.”
“You don’t know how much of a relief that is.”
“Everything else good?”
“Yeah.” Her tone was full of suspicion. “Why do I get the feeling there’s something on your mind?”
Connelly leaned against the counter. “I’ve met someone.”
His sister’s shocked gasp made him roll his eyes. “About time,” she said. “What’s his name?”
“Azariah Hayes.”
She paused and when she spoke again it was full of gentle curiosity. “Is he the one?”
His chest warmed and he closed his eyes remembering how beautiful last night had turned out. “Yeah. He’s the one.”
After they hung up, he resumed his breakfast prep and soon Azariah came out of the bathroom clean and polished. He’d painted his eyelids a muted gold, his cheeks a dewy peach and his lips were the softest pink. The effect was delicate and fresh like a spring morning.
“You look beautiful,” Connelly said, smoothing a lock of hair between his fingers.
“You’re looking pretty fine yourself, Hot Fudge.” He leaned up for a quick kiss. That simple action sent an ocean’s worth of appreciation flooding Connelly’s system. It was more proof that Azariah had let all of his guards down, that he was ready for something more.
Azariah wiped a thumb over Connelly’s lips. “Whoops. I guess I’ll have to invest in smudge-proof from now on. Sorry.”
“You can leave lipstick stains all over me, baby. I’ll carry them like a badge of honor.” He kissed Azariah again. This time before Azariah could wipe the waxy substance away he turned back to the eggs he’d been beating.
Azariah wrapped his arms around his waist from behind and leaned his forehead on Connelly’s back. “I love you,” he said.
Connelly stopped stirring just long enough to savor those words. “I love you too.”
* * *
“So, here’s the spare bedroom. Like I said before, it’s not that big, but it does have two windows and you’ll get a lot more light in the mornings and afternoons. Plus—” Emmett walked over to the closet and slid the double panel doors open. “You’ve got the bigger closet.”
Z tried to be objective as he studied the space, but honestly, he loved it. He liked Emmett too. He was quirky in a too-smart-for-his-own-good kind of way. Soft-spoken, but honest like Sal. He had the same rosy cheeks too which just endeared him to Z more.
“A big closet is definitely a selling point,” Z said, trying not to sound too enthusiastic. He could totally see his collection of heels arranged in that closet. And the windows would be great for doing his makeup in natural light, especially if he put up a few mirrors.
Yes, this had potential. He squeezed Connelly’s hand and smiled when he felt an answering squeeze. He liked it too. Good.
“The bathroom is right across the hall. Of course, we’ll have to share, but I hired a cleaning lady a couple years ago. I really like her. She comes once a week and does the kitchen and bathroom.”
“Is her payment included in the quote?”
“Well, no, but I don’t expect you to pay for her services since Kathy and I hired her together.”
Bonus. A free maid. No more scrubbing someone else’s shit out of the toilet.