Total pages in book: 169
Estimated words: 156808 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 784(@200wpm)___ 627(@250wpm)___ 523(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 156808 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 784(@200wpm)___ 627(@250wpm)___ 523(@300wpm)
Arik had had the lounge cleaned and repaired, then shipped to Dallas. The antique had become his favorite piece of furniture in the penthouse. Even more special than the Vera Wang mattress Arik loved so much. Kellus lifted a hand, shoving his fingers through his hair. Shit.
“You’re such a jerk, Kelvin. Don’t you say one word.”
“Or what?” he teased, stepping back to round around the corner back toward the party, laughing hysterically as coffee splashed over the top of the mug. Kellus started after him but was stopped by Arik coming into the kitchen, carrying two glasses of champagne. Arik stood directly in front of him, blocking his path.
“What’s going on?” Arik cocked his head toward Kelvin, pushing a glass into his chest, not letting him past.
“I’ve got to stop him. He found the picture of you on the chaise. He’s gonna tell everyone.”
“Don’t worry about that. He won’t get a word in edgewise. Gage has the whole room focused on that picture of BT on his cell phone.” That announcement managed to stop Kellus in his tracks as he grinned up at Arik while trying to hide his laughter. Arik narrowed his eyes. “Not you too.”
“Our families are a mess.” Kellus shook his head in amusement.
“Yes, they are. Take this. We have about a minute to New Year’s, and I want my kiss.” Kellus took the glass and let Arik back him farther inside the kitchen, away from any prying eyes. “I’m not sure anything can be better than 2016, but I have a feeling every day with you will be more special than the last.”
“That’s a perfect thing to say,” Kellus replied, the counter stopped his retreat, but Arik continued moving forward until he pressed right up against him so they stood toe to toe.
“I love you, Kellus Hardin.” Arik lifted his drink as the countdown started in the living room.
“And I love you, Arik Layne,” Kellus said. Lifting his glass for the toast, he clinked his flute against Arik’s just as the crowd burst into cheers. He took the smallest of sips, before whispering, “Happy New Year.”
Arik slid his hand around the back of Kellus’s neck and brought him forward for a toe-curling kiss. He had no idea how long they stayed there. Everything faded around them, and he lost himself in Arik’s kiss until a distinct clearing of someone’s throat pulled him from his daze. Kellus reluctantly broke from the kiss and turned to discover his father and mother standing in the open threshold. A twinge of embarrassment heated his cheeks at being caught making out like teenagers in the kitchen.
“Your father saw he had a message from Casey,” his mother said carefully. “I wasn’t sure if I should interrupt.”
Kellus looked at the clock on the microwave. They’d been in the kitchen a full ten minutes. Not necessarily a record in the amount of time he could get lost in Arik, but still pretty bad with all these people in their home.
“What’s going on?” Arik asked, his tone turning concerned, maybe somewhat guarded. Kellus registered the worried looks on his parents’ faces, realizing he hadn’t even noticed their distress.
“John passed away a couple of hours ago. Lisa didn’t know if she should wait to tell us or not, so they finally called,” his father answered somberly.
“I just missed a call. It must have been them.” Kellus sighed, looking at Arik. Concern he hadn’t seen in a month and a half was back on Arik’s face even as his strong arms tightened on Kellus’s waist to console him. His guy loved him so much and never missed a day of showing him just how cherished he was.
He lifted his hand to Arik’s chest, laying his palm over his lover’s heart, needing the connection in that moment. He felt such deep sorrow for John’s parents over their loss and prayed they found comfort in their faith and each other. He hadn’t been back to visit John since he’d been moved to the new hospital. He’d fully put that part of his life behind him, something he should have done long before he met Arik.
Somewhere in the back of his mind, he registered his parents leaving the kitchen, but he didn’t move from the solace of Arik’s arms. The sounds in the living room slowly quieted—probably the news of John’s death spreading, dampening the festivities. That was the last thing he wanted.
“I’m sorry, Kel. Let me drive you.” Arik’s softly spoken words drew him back into the moment.
“No. We’ll wait. Let’s get through tonight. We’ll call them tomorrow. I want to help them with the cost of the funeral,” Kellus said.
“You should. They’ll appreciate the offer,” Arik agreed.
Kellus let his hand drop to Arik’s waist and drew him closer. He slanted his mouth over Arik’s and kissed him unhurriedly, seeking the comfort only Arik could offer, before linking their fingers together and moving them out of the room.