“What?” Emilio blinked, obviously nonplussed by the request. “Why?”
Rayne framed Emilio’s face between his hands and leaned in for a light but tender kiss. “Because I want to decorate your house for Christmas. I want to make it special, and I don’t want you to see until it’s finished.”
“Oh… okay, I guess.” Emilio drew in a breath and then nodded. “Not going to tear down walls looking for others I might have bricked up?”
“No, I’ll let you give me a guided tour of the skeletons when we start renovations in the new year,” Rayne said, caressing Emilio’s cheek before he stood up just because he wanted to. Because he knew he could again. “Feel free to send your mom over any time to check on my progress. She can report back to you. She just can’t take pictures. I have a vision, and I want you to see it like the people on the tour of homes will.” He paused, thinking about his plans for the decor. “Actually, I should ask her over myself. I could use her help with a couple of things.”
“Okay.” Emilio rose as well, tilting his head to one side as a small smile played around the corners of his mouth. “I hope you’re prepared for the literal Spanish Inquisition.”
“About what?” Rayne gave him a puzzled frown. “She’s known me all my life. There aren’t any secrets. If she wants to quiz me about my intentions, I can honestly say I already know what will happen to me if I break your heart again. I’m sure you’ve got the bricks and mortar on hold at the home improvement store.”
Emilio laughed outright. “I’m sure you will be quizzed about your intentions. I just wanted you to be prepared.” He stepped closer and then leaned in to kiss Rayne on the tip of the nose, something he’d delighted in doing since they’d been in their teens. “As far as bricks and mortar… well, I will neither confirm nor deny that I preordered them. I wouldn’t want you to think I was too predictable, after all.”
“Predictable isn’t a word I’d ever use to describe you,” Rayne said, pleased by the sound of Emilio’s laughter. He was glad they’d reached the point where Emilio felt like laughing with him again.
“Good.” Emilio grinned as he moved to one side of the island and opened a drawer. He removed a key and then held it out to Rayne. “If you can give me until in the morning, I’ll leave for the matinee and won’t come home until you say so.”
“Perfect.” Rayne took the key and slid it into his pocket. “That’ll give me time to do some preliminary shopping.”
“All right.” Emilio shook his head. “If you’d told me four weeks ago I’d be doing this, I would have said you were crazy.”
“If it’s any consolation, I would have too.” Rayne slid his arms around Emilio’s lean waist and closed the distance between them. “Good night kiss before I go?”
“I think I could be convinced,” Emilio replied. He wrapped his arms around Rayne and kissed him, taking his time about it. There wasn’t as much heat as there had been in the truck, but Emilio didn’t seem in any hurry to end it.
Rayne parted his lips and savored the kiss, welcoming the chance to refamiliarize himself with the taste and feel of Emilio’s mouth. Kissing Emilio again seemed so normal and right that Rayne almost forgot years had passed since the last time they’d kissed like this. With a quiet hum of pleasure, he pressed close and smoothed his palms up and down the length of Emilio’s back.
Emilio gave a soft sigh, obviously enjoying the way Rayne was touching him. Emilio tightened his arms, holding Rayne close, fitting their bodies together as though they’d never been apart. They weren’t the idealistic boys who’d carved their initials on the Love Post, but experience and maturity were better qualities if they truly wanted their relationship to last forever.
No matter what the future held for them, Rayne was happy in this moment. As he relaxed in Emilio’s arms, something seemed to click into place, and he felt as if he’d finally found his home.
