He truly has never been more beautiful than right in this moment, but then again, I’ll say that again tomorrow just as I did yesterday. The storms raging against his battered soul have calmed significantly since that fateful winter day. Peace has done wonders for him. I fall more in love every single day. There is no coming up for air anymore. I’ve simply surrendered to drowning in him day after day, just grateful to be surrounded by his waters as I sink further to the bottom.
Not every day has been easy, at least for him. I will never enjoy seeing him struggle, some days even with getting out of bed. But even on those days, loving him is simple. Easy. I’m loved all the same on my hard days.
Now, Easton’s time is filled with custom artwork for his very dedicated clientele. It’s weird thinking back to the very beginning when I was uncomfortable leaving him for even a fewhours because he seemed so lost. He most certainly isn’t that anymore. His place in the world is right here, with me. Having his brother just next door and three more siblings to blow up his phone to make the distance seem less. Parents that can’t get enough of spending time with him. Friends and clients. His weekly coloring book page exchange with a three-year-old who calls him her very best friend.
“Aren’t you going to get enough sun on the trip?” I ask when I approach.
That slow, almost sleepy smile after spending all morning enjoying the higher than normal UV level hits me behind the ribs. “Seattle sun is like an appetizer to Mexico. I’m just getting started.”
I’ve had about enough with the distance and meet him on the ground, locking his wrists above his head and making him wriggle. My Chaos is all sun-warmed skin and smiles. The laughter that peels out of him is music to my ears. “Really? Or are you hanging out here hoping that I’ll wind up packing your suitcase for you so we’re not late?”
Even when I’m trying to sound serious, there’s way too much syrup in my voice to make it believable. That’s fine by me. Easton gasps in outrage. “How dare you?” I transfer my hold on him to one hand and use the other to skate down his side. “I would never do such a thing, and I resent?—”
The end of his sentence falls off into breathless laughter when I reach the very ticklish spot on his stomach. As much as he writhes around trying to escape me, he sure hasn’t even attempted to tug out of my grip. Such a brat. “Uh-huh. So if I say I’m about to go throw all your clothes back over the bed, no big deal, right?”
Easton gasps. “You wouldn’t!” He sits up suddenly, wrapping his arms around my neck and trying to distract me with a kiss. It works.
“You better go get dressed before we miss our flight,” I murmur against his lips. It takes an enormous effort, but he’d be so upset if we didn’t get to SeaTac in time.
Blake would also beat my ass which is not something I’m enthusiastic about. She’s so excited for this little friend vacation. If I admitted how much I was looking forward to it, I’d never live it down.
“Y’all aren’t dressed?” Brady calls, strolling through the back gate, completely unbothered about finding his brother wrapped around me like an octopus.
My eyes roll hard. “I am. Direct your outrage to your DNA counterpart.”
Easton scoffs. “So dramatic. I’ll be right back.” He takes his pencil and sketchbook with him to toss in his carry on. I reach a hand out for Brady to pull me up, and as he closes the last few feet between us, he gives me the first real look I’ve had at his outfit.
Something in my face must give me away because after he yanks me upright, he spins to give me the full effect. “What do you think? Cool, huh?”
Don’t hurt his feelings. Don’t hurt his feelings.“They make you seem very… available.”
Close enough. “Five inch inseams are very in right now, Acey. I’m being fashion forward. If it happens to attract the attention of any gorgeous women, then that’s a risk I’m willing to take.”
“Right. I’m just not sure I’ve ever willingly seen so much of your thighs.”
He pushes his sunglasses down his nose to make sure I don’t miss him winking at me. Lucky man that I am. “Boy, do I have a surprise for you in Mexico. You’re going to love it.”
By this point, I know a threat when I see one.
~~~
Blakely is going to make me spoiled at a rate she can’t keep up with if she’s not careful. First class flights, luxury resort, and a driver waiting for us at baggage claim to haul our suitcases to the car for us before driving us here. I didn’t have to make a single decision. Not even finding a shuttle. Just show up half tipsy from drinks in the lounge with a credit card that I’d never be approved for and get on the right plane. Magnificent.
Dear Universe/God/whatever else is out there, may Landon have an incredibly long and healthy basketball career, amen.
We get accosted upon entering the house-sized suite, which I was entirely expecting. Blake catches me first, and I’m braced for impact long before I can see her. I don’t even mind the ungodly squeal. “You made it!” If there’s one thing about our Blake, when she hugs, there’s no doubt that she means it.
I have to spit out a mouthful of her hair to respond. “Miraculous given the challenges we faced getting here.”
I drop her so she can tackle Easton freely, but after she’s made the rounds, she comes back, grinning. “Isn’t it addictive? Wait until you find out how they treat you on First Class to Asia. You’ll flip.”
“Sign me up, boss,” Brady says. “I’ll go anywhere they pass out cocktails like candy. Having one handed to me as I walk in is very my vibe.”
She grabs Easton’s hand, sharing a giggle between them about fuck knows what. “Come on. I’ll show you around.”
There’s a spacious living room, kitchen, outdoor space—with a private pool where we find Landon in a lounger with a drink—and three bedrooms. I keep catching the three of them swapping looks that have my spidey senses tingling. They’re up to something.
“We should unpack,” Easton suggests as Brady and Blake linger in the doorway to our room, talking about something orthe other. My beautiful, sweet, Chaos demon saying we should unpack our clothes like civilized people is red flag number two.
