The contest I judged in Dallas just aired, and it went well. My rapport with the kids was good. Just like my videos with Piper and Liam have been. My demo also went well and even got airtime.
“It would be good for Summit House,” Quinn says. “Not that the kids aren’t adorable, but I don’t think they are your demographic.”
“At least wait for Theo. He can help or something. I’ve got too many ideas,” I say, remembering the soft questions he had last time.
“Speaking of,” Baylor says, watching Piper and Liam hurry off to whatever they have in mind to immediately occupy them. “How is Theo?”
“Some days he’s great. Some days I have to go find him at Maxine’s, where he is elbow-deep in dough and deep thoughts.”
“And that’s the plan?” Baylor prods and doesn’t even try to look abashed about it. “He’s going to continue to work at Maxine’s?”
“We aren’t making any big decisions right now. As far as I know, he hasn’t even looked in the bank. And, before you ask, we haven’t talked about Summit House. Let him at least have one month of just being a normal guy who works and comes home to his boyfriend.”
“Seems logical, though,” Ellen muses from her perch on the armrest. “You need a pastry chef. He’s a pastry chef.”
“Would you say youwork well together?” Quinn asks with a mock leer. Baylor coughs to cover a laugh.
“What Theo needs are options.” My voice is firm, and a slow smile forms on Bishop’s face as he shares a look with Quinn. “We are going to spend a few days out at the cabin, and we will talk about it.” I try to sound confident, but I’m worried. Leaving Bear Valley is an option too. Options I made enticing by buying Donahue’s for him. His hopes and dreams have centered around Donahue’s for his entire life. I can’t expect him to abandon those to build some with me.
Theo arrives soon after. Since Piper is about to jump out of her skin with impatience to film another video, Theo shoots me a pleading look, and I roll my eyes where my niece can see, but eagerly agree.
“She’s already got you wrapped around her finger,” I tease as we prep the workspace.
Theo grins and pecks me on the cheek. “I know. It’s kinda fun, though. I never had little cousins or anything growing up. She and Liam are fun.”
“That’s why she likes you so much. You treat her like a friend, not someone older than her.”
“She said she would teach me to snowboard.”
I stop dead in my tracks. This is the first thing that makes it sound like he might be staying. Not us trying some long-distance thing, making me ache just thinking about it. Nervous tingles race down my spine. The effort to give him space has been a delicate balance, and this conversation gives me butterflies.
“And is that something you might want, sugar?”
Theo stares at me, those big dark eyes captivating and curious. “I figured if I was going to live in a place known for mountain sports, I had to at least learn one. Or remember how—”
“You’ve been boarding?”
“A long time ago, Matt. I doubt I even remember a thing. I’ll need lots of lessons before you can even watch me.”
“You will remember. It’s like riding a bike.” I feel my excitement rise at the idea of skiing with Theo.
“Except the bike was much smaller then, as was I.”
I try to call on my innerdon’t sweat the small shitmantra, but this isn’t small shit, and I can’t just let it go. My hand wraps around his bicep.
“So, you are thinking about staying?” My voice is a near-whisper, trying so hard to be neutral.
A smile teases the edges of his mouth, the quick swipe-swipe of his lip ring. “I don’t know I would fit anywhere quite like I do in Bear Valley.”
I crowd his space, loving the teasing glint in his eye. That’s new, and I fucking love it.
“Sort of your ‘I found myself in Paris’ moment?”
“Uh-huh.” He tilts his head up, but I’m already there with a kiss. “Only one thing, though.” His voice is a low whisper. “I need my boyfriend to quit acting like I’m about to break. Or that I’m about to run.”
“Theo.” The press of his body, including his lips on mine, cuts me off.
“Don’t you want me?” Theo sways his hips against mine. His voice is light, teasing. He knows the answer. “I saw your results. You saw mine.” His arms around my neck put him on his toes. “I’m ready for you.”
