“Is that so?” He hugged her. “I’m so glad you’re getting to know each other.” Over his mother’s head he mouthed,Thank you, to Sam, who stood a bit awkwardly, holding the potted plant.
And when Sam smiled at him through the green leaves, so easy, warm, and sweet, a crescendo of happiness rose within Zach, finally silencing the self-doubt and fears of insignificance that had once played a never-ending tune within his head. Zach knew how the sorrows of life could get so hard they pushed you back until you fell, limp and exhausted from all the effort. You’d rather remain alone, hiding in bed under the covers, and no coaxing with promises of pots of gold at the end of the rainbow would help, if you never believed in rainbows to begin with.
It only takes a minute sometimes to make that one decision that can change your life, though at the time you didn’t know it. Zach knew about life and its fragility—like sand on the beach, slipping easily through a person’s fingers, fading like a dream half-remembered.
Love was no different. Love can burn hot and fierce as the sun for years, only to end in smoking ruins. But if love is recognized and treated like the precious gift it is, it can be life’s greatest reward, that golden prize at the end of the rainbow, the victory at the top of the mountain.
Returning Sam’s smile, his heart beat fierce and proud in his chest with the knowledge he’d won that elusive prize, made it to the top of the mountain through a hard-fought battle. He was in love with Sam, and tonight when they were together, he’d tell him.
“Let me go say hello to Marilyn and Brian. I know how happy they must be with Nick getting married.” His mother bustled off to Nick’s parents, leaving him and Sam standing together, smiling into each other’s eyes.
“Hi.” Sam placed the plant on a low table that had been moved to the side to make room for easy mingling between guests. “This place is beautiful. You’d never know it from the outside of the building. That’s what I love about New York. When you think you know everything, there’s always a surprise to prove you wrong.”
“Like people, right? You think you know them, and it turns out you’ve prejudged them, and they’re complete opposites of what you thought.”
Sam’s eyes darkened in response, and he rested his hands at Zach’s waist, drawing him close. His lips skated over Zach’s cheekbones, coming to rest at his temple.
“I know I did with you, and it almost cost me everything.”
A weak laugh escaped Zach; his heart pounded so hard, Sam must certainly feel its jumping rhythm against his own chest. “Not likely. I’m the bulldog who came after you. I wouldn’t let you go, remember?”
Sam drew his nose down Zach’s cheek, the soft expulsion of his breath fanning against Zach’s cheek. “You think I don’t remember?” The faint touch of Sam’s lips brushed across Zach’s. “I never forget what’s mine.”
A thrill shot through Zach at Sam’s possessive tone; his hands slid up the broad expanse of Sam’s back, and he leaned into his favorite spot, the curve of Sam’s neck, inhaling his scent. The knowledge that he was responsible for the rapid tempo of Sam’s heart and the slight hitch in Sam’s breath was a powerful aphrodisiac, and it made Zach possessive and handsy.
“You’re mine as well, remember.” He massaged Sam’s shoulders.
“Break it up you two or get a room,” drawled Marcus, joining them. “My eyes can’t take all this lovey-dovey crap.” He smirked. “Gives me hives.”
“Better get a doctor to check that out.” Zach elbowed him.
Marcus surveyed the room. “You didn’t get your picture taken yet, right? I think the photographer is still with Nick’s family.”
“Nope.” Hand in hand, Zach walked with Sam to the bar so they could get a drink. “I figured we’d be last.”
“From the way the photographer was ogling your ass, I’m going to guess you’d be first.” Marcus smirked. “Sam better watch out.”
Beer sloshed over Sam’s cup as he hastily placed it back on the bar. “What the hell does he mean?” His eyes darkened as his gaze bore into Zach.
He didn’t have anything to feel guilty about; the photographer had made him uncomfortable from the beginning, and he had no intention of responding to his blatant innuendos.
“Nothing.” If a look could kill, Marcus would be supine on the floor with a bayonet sticking out of his chest. “He”—Zach pointed to Marcus—“is being an annoying idiot.”
“Hey, it’s not my fault the guy hit on you, telling you how pretty your eyes were.” With his own eyes wide and innocent, Marcus said, “Here he comes now. He can tell you himself.” With a smug grin, Marcus leaned against the bar, arms folded.
Frustrated over Marcus’s teasing and annoyed with Sam for thinking he’d welcome another man’s attention, Zach pulled Sam over to the side.
“You know Marcus is baiting you. Don’t fall for his game; he loves doing this to everyone.” Sliding his hand up Sam’s arm, Zach lowered his voice so only the two of them could hear. “I’m not interested in anyone else.”
“Zach, are you ready to have your picture taken?” The photographer stood behind Sam, sporting a big grin. “I know the camera is going to love you.”
He wanted more time to tell Sam he was being ridiculous; after the weekend they’d just had there was no need for Sam to think he’d look at anyone else, but this was Julian and Nick’s night, and he had no right to take away from their enjoyment.
“Give me a minute, please.”
Sam had gone from red-faced and angry to pale and unmoving. He didn’t look well at all. Zach barely gave the photographer a nod, concentrating on Sam and the sickly look on his face.
“Sam, what’s wrong?”
