“I wore you out, huh?”
“You’ve taken me over. The only thing that’s left of me is what’s inside of you. I’m a part of you now.”
Rico’s smile turned serious. “You’re my best part.”
Lying together, Adam regained that peace he’d found with Rico back in Texas when they walked the farm in the warmth of the summer nights, or made love, the smell of his mother’s climbing roses perfuming the air.
“I want to spend the rest of my life with you.” Adam watched Rico’s eyes widen, then turn fierce with the passion he loved.
“Then we need to start living. Put away the past and think only about today. And tomorrow. I’m so proud of you. And I’ve decided no more hiding for me. I want everyone to know you’re mine.”
His strong hands cupped Adam’s face and they kissed, Adam’s pulse beating wildly. The tender Rico was as heart-stopping as the uninhibited, passionate one.
“Plus I get to meet the Fire Commissioner too, right?”
Adam felt like a little boy who’d gotten his wish come true. “Yes, you do.” He kissed Rico on the cheek and pulled out, then disposed of the condom. Rico didn’t fool him; Adam knew how torn up inside he was about the way he and his father left things between them. He rejoined Rico, who’d slid under the covers, and spooned against him, fitting himself into the curves of Rico’s back. “I only met him once when I was sworn in.”
“Mmm. Hotshot,” Rico murmured. “G’night.” His steady, even breathing signaled he’d fallen asleep, but Adam knew several hours from now he’d find Rico sitting up in the living room, staring into the dark. Though he’d deny it, Adam knew Rico was thinking about his father, and it killed him because there was nothing he could do to help. Settling in closer, he slipped an arm around Rico’s waist and closed his eyes. Somehow, he’d find a way to bring them together.
Chapter Twenty-Five
From his seatin the first row, Rico couldn’t help but stare at Adam up on the podium looking so damn gorgeous in his dress uniform. He caught several women and even a few men giving him lingering glances, and he forced himself not to scowl, then laughed at himself.
“What’s the joke?” Gideon slid into the seat next to him, Jonah at his side. Funny how it had become second nature not to see one without the other, and Rico wanted that easy sense of oneness that came with familiarity.
“Nothing. Look at Adam up there. I’m so proud of him. His lieutenant told me this morning that Adam’s one of the youngest men ever to get this commendation.”
“He’s a special guy.” Jonah rested his arm on the back of Gideon’s chair. “I’m glad you saw it and took the chance to be with him.”
“You know I’m taking full credit for this, don’t you?” Gideon nudged his shoulder. “I knew right away he was The One.”
Rico had to ask. “You always said that, but how? I still don’t get it. You met him the same time I did.”
“Easy,” Gideon said, leaning back onto Jonah’s arm, his smile unexpectedly sweet. “Adam looks at you exactly the way Jonah looks at me.”
“Shh.” Jonah put a finger to Gideon’s lips. “They’re about to start.”
Sitting up straight in his seat, Rico glanced around and saw Maryann and her crew. She looked tense and efficient as she instructed them. Nice that she was getting some on-air time like she wanted. He gave her a discreet wave, unsure if she saw him as she was busy checking her watch. Then he turned his attention to the podium, where the introductions had begun. All the firefighters from the house were there to support Adam, who looked pale like he was about to throw up. For someone who had zero fear in rushing into burning buildings and risking his life, it was almost endearing to see how nervous he was. Rico turned his attention to the Fire Commissioner.
“In the true spirit of the fire department being part of the community it serves, Adam Barton went well beyond mere duty and gave this catering business, which was critically damaged by the fire, a helping hand by offering the firehouse kitchen for them to cook the food needed for their customers. It may not sound like much, but it allowed this new business the opportunity to fulfill their commitments in a time of crisis. All the firefighters pitched in and helped, although I’m not surprised, considering I hear the food is pretty amazing. I might even have to visit the store to try it.”
Rico elbowed Gideon and whispered, “Damn, this is the best freaking publicity we could’ve hoped for.”
“I know.” The smile on Gideon’s face was blinding. “I’m so glad I brought some samples of our cookies and pastries.”
“You did?”
“Mmhmm. I put them in a special place for the VIPs.”
“Smart move.” He returned his attention to the commissioner.
“In recognition of service above and beyond what the department expects, we’re awarding Adam Barton the Fire Department’s Quarterly Community Service award.”
There was nothing better than seeing someone you love succeed. That made his own happiness even sweeter. Watching Adam stand in front of the microphone to give the speech he’d practiced last night, Rico’s heart had never been so full.
Adam took a deep breath, glanced at Rico and smiled, and Rico’s heart tripped. Gideon leaned over and whispered in his ear, “Damn. It’s like you two are the only ones in the room. You found it, Rico. You found The One.”
Damn right I did.
