Chapter One
“Morning. Want one?”
Ash held up the pot, poured himself a cup of coffee, and watched Drew knot his tie. He’d thought after living together and being married for years, the mundane, everyday things wouldn’t matter, but when it came to his husband, Ash still loved it all.
“Hell, yeah.” Drew held out his cup. “Someone kept me up late last night and also woke me early this morning.” He glared, but the gleam in his green eyes didn’t fool Ash.
“Guess someone really loves you.”
Drew glowed. “Yeah? That’s nice to hear.”
“Plus,” Ash said with a grin he didn’t even attempt to hide, “I didn’t hear complaints when you were yelling out my name.” His smile turned a bit smug. “Good thing these old buildings have thick walls. Someone might call the police.”
“I can’t help it if my husband is a sex maniac. I thought once we got married, we’d settle into a little routine and become one of those dull, married couples.” Drew smirked at him and set his cup on the kitchen counter. “You know, once or twice a week…mmmm.”
“I’m barely satisfied with once a day.” Uncaring if he creased Drew’s shirt or tie, Ash pulled him closer and kissed him hard. “Nothing could ever be dull with you, baby. You brighten up my life.”
Drew looped his arms around Ash’s neck, and it took all his strength not to carry him back to bed and say to hell with the clients today. The man was the blood through his veins and kept his heart pumping. Simple as that. Drew was the reason he woke in the morning and the reason he could sleep at night. Drew was his reason for everything.
“And I love you. As my grandmother would say, ’till a hundred and twenty.’”
Ash ruffled Drew’s waves and kissed him lightly this time. “Nope. Not long enough. We can start with forever but even that might not be enough time, since I don’t know what that’s all about.”
The color of the finest jade, Drew’s beautiful eyes turned luminous. “That sounds good for me too.” He finished getting dressed. “Remember, Esther’s ninety-fifth birthday is coming up next weekend, along with Chanukah.”
Ash remembered. He had something planned even Drew didn’t know about.
“I could never forget. Did you pick up the necklace?”
“Yeah, hold on a sec, and I’ll show you before I wrap it.” He disappeared into the bedroom and returned with a small box in his hand. “Look.”
Ash opened it, and Drew took out a gold chain with a diamond heart hanging from it. It glittered like fire when Drew held it up to the light.
“She’ll love it.”
“I hope so,” Drew said as he replaced it with care inside the little case. “She never buys anything for herself. We know, after raising us and taking care of us all these years, she deserves so much more, but I don’t know what else to do for her.”
“She’ll love it. And you know what she’d say. ‘I want to see you all happy. That’s what makes me happy.’”
Drew grinned. “You really are one of the family. You know her as well as her own grandchildren.”
Ash gave him a faint smile.If wishes were horses…
He rinsed out their cups. “What’s up for you today?” With distaste, he watched Drew pet Domino, who’d stalked in with his tail held high. Despite their years of living together, the cat had never forgiven Ash for coming into his life and taking Drew’s attention from him. They had an uneasy truce, but Ash had borne enough scratches to stay out of striking distance.
Laughter bubbled up from Drew. “You’re such a baby about this cat. I told you years ago to try and make friends.”
Ash paused in the doorway. “He hates me because I usurped his place as number one in your life.”
Drew, suppressing a smile, followed him into the hallway. “I can’t believe I’m standing here with Ash Davis, the man who only had to look at someone to get him into bed, and you’re pouting about a cat.”
Ash wound the end of Drew’s tie around his fingers and pulled him near. “It took more than a look to getyouinto my bed.”
Drew cupped his cheek and Ash nuzzled into him, kissing his palm. “That’s because I knew once I got there, no one else was ever going to replace me. You were worth waiting for. The only one I’ll ever need.”
For a man who’d grown up thinking he was worthless, hearing Drew speak like that left him breathless, no matter how often they told each other “I love you.” Ash still woke up some nights, unable to believe he was safe. Wanted. Loved.
“What’s wrong?” Drew gazed up at him, his knowing eyes searching Ash’s face. “You’re upset. Are you having nightmares again?”
