Shea walking through his door that evening settled the storm raging inside Jake since he’d read the legal papers from Brian’s attorney. That, and seeing Stacey hang on to Shea like if she blinked, he’d vanish into thin air, made the decision easy.
Shea sat up, and though it was dark in his bedroom, Jake could see the shock in his eyes. “You want me to live here with you? That’s kind of fast, isn’t it?”
“I think we know where this is heading between us. I want to build a life with you, but we need to be together to do that. And I do agree it’s fast. So here’s what I think.” His sore muscles protesting, Jake reached over to switch on the lamp, and took the opposite side of the bed from Shea. “Find a sublet or a rental, but spend as much time with us as possible. I don’t know how the modeling world works, but maybe you could start booking gigs that’ll have you shooting here for the time being?”
Shea rubbed his jaw. “Well, a lot of my work is commercial print, so that could be done as easily here. Most campaigns do require some travel. I’d put it off and done only studio work because of my situation with my father bein’ so sick ’n all, but how would you feel about me leaving for a week or so to shoot or do a fashion show? I’ve been thinkin’ of gettin’ into swimwear, and I know that’s travel. Sometimes to exotic places far away, so I’d need to be gone for a week or more.”
“I’d miss you like hell, not going to lie. But,” he said, watching Shea’s face fall, “I know you’ll be coming back to me, which would make the homecoming all the sweeter.” Jake scooted across the bed. “It’s you I want. So we’ll work it out. I won’t put pressure on you. After all, I fell in love with who you are.” He reached out to touch Shea’s face. “Why would I want you to change?”
Shea kissed his palm. “And what about the ranch? I did like what you were sayin’ about making it so it’s geared more toward children and families.” He smirked. “I think I’ve had enough dealing with corporate types.”
“Ha-ha. Tell me about it. There are many ways you can handle it. If you set it up as a nonprofit, and have equine therapy sessions like Stacey takes here, you’ll be able to do quite well. Equine therapy horses are in high demand.”
“Craig and Johnny already enrolled in the courses. They start training next month.”
“Good.” Jake’s mind worked furiously. “I’m sure Patty will also like having all the kids around more than dealing with the executives. You’ll need to change insurance policies and—”
“Hold up.” Shea put a hand over his mouth. “It’s late, and I’m worn out from traveling and other activities. Nothin’ needs to be decided this second.” He chuckled, and Jake allowed himself to be pulled into Shea’s strong arms. God, he missed this. Being loved by Shea proved to be an addiction he willingly gave himself up to. “We should get some sleep and talk about it in the morning.”
“I agree.” He climbed under the covers, but to his surprise, Shea began to dress. “You’re not staying? I thought we’d have breakfast tomorrow.”
“Told you I don’t think it’s a good thing to rush. And who said I won’t be here for breakfast?” Shea zipped his jeans and leaned over to give him a kiss. “Best be gettin’ up nice and early. I’ll be bangin’ on your door.”
Jake slipped his arms around Shea’s neck, and they kissed softly. Gently. Sweet with the knowledge they had tomorrow and the next day. Jake, flooded with warmth and the aching sensuality of Shea’s loving, slid under the covers. “I love you. I’m so glad you’re here.”
“Me too. I’ll let myself out.”
Jake closed his eyes.
* * *
Sunday night, Jake unlocked the apartment door and held it open for Shea. “Bend down, honey, or you’re going to hit your head.”
On Shea’s shoulders, Stacey folded herself in half, and Shea scooped her into his arms. Giggling, she clung to his neck. “I wish you didn’t hafta go back.”
Shea met his eyes over her head, and Jake winked. He had a feeling that would happen, but he’d deliberately said nothing to Stacey about Shea moving to New York or their returning to the ranch.
“Well, I have plenty of time before I gotta think about that, so let’s have as much fun as we can. But now it’s time for bed. I know I’m full as a pig after that dinner.” He rubbed his flat belly, and Jake made a mental note to explore those ridged abs with his lips later that evening.
“Me too,” Stacey piped up.
Their perfect weekend had begun with a call from his headhunter early on Saturday, yelling that he’d been trying to reach Jake for the entire day and demanding to know why he ignored his texts. He’d arranged for a Monday afternoon interview with the social media company Jake was hoping to work with.
That set the stage for a drive out to Coney Island, where they stopped off at Spumoni Gardens for pizza, they spent the day at the beach and the afternoon on the rides at Luna Park until their stomachs couldn’t take it anymore. Sunday they played tourist in the mostly empty city, and Stacey got to run around the Museum of Natural History and then Central Park and the zoo. After a walk through the Village and a stop at Big Gay Ice Cream, they hit up Chinatown for some lo mein, and Shea got his first taste of soup dumplings. Jake had never been more exhausted or happier in his life.
“Time for bed, honey.” Jake hoped there’d be no argument.
“Can Shea do it?”
Shea was clearly stunned, his eyes growing wide, and he stuttered, “Uh, well, doesn’t Daddy usually?”
“Yeah, but I want you.”
Nothing would give Jake more pleasure than to have Stacey love Shea as a father figure, but he wasn’t sure how comfortable Shea was, finding himself so quickly inducted. “How about we both do it? Shea and me?”
“Okay.” She tugged at Shea. “Come on.” She wriggled down, and they walked her to her bedroom, Kiss trailing behind them, tail wagging. The dog was indefatigable in her energy and devotion to Stacey, and Jake blessed the rescue every day.
“I’ll run the bath for you. Go pick out your PJs.” Jake went into the bathroom and turned on the taps, leaving Shea standing in the hall, looking a little lost.
