“Maybe he finally sees that he can’t get a rise out of you no matter how hard he pokes?” A slow smile curved Chess’s lips. “That’s reserved for me. Only I’m allowed to be poked by you.”
“Makes sense, since you’re the only one who makes me rise.”
Chess took their empty plates to the dishwasher, then wound his arms around André and spoke into his neck. “Fifteen to twenty minutes? That gives us plenty of time, don’t you think?”
André stood and took his hand. “Won’t take me that long at all.”
Their laughter echoed as they ran down the hallway, where André slammed the bedroom door behind him.
Chapter Eleven
Chess peered out the window at André and Kyle sitting by the pool, heads together, working on their computers. They’d been out there for three hours, during which time he’d helped Dottie unload her packages, taken a walk by the ocean, and swam for a while.
He picked up his tablet and FaceTimed his friends. As usual, Spencer was the first to answer.
“How is it out there? It’s warm today, right?”
“Yeah, I just took a swim.”
Elliot popped up on the screen. “Hi! I thought you weren’t supposed to be online?”
“Well, André’s outside working with Kyle, so I figured I can talk to you guys.”
“Who the hell is Kyle?” Spencer asked.
“Margery’s counsel. Some contracts needed looking into, so she sent Kyle over. André didn’t want to do it, but I told him it was okay since I’m going to be busy.”
“With what?” Elliot sounded confused. “Did that research paper you submitted get accepted?”
He grinned to himself, wishing Wolf would come on the chat and they could all be together. He hated to share his good news without all his friends present, but it was bursting from him and he couldn’t hold off any longer.
“No. Just…this happened.” He held up his hand, and Spencer’s jaw fell open while Elliot fist-pumped.
“Yes! Finally! I’m so happy for you.”
And Spencer added, “About time he put a ring on it. I’m glad for you. And how lucky can you get?”
“I know I’m the lucky one. I’m still in denial that this is actually happening.”
“I can’t believe it took this long,” Spencer said. “So when’s the date?”
“We haven’t decided.”
“Win and I are thinking next year.”
“No way are Chess and André waiting another year. Listen, I’m offering my help for anything you need. I insist on it.”
Chess snickered. “Thanks.”
If Spencer sensed his sarcasm, he chose to ignore it. “When do you come home?”
Pulling his gaze from the phone, Chess craned his neck to look for André, but he and Kyle had disappeared from the pool area. He frowned. Where the hell did they go?
“Chess? Everything okay?” Elliot asked.
“Sorry. We’ll be here at least a few more days.”
Spencer said, “I have an event out there. Maybe I’ll come early.”
