Sean heaved a long, drawn-out sigh. “If I must. The things I do for love.”
They’d bought a sectional, so it was easy to move the separate pieces, and by the time the movers appeared with the bed, they’d arranged the couch as they liked.
Fixing up the place took over three hours, but by late afternoon, Tristan had folded the last towel and surveyed the bedroom. It would be the first time he’d lived with anyone, but instead of worrying about personal space, he couldn’t wait to see what it would be like to have Sean with him all the time. Remembering how he couldn’t leave Peter fast enough after they’d had sex, he cringed, knowing he’d used the man and feeling guilty as hell that he’d stayed so long.
The buzzer sounded. That would be Monique. He left the bedroom, and on the way to the door saw how Sean had set up the kitchen with his blender and spice rack out. They’d also splurged on a fancy espresso maker. Sean had discovered a passion for lattes, and since he already had enough energy for three people, Tristan subtly tried to rein him in. The last thing Sean needed was a caffeine buzz.
A big bowl of lemons and oranges sat on the counter, and he raised a brow. “Are we suddenly into citrus, or are you suffering from scurvy?”
Sean snickered. “Neither. Charlotte told me that having them in a bowl gives the place a nice, fresh smell, and I think she’s right.”
At the knock on the door, Sean answered it, letting Monique in. She carried a huge tote bag in one hand and an orchid plant in the other. Sean took the flowerpot and kissed her cheek.
“Thanks, and welcome.”
Sparkling eyes assessed every inch of space as she walked through the apartment. “Guys. This is gorgeous. I love it. So modern, and the area is great, with lots of young families and cool restaurants. Plus, easier for me to visit.”
“That was one of our main concerns,” Tristan deadpanned and received a swat on his shoulder.
“Smartass. But I really do love it. I brought something to celebrate.” From her shopping bag, she pulled out a bottle of champagne and handed it to Sean. “You take this, and I have some cheese and crackers in here.” A little digging, and she lifted out a wooden board and set it on the kitchen island. “I can’t tell you how thrilled I am that you’re settled and happy now in your own place.” Monique pulled out cheese, crackers, and a container of grapes. Sean popped the cork and poured three glasses.
“An apartment isn’t what makes me happy,” Tristan said, sliding his arm around Sean’s shoulders, and Monique’s eyes grew shiny.
“You’re making me all emotional. I’ll be honest—when you left, you were grieving so hard, I figured you were gone for good and I’d never see you again. I’d resigned myself to maybe a phone call a year. Having you back in my life is a present. And knowing you’ve met someone who loves you…that doesn’t happen so easily.” Tears spilled down her cheeks, and Tristan, heart aching, rushed to hold her. “I’m sorry,” she whispered into his chest. “It’s just that Nadine asked where her daddy was this morning, and I still miss him so much.”
“I know, sweetheart.”
She sniffled and wiped her face. “I’m a mess.” She wrinkled her nose, looking at her fingers smeared with mascara.
“You’re always gorgeous. And I miss him too. Every damn day.” He met Sean’s eyes. “He would’ve loved you. You could’ve bonded over your ridiculous diets. Terry was a junk-food king.”
“I wish I could’ve known him. From what Tristan has told me, he was one in a million.”
“He was.” Monique blotted her eyes. “The other day, one of the fathers in Nadine’s play group asked me out on a date. He’s a single dad raising his son. I didn’t know what to say. I’m just not ready to say yes yet and leave the past behind.”
“You don’t have to. You’ll know when it’s time to move on. I wasn’t sure I would ever be, but then I met Sean and everything changed.”
“I can see the difference. Whatever you’re doing, Sean, keep it up.”
Giving her a wink, Sean grinned. “I intend to. If Tristan can keep up with me.”
“Challenge accepted.”
After Monique left, Tristan grabbed him. “Was that a complaint? You thinking I can’t keep up with you? Come on.” He lifted Sean, who hooked his ankles around his waist and kissed him as they headed into the bedroom. Tristan dropped him onto the bed and stripped naked in two seconds. Sean’s face was flushed, his mouth open, his chest heaving. Tristan didn’t know what he’d done to deserve this much happiness, but he was going to grab on to it and never let go.
That was the thing about life, and, he was also learning, love. You can hide all you want, but you can’t lie to your heart.
“You’re eating me up with your eyes,” Tristan murmured.
“Get closer, and I’ll do it with my mouth.” Sean licked his lips, and Tristan’s cock jerked and he gripped himself.
“Not now. I want inside you.”
Sean wriggled out of his shorts and shirt and lay flat, stroking his erection. “Now whose eyes are eating up whom? Or is it who?”
Tristan rolled on top of Sean. “Let’s leave the English lesson for later. I can’t think straight when you’re under me.”
Sean touched his cheek. “I want you so much it’s crazy. But it’s way beyond just physical. I don’t know what I’d do if anything ever happened to you.”
