Rafael stands there, a crooked smile on his face and a bag of food in his hand. Before I can say anything, he leans in and kisses me, sending a pleasant hum through my body. “Freckles.”
“Gray.” I step aside. “Come on in.”
He kisses me again, and this time, his tongue intrudes into my mouth and meshes with mine.
Ethan clears his throat exaggeratedly. “I canhearyou,” he calls out.
Rafael chuckles under his breath, his arm brushing mine as we separate, but his hand lingers on my lower back for just a moment before he moves ahead.
Every time he’s around, I feel safe, comfortable, and, at the same time, weak in the knees.
I enter the kitchen, where the table is half set and Rafael and Ethan have fallen into an easy rhythm, unpacking the containers of food as they chat. Sherlock, probably attracted by the smell of pasta sauce, saunters into the room and starts rubbing against Ethan’s legs, purring loudly.
I can’t help the warm swell in my chest. This little routine—this strange, mismatched family we’re building—fills a space I hadn’t realized had been so painfully empty. Since my parents died, I’ve been so focused on survival that I forgot what it felt like to simply exist in moments like this.
We settle down to eat, and, taking advantage of a pause in the conversation, Ethan says, “So… I wanted to talk about something.”
Holy shit, is he about to come out?
I glance at Rafael, who meets my eyes with a knowing smile.
“Jace’s parents are going to the beach tomorrow. In Blue Haven. And they invited me.”
Oh. Jace. Hisstill-secret boyfriend, unfortunately.
“We’d leave right after school and come back at night,” Ethan continues, speaking quicker, “and Jace’s mom invited me to spend the night tonight.” He finally looks up, his expression sheepish. “Think I can go?”
Is he askingme? Right—I make these decisions now.
“Will Jace’s parents be there?” I ask as I spear a piece of chicken with my fork.
“Yup.”
I chew thoughtfully before speaking again. I’m not sure what the policy is about secret boyfriends and sleepovers. Do Jace’s parents know they’re dating? And how can I ask any of this while respecting my brother’s privacy? “Can I have Jace’s number?”
My brother tilts his head, suspicion flickering in his eyes.
“And his parents’ numbers?”
He sighs, leaning back in his chair. “Are you going to call them?”
“Why? Are you hiding something?”
“No,” he says pointedly. “I’m just afraid you’ll embarrass me.”
Rafael snorts into his drink, and when I glare at him, he looks away, shaking with suppressed laughter.
“Well, that’s reassuring,” I say dryly, before softening my tone. “Look, I’ll just introduce myself and thank her for inviting you. After that, I promise I won’t call unless I have a reason to believe you’re stuck in a ditch or…” I pause dramatically. “Or you’ve been eaten by a shark.”
“Deal.”
I feel the knot of worry in my chest loosen slightly. It’s a win-win, isn’t it? Ethan gets to spend time with his boyfriend, and I get to spend an entire night and day with my… Rafael.
“I’ll get ready to leave after dinner,” my brother continues, his mood lightening as he eats with more enthusiasm.
“Sounds good,” I reply, leaning back in my chair and catching Rafael’s gaze. He gives me a small wink, and I know no matter what bad decisions Ethan might make tonight, I’ll be the one making the most dangerous ones.
the grand gesture[trope]
