Aaron closed the distance and brought their mouths together. It was a sweet kiss, one full of hope and promise, and over too soon.
They entered the main part of the hall hand in hand. Aaron had to give Melody Cavendish credit. She raised one perfectly manicured eyebrow at their joined hands, but within moments her lips had formed into a perfect smile.
“Hunter, darling. Your father and I were wondering when you’d turn up. We’re looking forward to you joining us to greet the guests. It’s a tradition that you now must be part of.”
“Oh, no, I won’t be doing that,” Hunter said. “I’ve done my part for tonight’s proceedings with the decorating and the auction. All the rest is up to you. Aaron and I are going to enjoy ourselves.”
With that, he placed a hand on Aaron’s lower back and guided him past his stunned parents toward the bar. Aaron barely spared Melody and Gerald Cavendish a glance.
“Beer, wine, something else?” Hunter asked when they reached the bar.
Aaron chose a beer, and soon he and Hunter were happily ensconced in a corner with their friends. It was one hundred percent easier to enjoy a party with Hunter by his side. They laughed and joked and generally had a good time. A few of the older locals stopped by, particularly when they saw Hunter and wanted to catch up with the prodigal son. Hunter was all smiles and gracious charm, but most importantly, relaxed. He looked a million dollars as he encouraged people to place some auction bids to benefit the LGBTQI support center, only leaving Aaron to distribute some of the programs. But this time, as he watched Hunter in action, it didn’t bring back the old memories—he didn’t feel excluded and left out, because Hunter wasn’t like his parents, wasn’t like Richard Johnson and the rest of that crowd. Hunter was an ordinary guy raising money for charity, and none of it had to do with making a good impression; rather, it was about doing good for others.
“He’s pretty amazing, isn’t he?”
Aaron tore his eyes from where they’d been glued to Hunter. “Oh, hey, Brooke.” He smiled broadly. “Yeah, he’s pretty special all right.”
“I’m glad you finally realize it. I thought you two would never get your heads out of your asses,” she said.
“Hey!”
“I agree,” Garrett chimed in, approaching with fresh drinks.
“Not you too.” Aaron rolled his eyes. “But weren’t you the one telling me to be careful?”
“And the one telling you that maybe I was wrong.”
Brooke linked her arm through Garrett’s. “I always thought you were a clever man.”
Hunter arrived back, hands now empty of programs. “Hi, Brooke. Another one of mom’s choices, I see,” he said, eyeing her up and down.
She laughed. “You need to know what battles to fight.”
“Well, you look stunning anyway. You could turn up in a sack and you’d look gorgeous.”
“Thanks. You don’t scrub up too bad yourself.” Her smile was bright but disappeared straight away.
Aaron followed her line of sight to see Richard heading their way.Just what I need.He recognized Richard for the slime he was and knew Hunter had no interest, but he didn’t need the man putting a dampener on their evening.
“That’d be my cue,” Brooke said. “Remember what I said about knowing what battles to fight? I see one coming my way now. Come on, Garrett, we’ve got interference to run with someone who needs a lesson in how to cut their losses.”
She winked and took off with a grinning Garrett in tow.
“Are you having a good time?” Hunter’s voice washed over him as he moved closer.
Aaron nodded. “I am. Best first date ever.”
“First date, huh?”
“Uh-huh. New beginnings, right?”
Hunter grinned. “Most definitely, right.”
“I wish the formalities were over. As great as this first date is, I’d like to skip straight to the goodnight kiss.”
“Just a kiss, hmm?” Hunter’s voice was low and teasing.
Aaron leaned closer and whispered against his ear. “I’d invite you in for coffee.”
