We look into each other’s eyes, and I can’t help but smile.
“Now I have a favor to ask of you.” Curtis takes an envelope out of his pocket. “I know you’re headed to Seattle. I hope you can deliver this for me.”
Zach leans over and takes the envelope from him. “Of course. This is theleastI can do.”
“A long time ago, I left someone very special back in Seattle. We left on less-than-ideal terms, and I never got to make amends. It’s the biggest regret of my life. It would mean a great deal to me if you could get this letter to him. If he’s still alive.”
A tear goes down Zach’s cheek. “Curtis, you saved my life. I promise you I’ll see it delivered.”
“Thank you.” Curtis puts his hands on the arms of the chair and pushes himself up. “Okay. Well. You boys probably have some catching up to do. I’m gonna be out doing some more work on the farm. I’ll be gone for at least two or three hours.”
“Okay, Curtis. Thanks again for the hot chocolate.” I wave to him.
We watch as he walks across the room and opens the door to the outside.
“Two or three hours. I promise. See you boys later.” He gives us a nearly undetectable wink, then shuts the door behind him.
Zach and I turn to each other and laugh.
“Was he just giving us alone time?” I ask.
Zach’s eyes lock on mine, and he stops laughing. “Race you to the bedroom.”
Without another word, we jump up and run to the bedroom, undressing on the way.
Chapter Thirty-One
We Could Be Happy
ZACH
No sooner does the bedroom door shut than we join together, kissing with urgency. Our shirts are off, and I’m running my hands up and down Aiden’s bare chest.
I take a moment to soak Aiden in. He’s so beautiful. So handsome. And there’s something different. He has a lightness to him. A little more life in his eyes. I kiss him more passionately than before.
Aiden unties the string of my pajama bottoms and yanks them down in one swift motion, exposing me. “Well, somebody’s excited,” he says with a gentle laugh.
I smile at him sheepishly. “We didn’t even make it to the bed yet.”
“Lead the way.”
On the way, we finish stripping. We jump on the bed and press our bodies together, kissing, grinding, and feeling pure joy. I’m so happy to be with him. To share this with him.
We continue for several minutes, passion rising, when Aiden pulls away and hops off the bed. At first, I’m startled by his jumping away so quickly, but he’s got a wry smile.
“One sec,” he says with a mischievous grin. He goes over to the backpack in the corner of the room and starts rooting through it.
What on earth is he looking for?
My jaw drops when he takes out a pack of condoms and lube. “Where did you get those?” I feel my cheeks flush. I can’t say I haven’t thought about going further with him. In fact, sometimes, it’s all I can think about.
“I picked them up on the way.” His face turns ruby red. “Is this okay?”
His shyness and vulnerability make me fall for him even harder, and I want this even more. I bite my lip and nod. This is a big step, but I care for Aiden profoundly and want to share this special moment with him.
We take it slow and gentle, both attentive to the other. The passion and the tenderness in his eyes fill me with wonder. This was always meant to be. With our arms wrapped around each other, I revel in complete ecstasy. Our rhythm steadily increases, and he pulls me down into a passionate kiss. My surroundings drop away, and all my senses are consumed by only Aiden. For a moment, there’s only us alone in a world of euphoria.
I collapse onto him, the sweat from our bodies mingling. We lie there, breathing deeply, letting our heart rates ease.
