“Can we have the check, please?” He called but his voice broke. She smirked knowingly when she set the bill on the table. Royce handed her his card and waved for her to come closer. “He’ll need a box for that and I’d like another slice, if that’s all right.”
“I’ll have that right out, Mr. Bradshaw,” she whispered then giggled as she hurried off. Something else extraordinary occurred in Hopkins Creek, as they kissed in Royce’s car, in Grant’s driveway. Grant’s hand settled on Royce’s knee, as tentative and trembling as a butterfly, before it cautiously pushed up his thigh. Hard heat pulsed in Royce’s groin and his head spun and he panted against Grant’s tongue as his hand slid higher then curled around his erection.
“Dear God, Grant,” Royce groaned in agony. It was fairly tame, considering Royce’s past but it was the most erotic moment in his life. Grant’s fingers shook as they gripped and there was the faintest tug before he pulled his hand away and fisted it in Royce’s shirt. It was agonizing but Royce was also ridiculously proud of Grant and moaned encouragingly before he pulled his lips free. “It’s not going to taste nearly as sweet after that but I think I’ll take my cheesecake and say goodnight,” he murmured as he held onto Grant’s chin.
“Tonight was a lot easier than I thought it would be and I had a good time,” Grant whispered and Royce smiled as he pecked at his lips.
“I did too. I’ll see you in the morning.”
“Goodnight, Bradshaw,” Grant said and Royce frowned as he leaned back.
“Why can’t you call me Royce?” He asked. Grant’s brows pulled together before his nose scrunched.
“I’m afraid I’ll forget this isn’t real,” he admitted. Royce swore as he reached for him but Grant leaned back and pushed the door open. “Have a good night,” Grant said as he slid out of the car. He waved as he ran to the porch and up the steps. Royce watched him go then waited until Grant unlocked the door and went inside to go after him. Royce tapped at the door and Grant was holding his coat when he opened it. “Is this yours? It was waiting on the stairs,” Grant murmured in confusion then gasped as Royce gathered him in his arms.
“Forget. For just a moment,” Royce begged as his hand wrapped around Grant’s jaw and he kissed him. Grant melted against Royce and it was the most extraordinary kiss of his life. They were both dazed and breathless when Royce set Grant away from him and backed away. Grant opened his mouth so he could ruin the moment but Royce pointed. “Don’t say or even think of anything grumpy for the rest of the night,” he ordered then turned and jogged down the porch steps.
“Goodnight,” Grant said as he peeked around the door before he shut it.
“It really was,” Royce noted and grinned at the slice of cheesecake in the clear plastic container on the back seat as he got into his car. “And it’s not over yet.”
Chapter 16
“Watch this,” Grant whispered to Edgar as he opened the door to The Six Beans. Bradshaw laughed at something Vanessa said then excused himself so he could go to Grant.
“Good morning!” Bradshaw said cheerfully as he patted Edgar on the head then offered Grant one of his drowsy smiles. “I had a really great time last night,” he murmured as he leaned in to kiss Grant’s cheek. Grant caught Bradshaw’s jaw and kissed him on the lips, startling Vanessa and the Davis sisters as well.
“Last night was great,” Grant whispered. They stayed in and ordered pizza and watched Stranger Things with Audrey until she went to bed at 11:00. Grant let Bradshaw kiss him at the door but for a moment, he almost found the nerve to invite him to stay just a little bit longer. Grant woke up feeling brave again and decided to surprise Bradshaw with a kiss in the coffee shop. It worked and Bradshaw’s eyes blinked rapidly as Grant stepped around him to pick up his coffee. Vanessa made a giddy sound as she slid Grant’s cup across the counter.
“That was very smooth,” she whispered but Grant ruined it by shrugging and blushing as he backed away.
“Thanks…” He murmured then glanced at Edgar as he charmed the Davises out of their melon slices. “We’d better be going,” he said then turned and quickly added sugar to his coffee. Bradshaw had recovered and was waiting for them at the door. He put his arm around Grant as they crossed the street and Bradshaw waved at Roger Gifford as he speed-walked past them.
“I really enjoyed last night,” Bradshaw said as they passed the playground.
“I did too,” Grant replied then snorted when Edgar shoved his head in a bush then jumped and tripped over his legs after he was startled by a rabbit. He shook his head as Edgar gathered his dignity and trotted down the path. “I think that was our best date,” he added absently and Bradshaw hummed in agreement as Grant sipped his coffee. They’d gone to dinner a handful of times and to the movies but Grant enjoyed the nights when Bradshaw came over the most. After almost a month of “dating”, Grant could get through dinner and drinks without breaking into a cold sweat. But it was nice to stay home and wear jeans and socks and still get credit for “doing something” from Audrey, Marcy, Walter and anyone else who was paying attention. The best part about being Bradshaw’s cover was everyone thought Grant was finally in a better place and moving on so they stopped talking to him as if he’d crumble if they raised their voices and asking him how he was really doing.
“I thought so too,” Bradshaw said as he pulled Grant tighter against his side and rubbed his arm soothingly. “I think we might be ready for sleepovers,” he added gingerly. Grant’s lips pulled tight as he glared at the trail.
“Damn it,” he grumbled. “Just when I thought I was getting the hang of this…” He pointed at the lake when Edgar reached the fork in the path and Bradshaw shushed him as he kissed his temple. It made Grant feel even unsteadier as his stomach flipped and he became warm.
“I’d like to come inside, after I bring you home tonight. I was thinking I’d pack a bag since Audrey has plans for the weekend,” Bradshaw said. Grant’s feet turned to lead and he stumbled but Bradshaw caught him. “Nothing has to happen,” he stated firmly as he turned Grant and ducked and swayed until he could trap his gaze. “We’ll go inside and shut the door and then we can say goodnight, just like we usually do. Instead of getting in my car and driving back to the hotel, I’ll walk upstairs to your guest room and leave you to your evening,” he explained. Grant nodded but his brain still needed a few moments to catch up.
“Oh… Instead of holding it together around you for four or five hours, I’ve just got to do it for all the hours, all the time,” Grant babbled and a terrified laugh burst from him.
“Please don’t worry about that!” Bradshaw urged as he gave Grant a gentle shake. “I’ve already talked to Audrey and she’s given me a list of instructions and all your favorite things.”
“You’ve talked to Audrey…” Grant had such a bad feeling about this.
“I won’t do anything to interrupt your weekend. I just want it to look like we’re getting serious,” Bradshaw said gently and Grant pulled a face.