Total pages in book: 164
Estimated words: 152931 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 765(@200wpm)___ 612(@250wpm)___ 510(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 152931 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 765(@200wpm)___ 612(@250wpm)___ 510(@300wpm)
“I was afraid I wouldn’t get here on time,” Levi said, reaching for Thane’s suitcase at the same time Thane leaned in for a kiss. The peck landed somewhere on the side of his head. Their normal fluidity and ease had vanished, and that was Levi’s fault. Things had become awkward as they stared at one another in the middle of the entry, forcing people to move around them in order to exit the airport.
“Are we gonna be weird now? We’ve never been weird,” Thane said in his normal direct way. There may have been hurt reflected in his gaze. That was the last thing Levi wanted. He forced a laughed, desperately wanting to lighten the situation. Levi took the suitcase that Thane had fought to keep and quickly moved them aside, much to the delight of the other passengers. When they got out of the way, Levi initiated the PDA, leaning forward to give Thane that kiss he’d wanted, then threaded their fingers together, tugging to get Thane moving the fifteen or so steps to where he’d parked.
“You drove my car,” Thane said, sounding pleased.
“I left mine with Logan so he could get to school in the morning.” Levi used the key fob to pop open the trunk.
“You’re staying with me tonight?” Thane asked.
“I thought so.”
Thane’s face lit up, and he stepped in closer, wrapping an arm around Levi’s waist, making it impossible to put the carry-on in the trunk. “You look amazing.”
Levi’s face heated. “Thank you. It felt like you were gone for weeks.”
“I was hoping for a moonlight walk on the beach. We could finish our talk there. We’ve never walked on the beach at night before. The water calms you,” Thane said, moving enough to take the case from Levi and toss it carelessly into the trunk.
Thane had done it again, mesmerized Levi while staying in complete control. Thane shut the trunk and leaned his ass against the car, waiting for Levi’s answer.
“Whatever you want.”
“Good, then let’s go. And just so you know, you in that tight shirt is an image that’s spank bank worthy.” Thane pushed him toward the driver’s seat, patting his ass as he went.
~~~
As much as he missed the seasons of the East Coast, there was something to be said for the calming effects of the always cool night air and the churn of the Pacific Ocean under a moonlit sky. At home, Thane never spent time at the beach, but that needed to change. He loved the feel of his bare feet sinking in the wet sand and the tickle of the water as it lapped at his ankles.
Maybe it was more Levi’s warmth next to him and the grip of the man’s hand in his. Levi held on tight like he’d rather do anything other than let go. Whatever it was, the feeling of dread that had hovered around most of his activities today had finally dissipated, and his heart settled back in its happy place. His fear that Levi would think he was pushing too hard, moving them too fast, eased with every step they took together.
“The grand re-opening went well?” Levi asked after several minutes of comfortable silence.
“The place is beautiful. Layne Construction—the same ones that built this resort—did my remodel and did an outstanding job. They utilized the space so well. That’s Arik’s family’s business. You can tell grandness runs in that family.”
“They do smaller commercial jobs too?” Levi asked.
“Yes, and they do residential,” Thane explained, kicking at the water. “They’re doing the remodel on the new house. That’s probably the other reason the office space seemed more efficient. I used to live on the third floor of my corporate office. Now that’s converted into more usable office space. My office’ll be up there. I figured I could use the exercise climbing three flights of stairs. Especially with all Luke and I tend to eat.” Thane chuckled at the thought, cutting a sideways glance toward Levi who smiled, but otherwise stayed silent. The moonlight bathed them in soft light, and he didn’t think Levi could be any more beautiful.
“Wanna talk about the house? Our possible living arrangements?” Thane asked. The farther they went down the beach, the more the lights from the resort faded. The cool ocean breeze and the gentle sound of the waves in the distance assisted the moonlight in creating magic, making everything a little more romantic.
“When were you gonna tell me?” Levi asked quietly.
“Tell you I wanted you to move in with me when we got to Maryland?” Thane waited for the clarification. When he got a nod, he straightened his spine and answered honestly. “After I worked up the nerve to tell you how much I love you.”
Levi’s steps faltered, making the uncertain tension Thane shouldered suddenly lift. Their steps slowed until they came to a complete stop close to a large outcropping of rocks. Thane turned toward Levi who continued to look straight ahead. His guy’s broad chest heaved with every breath. Thane got it; he was pretty much freaking out on the inside too, but he pushed that feeling aside and took in the death grip Levi had on his hand.