Page 65 of Candy Hearts
“When did she tell you that?”
“Yesterday.”
That mental paradigm shift was a bit of a shock but not necessarily a bad one. “That’s … well, that’s …” William swallowed. “How do you feel about that?”
Benji shrugged. “Manipulated, mostly. Does it change things?”
William grabbed Benji’s cheeks and waited until Benji lifted his gaze. “Not for me. Not at all.”
“I’m worried this—us—won’t be as magical when we leave this house. I’m worried I won’t—” Benji shook his head roughly.
“Won’t what?”
“Be a good fit for you. Our whole romance has been artificial.”
Not for William. He wanted to be a fit for Benji so badly, but there was no denying their differences. Benji was still young and figuring his life out. He might not want to saddle himself with someone like William. And maybe these moony thoughts swirling in William were an emotional high from a Valentine’s Day spent together. Maybe William had been so starved for affection for so long that being fed for once made him feel loved.
Or maybe … maybe they were special.Thiswas special.
“It’s not artificial.”
“Isn’t it? We were fake secret valentines.” Benji laughed. “We basically went to bangtown all weekend. We had rose petals and candlelight and lingerie and endless chocolate. That won’t follow us home. It’s not real.”
The cloying taste of panic bloomed on the back of William’s tongue. This could not be the end, but he wasn’t sure how to explain himself.
“It is real,” William managed. “To me.” He pressed Benji’s palm to his chest.
“Your heart is beating fast.”
“Yeah, I feel like you’re breaking up with me.”
A small smile teased the edges of Benji’s mouth. “I don’t know what I’m doing. Here. Anywhere. I’m a mess.”
“You’re not a mess.”You’re amazing, William wanted to say but didn’t have the guts. “Give me a chance. A date. If you’re uncertain after that date, you never have to see me again. You can even bail on the Bachelorian Auction.”
Some light returned to Benji’s eyes, but his smile was reserved. “You are the best valentine. One date.” He nodded as if that settled it.
They stayed in bed for another hour, sharing kisses that belied the end of their romantic weekend.
When they surfaced, the whole crew was having coffee on the dock. They cheered as William and Benji joined them. William’s cheeks went hot in the chilly air. Guess the cat was finally out of the bag.
“Oh hush,” William said.
“No, keep going. Shower me in praise and attention, please,” Benji teased. His sister caught him in a hug before turning it into a noogie.
William listened to his favorite people in the world laugh at his and Benji’s expense and felt an overwhelming sense of love in his heart. He was surrounded by his friends. Loved by them. People he’d taken for granted for far too long.
Wren—his best friend, his kindred match.
Robin—the most thoughtful, intentional person he knew.
Avi—his moody college roommate with a heart of gold.
Manuel—the sunshine in every room, a man who brought out the best in everyone who crossed his path, including his husband.
Perry—a new addition to their weekend away, but he looked at Sasha like the world began and ended with her, which was good enough for William.
Sasha—bold, funny, raunchy, the life of every party, the only person who could successfully get him drunk.
