Page 90 of Meeting Mr. Adorkable
Arlo nodded. “Good.”
Lucian tilted his head to the side. All of Arlo’s focus was on his coffee cup, which he held in a death grip.
“Why? What is it you’re not telling me?”
Arlo’s hands stilled, and he looked up. His lips lifted in a self-conscious smile.
“I was going to tell you later, before the call—”
“Arlo!”
“Okay, okay. The reason I was with Jonas for so long today wasn’t just to discuss the showing in New York—”
“That’s still going ahead, isn’t it?” A sudden panic seized Lucian. Arlo’s works had been displayed in Boston, Seattle and L.A., where they’d been met with critical acclaim and high sales. New York would be taking it up another level, placing Arlo squarely on the artistic map.
“That’s all fine, so don’t worry.”
“Then what…?”
Arlo leaned forward, his smile so bright it was blinding.
“London. Jonas has a lot of contacts there and he’s been busy pulling in favors. Everything’s arranged. There’s going to be a showing at the beginning of June, which means we can combine it with visiting your family.”
“Wh—what? That’s brilliant news, but why didn’t you tell me before?”
“Because I didn’t know for sure that it’d happen. I only found out today.”
“Oh, Arlo, that’s… that’s…
Lucian launched himself across the little table, knocking the remains of his coffee into his lap, but he didn’t care because all that mattered was pulling Arlo in close and kissing his talented, wonderful, amazing man into tomorrow and beyond.
“That’s incredible, and the best news ever. Didn’t I tell you from the start what a talented artist you are? If I hadn’t shoved you into the gallery—”
“You wouldn’t be sitting here with cold coffee soaking your crotch.”
“Yeah, well…” Lucian unwound himself from Arlo and grabbed a handful of napkins and dabbed at the spreading wetness, which was seeping through to his underwear. “But if it wasn’t for me making you…” He frowned at the wet patch, which seemed to grow larger by the second. “Awww, people aren’t going to think I’m incontinent, are they?”
He dumped the sodden ball and pulled out another handful from the dispenser. How could half a cup of coffee turn into a gallon?
“You think my critical and commercial success is down to you? What are you looking for, some kind of kickback? Don’t even think it, mister, you ain’t gonna get anything from me.”
Lucian stopped dabbing and peered up at Arlo. “You think? You owe me big time, and you’re about to pay.” He grinned as he pulled out his cell. “Jed, it’s me. I won’t be back for the rest of the day.” He paused as he listened; his gaze met Arlo’s, and he grinned. “Yep, something’s come up that needs careful handling. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
* * *
Their breathing leveled out. The sheet lay crumpled on the floor, leaving their sweat soaked bodies naked. Mid-afternoon sun flooded through the window, warming their bare skin. Arlo turned on his side. He ran a finger along the valley of Lucian’s backbone and was answered by a shuddering groan.
“I think you’ve broken me,” Lucian muttered as he shifted and gazed at Arlo.
“Oh, I don’t think so. You’re very… flexible.” Arlo’s heart stuttered, as it always did, when Lucian’s lips lifted in a soft smile, his eyes brimming with love.
It’d been six months since he’d made the frantic, panic-filled journey to stop Lucian from leaving, yet fear would creep up on him, and whisper in his ear, reminding him of how close he’d come to losing the best thing that had ever happened to him. But, it was happening less and less and, pray god, the whispering would soon fall silent for good.
“Arlo, stop thinking.”
“How do you know what I’m thinking?” He cleared the grit from his throat.
Lucian offered a lazy shrug. “Because I know you. I’m here. You, me, us. We’re here, together. It’s all that matters.”
