Page 79 of Lucky Boys
“What! When? What did he say? Why didn’t he call me? He did tell you he’s aroace, right? I think it’s okay that I told you. It’s not really a secret. Which, obviously, he can still go on a date with you. I just don’t want you to pressure him into something he doesn’t want. Oh, and is he leaving the—mmmph.”
“Enough. I was having a conversation with my boyfriend. You are busy. You can talk to Diego later.”
Brooks whined but seemed to relent, because no more questions were blurted out.
“I apologize for the interruption. You were saying?”
I plopped down on one of the barstools. I’d never be able to be the kind of Dom Luca was. I was way too much of a softy. “For Brooks’s peace of mind, no, I’m not taking Diego off the property, and yes, he told me he’s asexual and aromantic. None of takes away from the way I feel about him. I care deeply aboutDiego, Brooks. I won’t hurt him. Actually, that’s part of the reason I called. I want to do something special, but I’m not sure what.”
“See, sweetheart? Wes will take care of Diego. You don’t have to worry.” Luca looked back up at me. “Oh, I have just the thing! What’s his favorite food?”
I blinked. “I know he likes Koren BBQ, but I don’t know how to cook that.”
There was more off-camera commotion and Luca huffed. “What is it, boy?”
Brooks was in view again, his lips puffy and spit-soaked. “There’s this Korean place a block from our house. It’s amazing. They know Diego’s order. You’ll have to pick it up, but it’s worth it. Also, strawberry soda. He can’t drink because of his meds, but he fucking loves strawberry soda. He’s not a big sweets person is all about the savory snacks. Though, he loves popcorn and M&Ms. Ohhh! Do an outdoor movie. Sir has that projector screen. He loves theHalloweenmovies. He’ll talk crap about them the whole time, but don’t let that fool you. That’s why he loves them.”
I was smiling by the time Brooks was done listing everything he knew about Diego’s likes and interests. I loved that they had each other. Their bond was special, and I hoped both of them understood I had no intentions of getting in between that. I didn’t think it was a concern, but I did want to talk to Brooks privately once they were back in the States.
“Thank you, Brooks. I can’t tell you how much it means to me that you’re willing to help.”
Brooks’s expression got all soft. “Of course. Deigo is special, and I just know you’ll treat him right the way he deserves. I’d do anything to give him a chance to feel as special as he is.”
I met Luca’s eyes over Brooks’s head. He looked all lovey dovey, and I had to hide my grin. Luca fisted a handful ofBrooks’s hair and tilted his head back before kissing him so intensely, I felt like I should look away. I didn’t because I knew neither man wanted nor expected privacy, but still.
“You are the best kind of person, sweetheart. I love your generous heart.”
Brooks’s cheeks turned tomato red, but he was beaming and shimmying happily.
I talked to Luca for another minute, learning where a few things I wanted were, then hung up. I had a lot of work to do.
…
The sound of Diego’s beach chair scraping against the patio had my heart beating faster. It was the third time he’d scooted closer to me. At first, I’d thought it was to reach the popcorn that was in between us. But then he’d put the bowl on his lap and brought the chair closer, close enough that the arms were touching.
Diego placed his arm on the rest, half on mine. I couldn’t take my eyes off that arm. Was it an invitation? I wouldn’t presume though. Not without Diego’s explicit consent.
“I just don’t understand why they had Jamie Lee Curtis in a fucking hospital the whole time. Such a fucking waste,” Diego grumbled as he shoved another handful of popcorn in his mouth.
Brooks had been right. He had been bitching about these movies since we’d started, but the way his eyes never left the screen and how he leaned forward, anticipating each scene, I could tell he really loved them. I guessed the running commentary was part of the appeal. It was fucking adorable.
The whole date had been amazing. He’d been shocked that I’d driven all the way to his old neighborhood to get his favorite food. I’d had to reheat it when I’d gotten home, but even that hadn’t taken away from how good it tasted or the smile on Diego’s face.
I’d also taken the opportunity to swing by their house. It bothered me that we couldn’t trace who’d hired their attackers. It was just one shell corporation inside another one. Eventually, Diego had to put it aside to work on the case and provide extra help with Dakota and Jay’s problem. He was only one person doing at least three people’s jobs, so of course some things would fall to the wayside. I had been making a few calls of my own, and I hoped to have answers soon. Diego might not have time to focus on who attacked him, but I sure as fuck wasn’t going to let it go.
I kept that part of my outing to myself. I didn’t want to ruin the date by stressing Diego out. We were pretty busy eating over on the picnic blanket I’d set out on the lawn by the gazebo. It was the perfect spot because you could see both the garden and the pool. I had gotten the fairy lights out of storage and the whole gazebo was covered with them. Luca had installed colored lighting in the pool, and I had it turned to purple, giving the water a unique vibe.
We kept things light over dinner, mostly talking about the latest episode of the show. Once we slowed down, Diego started to get a little awkward, so I suggested the movies. Like Brooks had said, I set up an outdoor movie theater. There were plenty of blankets, more fairy lights, snacks, and, of course, strawberry soda. There was so much I wanted to talk about, but I didn’t want to push him or make him uncomfortable.
Diego kept on watching the screen, and I kept watching Diego. If he realized how much I was staring at him, he’d probably be creeped out, but I couldn’t help it. I was captivated by him, wanted to memorize every inch of him. To understand what made him tick. I wanted to be able to plan dates and just know I had it perfect without Brooks’s input, even if I appreciated it. I wanted to be part of Diego’s life, however that would turn out.
Eventually, the end credits rolled, and I realized I hadn’t watched a second of it.
Diego’s head snapped toward mine, like he suddenly realized that I was watching him. He ducked his head sheepishly.
“Do you, um, want to watch the next one?”
“I was hoping we could talk a bit, if you’re okay with that?”
