Alex hurried to the kitchen, and Ry followed.Alex had already grabbed the plates and had cut himself a huge wedge.
“What?”he said.“I’m a growing boy.”
“Good thing we had a cardio session.”Ry sauntered up and snatched the slice he’d prepared for himself and took a big bite.
“Hey!”
“You snooze, you lose.”Then he kissed Alex with chocolate still on his tongue.“This is wonderful.”
Alex shook his head, but the smile wouldn’t leave his face.He sliced another piece, not bothering with a fork either.“Oh, wow, yeah.”
Ry leaned on the counter facing Alex, his eyes feasting as much as he was eating dessert.“You were amazing.”
“Never came from anal before,” Alex blushed, the red seeping to his chest.“I see why you enjoy it.”
Ry guffawed.“Yeah, when it feels good, it’s indescribable.”
“So,” Alex said, setting his plate to the side and eyeing the cake like he might eat more.“Can I spend the night?”
“Of course, goober,” Ry said.
“Are we together again?”Alex asked.His eyes looked guarded.“Like for good?”
“I’d love nothing more,” Ry said, his face splitting in two.“Plus, that means we get to have mind-blowing sex all the time.”
“Sounds good to me,” Alex said, the smile open and bright.“Do you have somewhere to go?”He waved around the house vaguely.
“Hadn’t gotten that far.Was gonna find a place to rent, but I don’t have enough to do that, not after paying for Sania, and the recoupment.Thought about staying with my dad for a bit, but I’d rather not.”
“Live with me,” Alex said.
“Is that okay with you?”Ry asked, his heart lifting.“I didn’t want to ask or rush you into it, or make you think you had to.”
Alex pulled him close.“I am offering because I would like you to.A resident chef would be great.”
“Hey!I’m more than my culinary skills.”
Alex grinned.“Yeah, and a nice ass.”
Ry kissed him.“Just the two of us.”His eyes watered and his chest expanded as if he might float.“Free from Efreet.”
“I’m ready to relearn you,” Alex said, kissing Ry.“Thank you for fighting for us.”
“Love you,” Ry said, nuzzling Alex.
“Love you too.”
CHAPTER 24: PRESENT
Chill ocean air whipped against Ry's skin as he cruised down Pacific Coast Highway.Music pulsed from the speakers.The sunset painted the horizon behind him in hues of orange and purple.
He was eager to reunite with everyone, marking the first time since Ghostfire's official breakup nearly a year ago.A mix of excitement and nervousness made him want to rush.So, he took a deep breath and enjoyed the coastal cruise, his mind buzzing with creative energy.Tonight was going to be fantastic.As he approached the city, the traffic thickened.Buoyed by his good mood and the music playing through the speakers, he remained unfazed.There was a certain magic in the air.
Ry turned down the street to the house he now shared with Alex and pulled his vehicle into the driveway.Over the last year, the familiar sight of Alex's car had become a comfort.Their relationship, once fractured, had mended through their individual and couples therapy sessions, building their renewed connection.Ry was incredibly grateful for the second chance.
Warm night air greeted him as he stepped out and grabbed his notepad before heading inside.The three additional cars told him that the entire crew had already arrived.As he pushed open the door, muffled voices drifted from the kitchen, an inviting murmur.
Brand, in slacks and a vest, leaned against the counter, sipping from a can of Obsidian and gesturing to Lon.His other friend wore a tee a size too small, his pants slim against his hips.
