Laughing, Santino opened his car and threw his briefcase on the passenger seat. “I made him your lasagne. He ate most of it and he loves the pollo alla cacciatore. He dropped the dough on the floor when we tried to make pizza.”
“But he loves Italian food. I like him already. You bring your man over soon, but not the dog.”
“Don’t be mean. Charlie loves your food.”
“Well, he’s a sensible dog then, but he isn’t coming.”
“He’s at TJ and Cody’s house. They dog sit for me.”
“More people I know nothing about.” Luna sighed dramatically, making Santino smile. “My baby surrounded by strangers.”
Starting the car, Santino said, “You should come over and meet them.”
“Maybe I will.”
“Look, Mamma, I need to go. I have a long drive ahead of me.”
“My baby is living so far away. It breaks my heart I don’t see you more often.”
Rolling his eyes and grateful Luna wasn’t around to see it, Santino said, “Jeez, Mamma. I’m only a couple of hours down the road, not in another state.”
“Don’t you take that tone with me, Santino Conti.”
“Yes, Mamma.” He grinned because he knew she couldn’t see it. If she had been standing in front of him, he’d have made sure to look sorry. “I love you, Mamma. I’ll call you when I get home.”
“You do that and—”
“Love you, Mamma.” Santino hung up before she continued, bracing himself for her call later. Right now, however, he wanted to get on the road so he could miss most of the traffic. As it was, it would take him close to two hours to drive home, and he wanted to see Orsen. He’d missed him.
Nearly four hours later, Santino pulled up outside Crompton’s house and got out, stretching his arms over his head. Groaning, he bent over, stretching his back, feeling it protest.
“Orsen was expecting you earlier.”
“Got stuck behind an accident.” Santino walked over to Crompton, who handed him a glass of sweet tea. Sipping it, he sighed and thanked him. “At least I’m not needed for a couple of weeks. I can work from home.”
“He’s in the barn feeding Billy. Damn horse follows Orsen around now.” Shaking his head, he went back inside, andSantino walked over to the barn, sipping his tea. Cold and sweet and perfect, and just what he needed.
Inside the barn, he found Orsen feeding one of the horses and put his glass on one of the shelves.
“Hey.”
Orsen’s face lit up, a huge smile on his face. “When did you get here?”
“Just now. Sorry I’m late. I got stuck behind an accident.”
“So you need to go home and shower. You need someone to help you in the shower.”
“I might.” Grinning, Santino kissed Orsen when he pursed his lips. “How did the school visit go?”
Orsen’s eyes lit up. “Much better. I’ll start next week. Dale showed me around, too, so I’ll know where everything is. He said he’d meet me outside before school starts.”
“That’s good. How do you feel about going back?”
“Nervous, but better. At least I know some other students.” Orsen gave him a quick peck. “Let me give Billy the rest of this apple, then I’ll grab my bag, and we can go.”
Santino strolled after Orsen, hands in his trouser pockets, watching Orsen feed the last few pieces to Billy. Once he was finished, he bounced over to Santino, threw his arms over Santino’s shoulders and kissed him again, his tongue touching Santino’s as he rubbed against him. “I want to touch you tonight. I want to kiss you and lick you there. Will you tell me what you like so I can make you feel as good as you make me? I want to please you, and don’t say I don’t have to. We’re together now, so making you happy is important to me.”
“Okay, but after my shower. I’m sweaty and smelly, and I need a shower to wash the grime away. I’d love nothing more than you joining me, so grab your bag and we can get gone.”
