Toby and Ven have settled into a happy partnership, in business and in bed. While they don't get together enough, it's always good when they do. But the pleasant routine of Ven's life is upended when Cake gets notice that he can move into the assisted living facility where
he's always dreamed of living. Cake is ready to live on
his own, and Toby is ready to make other moves, but Ven isn't ready for any of it. Does Toby have the faith he needs to keep them together while Ven tries to decide if he can accept what life is offering them?
Excerpt
“I’m having a moving day,” Cake said brightly, throwing his arm around Toby’s shoulders. “You’re invited.”
“Of course he is.” Ven smiled at the pair of them, coming down to meet them on the steps. “You’ve got a place to show me?”
“Yeah.” Toby smiled at Ven, a different smile than the one he’d given Cake. Softer. “You ready to go?”
“I’ll
grab my gear from the truck,” Ven said. He slapped Cake on the
shoulder, trying to cover how he melted inside at Toby’s smile. “You
better go on in before the dogs try to pack themselves up.”
Toby laughed. “You must have some pretty big boxes, man. Those dogs aren’t small.”
“I
have lots of stuff,” Cake said proudly, lumbering up the steps. “Models
and things. I better get packing.” He stopped at the door to wave at
them before going in. Ven could hear him talking sweet to the dogs
inside.
“He’s all grown up,” Ven told Toby. He pulled his
gear out of the front seat of the truck and slung the toolbelt over his
shoulder. It felt terribly bittersweet, but he pushed the sadness aside.
“I didn’t realize he was thinking of moving out,” Toby said, walking with Ven back to his car.
“He’s
been on the list for years. Since before he moved in with me.” Ven went
around to his side of the car. He dug in his toolbox for a bandana,
since he’d forgotten to pull his hair back. At least he’d remembered to
put his work boots on. Everything was out of joint today.
“So
he’s been looking forward to this for awhile.” Toby got in and started
up the car, backing out of the driveway as soon as Ven was strapped in
and ready to go.
“I’d pretty much forgotten, except when
he brought it up every little while,” Ven confessed. Maybe he’d wanted
to forget; for all that his business was about change, Ven liked it
when big change steered clear of his personal life. “He has friends who
live there. It’s like condos, only with some supervision for the
residents. He’s almost too independent to qualify, but not quite.” Ven
sighed and leaned his head back against the seat, closing his eyes.
“Tired?” Toby asked quietly, sounding sympathetic.
“Didn’t
really sleep last night,” Ven said. “Not sure why.” He turned his head
to smile at Toby. It had been more than a week since they’d been
together, spent the night, had sex. Maybe that was to blame.
“I can take you back to my place after this, if you want,” Toby offered. “Let you take a nap. Or more.”
