Bonus Scene Beach Serviteur
Adathan dug his toes into the warm sand, closing his eyes in delight. The tiny grains cascaded over his feet, tickling his skin with a thousand tiny caresses—just like they’d described in the documentary.
The soft breeze carried the scents of saltwater and sunscreen. It cooled his clammy skin a little, offering welcome relief from the bright sun. Soon, William would return with refreshments, and then they’d go for a swim.
Adathan opened his eyes at the sound of giggling. Three little kids with inflatable armbands ran by, carrying a large beach ball. Sand flew from under their feet and landed on the oversized towel he was sitting on.
He smiled as he watched them run into the water. William had warned him that the beach would be crowded, as if that were a bad thing. Adathan would never grow tired of being around happy people. It was the most wonderful sight in the world. That, and . . .
Adathan looked over his shoulder and spotted William in the crowd.
His heart did the weird thing, where it hurt, yet somehow he wished the sensation would never go away.
Like warmth that burned and soothed. Like a weight that filled his chest but left him hollow.
Like certainty and doubt in one confusing package Adathan felt ill-equipped to unwrap.
It had scared him the first time it happened. He’d been convinced he’d found yet another defect within himself, and that William would send him back to the company. And then William would have no one at home to take care of him, but also . . .
Adathan would miss him unbearably. So much so, the mere thought of never seeing William again had awakened the monster within Adathan. The one that caused his lungs to malfunction and his eyes to weep. The one that made him weak and unable to think.
Fortunately, Oliver needn’t have two eyes to be perceptive, and when he’d noticed something was wrong, he’d kindly encouraged Adathan to confide in him.
“That’s what love feels like,” he’d said.
“Does William feel it too?” Adathan had asked.
“Oh, yes,” Oliver had said with a smile. “He does. But don’t tell him I told you.”
William turned to face Adathan, holding two ice cream cones. He made his way back to their spot, his scowl dissolving into a smile as soon as their eyes met.
Tingles washed over Adathan, the warmth in his enamored heart competing with the blazing sun.
It made him so happy that he had this effect on the person he held most dear.
His professors had said he’d gain immense satisfaction from earning a master’s smile, but Adathan knew this wasn’t it. This was far more special.
“Sorry it took so long,” William said, sitting next to him. He held out the two ice cream cones. “Caramel or strawberry?”
Adathan tapped his pursed lips with his index finger as he studied his selection.
This was a tricky one, as both were equally delicious, and neither was William’s favorite flavor.
Chocolate was, but William knew Adathan knew, so he’d sacrificed himself to give him a real choice.
Adathan owed it to him to think this through.
Strawberry was tempting, but Adathan had eaten strawberry pie yesterday at Rosanna’s, while he hadn’t had caramel in over two weeks.
However, strawberries were slightly more nutritious than caramel—though he had to consider the possibility of there being no actual fruit in the recipe, only artificial flavors.
The color of the strawberry one was quite appealing, but it might stain his lips and tongue pink. Would William dislike that?
Adathan’s heart sank when he noticed the melted ice cream trickling down William’s hands. He grabbed the caramel one and smiled. “Thank you, William,” he said, biting back the apology burning his tongue. William didn’t like when he apologized too much.
William wiped his hands with some paper towels, looking unbothered by the mess. He gave his ice cream a few licks, then spread his legs and patted the ground between them with a smile.
Adathan’s heart did the thing again—the scary, but oh, so beautiful thing.
He scooted closer and sat between William’s legs, leaning back against his chest. William wrapped an arm around him and kissed his temple.
Adathan’s lips stretched into a wide smile as he gave his melting ice cream a lick. He hummed in delight, savoring the delicious treat. Caramel had been the right choice.
Around them, people chatted, and laughed, and relaxed, making the most of a beautiful day.
Adathan cozied up in William’s embrace, watching the kids from earlier play in the water.
He was looking forward to experiencing the sensation of cool waves enveloping his body, but for now, he was content just staying like this—basking in the warm sun, the gentle breeze, and William’s soothing proximity.
He’d always known he’d find the perfect home. And yet . . .
“Is it how you’d imagined?” William asked, caressing his stomach.
“No.” Adathan smiled, his heart so full it felt as though it might explode. “It’s much, much better.”