Epilogue
Luca Five Months Later The air was crisp today. Golden leaves swayed and fluttered in the breeze, a warm explosion of color
against a cloudless blue sky. It was a perfect fall day for a wedding in Central Park.
Two men stood on the edge of Bow Bridge, the ornate iron railing providing a stunning architectural backdrop for their finest tuxedos. They were surrounded by a small group of family and friends, as well as three well-behaved dogs wearing
matching bow ties.
The wedding was just as Luca had imagined it: simple and elegant, down to the very last detail. All the months of planning had been worth it.
Luca sighed as he watched his friend Wes marry the love of his life. Wes and Ryker had different personalities, but complemented each other in a way that Luca envied. With just a look or a quick touch, so much was said between
the two men that anyone near them could see how much love and respect they had for one another. They’d only met six months ago, but it was love at first sight, and now they were married and starting a new life together in New York City. That was what Luca
dreamed to have for himself one day.
He turned his attention from Wes to the red-haired man standing beside Ryker—tall and imposing in a trim navy-blue suit. Mac Duran. CEO. Socialite. Asshole. The sun lit up his fiery hair, making his piercing green eyes pop. Mac’s square
jaw was clenched, but he wore a small smile—the only sign of contentment on his sharp, angular face. Those eyes glanced in Luca’s direction, and the intensity in them had Luca clenching his hands together. Then Mac’s eyes narrowed, and Luca felt heat rise
in his cheeks, despite the cool autumn weather. He would not back down and be the one to look away. He wasn’t made like that. So he stood his ground until Mac finally relented and returned his attention to the couple saying their vows.
Luca took a deep breath and willed his body to relax. Mac’s irritating effect on him was explosive, and he needed to get himself under control before he said something he’d regret. Focus on the event at hand, he reminded himself.
Once the ceremony was complete, everyone walked over to Uno, a nearby Italian eatery that was a favorite of the grooms. The private dining room provided a warm, intimate setting for their six-course menu of seafood, pasta, and a
three-layer dulce de leche wedding cake that was covered in creamy white and navy-blue fondant and rust-colored roses. The effect was stunning, just like the duo of the day.
Ryker’s mom, Tina, stood up after the first course and tapped a spoon against her glass. “Toast! Toast!” Ryker and Wes got up to give their wedding speeches and thank-yous, and proceeded to make everyone jealouswith their PDA.
Then it was the best man’s turn. Mac got up and lifted his champagne flute.
“Congratulations to my best friend, Ryker, and his husband, Wes. When I suggested that Wes and Ryker collaborate on a book series, I envisioned a business relationship that would benefit both of them professionally.” He paused and
smiled. “But it turns out they got the better end of the deal when they fell in love with each other. Ryker, you are my oldest and dearest of friends, and I wish you and Wes a lifetime of love and happiness.”
Luca was moved by Mac’s heartfelt speech and, without thought, glanced up at him.
When their eyes met, the usual spark of irritation intensified, and Luca felt his insides melt and his heart rate increase.
He licked his lips involuntarily, and Mac’s gaze roamed south.
Shit. Not good. You can’t get hot for the Ice Man, he reminded himself.
When the speeches were over, Ryker pulled Luca aside.
“Thanks for staying in New York for the next couple of weeks to look after our fur babies.” “Of course. I have time to work on my event business, so it’s a win-win.”
“There is one other thing.” Ryker hesitated.
“Mac’s assistant quit on him. Maybe you could help him out?” “Stop right there. You know that Mac and I are like olive oil and ice water. Take a guess at who the ice water is.” Luca paused. “Besides, there are HR agencies he can use. Come
on, it’s time for you to cut the cake.” Ryker nodded and headed back to his husband.
Luca watched Wes and Ryker cut the wedding cake and playfully shove small pieces in each other’s faces, laughing. Ryker’s mother stood near Luca, watching and laughing along with them.
She nudged Luca’s arm. “What a beautiful speech Mac gave, don’t you agree?” “It was. Who knew the Ice Man had a heart?” he murmured.
Tina’s smile froze as she looked over Luca’s shoulder. Fuck. He turned slowly to face the man himself.
“There’s a lot you don’t know,” Mac snapped, then stalked off to the other side of the room.
So much for keeping his mouth shut.
The End