Chapter 21
“Left side of the corner cabinet’s crooked,” Luke called from his perch on a kitchen stool, fighting the urge to get up and fix it himself. His ribs protested even that small movement, a sharp reminder that he wasn’t supposed to be doing anything but resting. “Need to adjust the bottom hinge about a quarter inch.”
Keaton grunted but made the adjustment without argument. A week ago, he would have told Luke where to shove his perfectionist tendencies. But something had shifted between them since the accident—a newfound patience on both sides. The same man who’d been pissy about Luke taking on this renovation project in his free time had assembled a crew of not only Luke’s coworkers but also friends from around town to get through as much of the kitchen remodel as possible in the next two days.
“Better?” Keaton stepped back, wiping sweat from his forehead. Around them, the kitchen hummed with activity as the crew worked to transform the space. The demolition had gone quickly yesterday, and now they were making real progress installing the new cabinets. Next would be the countertops and flooring. The appliances would stay for the time being, but Luke hoped to replace those by winter.
Luke studied the alignment, grateful his eye for detail hadn’t been injured. “Yeah, that’s perfect. The uppers should line up now.”
“You know,” Keaton said quietly, moving closer so the others wouldn’t hear, “it’s okay to let us handle this. You don’t have to supervise every detail.”
“I know.” Luke’s good hand clenched on his thigh. “But this kitchen is important. It has to be perfect.”
Because this wasn’t just another renovation project anymore. Every cabinet, every finish choice, every detail mattered in a way it never had. It felt symbolic that they were finishing the kitchen, where everything had started, right after Luke agreed to move in. He thought he’d break out in hives at the thought of living with a boyfriend, but saying yes when Noah asked had been one of the easier things Luke had ever done. He couldn’t wait to be back to full strength so he and Eli could work on the treehouse. Keaton had offered to take that on as well, but it felt like an important bonding moment between Luke and the kid he couldn’t love more if he were his own.
The screen door creaked, followed by Eli’s excited voice. “Dad! We brought breakfast! And Mom says we can help until lunch!”
Luke turned carefully, mindful of his ribs, to find Eli bouncing through the door with a box from Sweet & Simple. Behind him, Jenna carried drink carriers. She’d gotten into town on Thursday, and instead of picking up Eli to take him back to her apartment in Afton, she’d decided to stay in town through the weekend to help out.
“Careful, buddy,” Noah cautioned as Eli weaved through tools and materials. “Remember what we said about the work zone?”
“I know, I know.” Eli rolled his eyes in a way that reminded Luke startlingly of Jenna. “No running, stay back from tools, and always listen to Uncle Luke or Keaton.”
“That’s right.” Jenna set the drinks on a clear section of counter. “Although maybe we should add ‘no sassing your father’ to that list.”
The easy banter between them made Luke’s chest tight in the best way. He’d worried, in those quiet moments when doubt crept in, about how Jenna would react to his permanent place in their lives. But she’d been nothing but supportive, especially since his accident.
“Jenna grabbed your favorite,” Noah murmured, pressing a coffee into Luke’s hand and dropping a kiss on his temple. “And it looks like Megan sent extra chocolate croissants.”
“Angels.” Luke caught Noah’s hand, squeezing gently. “Both of them.”
Eli appeared at Luke’s side, carefully climbing onto the stool next to him. “Can I help you supervise? Mom says I’m good at telling people what to do.”
“Wonder where he gets that from,” Keaton muttered, but his smile was fond as he ruffled Eli’s hair. “All right, crew! Breakfast break, then we tackle those upper cabinets.”
The kitchen filled with words of gratitude as everyone grabbed coffee and pastries. Luke watched it all from his perch, taking in the controlled chaos of the renovation mixed with the warmth of family. Drew had taken the weekend off from coaching to help, and even Ryan had shown up early with his tools ready.
When Luke had asked why he was flying solo again, Ryan had quickly changed the subject. The two of them had been inseparable for so long, Luke couldn’t help but worry there was trouble in paradise. There’d been a time when he’d have used their possible issues as another reason for him to avoid commitment, but no more. He found he rather liked being tied down to one person instead of heading to the bar every weekend.
“You okay?” Jenna settled on Eli’s other side, her voice pitched low. “You’ve got that look.”
“What look?”
“The one that says you’re overthinking something.” She bumped his good shoulder gently. “Spill.”
Luke glanced around—at Noah chatting with Ryan, at Eli showing Keaton his latest drawings, at the crew who had become more like family than employees. “Just grateful, I guess. For all of this. For everyone showing up to help.”
“That’s what family does.” Jenna’s smile was knowing. “And you’ve built quite a good one here.”
“Yeah.” Luke’s throat felt tight as he watched Noah laugh at something Ryan said. “I really have.”
“Uncle Luke!” Eli tugged at his sleeve. “Can I show Keaton my ideas for the backsplash? The ones we drew yesterday?”
“Of course you can, buddy. Your art folder’s in my bag by the door.”
They watched Eli dart off, his excitement infectious. Jenna’s quiet laugh drew Luke’s attention back to her.
“What?”
“Nothing.” But her smile was soft, understanding. “Just thinking about how worried I was when Noah told me you two were dating. It’s hard being so far away. I knew we’d both eventually move on, but the reality was a tough pill to swallow. I worried he’d either jump in headfirst or push you away.”
Luke’s stomach clenched. She hadn’t been far off. In some ways, it felt like they were moving at the speed of light, but Noah had indeed tried to push him away. He hadn’t counted on Luke being ready to fight. He’d hated that work had kept him from doing so before the accident. “And now?”
“Now?” Jenna gestured at the kitchen full of people who had shown up to help, at Eli proudly showing his drawings to Keaton, at Noah watching them all with quiet contentment. “Now I know you’re exactly what they needed. What we all needed, really. It’s easier for me to be out west knowing Noah isn’t trying to do everything on his own. And Eli adores you.”
Before Luke could respond, Keaton’s voice carried across the kitchen. “These are actually really good design ideas, kid. Did you know there’s a company you can send pictures to, and they’ll put them on tiles? Maybe you could do a couple of drawings just for that.”
“Really?” Eli’s whole face lit up. “Dad! Uncle Keaton says we can use my drawings!”
“Using a six-year-old as your designer now?” Drew teased, reaching for another croissant.
“Hey, talent is talent.” Keaton’s defense was immediate. “Besides, it’s his kitchen too.”
Luke would have to talk to Keaton about giving in to Eli. Yes, the drawings were cool, and really good for someone his age, but he wasn’t sure Noah would go for children’s art being part of the final design.
“All right,” Keaton called, clapping. “Break’s over. Let’s get these cabinets hung before lunch. Eli, want to be my official level holder?”
“Can I, Dad?” Eli looked between Noah and Luke, bouncing slightly. “I’ll be really careful!”
“’Course you can, buddy.” Luke nodded toward Keaton. “Just listen to everything Keaton tells you, okay?”
As Eli followed Keaton to where the upper cabinets waited, Luke felt Noah’s presence behind him. Strong hands settled on his shoulders, thumbs working gently at the tension.
“Happy?” Noah asked softly.
Luke covered one of Noah’s hands with his own, watching their family work together to build something lasting. “More than I ever thought possible.”
“Heads up!” Drew called as he maneuvered past with another cabinet. “Coming through!”
Luke shifted his stool closer to the wall, watching the controlled chaos. The kitchen had transformed in just a couple of hours—new cabinets lined most walls, waiting for doors and hardware. Eli had appointed himself official tool fetcher, proudly wearing the small tool belt Keaton had brought him.
“Need a refill?” Noah appeared beside him, fresh coffee in hand.
“I’m good.” Luke caught Noah’s hand, tugging him closer. “But you could stay a minute. Keep me company?”
Noah’s smile was soft as he settled on the stool Eli had abandoned earlier. “How are you holding up? Need your pain meds?”
“Nah, I’m—” Luke cut off at Noah’s knowing look. “Okay, maybe. But I can wait until lunch gets here. Keaton said he’s grabbing food from Brew & Barrel.”
As if summoned by their name, the door opened to reveal Jules carrying bags of food, followed by Keaton with drink carriers. Luke didn’t miss the way Keaton’s usual gruff expression softened as Jules handed out sandwiches, their fingers lingering when they passed him his order. He smirked, making a mental note to give Keaton shit about the fact he’d run out to pick up lunch and somehow managed to bring back the server he’d never admit to being interested in.
“Interesting,” Noah murmured, following Luke’s gaze.
“Right?” Luke kept his voice low. “Did you know Jules took him dinner at the office the night of my accident?”
“Uncle Luke!” Eli’s excited voice interrupted their gossip. “Look what Mom brought!”
Luke turned carefully to find Eli and Jenna carrying bags from the hardware store. “Marc said to tell you he’s got those specialty hinges you ordered coming in next week,” Jenna said, setting down her bags. “And someone asked about Eli joining the soccer team this fall.”
“Can I, Dad?” Eli bounced on his toes. “Please? Mom says she’ll come to my games when she’s home!”
Noah laughed, ruffling Eli’s hair. “We’ll talk about it later, buddy. Right now, let’s see what else Mom brought.”
Luke watched them dig through the bags, Eli’s excitement infectious as he showed off new drawer pulls and cabinet hardware. The easy way they included each other and the natural flow of co-parenting between Noah and Jenna made something warm settle in Luke’s chest.
“It’s so cool to see divorced parents getting along,” Jules said quietly, appearing beside Luke with his sandwich. “I’m glad the two of you worked things out.”
Before Luke could respond, Keaton called out, “If you two are done gossiping, we could use another set of eyes on these lower corner pieces. Lord knows I’m not going to bring in the countertop before you give your stamp of approval.”
“You’d be the same way if it was your house,” Luke shot back. If he didn’t make sure things were perfect now, he’d inevitably find something that would bug the hell out of him in the future.
The kitchen was filled with the sounds of people eating and talking, sharing stories and laughter. Luke found himself watching Keaton with Eli, noting how his usually brusque demeanor gentled when explaining things to the boy.
“He’s good with kids,” Noah observed, settling back beside Luke. “Who knew?”
“He’s a lot like his dad that way,” Luke said softly. “He’s got a big heart under all that gruffness.”
As if hearing them, Keaton looked up and caught Luke’s eye. His expression softened briefly before he turned back to whatever Eli was showing him.
“Mom!” Eli’s voice carried across the kitchen. “Can we get ice cream later? After we’re done helping?”
“Actually.” Jenna glanced at her watch. “We should probably head out soon if we want to make it to the water park today.”
Luke felt Noah tense beside him. Even though they’d discussed Eli spending a week with Jenna, the reality of him being away was still difficult. Luke reached for Noah’s hand, squeezing gently.
“But I want to help more,” Eli protested. “Uncle Keaton says I’m the best assistant.”
“And you have been.” Keaton crouched to Eli’s level. “But you know what? Your mom really wants to spend time with you. If I could, I’d go to the water park instead of working all day.”
Eli considered this, his face scrunching in thought. “I guess. But I don’t want to miss anything here.”
“I promise…” Keaton crouched and held out his pinky. “No cool stuff without my best assistant.”
Luke’s chest tightened, watching them seal the pinky promise. He caught Jenna’s knowing smile and Jules’s soft expression as they witnessed this side of Keaton.
“All right, crew!” Drew called from near the sink. “Break’s over. Let’s get these cabinets secured before our supervisor falls asleep in his chair.”
“I heard that,” Luke grumbled good-naturedly. “And I’m wide awake, thank you very much.”
The kitchen returned to its previous rhythm of work and conversation. Through it all, Luke kept one eye on Keaton and Jules, noting the way they moved around each other with careful awareness.
“Stop matchmaking,” Noah murmured in his ear. “Let them figure it out on their own.”
“Like we did?” Luke caught Noah’s hand, pressing a kiss to his knuckles. “Sometimes people need a little push.”
“And sometimes”—Noah’s voice held fond exasperation—“they need space to discover things naturally.”
Before Luke could argue, Eli appeared with his backpack and suitcase. “Ready, Mom! But can we say goodbye to everyone first?”
“Of course, baby.” Jenna’s smile was warm as she watched Eli make his rounds, hugging everyone who would pause long enough.
Luke’s throat felt tight when Eli reached him, careful of his injuries as he wrapped small arms around Luke’s waist. “Love you, Uncle Luke. Take care of Dad while I’m gone?”
“Promise.” Luke pressed a kiss to Eli’s hair. “Have fun with your mom, okay? We’ll be here when you get back.”
“Ready, buddy?” Jenna held out her hand. “We’ve got a big day planned.”
Luke watched Noah wave them off, noting the tension in his shoulders. But instead of anxiety, Noah’s expression held quiet acceptance. He’d have to work on keeping Noah’s mind otherwise occupied, so he didn’t worry about Eli while he was gone.
“I think we’re just about ready to place the countertop. Luke, you want to come over here and tell me what we screwed up?” Keaton teased. Luke doubted there was anything wrong with the installation, but he appreciated that Keaton still wanted him to give his okay.
“Yeah.” Luke squeezed Noah’s hand one final time before turning back to the renovation. “Show me what you’ve got.”
“Thanks again for today,” Luke said as the last of the crew filed out. The kitchen, while not completely finished, had been transformed. He was looking forward to a quiet night in with Noah preparing dinner now that the kitchen was more of a sanctuary than a prison.
“Don’t mention it.” Keaton paused in the doorway, his expression softening. “Really and truly. Because if word gets out that I’m getting soft in my old age…”
“Your secret’s safe with me,” Luke promised, sharing a grin with his oldest friend. “Even if you don’t know how to say no to a kid. I’m surprised you didn’t let him run the saw.”
“Yeah, well.” Keaton shrugged, but his smile was genuine. “He’s a good kid. Speaking of which…” He hesitated, then added quietly, “Jules mentioned something about maybe helping with the community center renovation next month. With you being laid up, I was thinking maybe you could put together some ideas before I meet up with them. It’s not going to be anything massive, but they’re hoping to spruce the place up a bit ahead of this year’s Halloween jamboree.”
Luke bit back a knowing smile. “Is that so?”
This wasn’t so much a case of Keaton getting soft in his old age as him wanting to spend time with Jules in a “safe” way. But Luke wasn’t about to point that out to him. Keaton was a bit like an octopus. If Luke pushed him toward Jules, he’d back away. The best path forward was to sit back and watch as Keaton tripped over himself while trying to make the enigmatic server smile.
“Shut up.” But Keaton’s ears had turned pink. “Get some rest. We’ll finish tomorrow.”
After Keaton left, Luke found himself alone in the kitchen for the first time since moving in. The silence felt different now—peaceful rather than empty.
“Penny for your thoughts?” Noah’s voice was soft as he appeared in the doorway, fresh from his shower. His hair was still damp, and he wore one of Luke’s old T-shirts that had somehow migrated to his dresser weeks ago. He jerked his head towards the living room. “Let’s sit for a few minutes.”
“Just thinking about how far we’ve come.” Luke followed Noah into the living room. “I was irritated with Rachel when she asked me to help you. We had so much going on at work that I knew I didn’t have time to take on even more. But I was a goner the first time I pulled into your driveway.”
Noah laughed. Instead of sitting on the couch next to Luke, he kneeled between his legs. Luke’s heart raced and his dick twitched in his shorts. Noah had been serious about them not doing anything until he was healed, but Luke wasn’t sure he could wait any longer. Unfortunately, Noah seemed more than content to keep talking. “When she gave me your info, I wasn’t sure you’d be up to the job. And I owe you an apology for that. I was thinking about the flighty little brother you used to be. I almost swallowed my tongue when I opened the door and you were standing there with a T-shirt so tight it should be illegal.”
“Is that so?” Luke tugged Noah closer, letting his hand slip under the hem of his borrowed shirt. “You should have said something sooner.”
“I’m sure you’ve realized by now I have a tendency to get into my own head.” Noah’s fingers traced Luke’s jaw, careful of the lingering bruises. “I was trying so hard to focus on being a good father, on not letting anything complicate Eli’s life. And there you were, making me want things I thought I couldn’t have. And when you add in the fact that you’re a guy and I’d only been with women in the past…”
Luke’s throat felt tight with emotion. “And now?”
“Now?” Noah’s smile was soft. He’d seemed more settled every day since the accident, as if he were finally allowing himself to believe Luke was here to stay. Luke had no delusions it would be smooth sailing as they settled into building their life together, but he knew that would be easier if they were all under one roof. “Now I know that letting you in—letting us love each other—makes me a better father. A better person. You make us both so happy, Luke. Like we’re finally complete.”
“I love you.” The words came easily now, natural as breathing. “Both of you. So much it scares me sometimes. But the good kind of scared, you know? The kind that makes you want to be better, to build something lasting.”
“Speaking of building…” Noah gestured at the kitchen around them. “Think we’ll ever actually finish renovating this place?”
Luke pretended to consider it, enjoying Noah’s body pressed against his. “Maybe. But I kind of like the idea of working on it together. Building our home piece by piece, room by room. Besides,” he added with a grin, “gives me an excuse to keep teaching Eli about tools.”
Noah’s laugh was bright in the quiet kitchen. “I’m pretty sure that tree house you two are planning will end up being a full-scale mansion if I don’t rein you in.”
“Only the best for our boy.” The words slipped out naturally, but Luke felt Noah still against him. “I mean?—”
“Our boy.” Noah’s voice was thick with emotion. “I like the sound of that.”
Luke’s heart raced as Noah leaned in, capturing his lips in a kiss that held promises of forever. When they broke apart, Noah rested his forehead against Luke’s, sharing breath in the space between them.
“Noah,” Luke whined. He didn’t care that he sounded desperate. He was. It had been far too long since he’d come, and sleeping next to his beautiful man every night was killing him. He scooted his butt to the edge of the cushion.
“Did you need something?” Luke glared at him, and Noah’s chuckle turned to a hearty laugh. “Man, you’re getting the petulant thing down to an art.”
“That’s because my dick’s been hard every night just sleeping next to you, and you won’t do anything about it,” he complained, lifting his ass up enough to shove down the waistband of his shorts. It wasn’t easy trying to get undressed while sitting, hard, and one-handed, but he was a man on a mission. “I seem to remember someone promising he’d take care of that problem once I wasn’t relying on the strong meds.”
Noah hummed, rubbing his chin. “Hmm, I do remember something about that.” Instead of teasing him more, Noah curled his fingers around the top of Luke’s shorts, pulling them down. “I figured we’d wait until we could do this a bit more comfortably and take our time.”
“Fuck taking our time.” Luke was getting impatient. He didn’t care if it was his hands or mouth. Luke needed to feel Noah around his throbbing dick. “You’ve denied me long enough that I’ll probably blow as soon as you touch me.”
After tossing Luke’s shorts aside, Noah started kissing his way up Luke’s calf. Luke spread his legs wider, reaching between his legs. If Noah wasn’t going to give him attention, he’d do it himself. Noah looked up at him, narrowing his eyes. “If you keep doing that, you’re going to come before I get there. Let me do this my way?”
When he put it that way, how could Luke refuse? He tucked his good hand under his thigh and allowed his head to fall to the back cushion of the couch. There was no way he could watch what Noah was doing to him without losing it.
Noah continued what could only be called his worship of Luke’s body. His hands moved higher on his legs, thumbs tracing the sensitive flesh of his inner thighs. Luke squirmed, needy but terrified Noah would stop if he pushed him to go faster.
Noah’s touch was gentle, sending shivers of anticipation up Luke’s spine. He could feel Noah’s breath ghosting over his skin, the warmth igniting a trail of goosebumps in its wake. When Noah finally reached the apex of his thighs, he paused. Luke bit his bottom lip to keep from begging again, knowing Noah was determined to draw this out.
Noah’s fingers trailed lightly over his balls, cupping them gently before moving up to wrap around the base of his cock. Luke let out a shuddering breath, his body tense with the effort of holding back. Noah’s grip was firm, providing a delicious contrast to the softness of his lips as they brushed against the sensitive skin of Luke’s inner thigh.
“Noah,” Luke whispered, his voice ragged with desire. “Please.”
Noah looked up, his eyes meeting Luke’s in a gaze filled with heat and affection. “Patience,” he murmured, his breath hot on Luke’s skin.
Luke groaned, his good hand gripping the couch cushion tightly as he fought to control his body’s response. Noah’s thumb circled the head of his cock, spreading the precum that had gathered there, sending a jolt of pleasure through him.
Finally, Noah leaned in, his lips parting as he took the head of Luke’s cock into his mouth. Luke let out a harsh breath, his body tense with the effort of staying still. Noah’s tongue swirled around the sensitive flesh, teasing the slit before taking him deeper. The warmth of his mouth was almost unbearable, the wet heat enveloping him completely.
Noah’s head bobbed slowly, his lips and tongue working in tandem to drive Luke wild. He could feel every sensation intensely, the pleasure building with each movement. When Noah’s hand began to stroke in time with his mouth, Luke knew he wouldn’t last long.
“Noah,” he gasped, his good hand reaching down to tangle in Noah’s hair. “Close. So close.”
Noah hummed in response, the vibration sending a shockwave of pleasure through Luke. He could feel the tension building in his spine, the telltale sign of his impending orgasm. Noah’s movements became more urgent, his hand stroking faster as his mouth worked its magic.
“Oh god,” Luke moaned, his hips lifting slightly off the couch. “Noah, I’m?—”
His words were cut off by a sudden surge of pleasure, his body convulsing as he came hard. Noah swallowed around him, taking everything he had to give. Luke’s hand tightened in Noah’s hair, holding him in place as he rode out the waves of his orgasm.
As the intensity faded, Luke’s body relaxed, his hand falling away from Noah’s hair. Noah pulled back slowly, his lips glistening with the remnants of Luke’s release. He looked up at Luke, a satisfied smile on his face.
“Worth the wait?” Noah asked, his voice low and sultry.
Luke let out a contented sigh, his body feeling languid and relaxed. “Perfect,” he murmured. “Absolutely perfect.”
Noah climbed onto the couch, carefully positioning himself next to Luke. He leaned in, capturing Luke’s lips in a slow, sensual kiss. Luke could taste himself on Noah’s tongue, the intimate exchange sending a warm flush through his body.
As they broke apart, Noah settled his head on Luke’s shoulder, his arm draped carefully across his chest. Luke could feel the steady rise and fall of Noah’s breath, the warmth of his body pressing against his side.
“I love you,” Noah whispered, his voice filled with emotion.
Luke turned his head, pressing a soft kiss to Noah’s forehead. “I love you too,” he replied, his voice thick with contentment. “More than you’ll ever know. I want to taste you too.”
“There will be time later.” Luke was so damned sick of that word. His mouth watered with the need to worship Noah’s cock. But before he could protest, a timer started blaring in the kitchen. Noah hopped up as if it hadn’t been less than two minutes since he absolutely rocked Luke’s world. “Maybe we can make it an early night after we eat.”
“I’m holding you to that,” Luke called out as he watched Noah’s retreating form.
As he basked in the afterglow, Luke realized home wasn’t only about fixed walls and new cabinets. It was about the people who filled those spaces with love, who turned empty rooms into sanctuaries, who took broken pieces and made them whole again.
It was about family, chosen and cherished. About love that grew stronger through storms. About building something lasting together.
Luke knew with absolute certainty he was exactly where he was meant to be. Home, at last, with the family he never knew he needed until they fixed everything he didn’t know was broken.
Keaton likes order. Jules thrives on chaos. Sharing a space was supposed to be temporary—but some things are impossible to ignore.
Pick Up Room to Spare and return to Maple Hill for another swoon-worthy romance!
What sort of treehouse do you think Luke and Eli are going to build? More importantly, will Noah be able to keep them from transforming the entire backyard? Find out when you claim your copy of Operation: Treehouse.