Chapter Thirty-One
Gina’s hand trembled with excitement as she held Zio Rico’s on the way back to her room. Could he tell how her emotions were bubbling over?
After he’d tucked her back into bed, he sat on the edge of the mattress and brushed the hair away from her cheek, tucking it behind her ear.
“Remember how you asked if I liked Zio Franco like a boyfriend?”
“Uh-huh.” Well, actually, she’d asked if they were going to get married, although she didn’t notice them acting like Zio Franco’s brothers and their wives with all their kissing and touching.
“Well, we do like each other that way and would like to get to know each other better by dating. How would you feel about that?”
Gina’s heart fluttered. “If you get married, I would have two dads!” Wait until I tell Becky!
“Whoa, let’s back up a bit, Sweetie. I’m just saying we might kiss around you or hug each other when we’re all out in public. Maybe hold hands. Would that bother you?”
“Well, maybe the kissing part. Did you see how Matt and Dakota kissed?” Yuck. “I wouldn’t want to get all those germs.”
Zio Rico laughed really loud. “Trust me, one day you will find someone you’ll want to share germs with.”
“No way!”
“Back to my question, though. Would you be okay if Zio Franco was my boyfriend?”
Zio Rico seemed lonely sometimes. He didn’t have many friends in Denver, although he had met Becky’s moms and some of their friends. She and Zio Rico had started going to their Wednesday night dinners the last two weeks. Gina had fun playing with Becky and the other kids, but most of them were either way younger or older than she and her best friend were.
“Well?”
“Oh. Sorry.” She needed to focus on what he was saying because he was so serious. This was important. “I think you and Zio Franco would make great boyfriends together. As long as you don’t kiss too much around me, I think you should date him.”
Zio Rico smiled at her. “Thanks, Sweetie.”
Gina couldn’t wait to tell Becky at school tomorrow.
After tucking Gina back in bed, Rico returned to the living room. The girl had given her thumbs-up about what she’d witnessed a few minutes ago. Franco sat on the couch, his cocktail sitting on the coffee table. He wore a big grin on his face.
Rico couldn’t help but smile too. One of his biggest fears had been how to explain his and Franco’s budding relationship to Gina. He didn’t know why he’d been so worried. She’d accepted him as liking guys for years and seemed to want him to find someone to share his life with.
Tonight, all his concerns had been wiped away with one mind-blowing kiss.
“She all right?” Franco asked.
Rico picked up his own drink as he sat down beside Franco, then promptly drained the glass before setting it back on the coaster. “I think we just got Gina’s approval to pursue this relationship.”
“I was thinking the same thing but wanted to make sure nothing went south after you left the room.” Franco trailed the tip of his finger over the inside of Rico’s wrist, sending sparks up his arm. “The pieces are falling into place, both with your family and mine. I’m excited for us to see where this is going to take us.”
Rico wanted nothing more than that as well. “What do you think about having our first real date this Wednesday?” he asked. “Once I confirm with Pam and Carole, Becky’s moms, that they’ve invited Gina to spend the night, of course. Kids can be manipulative at times to achieve what they want.”
“It’s funny to hear you figuring out what kids are about.” Franco grinned. “While you coordinate where Gina will be staying, I’d like to plan our first real date. Even if it isn’t this Wednesday, it could be next weekend. I’m sure Mama would take Gina in a heartbeat.”
“Sounds like a plan.”
“Let me know when you hear back, but I’ll go ahead and make dinner reservations, just in case.
“If we’re a go,” Franco whispered, “I can pick you up at six-thirty. After dinner, we can either go to the club, to my place, or back here, whatever you’d prefer.”
“As much as I loved our time at the club, I’m not interested in playing. I want to get laid and finally see that cock of yours.” Franco’s eyes grew smoky with desire proving that Rico’s words had hit their mark. “I can cook for us at my place or yours, if you’d rather not go out.”
“I like the way you say what you want during our date, but you aren’t going to work that night. Not in the kitchen, anyway.” Franco wiggled his eyebrows suggestively. “We’ll spend the night at my place. It’ll be a nice change of scenery for you.”
“Sounds perfect. I can turn off my parenting brain there.”
“Trust me, your mind and body will be focused on us the entire night. We’ve waited a long time for this.”
“What about work for you the following morning?”
“I was a firefighter working forty-eight-hour shifts for years. I’m trained to function without much sleep.”
“But you’re out of practice.” Rico didn’t want Franco to be running around Denver at fire investigations sleep deprived.
“Don’t worry about me, Sweet Cheeks. Just make sure you’re ready for a night you’ll never forget. Start this evening with the pink butt plug for two or three hours before you go to bed. Keep the next size—blue, I think—in a few hours at a time tomorrow and Tuesday. I’d like you to work up to the purple one Tuesday evening. Use the purple one off and on Wednesday for a few hours at a time, but make sure it’s reinserted just before I pick you up for dinner. You’ll wear it during our date until I remove it.”
Rico’s butt hole tingled at the thought. “Yes, Sir.” He couldn’t wait for Franco to fill him, something they’d planned to do three weeks ago before they’d been interrupted. But now his anticipation of having Franco’s cock buried deep inside him made that the dominant fantasy.
Rico quivered. “Can’t wait.”
Franco smiled. “Me, either. Come here.”
Rico gave him a peck on the cheek, and whispered, “I can’t wait to let you have your wild, wicked way with me, Sir.”
Franco placed his hands on Rico’s thigh and leaned in to kiss him tenderly on the lips. The man’s repertoire of kisses usually went straight from chaste to hotter than hell, but tonight he lingered with a gentle, poignant kiss that nearly melted Rico into a puddle. Seeing the man’s romantic side turned him on, but Rico wanted this kiss to be as hawt as the man seated next to him.
Rico stroked his thigh until Franco’s hand came around the back of Rico’s head and intensified the kiss holding him firmly in place. Surrendering, he opened his mouth wider and gave in to the moment.
Unfortunately, the kiss ended way too soon. Rico wished he could invite Franco to stay the night but wasn’t sure Gina would understand that part of a romantic relationship. Michelle always said kids knew more than parents thought, but Rico wasn’t ready to put her knowledge about sex and love to the test.
He also wasn’t ready for Franco to go home yet, either.
“What type of food will we be having at dinner Wednesday?”
“Tapas, but that’s all I’m telling you.”
“Sounds good. Not too heavy for…later.”
Franco smiled. “I promise you’ll have your fill. Don’t want you running out of steam too early. But I understand neither of us will be that focused on the food.”
“Well, you know I’m fascinated by anything culinary, but are you sure you don’t want me to whip up something for us here, if not your place?”
“I want to pamper you, not put you to work. Well, not on cooking a meal anyway.”
Franco’s words made his heart skitter a bit. Cared for. Franco made him feel as if he were the most important man in his life and that he was more than the latest piece of meat. He would protect and care for him and Gina no matter what came their way. In the past, he’d never sought out protection as an important quality in a man but had to admit he liked it coming from Franco.
Rico wanted to make their date special. He intended to pull out all the stops and blow the man’s socks—and cock—off.
“And don’t worry about getting home Thursday. I’ll drop you off on my way to work so we can drive together to dinner and my apartment. I’ll pick you up at seven-thirty.
Sounded as though Franco would be leaving soon. How to keep him here a little longer?
“Stud Muffin, before you head home, why don’t you do the honors of inserting the pink plug?”
Franco’s nostrils flared. “Is there a lock on your bedroom door?”
“No, but there is one on the bathroom door.”
“Might look a little strange that we’re both in there at the same time, but we could explain there was a plumbing problem if Gina gets up again.”
“There’s definitely a problem with the plug.” Rico grinned, waggling his eyebrows. “Let’s fix it.”
Franco stood first and took Rico’s hand as they walked together toward the bedroom. Rico glanced at Gina’s closed bedroom door but didn’t see a light on. They had time, not that he wanted to rush things.
Opening the drawer, he pulled out the pink plug and a tube of lube. It wasn’t the smallest plug, but not the largest, either. Having Franco do the honors would make this much more pleasurable, for sure.
“After you,” Franco said as he waved him toward the door.
Across the hall, they entered the bathroom and closed and locked the door. While Franco surveyed the tight space and put the toilet lid down, Rico prepared the plug.
Anticipation in having Franco’s gaze and fingers on his pucker hole robbed Rico of breath momentarily.
“Drop your pants, boi, and lean your elbows on the seat.” Stud Muffin’s deep voice sent a shiver down him, and Rico didn’t hesitate to comply.
Once in position, he waited. And waited. But Franco didn’t touch him or apply more lube.
“Everything okay, Sir?”
“We might have needed to start days ago with a smaller plug, but this one will have to suffice tonight.”
Of course, it had been a while since Rico had had sex, but having used the vibrating plug during their edging scene the other day, any microtears should be unlikely.
“Give it to me, Sir.”
“Who gives the orders in this relationship?”
“Sorry. You do, Sir.”
Franco caressed his ass, occasionally grabbing a handful of flesh and squeezing it. He spread Rico’s cheeks apart and blew against his waiting hole. Rico squeezed his sphincter shut then opened it again.
“Winking at me, boi?”
“Don’t think there’s anyone else in here, is there, Sir?”
A slap on his butt in one of the places Franco had squeezed him earlier made Rico think he’d been baiting him just so he could give him a slap. Of course, it didn’t take much to get Rico to turn bratty.
A squirt of lube made him realize Franco was ready to proceed. He nearly jumped out of his skin when a cold finger pressed against his star hole. Franco teased him, pushing a little harder each time, but never trying to break through his sphincter muscle. Franco withdrew his finger, confusing Rico momentarily, until he plunged it in more fully this time, ignoring the resistance of the muscles. He pressed his legs against Rico’s ass as he continued to finger him more rapidly. When Franco took a step away, Rico missed the warmth of his body. Then he pushed a second finger inside him, and Rico’s hole clamped down on them. He hoped that gave Franco a hint at what was to come.
“Man, you’re tight.”
“You’re welcome.”
Again, Franco gave him a quick smack, perhaps for being impertinent.
But you’ll be thanking me for that muscle control on Wednesday, no question about it.
Franco scissored his fingers outward several times, stretching Rico further.
Rico’s lower body tingled. “Feels so good.”
When a third finger entered him, Rico grunted against the pressure, but adjusted quickly. Mind over matter. He wanted to be ready when the time came, no question about that. He’d waited for Franco to touch him like this for so long. Rico groaned.
“You okay?”
“Just wishing that was your cock and not a plug.”
Franco chuckled and with his other hand stroked Rico’s ass. He closed his eyes, firmly in the moment and enjoying the hell out of this. Without warning, Franco pressed the plug against his opening. Rico didn’t miss a beat and pushed against it, trying to relax enough to allow it to be seated. At its widest part, Franco gave it a rapid, pulsing, in-out movement several times. He pictured it being Franco’s cock teasing, begging to enter him.
“You’re driving me crazy.”
Franco leaned over him and whispered in his ear, “This is just a small taste of what you can look forward to, Sweet Cheeks.” With that, Franco pushed harder on the plug, and it popped into place. Rico missed the feeling of fullness while Franco had teased him earlier. But Franco promised him more, and he would deliver when the time came. This plug was nowhere near as large as this man’s girth, either, because he’d been given instructions to work up to the purple one by Tuesday night.
“You look incredibly hot right now, boi.”
Warm lips kissed each cheek before his tongue traced a path from the backs of his balls up and around the plug to the other side and down again. His skin puckered in the path Franco made. When he blew against his ass, Rico’s cock grew stiff.
“My cock is extremely jealous of this plug.” Franco stood and rubbed his groin against Rico, pushing the plug against the stretched muscles.
Rico’s sphincter convulsed. “Believe me, I can’t wait for your cock to trade places with this plug.”
“On Wednesday night, I’m going to take you deep and hard and fast. Make sure you prep as I instructed you, boi.”
“I will, Sir.”
Franco slapped his butt unceremoniously, which only heightened his arousal. When was the last time Franco had really spanked him? Rico moaned to let him know he wouldn’t be averse to it tonight even.
“Don’t tempt me further, boi. I want you every bit as much as you want me, but anticipation is supposed to be good for us. Right?” Franco didn’t sound any surer about that than Rico felt, but soon his warmth left him. Rico wished he could move the clock hands—whether back to a few moments ago or ahead to Wednesday night, he wasn’t sure.
“Wish I could stay longer, but I won’t be able to keep my hands off you if I do.”
Disappointed that this intimate time together was coming to an end, Rico let Franco help him stand. The feeling of fullness only increased as the plug adjusted to the new position. Turning to face him, he noticed the bulge in his pants immediately. How big was Franco’s cock? He’d wondered that for a long time—probably since freshman year.
Unable to wait days to find out, Rico took a step closer, wrapped his arm around Franco’s back, and stroked his free hand down the front of Franco’s shirt, lingering to draw circles around his nipples before continuing to blaze a trail lower.
“Careful, boi.”
Ignoring the warning, Rico continued downward until he grazed the side of Franco’s erection. His hand stilled instantly.
Whoa! Maybe I underestimated his size.
Franco smiled, as if he could read his thought. Then he took Rico by the upper arms and pushed him against the door of the shower stall. He lowered his mouth to his, having no trouble pressing his tongue against Rico’s and plunging inside. They ground their cocks against each other, taking what pleasure they could under the circumstances, all the while knowing this wasn’t going to end well.
As suspected, both groaned when Franco pulled away, breathing hard. “I need to go. Now.”
Maybe it was time to have a talk with Gina about how much the two of them loved each other and that people who love each other like to be together all the time, even at night. In bed.
“See you Wednesday night.” Without even a chaste peck on the cheek, as if that might lead to another kiss, Franco turned and left the bathroom.
Wednesday couldn’t come fast enough.
On Wednesday evening, Rico’s apartment intercom buzzed promptly at six-thirty. All day, Rico had worried that Franco might be tied up at the office or, even worse, have to investigate a fire tonight. Apparently, though, they wouldn’t have to wait any longer.
He’d never anticipated a date more than this one.
Gina had been dropped off at Becky’s after school. Two other girls were spending the night too. She had taken along her favorite games, as well as her giraffe for comfort and security at bedtime. While he’d given Carole his phone number and Gina’s medical card, just in case, Rico hoped to God they wouldn’t have to use either.
I’m not going to survive another interruption with Franco.
An hour ago, when Rico hadn’t heard about any change of plans, he’d jumped into the shower. The time had finally come for them to take this relationship to the next level! The biggest butt plug he owned had been firmly wedged in place all night, as instructed. He was ready.
I hope.
Seconds after Franco’s knock, Rico opened the door, and they gave each other a slow once-over. Franco wore a navy blue blazer, a white dress shirt, and tan chinos, while Rico had opted for more casual tight-fitting khakis with his button-down shirt.
“You’re fucking hot,” they said in unison, then both laughed.
“It wouldn’t matter what you were wearing, though…or not wearing. I’d have said the same thing.” Franco grinned. “Ready?”
“More than you’ll ever know.” Rico grabbed the sport coat he’d hung on the back of the chair next to his desk then picked up his overnight bag.
“I can see that.” Franco shook his head but continued to smile as he pried Rico’s bag from his grip to carry it for him. After Rico locked the apartment door, Franco took Rico’s hand in his free one, and the two walked toward the stairwell side by side.
“Where are we headed for dinner?” Rico asked as they exited the building.
“You’ll see.”
“I’ll take fast food if it will get us to your place sooner.” That would give them ample time to play in case Gina had another meltdown tonight.
“No way. That’s not how I treat a date.”
Cared for.
Franco’s words made him feel even more excited—and cherished. Besides, the fact that he wasn’t calling the shots and could just sit back and enjoy what Franco had been planning the past few days was sublime.
“Whatever the night holds, I hope it involves both of us coming multiple times.”
Franco chuckled but didn’t say more. At the Yukon, Franco opened the door for him, warming Rico’s heart again at the deference Franco showed him. After both were settled inside, Franco drove in silence with what sounded like Fusella violin and piano music playing on the stereo.
They’d never talked about what kind of music they enjoyed, or any number of things people dating might discuss. In some ways, their relationship had bypassed a lot of steps, but the most important one was happening tonight. Their relationship would be all the richer as the two friends truly became lovers.
Rico’s nerves, raw after stressing out all day, were at a fever pitch. He’d been fantasizing about this night since high school. But the mellowness of the music wrapped around him to ease some of his jitters.
“How was work today?” Rico asked, trying to make conversation. Gawd, what a husband-y thing to say.
“I’d rather not talk about it.”
And so much for idle chitchat.
But Rico understood Franco’s wanting to put work behind him. The unsolved case involving the family killed by the arsonist had been bothering him a lot. Just as Rico intended to forget about parenting duties tonight, it was fair for his partner to want to put that investigation behind him as well.
They had so much in common, but Rico’s mind blanked as far as making conversation. He was fully focused on what would happen after dinner. He reached his hand over to squeeze Franco’s shoulder. “Need a back and neck massage later tonight to de-stress, Sir?” Rico wasn’t sure if they planned to be in Dom/sub roles tonight, but Rico felt naturally submissive at the moment.
“Maybe, but that’s not what needs massaging the most.”
Much better idea, Sir.
Rico laughed, losing more of the tension.
“By the way,” Franco added, “I’m not topping you in that sense tonight, Sweet Cheeks, so you can drop the protocols.”
“No problem. As long as you’re still doing my favorite form of topping.” He trailed his hand down Franco’s upper sleeve then rested it on his thigh, which he squeezed.
“Hands in your lap.”
Rico retreated immediately, placing his hands where he’d been told. Franco’s commanding tone set Rico’s body on high alert for whatever was to come. “I thought you weren’t in Dom mode tonight.”
“I’m not, but I also don’t want to be distracted in this traffic or to cause an accident. Of course, being a Dom just comes naturally.” Franco didn’t crack a smile.
“Are you sure we have to eat first?” Rico wanted to get inside Franco’s bedroom—and his pants—as quickly as possible. The thought of food held no appeal.
Franco shook his head. “I promised you dinner, and I always deliver what I promise.”
There’d be no skipping dinner.
“Besides, we have reservations.” Franco patted Rico’s cheek before putting his hand back on the steering wheel. The orange-lime scent of the man’s cologne—Armani Code perhaps?—wafted to him, making the thought of suffering through dinner before they had sex even more tortuous.
“But I also intend to fuck you all night long after we make it to my place.”
Rico shivered.
Oh, yes!
“I’m all yours.” Of course, he wanted to be Franco’s in every sense, but was it still too early in their relationship to promise him everything? Rico had been awaiting this for so long. He remained silent for the next few minutes until Franco reached across the console again, took his hand, and gave it a squeeze.
“You’ve gotten awfully quiet.” When Rico still didn’t say anything, Franco added, “Don’t worry, brat. I don’t bite, unless you ask politely—or you deserve it.”
Rico’s entire body tingled at the promise in that statement.
“And I ask that you don’t bite anything too hard that you might want to enjoy again later.”
“Stud Muffin, when I bite you, I’ll do nothing but make you harder.” He paused, then asked again, “Do we really need to have dinner tonight?”
Franco laughed. “You’re going to need your stamina. When’s the last time you ate?”
“I had a Pop-Tart for breakfast.”
Whoa! Had he just blurted that out? And did Franco just growl at me?
“Do I have to teach you how to take care of yourself, boi?”
“No, but Gina and I were late getting ready this morning. She hadn’t finished packing for her overnight adventure, so I grabbed the quickest thing I could find, and we headed out the door.”
“What about lunch?”
“In anticipation of dinner, I decided to skip.”
This time, Rico distinctly heard a growl. “Do not make a habit of skipping meals, Rico, or you will suffer the consequences.”
“I’m sorry, Sir.” When were they going to ditch the protocols, because it didn’t seem to be happening yet. But Franco only chastised him because he cared, and Rico aimed to do better next time. He wondered what kind of punishment he might receive if he disobeyed, but he had no desire to get on Franco’s wrong side tonight.
They drove through the heart of the city and crossed over the South Platte River via a modernistic bridge. The area was new to him. Rico needed to get out and explore the city more because he’d be living here a while, maybe a lot longer than the end of the school year.
As if sensing his unfamiliarity—or simply wanting to share his knowledge, Franco said, “This is the Highland Bridge, and we’re heading into LoHi, basically the lower end of the Highland neighborhood.” Franco sounded like a tour guide showing off his beloved city.
The area was surrounded by high-rises, with a mix of residential and dining. Parking would be a bitch here in the evenings. “Looks like the trendy place to be.”
“Yeah, and the property prices reflect that popularity, but they also have some of the best dining establishments in the city. In the early 1900s, lots of Italian immigrants settled here. And when Papa started working as a pipe fitter in the Sixties, he worked some jobs here after starting out in the Sun Valley neighborhood farther upriver.”
Franco’s face glowed with excitement, not about the tourism and history lesson but because they were finally having an evening alone together.
“You really love this place, don’t you?” Rico asked. “Denver, I mean, not LoHi specifically.”
Franco smiled at him briefly before returning his focus to the traffic. “Yeah. I came alive when I moved here.”
Rico didn’t want to put a damper on things but decided to be honest. “I’m still not sure I’d be happy living here forever, although I guess I’m getting more used to the noise and people.”
“Give it time. Denver grows on you.”
Well, Rico had another six months or so before he’d have to make a decision about where he and Gina would live. Would he ever appreciate city life the way Franco did?
Both grew silent as they entered a parking garage. After finding a spot, they exited the Yukon. Rico took his hand, stroking his thumb against Franco’s palm. Did he detect a slight shiver? The urge to be kissed grew strong as the anticipation for what awaited them tonight intensified, but Franco seemed unfazed as he led him toward the elevator, hand in hand.
They walked about two blocks. Where was this place he’d booked? “I’d hate to live in this neighborhood. Must be a popular restaurant if this is as close as you can park.”
“Extremely sought-after establishment,” Franco assured him. “We were lucky to get reservations on such short notice.” They’d made plans for this date only three days ago, but Rico hadn’t expected a Wednesday night to be so busy.
Vehicles zipped past them on the street. Rico hated all this traffic, but he’d made a commitment and would see to it that Gina finished the school year here. Luckily, he had Franco to help keep him sane and to show him places he hadn’t explored since moving into Michelle’s apartment.
Finally, Franco led Rico inside a modern-looking building and up the elevator to the fifth floor. Odd place for a popular restaurant. He’d expected it to be street level but supposed some of the more exclusive places would be like this. Was it a private club?
When they exited the elevator, however, Rico was taken aback by the floor-to-ceiling windows and the amazing view of downtown Denver. The lights were beginning to go on, even though it was barely dusk.
“That’s gorgeous.”
“I thought you might like it. I’ve eaten at this place a few times and have loved every small plate I’ve been served. Hope you do too.”
The host showed them to a corner table next to the windows and Franco seated him. He hadn’t been treated in such a special way by any man in, okay, forever. Usually, his dates didn’t wine and dine him. He couldn’t really even call them dates. More like hookups.
Franco was different.
Thank God.
Although the chair in contact with his butt reminded him of the plug he wore to prepare for Franco tonight.
The server handed them menus, but Rico kept shifting his gaze, alternating between the view of the city and that of Franco, seated across from him.
When he finally glanced at the menu, the descriptions of the various tapas dishes ran together in Rico’s excitement to get through this meal. “Why don’t you order for us both since you’re more familiar with the menu?”
“You can’t go wrong with anything they serve. Do you prefer tapas or paella?”
“Tapas. I don’t plan to eat a lot.” The last thing he wanted was to have vigorous sex on a full stomach. And he did intend to have vigorous sex!
Franco raised an eyebrow in reproof. “Oh, you don’t, do you?”
Rico had forgotten about his earlier revelation that he hadn’t eaten much all day. He leaned closer. “I just don’t want anything to interfere with our workouts later tonight.”
Franco smiled. “You’ll be fine. Give me a few suggestions for what you’d like to try.” Both turned their focus to the menu once more. When the server returned, Franco ordered about six tapas for them both to share. “Oh, and we’ll start with a glass of Vermentino for each and a carafe of ice water. And please bring us the hummus appetizer.”
He’d ordered more than Rico wanted to eat. To top it off, after the server left, Franco said, “I also intend for you to have a dessert that will make you never want to look at another Pop-Tart as long as you live.”
Rico didn’t like to eat this much on a date night, but if Franco insisted, what could he do? Even though tonight wasn’t supposed to be a D/s situation, Franco was a Dom through and through, and Doms could be so—rigid. Rico grinned, wondering what other parts of the man were rigid. He wanted to zip through the meal and get to Franco’s bedroom, but clearly that wasn’t an option. Might as well stay in the moment.
When the server left their glasses of wine, Franco announced, “You’ll have no more than two glasses before switching to water. I don’t want either of us the least bit inebriated tonight.”
Despite his bossiness, the concern in Franco’s eyes reduced Rico to mush, and a shiver coursed through him. “Thank you for taking such good care of me.”
“I love looking after you, Rico. You’ve gone through so much in the past few months.” Franco reached across the table and took Rico’s hand, brushing his thumb against the side and sending tingles through his body. “Thanks for letting me take care of you in these small ways.”
The feeling of being valued—no loved—in such a special way robbed Rico of words for one of the few times in his life. He merely smiled as he stared into Franco’s eyes.
Just when he was about to express his feelings, the hummus and pita chips arrived, and Rico dove in to avoid saying the wrong thing too soon. After all, this was a first date for all intents and purposes, and perhaps his feelings were skewed by the fact that he’d worshiped Franco from afar for so long.
Franco raised his eyebrows. “Do I need to order another appetizer?”
Rico grinned but couldn’t talk with his mouth full. After he swallowed, he conceded. “I guess I was hungrier than I thought. This hummus is amazing!”
When the server returned to clear their plates, he brought the double order of lamb sausage, which Franco had identified earlier as his favorite dish on the menu. Not wanting to attack this course like he had the appetizer, Rico picked up his fork, speared a piece, and extended it across the table.
“I’ll let you have the first bite this time,” he offered.
Franco’s eyes grew a little smoky at the sensuous nature of being fed by his mate. Hell, Rico found it hot too, as he watched Franco’s lips close around the fork and slowly pull away, his eyes never leaving Rico’s.
Maybe I’ll feed him his entire meal.
After they finished one tapa, Rico gazed out at the city to find that more lights had come on in the downtown buildings since they’d been seated. “Certainly is beautiful here in its own way. Nothing like Aspen Corners.”
“I’d like to explore some of my favorite parts of the city with you. Maybe I can sway you to stay here with Gina, rather than in Aspen Corners.”
Rico returned his focus to Franco. He’d been thinking a lot lately about where he wanted to live. “Right after Michelle died, I’d have said I was ninety-five percent sure I’d move her to the Corners after school lets out. I didn’t see myself as a city guy whatsoever.”
“And now?”
“I have to say, after living here all these months, city life has its charms. We can go to the zoo or aquarium after school for a few hours without making it an all-day excursion. The restaurant options are fabulous, although I haven’t really had a chance to sample any other than the ones Gina’s ten-year-old tastebuds like This place is an eye-opener. I need to venture out more.” He took a sip of wine. “And this vintage?” He did a chef’s kiss. “Superb choice.”
“Glad you like it. And the restaurant. Perhaps we can establish regular date nights and explore the finer side of Denver cuisine.”
Rico liked the sound of that—both for the food and for special time with Franco. He’d been missing adult companionship, he realized. While he and Franco had spent a lot of time together, Gina had always been with them. He loved how well the three of them got along but sometimes wanted some time alone for him and Franco.
“Where does Gina want to live?” Franco asked.
“Denver’s all she knows, so she can’t really make an informed decision. She loves spending time in Aspen Corners, just not the thought of leaving her friends. So I think she’s leaving the final decision up to me.” Rico could imagine her disappointment if he didn’t choose Denver, though.
“Anything else pulling you toward the city?”
Rico grinned. “I suppose you’re becoming a significant factor, and I definitely don’t see you moving back to the Corners.”
“Probably not. Maybe Breckenridge, if forced to.” Would he transfer there to be closer to Rico and Gina if they relocated to Aspen Corners? That would be a huge sacrifice for him.
“But no more small-town life for me,” he continued. “I’ve been spoiled by Denver forever.”
Franco didn’t continue to count the blessings of city life, though. Instead, he simply turned his focus back to the food.
“One place or the other, though,” Rico continued, “Gina definitely has a move in her future. I’m not going to survive in that tiny apartment beyond the school year. I need a house with a yard. Maybe an herb garden, or roses.”
Franco cocked his head and raised his brow. “You’re into gardening now?”
“Well, mostly for culinary purposes.”
“Roses?”
He gave a half shrug. “Lots of vitamin C. Rose hips and petals are great in lots of things like teas, sugars, wines—”
“You seem to have given this garden idea a lot of thought.”
“I’ve had a lot of idle time lately to do nothing but think about what I want in life.” He took a bite of the tapa. “I think I miss daVinci’s most of all here.”
“But your manager’s killing it.”
Rub it in. “Yeah, I’m expendable.”
“I didn’t say that. Only meant that you hired a capable person to run the place when you couldn’t be there. But you were the one with the groundbreaking idea to create a pub where you didn’t see anything like it. You’re a visionary.”
Rico hadn’t thought of it like that. DaVinci’s had been his lifeline in the first few years, his way to thumb his nose at those who chose not to accept him and to embrace those who did.
That Franco saw him that way, though, pleased the hell out of him.
A visionary. Wow.
Do I have any other innovative ideas rattling around in this head?