Chapter Fourteen
One of their greatest wedding gifts had come from Atticus.
With Beau’s permission, of course. Atticus had built them their own little cottage on the property.
He said he had intended the place to be for Kirkland, kind of a retirement slash birthday gift.
But turning the place into their own love nest for their wedding made more sense.
He had time to get Kirkland something else for his birthday.
Decorating the place with Fabrice was fun.
He had expected to simply capitulate to Fabrice’s every decision.
Happy husband, happy home. Instead, Fabrice had been adamant they sat down together to make each decision.
They could have simply moved Fabrice’s furniture from his room, but they wanted this new space to be a place they created together.
He would have thought picking through paint samples and swatches would drive him insane. No. He couldn’t get enough.
Even though they used the same shampoo, the scent of Fabrice’s hair kept drawing Kirkland’s nose toward the soft locks. Cuddled together on the couch, Kirkland listened to Fabrice chatter. His life felt warm and complete in a way he couldn’t describe.
“Okay. We’ve narrowed the cabinets down to two colors. I like both of these. You’ll have to make the final decision.”
The two colors looked exactly the same to him. One was maybe slightly lighter, but not enough to stand out. “I wonder what the color would be if they were mixed.”
“Damn, baby. You’re so smart. We should check on that. What about the countertops? I know we’re settled on quartzite since it works best with the hidden induction. Is the slab we picked going to match this color?”
Fabrice dug into his final decision box of samples and came out with a square of their countertop. When he put the two colors together, Kirkland saw the difference in paint colors. The man who managed households came out in him. He motioned toward the lighter color. “Definitely that one.”
Fabrice laughed. “That’s the color I wanted, but I also wanted you to have a say.”
Kirkland cut his eyes at Fabrice. “You wanted me to think I had a say.”
Fabrice waved off the claim. “Whatever. It’s chosen.” Fabrice stared at samples against one another for a few more seconds. “What if we do blue instead?”
Kirkland sighed. He took the samples from Fabrice and set them aside. “We’ve picked. No more fretting. Everything will be beautiful because you’re there.”
“You’re just saying that you can seduce me. I know you.”
Kirkland laughed. “I’m always trying to seduce you. There’s no need for me to hide behind a compliment.”
Fabrice's smile was bright and just everything to Kirkland. He couldn’t stop himself from saying what was always on his mind. “I love you.”
“I love you too.” Fabrice fingered Kirkland’s pants. “You look very sexy today.”
“Now who’s trying to get into someone’s pants with compliments?
” Kirkland chuckled. “Too bad we don’t have time for that.
We have to meet Atti and Foster in a few minutes.
” He almost regretted their dinner plans.
Unfortunately, he couldn’t keep Fabrice locked away like a dragon hoarding its treasure.
They had to interact with family occasionally.
Fabrice stood and straddled Kirkland. He ran his hands up Kirkland’s chest. “I honestly love this new style you’ve chosen for yourself. Your old man pants and polos. Sexy as fuck.”
Kirkland couldn’t stop smiling. He hadn’t known he could be so happy… and free. No longer having a single secret felt amazing. That was due to Fabrice. Fabrice’s love had released him.
Fabrice scooted closer. “Do we still have time for a kiss?”
Kirkland grabbed the back of Fabrice’s head.
“There’s always time for a kiss.” He towed Fabrice in and poured every ounce of love he felt into kissing him.
It took seconds for Kirkland to be ready to say fuck it to any plans outside their bedroom.
The way Fabrice moved against him had Kirkland swiping things off the couch to take Fabrice down.
Fabrice had scorched him. He was forever changed by the mark Fabrice had made on his soul by the heat of his passion and love.
A loud knock sounded on the door. “Dinner time. Let’s roll. I got us reservations.” At Atticus’ shout, a groan escaped Kirkland. He had terrible timing.
Fabrice pressed his forehead against Kirkland’s. They stared into each other’s eyes. Neither of them spoke. They didn’t need to say a word. Their love filled the room.
“Later.”
Kirkland nodded. “You’re on.”
They shared a smile. An unspoken vow passed between them. They would always be this happy. The past couldn’t touch him any longer. They were all Kirkland needed. They were all he saw.
Keep an eye out for the next Killers Inc., Stalked.