Page 63 of Signs and Wonders

“Probably why they call it a ‘scenic byway,’” Seth snarked. “Thanks for the suggestion to go this way. The view is spectacular.”

Evan reached over and took Seth’s hand. “The view from here isn’t so bad, either.” He turned to look at Seth.

“Hold that thought until I’m not taking a fifth-wheeler down winding mountain roads,” Seth warned but gave Evan’s hand a squeeze, then put his hand back on the wheel.

The campground resort turned out to be even nicer than its website claimed, and while Evan doubted they would take advantage of all of the features, he looked forward to a few games of bowling and some time spent in the arcade.

Once they checked in and got the RV situated, Seth and Evan drove into town for dinner and groceries. Seth found a charming restaurant that was fancier than their usual diners and chains, and Evan gave him a questioning look.

“We saved the world again. I think that deserves a nice meal.” Seth shrugged. “Can’t I take my best boy out for a night on the town?”

“Better be youronlyboy.” Evan was relieved at the normalcy of flirting after everything that had happened over the past few days.

“Always.” Seth grinned.

To Evan’s relief, the restaurant wasn’t a stickler for dress code, despite the white tablecloths and upscale historic house setting. Its menu specialized in comfort food done right. Seth opted for a decadent Angus burger with Gouda cheese and sauteed onions, along with hand-cut fries and house-made pickles. Evan chose meatloaf in a sweet and spicy red chili sauce with homemade macaroni and cheese. For dessert, they split a slice of chess pie.

“I’d say that qualifies as a good celebration dinner,” Evan said as they walked to the truck.

“Not done celebrating yet,” Seth told him with a wink. “But we need to pick up groceries so we don’t have to run out tomorrow.”

They made short work of shopping, buying essentials for breakfasts and lunches as well as favorite snacks and a couple of bottles of prosecco. After putting the groceries away, they strolled to the chairs around the campground’s large gas firepit.

“I love how many stars you can see from here.” Evan snuggled close to Seth.

“Can you find the constellations?” Seth asked.

Evan shook his head. “No. I know my zodiac sign, but I couldn’t find it in the sky.”

“Jesse and I got on an astronomy kick when we were in middle school,” Seth recalled. “Mom and Dad bought us a telescope for Christmas, and we camped in the backyard whenever the weather was decent, looking for meteor showers and asteroids and learning to find the stars.”

He sounds wistful, as he always does when he remembers Jesse, Evan thought, and wished that Seth’s happy memories of his brother weren’t always tinged with sadness.

“You can teach me,” Evan said. “I’ve always wanted to know that stuff. But no tent camping. I only glamp.”

Seth chuckled. “I think the RV counts as ‘glamping.’ But if you’d like, we can string twinkle lights and sheer curtain swags for the right ambiance.”

“Well, we’d certainly be the talk of the trailer park,” Evan said. “But I’m fine the way we are.”

The wind picked up, and despite the fire, Evan rubbed his hands together for warmth.

“I have a better idea of how to warm up,” Seth murmured next to his ear. “Come on. Let’s go inside.”

Seth had set out a bottle of prosecco along with cheese and other nibbles before they went to the firepit. He poured flutes for both of them and toasted Evan.

“To us.” Seth clinked their sensibly plastic barware together.

“To afterward.” Evan tasted the wine on Seth’s lips when they kissed.

It didn’t take long to finish the first bottle as they made out on the couch in the living room. By unspoken agreement, they seemed to need being a little tipsy after the danger of the past few days.

“You’re remarkably good about warming me up,” Evan whispered. The gas fire lit up the darkened room and chased away the chill.

“I’m just getting started.” Seth kissed his way up Evan’s neck.

They had already shed their shirts, and by the time they were halfway through the second bottle, they were down to their briefs. Evan felt Seth’s erection through the thin cotton rubbing against his equally enthusiastic cock.

“Bedroom.” Evan stood and tugged Seth to come with him. Seth turned off the fireplace, checked the doors, and put a cork in the half-empty bottle. The nibbles were already gone.

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