Page 82 of Flake It Til You Make It

“Okay,” Taylor said with a groan. “Let me get up, feed Meredith, and I’ll throw some clothes on.”

Rocco pulled on the jeans and sweater he’d worn last night, and a few minutes later, they were out the door, walking through the frosty cold dawn towards Jolly Java.

“I can’t believe you do this all the time,” Taylor said after Rocco had unlocked the door. But he didn’t sound judgmental or incredulous, but awed.

Rocco flipped everything on but the open sign—lights, ovens, and most importantly, the espresso machine.

He was going to need alotof coffee to make it through this day.

“It’s not easy getting up so early, but after a few years doing it, I’m used to it now. Same way I got used to late nights when I worked for my parents.”

Taylor yawned. “You’re a wonder and a marvel, Moretti.”

Rocco grinned at him. “That’s what all the cute boys say.”

“You gonna fix us some coffee and then show me some of your magic?” Taylor asked, and as Rocco passed by on the way to the espresso machine, now fully warmed up, he caught him around the waist and tugged him in, Rocco leaning in between his long legs.

“I thought I showed you plenty of magic last night,” Rocco teased and leaned in for what he’d imagined in his head would be a quick kiss before he was on his way. But the moment their mouths met, he didn’t want to move. He just wanted to sink into Taylor’s warmth, into the feeling of his arms wrapped around him, so secure and safe, andstay.

You should really say something.

Rocco nibbled at Taylor’s bottom lip and then swallowing his groan, pulled back.

“I . . .this is really good,” he said.

Not that.

Taylor nodded, expression serious. “Really, really good,” he agreed.

Stop talking in fucking circles.

“I . . .”Just do it. “I don’t think I’ve ever been so happy with someone. Not . . .not like this.”

Taylor nodded again. Still looking so freaking solemn. Maybe if he smiled, Rocco could find the little bit of additional courage he needed to say the three words echoing in his heart.

“I definitely wasn’t looking for this, but I found it,” Taylor said. And there it was, that smile. The one that made Rocco’s heart plain fuckingsingwith joy. “Foundyou.”

Rocco opened his mouth and before he could say,Yes, yes, yes, me too. I love you, too,a sound broke through his consciousness.

A loud sound. Like someone knocking—no,pounding—insistently on the door.

His front door.

Then they were yelling.Crowing, actually.

Rocco squeezed his eyes shut and hoped when he opened them he would not see the same glimpse he’d gotten right before closing them: a whole passel of Morettis, leaning against his front window, catcalling and pounding on the door, wanting to be let in for coffee and hugs and well . . .since they were Morettis, to hear all the hot gossip.

Namely: who Rocco had been making out with only a moment ago.

“Whatisthat?” Taylor asked, mystified.

Rocco opened his eyes. Grimaced, even as hewashappy. He hadn’t expected to see his family for Christmas—any of them, in fact—but unless his eyes were deceiving him, alotof them were right here, in Christmas Falls.

Unexpectedly.

“Please don’t freak out, but I think . . .” Rocco took a deep breath and disentangled himself, though they’d already gottenan eyeful. “I think that’s my whole family. Surprising me. For Christmas.”

Taylor’s eyes grew big. Huge, really.

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