Page 63 of Boy Issues

Epilogue

“I need you, Papi. Need you forever.”

Donovan leaned his head against Silver’s as they rode the elevator up to their hotel room, their fingers entwined the way they’d been as they’d strolled down State Street together. Ever since he’d decided he was never going to hide from his true self again, he’d been grabbing every PDA moment possible with Silver.

“I need you too, mijo. Don’t ever worry about that.”

Donovan supposed he’d been a bit on the paranoid side in the wake of his dramatic exit from Fonterra and Associates. He’d had time to reflect on his inner asshole and been terrified Silver would decide it wasn’t worth the aggravation to have Donovan in his life for good. And because Silver was as amazing a Papi as he was—he’d been able to sense what was causing Donovan’s lingering anxiety.

Their week-long getaway to Santa Barbara was drawing to a close, and it was time to make some final decisions before heading back their Los Angeles reality. They reached their suite, that Donovan had insisted on booking instead of a regular room, because he wanted to celebrate their newfound togetherness in style. And also because he anticipated having to dial the luxuries way back for a while, if not permanently.

He was probably overreacting. It wasn’t as if he was destitute. But the superficial security his trust fund, corporate salary and inheritance had always provided him held more of a grip on his psyche than even he’d anticipated.

“That was an amazing dinner.” Donovan tossed his jacket on one of the side chairs in the main room. “I hope we can go back some time.”

Silver came up behind him then wrapped his arms around Donovan’s waist. “There’s no reason we can’t.”

Donovan turned in Silver’s embrace. “It was a tad pricey.”

Silver gazed up at him with the same intense stare that had entranced Donovan from the start. After a beat, he slid his hand down to gather up Donovan’s.

“Come on, mijo. Let’s sit and talk before bed. Tomorrow we go back, and there’ll be a lot to deal with when we get there.”

Donovan allowed himself to be led to the plush, velvet sofa, then curled up the best he could on Silver’s lap. He hadn’t bothered asking if he could. That’s the way it had been whenever they’d sit together and talk after he’d bared all to Silver almost three weeks before.

Up until their respite from life in Santa Barbara, they’d either stayed at the garage or the condo. Truthfully, Donovan hadn’t cared which, as long as he was with Silver the whole time. He’d also gotten pretty good at Need for Speed on the Xbox.

Donovan’s legs were long enough that they partially extended past Silver’s thighs and onto the cushion. He also had to bend his torso a bit to get it so he could tuck his head under Silver’s chin. However, it was all worth it and he’d gotten used to the position just fine.

“Are you sure we can’t sail past the talking and go straight to bed where you’re doing deliciously filthy things to my body?”

Silver smacked Donovan’s behind. “That’s enough, boy.” He pressed a kiss to Donovan’s head. “I know you’re scared, but I promise everything will be fine.”

“What if Lance Sherman hates my final design and decides his new luxury hotel chain should be designed by someone who knows what they’re doing?”

Silver smacked him even harder that time. “He won’t. And if he does, it’s not an issue.”

Donovan let out a groan. “How can you be so sure about everything?”

“Not everything. Just most things.”

Donovan had to laugh. “All right. I’ll behave.” Donovan slid his hand underneath the soft, white dress shirt Silver had untucked when they’d entered the room.

“It doesn’t feel like it.” Silver stayed Donovan’s hand, but his tone was playful. “But between the new garage and you starting up your own architectural company, it will all work out.” He patted Donovan’s hand. “Now that you have offers on the Lamborghini and Bugatti, that should hold you for a while.”

“Us, Papi. Us.”

Silver let out a sigh. Donovan didn’t take offense to his reaction, he knew it had nothing to do with their relationship. Silver was a proud man who’d always made his own way. Combine that with his need to protect and care for his boy, and Donovan’s offers of financial help were met with severe resistance.

So far, he’d gotten Silver to agree to let him assist with the garage, as long as it meant they were in business together. And now that Silver had completely moved out of Carl Jenkin’s place, the only way Donovan had been able to convince Silver to stay at the condo with him was to accept rent money. Someday, once things had settled more, they’d pick out their own place together.

“Do you like the beach house?”

They’d only been there once, but they’d shared a nice day together. Of course, they always shared a nice day no matter where they were, so Donovan wasn’t sure if that said anything.

“It’s cool. Tough location though, now that you’ve found an office in Glendale you like, and the new garage is in Eagle Rock.”

Donovan stroked the hard ridges of Silver’s abs. “True. The tax bill on that place is ghastly. We should sell it.” He lifted his head. “What do you think?”

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