Page 23 of Three for a Girl

“Kinda.”

A swirl of something passed behind Romeo’s eyes. He hung the towel off his shoulder and offered Chad a reassuring smile that had the opposite effect.

“Come on, grubs up.”

He waited for Chad to take his shoes off before gesturing Chad to him.

Chad released a contented sigh when Romeo didn’t order him away. He wasn’t in the midst of one of his dark moments. Romeo wrapped his arm around Chad’s shoulders, tugging him close.

His lips found Chad’s and Chad kissed back hard.

“Easy.” Romeo chuckled.

He opened the door to the kitchen, and Chad was struck by a blast of spices. “Moroccan lamb, mint yogurt, Mediterranean couscous, handmade naan bread.”

“Jesus, Romeo…”

“Don’t like it?”

“You’re spoiling me.”

Romeo slipped Chad’s jacket off his shoulders. “Keeping busy. I’ve got to do something while you’re away at work.”

Guilt twisted Chad’s gut. He turned to face Romeo and caught his hand with his fingers. “There’s the other car, you can don a disguise, go into town as long as you’re careful. I trust you—

“You shouldn’t. It’s better that I stay here, less chance I … you know.”

Chad swallowed. “The monster?”

“Doesn’t like being back in the cage.” He tapped the side of his head. “We’re in uncharted territory.”

Romeo distanced himself from Chad, then pulled out a chair. “Come on, before it goes cold.”

“Romeo—

“Sit.”

Chad did as he was told, and Romeo took the seat opposite. He looked pleased when Chad started eating and moaning his appreciation.

“Careful.” Romeo whispered.

“Huh?”

“You, moaning like that. This took me a long time, I don’t want to sweep it on the floor in a moment of passion.”

Chad laughed. “Sounds good to me.”

“Sounds… Definitely not tidy, five letters.”

“Messy.”

“Yeah.”

“But also… Opposite of cold, three letters.”

Romeo’s smile crinkled his eyes. His fond look faded, and he averted his gaze.

“They put you on a case?”

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