Page 59 of Charmed By Destiny

“Given that Eric is in his twenties, I’m not sure if I should be proud or more frightened than ever,” Rosalind commented.

“I guess I never thought to consider how old any of you are,” Luke remarked. He glanced at Richard. “How old are you?”

“Thirty, and you’re ten, so no calling me a child. I know there are necros who are ancients, my parents are both antiques,” Richard retorted.

“And don’t ask Rosalind how old she is because she won’t tell you,” Clark said.

“When was the last time you supplied your age to anyone?” Rosalind countered.

“I told you the exact number,” Clark countered. “That’s all that matters.”

“Ignore them,” Maribeth teased. “We taught them manners, but they clearly didn’t stick.”

Richard rolled his eyes. “Eric, come with me so we can get you packed. You and Gabriel are leaving soon. Lucas, you can hang out down here if you want. Don’t answer any of their nosy questions. Especially if they’re coming from my mother or Mari.”

“Don’t overdo it with the pants or your brother’s new husband won’t appreciate it,” Luke told his soulmate, who winked at him.

“Thanks for the reminder,” Richard replied.

Chapter 21

Since Richard had purchased much of the clothing Eric owned, it was easy to get him packed for his trip. The Marwoods ushered the happy couple into the car and waved them off. Richard didn’t doubt the pair would have an excellent vacation, and if they were lucky, half of the outfits in Eric’s suitcase would go unused.

“Come upstairs with me,” Richard said to Lucas.

“Have fun, boys,” Maribeth sang as Richard took Lucas’s hand and led him up the stairs.

“Don’t leave for New York until we can talk,” Richard demanded.

“Please, I need details,” Maribeth replied. “I’ve decided not to return until tomorrow.”

“Perfect, that’ll give us a chance to plan a trip for me to visit.”

Relieved that his cousin wouldn’t disappear while Richard was upstairs, he focused on the man whose warm palm was resting against his. Lucas had handled the questions at dinner with remarkable aplomb and charm. But Richard wanted to know if he was humoring the Marwoods to avoid insulting anyone or if he was eager to move out of his condo.

“This room is exactly like you,” Lucas remarked with awe as Richard led him into the suite he’d painstakingly decorated.

Richard glanced around at the black-and-shadowy gray suite. He liked to think what the space lacked in color, it made up for in textures and style. He’d gone for gothic-inspired décor. The bed had an ornate wooden headboard that climbed nearly to the ceiling. It was a perfect backdrop for the thick pillows he kept piled on the bed. The other furniture complemented the heavily carved piece, and Richard loved the way the light gleaming from the dark chandelier hit the beautiful décor he loved.

He quickly plucked the sweats he’d dropped off the tassel-trimmed chaise and threw them in the hamper he kept secreted in the closet.

“Don’t mind my dirty clothes,” Richard commented as he scurried back into his bedroom.

“I had to step over your dirty clothes this morning to sneak out of your hotel room, do you really think I’d be bothered?”

Richard rolled his eyes. “We should talk about living arrangements.”

“It’s fine. Your mother may want me to live in this house, but ultimately, it’s about how comfortable we feel. We went from what was supposed to be a one-night stand to our entire lives changing. I understand why you’d prefer I don’t move in. Look at the way you mixed stripes and this simple floral. You do that with your clothes too. It even smells fruity in here.”

Trying not to blush at Lucas admiring his things, Richard focused on his words. “I didn’t say I’m uncomfortable with anything. My concern is that you’re being pushed into something because you don’t want to upset anyone. It’d be easier for us to see one another if you were in the guest house or living here. Getting to know you better is something I want, but tell me what you’re thinking.”

“I want to get to know you too, Dragonfly,” Lucas said. He’d been reading titles on the bookshelves, but he turned to face Richard. “It’s intimidating to think about living in the guest house or here, but your family is important to you. I have to build relationships with them too. Gabe and Eric live here, right? So, I’m guessing you envision yourself staying as well.”

“I did, yes, but everything can’t be about my feelings. Yours matter too. We don’t have to decide now if living here works for us. Let’s take things one step at a time.”

“Then I’d have to say that I like the idea of sneaking into your bed at night. As long as we’re both interested in snuggling or doing other fun activities.”

Richard grinned as visions of cuddling with Lucas and tearing up the sheets with him flitted through his mind. “Something tells me those are going to remain on my list of favorite things to do.”

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