Page 46 of Rules to Love By

“Hey,” he said through the pass-through when Lucky came over to see what he wanted. “I know this is going to sound a little strange, given the fact I live practically next door.”

Lucky glanced past him and Eli turned to see Marcus watching them, still seated. “You mean next door,” Lucky said, “with your father.”

“Exactly.”

“Funny.” Lucky held up a finger. “Wait right there.” He hurried back through the kitchen and over to the check-in counter to survey the board where the room keys hung when the rooms were not in use. “Seems the green room is empty. As it always is when love is on the line.” He plucked a key from the board and held it out for Eli.

“Sorry?”

“Oh, nothing. Take this. Enjoy your stay. You’ll find the room is all ready. Towels and extra bedding in the wardrobe. Toiletries in the bathroom, and other… amenities… in the table next to the bed.”

“Amenities?”

Lucky shrugged. “We don’t advertise as a gay resort or anything. But a lot of clients ask where the nearest pharmacy is. We thought it might help to cut out the middleman, so to speak.”

“Handy.”

“We aim to please. Anything else you think you’ll need?”

Eli began to shake his head but then thought better of it. “Any brownies left?”

Lucky laughed. “I’ll have Jake bring a plate up while you settle the dinner bill.”

“Thanks.”

“Happy to be of service.” He winked and disappeared back into the kitchen.

“Everything okay?” Marcus asked as Eli pulled his chair back in to the table.

“Yeah. Just waiting for the bill.”

That wait wasn’t a long one. Lucky brought it out and accepted Eli’s card to pay for it.

“You’re sinking a lot of cash into this,” Marcus observed.

“Worth it.” He got up and held out a hand. “Come on.”

“Where are we going?”

“I got us a room.”

“You really did?” Marcus rose, willing to play along. “I didn’t think you would.”

“Neither did I, but here we are.”

Marcus grinned. “Okay, then.” He took a single step and almost tripped, once again finding the rugs difficult to navigate.

Eli caught his elbow. “Alright?”

“First day with the new feet, apparently.”

Not wanting to seem overeager, Eli fought not to grip too hard. Marcus was still with him, and he wanted it to stay that way. “I got you a brownie,” he said into Marcus’s ear, taking the opportunity to breathe in the scent of his soap and aftershave while he could.

Marcus shivered almost delicately, especially for someone built like he was. “That seems like a trap.” He had a slight smile on his face as he spoke, and his voice rasped a bit.

An answering shiver slipped down Eli’s spine at the breathiness of it. He forced himself to not guide Marcus towards the stairs, putting his hands into his pockets instead. “You sussed out my dastardly plan to get you to eat more chocolate.”

Marcus snorted as he sauntered to the foot of the stairs, tossing a glance back over his shoulder. “And if I get to the chocolate before you, who’s in charge then?” He grinned, then jogged up the stairs, laughing maniacally, curls bouncing wildly.

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