Page 64 of Mystique of the Fallen
“Fine, pizza it is. So, why this restaurant? For the pizza?”
“I borrowed a bit of a tradition. It started with Alaric and Chand coming here for their first date. So did Arvandus and Albie. I figure if it worked for them, it’d be a great start for us too.”
“Doesn’t feel like we’re just starting out. Is that stupid?”
Roman shook his head. “No. You were the puzzle piece missing from my life. I understood that before we met. But I never expected the way you’d snatch my heart.”
“Have I?”
With a chuckle, Roman nodded. “Yeah. And we still have so much to learn about each other. Years and years to grow as a couple. It’s crazy, but somehow, I’m more excited for the future each morning I wake up with you sprawled in our bed.”
“Our bed?”
“Sorry, am I the only one who thinks it feels like our bed?” Roman asked, taken aback by Grant’s reaction. Since the first night he’d finally tasted Grant, they hadn’t slept apart. He’d assumed they were both equally happy curling up together until morning. But perhaps he’d been selfish. Grant’s life was so new. Maybe he needed some space of his own to spread his wings. To gain the confidence Roman had just realized he somehow lacked in himself.
“It’s been an unspoken thing that I’m sleeping over, so it’s good to hear you call it that,” Grant commented as relief rocketed through Roman.
“What do you have left at that apartment?”
“I bought some bagels. Turns out I’m more of a donut person.”
Roman rolled his eyes. “Duh, you eat an entire box every morning and barely remember that your mate also likes them. You’re paying rent for some bagels you’re never going to eat? Bring them to the office. The vultures will descend and cart them off.”
“Good idea. I guess I need to tell Kyle I’ve moved.”
“Change whatever you want in the place. It’s your home now too.”
“Great. Put my name on the deed and tell me how much the mortgage is because I’m paying half.”
Roman was irritated at Grant’s ability to get straight to the point. Once again, Roman had time to mull over his response as the server returned with their drinks and took their orders. The moment the server sailed away, Roman leaned forward on the table.
“I chose that place and the high mortgage. Can’t you pick up another expense?”
“I’m paying for half of everything. But I knew you were going to be a pain in the ass about the mortgage, so that’s where we’re starting.”
“Ugh, how can I be simultaneously pissed off and turned on by your confidence and directness?”
“I’m serious, Roman.”
“I wish we were home so I could distract you with sex,” Roman muttered.
“You’d only be delaying the inevitable. I don’t have a faulty memory. We’d return to this discussion the moment I had your come sliding down my throat.”
“Tell me what it made you feel like when Drystan and Conley handed you this parade project.”
“Roman,” Grant stated in a tone that warned Roman he’d better get his shit together or he might get kicked to the couch later.
“I don’t like it.”
“Too bad.”
It was a losing battle. Intellectually, Roman knew that. But the medieval part of him wanted so badly to provide everything for his other half.
“Are you sure this is what you want?” Roman asked. Although it perturbed him to allow Grant to pay for anything, Grant’s need to be an equal partner was understandable.
“Yes.”
“Fine. I was going to add your name no matter what.”
