Page 24 of Candy Hearts
William had no idea why that was a surprise. “Yes.”
“Is that why you bought this lake house in the boonies? You missed the middle-of-nowhere feel? Because I have to tell you, there are much snazzier lakes around. This one is basically a big pond.”
“I think that’s the definition of a lake, isn’t it?”
Benji pointed a piece of crust at him. “Don’t distract me with knowledge. That’s as hot as the compliments.”
“I bought this house because I thought it’d be smart for me to have an escape from the hamster wheel of my job.”
“Oh yeah? How’s that working out for you there, hotrod?”
“Not great,” William admitted. “Until the power went out.”
“So sad. Now you have to spend the night paying attention to me.”
“Spoiling you. I think I’m coming out ahead in this scenario. The Bach Auction at Mount might not have all the slots filled next weekend, but it was worth it to watch you take off those overalls.”
“Wait. Do you own Mount?”
“Yeah. It’s our newest.”
“Holy crap. I like that bar. It has retro arcade games.”
“That’s good. You’re essentially an exact match to the customer profile I created two years ago.”
“I’m over the club scene, but that one is nice.” Benji took a big gulp of sparkling cider, straight from the bottle. It still had the balloon tied to it. He had to hold the string in one hand so it didn’t get in his way.
He passed the bottle over. William took a slug.
It was too sugary for him. He’d rather taste it on Benji’s lips anyway. William put the bottle down and leaned over the pizza box, praying Benji wouldn’t leave him hanging.
They were fake valentines, after all.
Benji didn’t. Benji met him halfway. His mouth tasted of spicy meat and bubbly apple juice, and it was wonderful. William cupped Benji’s cheek.
“You always smell like candy,” William whispered, like it was a secret, right onto Benji’s lips.
“My body wash is called Watermelon Fantasy.”
William almost asked Benji why in the world he’d chosen a watermelon-scented body wash but found he didn’t really care. It was perfect on him.
Benji brushed the pizza box out of the way and crawled into William’s lap. William caught him, spreading the orange poncho out around their legs.
“We’re great at this romantic bullshit,” Benji said, his breath whispering over William’s neck, making him shiver.
“I think we’re just great at making out. No complaints though.”
Benji leaned back and frowned. “I’m romantic as hell.”
“I wasn’t accusing you of not being. It was more a commentary on our meal of choice.”
“This has been an awesome meal.”
“I hadn’t had pizza in ages.”
“I bet you haven’t had fun in ages. Oh! Do you eat the same thing every day?”
“Not for dinner.”
