Page 54 of Learn Your Limits
“But please, don’t ask me to fight your father, violence is beneath me,” I tease, patting at his chest playfully as I step back to a more public-appropriate distance.
Chapter forty
Reid
A weight was lifted from my shoulders at the menswear shop with Milo's reassurance, but there’s still an unsettling buzz beneath my skin. I’m not sure if it’s from excitement over finally getting to spend this kind of night with him or if it’s from the unknown of what this night will bring.
We’ve been in our own little bubble of bliss since the semester ended, and while I don’t doubt the strength of how we feel about each other, I’m doubting myself. I don’t know if I have the strength it will take to not only tell my parents about my relationship with Milo but also set fire to the plans they built for my future.
Shoving the dark thoughts from my mind, I sigh and move to stand in front of Milo’s bathroom mirror. Now that we are free to be together, I have spent most nights at his place. My roommates, Wes and Matt, have figured out that I’m seeing someone, but I haven’t told them about who I’m seeing. I’m not avoiding telling them; I just haven’t been at the apartment long enough to tell them both, and it’s not a conversation I want to have over text.
Milo steps in behind me, his hands sliding around my waist as his head rests against my shoulder. Our gazes collide in the mirror, a soft smile spreading across his face. “You look handsome,Muñeco.” His eyes shine brightly back at me.
I turn to face him, sliding a hand to the nape of his neck and leaning down until my forehead rests against his. “I love you, Emiliano,” I declare. His grip on me tightens, his eyes fluttering shut. He seems to be aching for this connection just as much as I am.
“I love you, Reid,” he replies, his words a warm whisper against my lips.
My hands are on his shoulders a moment later, spinning us and pressing his body against the cool stone countertop. The feeling of his lips on mine banishes all thought from my mind, my body submitting to his touch. There’s a part of me that would love nothing more than for us to strip out of our suits and spend the evening devouring each other. There’s an even bigger part of me, however, that is desperate to be out in public, claiming him for all to see.
I don’twantto be afraid to live my truth. I want to believe that my family and those closest to me will support me no matter who I love or what career path I choose.
Odds are that isn’t what’s going to happen tonight.
Am I prepared for the possibility that my parents will cut me off? It’s not like I live some lavish life. I share an apartment and spend my free time either studying or with Milo. Still, not having to stress about the cost of rent, groceries, utilities, or any other financial aspect has been a privilege I’m thankful for. Finding a job while taking a full courseload of classes would be nearly impossible.
“Finish up, baby. We need to leave soon,” Milo says, pressing another kiss to my lips and squeezing my hip before stepping back into the bedroom.
I smooth my hands down the front of the dark green slim-fit suit jacket, looking myself over in the mirror. I’ve never considered wearing anything other than a black suit to these type of events. Never had the desire to push back against what was being forced upon me. But Milo was right, the dark shade of green amplifies the red tones of my hair. I opted to pair the suit with a black dress shirt, and the completed look makes me feel good. Confident. Worthy of being at Emiliano’s side.
My phone buzzes where it sits on the counter as I finish spraying on my cologne, my father’s name flashing across the screen. Hesitantly, I reach for it and swipe open the chat thread, my stomach twisting at his words.
Arthur Callahan:I expect to see you at the gala this evening.
Arthur Callahan:Having Avalon Castillo on your arm is exactly the kind of positive press we need surrounding the Callahan name.
The Sleigh Belles’ Charity Gala always draws a fairly large crowd, which means it’s just another event where I’m expected to “behave”and “think about the family image.” Complete and utter bullshit if you ask me. I’m twenty-three years old. Why am I still so concerned about what my family thinks of me and the choices I make? I should be entitled to live my life the way I see fit. I’ve never done anything to purposely paint the Callahan name in a negative image, yet my father treats me as if I’m some reckless party boy who doesn’t know when it’s time to settle down.
If only he knew that I had every intention of settling down with the man who’s waiting for me in the next room. A man who has done nothing but be patient and kind and understanding.
A man who loves me and has promised to stay by my side the entire evening. Even though he refuses to fight my father—not that I would ask him to, anyway—the way he protects me and always seems to put my happiness and safety first is unlike anything else I’ve ever experienced.
A smile curls at the corner of my lips as I quickly type out a simple response before slipping my phone in my pocket.
Reid:My date and I will be there.
Emiliano Cervantes looks devastatingly handsome in his charcoal herringbone suit. It fits like it was custom designed for him, and I'm already looking forward to tonight when I'll have him all to myself. When I can take my time stripping each piece of clothing from his body.
I would have thought Milo and I would spend our first Christmas Eve together curled up on the couch after spending hours looking at lights and drinking hot chocolate. Instead, we’re spending it surrounded by what looks like the setting for a holiday fairytale.
The gala is being held in the ballroom at the Elysian Suites. It almost feels magical with the pine garland lining the crown moulding, lit by small warm-white lights. Simple bouquets of red poinsettias sit in small vases atop each gold-cloth draped table. There’s a large Christmas tree in one corner, decorated in warm lights, red bulb ornaments, and scattered red poinsettias.
The room is filled with more people than I ever remember seeing at events in the past. Though I’ve never cared enough to pay attention before tonight. Now, with Milo by my side and my father lurking somewhere in the shadows, every nerve ending in my body feels like it’s on high alert. As much as I want to allowmyself to completely relax and have fun, there’s a thin layer of cool sweat beading on the back of my neck.
Milo’s hand rests at my lower back as we stand talking to a few people he knows. Not a single person has questioned our relationship tonight or the difference in our age. We’ve been greeted with nothing but friendly faces and kind smiles all evening, and it makes me feel accepted. For once, with my favorite person—the love of my life—at my side, I feel like being myself and living the lifeIwant might be easier than I think.
“Dance with me,Muñeco,” he says, stepping in front of me and holding out his hand as a slow, melodic Spanish song begins to play. My gaze flicks to his outstretched hand, heat zipping down my spine at the idea of dancing with him in a crowded room. It’s one thing to walk hand-in-hand down the street, but somehow, putting ourselves on display by dancing where everyone can see us feels like a big step.
One he doesn’t rush me to take.
