Page 30 of Painting Together a Family
Dev tilted his head. “Why?”
“Because I want them to grow up, but I also don’t. One day, I think they’re perfect just the way they are, and the next, I can’t wait for them to be older. I know I should just take each day as it is.” Bry shrugged. “I’m probably overthinking things.”
“That’s just being a parent, I think. Like when you think time is crawling, and the next second, you think time is speeding like a freight train.”
“Yes, that’s it exactly. And it’s not just me, eh?” Bry took another sip of his mojito and licked his lips again.
“Not even. I’m always on that train where I’m spinning.”
“I’m glad. Well, not that you’re on the train, but that I’m not on it alone. If that made sense.”
Their waiter returned with their aps before he could reply to that, placing the plates in front of them.
“Oh, look at this. It smells perfect.” Dev smiled at the server, nodded.
“It really does,” Bryan added. “I’m salivating.”
The waiter beamed at them. “Enjoy.”
“I’m so looking forward to trying this,” Bry told him, licking his lips yet again as he checked out his plate. Dev wasn’t upset that it kept drawing his attention to Bry’s mouth.
“Go for it.” It was worth the money the meal cost, to have that excitement in Bryan’s eyes.
Bry forked a thin slice of scallop and dragged it through the sauce, then he put it in his mouth. His eyes went wide, and he smiled. “Oh my god. It melted on my tongue!”
“Oh, wow.” He grinned over at Bry, not only pleased that Bry was enjoying his food, but curious about the melting on his tongue thing. “Can I try?”
“Of course.” Bry speared another piece and brought it to his lips. He could smell the acid immediately, the ceviche sauce strong and making him salivate.
He took the bite, and it tasted amazing, but what was even better?
Having Bry feed him the bite. It was far more intimate than he would have thought, and he liked that.
“Isn’t that the most amazing bite of food ever?” Bry asked, spearing another slice and putting it in his mouth. Bry closed his eyes and groaned. “I don’t think I’ve ever tasted anything like this.”
Dev grinned, but nodded, digging into the sprouts. “It’s amazing.”
Bry ate a couple more slices. “How are your sprouts?”
“Exceptional. Want to try? They’re a little spicy.”
“I really do. And I can handle a little… spice.” Bry’s eyes were heated, the innuendo obviously intended.
His cheeks heated, and he grinned, forking up a bite. “Open up.”
If it wasn’t his imagination, Bryan’s cheeks had pinked as well, and he opened his mouth like a baby bird.
He had picked a perfect bite, feeding it to Bryan. He hoped the man liked it.
Bryan nodded as he chewed. “That’s amazing. I am not a fan of brussels sprouts, but that is really good.”
“Isn’t it? I’m going to find someone to make them for me once a week.”
“I bet I could figure out how to do it.” Bry stole another bite off his plate, examining it before putting it in his mouth.
“Do you think so? I can’t cook at all. I never even tried.”
“Have you always had money then? I mean, not even like a peanut butter and jam sandwich?”
