Page 91 of Julien (Confessions 2)

Julien took Priest’s hand and slipped off his stool as though they’d done this a hundred times before, and as Robbie watched in wonder, Julien smiled and said, “I’d love to.”

Priest pulled Julien into his arms, and Robbie felt his breath catch as the two of them then began a gentle waltz in the kitchen.

It was beautiful, and such a tender, intimate moment, as they made their way over to Robbie, and then Priest looked at him and said, “Would you like us to teach you?”

Robbie’s heart thumped at the thought, and suddenly he understood the appeal of the music, the magic of the mood it created, and found that he wanted nothing more than to be danced around the kitchen with one—or two—of these men.

He nodded, and as Priest released Julien, Priest held a hand out to Robbie. He slid his palm along the top of Priest’s, and when Priest wound his other arm around Robbie’s waist and drew him in close, Robbie reminded himself to breathe.

You were closer to him last night, Robbie told himself, feeling slightly foolish for how off balance this was making him feel. But somehow, here in the kitchen with the homey smells, laughter, and memories being created, this moment felt just as intimate.

“We’ll start easy,” Priest said, as he began swaying with Robbie from side to side. “Get familiar with us holding you.”

Oh, Jesus, is he serious? This charming side of Priest was a killer.

Robbie glanced over his shoulder at Julien as if he was going to somehow help keep him on his feet. But he was no help, because Priest turned Robbie slightly, and then released his hold around his waist and spun him toward the handsome chef.

Robbie took hold of Julien, who brought him in close and continued the gentle rocking from side to side, one hand around Robbie’s waist. The slow, sensual smile Robbie loved curved Julien’s lips, making his dimple appear, and it was so relaxed and so far removed from the pained man he’d seen last night that Robbie couldn’t help but reach out and trace his fingers over it.

Julien turned his head and kissed Robbie’s fingertips. “Back to Priest for you.”

He spun Robbie out, and this time when Priest caught him, he pulled Robbie flush up against him and moved his left leg forward, making Robbie step back.

“Very good. Now to the side. Simple box step,” Priest said in a low voice that sent a shiver up Robbie’s spine, and Robbie concentrated on his moves and matched them. Only once did he mess up and step on Priest’s toes, making him chuckle, and Robbie grimaced.

“I don’t think I’m very good at this.”

“You’re doing great,” Priest said, and then kissed Robbie’s temple. “And this song fits you like a dream.”

Robbie listened to the lyrics, loving each and every word, hoping he was deep in the heart of both these men, and then he tipped his face up to Priest, who kissed his nose and said, “It’s Julien’s turn.”

He handed Robbie off, and as Julien took hold of him, Robbie stumbled over his own feet and giggled. “Sorry. Geez. I’m kind of ridiculous.”

“Non,” Julien said, and as the song drew to an end, he brought their joined hands up to cover his heart and placed his cheek by Robbie’s. “You’re absolutely perfect, and so is today,” he whispered. “Merci beaucoup, mon cher petit.”

Robbie found it difficult to respond with all that he was feeling, and instead rested his chin on Julien’s shoulder. When his eyes found Priest, who was now leaning back against the counter, he too mouthed thank you, and Robbie nodded and smiled, finding his heart was as full as it had ever been, right there in that kitchen with two men who had most certainly gotten under his skin.

Chapter Twenty-Four

CONFESSION

Home is where your heart is.

Up until now, part of mine has been missing.

Now it is full once more.

BY THE TIME they arrived back in Chicago Sunday night, they were exhausted. Exhausted but better for having gone.

Julien had finally been able to gain some semblance of peace. But he would likely never forgive himself in full for what happened that night, even if he did vow to make Jacquelyn’s anniversary one he celebrated instead of mourned.

Robbie now understood what exactly it was their man dealt with, and Priest? He felt more content than he had in years as he stared at the two men sitting at their breakfast bar talking about their days ahead.

“I have to work tonight,” Robbie said. “And I thought I’d ask Tate if he and, um, Logan would like to come to the opening of JULIEN. If that’s all right with you two.”

“Actually…” Priest said as he turned his eyes on Julien, waiting for him to respond.

“I already asked Tate if he wanted to come,” Julien finished.

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