Page 108 of The Husband Game

Dustin inspected the sketch. “Very tranquil.”

Charlie beamed. “That’s exactly what I’m going for! I wanted to bring the outdoors into this courtyard area and I thought it would be especially nice in the winter when it’s all snowy and gray outside.”

Charlie pointed at the pad of paper.

“I did some research on this house. It’s a mid-century design that was very badly remodeled in the ’90s. I like that they brightened everything up but they went a little hard with the cold white paint. I’d like to replace it with a slightly warmer shade. Nothing beige-y, but a warmer, creamier undertone to keep it from feeling stark. If we include some live plants, art, and soft furnishings it will bring a little life into this area. Can we maybe invest in a nicer ping-pong table too? This one is cheap and flimsy and makes this space look like a frat house.”

Dustin chuckled. He’d always hated it but it had come with the house and he hadn’t gotten around to upgrading to a nicer one. “Definitely.”

“There’s a lot of blank space here too where I think you could set up a cozy lounge area for people to enjoy. But if you’re willing to move the golf simulator to this wall here, I think it would be better if you flip-flopped the two areas.” Charlie turned over another page. “That would put the lounge closer to the wet bar and mini kitchen which I think would be nice and really, it gives you much better flow.”

“Wow.” Dustin stared, open-mouthed, amazed by the way some simple sketches brought the new plan for the space to life. “You are amazing, Charlie.”

He giggled. “I bet you say that to all the boys.”

“No.” Dustin gave him a long, serious look. “I don’t.”

“Oh.” Charlie’s eyes widened, blinking at him.

“You’re something special, Charlie Monaghan.”

“You make me feel special.”

“I only show you what you really are.”

He reached out, pulling Charlie into his lap for a slow, sweet kiss, hoping he’d believe him.

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

September was always Dustin’s favorite time of year. Even though the days were still warm, the nights began to cool and there was a sense of anticipation in the air as guys filtered back into town.

He’d survived the NPE training camp and picked up some new skills along the way.

There was a buzz at the rink during every informal skating practice and Dustin began counting down the days until the official team training camp began.

His media duties increased and he spent more time at the arena, meeting with the coaches, the GM, and the owners, discussing the plan for the upcoming season.

The house was in a state of chaos from the work on the kitchen beginning and Charlie was busy with his career.

Thankfully, they still found time to connect.

Life’s demands meant they had to ease off on the sex marathons a little. Sometimes it was only slow teasing blowjobs before bed or morning handjobs in the shower.

But Dustin tried to find as many quiet moments as possible to appreciate his time with Charlie.

Dustin sent him little texts throughout the day when he saw something Charlie might appreciate and he was starting to get a few unprompted messages from Charlie as well.

He knew how much Charlie enjoyed fresh fruit and vegetables to cook with, so one day as he was driving home from a meeting, he spotted a farmer’s market and picked up some ingredients for Charlie.

He’d looked so surprised but he’d hugged them to his chest like Dustin had given him something precious.

To Dustin’s surprise, the first morning of the official team training camp, he came downstairs to find Charlie making breakfast in their makeshift basement kitchen.

“Hey, you’re awake early. What are you up to there?” Dustin asked as he got close, pressing his lips to the back of Charlie’s neck.

Charlie shivered. “Making you breakfast. What does it look like?”

“That’s sweet but you didn’t have to, kitten. I know you have your own job to worry about.”

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