Page 28 of Finding Shelter
Kash:By the way, I’ll let you pass on totally ignoring me when I came through the door since Valon is here. LOL!
Ledger fought a bright smile as he opened his grocery app. He swore Kash was the biggest miracle worker alive. It was like he had a master’s degree in decoding people. Honestly, he probablyjust knew Valon better than anyone else alive. Still, he had brought Valon home. Ledger couldn’t love him more. He placed a rush order. When he looked up, his gaze met Kash’s stare, and his soul sang.
“I love you.” Kash mouthed the words.
Ledger realized he wore a huge grin. He couldn’t believe how happy this one person made him.
Valon made a glass of iced tea before sitting at the island. “It’s like you were expecting me. You already had my favorite drink waiting.” He took a sip and then spoke over the rim of his glass. “So when are you two getting married, and do I have to call Kash ‘Daddy’ now?”
A huge guffaw exploded from Kash while Ledger staredat Valon, stunned.
Valon laughed. “You should see your face. That’s it. I’m walking into the room every time I see you guys now, saying,Ooh, Daddy. You’ll never live this down.”
Kash still laughed so hard, he was swiping his eyes.
Ledger had no clue how to react. “I’m not frail yet. I can still kick your ass.”
Kash somehow laughed even harder. His body shook, but no sound emerged.
Ledger crossed the room and twisted his nipple.
Kash jumped away, rubbing his assaulted chest. “Already abusing me. We aren’t even married yet.”
So much happiness swam in Kash’s eyes that—suddenly—Ledger had never wanted anything more inhis life than a lifetime of this. The three of them together, teasing and laughing. This was what a home should look like, and it was because of Kash.
Ledger had to have as much of this as he could get for the rest of his life. “As far as marriage proposals go, that was a pretty piss-poor attempt, but I still accept.”
They laughed together.
It was Ledger’s turn to swipe his eyes. Yeah. He wanted this forever.Love lived here.
After an awesome meal, they grabbed a bottle of wine and moved to the couch. Valon looked wired but also exhausted, like he hadn’t slept in forever, but he still couldn’t. Kash picked the recliner so Valon could sit next to his dad.
Valon sat forward with his elbows on his knees, as if he couldn’t relax. He pulled a cigarette from the front pocket of his t-shirt. In one glance, Kash knewthere was no tobacco inside. He had run that brand for Noir before.
“No smoking in the house.”
At Ledger’s reminder, Valon put it above his ear—like stashing a pencil. He grabbed the notebook Kash had left behind. It sat open where he left off last. “Wow. You’re still doing this?” He flipped through the pages. “While you were pushing me to the top, I should’ve been dragging you with me. I know a few people who would love these. You could do this for a living.”
Ledger didn’t hesitate to jump on the bandwagon. “That would be amazing. He’s talented as hell.”
Kash didn’t know what to say. On one hand, his drawings were private. On the other hand, he was always flattered whenanyone thought he could be a professional.
Before he thought of a proper response, Valon stood. “I think I’ll head to bed.”
Ledger immediately popped to his feet and hugged him. “Goodnight. Try to actually sleep, okay?”
Valon nodded. “I will.” He waved in Kash’s direction. “Night, Kash.”
Kash dipped his chin and mumbled his goodnights. The moment they were alone, Kash stood and took Ledger’s hand. “Let’s go, sexy. It’s bedtime for you too.”
Ledger stayed quiet, but he let Kash lead him to the bedroom. Kash had expected Ledger to be burstingwith questions. Instead, he seemed locked in his head. Kash gently shut them inside their room.
Even though it ended up being a fun night, it was also the longest of Kash’s life. The moment they were closed off from the world, Kash nearly sighed in relief. He just needed Ledger in his arms.
“You should take off your clothes.”
Kash turned at the demand.
