Page 89 of Hurricane Love

Wylie smiled, seeming to like where this was going, which encouraged Diego even more. “The sexispretty incredible,” Wylie admitted. “Okay, what else you got for me?”

“Well, I did just save your life during a major storm event,” Diego reminded him.

“Um, I think that spacious shower stall saved our lives,” Wylie teased.

“But you have to admit, you were a lot less scared because I was there with you.” Diego didn’t mention that the same was also true for him.

“Yes, that’s true.”

“And I dealt with Jelly Bean’s explosive diarrhea without even a single complaint,” Diego said. God bless that dog’s delicate bowels and curse whatever it was that she’d eaten.

“It wasyouridea to keep the animals here,” Wylie pointed out. “Which was sexy as hell, not gonna lie.”

Diego smiled, enjoying their banter, but he wanted Wylie to know he was serious about this commitment and that he was thinking long term. “When I think about my future, I want you in it. I want to be the one standing in that picture right beside you, helping you achieve your dreams. I think we could be really good together. I always have. I just had to get past my own bullshit.”

“And, are you past it?” Wylie asked with one eyebrow quirked and an expression that was half-hopeful, half-scared.

“I’m working really hard on it,” Diego swore. He’d forever be an ex-con and a recovering addict, but he was trying really hard not to let those parts of his identity define him moving forward. To focus on the future. To want things and go after them.

“Do you think you’ll change your mind about this, about wanting me?” Wylie asked and seemed to brace himself for the answer. He didn’t need to point out Diego’s inconsistency. They both knew it already.

“I’m in it for as long as you’ll have me. And I’m going to work really hard to be a good partner,” Diego said, a vow he took seriously.

Wylie reached out to squeeze Diego’s shoulder in encouragement, probably knowing how hard this was for him to be so open about his feelings and desires. “What if you get spooked again?” he asked.

Diego took a deep breath. It was always a possibility that his head would do him in, try and convince him he wasn’t worthy or deserving of love or whatever good things might happen to him, but he knew now that he didn’t have to tackle everything alone. They were a team, a good team, and Diego would learn to rely on his partner when things got tough. “I’ll talk to you about it, and you can tell me that it’s all in my head.”

“And you’ll believe me?”

“I’ll try. I’m sorry I pushed you away. I didn’t mean to hurt you.”

Wylie smiled and reached over to smooth out his hair. “You needed more time, I get it. I can be impatient and I tend to rush into things head on. We’re a good balance, I think.”

“I have a few more arguments prepared,” Diego said.

“Really? Well, let’s hear them,” Wylie said gamely and gestured with one hand for him to continue. Diego grabbed his hand and tugged it to his mouth, kissing the open palm that Wylie offered.

“In a world of assholes, you’re the person I like the most. You fuck like a demon. And like my cousin said, hot, mouthy twinks don’t come along every day.”

Laughing, Wylie looked only mildly offended as he insisted, “I’m not a twink.Maybea twunk.”

Diego smiled because not all arguments needed to be won. “How doyoufeel about this? About me? And us?”

Wylie gave him one of those soul-deep stares, the kind that cut right through the bullshit and dove to the center of his soft, squishy core. “I’ve wanted you since the moment I first laid eyes on you,” he said, drawing his finger along Diego’s jaw where the stubble was starting to grow. “But I honestly didn’t know then how special you were. You’ve impressed me with your grit and your loyalty and your work ethic. I’ve never had a man before who would do what you’ve done for me and my family. The way you care for others, the way you pay attention. It’s rare. So, yes, I feel pretty fucking good about you. And us. I’d like to keep you for a very long time.”

Warmth bloomed inside Diego’s chest and his cold, stubborn heart gave an unexpected little kick. He’d been wrong before about love and cocaine being the same. This feeling was so very different from that empty, short-lived high, the craving, the mania. This was deeper, more mellow, and longer lasting. Noshame and no regrets. Love was measured in what you were willing to build, not what you were willing to burn.

“That’s just what I was hoping to hear,” Diego said.

“Great so, now that we’ve got that sorted out, when are you moving in with me?” Wylie asked.

Diego laughed because trust this man to move a million miles per minute. “I don’t know. When we’re both ready, I guess.”

“You’d move up to Gainesville?” Wylie asked, looking pleasantly surprised.

“I want to be where you are. I’ve already started looking at jobs. I spoke to my probation officer about it too.”

Wylie’s mouth split into a huge, dimpled grin, and a moment later, Diego was tackled onto his back against the mattress.