Page 49 of Mouth to Mouth

Luca watched him from the corner of his eye as they walked. “But?”

“They just expected us to move out and start out own lives once we left for college. Which they paid for. They just figured their job was done when we were out of the house.”

“Their job was done?” Luca laughed. “I couldn’t imagine anyone in my family thinking like that. My mom still opens my mail if it happens to be delivered to her house.”

Since he sounded amused as he shared that tidbit, Brad couldn’t understand that. The two of them really were quite different from one another. That didn’t stop Brad from asking his next question.

“Five-year plan?” he asked. Brad really wanted to know where Luca saw his future. What he wanted out of life.

Luca sighed.

Brad suddenly felt like he’d said something wrong this time. “What is it?” He slowed but Luca pulled him along, forcing Brad forward.

“I hate that question,” Luca said. “Although I’m used to getting it. I have a hundred responses ready, most sarcastic and funny.”

“Are they true though?” Brad didn’t want the same answer as anyone else.

Luca bit his lip. “Somewhat, I guess.”

“Then?” Brad pulled Luca to a stop. They’d reached the front of the Cantina.

“Ask me again at the end of the night,” Luca said.

Not what Brad expected, yet he was willing to play along. “Okay, I can do that.”

Lifting up onto his tiptoes, Luca kissed Brad’s cheek. “Thanks. Now feed me. I’m starving.”

Brad smiled. “Anything you want, baby.”

* * *

Luca

“This looks like a good spot.” Luca pointed to a nice patch of sand that would allow them to talk while watching the night waves roll in close by.

“A good spot?” Brad questioned.

“To have the talk.” Luca knew it was coming. Dinner had been full of laughter, sharing more about themselves, their families, and past experiences. Nothing too serious or a subject that would ruin the good vibes. They’d each had one beer with dinner, not getting drunk, but feeling good.

Brad waited until Luca plopped his ass on the sand before sitting beside him. “I don’t know if I want to have the talk,” Brad said. “I’ve enjoyed tonight too much.”

Luca leaned into Brad’s side. “It doesn’t have to be a bad talk. I just need to know what you’re looking for. And we should discuss last night.”

Wrapping an arm around his shoulders, Brad nodded. “I know.”

“You were a great Daddy,” Luca started. He’d enjoyed his date and wouldn’t mind another one soon, except being a little was also part of him. If Brad was absolutely unwilling to repeat last night, then Luca needed to cut his losses before it was him that ended up with a broken heart.

“It sounds ridiculous, but I feel like I should thank you,” Brad said quietly.

“Why?” Luca questioned, wondering if he already knew the answer.

Brad shifted his arm down Luca’s back and pinched Luca’s ass. “For being a brat.”

Before Luca could defend himself, Brad hushed him.

“I know damn well that you came up with the idea of going to the club to push me. Or challenge me,” Brad said. “And I get it. I kept sending you mixed signals.”

“You really were,” Luca agreed.