Page 76 of Sight Unseen

He handed it to me and I held it with reverence.

Nate’s face flushed with pleasure. “I did most of it here in my studio, and what I needed help with—Michael came over and gave me some guidance. Once I’d gotten the image in my head and could create the detail, it was fairly easy.”

He motioned to the windowsill, the bay window that was currently empty. “I thought we could put it in our bedroom, right there. To remind us how far we’ve come together.” He took a deep breath. “I called it Wavelength. Because we’ve always been on the same one. And you love the waves.”

I placed Wavelength back in the lined box and drew Nate to me. I was finding it difficult to speak through the tightness in my chest. My heart swelled with love for the man in front of me.

“Baby, I will never forget how far we’ve come. How much we’ve overcome, especially you. You’re my hero, Nate. My forever guy. Nothing will ever change that.”

Nate’s eyes lit up and I knew I’d never see a more beautiful sight. He sighed softly as his mouth sought out mine.

I lost myself in his warmth, his scent, the feeling of his skin against mine. I didn’t need anything else in my life. This was it.

When Nate drew away, I was left breathless, speechless with his passion and desire for me.

He tugged my ponytail gently. “You are the best thing in my life, Cody Fisher. You’ve always been the one person I could count on. The only person who’s ever seen me the way I needed to be seen. I’m not good with words, so I hope that your present tells you how much I love you.”

“You know I love you, Nate. Nothing will ever change that.”

We kissed again and when we came up for air, I noticed how quiet the house had gone. Maybe everyone was outside enjoying the sunshine. I had my own sunshine inside and I didn’t want to leave it.

“But I’ll still be getting another present on Christmas Day?” I murmured against his fragranced throat, as I smiled.

Nate mock groaned. “Yes, you’ll still have more presents to open. God, you are such a kid.”

I kissed the top of his head. “All I need is you. Honest. And perhaps that new surfboard I’ve had my eye on. Ooh, and that subscription to the GQ Sports Edition I’ve never quite got around to.” I paused, hearing Nate’s soft chuckle. “And I’ve always wanted a puppy. A spaniel, maybe—”

My ramblings were cut off when my man took my mouth, and the world stopped. I simply took the time to enjoy Nate’s closeness, the hardening of his groin against my own and the fervent hands that pawed under my shirt, trying to reach skin.

I fell under his spell, the one he wove so effortlessly around me, and made me dream of the future.

No doubt, we both thought about falling onto the bed, but we knew if we did there’d be no going back. And we did have guests.

Sometime later, I wasn’t sure how much, we both stumbled, half-dressed, swollen-lipped, with uncomfortable groins, into the hallway. The house was quiet.

We stepped into the family room, and I looked around. There was no one there. I saw a piece of paper propped against the lamp that glowed dimly on the sideboard. I picked it up, recognizing Dev’s scrawl. I read it out loud.

While you guys were getting your rocks off, we finished bringing in the stuff. Go us.:) You’ll find cold chicken and salad in the fridge. If you guys can stop making out long enough to eat, enjoy. If not, enjoy.:) You two deserve this chance together. Don’t fuck it up.

I was sure that last bit was directed to me. I scowled.

“Why does he think I’m going to fuck things up? That man is such a doubter.”

Nate’s arms encircled my waist from behind as he put his chin on my shoulder. “He might mean me. Or both of us. Either way, we won’t be messing anything up. This is our home now. We both belong here.”

I sighed dreamily and leaned back against his chest. “It feels right, you know? Being here, with you, like this. It’s meant to be.”

Warm hands found their way under my shirt. I drew in a breath as they caressed my stomach.

“What time is it?” Nate asked.

I squinted at my wall clock lying on the couch. I’d have to put that up somewhere. “It’s nearly eight p.m. Time to eat, and then I think it’s bedtime.”

My stomach growled as I said the words and we both laughed.

“Food first,” Nate said huskily. “I’ll go with that plan.” He let me go and walked toward the kitchen. “I think we need to eat fast though.” He threw me a wicked, sensual grin over his shoulder and opened the fridge.

I watched as he reached inside, finding the food and bringing it out. Opening the fridge door caused light to shine out into the darkness of the room and was like the beacon I’d been waiting for my whole life.

And Nate was my lighthouse, my port in the storm.

My chest constricted. “Hey, Nate?”

He turned, eyes searching for me.

I took a breath. “I love you. With everything I have. Just wanted you to know that.”

His smile was another beacon in the dim light. “I know how you feel because I feel the same.”

He cocked an eyebrow. “Now come and eat so we can go to bed and I can show you how much.”

I hurried over.

Only a fool would refuse an invitation like that.

The End