Vaughan arched a brow. “Oh?”
“Justin—would you mind if I—well, if we…”
“Kelly. Sweetie. No, I don’t mind. You are both adults. You know what you want, and if you want him and he returns that sentiment, I’m not going to stand in the way.” Vaughan reached for her hand. “I know what it feels like having someone you care about being against what you want in the love department, and I would never want to put you through that. Just—put a sock on the door or something if you two are going at it.”
Kelliani flailed. “Deal!” She reached across to drop a chaste kiss to his lips. “It seems love is in the air. You with Freddy. Me looking at Justin, and Deena—well that one surprised even me.”
Vaughan grinned. It seemed Deena and Vaughan’s military buddy Viktor hit it off. The two met at a little get-together they’d had at Frederick’s new apartment.
“It seems so,” Vaughan agreed.
“See you later, handsome.” Kelliani scooted off the stool, picked up her glass and the open bottle of Hendo, and made her way over to Frederick’s table with his parents.
When Frederick glanced toward him, Vaughan blew him a kiss, watching the smile Frederick gave him and knowing his lover’s cheeks must be burning. Irma must have seen it, too, for she glanced over and Vaughan smiled and turned back to work. The past few months had been wonderful. Frederick was rested, healthy, laughing—he had even put on a few needed pounds. Nefertiti had grown up some, a beautiful dog that was smart and cheerful. Then there were his brother and mother—it was great having her hug him again, and kiss his cheeks like she used to. Hearing her say I love you built him up so high he thought he’d float away.
The night wore on, the kitchen was humming right, as Kelliani checked, and Frederick took the stage. After a while, a familiar sound filled the space. Vaughan paused filling the wine cooler again and listened. The sound wrapped itself around him and brought him back to that night when Frederick had written it. He rose and looked toward the stage. He supposed Scott felt the love, too, for he walked over to rest his cheek against Vaughan’s shoulder.
“That’s beautiful,” Scott whispered. “Did he write it?”
“Yes.” Vaughan’s voice cracked. “I didn’t know it was finished though.”
“You chose well, Sin. Your man’s a talent, a real, true talent.”
The pride he felt at that moment swirled through him like a storm.
“There doesn’t have to be words for me to know Frederick wrote it for you.”
Vaughan smiled. Maybe, he thought.
“I’m happy for you, Sin,” Scott whispered. “So many of us search for what you and Freddy have. Many of us will never find it.”
Vaughan faced him. “Don’t say that. Trust me, because I thought I’d never find it, too. But…” Vaughan motioned toward Frederick. “There he is.”
Scott hugged him and walked off without saying another word.
“There he is,” Vaughan whispered to himself.
The End
If you enjoyed this book, you may also like:
Winning the Campaign Manager by Lucy Felthouse
Prodigal Alpha by Angelique Voisen
Given Time by E.D. Parr
EVERNIGHT PUBLISHING ®
www.evernightpublishing.com
Love at the Right Tempo Page 25
