Love in the Clouds

by Sarah Hadley Brook

  Why had it taken Dustin so long to see what was right in front of him for years? His chest tightened as he considered what he could’ve missed if he hadn’t finally realized those feelings for Raf weren’t just friendship. No, he truly loved him. Loved him like he’d never felt about anyone in his life. The morning’s panic was a hiccup and he felt silly for even worrying.

  “Right, Dusty?”

  Dustin blinked at Raf, his cheeks heating. “I’m sorry. What did you ask?”

  Raf looked at him strangely and raised an eyebrow. “I was just telling Mac that we’ll be ready for him to tow the plane to his shop by Tuesday.”

  “Oh, yeah. I’m pretty sure.” He felt weird about turning over his plane to someone after spending so much time with it. It had begun to feel like a part of him.

  Mac smiled like he knew exactly what he was thinking. “Don’t worry. We’ll take great care of her.”

  Dustin nodded, the words making him feel better. “So, I guess we’ll wait to hear from you about the cam and either finish this project or move on to something else.”

  “What’s next?” Mac asked.

  He shrugged and glanced at Raf. “The new headliner came in a few days ago. You want to work on that? Might be easier with one of the seats out anyway.”

  Raf nodded.

  Mac headed out, saying he’d let them know about the cam as soon as he could.

  Dustin retrieved the headliner pieces to install, setting everything on the rolling cart, and brought everything to the plane. Raf wrapped his arms around him, pulling him against his chest. He nuzzled the back of Dustin’s neck.

  “Mm, that feels good.”

  Raf nipped the curve of his neck, then licked over the sting. Dustin shivered.

  “You like that?”

  “I like everything you do, Raf.”

  Raf growled, the sound reverberating through Dustin’s back. “I wish I could bend you over, right here. Slide balls deep into your tight, perfect ass.”

  Dustin moaned at the lewd images. God, if it wasn’t so fucking hot in the hangar, he’d yank down the door, lock it, and let Raf do exactly that. He seriously considered it when his phone buzzed.

  Raf stepped back, kissing him on the mouth. “We have all the time in the world. I just need to learn to keep my hands to myself.” He smiled. “Although, not all the time.”

  Dustin’s dick had turned rock hard, but he answered the phone. “Hey, Mac. Tell me the good news.”

  “Sorry, Dustin. We’re out. But I can have one here by Wednesday. I’ll finish replacing it for you when I get the plane. No extra charge.”

  “Wow. Thanks, Mac. That’s great.”

  “You’d said you wanted it painted, but we never decided on a color. Do you want to stick with the current colors? Or go with something else?”

  “Can I let you know tomorrow?”

  “Sure. Talk to you soon.”

  Dustin relayed to Raf what Mac had told him. “And while he has the plane, he’s also going to paint it. But now I have to decide on colors.”

  “What are you thinking?”

  Dustin glanced at the plane. “I like the idea of painting it the same colors. White with the blue and burgundy stripes, so it looks like it did in 1976.”

  “I like that. You should go with it.”

  They started installing the new headliner. Working together, Raf inserted the wire bows into the headliner seams and stretched the material, securing it to the plane’s ceiling. They worked from the back to the front until they finished.

  Dustin’s arms ached from holding them above his head for so long, and he rubbed them. He chuckled when he saw Raf doing the same thing.

  “Guess we’re not used to this kind of work.”

  “Well, I’m not, but you do hard work in your workshop all the time.”

  “But I don’t usually have to lift my arms in the air for long periods of time.”

  “True.”

  Once they’d taken a lunch break, eating the sandwiches they’d brought from Dustin’s so they wouldn’t have to run anywhere, they got back to work on some of the smaller things needing to be done.

  He enjoyed working with Raf, their movements like a choreographed dance, with no awkward steps, no bumping into each other. Amazing how it felt so effortless, and Dustin wondered if that was how it went for two people in love.

  The L word. That still scared him. They hadn’t said it, but he knew it was coming. And while they had only just started their relationship, they’d known each other for so long, it didn’t seem strange to already feel it.

  The fear that overcame him sometimes had nothing to do with Raf. The only time he’d given away his heart, it had come back to him shattered. Right after college, Dustin had met Ted and he’d fallen hard and fast. They’d both shared an interest in planes and had even talked about driving to Oshkosh that summer. But Ted had cheated on him. He was honest enough to confess, but it was something they couldn’t get past.

  Dustin knew Raf would never cheat on him. Knew it in his soul. And that’s why he felt it okay to give the man his heart. Hell, Dustin had given Raf his heart long before he’d even realized it, and Raf had already shown himself worthy of the gift. Dustin couldn’t wait to see what happened in their future.

  Of course, their immediate future included finishing work and heading back to Raf’s complex, where they planned to take a dip in the pool.

  The day had finally arrived and Dustin felt as nervous as a new parent. Watching his plane being towed out of the hangar was exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time. Exciting because he knew they’d worked hard on it and now Mac and his team would finish the restoration. Nerve-wracking because the plane’s next steps were out of his hands.

  Daisy had come out with Mac. She and Raf talked about school, about some of the girls she’d met at the pool, and how she’d even gone to a movie with one, a pretty big step for a girl who had lived under such horrible circumstances most of her life. It was good to see her happy and looking so well.

  Later, Raf threw his arm around Dustin’s shoulders and pulled him close, kissing the top of his head. “It’ll be great. Breathe, Sunshine.”

  Dustin laughed at himself. “I’m being a little weird, huh?”

  “Of course not. This is a huge step. You’ve worked so hard—”

  “We, Raf. We’ve worked so hard.” He kissed his cheek and trailed a finger down his jawline. “You’re as much a part of this plane as I am.”

  Raf swallowed hard. “Thank you for that.”

  Dustin rested his head on Raf’s shoulder as the plane turned at the end of the row, disappearing from sight. He inhaled deeply. His dream was finally happening.

  They cleaned the hangar and loaded Raf’s truck with the tools. Dustin wouldn’t be needing the hangar any longer, although he’d paid up through the end of July.

  What would he do with his days while the plane was at RV Aviation? Work, he reminded himself. He had some orders on which he needed to get cracking. He was surprised how many people had liked the gray-stained drop-leaf table. Before delivering the piece, he’d taken several pictures and forwarded them to the shop that sold some of his furniture, then loaded them on his website. He’d already received three orders for the same table. One wanted a turned flute leg instead of the tapered, which was more ornate and detailed, and would take more time.

  He decided to toil all day in his workshop and get started on those orders. Back to normal life for a while until he got back his plane. He looked across the cab of the truck at Raf and grinned. Well, not entirely normal life. A much happier life.

  Raf caught him staring and smiled back. Oh yeah, it was definitely a happier life.

  Chapter 13

  Rafael

  Rafael had been a bundle of nerves all day. He had planned out their date to a T. Dinner at Olive Garden—Dustin’s favorite restaurant—then tickets to the Rain Valley Theatre, an outdoor venue that put on several musicals every summer. They would be seeing Jersey Bo
ys.

  The heat had been unbearable, but the show didn’t start until 8:30 P.M. so he hoped for cooler temperatures. Once the show was over, he planned on taking them for a drive to the lake where they could watch the stars, or walk the path under the moonlight.

  This date had to be perfect. He’d waited for years to show Dustin he could be the man for him. Their bond had only grown over the summer, and even though they had labeled themselves “boyfriends,” he still felt the need to sweep Dustin off his feet. Dustin deserved the best and Rafael wanted to be the one to give it to him.

  Despite Dustin’s attempts at getting Rafael to spill the beans, all he’d said was to dress casual and to be ready at six P.M. Rafael wore a pair of khaki shorts and a button-down navy blue shirt.

  He pulled up to Dustin’s with one minute to spare and knocked on the front door, chuckling. He couldn’t remember the last time he hadn’t just walked inside. Even before they were a couple, they’d both had keys to each other’s home.

  Dustin opened the door, his eyebrows raised in confusion. “Hi. Why didn’t you just come in?”

  “Because I’m doing things right.” His gaze swept over Dustin, taking in the nice black shorts and pale aquamarine button-down shirt. He’d never seen either on him before. “You look amazing. The shirt brings out your gorgeous eyes.”

  Dustin blushed. “Thanks. I-I bought it today.”

  Knowing Dustin had purchased a new outfit for their date bolstered Rafael’s confidence—it showed Dustin was just as excited.

  “Are you ready to go?”

  Dustin stepped out, taking Rafael’s offered hand. When they reached the truck, Rafael opened the passenger door for him and Dustin looked surprised, but climbed inside.

  His heart raced and he felt like a teenager with his first crush. He’d been on dates, obviously, but this one was more important than any of them. When he settled into his seat, he took a deep breath and turned the key. Dustin kissed his cheek.

  “Relax, Raf. It’s just me.”

  “Just? No, Dusty. It’s not just you. You’re the one man I want to make happy. The one man who makes my heart race whenever he’s near. The man I want in my arms all night. I want to give you everything.”

  Dustin’s eyes widened, and squeezed Rafael’s thigh. “You’re the only man I want to be with. I may have not realized what was happening between us as early as you did, but I’m all in now.”

  He covered Dusty’s hand with his and twined their fingers together. His anxiety over the night receded and he grinned. “Let’s get this date going, then.”

  Dustin put on the radio and they listened to soft music as they rode. Rafael still hadn’t mentioned where they were going, but Dustin caught on as they turned off the highway.

  “Olive Garden?”

  Rafael laughed. “Of course.”

  The moan from Dustin shot straight to his dick.

  “God, I love those breadsticks. And we need to get the Alfredo sauce for dipping.” Dustin laughed. “Great. I’m going to be gorging on breadsticks on our first date. You’re going to see the real me, Raf.”

  He chuckled. “I’ve been to this restaurant with you before, and yeah, you can pack those things away.” He gave Dustin a sidelong glance. “But don’t worry. We can definitely work off those carbs later.” Rafael smiled at the way Dustin’s cheeks pinked.

  The restaurant was busy, but not “weekend night” busy, so they got seated within minutes. The hostess led them to a small square table by a window. Dustin sat facing the interior of the restaurant and Rafael sat to his left. The hostess handed them menus and told them a waitress would be by soon.

  In no time, they had breadsticks, Alfredo sauce, and an awesome salad. They placed their orders, starting with stuffed mushrooms for an appetizer, with Dustin going for the Five Cheese Ziti al Forno and Rafael opting for Shrimp Carbonara.

  Dustin moaned when he took his first bite of a warm breadstick. Rafael bit back a groan, because if his boyfriend kept doing that, he would probably come in his damn shorts. And of course, Dustin took another bite and moaned again.

  “You’re killing me, Sunshine.” He took a bite of his own breadstick.

  Dustin looked at him in surprise. “What?”

  Rafael finished his bite before answering. “You’re moaning out loud.”

  “Seriously, Raf…how can you eat these and not moan?” Which he proceeded to do again, only this time with a twinkle in his eye.

  Rafael shifted in his seat as the sound shot straight to his dick. This date might kill him.

  Dustin laughed at his expression and patted Rafael’s hand on the table, then laced their fingers together. He dipped the breadstick into sauce and held it to Rafael’s lips. Rendered speechless by the romantic gesture, he took a bite. And moaned. Because, yes, the breadstick was delicious, but being fed by Dustin was sweet and intimate, yet still erotic. The way he was staring at Rafael made him think all kinds of dirty things. There was no mistaking the heat in Dustin’s eyes.

  The waitress arrived with their meals, warned them the plates were hot, and disappeared as quickly as she’d arrived.

  As conversation flowed, Rafael realized that yes, this was a date, but it was also Dustin. While a lot had changed between them as they made the transition to boyfriends, much had stayed the same. They were able to keep the dialogue going without any issues, the only changes being the way they held hands, or shared bites of their entrées, or stared into each other’s eyes.

  Odd how easily the romance slipped in. Everything seemed so natural. By the way Dustin smiled throughout dinner, he obviously felt the same way.

  “Are you going to tell me what we’re doing after this?” Dustin asked for the tenth time.

  Rafael grinned. “Nope. It’s a surprise.”

  Dustin rolled his eyes in good-natured fun and seemed content to let Rafael lead the evening.

  When they finally exited the restaurant, Rafael took Dustin’s hand. He opened the truck door for him again.

  Dustin kissed him on the cheek. “Thank you for dinner.”

  Rafael nodded, his throat thick from the way Dustin’s aquamarine eyes said everything still unspoken between them. He swallowed hard over the lump of emotion.

  As they made their way down the highway, the sun slowly setting over the horizon, they held hands, stroking skin and squeezing. They remained silent as an old Moody Blues song played on the radio.

  Dustin gasped and bounced in his seat when they pulled into the outdoor theatre parking lot. “We’re seeing Jersey Boys?”

  “You knew it was playing?”

  “Lucas and Caleb saw it a couple of nights ago. They said it’s amazing. Don’t you ever check their Facebook?”

  “Now that you mention it, I haven’t been on social media much this summer.” He winked at Dustin. “I’ve been a little busy, spending most of my days working on a plane, hanging out with my best friend, having the hottest sex of my life with him. Just a normal summer, right?”

  Dustin let go of Rafael’s hand and playfully shoved his shoulder. “Whatever. This summer is the best we’ve ever had, and you know it.”

  Rafael followed the line of cars and parked where an attendant indicated, turned off the engine, and smiled at Dustin. “And, yes, I agree with you. This is the best summer of our lives. And it’s only going to get better.” He grasped Dustin’s hand and pressed it to his lips.

  Dustin burst out laughing.

  “What? Too cheesy?” he asked, chuckling, too content to feel embarrassed.

  “No. Yes. I’m sorry. I’m not laughing at you. It’s just…wow, did you ever think we’d be here? I don’t mean at the play. I mean, here. Together. It’s all felt so natural, but then…it just tickled me right now.” He laughed. “Maybe I’m just too happy?”

  They climbed out of the truck, meeting at the back. Rafael took hold of Dustin’s hand and they fell into step next to each other, joining the crowd funneling into the entrances. He slid his phone out of his pocket and
pulled up the tickets. The woman at the gate scanned it before letting them pass.

  After a quick look at the “you are here” map, they wound through the crowds, hands held tight, and found their seats in the center section. Rafael let Dustin in first, then settled in the end seat.

  They weren’t close to the stage by any means, but they weren’t in the last row either. The large stage had bright red curtains covering the center, while large wooden structures built to look like towers flanked either side. The darkening sky was a gorgeous backdrop, with a few stars beginning to shine. Attendees ran the gamut of fashionably dressed to basketball shorts, with an assortment of families, dates, and various groups.

  While the temperature had declined, it was still hot. Rafael peered behind the rows of seating, and spied a stand selling drinks. “I’m going to run up there and get some water. Do you want one, too? Or something else?”

  “Water. Definitely.”

  Rafael had to wait in line—water was a hot commodity for the evening. He purchased four bottles, and by the time he made it back, the sun had fully set and the orchestra had started to play. He handed a bottle to Dustin and chugged from another before setting it on the ground with the extras. Dustin leaned in close and squeezed his hand as the curtain opened and the musical began.

  Rafael smiled. This was the best date ever. Great meal, hopefully a great musical, and definitely great company.

  The show was phenomenal, but an unexpected storm altered his extra plans. Luckily, the rain didn’t start until they were pulling out of the parking lot.

  He groaned. “Crud, I was going to take you to the lake.”

  Dustin patted his thigh, kissing his neck. “How about you just take me home and make love to me?”

  “I think that can be arranged.”

  Dustin palmed his dick through his shorts, showing Rafael his hardness. When Dustin undid the top button and unzipped his fly, Rafael forced himself to focus on the road. Then, when Dustin pulled his cock free and stroked himself, Rafael fought the urge to pull off the road.