Pure Fluff: A Limited Edition Valentine's Day Bundle

by BLMorticia

  "And?"

  "And, he's out. He's out the closet."

  "Whew! This calls for celebration then," Tig snapped his fingers and did a little dance. "So why isn't mi amigo happy?"

  "I am, I just, want things more on the equal side, you know? When we go out, he pays for everything and, damn is it a lot!" Latte held up the hundred dollar bill.

  Tig made a face. "Um, so? He's your man."

  "Yeah, but I don't want him shelling out his money like this."

  "Why the heck not? In case you haven't noticed, Latte, you don't make shit at Cathy's corner. That apartment you're in needs new heating, but Miss Langley is so sweet, you let her get away with having an outdated radiator. Your dude is loaded, man. Enjoy that, okay? What the hell's wrong with you?"

  Latte laughed, "Nothing, I just want ..."

  "I know what I want." Brendan spoke into his ear and blew on his earlobe. "Come dance with me, baby." He reached around Latte and grabbed his gin and tonic.

  "Oohkayy, damn." Latte nearly lost all concentration when Brendan licked and breathed on his skin. He leaned back into his lover and finished his drink.

  "Lead the way, love."

  Latte slid the empty glass across the bar and turned to meet Brendan's hazel gaze. He appeared to be more relaxed with the taste of Tig's concoction.

  "Follow me." After finishing his, Brendan pulled Latte's arm, leading him to the dance floor. In a matter of moments, Latte lost himself in his man and the music playing overhead. Still, the conversation with Tig niggled at Latte.

  How would Latte tell Brendan how he felt without offending him?

  "Hello? Yes Amanda, how are you? Good, good."

  Brendan scrolled his realtor's page for a gallery space. Though Latte only needed a couple of floors, he thought buying the whole building would be more beneficial for him. Perhaps he could do something with the other eight floors. The school he mentioned? Or something with Tig?

  Either way, it was more than enough for Latte's purposes.

  "Listen, the place you just listed on Orleans near Superior? Is that really the price of it?"

  Brendan wrote the six figured number down and underlined it. "Wow, that's great. Is there something wrong with it, or... oh the owner is moving out of the country. Okay, okay. Well, yes, I know buildings around there run in the half million price range so yes, that's a great deal. When can you show it?" Brendan jotted down more notes.

  "Oh, all right. Yes. We'll be by to see it later on this evening. Mhm, thank you. Bye."

  Brendan hung up and made notes on another building he wanted to show Latte for his gallery. He'd hoped to get everything together so his lover could open his doors by the spring.

  Since Alexander had accepted Brendan coming out, everything around him and Latte progressed quickly. Within two weeks', Brendan paid off Latte's lease and had just about everything moved into Brendan's condominium. He also secured another space in the lower level of the condo for Latte to work in.

  Though he painted in one of the spare bedrooms, Brendan knew Latte would need a quiet spot when he created. He was to blame, since he hated being away from his man, especially if they were home from their day jobs.

  Thinking of him, Brendan pulled his cellphone from his pocket and sent Latte a message.

  'Meet me for lunch and more after twelve?'

  B

  Brendan hit send and waited for his lover to respond. In his mind, their goodbye this morning wasn't as long as he would've liked. Within seconds, his phone vibrated, meaning an answer to his invitation.

  'Sure. I'll bring lunch *wink*

  D

  'Good. I love you and can't wait to see you.'

  Brendan hit the send button again, figuring he should get some more work done before Latte arrived. Usually when they got together, Brendan couldn't concentrate for the remainder of the day.

  His phone buzzed and he lifted it up high to see the screen.

  'I love you, too, Brendan. See you after twelve.'

  Brendan smiled and the rush of heat went straight to his cheeks and groin. He couldn't wait to have Latte and lunch this afternoon. Even moreso because he wanted to take their relationship a step further now that they'd become permanent roommates.

  Lately, he'd sensed worry or concern from Latte over the past week or so that was very unlike him. Perhaps feeling each another skin to skin was exactly what Latte needed in their very exclusive relationship.

  Chapter Fourteen

  "Tall hazelnut with cream and extra sugar. You have a good day, now." Latte smiled at the young woman at his counter.

  "Thanks, Latte. By the way, I saw you and Mr. Walsh walking in this morning. You two make a cute couple," she winked. "I want an invite to the wedding!"

  Latte nodded in agreement. "Thanks, we do and um, I'll keep that in mind." Latte eyed the next customer and took his order. "Just a minute sir, I need more cream." He walked to the back and opened the fridge. Just when he grabbed another bottle, Cathy tapped him on the shoulder.

  "Hey, everything okay?"

  "Oh yeah. I'm good." He tried to avoid further questioning but she stepped in his path.

  She grabbed his arm. "I don't think it is. You need to talk? How's Brendan?"

  Latte dropped his head, pursing his lips together. "I don't know what's wrong with me, Cath. Remember I told you about taking Brendan to the altar?"

  "Yeah?"

  "Well, I know we've only been dating like a month and a half now, but I expected that to be the very next thing. I know it's quick and yes, I admit, I'm a freaking sap, but I love this man with all my heart and--"

  "Oh, sweetie." Cathy rubbed his shoulder.

  Latte sighed, continuing his statement. "I know I'm crazy. Brendan tells me he loves me all the damn time. We've moved in together, but that's not good enough for me."

  "Latte! Where's the cream for this hazelnut," Derrick screamed from outside the door.

  Cathy grabbed the bottle from his hands and handed it through the door. "Go on and make it, Derrick. Latte had to take a break."

  Latte leaned against the counter and crossed his arms. "I usually don't get all wrapped up in things. I keep my cool, but, he's everything to me. I want him to be my husband. At the same time, I don't need him to do every damn thing for me."

  "Babe, that's what partners do. They help each other."

  "I know, but he foots all the bills. He paid my apartment off. All we did was give it back to Tig because he had another friend that needed a place. Now, he wants to buy a space for my gallery. I can't let him do that, Cath. I want his hand in marriage, but I don't want his hand outs."

  "Latte, I get what you're saying, but you're overthinking things. Truthfully, Brendan Walsh has more money than either one of us will see in two or three lifetimes. His father owns like thirty buildings across the world. When grumps is gone, Brendan will run and own all of that. You'll just have to get used to the fact he wants to spend money on you."

  Latte grimaced at the thought, knowing all of that was true. "I know, I know, I just wanna help out in some way. I want a partner not a sugar daddy. I get that I don't make a lot of money, but I did okay before he came along. I just want it to be more even."

  "Ugh, I swear, you're nuts, but I get it. It's that macho thing. You men don't want to be seen as moochers or lesser in stature. If I were you, I'd just enjoy it. You still buy your paints and supplies, right?"

  "Yes."

  "And your clothes."

  "Yeah, I do."

  "Then let him buy you dinner, drinks, Uber rides, and everything else. And by the way, have you told him how you felt?"

  "Yeah, I have, but he just kissed me and said not to worry." Latte shrugged and unfolded his arms. "I guess I'm being silly, but what about the marriage? I know we're on our way and eventually, I want kids too. We haven't talked about that."

  "Have you tried?" Cathy implored him.

  "No. I'm scared I'll chase him away like I did my ex," Latte laughed nervously, and rubbed the b
ack of his neck.

  "Then you need to talk to him. Really, it's too soon, Latte. It's been less than two months since you got together. Some people wait years before they get hitched."

  "I know, but I don't wanna wait that long."

  Cathy gripped his arm tight. "Then tell him. That's the only way he'll know."

  Latte nodded and looked straight ahead, wondering if today was a good idea.

  The more he thought about it, he decided to wait a little longer for Brendan to bring it up.

  Twelve rolled around and Latte headed up to Walsh to have lunch and more as Brendan requested. The talk with Cathy helped, but it didn't totally relax his fears. Despite this, Latte was grateful Cathy cared enough to help when he needed it most. Latte knew Cathy's solution was better than Tig's. He said he should forget about marrying the man and let him pay for everything. Latte couldn't do that even if he wanted to.

  The doors opened and Latte walked through the doors, nodding at Delia as he walked past. He turned the corner to see Suzette on the phone, waving him in with a smile.

  Thankfully everyone appeared to accept Brendan's and Latte's relationship. They made cutesy little comments and nothing more after seeing the two of them together in the office.

  "Brendan?" Latte knocked on the door and held up his lunch bag closer to his chest.

  "Come in. I'm just finishing up a call."

  Latte did and closed the door behind him. The minute he stepped in, he eyed Brendan sitting behind the desk. His hazel eyes met Latte's gaze and he puckered his lips into the shape of a kiss. His long legs stretched out from his chair to the top of the desk. Brendan looked to be ready for the 'more' part with his white shirt unbuttoned to the center of his chest. Latte's class ring dangled from his neck along with his black tie. Brendan's reddish brown locks had nearly grown out to his shoulders, making him even more hot if that was possible.

  "Damn." Latte locked the door and ambled over, leaving the bag and his macchiato on the desk. Latte removed his apron and took a seat.

  "Yes, yes, of course, Dwight. I know what we intended to do when we signed the deal and I'm preparing to do that. All right, I have to go. I have a very important lunch meeting I'm running late for. Mhmm, okay. Goodbye, Dwight." Brendan leaned forward and hung up the phone. "God, he's such a pain in the ass. I have no idea why father let him stay on as president for the rest of the year." Brendan shook his head and got up. With a wicked look in his eye, he sauntered around the desk until he stood right in front of Latte.

  "Hello, lover."

  "Hey, gorgeous. Trying to work through lunch again?" Latte stood up and wrapped his arms around Brendan's waist.

  "Not a chance. He tried to get me to stay on the phone, but I wouldn't." Brendan lifted Latte's chin and placed one peck there before moving backwards to his earlobe.

  "Jesus, Brendan." He inhaled deeply and closed his eyes, wishing they could get naked, but Derrick asked Cathy to leave early meaning Latte's lunch would be cut short.

  Brendan pulled away. His lips were pink and puffy. "I missed you, baby. We didn't have much time this morning after breakfast."

  "Only because you had a seven a.m. conference call," Latte said.

  "I know, and I won't be having another one for quite a while. I was thinking, I want to take you there someday, amongst other places. You'd need to take some time off work to do a world tour though." Brendan took a sip from the cup.

  Latte dropped his gaze, remembering the talk with Cathy. Sure, it was true he'd always wanted to go on a trip around the world but could never afford it. Brendan could, and then some.

  "Um, yeah, that would be ..."

  "Fun? Yes, I thought so too, but before we take trips or anything, there's a couple of things that need resolving first."

  Latte looked up, surprised by Brendan's statement. "There is?"

  "Yes. I know we live together, but it seems only natural we should take our relationship a step further."

  Latte's belly tied in knots. He wanted to blurt out yes, but Brendan hadn't taken a knee yet. He nodded and gulped hard, waiting for Brendan.

  Brendan curled his arms around Latte's waist and brought him in close. "I wanted us to make appointments for ..."

  A wedding planner?

  "To see a doctor. We should get tested, right? Then we can make love without anything between us." Brendan kissed Latte's cheek and nuzzled the spot there. "Since we're exclusive, it's only right that we get rid of the latex."

  Latte closed his eyes and leaned on Brendan's shoulder. Though he wanted the same, he sulked a little, not hearing that question. "True."

  "I knew that would make you happy and then, the other thing. The space for your gallery? I found one. If we close the deal, we can get it opened by spring. It's very nice space on Orleans. A drop in the bucket too; three hundred- seventy thousand dollars. If you like it enough, I'll write out the check tomorrow."

  "That's great." Latte silently sighed and hugged his neck, bringing Brendan in so he wouldn't see his facial expression. Having the building would be great then he wouldn't have to jump through the hoops to get a small business loan.

  "Babe, I really hope you like it."

  "I'm sure I will."

  Perhaps he was being silly about the money things like Cathy and Tig had mentioned. Still, a part of him couldn't let the possibility of being married sooner than later go away.

  Brendan held Latte tight and kissed his head. Something still seemed amiss. He just didn't sound all that thrilled. "Love, hey." He pushed him away, putting space between them. "What's wrong?"

  "Nothing ...I."

  Brendan didn't buy it. He knew the normally calm and happy man he'd fallen in love with had something on his mind.

  "No, something is still wrong. What is it? We're lovers, best friends. You can tell me anything that's bothering you."

  Latte sighed and shrugged his shoulders. "Brendan, I love you, I really do, but ..." Latte looked down and exhaled. "I don't want you spending all this money on my gallery. I planned to get this place on my own before we started dating and I still want to do that. Truth is, you spoil me, and I don't want you to do that anymore."

  Brendan sighed in relief, thankful that his concern was so small. He wasn't sure how he'd handle something bigger. "Latte, we're lovers, partners, and I'm supposed to help you. I don't want you to struggle to get something you really want."

  "But that's just it, Brendan. I want to struggle because it means I accomplished something big without my rich boyfriend doing it for me. Me doing it alone makes it more special. Ask your dad. I'm sure he feels like that about Walsh."

  "Lover, please don't compare anything you do to what my dad has done." Brendan sat down on the desk and crossed his arms. "I get what you're saying, but, if I have the money, why don't you let me take care of you? Really, I want you to stop working to paint full time, but I know that's out of the question, which is why I haven't brought it up."

  "Well, you're right. I enjoy my job. I paint in my spare time, which has been cut down a lot these days because a certain someone won't let me do any work." Latte smiled and dragged his finger over Brendan's lapel.

  Brendan chuckled, grabbed his hand, and brought it to his lips. "I know, but I can't help it. I love you and I want you all times of the day when we're at home. All right, here I'll make you a deal. Let me buy the building --"

  "Brendan..."

  "No, no let me finish. Compromise is part of being in a relationship, too. I'll buy the building and then once I do that, I won't pay for anything else. We'll start divvying it up between us. How's that?"

  Latte appeared pleased. "Okay. I can live with that, but, please don't get that place. As nice as River North is, I don't think that's my speed. There's one close to the Loop on Roosevelt and Wabash. It's half that price and only the space I need for my gallery. Let's look at that first."

  Brendan shrugged. "All right. Whatever will make you happy. And from now on, please don't hold anything from me. When something bo
thers you, come right out and say it."

  Latte nodded. "I will. Now, I hate to tell you this, but our more's gonna be cut short. It's gonna have to wait because Derrick's coming down with something."

  "No, no, I don't wanna let you go." Brendan held his lover close to him and brought him in for a kiss.

  He'd been looking forward to being alone with his man all afternoon.

  Now it was his turned to act spoiled.

  No way was he letting him go back to work so soon.

  Chapter Fifteen

  After finishing his shift, Latte headed home to the condo on Lake Shore Drive. Once he'd wrangled himself out of Brendan's clutches, he worked until seven, helping Cathy clean and service the late afternoon crowd he'd usually miss.

  On the way up, he nodded at the doorman and stepped on the elevator. As he leaned back against the paneling, the conversation with Brendan ruled his thoughts. He loved the compromise about the finances and now, he wished to talk more about setting a date. Since they were solidifying their exclusivity, Latte figured it a good time to clear the air.

  With keys in hand, he turned the corner and walked to the door. He turned the lock and ambled in, removing his gloves and coat on the way. Exhausted, he ambled down the hall to the master bathroom. He pulled his shirt over his head and unbuttoned his jeans, shedding them at the door when he arrived. Latte grimaced, feeling the pain in his lower back and arms. He turned the valves until the water temperature was just right. Latte opened the door to the shower, about to step in when his phone rang in his jeans pocket.

  "Jesus." He shifted around and picked up his jeans, plucking his cell from them. "Hey Tig, can I call you back later? I just got in."

  "Oh good, man. I wanted you to come by the club tonight. A couple of old friends of mine are back in town. We're having drinks at Moe's later, too."

  "Sorry, man. I'm real tired. I'm spending the evening in. Besides, Brendan isn't home. He had a business dinner to go to. I'm gonna shower and paint a little."