“That is serious. I think I’d like all of that too.” Declan’s voice and his body trembled; he was practically bursting with joy. It was thrilling and so precious to be this loved. Atlas was humbled and deeply grateful as he kissed Declan.
“OK. We’re going to take our time, but we’re gonna get a nice little place in Lincoln Park and adopt a dog and maybe have a kid or two.”
“A dog and kids?” Declan looked like he might actually faint.
“You don’t like dogs and kids?” Atlas asked playfully.
“Of course, I like dogs and kids. I just didn’t think I’d ever have my own place. I thought I’d live with the other priests at the seminary or a rectory. Or with Mom, but she doesn’t like animals in the house.”
“You were gonna be a priest?” Their driver asked, then roared at the rearview mirror.
“Hey. Shut up and pay attention to the road,” Atlas told him, shaking his head at the driver before he winked at Declan. “Thank God you changed your mind,” he whispered, earning another snort from Declan.
“It was a stupid idea, but anything was better than being Mickey’s kid. I just wanted to be useful and for people to like me and nobody refuses a priest’s help.”
Atlas’s hand shot out and he pointed when the driver opened his mouth. “Mind your own business,” he reminded him, then widened his eyes at Declan. “Sorry about that. But they were all wrong about you. You’re incredible and I’m so proud of the way you handled that guy. I should have been paying attention, but I can’t think straight around you.”
“Well… I’m from New York and New Jersey. I’m too much of a marshmallow to wrestle in the woods with the rest of our friends, but no one’s getting the jump on me on the train,” Declan said, nodding defiantly.
“Clearly.” Atlas chuckled softly as he kissed Declan’s cheek. And it was magic, being able to kiss and hold Declan whenever he wanted. “I’m not as good of a cook as you or my mom, but why don’t we stop and pick up a few things so I can make you dinner?”
“I didn’t know you knew how to cook.”
“Barely, but my mom taught me how to make her smothered chicken and macaroni and cheese in case I wanted to impress someone.”
“Like you need any help,” Declan replied. “That does soundreallygood, though, and you should make it for dinner.”
His mother had been right, once again. Declan ate two helpings and swore it was one of the best meals he’d ever eaten. He offered to take care of dinner most nights if Atlas would make smothered chicken and mac and cheese whenever he had a day off. The idea made Atlas so incredibly happy he almost got down on one knee and proposed officially.
He didn’t, deciding he’d wait and do something special later. Instead, Atlas swept Declan off his feet and carried him to the sofa to make out and watchDeep Space Nine.It was the kind of night he had hoped for but never thought was possible. Atlas didn’t think he’d ever find anyone who’d love him for who he truly was or if he’d be able to put his heart before his career.
But everything was so easy and so clear as Atlas towed a drowsy Declan from the sofa and down the hall to the bedroom. They had slow, grinding sex until Declan passed out in his arms, sated and smiling. He was all Atlas needed and he had a feeling that life with Declan would be one hilarious episode after another. He might have been the shyest, sweetest soul Atlas had ever met, but Declan was far from boring.
If there was just some way to introduce Declan to his parents without triggering another panic attack…
ChapterSixteen
It still didn’t seem possible or at all like Declan’s life. He was sure it was a dream when he woke up with his face buried between Atlas’s pecs. And Declan did all the things he would have done if it had been a dream and he could do anything he wanted.
He licked every amazing inch of Atlas’s chest, stomach, thighs, and ass. And, oh was his ass good. Declan almost came, he tasted divine. And the sounds Atlas made… Especially when Declan attempted to swallow every inch of Atlas’s cock. There was no way, but Declan did his best and enjoyed Atlas’s strangled sobs and gasps.
But Declan’s very favorite part was when he climbed on top of Atlas and rode him hard and fast. He held onto Atlas’s shoulders as his ass bounced swiftly, skin clapping against skin until Declan shattered. He screamed as he came, then came again when Atlas flipped Declan onto his back and drove him into the mattress.
“I can’t believe I did any of this!” Declan huffed breathlessly. It turned into a giggle as he nuzzled Atlas’s neck. “This whole weekend feels like a fairytale.”
“I’m so proud of you and it’s felt like a dream for me too.” Atlas’s arms tightened around Declan, and it was magic, how safe and good he felt.
“There’s only one thing that could make this morning more perfect,” Atlas said.
“What’s that?” Declan asked, but he was more interested in the taste of Atlas’s skin as he licked his neck and sucked on his earlobe. “Mmmm…”
Atlas’s hands skated down Declan’s back and gripped his ass. “A really long shower and a late breakfast at Eleven City.”
“Sounds good,” Declan murmured as he nibbled.
They touched and teased in the shower until they came in each other’s hands, then flirted as they dressed and headed out on foot. It was strange holding a man’s hand in public, although Declan would have felt strange holdinganyone’shand. But he felt absurdly proud that Atlas had chosen him, despite the searing blush that spread across Declan’s face as they entered a busy diner in downtown Chicago.
Declan took advantage of the narrow space and steady traffic, stepping closer so he could put an arm around Atlas’s waist. They moved closer to the hostess stand to request a table when Atlas gasped and waved excitedly.