Total pages in book: 169
Estimated words: 156808 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 784(@200wpm)___ 627(@250wpm)___ 523(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 156808 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 784(@200wpm)___ 627(@250wpm)___ 523(@300wpm)
“Are you ready?” Kellus asked, stopping just inside the doorway.
“Is that new?” he asked, rising to his feet.
Kellus looked exceptionally handsome today, decked out in all his leather jewelry, crisp, freshly pressed jeans, engineer boots, and a colorful T-shirt. It looked like he wore a new pair of Tom Ford sunglasses that complemented his face perfectly.
“Yeah, I stopped this morning and picked up some things. H&M was having a sale. I also went by Dillard’s and bought some warmer stuff,” Kellus said, running his palms down his belly. “I grabbed a new jacket. I didn’t know if we’d make it out of town before the cold front blew through.”
“I forgot we needed to get you some clothes. I’m sorry.” Arik placed the computer inside its bag, then adding several files to the case before zipping it closed.
“It didn’t take too long,” he said, leaning against the doorframe. “The wind’s picking up outside. I think the front’ll be here sooner than the weatherman predicted.”
“I’m glad you told me. I’ll grab my jacket on the way out,” Arik said, slinging his laptop bag over his shoulder as he came to stand close to Kellus. He leaned in for a kiss and noticed that, as Kellus bent in, he stopped and readjusted his neck, coming in at a weird angle.
“What’s wrong?” Arik asked.
“I’m stiff already. I worked out this morning,” Kellus said and rolled his shoulders, then his neck, before giving a little hiss.
“Mmm… I could say I’m stiff already too.” He gave a suggestive grin at his little joke. “But it’s for a completely different reason.” He let that thought go and changed the subject. “You’ve been busy since you left.” He stayed right there in Kellus’s personal space, looking at this beautiful man, content to listen to his day even though they had many things to do before they could get in the air.
“I have. I weighed at the gym. I’ve gained a few pounds since we started our thing, and I haven’t worked out at all. I’ve got to change that. My health needs to be a top priority,” Kellus declared firmly, making Arik grin again.
“Agreed. We actually need to change that for the both of us. I was thinking the very same thing this morning when I was rubbing my full belly after breakfast.” He reached over to turn off the lights. “You’ll be glad to know our suites in Dubai include a full gym for our personal use,” he stated as Kellus backed out of the door and stopped to let him lead the way to the front door.
“Cool. I brought some workout clothes. I think I got everything I need. Your guys were waiting; we loaded my stuff into the transport van.”
“We can get whatever else you need. It’s not a problem. Did you get your medication?” he asked, grabbing Kellus’s new jacket off the coatrack by the door, handing it over, before taking his own.
“Of course I did. Did you?” Kellus asked, shoving his arms through the sleeves.
“I did. So we’re getting back on a healthy, structured schedule. It works best for me. I need to work more, workout, eat better.”
“Totally agree.” In the hall, Arik pushed the button at the elevator, extending his hand when the doors opened immediately. He loved listening to Kellus—he did, but he also relished the ease in which they communicated now. They were acting more like a couple, a single unit. Kellus truly seemed fully invested in the concept of them being together and Arik loved that more than anything. Two people planning their future together, day by day. In his heart, he’d known if he could ever get Kellus to this point that they’d be fluid together. He’d met his match and was thankful he hadn’t settled for anything less.
“You know, maybe we could spend some nights at my place. I do my best work at night. I get lost in my work; I never even realize that hours fly by.”
“That’s fine. I like to watch you work,” Arik said, touching the button for his underground parking. Kellus crossed those broad arms over his chest as he gave him a doubting look.
“You don’t have to watch me work. You keep talking about traveling a lot. I could probably binge work during that time, then take off when you’re in town. We’d have to plan it so I’m not in the middle of a project…” Kellus’s brow knitted together as if he were solving some sort of mental math problem, then he shook his head. “I don’t know. We’ll figure it out.”
“We will.”
When the elevator doors opened, Arik felt the beginning signs of the cold front predicted for their area. He shrugged his coat on, appreciative when Kellus reached over to take his laptop bag as they walked side by side.