Page 42 of His Choice

“Why is he referring to Alex as George Washington’s wife?” Dani wondered aloud.

Cliff cleared his throat. “As I was saying, I’ll recognize those that resonated the most.” He turned toward my roommate. “Aaron, your beautifully built home was magnificent. I can’t believe you constructed it in twenty minutes. You’re obviously very intelligent and have an eye for detail. The message you communicated was just what I hope you all are feeling…that this could be a chance to build a home with someone.”

Aaron smiled, and for once, I thought he appeared more shy than cocky.

“So, is Aaron your winner?” Emilio asked.

Cliff shook his head. “As I said, there were two or three that hit me.” He turned toward Brighton. “I loved your message, Brighton. Aside from your skills as an artist, the fact that you contemplated a place for me in your daughter’s heart, as well as your own, was so sweet. I can’t wait to get to know you better, and learn more about your daughter, too, over the next week.”

“On his journey to love,” Emilio added in his exaggerated baritone voice.

Cliff appeared to start an eye roll, but stopped himself, realizing he was on camera. “But the winner of this challenge is Mikey.”

I had just put a spoonful of soup in my mouth, which I then spurted out as I coughed in response to Cliff’s announcement. Aaron started slapping my back as I reached for the napkin on my lap.

“Sorry,” I managed through my disgusting attempt to regain control of my reflexes.

“Dude, you sprayed all over the tray of dinner rolls,” Daryl complained.

“Sorry,” I repeated, certain I was redder than the tomato bisque I had spewed over the white linen tablecloth.

Aaron was massaging my shoulder. “Are you okay?”

I nodded.

“I know it might seem an unexpected choice,” Cliff acknowledged. Considering I had just made an ass of myself again, his comment was an understatement. “But there was something touching about watching you, Mikey, right up to the last second, trying so hard to make it work. You almost looked…heartbroken, and I don’t think it was because you were concerned about having the best-looking cake. How could I not be moved by a man caring so much to impress me…trying to communicate his message with little hearts?”

“Is that what they were?” Daryl sniped. “Looked more like bird droppings to me.”

Cliff ignored him. “And considering the workmanship fail wasn’t your fault, I removed that from consideration. So, Mikey, if you’re willing, I’d like to spend some one-on-one time with you after our meal. Do you accept that proposal?”

My eyes were probably as wide as the saucers our cups sat on. “I do.”

* * * *

“I told you,” Aaron said as soon as we were behind the closed door of the room we were sharing.

“You didn’t tell me I’d win the challenge,” I corrected. I turned to face him, and he seemed disappointed that I hadn’t acknowledged all the encouragement he had given me. I hugged him since he had seemed okay with it earlier. “But you’re the reason I’m here, and the person who got me through everything. And… Have I told you that you’re my best friend in the whole world?”

He nodded, though he didn’t have the big smile I’d thought he’d have. “Yeah. Since Muddily got a life and stopped calling all the time.”

I frowned. “Are you mad at me? I really do appreciate everything you’ve done, Aaron. I…appreciate you.”

Aaron walked to the dresser. “Cliff told you to return downstairs with a pair of swim trunks. You can borrow mine, since I was the only one of the two of us who had the foresight to bring them.”

I hadn’t loved the bathing suit request. Cliff had suggested that since it was a very warm day, we could play some golf, then lounge by the pool. I wasn’t bad at golf, but I was a better tennis player. I had asked if that was an option instead, since I had noticed he had courts on the grounds. He had smiled and told me that would be wonderful.

“As much as I hate wearing them in public, I brought some shorts that I can wear on the court. I’ll just put the trunks on under them so when we’re done playing, if he still insists on this pool thing, I’ll be ready,” I reasoned.

“Of course he’s going to insist on it,” Aaron replied, throwing the bathing suit at me, hitting me in the face. I caught it before it slid to the floor. “He wants to check you out.”

“Don’t make me panic,” I warned. “Bad things happen when I’m nervous.”

Aaron shrugged. “Nothing to be worried about. Despite all your protests to the contrary, you have a good body. He’ll drool, and you’ll relax. Of course, that probably won’t prevent you from acting like a weirdo when you see him in his swimsuit.”

“Shit. I hadn’t thought about that,” I admitted, removing my shirt so I could put on a tennis polo. Aaron stared at me funny. “What? Don’t tell me I got some ugly rash or something. I remembered too late that I sometimes have a reaction to tomatoes.”

He seemed to snap out of his stupor. “Huh? No. I was just thinking how you were so bashful about undressing in front of me just a few weeks ago. I’m glad you’re getting over your hangup.”