Page 43 of Hot Times in Heart Falls, Vignettes Vol 3

Edison fanned himself dramatically as he brought over the sautéed vegetables. “You’re dangerous like this. Casual domesticity looks illegally hot on you.”

Kevin glanced up, expression amused. “I’m pretty sure I just set out cutlery.”

“With authority,” Edison said. “It’s the authority that kills me.”

They sat across from each other at the little table, knees brushing every time either of them shifted. The meal was simple but warm—creamy polenta with garlicky mushrooms, cumin-roasted squash, and a caramelized onion jam Edison had made last weekend because apparently he was a man who made jam now.

One bite in and Kevin moaned in approval. “You’re spoiling me.”

“I told you when we started dating; I come with snacks,” Edison offered primly. “Also—flair, sparkle, and occasional bursts of musical theatre.”

“I like all of that.”

Edison’s heart did that fluttery thing again, and he tried not to let it show too obviously.

Conversation was easy. Kevin listened like always—focused and present—but he also responded more tonight. Teased a little. Shared more stories. A brightness shone in his eyes Edison hadn’t seen before, and it made anything feel possible.

When they’d finished their plates and Kevin started gathering the dishes, Edison caught his wrist.

“Sit. Please.” He smiled. “I’ll deal with the dishes tomorrow. Tonight feels too nice to waste on ordinary chores.”

Kevin sat agreeably, that unreadable expression settling across his face.

“You okay?” Edison asked softly.

“Yeah.” Kevin nodded slowly before rotating his palm up and letting their fingers mesh together. “I was just thinking how good this feels.”

“Yeah,” Edison echoed. “Me too.”

“I like your place.” Kevin glanced around but his gaze returned quickly to Edison’s eyes. “I like being here with you.”

A pause. Just long enough to make Edison’s squirrel-chasing brain leap five trees and change direction completely.

Boom, they were freefalling into dangerous territory. “You don’t feel like it’s too much?”

Do you think that I’m too much?

Those words didn’t come out of his mouth. He swore they didn’t, but Kevin stared at him as if he’d spoken them clearly.

A soft squeeze to his fingers was followed by Kevin’s firm but gentle answer. “You are an amazing man. You’re kind and fun and centered in yourself. When I look around your place, I see a reflection of that.”

A knot formed in Edison’s throat. “Someone told me I should stop flitting around and grow up.” He paused. “They also told me that, in spite of being eighteen and having figured this part out, they didn’t think we should be gay anymore. So I know they were wrong about⁠—”

Kevin swore. “They told you to stop being gay? That’s bullshit. Who had the balls to try that nonsense? Because I know it wasn’t your parents. They’re rock solid and a hoot.”

“My high school boyfriend,” Edison admitted quietly.

Across from him, Kevin’s eyes widened then his whole body sagged slightly. “Definitely bullshit, but damn. I bet that hurt.”

Edison eyed him for a second. “Don’t pull your Dr. Robb analysis hat on me or anything, okay?”

“I won’t,” Kevin promised even as he leaned forward. “But I am sorry you had to deal with that crap as a teenager. Those years are hard enough without people we care about making it even more confusing.”

“Amen,” Edison agreed.

“Also, I’m very glad you’re gay,” Kevin announced with complete deadpan.

A snicker escaped before Edison could stop it.