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“That’s great.” Ben eyed the building more critically. “So you want my opinion as someone who may live there one day?”

“Yes. I’d love for you to come with me.”

“I’ll come and give opinions.” He crossed his arms over his chest, trying to look stern. “But don’t go getting your hopes up.”

To his surprise, Adam didn’t argue. He grinned and said, “Yes, sir.”

“Isn’t that my line?”

Adam leaned over and whispered, “Not until later.” He winked and walked away, leaving Ben to contemplate his next move.

****

Four Days Later

Adam smiled as Ben came into his office, but the concern on Ben’s face gave him pause. “Everything okay?”

“That reporter doing the write up on you donating your house to the community theater must’ve followed us when we went back to the brownstone that second time,” Ben said.

“Why does that matter? I don’t care if people know where I live.”

Ben handed his phone over. “She wrote a piece about us. And she certainly didn’t contact me.”

Adam looked at the short piece, which bore the headline “Local Billionaire in Love.” He scanned the article and looked more closely at the picture of them standing outside the brownstone looking into each other’s eyes. “It’s pretty basic info. Is anything in it incorrect? I don’t see anything that isn’t true.”

Ben stared at him. “No, nothing is inaccurate. But it’s not about what she wrote.” He bit his lip, fidgeting with his tie.

“I guess I’m not really happy to have a picture of us put online without permission, but it’s happened before. All the time in fact right after my uncle died. I’m not a celebrity, but people are always intrigued by those with power and money.” He handed the phone back. “I’ll make a call if you want me to. They can pull it, I’m sure.”

“You aren’t angry?”

“Why would I be angry?”

“The headline and all,” Ben said as a blush crept up his face.

Adam came forward and took Ben by the chin. “I don’t have any problems with that headline. I am in love, and if I’d said it sooner, I could’ve saved you all this worry.”

“You love me? Really?”

“Yes. Why is that hard to believe?”

“It hasn’t been that long. And why would you love me?”

“Why? Because you’re amazing. There are so many wonderful things about you, and they’ve all made me fall very much in love with you.”

Ben tilted his head down.

“I’m not expecting anything from you. It’s your choice if you move in with me. Your choice when you say you love me, if ever.” He made Ben look back up. “But I do love you.”

Ben’s eyes searched his face, and Adam wondered if he was pressuring him too much. He started to say something else, but Ben stopped him with a kiss. When the embrace ended, Ben whispered, “I love you, too.” He backed away, tilting his head and smiling up at Adam. “But moving in … I’ll have to talk to Latte about that.”

“Oh. Well, be sure to emphasize the spacious rooms and abundance of kitty friendly window seats. And trees on the southside. Lots of birds and squirrels to watch, I imagine.”

Ben chuckled. “I’ll be sure to make a list. The three of us can discuss it over dinner.”

Adam reached out and took Ben’s hand. “I’d like that.”

A knock came at the door, and Adam looked up at Eric. “Yes?”