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Rodney’s arms reach up, wrapping around my back and pulling me down against him. We trade kisses but this time they’re much less hurried, a soft exploration of this newfound part of our relationship.

“That was incredible,” Rodney whispers, “I’ve dreamed of this for so long but the reality was so much better.”

“Oh yeah? You’ve thought of this?”

Rodney rolls his eyes. “Like you haven’t.”

“True,” I say with a chuckle. Cum is cooling between our bodies and soon enough, we’ll have to get our asses up and back into the shower, but for now, this is perfect. This is everything I hoped it would be and so much more.

Reaching beside the bed, I grab a slice of pizza that’s now room temperature and take a bite. Normally I wouldn’t allow food in bed but tonight seems special. Rodney starts laughing his ass off and I can’t help but join him. I offer him a bite and he takes it, his eyes alight with affection.

“I love you,” I say again, wanting Rodney to know without a shadow of a doubt.

“Love you too,” he says before stealing the rest of my slice of pizza from me, making both of us dissolve into giggles once more.

Epilogue

Rodney

“Come here,” I say softly, tugging Pete over to me. He stares up at me with wide eyes as I gently adjust his tie, making sure it’s straight. “There. Perfect. Just like you.”

Our city’s Chamber of Commerce will be here soon and I can tell Pete is nervous. They’re awarding Pete’s Slice with the small business of the year award and I couldn’t be more proud of him. He’s worked his ass off for this place and it makes me so fucking happy that people are seeing that. His business is quickly becoming a community staple and this award just further proves that.

“Thank you,” he says with a soft smile. He squeezes my shoulders before pulling me into a tight hug. I hold him against my body, running my hands up and down his spine. He’s dressed in dark slacks, a black shirt, with a red tie. He looks sharp and handsome. Not that he’s not handsome in his work outfit, only that he cleans up nicely.

“I love you so much, Pete, and I couldn’t be more proud. You’ve worked so hard. You deserve this.”

Pete pulls back and smiles up at me. “Thank you for being here today.”

“I wouldn’t miss it for the world. I’ll make sure to stay out of the way, but if you need me for anything, I’ll be right here.”

Pete kisses me one more time before pulling away. Which is kinda perfect because that’s when there’s a soft knock on the door. I take a step back, letting him open the door and let everyone inside. There’s a small group of people from the Chamber of Commerce. Pete welcomes them all in before heading back towards the kitchen, giving them a little tour. A photographer takes a few pictures and thankfully, none of them pay me any mind.

Once the tour is over, Pete brings them into the dining room where they sit around and interview him for an article they’ll put in the paper. I slip to the back, opening up the back door. Marigold and Roe step in, both wearing matching pantsuits. Benjamin is holding a bottle of champagne and Bella has a large cake. I usher them all in, telling them to keep it down so Pete doesn’t hear.

I make my way back into the dining room. I’m not trying to listen in on the conversation but I can’t help it.

“This place is very special to me. It’s always been my dream to make a place that’s safe for anyone who feels like they might not fit into the status quo. It’s a safe harbor for people who’re queer or weird or feel like they’re a misfit. They can come here and know they’re safe because myself and everyone else who work here are all the same.”

“That’s beautiful,” the lady taking notes says.

“It’s also special to me because I’ve made so many friends. The community welcomed me with open arms. And most importantly, it’s the place where I finally had my eyes opened to what was right in front of me,” Pete says, looking over at me with a soft smile. “It’s where my partner and I finally got together. He’s been a huge support to me and my business from the beginning and I genuinely don’t know if I’d be here if it weren’t for him.”

One of the ladies coos and I feel my cheeks flush with a blush. Damn him! This is supposed to be about him, not me!

They quickly finish up the interview and move outside. Pete pulls me with him so that I’m in the picture with him. They present him with the plaque and then take a few pictures in front of the Pete’s Slice sign with just the two of us.

All in all, I’d say that went off without a hitch.

“Come on,” I say, putting my hand on Pete’s back. “I have something to show you.”

We step inside the shop and start making our way towards the back. “Oh yeah? Is it something sexy? Are you going to eat pepperoni off my chest?”

We turn around the corner and there’s the whole crew waiting for us.

“Surprise?” The crew calls out, their voices sounding confused and grossed out, but I can’t stop laughing.

“Why would you say that?”