Page 48

Yeah, there was no chance of that.

B pulled out his phone, which surprised me, because I was the one who researched our crazy ideas.

“Would you like Kavka-Horváth or the other way around?”

Sunshine mumbled, “Phoenix Kavka-Horváth. I like it. Do you sign it with that little mark each time?”

I chuckled at that. “You can’t even make out his given name most times. Forget about figuring out whether he has an umlaut over the letter. He missed his calling as a doctor with how terrible his handwriting turns out.”

Coming back with sass he learned from our Sunshine, B responded, “It’s all part of the plan. Besides, I text or type. Why do I need to learn how to sign my name?”

“So people can recognize our commitment that binds us together when we get a joint bank account or when I draw up the papers for you two to be co-owners of the bakery.”

That bit of news made both of us pause.

“How long have you wanted this, Sunshine?”

He shrugged his shoulders and turned onto his back in order to see both of us.

“Since the night of our first date, but it’s been rolling around in my brain more and more since Christmas. I recognize it’s been several months since the start of us, but who else, apart from the two of you, knows me so well? I realize you want to say Arthur, and you’re right in a way. He’s my best friend, but you two are my future and I want to share everything I have with the both of you.”

Before either of us could utter a word, he continued.

“But unlike my friendships, you two are the only ones I need close to me, whether in good times or bad. I love the thrill I get when Luka barges into the bakery, searching for me as though I might go missing at any moment. And after you scoop me in your arms, I smile when Burton makes a B-Line for the hazelnut and dark chocolate croissants, the recipe I perfected because of his suggestions. I make sure there are at least two every afternoon, despite them being the most popular pastry in the bakery.

“But the little things are the moments I remember and crave the most. Nights cuddled on the couch, watching another movie one of us hasn’t seen yet. I mean, come on, who hasn’t seenThe Goonies.”

Luka shrugged and said, “Hey, stop picking on me. I was five when it released. And when did you see it, B? I don’t remember you talking about it.”

B shrugged. “It was a college party and my date decided her ex-boyfriend was preferable to me, so I went home and it was on TV. Why? Did you wonder if it was under nefarious circumstances?”

“Ah, it sucks she dumped you at the party… you know what? Never mind, these jealous feelings can go fuck themselves. She didn’t deserve you.” Phoenix crossed his arms over his chest and pouted.

Both of us laughed at his cute skulk.

“So there’s no chance you want to hear?—”

A hand came up and covered my mouth, making the laugh come out as a huff as I took in Phoenix’s disgruntled expression. I moved his hand away from my mouth, slid my fingers through his hair, and brought him into a kiss that left me aching. As he panted, B buried his face against my neck, nipping a path until he reached my mouth.

My dick was throbbing, making Phoenix moan as he shifted his hips, rubbing our dicks together. I hauled B closer until our mouths fused.

“Why is being hard and aching a constant around you two? I forgot what we were talking about.”

“Because I’m a touch gremlin who needs constant reassurance from our connection that you want me and will continue to want me,” Phoenix said.

“That will never change,” B reassured.

“What will both of your parents say if I hyphenate your names and take them as my own?”

I scoffed. “If our parents haven’t proven time and time again you’re their favorite, then their words ‘oh, there’s our son,’ as they greet and hug you first, watch them rush you downtown to figure out the fastest way to make your idea a reality. But you aren’t alone in this. I’m planning on making the change, too.”

B nodded. “Yep, I’m in. I suggest we don’t tell the parents until after, as a surprise.”

“Yeah, no, that’s not happening, because this affects them too and they should get to express their opinion,” Phoenix said.

I said my thoughts aloud, “If we’re integrating our lives, then we need to meet with our accountant and fiduciary to see how to combine everything. Retirement, our businesses, the house, since we are sharing everything.”

“Ugh, you two work that out. It seems so adult and I’m not dealing with any of that. Tell me where to sign and I’ll do it, but count me out for those meetings. I love you two, but adulting sucks, so no thanks,” B sighed, slumping against the couch and leaning his head against my shoulder.