Page 22 of A Tall Order (Shade Grown Coffee Boys #1)

"Order for Wendy!" I call out with a smile. She steps up to the counter and I slide over her drink. "I should have known that was yours when it said extra hot."

"Careful, Austin, my brother might think you're flirting with me." She winks and steps out of the way with her coffee. The next one I call out is for Remington himself. I hold his cup hostage until he leans over the counter and gives me a quick kiss. We're not super busy right now, being close to closing time, but there is still a round of applause and 'Get 'em boss' coming from behind me.

The new hire, Orion.

He started working here five weeks ago and it's been a perfect fit so far. He caught on to the coffee making and specialty drinks quick and has a magnetic personality that the customers have raved about. While I don't know his home life or much of anything personal about him, he shows up on time, hasn't called out once, offers to work overtime, and is just an overall great guy.

"I'll see you at home in an hour, right?"

"Yes," I say. I fight back rolling my eyes. Remi has made it a point to make sure that I don't work more than I have to. I'm back down to just a typical eight hours a day. Another thing that Orion is amazing for. He comes in right at opening, which means he can stay past closing to count his drawer and do the last minute sweeping and mopping of the floors.

"Good, because I have a surprise for you."

He leaves me standing by the counter. His sister waves as they walk out the door. I don't know what the surprise could possibly be. We're in the process of moving my things over to his house still, but the new year is in a couple of days, so who knows what he has planned. He spoiled me already for the holiday. We shared presents at home between the two of us before going to his family's for a huge celebration. His mom's living room was half presents for and from the whole family.

He gave me a playhouse castle, with all the noises and lights working. There were two new dragons as well. He also got me new work shoes since I'd been complaining of mine wearing out, and clothes for both playtime and date nights. We went to the club again the day after the holiday and I had so much fun with all my friends. That's another thing; I have regular playdates now with other Littles. We split it between houses or meet up at the club. It's only been twice so far, but Remi says they're working on coordinating schedules.

When I pull into the driveway forty minutes later, all but one of the lights are out in the house. I lock my car door and step into the doorway. There's soft music playing from somewhere and the whole house smells like warm cookies .

"Remi? Is this something I should probably change out of my work uniform first?" I call out into the house and wait a few seconds for an answer. I'm met with only the music.

I follow the sound up the stairs. The light I saw on is our bedroom so I head there. I happen to look down and see red and pink rose petals on the floor. I'm grateful I kicked my shoes off at the door. I continue down the hallway and push open the door slowly. Remi is standing at the foot of the bed, dressed in my favorite button up shirt of his and black slacks. His hair is styled and the beard looks freshly shaped. He looks wonderful.

"What's all this?" I look around the room. The petals continue into the room and surround Remi in a heart shape. There is a single lamp on and candles flickering shadows over the walls. It's romantic as can be.

"I'm not proposing," he says, which makes me laugh. My mind was definitely going there. While I would of course say yes, we both talked and agreed that I needed to work through some stuff with a professional before we make that type of commitment to each other. I mean, other than moving in together. "I am, however, giving you the next best thing to start the new year off right."

He pulls his hands from behind his back and holds out several pieces of paper to me. I step close enough to take them and look over the front page. I don't focus on many of the words, but I know what this is. It's a document. Adding my name to this house. I look back up at Remi and smile wide. "Are you serious?"

"Yes, baby. I want this house to be yours as much as it is mine. Legally. You just need to sign it and I'll send it back to the lawyer." He takes my other hand and pulls me flush against his body. I let the papers fall behind me. "I know what you went through the last time and I don't want that to be a worry for you. This has been my house for years, but I want it to become our home."

I nod, at a total loss for words. I flip to the last page of the document and see where Remi has already signed his name. He's really serious about this. I look up at him, his gorgeous brown eyes silently promising me that everything is going to be okay. We're more than okay.

"And right now, I want you to be naked and on that bed in two minutes. Please."

I don't have to be told twice. We undress together, racing to see who can shed their clothes the fastest. Remi cheats and stops me when I'm down to just the cartoon themed briefs he bought me. They are comforting to wear when I'm at work or missing Remi.

"Daddy, you cheated!" I try to fake petulance when his hand cups my growing erection inside my underwear. I swallow back the moan that rises in my throat.