Page 75 of Paint Our Song

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Later, when they’re both naked and entangled in Calvin’s sheets, Miles quickly learns that Calvin is a lot more affectionate than he expected. He rests his head on Calvin’s lap while Calvin runs his fingers through his sweaty hair.

Calvin listens intently as Miles talks about how the inn’s preparing for the upcoming wedding.

“It’s nerve-wracking because of how last minute it is, but I think we’ll manage,” Miles says. “They’re bringing their own vendors, so all we need to do is set up the venue and serve food. We’ve done it lots of times before, but not recently, and I’m kind of scared because most of our staff will be part-timers.”

“I’m sure it will go well.”

He looks up at Calvin and beams. “I hope so. This is all thanks to you, by the way. I can’t thank you enough for all the posts you did.”

“Now that Chase and Gil are here, you’ll get even more exposure. They’re a lot better at social media than I am.”

“Speaking of… I think Gil already figured out that we hooked up.”

“Probably. Gil’s very intuitive.”

Miles sits up and Calvin’s hands drop to his lap. “Is that alright with you?”

“That Gil knows? Yeah. Why wouldn’t it be alright?”

“You’re very private,” Miles points out. It’s not like they agreed to sneak around, but it’s only been a day and he doesn’t want to put any pressure on Calvin. “Gabby, uh, she kind of figured it out too.I didn’t know if you’d be cool with people finding out because you mentioned you don’t like rumors surrounding you.”

“This wouldn’t be a rumor,” Calvin chuckles. “We don’t have to outright announce it to anyone, and it’s only been a day, so it’s not like we need to put a label on it, but that doesn’t mean we have to lie that we’re… seeing each other? Is that what we’re doing?”

“I’m good with that,” Miles says, and it’s the truth. For the first time in a long time, he doesn’t already have one foot out the door, thinking of excuses why it can’t be anything more serious than a casual hook-up.

“Is that alright with you?”

“Yes. We’re totally on the same page.” Miles puts his head back down on Calvin’s lap and is way too happy when Calvin resumes stroking his hair.

“What’s with the face?”

“It’s called a smile, Calvin. It’s something people do when they’re happy.”

A flush spreads through Calvin’s cheeks. “You’re ridiculous.”

“You like me, though,” Miles teases. “I wore you down, didn’t I? Couldn’t get that kiss out of your head?”

“If you say so,” he says dryly, smirking.

They both startle when there’s a loud knocking on the door. Chase calls out, “Cal! You done being boring yet? We’re heading out, but wanted to give you one last chance to come along.”

Miles asks, “Are we going to ignore them again?”

“You mind if I open the door and tell him we can hang out tonight instead? I do feel bad for blowing them off after they drove all theway here.”

Oh, Miles didn’t even realize that—his one-track mind had been solely focused on spending time with Calvin.

“Go for it.” Miles gets up to put his pants on.

He’s about to reach for his shirt but sees that Calvin doesn’t bother. Calvin only pulls his pants on and walks over to the door. He yanks the door open, and from where Miles stands behind him, he can see the impatient look on Chase. Beside him, Gil is smiling sheepishly.

The two of them look over Calvin’s shoulder and instantly spot Miles. Their eyes widen and Chase takes a step back.

“So, that’s what Miles meant when he said he had something to do,” Chase quips at Calvin, earning him a smack on the head from Gil.

Calvin ignores that comment. “I want to spend the day with Miles, but we can hang out tonight.”