Levi spent the night. It was becoming a thing. There was no rhyme or reason to it, and it wasn’t something we discussed. I loved sharing space with him. He had a way of incorporating himself into places and situations that made it seem like he belonged there. And when he did sleep over, he was a considerate roommate. He picked up his clothes, put his dishes in the dishwasher, and made an effort to replenish staples like coffee and toothpaste. The only potential issue was that he preferred the same side of the bed as me.

“I can’t believe the sacrifices I make for you,” he’d grumbled last night.

I adjusted my sleep mask over my forehead then rolled to face him. “I’d offer to trade but ultimately, I don’t think I’d handle the loss of ‘z’ time well. I’d toss and turn and flail about. You’d hate me in the morning.”

“Hmph. We can trade off when you stay at my place.”

“That isn’t going to happen.”

“Why not?”

“Your apartment is icky.”

“Icky?” he chuckled.

“Yes. It’s a dark, claustrophobic shoebox with a sad view of a parking lot in desperate need of repaving. Whatever possessed you to sign a lease there?”

“It’s cheap and close to the restaurant, and it’s temporary. You can help me find a new place when my lease is up. And when you sleep over at my new pad, I’ll get my side of the bed back. G’night.”

I knew he was teasing. The silly grin on his face when he shut his eyes was proof if I needed it. But instead of rolling over and turning off the light, I froze and swallowed the words on the tip of my tongue. He should move in. He should stay forever. Why waste money on an apartment he’d rarely use? But that was too much, too soon. Not only was the connotation of commitment unmistakable, it would be a statement to our friends and relatives. People might think I’d forgotten Mike or that I’d loved him less now that Levi was here and—

“Stop it.”

I flinched and refocused on Levi. His eyes were still closed but his brow was furrowed now.

“Stop what?” I whispered.

He opened one eye and motioned for me to turn off the light and curl up next to him. I obeyed, scooting back to let him spoon me. He wrapped his arm around me and kissed my neck.

“Stop torturing yourself. We’re okay, baby.”

Tears pricked my eyes. I didn’t know if he was right, but I nodded anyway then lowered my mask and fell asleep in my lover’s arms.

When I awoke a few hours later, I had the bed to myself. I spread out for a moment and listened for the sounds of Levi puttering around the kitchen. The distance between the master and kitchen made it difficult to hear much. After a while, I gave up on the hope of coffee in bed and followed the scent, pulling the tie on my royal-blue silk robe as I turned into the great room. I found him reading an article on his iPad at the breakfast nook adjacent to the island. The sun streamed through the large window behind him. I was about to make an offhand remark about the beautiful weather, but I had bigger topics on my mind this morning.

“I have a declaration and a request to make, Levi, my love,” I announced as I entered the kitchen with my arms spread wide.

“I’m gonna need more coffee for that,” he snarked with a lopsided grin.

“Ha. Ha.” I poured myself a cup of coffee and carried the carafe with me to the small table and topped off his mug. Then I set it down and slid onto the bench seat across from him. “Well? Don’t you want to know what they are?”

“Declarations and requests…right. I’m all ears.” He pushed a plate of fruit toward me then sipped his coffee.

“I want to go to my Department of Motor Vehicle appointment alone this afternoon. I’m sure you’re relieved to know your assistance won’t be required. However, can you perchance drop Valentina at the destination…with the pink helmet?”

Levi didn’t answer right away. His lips quirked at the corners like he was trying to hold back a smile. He lost the battle and gave me a shit-eating Cheshire cat grin instead. “What time is your appointment?”

“Two o’clock, and why are you smirking?”

“I’m not smirking. How are you going to get there?”

“I’ll drive my car, naturally.”

“Naturally,” he repeated. “I think what you’re saying is…‘can you wait outside for me?’ ’Cause I don’t get the logistics otherwise. Or maybe it’s the opposite and you’re asking me if I’m free this afternoon, so I can hold your hand at the big, bad DMV.”

“I’m an adult. I don’t need you to go with me. But if you wanted to wait outside, I wouldn’t be opposed.”

“You know this is for a permit, right? You have to go back for the actual driving test.”

I curled my lip in distaste and slumped forward, bracing my elbows on the table. “Fuck. That’s right.”

“You’ll ace the test no problem and then go back for the driving portion. You’ve studied. You’ve got this. Don’t worry.”

“I hoped to get this over with in one shot. It’s a stupid Vespa, not a Mack truck,” I groused.

“Still need a license to ride. Come by the restaurant first. They’re installing the booths and some kitchen equipment, and I’m not sure what the timing will be.”

“Don’t worry. I can go alone. If I’m not going to be able to drive it today, it hardly matters if Valentina escorts me.”

Levi chuckled then stood and pressed a kiss on my forehead. “Escorts you? Maybe it’s not necessary, but she’ll provide inspiration. And I’ll be there for moral support.”

“Very true. It’s a date.”

Any trip to a government agency required moral support, in my opinion. If Levi wanted to come, I’d gladly accept his company. Okay, fine. I’d hoped he’d offer. I fucking hated the damn DMV. It was hell on earth. I had the absolute worst luck there. I was a terrific driver but a terrible test taker. My nerves flared at the sight of a multiple-choice scan card. Number two pencils and the letters A, B, C, or D in bubble form made me break out in hives. It reminded me of high school tests and my desperation to pass and get the fuck out of town. But that was years ago. I should have been over any residual angst by now.

I wasn’t.

I overpoured, overtalked, and forgot the lyrics to every song I began in my morning sing-alongs. Let’s face it, no one came to Conrad Winery to hear half of a poorly sung rendition of a number from Rent. The wine always came first. The entertainment was a bonus and on an off-day, it was best to shut up and pour. When I couldn’t seem to do that without skimming the brim of nearly every glass, I removed myself from causing a calamity and left the tasting room in Ryan’s capable hands. Then I went home to get ready.

I had two hours to prepare and a wardrobe filled with chic couture I hadn’t looked at in years. I “shopped” in my own closet and played with colors and textiles until it was time to choose an outfit and go. The results were fabulous, if I did say so myself. I tossed the end of my magenta scarf over my shoulder, dabbed a touch more gloss onto my lips, then grabbed my keys and headed out to my car.

The crunch of gravel under my heels was oddly empowering. I caught a glimpse of my reflection in the driver’s side window and laughed. Perhaps I’d overdone it. Nah. No such thing.

I pulled into the restaurant parking lot ten minutes later. There were a few workers milling near their trucks outside. I waved and greeted them in Spanish as I made my way to the entrance. Their astonished expressions reminded me of the looks I’d get from unsuspecting straight people who’d accidentally wandered into the Castro years ago. I chuckled at the thought and pushed the door open.

I spotted Levi hovering over a set of plans. The sleeves on this chambray shirt were rolled up and hair fell over his forehead. I couldn’t help admiring his ass in those worn jeans. I licked my lips lecherously before scanning the rest of the space. The booths were in, the lighting had been installed, and the kitchen looked to be up and running. Rico stood with his back to me at the counter. He yelled something at Levi who straightened and then turned to the person beside him.

Kevin laughed at something Levi said and set his hand over his bicep like he needed the extra support to recover from the hilarity. And all I could think was…What the hell is he doing here again?

Funny enough, I didn’t blame him for wanting Levi back. Make no mistake, I knew that look. He’d probably arrived in town expecting to find Levi in over his head. No doubt, guilt spurred him to help hire a chef worth a damn but he had to assume Levi’s chances of success were slim, or he would never have left in the first place.

However, the restaurant was coming along. There was a kickass vision in place with an eclectic vibe and the exclusive seal of approval from the internationally acclaimed winery up the road. The food business was fickle at best, but anyone could tell La Vid had a serious shot at success when it opened next month. Maybe that was why Kevin was still here.

I stepped inside and cleared my throat. “Hello, gentlemen.”

“Hey, Geord. Are you ready to—oh. Wow.” Levi’s jaw dropped. Like on the floor.

It was rather humorous really. Mouth open, speechless, and eyes bugged out of his skull. Call me crazy, but I loved stopping traffic.

Levi swallowed hard then gave me a thorough once-over. I lowered my cat-eyed sunglasses, diva style, and grinned as he took in my paisley short blazer, blue leather pants, and my bright pink scarf. He stopped at my knee-high black patent leather lace-up boots and shook his head in wonder. Or disbelief, I thought with a chuckle.

“I’m ready when you are.” I stepped backward then paused as though I’d just noticed Kevin. I raised my hand and gave him a royal wave. “Why, hello. How perfectly pleasant to see you again, Kevin. Did you decide to extend your excursion?”

“Um…I—yeah. Just a few hours. I leave this afternoon. We tried a couple of recipes in the new ovens and…it was good. Um, those boots are amazing,” Kevin gushed reverently.

“Thank you. I won’t keep Mr. Yeager long. Au revoir!” I smiled pleasantly then pivoted on my heels and sashayed to the exit.

I pushed my sunglasses onto my nose and made a beeline for Valentina. Levi met me outside a minute later, carrying our helmets. He handed me the pink one before fastening his strap and once again letting his gaze travel all over me.

“You are…bright and very, very tall. I think you might be six foot seven in those boots,” he commented with a smile.

“Yes, that’s about right. I haven’t worn these in ages. They’ve been idling in the back of my closet for far too long. When I saw them this morning I thought—”

“These are the perfect boots to wear to the DMV,” he finished.

I set my hands on my hips and frowned. “Have I gone too far? Don’t tell me I’ve embarrassed you.”

Levi snorted then straddled the scooter. “Not a chance. Honestly, I wish I had the balls to wear a get-up like that. And if your slick boots help you ace that test, then more power to you. Hop on, queen. We’ve got an appointment to make.”

I climbed on behind him and sidled close, so my crotch nudged his ass. I put my hands on his hips and set my chin on his shoulder.

“If I pass, please promise you’ll let me drive us home. The sexy position in reverse has potential, wouldn’t you say?”

Levi set his hand on my thigh and swiveled sideways then kissed me sweetly, sucking my bottom lip before releasing me. “Don’t be nervous. You’ve got this, baby.”

I smiled my thanks and wrapped myself around him. I turned to check oncoming traffic the way every decent backseat driver should and did a double take when I saw a rather confused-looking Kevin watching us through the restaurant window. Since we were supposed to be keeping our relationship on the DL, I wondered if I should mention our audience to Levi. Then again, maybe it didn’t matter. I wasn’t out to upset Kevin by any means. I hoped I’d matured beyond that sort of pettiness. But I didn’t want to acknowledge the man either. So I left it alone. For now.

Twenty minutes later, Levi turned into a crowded parking lot on Napa Valley Drive. He killed the engine, pulled off his helmet, and gestured for me to jump off. I bit the inside of my cheek and complied. Then I unfastened my helmet and handed it over.

“Did you know that scooters cannot be parked on sidewalks? They must be parked in a lot such as this one or on the side at a perpendicular angle. Ninety degrees,” I said, swiping my damp palm on leather pants. Dammit, sweat and leather were a bad combination. What was I thinking?

“You don’t say. What else do you know?”

“Well, I know you’re placating me, but I’m too nervous to be perturbed, so I’ll give you another fun scooter fact instead. There are differences between motor-driven cycles, mopeds, and electric scooters. I think it has to do with engine power, but I can’t remember what the numbers are or what they mean or if I should know or—”

“Hey, relax. You’ll remember the second you see the choices.” Levi squeezed my shoulder and patted my back. “Did I mention you’re very tall today?”

“Hmm. Yes,” I replied distractedly. “Um, listen. I don’t think you should come inside. I saw a donut shop around the corner. Buy me ten apple fritters, and meet me back here in forty-five minutes. One must either drown or celebrate in sugar, am I right? I’m right. Okay. I’ll see you later, darling. Wait. You dislike that endearment. Scratch that one. Just tell me to break a leg.”

Levi grabbed my wrist and kissed it. “Calm down, Geord. I’m coming with you ’cause it’s hot as fuck out here and—”

“No wonder I’m glistening. This is not a warm-weather ensemble.”

“You look hot.…I mean, sexy hot. I want to fuck you while you’re wearing those boots,” he said matter-of-factly as he led me to the entrance. “I’ll probably need a stepladder, though.”

I snickered at his deadpan delivery and felt a sense of reassuring calm settle over me. Levi was right. I had this. It was a nonevent I’d blown out of proportion. I took a deep breath and waltzed through the doorway. And oh my…

“Help,” I whispered.

Levi gave me a sharp look and frowned. “Okay. Where’s your appointment confirmation?”

“Bag.”

I opened my bag and let him sift through the contents. He grumbled about the medley of goodies I carried around then pulled out a sheet of paper. “This must be it. Just show it at the counter. They’ll give you a number and once it’s called, you take the test. It’s computerized now, so you’ll have the results right away. Get in line, babe.”

He stood beside me in the short line and pulled out his cell to check messages nonchalantly while I slowly melted in a puddle of sweat. My elevated height in my high-heeled boots was reduced to my normal six four, though I generated enough stares to make me think that wasn’t the case. I couldn’t blame anyone. I’d stare at me too. I was the lone colorful thing in this beige block building.

“My soul is being sucked out of my body. I can actually feel it. This place is…sad,” I lamented theatrically.

“Shh. It’s not sad. It’s just a government building. Business only. No frills.”

“They need art on the walls. Even a ho-hum landscape would be an improvement. The lighting is poor too,” I remarked, glancing up at the acoustic tiles and fluorescent lights.

“What about the font?” he asked, pointing at the eye exam placard overhead.

I guffawed then nodded emphatically. “Yes! It’s so…blah. It’s Courier, I think. Snoozy.”

“Hmm. You sure it’s not Helvetica?”

“Oh, no. I know my Helvetica and that is—”

“Can I help you, sir?” a monotone voice asked.

I stepped up to the counter and set the piece of paper Levi handed to me on the ledge of the partitioned wrap-around desk. I cleared my throat then and prepared a short “Things to discuss with strangers” speech in my head with the tired-looking and painfully serious middle-aged woman behind the moat. I mean, the desk.

“I’ve come to procure a Class M license this afternoon. And perhaps…save your soul,” I added.

“Sir, we don’t accept solicitation of any kind,” she commented.

“Oh, honey. I am not serving up religion. Don’t you worry about that. I was thinking more in terms of healing crystals and ridiculous knickknacks with zero purpose that make you smile.”

She looked up at me then. I didn’t actually see her lips move but I was sure she gave me a ghost of a smile. “Like a pet rock.”

I smacked my hand on the countertop and grinned. “Exactly!”

“I’ll keep that in mind. Your last name, please.”

“De La Rosa.”

“First name?”

“Geordie.”

“I don’t have a Geordie. How do you spell that?”

I shuffled through my bag for my identification and handed it to her. “My given name is Jorge with a J, but I’m not fond of it. Silly, I know. I’m extraordinarily proud of my heritage, but my father was a real asshole and I couldn’t keep his name and my self-respect so—”

“Honey, she just wants to know your name,” Levi intercepted.

The woman let out an honest-to-God chuckle and smiled at Levi. “This one is a character. Are you partners?”

“Like in a law firm? No. We’re lovers,” I blurted.

Levi pursed his lips in that familiar way he did to keep from laughing and addressed his fan club of one. “Does he need a number?”

“A number! That’s it! That’s what’s missing here. There is no music. Nothing. Not even Kenny G. Yes, art would help and a pet rock if that’s your jam, but what you really need is a radio. What’s your favorite song?” I asked, leaning over the counter.

Levi shook his head and pulled on my elbow. “I wouldn’t answer that question if I were you,” he advised. “Where should we wait?”

She handed a scrap of paper to me and pointed at the row of plastic chairs nearby but addressed Levi. “Your boyfriend is a live wire. Good luck. Next.”

I grabbed my license and slowly moved toward the waiting area situated in the corner of the room. I went directly to trays of pamphlets lined up vertically on the wall and pulled one out before glancing up at the thirteen-inch monitor flashing number and letter combinations.

“What’s my number?” I asked in a wooden tone.

“F 22.” Levi nudged my arm playfully and angled his head toward the pamphlets. “Anything interesting there?”

“No.” I stuffed the paper back into its plastic container and then cast my gaze over the sorrowful looking group of people waiting for their numbers to be called. I noticed a few of them watching me. “It occurs to me there’s a striking metaphor between life and the DMV.”

Levi snickered appreciatively. “How so?”

“Well, I’m a perfect example. I’m dressed from head to toe in every color I could get my hands on, but I’m no different than anyone here. I want to be special, and in some ways I know I am, but the constant reminder of…nothingness is daunting. I’m a number. F 22. How demoralizing is that?”

“Geord, this is a government-run office. Everyone is a number.”

“I don’t want to be a number waiting for my number to be called. Sadly, I don’t see a way around it. Nothing lasts forever. We all succumb to the same fate. We have these joyful moments and beautiful blips in our lives and then one day, a little voice says, ‘Come this way, sir’ and you find yourself in the DMV of life waiting for F 22 to be called.”

This time, Levi threw his head back and laughed. He clutched my shoulder then shook my arm. “You’re a real Debbie downer. Hum a song or something. Softly,” he advised.

“I don’t have one,” I replied sullenly. “Did I tell you my father worked at a place like this? It wasn’t the DMV, but it had the same feel. He was a janitor. He actually had two jobs cleaning up after other people. He hated it, but he needed the money. He truly was a prick to me, but I’ll admit he worked his ass off.”

“Jorge Senior? I didn’t realize you were named after him.”

“Hmph. Now you know the real reason I changed my name. Truth at the DMV,” I said sarcastically. “I spent the first sixteen years of my life in compliance. I tried to obey all the rules, stay in my lane, and remain under the radar. I failed and went the complete opposite route…only to be reminded that we all wind up back here regardless of how fabulous we think we are. I see F 20. I must be close.”

“Stop feeling sorry for yourself. So you’re human. So what? The difference is, you’re not like anyone else. You’re unique. That’s why the lady sitting in the corner is staring at your boots and the guy with the blue baseball cap is averting his eyes ’cause he knows I’ll kick his ass if I think he’s out of line.”

“That’s a lovely thought, but I can defend myself, you know.”

“I know. Maybe we all live in a box and end up waiting for our number to be called, but some of us do it better than others.”

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. F 22. You’re up. Go ace that test. I’ll be waiting here when you’re done.”

I grinned and gave him an impulsive hug before checking in to take my exam.

From start to finish, the test took less than fifteen minutes. It was a computerized exam. No pencils, no bubbles, no pieces of paper. I tapped in my answers, scored one hundred percent, and gleefully presented my results to a more chipper employee before waiting in one last line to take a photograph. I stood behind the woman who’d been staring at my boots earlier. I gave her a friendly smile she returned with a shyer one. But when I started humming, she turned around and cocked her head curiously.

“Is that from Wicked?”

“Yes. ‘Defying Gravity’ in honor of my moment. Because yes, I have just had a moment. And so have you apparently. Congratulations.” I beamed.

She chuckled softly. “Thanks. Gosh, I loved that play, but I never remember the words to the songs.”

I closed my eyes theatrically and raised my hand. “Oh, honey. Let me help you out.”

That was how it began. I led her through a spoken-word recitation of the first few lines while we had our respective photos taken. The second the clerk handed over my permit, I belted out the chorus as I made my way to the exit. My new friend clapped, and a few others joined. I threw my hand in the air and bowed when Levi held the door open for me.

When we stepped outside, I threaded my arm through his and tossed a quick peek over my shoulder. “Do you think they’re coming for me? I can see the headline now. “Former Queen Disturbs DMV. Riot by musical. Story at eleven.”

Levi glanced backward and shook his head. “Nope. Coast is clear.”

“Dammit. Nonetheless, we should make our getaway. Bonnie and Clyde without the violence, of course. Hand over the keys, partner. I’m driving.”

I had to give Levi credit. He was a good sport and was obviously quite comfortable in his masculinity. He didn’t seem fazed in the slightest to ride shotgun on a pink Vespa with me in my overdressed glory blazing down Main Street in my patent leather boots. Other than a couple of complaints about my scarf covering his helmet, he seemed content to see where I led.

I stopped at the red light a block from the winery and swiveled sideways when he tapped my helmet.

“Go to your place,” he instructed.

“Don’t you have to get back to work?”

“Yeah, but…”

He didn’t finish his sentence. He didn’t need to. I gave him a thumbs-up, revved the engine like a badass, and turned toward home.

We barely made it inside my house before we were fumbling with belts and zippers. I shrugged my jacket and shirt off with my lips fused to Levi’s. He wedged his fingers under the snug leather and slowly peeled it over my ass while he made love to my mouth. Then he smacked my right ass cheek and pointed at the bench in my foyer.

“Bend over,” he growled.

I lowered my leather pants before kneeling on the rather uncomfortable wooden bench. But this isn’t about comfort. It’s about the boots, I thought with a wicked grin. Levi rummaged in my bag for lube and a condom then sank to his knees, pulled my cheeks open, and licked a trail from the sensitive skin behind my balls to my entrance. I gripped the bench and groaned. And when he flicked his tongue inside, I might have whimpered too. I heard the telltale opening of a wrapper and could picture him rolling the latex on his rigid pole and adding lube while he drove me wild, licking me then adding one finger then another until I was shaking with need.

“Please. I’m ready,” I begged.

Levi stood and pushed his jeans lower then lined his sheathed cock at my hole and pushed. He didn’t stop moving until his balls hit my ass. Then he slowly pulled out, almost all the way before thrusting forward hard. My breath hitched when he did it again. And again. Then he went still and leaned over to whisper in my ear.

“You have no idea how much I want you. I don’t want to hurt you but, damn, I want you so bad.”

“You won’t hurt me. I want it too. Fuck me hard, baby,” I commanded huskily.

He kissed my shoulder and began to move. And true to his word, he didn’t stop. He fucked me relentlessly, pumping his hips in a constant motion that threw me into a frenzy. I braced one hand on the wall in front of me and stroked myself with the other. I did my best to keep up with the harsh rhythm he set, thrusting backward as he rode me hard. I knew I wouldn’t last long. Pleasure tingled and tripped along my spine and that was it. I came in a rush, spilling cum over my fingers onto the bench and the hardwood floor beneath me. Levi was right behind me. He roared as he bucked his hips over and over, trembling through his orgasm and then finally going still.

I gave him a minute to come to life before pushing my ass backward, wordlessly requesting him to move. He disengaged from me then pulled me around and tugged me against his chest.

“That might be the hottest sex I’ve ever had. Your ass in those leather pants and those boots. Fuck, I’m getting hard again just thinking about it.”

“Hmm. And you don’t mind that I’m five inches taller than you right now?”

“Nope.” He smacked my ass then released me.

“I like that about you, Levi. You know who you are.” I grabbed a couple of tissues from my bag and handed one to him to clean up.

“So do you.”

“True. But I also know I’m not exactly…easy.”

“No, you’re not. But I’ll tell you a secret.…If you’re number F 22, I want to be F 23.”

He kissed me then winked and walked down the hallway to the master bedroom, leaving me gaping after him like an idiot. That was the strangest and oddly one of the most romantic things anyone had ever said to me. It was a forever kind of statement. An “I’ll wait for you if you wait for me” sentiment that I foolishly wanted to analyze. I smiled and touched my lips then shuffled down the hall after him with my leather pants halfway down my legs.

Yes, I knew I looked like an idiot but damn, I felt powerful and fierce. And above all…grateful.