CHAPTER 24
TILLIE
“Darling, that looks absolutely fabulous!” Mario cried, as Richie hung the lights around the pool. All the things I previously had to hire someone to help me with, Richie and the boys all insisted on doing instead. I must admit, it’s nice to have them around. Not only are they wonderful companions, but they help me out in ways I didn’t even know I needed help with.
Things like this, lending muscle and a man’s touch. Mario and I would have decorated the place with flowers and balloons, but Richie convinced me we should concentrate more on the ambiance, music and lighting.
By the time we were done preparing for the party, my back yard looked like a nightclub. Richie had turned the deck near the pool house into a dance floor, bringing over flashing lights and a small stage for the band from Tomcats.
“Trust me, this is much more Daine’s speed. He’ll feel like he’s at Fubar. And I invited a ton of his club friends, so this place will be crawling with queens and bears of all shapes and sizes. He’ll be in heaven.”
“He’s not the only one,” Mario said, waving his hand around. “You’re getting me all hot and bothered just talking about it.”
I laughed as Richie put his arm around me, his warm embrace like a comforting blanket. I leaned into him, smiling up at him as he brushed his lips against mine.
“This is going to be great,” I said. Finn walked out of the clubhouse with a shy smile. I’d met him earlier in the kitchen. He’d stood shifting nervously from one foot to the other as Blaze explained he needed a place to stay for a few days. I was more than happy to have another guy here. Having all the space in my house that used to be so empty and sad now filled with life and youthful energy made me incredibly happy.
“Is there anything I can do to help?” Finn asked. I’d liked him instantly. He was very young, and obviously very naive in ways. He explained he’d grown up in rural Oklahoma and that told me a lot. I could only imagine how Los Angeles was blowing his small-town mind. I could imagine it so well because that’s how I’d felt when I’d arrived, so very, very long ago.
“I think we’re good now,” Richie said, patting the boy on the back. “But thanks for asking.”
“What time does the party start?” he asked.
“Around eight. Better get a nap in now,” Mario said. “Because it’s going to be a rager and sleeping in that pool house will be next to impossible till early morning.”
“Got it,” Finn said.
“Finn, you can always take one of the guest rooms in the house, if you’d like,” I said.
“No, I’ll be fine here, thank you so much,” he said, with a grateful nod.
“Speaking of naps,” Mario said. “I am in need! See you kids tonight!” He shuffled off, disappearing into the house, the front door slamming seconds later.
Richie looked over at me and winked.
“Nap sounds good, doesn’t it, Till?” he asked. I knew without a doubt he wasn’t searching for sleep.
“Sure does, babe,” I replied. “See you later, Finn?”
“Yes, absolutely,” he nodded.
Richie grabbed my hand and led me upstairs to our room, his thumb suggestively rubbing my palm the whole way. I’d barely closed the door before he swept me off my feet and deposited me on the bed. His mouth crashing into mine wordlessly, his arms wrapping around me.
I sighed under him, melting into his embrace.
Life was so delicious now, so very, very delicious…