Charging Hearts: A gay romance adventure by A.J. Marcus & Caitlin Ricci

Author:A.J. Marcus & Caitlin Ricci [Marcus, A.J. & Ricci, Caitlin]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Mystichawker Press
Published: 2023-12-04T16:00:00+00:00

As they continued eating, Elliot said "I'm really glad you're here this morning. It helps a lot after yesterday."

Chad reached over and gave his hand a supportive squeeze. "Of course. I want to be here for you." He took a sip of coffee. "Your grandmother hasn't come back to the house yet this morning. Did you want to go check on her and your grandfather after we eat?"

Elliot nodded. "I should, just to make sure they're doing alright. They must have been so worried."

"From what your grandmother said, I know they're just relieved to have you home safe now," Chad replied. "But we can walk out together and see them after breakfast."

Elliot gave Chad a grateful smile. Having him there, looking out for his family too, meant everything. They finished up their food, chatting lightly about happier subjects. The simple normalcy was comforting.

After they had both eaten their fill, Chad and Elliot brought the empty plates over to the sink. Elliot rinsed while Chad loaded the dishwasher, falling into an easy rhythm.

As they cleaned up, Elliot stole glances over at Chad's handsome profile. More than once he looked up to find Chad's gaze already on him, his expression tender. They exchanged smiles, no need for words.

Being able to do such a mundane task side by side felt good. The trauma of the previous days seemed to retreat into memory as they focused simply on the here and now together.

With the kitchen tidy again, Chad drew Elliot into a loose embrace. "Ready to go check on your grandparents?" He brushed a stray hair back from Elliot's forehead.

Elliot nodded, so very ready to face the new day with his rock steady at his side.

As they headed out into the bright morning hand in hand, Elliot stole a glance at Chad's profile. He looked content, the ever-present tension absent from his features right now. In its place - a small, peaceful smile.

Elliot's heart swelled with emotion. Just a day ago, his future had been so uncertain, lost in the dark. But he had survived and was embarking on a new day with a caring man who had reached into that darkness and pulled him back into the light.

A warm breeze ruffled their hair as they crested a small hill overlooking the grazing horses. Elliot sighed contentedly. "I will never get tired of this view. It's so peaceful out here. Texas was nice and all, but Colorado has something even more magical about it." He swung their clasped hands playfully between them. "Almost makes me forget everything we went through recently."

Chad gave his hand a reassuring squeeze. "We made it through together. That's all that matters."

"I don't know how I got so lucky to have you come into my life when you did," Elliot said, gazing earnestly at Chad. "You risked everything for me. Thank you."

Chad stopped and turned to face Elliot, eyes glinting with emotion. "I'd do it all again in a heartbeat if it meant keeping you safe. You changed my world for the better, Elliot.

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