Forever (Always & Forever 2)

“This is excellent.” Landon was naked from the waist down, sitting at the small table with a fork and an eco-friendly takeout dish Robert had chosen for the restaurant’s to-go orders. “So, you’re still thinking about a meat and meatless option for every item on the menu?”

“Yeah, that’s the plan. We’ve set the tentative menu. Now it’s just figuring out how to make the taste exceptional. My daddy’s traditional recipes are all there, upgraded to his last changes based on the instructions I found. He kept great notes. Helene’s helping me find my edge with the meatless options. She’s great to work with.”

Landon lifted his gaze to stare at Robert, chewing silently. His husband always had that same caring look when Robert spoke about something dear to him. He loved how Landon watched out for him, he couldn’t remember anyone ever looking out for him so completely.

“I’ve worked hard to make the vegetarian dishes more unique. Those I brought are a mix between my ideas and my father’s. I think I’m finding my own style.”

“It’s great. What else did you bring?” Landon asked, that same intensity now focused on the suitcase splayed open nearby. He stretched his leg out and used his toes to draw the case closer for inspection.

Robert reached for the towel, still too blissed out to really move. “Everything. You need to take notes on what you taste and your first thoughts. The smaller containers are for the freezer. We should get them put away. The dry ice won’t hold much longer.” Robert had taken Landon’s complaints about the local food to heart and brought several freezer containers since the mini suite had a full-size refrigerator in the small kitchen.

“Are these the biodegradable containers,” Landon asked, lifting several containers and taking the couple of steps to the freezer.

“Yeah… I’m also looking into straws made from agave.” A knock on the door had Landon glancing that direction. He thrust the containers inside the freezer and slammed the door shut then dropped his hands to cover his junk. Robert had about the same reaction; the mattress squeaked as he scrambled to his feet.

“Who is it?” Landon called out.

“It’s me. Open up.” It was a guy’s voice.

Landon mouthed a quick oh shit to Robert as he darted for the door, picking up the pants he’d stripped off when they’d entered the room.

“Hang on.” Landon tugged the jeans up his legs and looked over his shoulder. Robert was already fully dressed, running his fingers through his hair, smoothing it in place. Robert had quickly dressed then rushed to straighten the bedding, frantically throwing the crumpled towel across the room in the general direction of the bathroom. Robert edged to the side, leaning around the wall enough to look in the bathroom mirror to make sure he looked in order. He didn’t want to embarrass Landon, who with his short hair had a much easier time of pulling himself together.

“Do they know about me? Can I be here?” Should he stay hidden in the small bathroom? He decided against it and stepped into the small living room in the suite.

“This isn’t church camp,” Landon said, teasing him, and pulled open the door. Robert stood in the middle of the room and shoved his hands into his pockets. In all this time, Landon hadn’t introduced him to anyone in his military world. He hadn’t met any friends or work colleagues, but he hadn’t pushed Landon either. He had wanted the introductions to happen naturally.

“Hey, come in.” Landon high-fived the other man who was dressed in civilian clothes—dark jeans and a smoky gray Henley, casual but clearly military with his short hair and the general way he held himself. A petite brunette walked in with him. She was pretty, seemed a little shy, but definitely happy to be by her guy’s side.

Landon stepped back, and Robert stayed rooted in his spot. Waiting. He gave a nod as the two came the rest of the way inside the room, their curious stares jumping between him and Landon. His heart leaped in his chest. He couldn’t tell if they had been expecting him to be there.

Landon took the woman’s hand. “You got here just in time. I thought Norris was gonna ditch class and go to the airport this morning to wait for you.”

“I’m Shelly.” She smiled at Landon then beamed back at her soldier, clearly happy with Landon’s words.

“I’m Landon. This is Robert, my husband.” He had to fight to keep his brows from rising at Landon’s automatic endearment. He hadn’t thought Landon spoke of him while around the other soldiers. He did step forward, feeling comfortable enough to stand by Landon’s side. Robert shook Norris’s extended hand. He assumed that was his last name.

“We’re heading to Tapworks, you two coming?” Norris seemed to ask Robert as if it were a given plan.