“You didn’t beat your way through the layers of defenses,” Hunter went on. “You washed them away, massaged them away, gave me some kind of life energy you seem to exude from your pores. And it was too much, too fucking much. But you’re goddamned relentless. You wouldn’t stop until it all sloughed off and I was left raw and exposed. It was terrifying. And wonderful."
All relationship development with this one and I loved every single moment.
“What are we having?”
Hollis reached out and lifted the lid on the tureen. The fragrance that filled the room made him grin. Chicken, egg, and lemon. Avgolemono Soup.
“Because I couldn’t ask you to make the best version, I asked Jude where I could find the second best. He said his mother and she happily offered to make this for us today.” He ladled the soup into their bowls and pulled out Ian’s chair. After he sat, Hollis put his hands on Ian’s shoulders and squeezed. “I’m sure this is wonderful, but I’m partial to yours. I felt so rotten the day we first met, and you walked up to me and handed me this soup. You have no idea what it meant to me. That day changed my life. I sat alone in my house that night with my head cold and your soup. When I went to bed, I dreamed of you.”
Who would have thought Holly would be the most romantic of the bunch, but I do believe he is.