Nothing to Gain (Learning the Ropes #2) - E.M. Denning Page 0,57

and Brett was struck with the urge to kiss the pretty digits. Instead, he lathered more shaving cream in his hands and finished what he’d started.

24

Linden

The way Brett could braid his hair in no time flat astonished Linden. Maybe he’d learn so he could have an excuse to play with his boyfriend’s hair more often. He loved how soft Brett was from top to bottom. He watched with adoration bubbling up in his heart as Brett slid his feet into a pair of ballet flats that matched the cardigan he wore. He had a pair of skinny jeans on and a shimmery top with a v-neck that showed off his smattering of chest hair.

Linden thought Brett might have dressed that way to show him it was okay to have a bit of body hair, that he was still beautiful with it. But there was also something to be said about freshly shaved legs and the way they felt when the fabric of his pants brushed against them.

“Come on, let’s get downstairs and get you dressed up. What time do you need to start preparing the food?”

“I want to make some dinner rolls.” Linden looked at the time. “It’s barely ten. As long as I’m elbow deep in prep by noon, I’ll feel good about it.”

He followed Brett downstairs into the thrift store. It felt strange to be there when it wasn’t open. It sent a bit of a thrill through him, to be with Brett in the dimly lit store. His heart sped like he was breaking the rules and was about to get caught.

“Teal Capris.” Brett pulled the exact pair Linden had coveted off the hanger and draped them over his arm. “What kind of top were you thinking? Mini dress? Tank? Oh. I have an idea.”

Brett went to the white section and pulled a rather large button up off the rack before he went to the accessory rack. He returned a minute later with a wide gold belt. “Come on, let’s try this.”

They went to the back and Linden stepped into a change room, but he didn’t close the door. He had nothing to hide from Brett.

Brett watched him strip, then handed him the Capris. Linden tugged them on, then stared down at himself. He loved the way the fabric clung to his skin, but he wasn’t sure he loved the way they highlighted his bulge.

Brett grinned knowingly at him and handed him the button up. “Put this on.”

“It’s too big,” Linden said as he shrugged into the fabric.

“That’s the idea.” Brett quickly did up the buttons, then wrapped the belt around Linden’s waist. He did it up, so it wasn’t super tight. “Turn around.”

Linden stood still while Brett fiddled with the excess fabric. He tugged on the bottom of the shirt and deft fingers smoothed the cloth.

“Turn.”

He faced Brett and watched him roll the sleeves up past Linden’s elbows. The shirt had faint blue pin stripes Linden hadn’t noticed until now. They weren’t quite teal, but they were close enough, and light enough that it didn’t matter.

Brett fussed a little more with the fabric and then with the collar, unbuttoning the top two buttons to expose Linden’s throat. “There. Now look. Tell me what you think. If you don’t like it, I have other ideas.”

Linden turned and looked in the full-length mirror. “It’s perfect.” Linden exhaled. His waist looked trimmer than he was used to seeing it when hidden in the bulk of his hoodies, and the leggings made his legs look shapely and long. The outfit was comfortable, and Linden felt pretty in it without making him uncomfortable.

“It’s perfect.”

“I have a pair of shoes upstairs that will look amazing with it. And I’ll do your makeup.” Brett came up behind Linden and put his hands on his capri clad hips. His chin rested on Linden’s shoulder. “I’ll get you to change so I can pop a couple stitches into the shirt for you. That way it will stay looking nice all evening.”

“I was going to change until the bulk of the cooking was done. I can get pretty messy.”

Linden heard someone try to open the front door, then someone knocked on the glass.

“You change.” Brett kissed his cheek. “I’ll go explain that we’re not open.”

Linden changed back into his clothes and poked his head out into the front of the store. He’d heard the bells above the door jingle. Brett stood outside with his arms crossed over his chest. He spoke to someone and whoever it