Rafael Patino has a great life in Rain Valley. He’s a teacher at the high school, has a great group of friends, and enjoys the occasional baseball game. Other than the sporadic call from his drunken mother, he’s pretty content. He’s also been in love with his best friend Dustin for nearly a decade. Years of keeping those feelings under control are put to the test when they begin a summer project together. Dustin Vance builds furniture for a living, has just earned his pilot’s license, and has an amazing best friend. When he buys a 1976 Cessna Skyhawk, he asks Rafael to help restore it, then travel with him to Wisconsin for the largest aviation convention in the world. As they spend their days working on the plane, they begin to spend their nights together. Will they find love in the clouds, or will they stall out before they even take off?

Love in the Clouds

Dustin opened the door, his eyebrows raised in confusion. “Hi. Why didn’t you just come in?”


“Because I’m doing things right.” His gaze swept over Dustin, taking in the nice black shorts and pale aquamarine button-down shirt. He’d never seen either on him before. “You look amazing. The shirt brings out your gorgeous eyes.”


Dustin blushed. “Thanks. I-I bought it today.”


Knowing Dustin had purchased a new outfit for their date bolstered Rafael’s confidence—it showed Dustin was just as excited.


Dustin stepped out, taking Rafael’s offered hand. When they reached the truck, Rafael opened the passenger door for him and Dustin looked surprised, but climbed inside.


His heart raced and he felt like a teenager with his first crush. He’d been on dates, obviously, but this one was more important than any of them. When he settled into his seat, he took a deep breath and turned the key. Dustin kissed his cheek.


Chapter 48