Chapter 23: So close.

Chapter 23: So close.

Paxton grinned when Tennessee leaned back in his chair and wiped his mouth.

"Welp-now, cowboy, yer becomin' a mighty fine cook."

"You're just saying that." Paxton warmed at the compliment as he rose from his seat. He stacked the empty plates on the counter and moved the silverware to the sink.

"No, I ain't." Tennessee's eyes gleamed a soft gray in the candlelight. "This here is one of the best birthday dinners I've ever had. Rusty and Gunner were tryin' to get me to go out with them tonight, but I said ta-hell with that. I'm gonna be here with my boyfriend. In fact, I like sayin' the word boyfriend."

Paxton nodded and then returned to his seat. After Gunner, Rusty, and Cletus left, they had all called him to remind him that he had to get Tennessee to the garage. He sighed. It wasn't like he was going to forget.