My Forever by Nikki McCoy

then dragged him a few aisles over to the racks of designer wear. His boss looked at the measurements of the pants he’d already picked out and started riffling through those on the racks. He threw at least five more jeans into the cart, followed by the same number of slacks and shorts. Shirts came next. Button-downs, tees, sweaters. On the other side of the men’s department, Lucas added socks, boxers, and a few robes to the pile.
    By the time they got to the footwear, it was Kyle who wouldn’t budge from where his feet were rooted. “Lucas, I can’t afford all of this.”
    Lucas stopped and looked down at him. “This is my treat. I told you any money you earn while living with me can be saved to get you back on your feet.”
    “You don’t understand.” Embarrassment washed over him and he glanced at the blurred vision of the mountain of clothes in the cart. He would not cry. He’d done enough of that in front of the man already. Clearing his throat, he said, “Craig took my paycheques. I have no money in the bank. I don’t even have a bank account. I can’t pay you back for this.”
    Lucas framed his cheek with one hand and when Kyle was finally able to meet his gaze, he saw only patient regard. “I kind of figured that. As much as I love seeing your sexy ass run around half-naked in my shirts, you’re going to eventually need a wardrobe of your own. One outfit won’t suffice, no matter how much you enjoy doing laundry. I want to do this for you. If it’s a matter of pride, then we’ll work something out, but I’m hoping you’ll indulge me this once and let it go.”
    “You think I’m sexy?”
    Lucas frowned at him then burst into laughter. “If that’s all you got out of what I just said, I’m thinking it’s all right for me to pamper you a bit. And yes, I think you’re sexy as hell, but I won’t take advantage of you. I offered you a safe haven to recover and rebuild, and that’s exactly what I’m going to give you. Now, can we finish up here? I’m starving.”
    Kyle could only nod, dumbfounded. Belatedly, he realised that their whole conversation had taken place in the middle of a crowded department store, but no one seemed to be paying them any mind. Except for the shoe salesman standing a few feet away. He couldn’t have been more than a few years older than Kyle, with a wide grin and twinkling eyes lighting his face.
    “Is there anything I can help the happy couple with?” The salesman—Mark by the name on his tag—swept Kyle with an appreciative look before giving his full attention to Lucas.
    Without skipping a beat, Lucas gave Mark a smile that had the man practically drooling on himself and said, “My partner is looking for a pair of sneakers and also weather-proof boots, if you have them.”
    Kyle shot his boss a disbelieving look which was met with smug satisfaction. Feeling an uncharacteristic jolt of self-confidence, he decided two could play at that game.
    Moulding himself to Lucas’ front and throwing his arms wantonly over his neck, he looked up demurely. He thrilled to the feel of Lucas’ answering embrace, even if it was part of an act. “I thought you were taking me out tonight, big man. Don’t you think that calls for evening shoes as well?”
    The man looked surprised for all of two seconds before his charming smile returned in full force. He brought his hands down to the curves of Kyle’s waist just above his hips and tugged him closer. Kyle’s plan backfired as his breath caught at the evidence of Lucas’ arousal. It pushed against his lower belly, demanding attention.
    In a voice that sent shivers down his spine, Lucas replied, “Of course. How could I have forgotten?” Without looking at Mark, he continued, “We’ll take a pair of dress shoes as well. The most expensive you have.”
    Before he could protest, Lucas spun him around and propelled him towards the waiting salesman, giving him a light smack on the rump. Mark, as it turned out, was a