Marshmallows and the Snow [Sweet Snacks: 1] by Liza Kay Page A

of the guys my age. They’re shallow and primarily interested in getting off as fast and as much as possible. I have different plans for my life.”
    Huh. Obviously, Ruben was much more mature than his nineteen years led to think. And driven in a way not many people his age were. It reminded Aleks of himself when he’d pushed himself through university against his parents’ wishes.
    “What are your plans for your life, Ruben?”
    He answered without hesitation. “I love my job and I want to be successful. I worked very hard for it, you know? My foster parents were always nice, but we both knew there was no deep love between us. They took care of me till I was eighteen and that was it. By the time I left home, I already had my job, so I could support myself.”
    “Uh, Ruben? How did you manage to secure a job as an illustrator without visiting university or an art college?” Aleks frowned when he realized the other man seemed too young for the career he described.
    Ruben delivered a hard punch to his shoulder and glowered again. “Hey! What makes you think I didn’t go to university?”
    “Your age? Maybe?” Aleks uttered carefully and ducked his head in expectation of another punch or slap.
    His lover rolled his eyes in a dramatic gesture and clicked his tongue. “Baby, I attended university at fifteen.”
    “What? Fifteen? Holy shit. You’re a genius, right? I’m so sorry, I didn’t—”
    Ruben cut him off with a kiss and chuckled. “It’s okay. I know it’s very unusual. My foster parents were great at recognizing my skills and pushed the school and the board of the university. I graduated at eighteen. The professor I worked with for my final paper set me up with one of his friends, a publisher. He was thrilled by my art and I’ve been working for them since.”
    Aleks blinked and listened to Ruben going on and on about his wonderful job and what he loved the most. His shoulders sagged, because it really was abundantly clear there was no future for them. Ruben was determined and passionate regarding his job. Something Aleks loved about the man. He’d never give it up to live with Aleks in the backwoods of Norway. Hell, Aleks didn’t want him to give it up! His lover was wickedly talented and deserved happiness and doing the work he loved above anything.
    “Aleks? Are you listening to me?” The tone of Ruben’s voice hinted that it wasn’t the first time he’d asked.
    “Ah, yeah. So, I’m sure you’ll be happy to return back to London and continue with the drawings for that book you mentioned.” Fuck. That hurt.
    Ruben frowned. “Did you really listen to the things I said?” he asked again, his voice serious as hell. No, Aleks hadn’t listened. He was too busy silently moping and grieving.
    “Yes,” he said regardless.
    His lover’s face fell and he stood up. “You know what? If you don’t want me to consider a relationship with you, all you have to do is tell me, okay? Say the words and I’ll leave you alone. But I thought this thing between us meant something to you,” Ruben whispered, agony on his pretty face. What? Why did he think Aleks didn’t want a relationship?
    “Ruben.” He reached out his hand, but his lover took two steps back and angrily brushed a hand over his face. Damn, was he crying?
    “No. Make a decision! I’d give you everything. But you’re too afraid and stubborn, or too noble, I have no idea, to say yes. Or maybe,” Ruben yelled. Hell. Aleks should’ve listened more carefully. Obviously, Ruben had said something significant and Aleks’ lack of response had induced the fight. But he couldn’t just admit he hadn’t listened, could he? Confessing it would solely serve to agitate Ruben further. Shit!
    “I-I...” he stammered, searching for the words to make this right. How had a cuddle on his chair developed to a serious argument regarding their future?
    Ruben groaned and ruffled his black curls. Then he stomped his little foot and turned on his heel.