Home Is Where The Heart Is

Part 2

Brendon was humming a happy Christmas tune as he slid behind the counter, a big grin decorating his face. “Hey gorgeous!” he sang in a sing-song voice, pressing a kiss to Keltie’s cheek.

Keltie merely smiled knowingly all the while trying to look as innocent as possible. “Hey handsome. What has you in such a good mood?” Of course, she already knew what was going on. Ryan had the exact same look on his face when he told her the story last night over the phone.

“Christmas is in a week!” Brendon cheered, setting his hot chocolate down on the counter and handing Keltie her own. There were two others in a carrier as well, all specially made by one Jon Walker. One was, of course, for Pete who was always complaining about how Brendon and Keltie brought coffee for each other but always excluded him.

Keltie took the coffee thankfully and took a sip. Setting the cup down next to the reservation book, she turned to Brendon and nodded. “That it is,” she pressed a light kiss to his cheek, mumbled a ‘thank you’ for the coffee and headed off, making sure to grab said coffee on the way.

Brendon smiled, eyes trailing across the quad, darting around as if looking for somebody. He finally caught sight of Ryan who was helping a customer. As soon as the customer left, Ryan looked over, catching Brendon’s eye. He motioned to the phone and in a split second, Brendon was already punching in the familiar numbers.

”Harlow’s Candies, how may I assist you?”

“You can assist me by hauling ass over here to get the coffee you begged for so I don’t have to walk over there,” Brendon said seriously into the phone. He met Ryan’s eyes across the quad and mockingly held up the coffee, teasing him.

”I’m sorry sir but we don’t do personal deliveries but if you’re willing to come in, I’d be more than willing to help you.”
Beside Ryan stood Spencer, who was ringing up a customer and rolling his eyes, knowing full well who was on the other end of the line. He was happy for them, really, but it’s been one day and they were already love sick puppies. It was disgusting and maybe, just maybe, he was a tad bit jealous.

“More than willing? Tell me, sir, just what services do you provide? Do these services involve the backroom or dinner tonight?” Brendon replied calmly, leaning against the counter, practically staring Ryan down.

”That depends. Where’s my coffee? If you should know, dinner sounds fantastic but a back room? Hey, if I get my coffee in the next two minutes, dinner might end in a bedro-!”

The line went dead mid-sentence. Dial tone buzzing in his ear, Ryan pulled the phone away and stared at it, confused. Shrugging, he set it back down on its holder and sighed. Spencer was gagging beside him. “You two make me wanna hurl,” he choked out.

Ryan rolled his eyes. “You’re just jealous, douche. At least Brendon brings me coffee. Jon makes you come for yours!”

Spencer glowered but quickly it faded and was replaced with a sly smirk. “Yes. Yes, he does.”

Honey eyes widened and Ryan slapped a hand over his face. “That’s disgusting! That is so not what I mean. I really didn’t need that mental image. You just scared me for life, Spencer Smith!”

“Tell me about it!” A cheery voice cut in. Both men turned to find Brendon standing there, a flashy smile on his face and a coffee in hand, “One venti extra hot hazelnut mocha for Ryan Ross!”

Spencer made another gagging noise but stopped when Ryan glared at him. Sighing, he shook his head and politely gave them their distance. Turning back to Brendon, Ryan flashed him a smile, “My favorite! How’d you know?”

Brendon shrugged lightly. “How’d you know my favorite candy?”

Ryan held the cup of coffee under his nose, breathing in the lovely scent before smirking behind the lid. “I have connections in high places.”