Free Cookies for Courting by Amber Kell

experience.”
    Marshall wrapped his arms around Pace and held on tight. “I don’t mean to burden you with my problems.”
    “I don’t mind. We’re getting to know each other.”
    “I think I’ve changed my mind about the mural.”
    Pace stiffened in Marshall’s arms. “What do you mean?”
    Marshall sighed. “It just struck me all of a sudden that a high-rise condo is no place for a child. The more I think about it, the more I know my gut feeling is right.”
    “A gazillion kids in New York would disagree with you,” Pace said with a faint smile.
    “Maybe, but Alice is used to living in a house. Maybe I can even get her a dog or a cat or something.”
    “Wow, you’re going for the whole domestication thing, aren’t you?”
    “Don’t get me wrong, I still want a mural, but I’m thinking we should move first. Alice needs a yard and more room to run around. I’m sorry to put this on you because we just signed a contract, but if you don’t mind waiting….”
    “Hey.” Pace cupped Marshall’s face between his hands. “It’s not about me, I understand that. Whatever you think is best for Alice is fine. I hope you’re not moving too far away.”
    “No, I’m thinking on the east side of town. There are some nice houses by the lake.”
    “There are some mansions by the lake,” Pace corrected.
    “I’ll have to see if Ilona can come with me. I know she has less connection with the city since her husband died, and they never had any children.”
    Marshall pulled the smaller man close, tucking Pace’s head against his chest. “I’ll do whatever it takes to raise a happy child.”
    Until that moment, Marshall hadn’t realized how much Alice meant to him. Not only was she the last bit of his sister remaining, but he cared for her a great deal. He loved her enough to move away from the man he was beginning to care for.
    The house phone rang. Marshall answered it and assured security that Sandy was allowed upstairs before hanging up.
    “I guess this is all unnecessary now,” Pace said. “I don’t need the paint after all.”
    “Hey, I still want to see you.” Marshall felt his relationship slipping through his fingers.
    “Why?”
    “I like you.” Maybe like wasn’t the right word, obsessed would’ve matched much better. However, he wasn’t quite ready for Pace to know about his fixation.
    Pace shook his head. “You’re going to be moving away. I know the lake area isn’t super far away, but you wouldn’t be only a bus ride away anymore.”
    “I don’t want to lose you over this.”
    Marshall would’ve said more, but the knocking on the door distracted him.
    “I’ll get it,” Pace said. “I’m going to leave with Sandy. When you decide what you want, you let me know. Alice can keep the painting.”
    Pace kissed Marshall on the cheek, then walked away. The empty spot in Marshall’s heart only increased at the sound of the door closing. “I guess I’ll be eating lasagna alone.”

Chapter 9
     
    P ACE SPENT the next few days moping around his apartment. Even his art didn’t pull him out of his depression. Just when he thought he’d met the perfect guy, outside forces took him away. He couldn’t even blame Marshall. A little girl’s happiness did come first. That didn’t mean he couldn’t have a selfish fit, though. Maybe he should’ve tried to make it work. He didn’t have anyone to blame but himself that things went south. Marshall had been willing to try.
    “Ahhhh,” he screamed.
    The sound of crickets chirping pulled him from his funk. He scrounged around, trying to figure out where he’d put his phone. Finally, he found it beneath some art magazines. “Gotcha.”
    The display showed Marshall’s name. He quickly connected. “Hello?”
    “Pace, I hate to call you, but I had no one else.”
    “What happened?” The panic in Marshall’s voice had him sitting up straight. He wasn’t a man who worried easily.
    “Ilona is out sick today. It’s Joyce’s day off,