Free Milky Coffee and Office Gossip by Liza Kay Page A

I long for the joy you brought into my life, your beautiful smile, and the twinkle in your eyes when something spikes your interest. I long for waking up to your smell and the feel of your body pressed against mine in the morning.
    Maybe you’ll give me the chance to get to know you better, and the chance to tell you more about myself. Enjoy your peppermint! I’m sure it’ll find a place in your lovely kitchen slash solarium. Plus, you can use it to create a delicious meal.
    I hope to see you soon.
    Sincerely yours,
    Remington
     
    At the end of the letter, Corey was sobbing uncontrollably. Remington was apologizing to him? Corey should apologize for what he’d thought about this wonderful man. Based on his colleagues’ nasty gossip, whose victim he’d been himself, Corey had judged Remy so terribly wrong.
    His lover had put so much thought into this gift it warmed his heart. And the sweet guy wanted to send more? Remy had freely admitted to know nothing about flowers and yet he’d chosen this unique way of... well, wooing. It showed how deeply Remy cared for Corey’s interests, his passions and feelings.
    Oh, what a wonderful letter. Obviously, his lover was finally ready to open himself. The way he went about it was utterly romantic. Maybe they had a chance after all.
    That evening, Corey spent hours in his kitchen, thinking about the wild yet tender moments he and Remy had enjoyed in this room. Later he sat down with a cup of fresh peppermint tea and wrote a short response.
     
    Dear Remy,
    I’ve never gotten a love letter before and yours is a pleasant surprise. Thank you so much. I’d never have guessed that you’ve got a secret, romantic streak! Such dedication deserves a chance, so I eagerly look forward to your next letter.
    The peppermint found a lovely place on the kitchen counter, although it lost some leaves already. The result is a tasty, small serving of peppermint ice-cream. I placed it in the freezer for later use. I’d love to sample it with you someday.
    With love,
    Corey
     
    * * * *
     
    Remy sat at the table in his kitchen on Tuesday morning, reading the letter that had magically appeared in his mail. He grinned at Corey’s short note, all giddy the younger man hadn’t declared him crazy for sending a handwritten love letter.
    Today, his lover would find a book with pancake recipes leaning at his computer.
    Next to Remy sat a potted Chrysanthemum, and he’d already placed paper and pen beside it to write the letter Corey would receive on Wednesday. He got to work after wolfing down his breakfast.
     
    My dear Corey,
    Chrysanthemum stands for My heart is free. It’s free for you, Corey, and I’ll wait for as long as it takes. In case you don’t believe me, remember this.
    I’ve never tried for a relationship. You were right in your accusation that my love life consisted of meaningless one-night-stands. It was always easier to avoid romantic entanglements. That’s over. You changed that part of my life and now I can’t—and won’t—go back to how it was before I met you.
    Corey, romance and love can get you hurt, badly. Just as you, I’m not fond of that feeling. I know people hurt you in the past. Maybe you’re afraid I’d hurt you as well. I’m sorry how vulnerable your experiences left you. You gave me, us, a glimpse of how it could be between us. I’m certain that having you in my life is worth the risk of getting hurt. For you, I’m ready to open my heart, hold nothing back, and give myself to you wholeheartedly. Do you think I’m worth the risk, too?
    I picked a red Chrysanthemum because red is my favorite color. Something I never told you although it’s such a simple fact to share. It’s not the only easy information about me I held back though. Here are some more.
    I like getting up early in the morning. Not because I’m a workaholic—which I am—but because of the sky. Have you ever just sat, maybe in your wonderful solarium, with a cup of tea, and watched the sky