Felix didn’t know how to react. He didn’t know what to say. This was the oddest thing that had ever happened to him. “Thank you.” The words popped out automatically, saving him in his moment of need.
A bright smile lit Elena’s face. She patted his cheek. “You’re very welcome. Now make my son happy. Also, we’ll be out of town this weekend. Ronaldo is taking me gambling in Vegas, so you don’t have to worry about any family events for a while. Just go and relax.”
Despite his shock, Felix recognized how amazing she was. Intrusive as hell, but amazing.
Felix stood and gave her another hug before walking her to the door. They exchanged some small talk before finally saying goodbye. Felix walked in a stunned haze back toward his office. The sight of Koda caught and held his attention before he made it. Felix leaned against the soundproof window and watched as Koda sang his heart out. Felix flipped the intercom on so he could listen to the passion in Koda’s voice. He had no idea how long he stood there.
A movement at his side caught his attention. He glanced over to find Mike at his side, watching Koda too. A small smile lingered on Mike’s lips. Felix almost said something about Mike getting conned into clearing his schedule, but he couldn’t bring himself to complain. He didn’t imagine Mike had stood much of a chance against Elena.
Mike glanced Felix’s way. His smile grew. “He’s crazy talented. I’ll never understand why he doesn’t want a contract of his own. He shouldn’t be in the background.”
Even as Felix nodded, he acknowledged the truth. Koda didn’t want to put himself in a position where people would constantly bring up his blindness. That was exactly what would happen if he chose to be the face of the songs he sang. If Koda moved into the spotlight, no one would ever see him as anything more than his disability—like his voice was somehow less or more because of his eyes. They lived in an unfair world. Felix respected Koda’s feelings on the matter.
The phone rang, pulling Mike away. Felix stayed put, unabashedly watching Koda work his magic. Elena was right. Felix was the right man for Koda. Koda would eventually try to keep him out. Felix had no intention of letting that happen. He had Koda now. There was no going back. Koda just hadn’t realized it yet. He would.
Four
Despite his best efforts to hide his excitement, Koda was practically crawling around the passenger side of Felix’s car. After finishing his work for the day, Koda had planned to close himself in Felix’s office and seduce him. Instead, he found himself whisked away. First, Felix had taken him home and demanded Koda pack a bag for a few nights. From there, they had driven for what felt like forever. In truth, it had only been about two hours, including sitting in traffic. It was only Kora’s excitement making it seem longer.
Felix left him alone in the car while he checked in to their room. Since Koda didn’t know where they were, he waited for Felix to let him out of the car. The moment his car door opened, the sounds and smell of the ocean washed over Koda. Unlike their boating trip, this felt different. A smile exploded across Koda’s face. He knew exactly where they were.
“Oh my god. You talked to my mother. There’s no other way you knew Santa Barbara is my favorite place.”
“Is it? I had no idea. We are in Santa Barbara, though.”
Koda snorted at Felix’s dodging. There was no way this was a coincidence. They might have known each other a long time, but there was no way Felix knew this was Koda’s favorite place. He doubted this had simply happened.
“Let me guess. We have a bungalow on the beach.”
“Yep.”
At Felix’s response, another snort escaped Koda. His mom was such a meddler. “How long did Mom wait after I got in the booth to corner you?”
“Maybe five minutes.”
Laughter burst from Koda at Felix’s immediate response. Koda didn’t care how the trip came about. He loved this place. It was one of the few places he could remember seeing before losing his sight. His parents brought him here every year as a child. It was the one big trip they saved for each summer.
“Let me grab our bags and we’ll head inside.”
Koda dutifully stood still until he heard the trunk close. Then he held out his hand. “Here. Hand me my bag and you can steer me in the right direction.”
Felix didn’t argue. He simply passed Koda his bag, and that was one of the many reasons Koda adored him. Felix never treated him like a child. Together, they headed inside. Felix lightly held his elbow on the way to the door. Koda’s cane hit a small step on the way inside and he followed its lead. Cool air washed over him as he stepped inside the bungalow. It smelled like every beach hotel ever. Soap and sand.
A soft and sexy chuckle rumbled from Felix.
A smile immediately snapped to Koda’s lips. “What?”
Felix didn’t leave him in suspense. “Your mom said she would have some champagne waiting for us. Not only are there three bottles, but there’s also roses and chocolate-covered strawberries.”
“She’s not very subtle, is she?”
“I like her.”
Felix’s confession warmed Koda’s heart. He knew his family could be overwhelming, but it was important to him that Felix like them. Koda didn’t know why. It just was.
“Thank you for this.” The words popped out, but Koda needed to say them.
Felix invaded his space. His palms slid across Koda’s hips. “I’m not the one you should thank, but I wish I had thought of this.”
Koda didn’t back down. “I know this has Mom written all over it, but you still deserve the credit. Not everyone would let my mom do this. You could’ve said no.”
“No. I couldn’t.” Felix’s tone had turned sultry. Goosebumps rose on Koda’s skin. “There’s no way I could have or would have said no to being here with you. Tell me what you want to do first and I’m in. I haven’t had a vacation in years.”
“We should check the bed,” Koda said without hesitation. He had wanted Felix too long. They were alone now. The bed was so close. Still, he tried to sound a little less desperate. “You know, because they’re sometimes too hard.” Damn. He didn’t sound any less like a wanton.
Felix didn’t call him on it. “You’re probably right. The last time I stayed in a place like this, my back hurt for three weeks afterward. We should check.” Felix led him toward the bed. At the edge, he guided Koda’s hand to where he could leave his cane and find it later. After toeing off his shoes, Koda climbed onto the mattress and settled onto his back. The bed dipped beside him as Felix did the same. Elbow to elbow, they fell into silence. It was uncomfortable. For Koda, it was as if time held its breath, waiting. Their fingers linked. Koda wanted so much more. He couldn’t take it any longer.