Page 70 of Together on Parade

“You’ve been in California too long,” Monty murmured in between kisses. “My family won’t care what you wear. I guarantee that pink sweater alone cost more than any piece of clothing they’ve ever owned.”

Hilliard shifted his gaze to the sweater in question. It was far from the nicest one he’d put in his suitcase, let alone had in his wardrobe. Maybe he was putting too much thought into it, after all. The shifting of Monty’s hips against his had him thinking less altogether.

“Layers,” Hilliard muttered, just before Monty kissed him.

“Mm-hmm,” Monty agreed against his lips.

Hilliard bent enough to hoist Monty into his arms, which was met with a moan of surprise as he lifted the shorter man off his knees. Monty’s legs hooked around him, likely in anticipation of being put on his back. Instead, Hilliard turned and carried Monty out of the bedroom–and set him down in the hallway.

“What–?”

Hilliard watched as Monty’s look of adorable confusion turned to outrage as he closed the door, turning the lock before Monty could attempt to get back inside.

“No more distractions,” Hilliard said apologetically through the thin barrier. He grinned at the string of curses Monty gave in return before retreating.

With the bedroom to himself, Hilliard was able to get through his endeavor with only a few more long pauses as he decided between the various pants, shirts, shoes, and ties. He only owned one scarf that wasn’t strictly a fashionable accessory, so he packed that, too. When he was finally satisfied, he put his hands on his hips and turned toward the dresser.

Tucked away in the middle drawer was the real reason he’d sent Monty out.

Wearing denim had been part of this deal from the start, but Hilliard couldn’t have Monty acting smug about it the whole time. He’d keep the pants a surprise until the perfect day and wear them when Monty was least expecting it. If his family was as casual as he kept insisting, maybe even on Christmas Day paired with the red cardigan. He knew Monty would be pleased to tell his story of success with an audience.

The gold band in the front pocket would make an appearance later, though, during a quiet moment when it was just the two of them–the way Hilliard loved most of all.

The End