Cortez's strokes were masterful and fluid as he signed a few papers that his lawyer had left for him to do. It has been three agonizing years since his parents’ deaths, and it still stings fresh in his heart and soul. The accident tragically occurred on the highway leading to the suburban area of Cinna Hills, where the wealthiest of the wealthy resided, including himself. Cinna Hills peaked above, with beautiful, monumental houses lining the hill in a rich, well-maintained landscape. It was also a gated community, keeping them safe from outsiders.

Cortez missed them dearly; having been their first and only child, he had nobody else to cling to as he mourned their deaths. Yes, he had relatives on both sides of his family, but he wasn't particularly close to them. His parents raised him in seclusion, sheltering him from the world they considered dangerous for a child. Now, as an adult, he was facing the effects of isolation. He needed someone to comfort him and show him undying affection, just as his parents had done unceasingly.

Fortunately, amid his darkness, he met Jacob. Jacob is two years his senior and a well-established lawyer. He met Jacob at a college party that his roommate invited him to. The brunet, upon first glance, flashed him a charming, heart-warming smile that captivated Cortez's heart. A shy man at heart, Cortez blushed and shied away with Christian, his then-roommate and best friend. However, Jacob was adamant about finding the beautiful blond with deep blue eyes. After cornering Cortez at the beach, he finally got him to open up and talk with him. That night, they exchanged numbers, and soon after, they began dating.

That was two years ago. It was their anniversary, and Cortez's mind flowed with ideas of romance. Jacob slept comfortably upstairs because it was his day off. Cortez signed his name on one last form and placed it on the stack of papers with a sigh. Perhaps finally, he could have some sexy time with Jacob now. He would wake him with a gentle kiss on the lips. Cortez got up from the oak desk and headed upstairs, nodding in greeting to several maids on his way up. However, he did not get too far because he nearly bumped into Jacob as he hurriedly ascended the curved staircase. Jacob was about to descend the first step after banking around the corner of the hallway. Jacob caught him by his arms just in time and steadied him. Cortez stared at him in confusion as he took in his attire; he was dressed for work.

"I thought it was your day off," Cortez said dejectedly, his high spirits crushed by the news. He had anticipated this day. This meant a lot to him. Jacob was the sunshine to his rain and the rainbow after his storm. Why can’t he simply reject everything today to spend this moment with him?

"Babe," his voice was defensive, "It's an important case. It'll bring in big bucks, we'll be set for the year."

Cortez's expression conveyed distress and longing as he clung to his boyfriend, desperate for the precious time they had together. "I've got you, Jacob. If it is money, you know we will need for nothing. Please, just this one time, won’t you spend this day with me? It's our anniversary."

Guilt flashed across Jacob's features, but his hazel eyes held firm with resolve, "Babe, it's a request from my boss. I can't cancel. I'm sorry. You know I love you so much, and I would have loved to bask in your sweet body rather than to spend it behind my desk or in the courtroom." He kissed him on his temple, "I promise to hold you tonight and give you my all. Okay?"

Cortez nodded glumly, and Jacob released him, placing one last kiss on his cheek before stepping away and down the stairs, eventually leaving the house. He stared at the double doors where Jacob had left, and tears welled up in his eyes, causing his throat to tighten with flooding emotions. How could this be? What is he supposed to do now that Jacob has left for the day? He had no classes today, and he refused to sit in front of his laptop and write another draft of his upcoming story.

He would only cry as he tapped away on the keyboard. When did he become so pathetic? Living off Jacob's affection? So what if his job called him in? It's not the end of the world. If he weren’t able to romance Jacob at home, then he would show his love and appreciation by buying Jacob a gift and carrying it to him. Yes, that's it! Perhaps a flower bouquet. That will work just fine. Cortez dried his tears with the back of his hands and trudged down the stairs, striding into his office on the first floor and retrieving his wallet and V-neck sweater.

It was late autumn, and the air was crisp. He snatched the keys for his Mercedes from the key racks and made his way to the garage. It housed half a dozen vehicles, including his motorcycle, two Audis, a Mercedes, a Bentley, and a Porsche. All were previously owned by his parents, except for the motorcycle. It was a gift from his parents on his eighteenth birthday. He jumped for joy when they unveiled the sleek motorcycle beneath a large canvas. He instantly fell in love with the idea of it. The exterior was all black, his favorite color.

He unlocked the Mercedes and slid in, closing the door behind him with a soft click. The scent of leather wrapped around him as he adjusted himself in his seat and brought the engine to life. Cortez pressed the button to open the door of the garage and slowly reversed out onto the driveway, shifting the car into drive and rolling onto the asphalt. His first stop was a flower shop, Petal Pushers. They are known to have the most beautiful and aromatic flowers in town. Cortez chose a select few flowers to signify his feelings for Jacob: white daisies, red roses, red tulips, red carnations, sunflowers, purple asters, and white stock. He decided to speak the language of flowers to his lover and truly hoped that Jacob would like his surprise. He paid the florist and left her an enormous tip before leaving the store.

He could not contain his excitement, and Cortez nearly went over the speed limit as he drove to his boyfriend's job. A broad smile curved his lips as bubbly thoughts floated in his mind. It is going to be a great day despite its discouraging beginning. Upon arriving at the law firm, he took the elevator to the third floor and greeted the receptionist on his way up. Clara, as she was called, was not immune to his overabundant faithful visits, and they eventually developed a friendship. Clara and he always spent the weekends at the local restaurant to sit and converse over a few drinks or, oftentimes, a meal.

The elevator doors whispered open, and he strode across the floor to meet Jacob's receptionist, Clint, whom he believed despised him. Clint always greeted him with a smile; however, that smile never reached his brown eyes. This made Cortez uncomfortable because he had no idea why the man was so indifferent towards him. He always said good morning or good afternoon with a pleasant attitude, so why the fake smile? Nonetheless, he was determined to get the bouquet to his man. Clint grimaced at the beautiful display.

"Good morning, Clint." Cortez smiled as he placed it on his desk. "Is Jacob in?"

The grimace deepened, and he said rather impolitely, "He's not in today. Didn't you know that? He lives with you, so it's beyond me why you're here asking me for him."

Cortez frowned. Clint obviously did not seem pleased with his presence, but more importantly, Jacob was not at work. So where is he? Cortez forced a smile at the unfriendly man, "Um...do you know when he'll be in?” Cortez paused. “You know what? I'll just call him. Thanks." Cortez fished his phone out of his pants pocket and dialed Jacob's number. It continuously rang until it was sent to voicemail. Cortez hung up and tried again, only to encounter the same outcome.

It was odd that Jacob did not show up for work. He was always punctual, and he said that they called him in, but Clint says otherwise. So what exactly is it? Cortez could not help but frown. He turned to Clint, "If he comes here, can you tell him that I stopped by?"

Clint nodded almost absentmindedly as he tapped on his keyboard. Cortez huffed and took the bouquet in his hands, stepping away from the disrespectful man. He would inform Jacob about Clint's insolence later, but for now, he had to get hold of him. Cortez tried three more times when he got into his car, but there was still no answer. He groaned and ran his hands through his hair. Worry overtook him. What if something terrible happened to him? Like a car accident? He vividly remembers the day when two officers showed up at his doorstep bearing bad news. His body weakened, and he could not believe it. The sympathetic looks on their faces told him that it was all true. He could not — no, would not– relive that nightmare again. He lost his parents, which devastated him, but now, Jacob has filled that void. His mind raced as he repeatedly dialed his number.

"Jacob, baby, please. Why won't you answer?" His voice trembled with apprehension.

To his relief, Jacob finally answered, and Cortez breathed a sigh of relief, "Oh my goodness, Jay, are you okay? I've been calling you non-stop!" Cortez cried.

"I'm okay, Cortez. I just left my phone in my car; luckily, I remembered that I did. What's up? Is everything alright over there?" He replied.

" I-I am fine, I just—I just miss you. I went to your workplace, and they said you were not there, so I panicked. I thought something terrible might have happened to you."

The distinct sound of a zipper came from the other end of the line, followed by shuffling. Jacob took a moment before he responded, "Oh...yeah...I stopped at Cara's place first before I dropped by the law firm. I'm leaving here now."

Cara is Jacob's cousin. She's his aunt's first daughter, and she resides about half an hour away from Cinna Hills. Cara's a sweetheart, and Cortez loved the dirt she walked on. She was like the sister he never had.

"I have something for you," Cortez said, a small smile pulling on his lips as he cupped the cellphone to his ear.

"Oh? What is it?" His voice lowered.

"It's a surprise.” When you get back home, I'll show it to you and more." Cortez seductively promised.

Jacob grinned and said, "You've got my interest piqued, babe. I'm sure I'll be aching in anticipation for whatever you've got planned for this evening."

"I'm so ready for you now, Jacob. You have no idea," Cortez whispered, aroused. "If you are a few minutes late, they won't mind, right? I need you now; my body is aching with need, Jay. I want you to make sweet love to me like you always do."

Silence followed after, and Jacob finally spoke, "Babe, you know that I love you-"

"I do!" Cortex exclaimed. "That's why I want you to fuck me, Jacob. Fuck me like you'll never see me again. Is it so difficult to ask for? It's our anniversary, and if you had the time to stop at Cara's, you could've spared another to embrace me! But it's okay if you can't. I'll just wait until you get home."

"Babe-"

"No, Jacob. I have to go. I have to prepare for tonight. Enjoy the rest of your day. I love you." Cortez fought back tears.

Jacob sighed, "I love you, too." Cortez then ended the call and threw his head back on the headrest with a choked sob. He covered his mouth and tried to swallow back the agonizing sound, but it came tumbling out, and he hunched over the steering wheel and wept. His emotions took over.

Several minutes passed, and he finally composed himself. He wiped away the tears from his cheeks and eyes with a hand towel from the glove compartment and exhaled shudderingly. Jacob had no idea how much he loved him and how deep his love ran for him. Today was supposed to be special, and he had it planned out thoroughly, but now, it was all in shambles!

Feeling depressed, he started the car's engine and exited the parking garage. There was only one place that he always went to, besides Christian's place: the coffee shop. Coffee is his comfort drink. Whenever he finds himself in a bad mood, he either turns to music or coffee. In this instance, coffee would have to do. Cortez found himself driving there subconsciously and parking in front of the building. He got out and glided along the pavement in fluid steps, entering the establishment. The small bell above the door chimed his entry, and he strode towards the counter where the sign hung above that said, 'Order Here.'

It was at that moment that the scent flowed through his nostrils, pleasant and familiar. The scent of home and great ease. A scent that would have brought him to arousal if it wasn't on the person standing before him, behind the cash register. He glanced at the young man, his heart almost arrested in his chest. His eyes zeroed in on the nametag that held 'Cameron' on it, and he swallowed saliva. His eyes then levitated to the most beautiful hazel eyes, fanned by long, elegant lashes.  His smile was infectious as it was not one of those plastic smiles that Clint plastered on his face, but it was genuine, and it brightened up his beautiful face. Cortez's heart hammered even harder in his chest as he stared at him for a prolonged moment, inhaling the exotic cologne that the cashier wore, which he undoubtedly recognized.

"Good day, sir. Welcome to Candy's Cafe. Can I take your order?" His voice even matched his looks, sensual and melodic. Cortez cringed internally at his present jealousy. What was he jealous of?

He blinked and recited his order. As he did so, his keen eyes spotted a deep red mark, almost hidden underneath the flap of the man's collared shirt that he instantly identified as a hickey. Cortez couldn't help but stare intently at the mark. It was when he gave him his change that Cortez glimpsed a heart-suspending object. It was a Pandora bracelet. The same style that Cortez received for his last birthday, a gift from Jacob. Heat rushed through his body, and his mind went blank as he gave Cameron a straight ten-dollar bill.

It can't be.

It's not possible.

There must be a reasonable explanation. It must be a coincidence.

But in the back of his mind, he knew that something wasn't right. Though he said nothing and accepted his change.

"Thank you, sir. Your latte will be ready in a few minutes." The cashier said.

"Thanks," Cortez said robotically. "Your name is Cameron, right?"

The young man nodded.

"The scent you are wearing smells rather...redolent."

"Thank you." His smile broadened, but Cortez did not return it.