“Yes, Betty told me. I’m sorry to hear that. She’s doing well now?”

“Thankfully. She’ll be okay.”

“What a relief. You know, I actually caught the performance last night, too.”

“You did?”

“Mm-hmm. You’re both stunning, and your chemistry? Insane.” He paused, studying them for a moment, then gave a small nod. “It just so happens, I’m casting my next show in September, and you two would be perfect for it.”

Archer choked on his tongue while Breckon pulled two business cards out of his wallet, reaching up to hand one to each of them. “Send my assistant an email with your contact information. I want to make sure you’re at the auditions.”

“We will,” Archer rasped. “Thank you, Mr. Galloway.”

“Call me Breckon.” He paused and examined Mateo for a moment. “I saw Robin’s Egg twice. You have a gift. Broadway has missed you.”

Mateo gulped. “Thank you, sir.”

Breckon nodded. “We’ll talk soon.”

Betty winked at them as she followed Breckon back up the aisle. The sound of the door swinging closed echoed back at them.

They stared at each other.

“Did that just happen?” Archer asked.

“That just happened,” Mateo replied, a laugh bubbling up.

Archer jumped into Mateo’s arms.

Mateo caught him, as usual.

Epilogue

NEW YORK CITY—THIRTEEN MONTHS LATER

“Would you hurry up?” Mateo called.

“One second!” Archer replied.

“That’s what you said five minutes ago!”

“But for real this time.” Archer gave himself one last look in the mirror, then stepped out of the bathroom, arms wide in a ta-da! pose. “How do I look?” His navy suit fit him perfectly, a recent bespoke purchase.

Mateo’s mouth fell open. “You look … wow. Amazing.”

“Naw.” Archer swatted at Mateo, then reached to straighten his bow tie. His suit was dark gray, highlighting his wide shoulders and slim waist. “You look amazing.”

Mateo took hold of Archer’s hips and kissed him soundly.

“Okay, we both look amazing,” Archer allowed, once his lips were free again.

“Yes, and we will both be late. Get your sexy ass in the elevator.”

“Pshhh.” Archer waved a dismissive hand on his way out the door. “Lynn knows I’m always late. In fact, I bet she gave me a fake time.”

Mateo rolled his eyes as he locked their apartment behind him. “She did not. I checked. The reception is actually at six. She trusted me to get you there on time.”

“Oh. Well then, shit, we’d better hurry up.”

Mateo grabbed his hand and squeezed it as they hurried to the elevator. “You’re lucky you’re cute.”

Archer squeezed his hand back. “You love me.”

The doors slid shut behind them. Mateo took his chin, eyes dark, and kissed him again. “Yes, I do.”

Archer’s heart fluttered. He never got tired of hearing that.

The first time was twelve months ago, the morning of their audition for Breckon Galloway.