Leo went to the bathroom while Alex handled the cart.
Washed his face. Looked at himself in the mirror.
His cheeks were pink. His lips were pink. His eyes looked different—brighter, maybe, or softer, or both. He looked like someone who had just been kissed and was still feeling it.
He ran his hands under cold water.
Breathed.
When he came out, Alex had set the food on the small table by the window. Cart off to the side. Two plates. Two sets of chopsticks. A small candle on the table that definitely hadn't come from room service.
"You brought a candle," Leo said.
"It was in my bag." Alex didn't look up from arranging the dishes. "From the last time I was in a hotel. I took it."
"You stole a candle."
"I borrowed a candle."
"You're a celebrity. You can't steal candles."
Alex looked up. Smiled.
"No one saw me."
Leo shook his head. But he was smiling too.
He sat down across from Alex.
