The waitress arrived with their meals, and Aiden just stared at the burger he’d looked forward to eating just a few minutes ago. One glance across the table showed him Marc was doing the same thing.
He grabbed the ketchup bottle and poured some onto his plate, offering the bottle to Marc, who shook his head. “So, when do you leave?”
“I haven’t made a decision yet. About moving, I mean. I have a couple of days until I have to let them know. If I stay, I can go back to my old department, but will most likely be out of a job by the end of the year. Our company spun off our division and part of it is moving to Chicago. If I go, it would be within a few weeks.”
Aiden took a bite of his burger. It tasted like cardboard at the moment. He knew it had to be him, because the burgers at this bar were amazing. His heart thudded against his chest as the hope he’d had only moments ago disappeared. He glanced out the window and wasn’t surprised to see the darkening clouds moving over the lake. Perfect. Just perfect.
“What do you think I should do?” Marc asked, dragging a French fry around his plate.
Shit. Aiden wanted to tell him to stay. Order him to stay. Tell Marc he needed him. But they’d just met and he had no right to say those things. Even if they had been a couple, he wouldn’t have that right. This was about Marc’s career. And if Aiden asked him to stay, Marc could possibly end up hating him if things didn’t work out.
He chose his words carefully when he spoke. “I can’t tell you what to do, Marc. I can’t make that decision for you.”
Marc lifted his head and stared wide-eyed across the table. “You don’t care if I move?”
“That’s not what I meant.” He raked his hand through his hair in frustration. This wasn’t going well. Raindrops splatted the window as the clouds opened up. He watched the water roll down the window until it disappeared from sight. He glanced back at Marc and his heart rose to his throat. He was so open. So vulnerable. Looking at Aiden with huge round eyes. Marc was the most beautiful man he’d ever seen and the words poured out of him.
“I want you to stay. Damn, Marc. I want to beg you stay. I’ve never felt like this. One kiss and I knew I was sunk. When you were in my bed, I never wanted you to leave. I had visions of waking up with you every morning. And yes, we just met. We don’t know a lot about each other. But I can’t ignore the way I feel and every cell in my body is screaming ‘don’t let him go.’” He shook his head. “This connection I feel with you…is strong. Powerful. As much as I want to go caveman on you and carry you to my cabin, I can’t. I can’t make you stay. I can’t ask you to stay. You have to stay because you want to. That’s the only way it could work between us. If I asked you to stay, you could grow to resent me.”
Marc blinked several times as he listened to Aiden’s words. “You’re right. I have to make my own decision.”
Aiden had completely lost his appetite and Marc was still dragging around that damn French fry, so he caught the waitress’s eye and gestured her over. “We have to leave. Can you get us a couple of to-go boxes and the bill?”
She nodded and said she’d be right back.
“You okay with that?” he asked Marc.
Marc’s shoulders slumped and he nodded.
She returned quickly with the containers and the bill and Aiden reached for his wallet, but Marc shook his head. “I invited you.”
Aiden wasn’t going to fight him.
Within a couple of minutes, they exited and stood under the awning, out of the rain. The wind sprayed them with droplets and Aiden wiped the water from Marc’s face. He stroked his cheek, wondering if this would be the last time he’d see him. Marc stepped closer, looking up at him through dark lashes, and Aiden couldn’t help himself. He cupped his cheek, the skin soft under his fingers. “Marc, I—”
Marc threw his arms around Aiden’s neck, stopping his words with a kiss that ran through Aiden. He didn’t care who saw them as he gave in, sliding his arms around Marc. They kissed slowly, languidly, as if they had all the time in the world. As if they weren’t saying goodbye. He didn’t know. Maybe they weren’t. He pulled away and Marc stepped back, his fingers flying to his lips.
Aiden watched him dash into the rain to his car. He continued standing there until Marc left, then made his way to his motorcycle and donned his helmet, not giving a damn about the rain.
The draw he’d felt to Marc burned through him, still strong. He couldn’t shake the feeling his future had driven away in the rain. Even as he also drove home, he had the crazy idea to turn around and head to Marc’s. Tell him he was wrong. Beg him to stay. But he didn’t even know where the man lived.
By the time he got home, he was drenched and peeled off his clothes at the front door, stripping down to nothing and carrying everything to the hamper. He’d start a load later, but right then, he just wanted to dry off. He grabbed a clean towel from the linen closet and slid it across his skin. The helmet had kept his hair mostly dry, so he wrapped the towel around his waist just as he remembered he’d left his dinner at the bar. Shit.
He opened his fridge and stared at the nearly empty interior. Hadn’t he just purchased groceries? Apparently not enough. But he had beer. He grabbed a bottle, then rummaged through his small pantry. He found a bag of chips and settled on the sofa. With a click, he turned on the TV, settling on the news. He was already depressed, so why the hell not, right?
He gulped his beer, enjoying the cool liquid flowing down his throat. Normally, he wasn’t a huge drinker, but this evening, he might down more than a couple. Rain continued to pour, and he got up and opened the drapes so he could look at the lake. Usually he liked being holed up inside during a rainy day or night. He liked to use the time to read or catch up on his DVR. Sometimes he even napped. He thought about putting on some George Michael, but decided that would just be a reminder of what he was losing.
How had it come to this? How had he fallen so hard for a man he barely knew? He had no answers. Aiden just knew he’d never felt like this. Never ached to wrap his arms around a man and hold him. The sex was hot, but he imagined he would even be happy to just hold Marc’s hand.
Damn, he needed to quit thinking about him.
The doorbell rang.
Aiden wondered, who was bat-shit-crazy enough to be out in this weather?
Chapter 10
Marc
The door opened and Aiden gaped at him. With water dripping off Marc, he stepped forward and grabbed the other man’s shoulders.
Aiden enveloped Marc in his arms and pulled him inside, lifting him and kicking the door closed. Marc’s body hummed as Aiden’s mouth covered his, quickly taking complete possession of him in a burning, tongue-dueling, ferocious kiss that cleared any doubts he’d had about turning around when he was halfway home.
He ran his hands through Aiden’s hair and shuddered when the man growled into Marc’s mouth. He plastered his chest to Aiden’s and gave in to the all-consuming sensations coursing through his veins. He rolled his hips and Aiden tore his mouth away, staring at him with hunger in his eyes.
“Why?” he barked.
Marc didn’t need to ask what he meant. “I feel it, too. I’m staying. I’ll find another job. I know it’s quick, but I—”
Aiden’s lips captured his, interrupting his babbling. He closed his eyes and gave himself over as Aiden deepened the kiss and his hands kneaded his ass. A shiver ran through him and Aiden pulled back. “Fuck, what was I thinking? You’re drenched and freezing.”
Marc slid down his body and yanked off his T-shirt. “Where should I put my wet clothes?”
Aiden just stared at him. “You’re so goddamned beautiful.”
Heat flooded Marc, and instead of feeling shy about his body, he felt empowered. He handed Aiden his wet shirt as he kicked off his shoes. He kept his eyes on Aiden’s face as he slid off the wet jeans, pulling off his boxer briefs at the same time. His dick slapped upward and he shivered at the raw desire he saw in Aiden’s eyes.
He bent down to
pick up his clothes, feeling Aiden’s gaze on him. Marc handed over the rest of his clothes and Aiden deposited them on top of the washer at the other end of the room. His eyes darkened as he stared at Marc.
“Any reason for me to dry these right away?”
Marc breathed in deeply. Aiden wanted him to stay the night. He shook his head and Aiden smiled, dropping his towel to the floor.
Marc licked his lips eagerly. Aiden’s cock was beautiful. Rigid and flushed red, the mushroom head swollen and angry.
“Stroke yourself,” Aiden said as he walked across the room. “Let me see you touch yourself.”
Marc obeyed immediately, his hand fisting his cock. He trembled as Aiden watched, his heart racing. He liked this. Wanted this. His hand slid up and down his dick, while his other tweaked his hard nipple.
“Fuck, you’re so hot.” Aiden kissed his cheek.
Marc shivered again. He wanted Aiden to take charge. How did he say that? “Will you…do you still want to…take care of me?” His voice trembled as he laid his needs out on display. He couldn’t bring himself to look up at Aiden.
Aiden crooked a finger under his chin until they stared at each other. “Always,” he said, his voice firm.
Fire jolted down Marc’s spine and he whimpered.
“You can say it, baby,” Aiden whispered. “I know you want Daddy to make you feel good.”
Fuck. His dick jumped and he felt the liquid beading out. “Daddy,” he whispered.
Aiden led him into the bedroom. He lay on the bed and patted the space next to him. Marc hurried to stretch out, settling on his side, his arm thrown across Aiden’s chest.
They lay quietly, his fingers trailed along Aiden’s chest, teasing the nipples.
Aiden grabbed his hand. “Promise me you’re not going to disappear tonight?” He asked, his voice husky.
“I promise. I’m not going anywhere.”
Aiden pulled Marc on top of him. Marc loved the way their skin felt against each other. Aiden’s cock jutted up between Marc’s thighs while his pressed against the man’s flat belly. He kissed Aiden, pressing his lips to the man’s cheek and kissing along his jawline.
“I need you,” he whispered. He didn’t want to wait. He rolled over, opened the nightstand drawer, and felt around until he grasped the lube and a condom.
Aiden chuckled. “Eager much?”
Marc swatted at him. “Shut up and let me put this on you.” He tore the foil with his teeth.
“Give me the lube, then.”
Marc shook his head. “I want to do it,” he admitted, his cheeks heating. Touching himself in front of Aiden had lit something inside. He wanted to be on display for him.
Aiden groaned. “Fuck, yes.”
Marc climbed between his legs, and before he rolled on the condom, he licked the swollen tip, watching Aiden squirm. He kissed the top, then swirled his tongue all around the shaft. Marc wanted to ride that big, hard dick. He moaned at the thought.
Aiden grabbed his head. “You keep that up, you’re going to make me come too fast.”
Marc gazed up at him. “Well, we can’t have that, can we…Daddy?”
“Get yourself ready.”
He loved the way Aiden sounded when he ordered him to do something. Being submissive in the bedroom made him crazy, but he had no desire to carry it out in their real life, like he’d heard some people do. No, he just wanted to keep their play between themselves.
He rolled on the condom, squeezed lube onto his fingers, and got on his hands and knees, his ass facing Aiden. He reached behind and wet his hole. The bed shifted as Aiden sat up. He pulled one of Marc’s cheeks to the side, his eyes glazing over with lust.
Marc loved it and pushed in a finger, biting his lip at the slight burn.
“Gorgeous,” Aiden whispered, gripping Marc’s ass tighter. “Watching you prep yourself for me is…the hottest thing I’ve ever imagined. You’re so fucking beautiful.”
Marc slid his finger in and out several times before he added another finger. “I have to be ready for that monster cock of yours.” Not that he minded. God, he wanted to feel Aiden inside him again.
Marc worked to stretch himself. He turned back to see Aiden watching the little show, his hand on his cock, stroking fast.
He pulled out his fingers and wiped them on the sheets before he turned and straddled Aiden.
“I want to ride you, Daddy. Please?”
Aiden grinned. “Oh, yeah. That’s perfect.”
He rose up on his knees and reached back to guide him inside. When he felt the head at his opening, he took a deep breath and began to slide down, slowly taking him inch by inch. He groaned at the pain, but pushed through while he closed his eyes.
“Fuck, you’re so tight, baby.”
Marc opened his eyes and found Aiden watching him. He traced the hard lines and dips of Aiden’s body. He could touch him all night. He slid the rest of the way down.
“Jesus,” Aiden exclaimed. “You’re like a hot vice.”
Marc moved his hips and moaned.
“You like riding Daddy?”
Marc threw back his head as pain turned to pleasure. He squeezed around Aiden’s shaft and smiled when the man moaned.
“Tell me how it feels,” Aiden asked.
Marc moaned. “I love having you deep inside. It makes me feel whole. Like I’m finally complete. I’ve never felt that way,” he admitted, no embarrassment that he sounded needy.
Aiden stroked his face. “That’s because we need each other. I feel the same way.”
Marc’s chest expanded, and electricity jolted through him as he rode Aiden. The head of the cock brushed that spot deep inside and he cried Aiden’s name.
Soon, Aiden thrust upward, slamming into him.
“Yes. Fuck, yes,” Marc cried, jacking his cock.
“Come for Daddy,” Aiden ordered.
His release exploded out of him, dripping onto Aiden’s chest. He rode the waves of pleasure, colors swirling before his eyes.
Aiden thrust up hard, then his hips froze as his own orgasm ripped through him.
Marc lay his head on Aiden’s chest and closed his eyes as he drifted down from the high.
Aiden rolled his hips again and wrapped his arms around Marc. “I want to keep you in my arms forever.”
Marc smiled, his lips pressed against Aiden’s neck. He had a feeling he’d be doing just that most every night of his life. He wasn’t sure how he knew, but he knew.
Epilogue
Aiden
Newly fallen snow blanketed Wesley Lake. Water dripped from leafless trees, forming icicles. Moonlight shimmered off the branches as Aiden watched from the large window. A glance at the clock told him Marc should be home any minute. He’d been working late hours as he trained at his new job.
They’d been thrilled when he’d landed a job at an office closer to the lake, and so far, Marc had liked the new place and his colleagues. For a time, Aiden had worried Marc wouldn’t find something he liked and would regret his decision to stay in the Kansas City area.
Roast beef with carrots, onions, and potatoes sat warming on the stove, and he’d set the table, adding a candle and dimming the lights. He wasn’t very good at being romantic—or cooking, for that matter—but he thought it looked nice. The evening was important.
He snorted. Important? More like life-changing, world-rocking, biggest-decision-of-his-life kind of important.
Ever since he’d met Marc, they’d sped down the road of life together. He’d never believed in meeting someone and just knowing you were meant to be together, but it had taken only two dates and he’d known Marc was his soulmate. Hell, if he was honest, he’d admit he’d felt that the day they’d met. Fourth of July. Luckily, Marc had felt the same because he’d turned down the job in Chicago, and within a month, he had moved into the cabin with Aiden.
Their friends thought it was too soon. Too fast. But he and Marc had known it was right. Just like tonight was right. Seven months to the day
they’d met.
Aiden checked his pocket for the box one more time and ignored the nerves jangling around in his belly. Yes, this was right.
The door opened, bringing a gust of cold air, and Marc stomping snow from his boots. Aiden hurried to kiss his cheek and hang his coat in the closet.
“Wow,” Marc remarked, taking in the scene. He smiled. “Something smells great, too.”
“Your favorite.”
Marc hugged him. “I thought so.” He sighed and sunk into the embrace. “Perfect way to end the day,” he murmured against Aiden’s chest. “I’ll never grow tired of coming home to you.”
Aiden’s heart soared and he hugged him tightly, then led him to the table.
Marc’s eyebrows arched at the candle.
“I got it today on the way home,” Aiden admitted, feeling sheepish. He wasn’t known for being the most romantic man on the planet.
Marc rose onto his tiptoes and placed a soft kiss on Aiden’s lips. “It’s beautiful.”
Soon, they sat down to dinner. They had a tradition that, before they talked about anything else, they’d both say something nice that happened during their days. It helped keep those stressful moments in perspective.
“You first,” Marc said as he speared a carrot on his fork.
“Okay.” Aiden smiled. “Today I had a little girl come in with her dad. She’d twisted her ankle when she fell down their stairs.”
Marc frowned. “That doesn’t sound very good.”
“Give me a second,” Aiden said, rolling his eyes. “Always so impatient.”
“Yeah, well, you usually love when I’m impatient,” he shot back, his eyes dancing in the firelight.
God, he really was beautiful. Aiden swallowed hard and tried to remember what he’d been talking about. “It was fine—not even a sprain. But while I was examining her ankle, she’d been crying until she saw my tattoos. She turned to her dad and asked if he had a crayon. When he asked why, she said she wanted to color ‘the pictures’ on my arm.”
Everything He Wants Page 7
