Horizons (Horizons Series) by Ashling Mickie B

Author:Ashling, Mickie B. [Ashling, Mickie B.]
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Published: 2013-07-08T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 16

WE WERE still out on the deck wrapped in a warm blanket. The sun had long gone, and the night air had turned chilly as we huddled together for warmth. Jody’s head was on my chest, his silky hair tickling me with every breath, and I blew at it and watched it float around him for a second and then settle back down again.

He had seemed so vulnerable when he was telling me about his former lover, and I questioned the wisdom of our attraction. Being with me would only lead to more heartache for him if I didn’t step up to the plate and own up to this.

“Jo.”

“What?”

“Do you ever worry about us?”

“I’m trying to live in the moment, Clark.”

“This thing between us isn’t letting up, is it?”

“No.”

I was so tempted to come right out and say it. Did gay men even say the words I love you? There was so much I didn’t know about his world. I felt like an explorer on the adventure of a lifetime, yet I was completely unprepared and afraid. All I had was the shirt on my back and a heart full of hope and love.

“Do you ever regret being with Rick?” I nuzzled his neck and licked at his ear, enjoying the sensation of him squirming underneath me. It was empowering to know that I had this kind of effect on him. The chemistry between us continued to increase with each new level of intimacy.

“I have few regrets in my life, and Rick Roman will never be one of them.”

“So the short time you had was worth all the pain afterward?”

“I wouldn’t trade a single one of those days for anything. He was a unique person, Clark. I learned so much from him about being gay. He taught me to be proud, to stand up to scrutiny with my head held high. Even when he was at the end of his life, his sense of self never wavered.”

“I’m starting to get a little jealous of a dead man.”

Jody turned and looked at me. His eyes were a pool of warm taffy, shimmering in the glow of the tiki lamps we’d lit earlier in the evening. He placed a hand on my face and outlined my lips with his thumb, never releasing me from his gaze. “Don’t be jealous,” he said in a voice that I could barely hear. “You’ve got something that Rick could never have.”

“What’s that?”

“You have a future with me.”

I bent to kiss him, moaning when he opened his mouth to accept me so easily. I didn’t have to hear the words to know what he was saying, but I had to tell him how I felt. The words were fighting to come out.

“Jo-Jo.”

“Hmm?”

“I really… care… for you.”

“I care for you too.”

“Don’t give up on me, okay?”

“I’m not going anywhere, Clark.”

“Thank you.” We held on to each other, and even though I was comforted by the closeness, the conversation unsettled me.

“Jo?”

“What?”

“I’m hungry.”

“You’re always hungry.” Jody laughed gently. “Shall we order some pizza?”

“No, I think I want a bowl of Frosted Flakes.

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