A Bid For Love

with his chuckle. "Wish I'd have known, darlin'. But better now than never. Looks like I got the jackpot I was hoping for." He spooned Asher close, forms fitting so well Asher couldn't decide if he were already asleep and dreaming or not.

Chapter 4
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    "Aw, now that's just not fair." Scott grinned as Asher walked out of the bathroom, straightening his polo shirt over his waist. "I was plotting revenge for getting shoved up against the shower yesterday. And you're done already."
    "Well, you did say you wanted to take me sightseeing first thing." Asher's smile lit up all the dim corners of Scott's heart. And stole his breath when Asher leaned close and delivered one of those mind-exploding kisses. Perfect. Just completely perfect. "And if memory serves, you weren't shoved against the wall; you put yourself there."
    "True. But you're the one who picked the locale in the first place." God, how good it felt to still have their banter along with everything else. Scott didn't think he could have taken losing the wit in the name of the romance. Just more jackpot. He reached for another of the little egg pastry things that had come with the finest room-service breakfast he'd ever laid eyes on. "So, what's best to see first? You've been here before."
    Blue eyes lit up as Asher stepped toward the open doors to the patio. "Oh, Portofino's steeped in history. There are some beautiful old cathedrals up on the hillsides, exquisite collections of tapestry and architecture. I know of at least three Renaissance art museums, and..." Asher turned, and the smirk Scott knew too well curved full lips. "Or we can just go for a walk and drink it all in. I'm sure there are plenty of cafes and shops to visit as well."
    For that particular tease Scott had the ideal response. He stood and moved to take one of those lean, elegant hands in his own. "Sounds good. Any of it. As long as it makes you smile."
    " Buonjourno! " A bright greeting echoed up from the street.
    They weren't standing far enough out on the patio to be seen, but Scott felt the flinch of his lover's hand and saw a flash of panic cross those fair features. He kept his own expression neutral. You knew it wouldn't be easy, cowboy. Last night was one-to-one. Today's a whole 'nother rodeo. "So what should I put on, Ash? Something fit for museums, or wandering the streets, or both?"
    He was just grateful how well it had all gone so far. He'd expected it to take most, if not all, the weekend to seduce Asher into bed. The sore spot in his gut was worth it all. He offered his best smile to his lover. "You look good enough for anything."
    "I, uh..." For the longest moment, it seemed Asher would bolt, head back into the room, declare it all a mistake and quite probably crawl under the bed for the rest of the weekend. Scott watched the battle play across his lover's dear face. A hard swallow worked its way down Asher's throat. "Uh, casual's fine. It's not like we have to impress anyone." His blue gaze would no longer quite meet Scott's.
    "Honey?" Scott squeezed the hand he held with extreme gentleness. "It's all right. We'll take it as slow as you want. This is Italy and no one knows us. We're...anonymous here. And no one has to know when we get back until you're ready." He'd thought about that long and hard and decided it could be a double-edged sword if he wasn't careful. "I'm so proud to say I'm yours, but I can be quiet about it until you feel the same.."
    Asher took a minute before he looked up again. "I...I don't even know why I'm afraid."
    Poor sweet man. "It's a big change in your life, baby. You aren't used to being with anyone. And now you have me. Probably not the way you ever thought life would turn out." Scott leaned in for a gentle kiss. "I love you enough to see us through while you get used to the idea."
    Damn, that blank expression said more than any raised brow or surprised gasp could. And the glow of shy gratitude lighting Asher's eyes warmed Scott all over again. He'd never get tired of how eloquent the nuances of his lover's face could be. Strong, lean fingers twined with his and Asher returned the kiss fully.
    Scott lost himself in their kiss, as luxurious as the room around them. He could envision a lifetime of kisses keeping him more than satisfied. When Asher finally pulled away, Scott felt ready to float around the town. "Come on, darlin', keep me company while I dress and I'll let you lead me all over town if you want."

    * * * *
    Strong fingers cradled Asher's