A Bid For Love

fulfilling as it was, felt like this. Complete.
    His lover's soft breathing comforted Asher's ears. Last night he'd drifted off to that sweet sound, lulled by the gentle music of having someone to love. Tonight, though, less comforting thoughts intruded, keeping him awake. How well would Scott sleep if Holly inadvertently let slip he now shared a bed with Asher? How would his darling handle that?
    Stop avoiding the real issue. How will you handle it? Damn his conscience, anyway. It was right, of course. Rumor and innuendo from the Neanderthals at work was one thing; actually facing the world with the fact he'd taken a man as lover was something else entirely. You nearly stopped breathing when it was just Holly. What happens when it's Warren? Or, God forbid, Eva?
    A shudder ran through him at the thought of Eva's cold, deadly glare. Her tongue would fillet him into bite-sized sushi. He twined his fingers with Scott's, careful not to wake his lover, but needing that contact and warmth to stave off the chill of his thoughts.
    Equally disturbing--more so, in fact--was the thought of walking away, playing it safe, breaking Scott's heart. Running back behind well-built walls of sarcasm and aloof...nonsense. Grown-up playacting so far removed from his soul it evoked that shiver in spite of his best efforts. No. No, he wouldn't hurt Scott. Not after his dearest went to so much trouble, took so much emotional risk, to plow through those walls in the first place.
    And, since his conscience insisted on complete honesty, Asher wasn't sure he could face an empty house after it had been so full of Scott's laughter. How would he ever sleep again if the big Texan's frame didn't fill half the bed and keep the worst of Asher's demons at bay? Shocked, he found the thought of being alone again more chilling than Eva's evil glare.
    Guess that settles that. It felt better, shock aside, to at least feel determined about something. He wouldn't walk away from this. It was far too precious. The silky texture of Scott's hair between his fingers warmed his soul, chasing away the tremors. On impulse, he eased his lips to the curve of Scott's ear. "I love you, Scott Jamison. With all my heart."
    The arm draping his middle tightened. "I've been waiting years to hear you say those words, Asher Hall." The whisper blended with the soft sigh of the wind in the oak outside Asher's window. A long, slow breath of purest contentment eased from gently smiling lips. "It's all I've ever really wanted. Someone like you to love me as much as I love him. My heart's yours."
    "I'm sorry if I woke you." Though the sight of those blue eyes softened by moonlight made the apology a little less sincere.
    "Darlin', it's worth waking up to hear. I wasn't really asleep anyway. Just dozing a bit." Scott snuggled a bit closer. "You're an amazingly comfortable pillow. Besides, I figured you'd be awake and I thought I'd be here if you wanted to talk."
    "Not talk so much. Kisses sound good, though." Asher settled his lips against Scott's temple. "But I think it's time I had a quiet talk with Warren about a transfer. We can't stay in the same unit much longer if we're a couple."
    Scott nodded even as he pulled Asher closer for those requested kisses. "Can't say I like the thought of not sitting across from you, but I know you're right." Strong lips settled over Asher's, a mobile tongue seeking a slow waltz.
    Asher savored the depth of emotion in so simple a thing as a kiss and warm body close against his. He'd made the right decision. Whatever crap he had to put up with, having Scott's love would more than compensate.

Chapter 7
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    "Warren, got a minute?" Asher let out the breath he'd been holding for the last twenty seconds as smoothly as he could. It's the right decision.
    His supervisor looked up, faint inquiry tainted with heavy disinterest. "Sure. Anything to distract me from reports is a blessing." He set his pen down with obvious reluctance and motioned to the chair in from of his desk. "Make yourself comfortable."
    As expected, dark brows rose when Asher closed the door. They climbed more as Warren took in the form Asher held out to him. Warren's expression said, God, what now, with HD clarity. Exasperation lived in the way his fingers snatched the sheets from Asher's hand.
    "I have an important matter to discuss with you."
    "Well, that explains the door. What's up?" A hint of trepidation warred with weariness in Warren's eyes.
    Not unexpected. He had never really