A Bid For Love

for the ruffles." A hard kiss blanked his mind for an instant before Scott pulled away. "Somehow, though, I don't see you as being into that." The smile nearly blinded Asher. "Honey, it's going to be all right. Whatever comes, we have each other."
    Driving out of the parking garage together, leaving the day behind, felt even better. Asher did raise a brow, though, when Scott asked to stop at his apartment.
    "I haven't been back here since we got back from Italy. I ought to at least check the mail." Scott's broad shoulders lifted. "Long as we're here, I just wondered if maybe it was time I packed a bigger bag. Up to you, of course."
    A very large semi slammed into Asher's chest. A bigger bag. "I..." His mind skipped and skidded over a dozen slippery surfaces he really didn't want to deal with, focusing on a future where Scott slept each night in Asher's arms. "I think a bigger suitcase is definitely in order." He swallowed. "Maybe...two suitcases?" He wished he dared say more, but with Eva just outing them, perhaps he should wait. Let Scott have time to realize what life as a couple was going to be like.
    "You sure, babe?" Scott's fingers wrapped his again as they stopped. "I mean, you've got your place just so and I dunno as the Elvis prints and basketball jerseys are going to work. I'm not pushing... Well, okay, maybe a little, but I just want us to be together, in whatever way you're comfortable."
    Asher laughed. "We're trying to protect each other again, I think. I'd love to have you and your assorted paraphernalia in my house, Scott. If I'd found a woman to live with me, don't you think she'd have had her own collection of items? I suspect she'd want to rearrange everything I own." He luxuriated in the feel of Scott's hand for a moment. "I don't mind your sports jerseys or your Elvis prints. We'll turn one of the guest bedrooms into a den just for you. And we'll shop for things we both like for the rest of the house. I...I want my home to be your home." He drew a deep breath. There, he'd said it. Not pushing as Scott said, but definitely making it clear how much he wanted this relationship to survive.
    "Aw, darlin'. C'mere, quick." Scott opened the passenger door and sprinted for the entrance to his building.
    Asher blinked again and followed, a bit slower perhaps. Scott hadn't said he approved. Just ran for the building.
    Of course, being pulled into the apartment, pressed against the nearest vertical surface and kissed senseless might count as approval. Asher gasped and allowed his lover to lead. Heated words flowed over him when Scott pulled back for an instant.
    "God, you're pure amazing, baby."
    Asher's ability to think fled under an onslaught of fervent kisses. A hand grasping him tight and squeezing didn't aid his reason at all.
    "And every inch of you feels great."
    To have this always... Asher let a new thought solidify in his mind, or at least as soon as he caught Scott's hand and brought it to his lips. "Later, sweetheart. Let's get the start of your stuff and go home. We'll come back this weekend and get the rest. I find the urge to romance you properly has risen up and demands satisfaction." There were preparations to make.
    Scott's grin made it hard to concentrate on leaving and delaying the gratification Asher knew he'd find in his lover's arms. "Well, all right then! I like your romantic urges." A quick kiss and final grope before Scott stepped back. "So, you have a spot for my favorite black velvet Elvis?"
    "Uh..." Lord. Black velvet. It's an art form. It is. Isn't it? He hoped his diplomatic mask managed to cover the panic. "I'm sure we can find..." It's his. Panic melted. "I'm sure there's a perfect spot for it among my art collection." I'll learn to love it. Okay, I'll pretend to love it. I love him. It's enough.
    A twinkle blossomed in Scott's eyes, a glow so full of love and joy Asher could feel it caressing his skin. "Would you, baby? Would you truly let me hang black velvet Elvis on your living room wall?"
    "I..." The living room? He had to take a breath. "It might go better in the space off the dining room. That's where my more...modern...paintings are displayed." Scott's grin melted the last of his walls. "Oh, hell, love, hang it wherever you want."
    The twinkle spread to that broad smile. "Asher Hall, I do love you. And one day, I'll go out and buy a black velvet painting just to watch your expression." Strong hands cradled his face an instant before warm lips settled over his. "I don't