Bonedust

kissed him long and hard and then curled an arm around his waist, drawing him down to the mattress. They lay together, breathing in tune and Gabriel knew one thing for certain: He could spend eternity with Urban and be happy. His heart thumped at the thought of the rest of his life, curled up in bed together every single night and waking to the man’s beautiful face every morning. But in his thoughts, he didn’t have to live in fear of Jeremie…
    He pressed his face into the crook of Urban’s neck, enjoying the smell of his skin. He couldn’t control the future, even if he wanted to. He planted a kiss at the man’s jaw, then rested his head against Urban’s.
    All he had—all they had—was the now.

Chapter Thirteen

    His dreams were of a little crystal shop and the man he’d been there with. The man he’d loved with every scrap of his soul, only to leave picking up the pieces…
    “I want to take you somewhere,” Urban announced as the door swung open and Gabriel came out of the bathroom. The man wore only a pair of jeans that hung on one hip just low enough to kick start Urban’s imagination and kick out all thoughts of Dante Saunders. His lips curved at the naughty ideas swirling in his mind, but shoved them away; now was not the time.
    “Oh? You’re going to take me out on a date?” Gabriel grinned, his hair hanging in wet curls around his face, rivulets of water sliding down his chest. He flopped down beside Urban onto the bed and Urban wrapped both arms around the man. He rested his chin on Gabriel’s shoulder.
    “Is that an issue? Because if it is…” His lips pressed against Gabriel’s neck, gently drawing blood to the surface of his skin. Gabriel squirmed and nipped at his jaw, teeth lightly grazing. Urban drew back with a satisfied smile. “I’ve already got a place picked out. You’re going to love it.”
    Gabriel couldn’t hide his surprise and the child-like smile that spread across his face like a ray of sunshine warmed Urban’s heart. He tugged the man closer, kissing his neck once more before pulling him down to the mattress with him. “You look happier than I’ve ever seen you,” he murmured, his forehead pressed against the heat of Gabe’s shoulder.
    “Is that an issue?” Gabe shot back, twisting in his arms so that they were nose to nose. Urban rolled his eyes and Gabriel kissed him chastely on the lips. “I am happy, Urban. Sure, I’m still afraid at night, when Jeremie threatens to burst out of the shadows in the form of a greasy crow, but during the day? I feel happy. I feel…” He paused, nibbling on his lower lip and Urban was pleased to see the faintest of pinks coloring his cheeks. “Safe. With you.”
    His heart kicked in his chest. “I’m glad. I want you to feel safe.”
    They lay together for a few moments, basking in the sound of their breathing in-tune, before Gabriel spoke again. “So where are you taking me?”
    “Ah, ah, but that’s a secret,” he replied, pulling himself up off the bed. He rocked back on the balls of his feet. “But we should probably get going while we have daylight left. It’s the most beautiful when the sun is shining. So get up, get dressed. Let’s go!”
    At the words, Pandora barked and placed her paws against Urban’s chest. “Aw, babe, not you,” he cooed, scratching her ears. Her tail wagged, threatening to knock everything off the bedside table with one swipe. “How about this—we’ll take you out on a run when we get back. I promise.” When her eyes met his, he could’ve sworn she was scowling. “I swear! Really!”
    Fifteen minutes later, Urban and Gabriel were headed down the snow-crusted street, hands linked together and swinging between them. Gabriel hesitated as they came across Angel’s Aerbus station, but Urban tugged him up the stairs and led him down the aisle.
    “Just a little road trip,” he said, picking a seat near the back. The bus was filled with people bundled up in scarves and hats, chatting amiably to one another as the bus skimmed along the road.
    Urban pulled a long strip of violet cloth out of his pocket. He waved it a little, catching the confused look on his lover’s face. “I want it to be a total surprise.” He paused, cupping Gabe’s cheek in his hand, stroking fingers across his jaw. “Do you trust me?”
    “Yes.” And the tone of his voice said he meant it as he settled against the back of the seat. Urban slid the fabric up and covered Gabriel’s eyes, tying it