Love is Always Write Anthology Volume 3

believe that happened. I picked a helluva time to go on vacation." She shook her head.
    "No, no. We're fine. You needed that vacation. This is just another bump in the road for us. We'll bounce back." Michael gave her what looked like a hopeful smile but he knew it was strained.
    "Well, all right. Let's get going." She grabbed Josh's bag from the couch and headed for the door.
    "See you in a few days, Josh. Be good. I love you." Michael kissed his forehead.
    "Love you, too, Daddy."
    And then they were gone.
    ****
    He was shaking like a leaf. He looked down the hallway after exiting the elevator. He felt like he was fifteen again and about to go on his first date. He walked down the hall, looking for the right room number. He wasn't sure what he was going to say when he faced him. He had been telling himself he just wanted to check on Joshua, but he knew it was more than that. He wanted that man, over him, under him, all around him. He'd had a week to think about it, fantasize about it, and dream about it.
    Well, there was no turning back now. He raised his hand, knocked on the door, and waited with baited breath.
    "Jace?" Michael looked surprised and a bit hesitant but fuck, his dreams and fantasies did not do him justice. He was wearing dark washed jeans and a black t-shirt. Damn, that man could look fine wearing nothing but a knapsack and covered in dirt. Jace kicked his brain back into gear and forced his mouth to work.
    "Michael. Hey. I just wanted to stop by see how you guys were doing." Jace could hear the shyness in his voice. He was supposed to be a grown man, dammit.
    "Oh well, you just missed Joshua. He's staying with my sister for a few days while I get some work done and find a new place."
    Michael couldn't help but ogle Jace. He had to be the most attractive man he'd ever seen. In just cargo pants and a t-shirt, the man was walking sex.
    "Oh, that's too bad. I guess I have rotten timing." He smiled and Michael could feel his heart speed up.
    "Come in," Michael stepped back and Jace walked in.
    "Can I get you a drink?" Michael offered as he closed the door.
    "No, I'm fine, thank you."
    Jace took a seat on the couch and Michael followed soon after.
    "How have you been doing?"
    Michael sighed.
    "I'm doing all right. Sometimes, I can't believe the total upheaval my life has taken. Everything my son and I had was gone with just one phone call." Michael shook his head, trying to dispel the horrible memories.
    Jace watched as Michael's eyes became clouded, and his light mood shifted to something dark. He did not like that look on him at all. It seemed as if he had aged a decade right in front of his eyes.
    "I can imagine. Have you found a place yet?" Jace said mostly to distract him, but also to watch his mouth move.
    "Josh and I looked at a few places. Nothing is concrete yet." Michael could feel Jace's eyes on him. He pretended to watch the TV, which was still playing cartoons, but really, he was hoping Jace would make the first move.
    Michael had had plenty of time to think about what he wanted Jace to do to him. He wanted those long fingers to pull at his hair as they kissed, to glide over his chest as he fucked Jace into the bed. His cock was straining against his jeans almost painfully now. If Jace didn't make a move soon, well, he would just have to do it himself.
    Jace could see Michael's manhood pushing against his jeans. He knew he was watching him, knew he wanted him. He could feel the heat coming off of him in waves.
    Fuck, he wanted him.
    What was holding him back though? Yes, the man was a bit vulnerable, but he also knew what he was doing. Yes, they both felt something for each other; why else would he be sitting on this couch in his hotel room? No, Jace was not exactly sure if he wanted to continue with the relationship should something entirely new result from it. But Jace had a feeling that getting involved with this man would change his life. For the better. And just like when he ran into that house and rescued that boy, even though his chief said the house was empty, he had a feeling, one he could not resist. And he would not resist Michael anymore.
    "Michael," Jace hardly recognized his own voice. It was low and gravelly, as if he'd just woken up.
    Michael shivered.
    Jace moved across the couch until his thigh touched Michael's. He twisted his body and brought his right hand to rest on Michael's strong back. His left hand touched Michael's chin, turning his head to face his. Michael's grey