Love is Always Write Anthology Volume 3

and then hovered close, nudging me until I had to walk sideways. I nudged him back, turning it into a game. Once we were just feet away from the car, I slowed down, hoping for these last few minutes to just freeze.
    "Well?" He unraveled from me and allowed me to unlock the driver's door.
    "Well... I had a really good time."
    "Same here." His eyes narrowed and glinted in the moonlight. I leaned back against the car, and he wrapped his arms around my waist. "I'm going back to campus tomorrow."
    There was a twinge of anticipation rising through me. "I'm kind of stuck here for another week. Jamie wants to see her family for a little longer."
    "Oh." His smile wavered as he pulled away and began to dig into his pocket. "Well, do you have a pen?" He had his father's business card in his hand. "I'll give you my number."
    "Yeah." I dipped back inside the car and dug in the cluttered console for a pen. "I'll definitely call," I added excitedly.
    Ben jotted down his number on the back of the business card and handed it to me. I already couldn't wait to get back to my dorm and call him. Matter of fact, I really didn't want the night to end.
    After I stuffed the card in my jeans pocket, I held him close, seeking his lips.
    A heavy breath caught in his throat, and after a short kiss he broke away. "What happened to your friends, anyway?"
    "They probably went back to the hotel," I said with a shrug. "Besides, it's good they're not here."
    "Is it?"
    I couldn't possibly let him in on the bet. Instead, I buried my head in his broad chest. "I can see if Jamie wants to leave early," I whispered, hoping she would approve and we could be back at campus earlier than planned.
    Ben braced his hands against my shoulders. "You don't have to." His warm breath wafted through my hair. "It's only a week, right?"
    I lifted my head and stared into his eyes, their handsome hazel color barely visible in the dark. "Then, I'll call tomorrow. Bright and early." I chuckled as I eased out of his caress and sank down into the driver's seat.
    "Hey now, I'm usually not up before ten in the morning." Ben grasped hold of the door.
    "Neither am I," I said with a wink.
    He smiled and stepped away from the door. "Well, have a good night, Chase."
    "Yeah, you too." I hesitated to start the car. I couldn't wait to hear his voice again, tomorrow couldn't come soon enough.
    As I backed out of the parking lot, Ben stayed behind, watching as I pulled out on to the road. I'd already begun to miss him: his warmth, and kiss, and smile. But I could wait.
    THE END
    Author bio: Azalea Moone is a 30 – something writer of M/M fiction. Born and raised in the Midwest agricultural region, Azalea loved to write horror and suspense short stories in her teens. She wrote in school while in class, with her head down and pen in hand, she'd travel into her wonderland of horror, usually consisting of vampires. Two years ago, she turned her attention to m/m romance.
    She enjoys writing and reading both contemporary and paranormal romance genres, with a continuous interest in vampires. But she also has a new-found interest in sci-fi and fantasy. Someday, she wishes to work those interests into a story.
    When she's not writing, she's either gaming on the computer, browsing the interwebs, or spending time with family. She loves computer art and dabbles in various computer art programs such as Poser, 3DMax, and Photoshop.
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FRIEZE FRAME
    by Cari Z

    Another day, another kick in the ass by that stupid horse. You would think that after all these thousands of years I'd be okay with imprint of a horseshoe on my backside but I have to tell you it's getting old. If I had it to do over, I think I might reconsider telling my king's mage she was so grotesque she could freeze a man (and apparently a horse and chariot) in stone..
    ~ Issa

    genre: fantasy
    tags: magic; mythical creatures; hurt/comfort; humor
    word count: 8,764
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    FRIEZE FRAME
    by Cari Z
    A funny thing happened on the way to the battle…
    Actually, it happened during the battle. And really, it wasn't very funny at the time. It did play a significant role in our victory, though, so I suppose I should be glad. I'm not —not then and not now, thousands of years later—but a proper warrior would be. I think it's completely unfair that Ligia ended up being feted like a queen after the Athenian defeat, but technically her actions did lead our army to triumph. They