Love is Always Write Anthology Volume 7

Did he? Had he ever stopped caring about the man? The only reason he hadn't tried to contact him was because he thought Devon wanted some distance from him. They'd been excellent friends before they started having sex. Yeah, he still cared about him. Maybe even loved him. Kaleb shrugged and answered honestly. "I'm not really sure, Bry. I care about him. I worried and wondered how he was doing. I suppose that is some form of love. It doesn't take away from what I feel for you."
    Bryce nodded and squeezed his hand. "I think I like him too. I've been watching him on the job, and we've had a few conversations. He's a pretty great guy."
    "And he makes you come like a fountain," Kaleb bitterly added.
    "Heh. Yeah, there is that too." Bryce smiled. Kaleb winced and looked away from the way his lover's eyes lit up. "Oh, hey. Kay...? He turned Kaleb's head to meet his eyes. "You could do the same. You used to, in the beginning. Remember?"
    "Not like that, I didn't."
    "You could learn," Devon said. Neither of them had noticed their guest re-entering the room. How much had he heard? "I care about you too, Kaleb."
    Kaleb glanced in his ex's direction and his mouth dropped open. Devon strode across the room, magnificently naked and hard as steel. He groaned remembering how Devon felt inside of him. The sound of Bryce's moan brought Kaleb's eyes back to him, and he saw Bryce's cock miraculously twitch to life again.
    "And, Bryce," Devon continued as he climbed onto the bed with them, "you're great. I know what Kaleb sees in you. I like you a lot."
    Turning to gauge Bryce's reaction to all of this, Kaleb kissed him lightly. "Baby?"
    In answer, Bryce grabbed Devon's hand, yanking him down on top of himself. "Kiss him," Bryce said to Kaleb, jerking his head toward Devon.
    Was this a test? Kaleb was surely going to fail if it was, because he couldn't resist the hungry look Devon gave him. Twining an arm around his neck, Kaleb crushed his lips to Devon's.
    ****
    Bryce was reading in their bed, or trying to at least. While Bryce had been on food shopping detail, Kaleb had gone out on a call and not come back before their shift ended. Now he prayed his man and the rest of the crew were okay. Reading had seemed like a good way to get his mind off of the thousand scenarios involving Kaleb's death, but it wasn't working.
    The front door opened and Bryce threw back the blanket to go greet him. He stopped, perching on the side of the bed. After a true emergency, Kaleb usually needed to be alone. When he was ready he would come to Bryce. Hearing the heavy thud of a uniform hitting the floor, he expected Kaleb to take a shower and maybe watch television until his mind stopped spinning.
    "Bry...."
    At the sound of Kaleb's voice, Bryce jumped and then laughed in relief. Kaleb moved toward him, his hair disheveled, reeking of smoke and sweat, still half dressed. Automatically, Bryce thought he was about to get nailed hardcore. His boyfriend was usually meticulous about keeping strong odors contained at the front door and washing off the remains. If he was bypassing a shower, he really needed to get laid.
    Kaleb settled next to Bryce, reached for his hand and held it to his lips. His hands were shaking as he turned toward Bryce. The haunted cast to his lover's gaze alarmed Bryce. What happened to Kaleb tonight that would cause the shadows in his eyes?
    "Kay, what -- it wasn't...?"
    Bryce swallowed a hard lump in his throat. Had something happened to Devon? Over the past few weeks they'd all grown closer, even going out as a threesome. Devon had become the lone exception to their golden rule. He really liked the guy, maybe even more than liked.
    Shaking his head and kissing Bryce's fingertips, Kaleb said, "Devon is fine." Before Bryce could say anything else, Kaleb dropped Bryce's hand and threw his arms around him, squeezing tightly.
    Bryce rubbed Kaleb's back and kissed his neck. "Whatever it is we'll get through it." Kaleb loosened his hold and Bryce moved back up the bed, laying back and holding his arms out for his boyfriend. Kaleb hesitated a moment, as unused to cuddling as Bryce was.
    "Let me hold you?" Bryce asked. Kaleb nodded tiredly and climbed up on the bed, resting his head on Bryce's chest. Sifting his fingers through Kaleb's hair, he murmured, "Just rest. You're safe now."
    Kaleb shifted, propped himself up on his elbow, and looked down at him in silence. Bryce smiled softly, wondering what he was thinking. Very slowly, Kaleb lowered