Love is Always Write Anthology Volume 9

company.
    "What are you in the mood for? If you head off island across The Causeway, you can find just about anything. If you want to go clubbing or gambling afterward, Atlantic City is only a half hour or so away," Cole offered.
    Michael did want to go to Atlantic City but not to go partying or clubbing. He just enjoyed walking around and people watching, and Atlantic City was guaranteed to be full of people. "Well I do need to be able to find my way there on Monday. I'm doing some graphic design work for the new casino they're building, and I have a presentation. I'm not really feeling like going there tonight, though. I was hoping to relax a little, maybe unpack and watch some TV. I'll probably hit Atlantic City tomorrow."
    "Cool." Cole was surprised Michael didn't plan to go out. It was Friday night after all and Atlantic City was party central. Michael, with his dirty blond hair, square jaw and dick sucking lips would have no problem finding company. And why did that thought make him angry? "So if you're looking to eat local there are some great seafood restaurants and a steak house or two. There's Little Sumo's Sushi Shack. They have the best sushi, and they do takeout."
    Michael's face lit up. "I haven't had sushi in forever. Mmmm. Spicy Tuna. I'm definitely eating there. Do they deliver?"
    "They don't, but I can drive you there to pick it up if you'd like."
    Michael smiled, "Yeah. That'd be great. Don't change your plans for me though if you had something else to do." He stopped short of crossing his fingers behind his back in the hope that Cole would join him. He was quirky and nice, and it was better than being alone and feeling homesick.
    They walked into the little cottage, and the chilled air hit them. Michael's nipples hardened into pebbles, and all Cole wanted to do was lick them. "Nah. I don't have any plans. I usually come here to get away from the hustle and bustle so I don't go out much while I'm here. Besides, I'd be crazy to miss getting a California Roll from the Shack." It was such a bad idea for him to be alone with Michael all evening, but it had been a long time since he'd simply hung out with someone, especially someone he felt comfortable around. Aside from his raging desire to explore every inch of his skin with his tongue, that is. Cole just had to keep repeating to himself, Don't look down. Don't look down. Because those feet would be his downfall.
    ****
    Michael had taken a quick shower and dressed in cargo shorts and a striped polo. He left his hair wet. He didn't want to seem as he was trying to dress up or anything. He could hear Cole still in the shower so he decided to call home and check in. "Hello," his sister's perky voice greeted.
    "Hey, Ang. Just calling to let you know I got here fine, and everything is okay."
    "Hey big bro. Mom! It's Michael," she shouted in his ear. "Eli's here. He wants to know if you like the cottage."
    "Tell him I said it's a little shabby, but I guess it'll do." He had to laugh when he heard Eli ranting in the background.
    "Yeah," his sister dropped her voice, "but I want to know if you like anything you found in the cottage." He rolled his eyes. Ever since he was fifteen and told his family he was gay, his sister had been trying to find him a boyfriend.
    "Well, there's a really nice seashell sculpture in the living room and the kitchen is amazing," he poked at her. He glanced down the hallway and quieted his voice. "I did, however, find a hot little number sprawled out in the sand all by his lonesome."
    Ang immediately perked up. "Ooooh. Tell." He should have known better than to say anything, but he loved teasing his little sister.
    "Don't get yourself all worked up. There's nothing to tell. He seems like a real nice guy."
    Ang huffed "And?"
    "And nothing."
    "Eli says he's really cute, and he's smart and funny. You should take him out while you're there. Maybe you could get laid for once."
    Michael nearly dropped his phone. "Seriously, Sis! I am not talking about this with you." He loved his sister, but he hated when she tried to get involved in his love life. When he first came out, she was so excited.
    "You're gay? That's awe some!" she had hollered. "You and Eli should hook up. That would be so cool."
    He wasn't sure which was more shocking, his sister's immediate and enthusiastic approval of his sexual orientation or the fact she thought he would be attracted to Eli. "Um, thanks sis, but I'm not interested."
    "Why not? He's gay." He could