Love is Always Write Anthology Volume 9

distant shore; both knowing they weren't alone, and both wondering if they ever wanted to be again.
    ****
    The next morning Michael lay in bed in that half-awake half asleep state of awareness. The half of his brain that was awake was looking forward to touring Atlantic City and making plans for the day. The dazed half was remembering creamy skin, smoking green eyes and a sexy ass hugged by shark-toothed swimming trunks. That half seemed to be controlling his hand as well, making him reach beneath his boxers, to rub his palm over his straining cock. He stroked his shaft building up speed. His sleepy brain was sparking to life as he reached his other hand down under his balls and gave a little squeeze. He twisted his hand over the sensitive head on every upstroke. He could feel the pressure building.
    The picture in his mind switched to Cole lying between his spread legs, poised over the tip of his cock licking his lips in anticipation. His balls drew up. He planted his feet on the bed and arched his back as he came, opening his mouth to let out a silent moan. Michael lay there panting and fully awake now.
    Fuck me was his first fully coherent thought. He was obviously attracted to Cole. But it had always been about more than looks for him. What he really wanted was a man that felt like home to him, which is why the fact he adored Cole's quirky shyness, loved his witty humor and sarcasm, and felt content in his company scared him the most.
    There's only one thing to do about it then, he realized. His father had often told him to never to let an opportunity pass him by, even if he was afraid to take it. He wasn't afraid. He was fucking terrified. He was going to open himself up and ask Cole to spend the day with him.
    Cole woke surprised to see that he had slept past dawn. The exhaustion of the past few weeks had finally caught up to him. He scrubbed his hand over his face, enjoying the feel of stubble scraping under his palm. Mmmm his thoughts veered, I wonder what Michael looks like with morning scruff covering those cheekbones. I wonder what it would feel like— He immediately cut those thoughts off, not wanting the man in question to witness him sporting a hard-on while wearing cupcake pajama pants.
    "Hello," he called out as he plodded into the kitchen. "Morning," he heard Michael call from the deck. He grabbed a trendy mustache cup from the counter next to the coffeemaker and poured himself some liquid heaven. Raising his hand against the brightness of the sun, he stepped outside and slid into a lounge chair. He stuck his nose over the rim of his cup and inhaled deeply. "I'd say the fact you drink coffee too and already had some made for me is a sign from the Starbucks gods that today is going to be a great day."
    "I don't actually. I just thought maybe you did and wanted to have some waiting for when your lazy ass decided to crawl out of bed." Actually, Michael was trying to make sure Cole was in a good mood. His mom was a brew head and if she didn't get a cup of Joe first thing in the a.m. she was downright miserable for the rest of the day. From the look on Cole's face, he could tell he'd done something right.
    Cole knew he was looking at Michael like a love struck fool. And he couldn't bring himself to care. "Thanks, Michael. It may sound ridiculous, but that's the nicest thing anyone's ever done for me." He looked right into those sky blue eyes and tried to let Michael see everything he couldn't say. I'm a broken man, Michael. You're so trusting and innocent, and I want you. I shouldn't, but I do.
    Michael could practically touch the connection between them. It gave him strength. He knew their feelings were mutual. He knew it. "Hey," he spoke softly, "I was planning on checking some stuff out around the island today and then heading into Atlantic City tonight." When Cole's face fell, and his eyes dropped, severing that connection, Michael quickly added, "And I'd really love it if you'd go with me."
    Cole could hardly believe his ears. His eyes snapped back up to Michael's face, searching. Was he joking? Did he feel sorry for him? When their eyes met, Cole knew it was none of those things. Michael wanted him too. "Yeah?" Cole's shy voice asked.
    "Yeah."
    Cole's face split open. He couldn't remember ever smiling like this; like he was truly happy. "That sounds great, Michael. Let's get dressed, and I'll show you around the island."
    "Cool. It'll be nice to have a local showing me around. But, umm, I gotta ask