Love is Always Write Anthology Volume 9

and hugging him in all the right places. Michael practically moaned when he saw the way his black button-up shirt curved along his torso, emphasizing his slim and taught frame. Smooth, round buttons made a contrasting trail straight up from his navel, ending just below his collarbone where the shirt hung open to expose his creamy skin.
    Once the surge of lust started to recede from his brain, he realized what this meant. Cole had dressed up for him . He just knew it. Just like he knew this was more than just friends hanging out. They were going out on a date, and the thought gave him butterflies. "Wow. You look hot!" slipped right through his lips. He tried to cover up his nervousness by saying, "But I have to admit I'm disappointed not to see one of your corny T-shirts."
    Cole sauntered out to the kitchen. Yep, he was fucking sauntering; working the sway of his hips. "Thanks." He stopped a few feet in front of Michael and looked at him. "I was actually hoping to impress you." He was also hoping to seduce him, but he'd keep that little tidbit to himself.
    "You were?" Michael's voice cracked just a little.
    "Absolutely. I like you, Michael, and I think you like me. I was hoping to convince you to let me take you out tonight. Well, you've already agreed to that part I guess." Cole's bravado started to fade as he stumbled over his words. He'd never done this before, and he was nervous. Inhale. Exhale. "Michael, would you go out with me tonight? On a date?"
    Giving his best impression of a swooning schoolgirl, Michael sighed, "I thought you'd never ask!"
    "Smart ass."
    ****
    It took roughly a half an hour to make the drive to Atlantic City. Michael was paying close attention to his surroundings since he'd have to make this trip on his own in a few days. Cole easily navigated his way to the bridge and across, pointing out landmarks and roads to Michael as they went.
    "You seem to know you're way around really well. Do you spend a lot of time at Eli's house?" Michael asked.
    "Yeah, I guess. I've spent a lot of weekends here. I love the quiet of the beach, and swimming in the ocean. The bakery can be very stressful and hectic. I just like to get away from it all when I can."
    Michael understood but still felt agitated about it. Shit , he realized, I'm jealous. What was really bothering him was the idea that Cole and Elijah were lovers. He wasn't really the jealous and possessive type, but he found himself feeling exactly that way about Cole. "And is Elijah usually here when you are?" Fuck, he needed to tone down the accusation in his voice. "I mean, seems like the poor guy hardly ever takes a break to enjoy his own beach house."
    Cole let his focus on the road drift to Michael for a moment. He was pretty sure the scathing way he had asked about Elijah was more than just casual conversation about a friend. A blush was creeping up Michael's neck and he had averted his gaze, looking out the window. Cole let himself smile before answering, "Eli's hardly ever in town. He's far too busy conquering the world one article at a time. And honestly, I'm not sure why he even bought it. The quietude does not suit him."
    Cole let out an exaggerated sigh. Michael had given him the opening, and he was going to take the chance to play. "Although I wish he was here more often. It can get very lonely being here all by myself," Cole sighed dreamily.
    Michael had gone rigid in his seat, "Oh," was his only response.
    Cole decided to let him off the hook. "No, Michael, Eli and I have never been an item and never will be. He's far too high maintenance for me."
    "Sorry. I didn't mean to get all…." he finished the sentence with a wave of his hand.
    "S'okay. I kind of liked it."
    The rest of the drive was spent navigating their way to the casino office. It wasn't terribly difficult to find, and parking was available on site. Michael felt relieved to have some sense of where he was headed on Monday. With that out of the way, they turned their attention toward having fun. They walked the boardwalk, enjoying the sights, sounds and smells.
    Michael enjoyed watching all the people, but he could tell Cole didn't care for the crowds as much. Again, he had the feeling that something very bad had happened to Cole. The thought made him want to pull the man close and reassure him. He settled for walking close; just being there, and letting his shoulder occasionally brush against Cole's.
    The Trump Taj Mahal was ostentatious. The curved domes, bright lights,