Love is Always Write Anthology Volume 9

hospital had been short staffed, so he picked up some extra shifts to help out. A nasty flu bug was spreading like wildfire amongst the nurses, and he was just lucky he hadn't caught it yet.
    He'd just finished admitting a patient when Connie came to tell him he had a call on hold. After getting the patient settled in a room, he walked over to the nurses' station.
    "Hello."
    "Hey, Lucas. How's it going?"
    He smiled as he heard the deep timbre of Gabe's voice over the line. "Better now. You doing okay? I could tell the last few times we spoke, you were a little stressed." He worried that Gabe took on too much responsibility for everyone; he hated to hear the strain in his lover's voice.
    "I'm great now too." There was some shuffling before Gabe spoke again. "I've missed you," he whispered the words.
    Lucas's heart did a somersault in his chest. Just to hear Gabe admit that he'd missed him was a breakthrough. "I've missed you too, baby. When do I get to see you again?"
    "That's kind of why I'm calling." Gabe chuckled softly. "The jury came back with a guilty verdict, so I'm free tonight. Can I come over later?"
    He pumped his fist in the air. Gabe was just what he needed to end this long, busy day. "Do you even have to ask? Of course you can come over. I'll be home by seven, seven-thirty at the latest."
    "I'll be there."
    The call disconnected and Lucas couldn't hide the joy on his face. It had only been four days, but it felt like an eternity since he'd seen Gabe last. The phone calls were great, but they didn't replace spending time with Gabe.
    The day lagged on after talking with Gabe. Time seemed to click by so slowly it was like watching paint dry, waiting for six forty-five to arrive. Finally his relief got there, and he gave her the pass down. He'd just checked on his patients, and he handed over their charts to her.
    He grabbed his coat and bag and rushed to the parking lot. The drive home was a blur. All he could think about was Gabe. His deep blue eyes, short black hair, and muscles that went on for days. He loved how fit Gabe was. There was nothing better than having a hot, hard body beneath his as he made love to a man.
    Pulling into his drive, he saw Gabe sitting on his front porch. He was dressed in slacks, button down shirt, a tie hung loosely around his neck.
    Lucas parked his car. Gabe walked over to greet him as he climbed out. A smile broke out across his face at the happiness he saw in Gabe's eyes. He really did miss him.
    "Have you been waiting long?" Lucas asked.
    "No." Gabe shook his head. "But I'm glad you're finally here. I'm starving."
    Lucas laughed as Gabe followed him up the walk. He unlocked the door and stepped inside. They both removed their shoes then went to sit on the couch. He exhaled deeply as he relaxed back into the cushions. Exhaustion had sneaked up on him, and he was too tired to even try to make dinner.
    "How about we order a pizza? I don't think I have it in me to cook." He shifted to the side to look at Gabe. "That cool with you?"
    "Actually that sounds perfect."
    An hour later, one pizza down, they sat watching TV. A football game Gabe said he just had to watch was on. Lucas didn't mind. It was just nice sitting close to Gabe and spending time with him. He could picture doing this type of thing every day for the rest of their lives.
    When Gabe let his guard down, he was a different person. A person who just relaxed and enjoyed the moment. He talked and laughed like he didn't have a care in the world, and Lucas wanted to see more of this side of his man.
    "Aw, come on," Gabe groaned. "That was a shitty call."
    Lucas was drawn from his thoughts by Gabe's outburst. He looked over to see Gabe pouting like a little boy over a call the ref had just made. He looked so adorable in his upset state. Lucas couldn't help it, he started to laugh.
    "What?" Gabe asked, a little indignant.
    "You look so cute when you whine."
    "Oh, really? You think?" Gabe lunged and tackled him to the couch, pinning Lucas's hands next to his head.
    Lucas's breath caught as he stared up at Gabe. So handsome and confident. He never wanted it to end. All of a sudden, Gabe pulled back. The smile fell from his face as he pushed himself into the opposite side of the couch. Lucas didn't like the worried look on his face.
    "What's the matter, baby?" he asked, as he scooted closer to Gabe.
    "I'm sorry. I didn't mean any disrespect. I know you're the one in charge." Gabe couldn't meet his eyes as he spoke.
    He sat