Love Means_. Freedom - Andrew Grey

good." Stone returned Preston's smirk.
    "And how do you suggest I do that?" Preston raised his eyebrow in a gesture he probably thought was suggestive, but came off more like Groucho Marx.

    "I'll let you know." Stone felt Preston's hand against his cheek.

    "You do that." The low tone sent a shiver of desire through him. He didn't have time to think how quickly Preston had made him forget everything else but him and his hands, the warmth reaching his body through their clothes.
    Slowly, Preston leaned toward Stone, giving him time to pull away if he wanted. Stone felt his heart start to pound again and nearly backed away as their lips touched lightly. "You're not damaged, Stone." Fuck, that voice was seductive. The kiss deepened, and he went with it, loving the tingly feeling that shot through his body. Stone felt that Preston was holding back, and for that, he was very grateful. They just kissed softly, tenderly, lips saying hello and hearts reaching out to each other in those first tentative steps. Then Stone felt the kiss gentle further and fade away.
    Stone smiled, and it was his turn to lean in, returning Preston's gesture with one of his own.
    An arm hugged him lightly, and they kissed again, slowly, almost timidly. Stone was unsure, and Preston must have thought the younger man would bolt if he went too fast, so they both took their time before parting again. "On the twenty-fourth, Geoff has a get-together planned for friends, and he said I could bring someone if I want." Stone chewed his lower lip, wondering.
    "Would you like to come?"
    "What time should I be here?" Preston smiled and captured Stone's lips again. This time, the kiss was more forceful, deeper, and Stone felt the passion start to build. He was still leery of starting anything too physical, but Preston seemed content with kissing. Something in his mind wondered how long Preston would be willing to wait. He wasn't the most patient person... but Stone pushed those concerns aside for now. He'd taken the first step and it felt good. He couldn't help thinking that there were others around the corner that wouldn't be so easy.
    Their kiss ended, and Stone surprised himself when he didn't jerk away as Preston pulled him close, hands on his stomach, allowing him to rest against his chest. It had been such a long time since he'd been held this way, and it felt nice.

    "WHO in the fuck"--Preston moved one foot forward, huffing--"schedules a therapy"--now the other foot came forward--"session on"--yet another step and a gasp through clenched teeth--"fucking Christmas Eve?" He reached the end of the bars and turned himself around. "I believe that was you." Jasper actually had the gall to smile, and Preston took a swipe at him before beginning the long, sixteen-foot trek to the other end.

    "Well, fuck you, anyway." Preston made his way to the other end, gasping for breath and groaning the entire time. "How do babies ever learn to do this shit, anyway?" He turned around again.
    "This time, stop in the middle," Jasper instructed, and Preston walked another eight feet, hands steadying on the bars. "Good. That's the best you've ever done. Now I want you to stand on both feet and let go of the bars. I'm going to time you to see how long you can stand, but as soon as you touch the bars, it's over."
    "Okay, sadist," Preston mock-grumbled as he placed his feet and released his hands. He felt unsteady and wobbled initially, but compensated. "See, you're standing on your own. Thirty seconds." Jasper marked the time. "I understand you're spending the evening with Stone." "Yeah." He smiled, looking forward to seeing him again and maybe kissing under the mistletoe. "Mom was disappointed that I wouldn't be home tonight, but she understood. She and Dad are visiting relatives anyway." He felt one leg start to vibrate, but held it steady, trying to remain standing. "Did you get him anything?" Jasper looked at the clock and smiled. "Two minutes. You're doing great."
    "I think so. I wasn't really sure what to get him, and I wanted something nice." Preston's leg began to buckle and he grabbed the bar, steadying himself before slowly making his way back to the chair. Once he was seated, he rolled himself over to his coat, dug in his pocket for a box, and handed it to Jasper. "I noticed he doesn't have one."
    Jasper peeked inside and handed it back. "Very nice. I think you did great both with the gift and standing. You got over three minutes, and at the end of the session.