older model compact car and a bicycle with training wheels.
Mitch pulled in and helped Lida out. She shouted, “Papa!” and barreled into the house, chattering wildly in a mix of English and Spanish.
Toys littered the living room, leading the way to a bedroom decorated with a canopy bed and fairy tale princesses. Mitch rested against the doorway to watch his partner hugging and kissing their own little princess. On the bed lay a half-filled suitcase packed with tiny, frilly clothes.
The house was a far cry from the glass and chrome condominium Mitch used to own, and a whole lot more homey. The doorbell sounded.
Lida raced to the living room. “Abuel—Gamma!”
Taking advantage of the distraction, Mitch pulled Arnulfo into a quick hug. The tears forming in his husband’s eyes might break his heart. “It’s part of our compromise, remember?”
Arnulfo nodded. “I remember. Still, it hurts to leave her like this.”
“It’s only for six weeks, and she had such fun with my parents spoiling her rotten last time that she hardly even missed us. All children stay with their grandparents.” Mitch would never tell of the tears he himself had shed on the way home.
In the living room Mitch’s normally stuffy parents cooed over their granddaughter, the one they despaired of ever having.
Mitch held the suitcase lid down while Arnulfo zipped. “Just think. We’ll spend a few weeks down south seeing patients near your village.”
“Yes.” Arnulfo sniffled.
“And next year, maybe we can take her back with us. Make sure she’s aware of her culture.”
“Promise?”
“I’ll do my best.” Mitch pressed his mouth to Arnulfo’s, pouring in all he couldn’t say with words.
He pulled back at the insistent tugging on his pants leg and impatient, “Daddy!”
He picked up his little angel, hugging her between himself and Nulfo. “Me and Papa are gonna go take care of some sick kids for a while. You be good for Grandma and Grandpa, okay?”
“Okay.” Lida’s dark curls bounced with her enthusiastic nod.
Mitch hauled the suitcase to his parents’ car, eyes misting when Lida blew a kiss. “Luff you, Daddy! Luff you, Papa.”
Mitch and Arnulfo stood in the driveway; arms around each other, watching the elegant Mercedes pull away. Lida waved through the back window. With their free hands they waved back until their daughter faded from sight. Who knew how many words she’d learn in six weeks?
They still had packing to do, but they also had the house to themselves.
Quiet. Too quiet. And still a few hours left before their flight. “C’mon.” He led his man into their bedroom, with the big bed they’d not share again for weeks. Time to make enough memories to tide them both over.
Cupping Arnulfo’s cheeks in his hands, Mitch brought his mouth down, brushing his lips against his love’s. Slowly at first, closed mouth, then Nulfo parted his lips.
Mitch swept his tongue inside. Oh, God, how he’d miss kissing while they pretended to be colleagues. Maybe one day being in love with another man wouldn’t be an issue. But until then…
He’d love his man all he could just the same.
Nulfo’s moan vibrated against Mitch’s tongue.
Mitch pulled Nulfo down on the bed, shoving his half-filled suitcase into the floor.
“Mitch! That—”
“Isn’t nearly as important as you.” Mitch climbed on top of Nulfo and, inch by inch, rolled Nulfo’s T-shirt up and off his body. His blind toss launched the fabric in the general direction of the clothes hamper.
Feasting his eyes on dark skin, peppered with sparse black ringlets, Mitch unbuttoned his dress shirt, one button at a time, shoving his hardened cock against his lover’s through their clothes.
At last his shirt joined Nulfo’s. Nulfo reached for his zipper, but Mitch swatted his hand away. “Allow me.” He climbed off the bed, unsnapping and unzipping Nulfo’s jeans.
Nulfo kicked off his shoes with two solid thumps.
Ever so slowly, Mitch peeled Nulfo’s jeans off. Nothing underneath. How he loved the way his man thought. Grasping Arnulfo’s thighs, he hauled the man closer to the edge of the mattress, dropped to his knees, and took Arnulfo’s cock into his mouth.
Pre-come hit his tongue. Oh, damn. He’d come so close to losing the love of his life forever. Thank God he’d gotten his head out of his ass in time.
He fondled Arnulfo’s balls, bobbing up and down.
Nulfo palmed the back of Mitch’s head, guiding the rhythm. “Oh, yeah. Oh, yeah!” He tensed, then grabbed Mitch’s underarms. “Get up here.”
Who knew Mitch loved following orders? “Yes, Dr. Oliva.”
“Oh? You’re listening to me now?” A smile tugged up one side of