a long-time friend and boss.
“It’s a hotel. So I don’t even have utilities to pay. There’s groceries, gas, stuff like that. We can split those if it makes you more comfortable. Or just figure out who’ll cover what. Anything you want.”
Ben placed his hand on Gabriel’s knee, his fingers twitching. He swallowed heavily, hoping he had read the sign correctly. “What do you want?”
“I want you to be happy and not worried about where you’re going to live.” A shy smile pulled the corners of Gabriel’s mouth. “But I won’t lie. I want you here. With me.”
Living together was a big step. Ben wanted things to happen naturally, not forced by some timetable or circumstance. But after stepping into Gabriel’s home and feeling the soothing peace in his heart, there wasn’t a doubt in his mind this was where he was meant to be.
He glanced over his shoulder toward the door, frowning when a sudden thought crossed his mind. Turning back toward Gabriel, he cocked his head as he signed. “Julian dropped me off at the entrance. Should I text him to come up?”
“He left. I promised I would have you back by curfew.”
Ben absently nodded, the realization they were completely alone took a moment to sink in. He wasn’t an expert, but he was pretty damn sure they could do a whole heck of a lot in three hours. He glanced around the big bedroom as he rubbed his jean-covered thighs. His breathing sped as a series of images flashed through his mind.
So many fantasies.
So many things he wanted to do.
A large hand on his knee stilled his thoughts. “Should I guess where your mind went?”
“I’m sitting on your bed, in a building that looks like a shiny penis. I think you know where my mind went.”
Gabriel leaned in and pressed a kiss to his lips. “Don’t be nervous.”
“Not nervous.” He stared at Gabriel’s large hand on him, wondering how they would feel traveling along his body. Gripping him. Pinning him to the mattress.
Holding him against the wall.
In a chair.
On his desk.
In that damn big shower.
Anywhere.
His imagination ran out of control with a million new questions filling his mind.
He wondered if all of Gabriel was big and bold.
If he was an ass man.
Did he like slow and soft, or fast and hard.
He wanted to know the answer to every question. Firsthand.
His chest heaved with each harsh breath as he rubbed his thighs. His gaze traveled up those strong forearms, to those thick biceps, and across that broad chest stretching the black T-shirt.
The smile splitting Gabriel’s face made his heart thump harder. “Not tonight,” Gabriel signed, stealing his attention.
Ben couldn’t hold back the scowl.
“I’ve got to drop you off in less than three hours.” He pressed a slow kiss to Ben’s lips, lingering close enough to share the same breath but far enough where Ben could still read his lips. “We’re pulling an all-nighter when you’re ready.”
Gabriel looked away and bit his lip. There was a moment of hesitation before he returned his gaze to Ben. “I know you’ve mastered the power of the word no, but I’m really hoping for a yes to moving in.”
Ben nodded as he fingerspelled y-e-s. “On one condition.” He waited, punctuating the importance of what he wanted. Gabriel’s stoic steadiness had become a constant Ben relied on as he slowly figured out his place in the world. Unlike others, Gabriel hadn’t tried to change him or coddle him. He had given him enough unconditional support to allow him to be himself without worry. It was freeing and empowering. As if Ben had suddenly sprouted a pair of wings and was pushed from the nest to explore the world, discover his own strengths, and demand life give him what he wanted in return.
And right now, he knew exactly what he wanted.
“I’m not sleeping in the second bedroom. I’m moving in. With you.”
He almost fell back onto the bed when Gabriel captured his mouth with bruising force. He gripped Gabriel’s face for purchase as a strong arm wrapped around his waist and pulled him over onto Gabriel’s lap. He parted his lips on a gasp with the quick movement, a little surprised by the sudden shift, but far more excited. With his knees bracketing Gabriel’s legs and his arms firmly wrapped around Gabriel’s neck, he pushed their bodies together as he deepened the kiss. Wanting. Demanding. Gripping the back of Gabriel’s hair, he turned and angled his head exactly where he wanted Gabriel to be as