Chapter 37

When they got home they fed the dogs and ate their sweet and sour chicken at the breakfast bar in the kitchen. After eating, they lay cuddled together on the couch. Dan had made popcorn, thus nearly exhausting his cache of things he could do in the kitchen. They were watching Dan’s DVD collection of old Carol Burnette shows—as it turned out, one of Steve’s favorite shows as well. The little dogs were snuggled against the men. Midas was on the rug at their feet.

“It doesn’t get much better than this,” Steve said as he nestled still closer to Dan.

“Maybe a fire in the fireplace,” Dan suggested.

“Something to look forward to this fall when there’s a chill in the air.”

“Oh? You seem pretty sure I’m gonna want you to be around that long,” Dan teased.

Steve brought Dan’s hand to his lips and kissed it. “Oh, I think I can find lots of ways to keep your interest.”

Dan smiled. Things seemed to be developing nicely between the two of them. Steve seemed to be thinking long term and they were getting along quite well. Maybe it wasn’t so important that Dan know all the details of Steve’s life. They had plenty of time.

However, Dan was curious about one thing. “You know, I don’t even know your last name.”

Without looking at him, Steve said, “Bishop.”

“Bishop, huh? That’s a pretty holy name for a gay guy who can’t seem to get enough of my cock.”

Steve laughed and elbowed Dan in the ribs.

Just then Steve’s phone rang. He took it out of his pocket and looked at the caller ID. “I’d better take this.” He got up from the couch, walked to the sliding door to the deck, and went outside. Midas followed him. He was gone for a long time.

When Steve came back in, Dan asked, “Is there a problem?”

“Nah,” was all Steve said before snuggling up to Dan again on the couch.

Later, they took the dogs for a walk in the starry moonlight. As they walked along the darkened road, Steve slipped his hand into Dan’s. “I wish I didn’t have to go home tomorrow.”

“We’ve got all night and all day tomorrow. You don’t have to think about leaving yet.”

“I know, but it’s been so perfect. Just like I’d always imagined it could be.”

Dan squeezed Steve’s hand. “For me, too. I’m really glad we met. And we’ve only just begun. We’ve got a whole lifetime ahead of us.” Dan was immediately sorry he’d said that. He was letting his heart get ahead of his head, again.

Steve let out an audible sigh at Dan’s words. It wasn’t an ah, yes, so truekind of sigh. It carried more of an If only it were truemessage.

“I’m sorry,” Dan said. “I guess I’m jumping the gun here.”

“No, it’s okay. I feel the same way. I’d like this to go on forever, too.”

Dan waited for the but. However, it never came. Steve just laid his head on Dan’s shoulder as they continued their walk.

* * * *

“How is this gonna work?” Steve asked aloud.

Dan and Steve were standing beside the bed. The three dogs had already settled in while the men had showered. Lad and Lady each had their head on a pillow and Midas was curled up at the foot of the bed.

“Don’t think it will.” Dan smiled. “Come on.” He led Steve to the guest bedroom. He was thinking, If things work out the way I’m hoping they will, we’re gonna have to find a bigger bed. Why is it I always manage to get involved with a guy who sleeps with his dogs?

Once inside, Dan switched on the small lamp on the bedside table. He turned to Steve. There was a different feel to Dan’s anticipation of what was about to happen. Up until that moment it had been mainly about sex. That night it seemed there was a new dimension to it. Apparently Steve was feeling it, too, for as Steve walked toward Dan he held out his hands and took Dan’s in his. For a moment the two men just stood, holding hands, looking into each other’s eyes. Then, slowly, Steve leaned forward until his lips met Dan’s. As they kissed, Steve slipped an arm around Dan’s waist. Dan put one hand on Steve’s shoulder, the other behind Steve’s head.

Their embrace tightened until their bodies were pressed together.

Steve kissed Dan’s neck and shoulders. Then he looked back into Dan’s eyes. “You’re one special man.”

“You’re pretty special yourself. I’m glad you’re here.”

“There’s no place else I’d want to be, not now, not ever.”

Steve’s words flooded Dan’s mind and pierced his heart. Dan realized he’d been waiting to hear them for some time, holding back his own declaration that he was developing strong feelings for the man who now stood before him.