Ciaran bundled up, grabbed his camera, and headed out the door. He followed the trail he’d taken the day before. The trees glistened with snow. It was a truly beautiful landscape. He stopped to take photos of trees, foxes, and other wildlife that scampered through the forest, away from the trail.
What I wouldn’t give to live in an area like this.
He’d thought about moving to Canada, but fear held him back. Everything he owned was in San Francisco, but realistically, he’d have to leave…what, exactly? There wasn’t much there for him. He didn’t have many friends. He worked for himself, so he didn’t have to transfer or find another job. Nothing held him there except the idea of independence. Independence he’d earned more than a decade ago.
What’s holding me back? I could afford a home there. Get myself a hot tub. I’d live in a beautiful area like this.
It’d be wonderful to be near his family again.
He’d only spent thirty minutes taking pictures when the low battery light flashed.
Ciaran opened his backpack to change his camera battery.
“Where is it?”
He sighed. He’d left it in his suitcase. Ciaran turned around and began the trek back to the cabin. He’d have to finish his pictures another day.
Chapter Thirteen
TEDDY
Teddy yawned and stretched out his back. As fun as walking around town was, it took its toll.
“I think I’m going to take a nap before I make dinner,” Teddy said.
“Babe.” Geoff wrapped his arms around Teddy. “This is one of the few times we’ll have time alone. Why don’t we cuddle on the couch and put on a rom-com?”
“Aw, you want to watch a rom-com? That’s so sweet.”
“I’ll grab some drinks, and you pick the movie.”
Teddy browsed their collection. He wanted one that Geoff would enjoy, which was difficult. When he spottedThe Birdcage,he immediately grabbed the DVD and put it in the player.
Geoff entered as the title screen appeared.
“I made us whiskey and Coke,” Geoff said.
“I foundThe Birdcage.”
“Then let’s have a drink, watch the movie, and enjoy the alone time.”
Teddy finished his drink within the first ten minutes of the movie and laid his head in Geoff’s lap.
Geoff ran his fingers through Teddy’s hair, massaging his scalp with his fingers. They didn’t get this kind of time in the winter. The storm, while putting them behind financially, gave them time to strengthen their relationship. Teddy wondered if inviting Ciaran to stay had ruined this time. They’d have worked anyway, so what was the difference? The difference was that Teddy had done it without talking to Geoff.
Geoff slid his hand down to Teddy’s nipple ring and tweaked it. He looked up at Geoff and smiled. When he leaned down and kissed him, his soft lips parted Teddy’s, and Geoff’s tongue slipped inside. Squeezing his nipple a little harder, pleasure surged straight down to Teddy’s cock.
Geoff broke the embrace and kissed his forehead.
“Right now?” Teddy grinned.
“Ciaran will be out for at least another hour. Why not?”
Teddy resumed the kiss. Geoff placed his hand inside Teddy’s shirt and played with his nipple ring.
“I want to shower first,” Teddy said.
“Then let’s shower.”
