Eli sighed. “I used to think Mapleford didn’t want me,” he said slowly. “Or that I didn’t fit here. That something about me was… off.”
Noah stared at him. “Eli?—”
Eli pressed a finger to Noah’s lips. “I know that was mostly in my head, but when you grow up feeling different, or quieter, as though you don’t take up the kind of space people expect you to…” He swallowed. “It’s hard to come back.”
Noah didn’t speak immediately, but reached over and took Eli’s hand, threading their fingers together.
“You fit here,” he said in a gentle voice. “You always did. You were just too busy trying to disappear to see it.”
Eli locked gazes with him, his Adam’s apple bobbing sharply. “Your turn. Tell me something real.”
Noah thought for a moment.
“I haven’t brought anyone here since my ex.” The statement was quiet and heavy.
Eli blinked. “No one?”
“No one,” Noah confirmed. “I never brought a date here to cook him dinner. No one has sat on that couch with me since…” He glanced at their surroundings. “It’s been just me in this space.” He took Eli’s hand and squeezed it. “You’re the first. Oh, don’t get me wrong. Therehavebeen a few dates, but they nevermade it back here. In fact, I haven’t… done anything since… since Tyler left. And tonight….” Noah lowered his voice. “You felt like someone I wanted to keep close.”
Eli’s breathing quickened. He placed his mug on the hearth, then leaned his forehead to Noah’s. “I’m glad I came back.”
“Me too,” Noah whispered.
Their noses brushed, and he slid his hand up to cup Eli’s jaw. Eli kissed him, slow and deep, the taste of the hot chocolate still on his lips, his fingers buried in the soft wool of Noah’s sweater.
When they parted, Eli shivered. “Something I have to ask. Do… do you still…want me?” He swallowed.
Noah’s heartbeat lurched into a higher gear. “Yes.”
Eli rose onto his knees, his eyes shining in the firelight. “Best news I’ve heard all day.”
Noah joined him, their bodies pressed together, his hand stroking Eli’s nape, Eli’s arms looped around his neck as they exchanged leisurely kisses. Noah slid his hands down Eli’s back, cupping his ass, molding Eli’s body to his, rocking gently.
Oh God, he’s hard.
Eli’s breathing caught. “Can we be practical for a sec?”
Noah paused. “I’m on PrEP, which means I get tested regularly, even though?—”
“Even though you haven’t been with anyone in a while,” Eli finished for him. He chuckled. “A situation I am very familiar with.” He smiled. “So we’re good to go?”
Before he could reply, Eli pulled up the hem of Noah’s sweater and slid his hands up over Noah’s chest, Eli’s fingertips brushing his nipples through his cotton shirt.
Noah groaned. “How did you know?”
Eli’s eyes gleamed. “They’re one ofmyhotspots, so I figured I’d start there.” He tweaked the nubs, and Noah’s dick reacted instantly.
“Can we go back to being practical for a minute?” Noah managed to croak.
Eli’s hands stilled.
Noah shuddered out a breath, ignoring the urge to divest Eli of every inch of clothing he was wearing. “Before we go any further…I’m vers.”
Eli grinned. “Me too. And seeing as I’m your guest…” He moved one hand lower to where Noah’s cock strained against the zipper of his jeans. “I want this first.” His voice was rough, his hand gentle.
Noah almost choked. “I’ll be back in a moment.” He leaped to his feet and made a dash for his bedroom.
Next time, keep some lube in the living room, Carter.
