“You like it?”
“Of course. How did you…? I love the zoo, but I rarely go because no one ever likes coming with me and I’d feel too pathetic going alone.” He hadn’t been since last summer when Chess had come with him. André was away at the time, so the two of them had been able to walk around, unhurried, and get lost in the winding paths and watch the animals.
Win finished tucking the tickets into his wallet. “No? They’re missing out. I prefer the Bronx Zoo because they have all the big animals, but for a nice stroll close by, nothing beats Prospect Park’s Zoo. So I guessed right? You like my little surprise?”
“Like it? Try love.” Feeling like a kid in a candy store, Elliot impulsively kissed Win’s cheek. “Thanks. This was what I didn’t even know I needed. Come on.” Without thinking, he reached for Win’s hand and laced their fingers together, and they walked down the Discovery Trail. “This way to the red pandas. They’re my favorite.”
They had to pass through the enclosed free-flight aviary first, where they admired the peacocks strutting along the paths, their huge tails sweeping behind them. Parrots and other brightly colored birds swooped and fluttered around. Leaving them behind, they spied a sleeping dingo stretched out in the sun on a rock, then spotted porcupines, small deer, and playful otters as they continued to amble along the trail.
“Look. There they are.” Up among the leaves, the red pandas chased each other, their large ringed tails all fluffed up. “Aren’t they adorable?”
“Very.” Win slid his arms around Elliot’s waist, and they stood watching their antics for a few minutes. “How about we walk around a little more, then go to the pond for lunch?”
How about I just die and go to heaven?
“Sure. I’m a little hungry.”
For youandmy lunch.
***
Drowsy and filled with wine, sandwiches, cheese, and fruit, Elliot lay on the bright red-and-blue plaid picnic blanket Win had provided, watching the black specks of geese honking their way across the endless blue sky, competing with the quacking of the ducks in the lake in front of them. He thought about how perfect a day it had been, even though they’d done nothing but be with each other. Not once did they have to resort to any of that forced, uncomfortable conversation or laughter.
Win sat upright, reclining against a tree trunk, and popped the last of the grapes into his mouth. Elliot rolled over onto his stomach and pillowed his head on his hands.
“What’s wrong?” Win shifted positions and rested his long body beside Elliot’s. “You got so serious and quiet all of a sudden.”
How to explain that this was who he was? From childhood, he hadn’t had a chance to be a kid. He’d tiptoed around the edges of life, trying to remain inconspicuous because he was afraid to make noises and disturb his sister. Silent was his default setting.
But Elliot didn’t want to scare Win off. “I’m fine. Just enjoying the day and the company.”
Win’s answering smile let him know he’d said the right thing.
“I see we think alike. I’m enjoying myself too.”
A group of teenage girls walked by, nudging each other, giggling and whispering, and Elliot overheard some of their chatter:
“Oh my God, they’re so cute.”
“I love how they’re looking at each other.”
“I wish they’d kiss.”
Pressed up next to him, Win chuckled and murmured in his ear, “In the words of that Bonnie Raitt song, ‘Let’s give them something to talk about.’”
“What do you have in mind?” Elliot faced Win, heart pounding, but he tried to remain neutral, until Win grasped the back of his neck and pulled him to his hard chest. Through their clothes, Elliot could feel Win’s heart banging as fast as his own. Or maybe it was his. Either way, it all ceased to matter when Win’s mouth covered his, his tongue pushing inside. His control slipped, he forgot about the group of girls watching them and giggling, and instead concentrated on the smooth, silky tongue in his mouth that blew his world apart.
“Mmm…” Elliot sighed low and deep, and at Win’s answering growl, he had to fight the urge to grind up on Win. Heedless of the squeals of delight in the background, Elliot sucked Win’s tongue and slipped his arm around Win’s waist. Fire burned a path of pleasure to his groin, and he was ready to combust.
Win put his hands on Elliot’s shoulders and pushed away. “We’d better take it easy. I’d hate to have to explain to the higher-ups how I got arrested for indecency.” Win’s lips moved over his jawline, his hot breath sending shivers up his spine. “Although I have a feeling it might be worth it.”
“Only a feeling? I can promise you it will be.” Panting a little, Elliot brushed his lips over Win’s. “Why don’t we go home so I can show you?”
