“Tonight it’s all about you.” The sweet spot between Elliot’s neck and shoulder beckoned him, and Win nibbled on the exposed soft skin. “You tell me what you want me to do.”
“Mmm. Spend the night with me.”
“A given. You couldn’t lose me if you tried.”
“But no sex. I just want you to hold me. All night.”
The pulse under his lips raced.
“And you think I’m gonna say no to that?”
“I don’t know what to think. But I don’t want to jump right into sex again until we’re both sure this is what we want. Trust me, it won’t be easy to spend the night together and not touch you.”
Win rested his hands on Elliot’s shoulders. “You didn’t say no touching.” He kissed the corner of Elliot’s smiling mouth. “Or kissing.”
“Touch can be more sensual than the actual act of sex.” Elliot sighed and shifted in his arms. “We’re creatures of the flesh, and our bodies respond to all types of physical stimuli.”
“Mmm. Sounds fascinating.” Win licked up Elliot’s neck, his tongue circling around the shell of Elliot’s ear. “Tell me more, especially about physical stimuli.”
Hot puffs of breath pushed against his cheek, and some interesting sexy noises escaped Elliot’s lips. “I once interviewed a sex therapist.”
“I enjoy physically stimulating you.”
“You do it pretty well.” Elliot shimmied out of his arms and retreated to arm’s length.
“Pretty well?” Win growled and advanced on Elliot. “Is that a challenge?”
“Take it as you want.” Excitement sparkled in his eyes.
“I’d rather take you.” He settled his mouth over Elliot’s, coaxing his lips apart to gain access to the silky slide of his tongue. “I want you,” he breathed. “But I’m willing to wait until you feel it’s right. Until you say it.”
How long they kissed, Win couldn’t say, but his self-control was teetering on the breaking point when Elliot pulled away. They stared at each other for several moments, Win needing the time to regain his equilibrium.
“I have to clean up, and then we can go to bed.” Without waiting for his answer, Elliot began gathering the plates and boxes. Win joined him, and they worked side by side, carrying it all into the kitchen, where Elliot put the leftovers in the fridge and took care of the garbage and recycling.
“Do you have to get up early tomorrow?”
“No, I have the day off.” Win grinned, enjoying Elliot’s delighted face. “You’re stuck with me, if you want.”
They went upstairs to Elliot’s bedroom, where Win took in the rumpled covers lying bunched up at the foot of the bed. “Rough night?” He kicked off his sneakers and popped the tab on his jeans.
Elliot waited by the dresser, wariness pulling his brows together. “Rough week. I didn’t sleep well and would get up in the middle of the night and write articles.”
Guilt washed over him. “I’m sorry I was the cause of it. It was cowardly on my part. I won’t go silent on you again.” He stepped out of his jeans and briefs and pulled the T-shirt over his head, wrinkling his nose. “I need a shower.”
“Go ahead. Towels are in the linen closet.”
“Can I convince you to take one with me?” He waggled his brows. “Only trying to be environmentally proper, of course.”
“You’re such a liar.” Elliot kissed his cheek and gave his ass a squeeze, which set his dick springing to attention and a satisfied hum buzz past his lips. “I’ll take mine after.”
“Spoilsport. I won’t be long.” He left Elliot, turned on the shower, and jumped into its steamy warmth. A fast wash and towel dry, and Win hoped for some more kissing and cuddling. He’d missed having Elliot to hold.
“I’m ba—” He stopped short at the sight of Elliot stretched out on the bed, his head on the pillow. Long lashes cast shadows on his cheeks, and his soft lips were parted as he snored lightly.
Careful not to move too quickly, Win drew the sheet and comforter over Elliot and slid in next to him. With a gentle kiss to Elliot’s shoulder, he snuggled close and sighed, his entire body unclenching. For the first time in a week, he took a deep breath without his chest constricting. No cloud of longing and despair hovered, weaving its darkness over him. He closed his eyes and slept.
***
