Harper squeezed his shoulder. “I don’t think that’s going to be a problem. I know I always will.” They shared a smile, andHarper put an arm around his shoulders. “Thank you for this. I can’t imagine a more perfect day.”
Before they left, Colson stopped to take a picture of the three of them, sent it to Harper, then showed it to David.
“The three of us.”
“Ready to go home?” Harper pushed David’s chair out of the zoo and to the van. “I was thinking a barbecue for dinner. Burgers and hot dogs?”
“Sounds great,” Colson agreed. In fact, the day had been perfect. Walking through the park with Harper and David, feeling part of a family, emphasized how lonely he’d been.
The ride home was short, and Harper disappeared for a while to take care of David. When he reappeared, Colson took out beers for the two of them, and they sat together on the sectional in the cool of the living room. Luis was out, and the house was quiet. He rested his head on Harper’s shoulder.
“David’s taking a nap. I had to change his bags, and I gave him a quick sponge bath.”
Colson understood Harper was telling him all this to give him all the facts concerning his daily care.
“I think he enjoyed himself today. He didn’t resent me being there, did he? I wouldn’t want him to think I was taking away his special time with you.” That was his biggest concern.
Harper kissed the top of his head. “He doesn’t. He was so relaxed and happy. I think he understands you’re special.” He kissed him again. “Very special to me.”
Who needed the blasting music and party lights of the clubs? All he wanted was right here. Right now. “Thank you for allowing me to share today with you and David.”
“I know it’s not what you’re used to, but it’s all I have to offer.”
“What I’m used to is nothing. This is more than I ever dreamed possible. Growing up, I was so damn lonely.” He thought back to all those afternoons spent sitting against a tree, with a book, lost in stories of other people’s lives. “And hiding who I was added another layer of solitude. Writing can be isolating too. I get caught up in my head, and while the reward is creating characters and stories people love, it’s not enough. And when my ex left me, I buried myself so deep, I wasn’t sure I’d ever be able to dig myself out of the darkness.”
Harper toyed with his hair. “I consider myself lucky. After spending my days looking at the worst of humanity, I get to come home to David’s sweetness and pure heart. He’s the balance in my life.”
“You are lucky.”
Harper took the bottle from his hand and set it on the table next to his. “I’m lucky because I remember seeing you that morning at the coffee shop and thinking, who the hell is this guy with those sexy tats? He’s hot as fuck.”
Colson snickered. “And then you thought I was a murderer and wanted to arrest me.”
Harper’s eyes danced. “A minor technicality.” He framed Colson’s face with his hands. “I wanted you then because you’re sexy as hell and turned me on. I want you now because I know you’ve got an amazing, giving heart beneath that ink. I’m never going to stop wanting you.” He kissed him lightly. “Needing you.” Another butterfly kiss. “Loving you.” Harper’s gaze held his.
If bones could melt, he’d be in a puddle.
“I love you, Harper. It’s only three words that more books have been written about than any others, yet they fill my heart to overflowing. And I’ll never get tired of saying them to you.”
“I love you too.” He trailed his fingers over Colson’s face. “I’ve never said those words, but with you it just comes naturally.” Harper’s eyes clouded with concern. “You’re sure you’re okay with all this? It isn’t always going to be this easy. He has good days but some bad ones too.”
“I think if I can handle your grumpy ass, I’ll be fine with David.”
“I’m not grumpy. I’m focused.” Harper’s lips ticked up in a devilish grin. “And you’ll have to wait until after dinner to handle my ass. I’m going to start the grill soon.” He leaned in for a kiss, and Colson slung an arm around his neck to anchor him in place.
“Let me heat you up a little first. Give you a taste of what’s in store for you later.” He pushed Harper to the cushions and tugged his jogging pants below his hips, revealing a mouth-watering erection. “I’ll make it quick and dirty.” He licked his lips and took Harper’s dick in his mouth.
“Jesus,” Harper hissed and groaned as Colson swirled his tongue over the head while pumping the thick shaft. “I’m not going to last.” He slapped his hand and tangled his fingers in Colson’s hair.
“Mmm,” Colson hummed, his tongue bathing Harper’s swollen cock. Pleasure-pain ripped through him from Harper tugging on his hair, and he moaned, working his mouth and hand faster.
“Colson, what the hell.” His hips bucked hard, and Colson slipped a finger past his taint to rub the rim. A violent shiver rolled through Harper and he came, hot and heavy down Colson’s throat.
He swallowed it all and sat back, loving the sight of Harper lying wrecked and blissful under him. One final kiss to hisstomach, and Colson tucked him inside his clothes. Harper cracked an eye open and motioned with his hand for Colson to come close. He snuggled in and sighed.
“That’s the first time I’ve ever had sex in this house,” Harper said. “I always thought I’d be alone.”
“And even when I was with my ex, I was lonely.” Colson pressed a kiss to Harper’s mouth. “Now it’s all about us. Together. And we’ll never be lonely again.”
