I need you. I want you. I miss you. I’m here for you. I love you.
Maybe it’s juvenile for me to think that way, but I couldn’t bring myself to kiss another man after I had the startling realization that the last time I kissed Duncan, I had no idea it was our final goodbye.
Well. Up until now.
I trace the outline of Elliot’s mouth with my tongue, and when he parts them to allow me to slip inside, I moan. He tastes like lemon and something sweet.
“Mhm,” I hum, sliding my hand around to sink my fingers into the hair on his nape.
His answering moan goes straight to my cock. I pull him closer, pressing our bodies together until there isn’t an inch of space between us. I know we don’t have long before this bubble bursts around us. If it isn’t for a call that comes through, it’ll be for how fucking cold it is out here, and I don’t want him to get sick.
Angling my head to the side, I deepen the kiss. The pop and sizzle of the fireworks echo the electricity that’s running through my veins. Elliot melts into me. His tongue meets mine with each stroke, and I greedily swallow every noise of pleasure he makes as my grip tightens in his hair. My cock thickens in my briefs, and the ache in my balls has me wanting to press Elliot against the wall, wedge my thigh between his legs, and grind my hips into his.
But before things can escalate, shouting comes from inside the firehouse, and it’s the reminder I need to cool things down. I’m on shift. We could get a call at any moment, and what use will I be if I’m rocking a hard-on that could break through glass?
Reluctantly, I release him and pull back slightly, enough to see his flushed cheeks and swollen pink lips. He blinks up at me with those big green eyes, and I smile instantly.
He’s so fucking gorgeous.
“Happy New Year, El,” I murmur before brushing my lips over his again in a tender kiss. “I hope this year is everything you want it to be.”
He smiles against my mouth, but before he can reply, the alarm sounds, and my spine stiffens. I don’t want to leave him, but I have to go.
Luckily, Elliot makes it easier for me as he’s the one who takes a step back.
“Go,” he says. He glances down at his hands still gripping my sweatshirt before letting me go with a soft chuckle. “Okay, now you can go.”
“Can I see you tomorrow?” I ask, already walking back toward the door.
“Yeah, I have a late morning practice, though. I can text you when I’m home?”
“Okay, that sounds good.” I agree, and then my eyes drop to his lips.
Fuck.
Just one more.
I close the gap between us in three strides and slam my mouth over his. He lets out a husky groan, and it takes everything in me to release him.
“I have to go,” I mumble.
“I know,” he whispers.
“Text me when you get home.”
“I will.”
I jog to the door, and when I swing it open, I’m greeted by the sound of everyone rushing around. I’m about to disappear inside when he calls out my name, and I turn to face him.
He stuffs his hands into his coat pockets. A flash of vulnerability crosses his face before he gives me a boyish smile. “Happy New Year, Hunter. I hope this year brings you all the happiness.”
Grinning, I give him a wink before heading inside.
For the first time in seven years, there’s a blossom of hope in my chest.
And he might be the reason for it.
From the moment I leave Elliot and climb into the truck, it’s nonstop. We get called to kitchen fires, misuse of illegal fireworks, some of which result in burns, car accidents, and three drunk and disorderly brawls. By the time 8:00 a.m. rolls around, I’m completely beat. The only thing keeping me upright is the thought of seeing Elliot later.
