“Naw, you’re always like Ms.Mattie, I think,” Salzy smirked.“Can I get another beer, please, while you’re up?”
Joesph stood there with a deadpan expression.“Youmayhave another beer.”Joesph opened the refrigerator.“I’m starting to wonder if you’re an alcoholic.”
“I think it’s the heat,” Mike said.“It makes a man thirsty for beer.”
“You’re not drinking one,” Jamie nodded towards the iced water in front of Mike.
“I’d like a beer, but I’m trying to watch the carb intake.”Mike flexed his bicep, which Jamie had many occasions to admire as of late.
“I don’t have that kind of dedication,” Salzy commented as he took the fresh beer from Joesph.
“It does take commitment.Once you get into the routine, it’s easier.I find it hard when I don’t get in a good workout.”Mike drained the last of his water.“I hate to eat and run, but I have a big day tomorrow.”
“Thanks for running me to the store,” Jamie said, also standing.“And for everything else.I really appreciate it.”
“You have no idea how grateful I am,” Joesph chimed in.“I’d have been a nervous wreck worrying about that beam.”
“I like it when you’re around,” Salzy said and then belched loudly.
Joesph shook his head and rolled his eyes.“Rude.”
“Hey, Jamie, would you walk me out?”Mike asked.
“Uh, sure.”
“There’s something I’d like to ask you.”Mike stepped through the doorway.
“Okay.”Jamie followed the broad-backed man down the stairs.“Do you think the tiling will be done and ready to be walked on the day after tomorrow?”
“I think so.”Mike used the truck’s fob to unlock it.He then turned towards Jamie.
“So, what’s up?”Jamie asked, standing in front of Mike and his big-ass truck.
“Two things.”Mile held up one finger.“One, can I kiss you?”
“Do what?”Jamie leaned backwards a little.“Right here?Now?”
“Yes, right here and right now.”
“But...why?”Jamie suddenly looked suspicious.
“Because I really, really, want to.”Mike took a step towards Jamie, their chests almost touching.“I’ve wanted to for a long time to do it properly, and now’s a good as time as any.”
“But...”
“I’ve already taken you to dinner, as you wanted.I’ve tried to let you get to know me a little more, and I’ve liked spending time with you.”Mike laid a hand on Jamie’s shoulder.
Jamie seemed to relax a bit.As he looked into Mike’s eyes, all he saw was desire.No telltale sign of anything other than the genuine man he’d seen over the last few weeks.Slowly, Jamie put his arms around Mike’s waist.“Okay.”
Mike leaned in and lightly kissed Jamie, then pulled back, looking into Jamie’s eyes.He pulled Jamie in, both arms around the smaller man.He brought his lips to Jamie’s, letting the kiss evolve.What started as a tender, easy kiss quickly became more demanding, more passionate.
The only thing Jamie could do was hang on.Their mouths opened, tongues quickly became entangled.Jamie could feel the slight stubble on Mike’s face.When the kiss ended, Mike’s face was still close enough for Jamie to feel his rapid breathing on his face.
Mike caressed the back of Jamie’s head.“That was even better than I had imagined.You’re a damn good kisser.”
Jamie blinked a few times, his own breathing slightly laboured.“You’re pretty good yourself.”
Mike leaned in and kissed him again, this time he was passionate but more...loving, if Jamie had to put a word to it.He lost himself, letting Mike kiss him, and kissing him back.
