“Nah, I’ve done enough catching up for one night,” Nicholas said, starting toward the parking lot. “I’ve had something on every night since I’ve been home.”
Micah followed at his side. “Mr. Popular.”
Nicholas chuckled. “For a small town, there’s certainly no shortage of social events.”
Micah had to agree. Since he’d moved back, life had been a flurry of activity as he’d caught up with family and friends, helped along by the seemingly endless Christmas festivities. “Well, I appreciate you ending your night early to give me a lift home.”
“It’s my pleasure.”
They stopped at a white SUV, and its lights flashed when Nicholas unlocked it. Nicholas grinned at him, dark eyes shining in the light from the street lamp as he held the passenger door open. His cologne reached Micah as he got close, a fragrance he’d become familiar with these last couple of weeks. The very scent, and Nicholas’ nearness caused a flutter of butterflies in his belly. As Micah climbed into the car, he couldn’t keep the smile from his face. Damn, he was so far gone for this gorgeous man.
Chapter Seven
Thecarpulledupoutside Micah’s building, the trip from the bowling alley being way too short for Nicholas’ liking. They both sat for a moment in the dim interior of the car, the only sound the quiet idling of the engine. He didn’t want the night to be over, despite indicating otherwise earlier. He’d definitely had enough of bowling, but nowhere near enough of Micah.
“Do you—”
“So here we are,” Nicholas started at the same time as Micah spoke.
“Sorry, you go ahead,” Nicholas said.
Micah huffed a laugh. “I was wondering if you wanted to come in for coffee, but it’s getting late. You probably want to get home.”
“Coffee sounds great.” Nicholas knew he was grinning like a fool as he turned off the car and grabbed the keys. He followed Micah into the building and up to his apartment, where Micah let them in. Stepping into the interior was like stepping into a wonderland. Twinkling fairy lights lent a soft glow in the darkened room. He automatically put a hand on Micah’s forearm to stop him from reaching the light switch. “Can we leave it like this a minute?”
The twinkling lights surrounded the living room windows, globes sparkling in the sheer drapes, as well as covering the archway that led to the kitchen. Colored lights also adorned the Christmas tree that stood pride of place in the corner. Nicholas moved into the center of the room, taking it all in. He reached for Micah’s hand when he drew close. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many lights in one room before. You’ve done an amazing job. It’s magical.”
“I probably went a bit overboard, but Christmas is my weakness.” Micah spoke in a hushed voice as he looked around the room. The low light illuminated his fair complexion and the happiness on his features.
“It’s beautiful,” Nicholas said, but didn’t tear his eyes from Micah. Micah turned and met his gaze. “You’re beautiful.”
He couldn’t help himself. He knew it was something he probably shouldn’t do, at least not yet, but the pull was irresistible. Micah seemed locked in the moment, too, nostrils flaring slightly, gaze dropping to Nicholas’ mouth. Nicholas tugged Micah’s hand that he still held and Micah didn’t resist, stepping closer until they were inches apart. He raised his hand to Micah’s cheek, feeling his heat and the soft graze of stubble. Micah pushed into his palm, and Nicholas’ heart melted a little more with the way Micah was looking at him. If he had to bet on it, he’d say Micah was feeling this thing between them, just as much as he was. Yes, there was a sexual tension in the air, but there was something more as well—something he knew was precious.
The kiss was everything he knew it would be. It was soft and tender, and then deepened into something toe-curling. “Micah.” He breathed the name as they parted, bringing their foreheads together. He could feel Micah’s breath on his damp lips, and the slight tremble in his body. He wanted more but hesitated, then Micah’s arms snaked around his waist, pulling him in closer. And when Micah brought their mouths together again, he had no doubt that Micah wanted this as much as he did. His desire was reflected in the way he held him, the way he took control of their kiss, the way Micah dipped his tongue into Nicholas’ mouth, stealing the air from his lungs, and turning his legs to jelly.
When they finally pulled apart, it was Micah who spoke. “I’ve been wanting to do that for years,” he whispered.
“Yeah?” His chest warmed at the thought, but at the same time, a warning bell sounded. While he loved the idea that Micah must have felt some sort of attraction for a long time, maybe they were rushing things—after all, they’d only just started spending time together after a few years apart. And he still had no idea whether his future involved his stable life further away, or a more tentative one closer to home. But when Micah tugged him toward the bedroom, he wouldn’t have been able to say no if his life depended on it—it was time to follow his heart, not his head.
Light festooned Micah’s bedroom, too. Nicholas chuckled. It didn’t come as a surprise. Whatdidcome as a surprise was Micah’s surety as he led him to the bed and started to take Nicholas’ sweater off.
“Let me,” Micah said, when Nicholas moved to take over.
He nodded, then raised his hands so Micah could tug the sweater over his head. Micah made deft work of his shoes and clothes, and soon he was naked and sprawled on Micah’s bed. He lay back on the sheets as Micah undressed. He held his breath as Micah’s lithe body was revealed little by little in the dim light. From what he could see, Micah was flawless, just acres of smooth pale skin. He moved across the room with grace, pulling down the blind before returning to the bed. Nicholas tracked him the whole way, unable to tear his eyes away.
By the time Micah crawled up Nicholas’ body, Nicholas was hard as nails and desperate for him, but at the same time, he wanted to take it slow and enjoy this moment. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d wanted someone so badly that he could combust at any moment. It was a relief when Micah kissed him, another of those soul tingling kisses that he wanted to go on forever.
He pulled Micah to him, groaning as they came together. Micah tasted glorious and his body against Nicholas’ own felt amazing. Nicholas ran his hands down Micah’s back to his ass, cupping the globes and pulling him tighter. The movement brought their cocks together, the pressure creating bolts of pleasure. He groaned.
Micah undulated his hips as he kissed down the side of Nicholas’ throat. He continued to press onto Nicholas’ cock as he moved lower until his lips found Nicholas’ nipple. He sucked firmly, causing Nicholas to arch off the bed.
“Fucking hell, Micah.” He gripped Micah’s ass hard as they rutted against each other. “Do that again.”
Micah obliged and worried at his nipple with his teeth. It was as if there was a direct connection between the small bud and his cock because, with every suck, every pull, he felt himself drawn closer to the edge. He dragged Micah back up his body and kissed him, before flipping their positions so that Micah was on his back.
“Oof.” Micah’s breath left him in a rush.
Nicholas held himself up and looked down at him. “God, you’re gorgeous.” The lights flickered, adding a magical glow, and just enough light to see Micah’s shy smile. He had a smile that lit up his entire face and Nicholas warmed at knowing he was the one to put that smile there, but he hated the touch of doubt he knew existed behind that smile. Micah truly had no idea how perfect he really was and how much he turned Nicholas on. But tonight Nicholas was going to show him. And with that thought, he lowered his mouth to Micah’s.
