Derek smiles. “I wasn’t exactly expecting my eight-year old niece to be the one telling my prospective boyfriend that I love him. But I guess it’s serendipity, because who knows how long it would have taken us to getting around to acknowledging how we felt if we were left to our own devices.”
I put my palm on Derek’s cheek. I want to say the words now. “I love you, Derek. I’ve loved you for a long time.”
Derek’s expression softens. He reaches out, placing his hand at my nape. “We belong together.”
His touch ignites something inside me, a slow burn of desire and longing. “I know that,” I whisper. “And I want to be with you.”
Derek’s eyes darken. He pulls me to him and kisses me, deep and hungry, like a man starved. I cling to him, pouring years’ worth of unspoken feelings into the kiss. By the time we break apart, I’m breathless, and I know this is where I’m meant to be.
I stand and tug Derek to his feet. He smiles as I lead him to the bedroom.
Once over the threshold, we’re kissing again. It’s a clumsy kiss as we pull at each other’s clothing. Soon we’re both naked and his bare skin is pressed to mine. Desire coils in my belly as we tumble onto the bed, still kissing. His hips rock against mine, the friction making me gasp as sparks of pleasure ignite along my nerves.
“Ryan,” Derek murmurs, nuzzling my throat. “I love you. I want you.”
My heart sings.He wants me.With his words and the way he’s touching me, there’s not a single doubt in my mind that he means it. “Yes.”
He pulls back and gazes down. I’m sure he can see into my soul where all the love and longing I have for him is on display. He smiles and brings his mouth to mine again. I love the rasp of his beard, the taste of his tongue, the scent of him that surrounds me, but it’s not enough. I want him inside me. Or me inside him.
I break the kiss and nudge him gently so that I can reach to the bedside table for lube and a condom.
Derek looks at me. “Tell me what you want.”
It’s an easy answer. “Everything.”
He smiles. “I think that can be arranged.”
I push the condom packet into his hand, my intention clear. He takes it from me, but he’s in no hurry. There’s no rush, no desperate urgency. He kisses me slowly and thoroughly ashe opens me, every touch building the fire within. Finally, he presses inside and fills me until we’re as close as two people can be.
I’m acutely aware of every movement of his cock, every slide and stretch and every stroke against my sweet spot. My own achingly hard cock is pressed between us and the pressure builds. I grapple to hold on to him, fingers digging into his back as moans fall from my lips. He pushes me closer and closer. I don’t want it to be over, but I have no choice. My orgasm washes over me in a wave of exquisite release and I clench around him as I come between us. Then Derek drops his forehead to my chest and groans as he releases inside me.
It takes a while before he moves, and then it’s only to carefully withdraw, then drop to his side next to me, head still resting on my chest. I love the feel of him against me. I can feel his heartbeat, his laboured breathing, the slick of his sweat.
“How did I get so lucky?” I whisper.
“I’m the lucky one.” Derek raises his head to kiss me. “You’re it for me, Ryan.”
“And you’re mine,” I murmur against his lips.
“Now and forever. Happy Valentine’s Day.”
Epilogue
Ryan
The room erupts into cheers when Nathan walks through the door, dragging a suitcase behind him. He stands there wide-eyed, mouth open as he looks around at the small gathering of his friends and family crammed into the small apartment living room.
I grin, crossing the room to greet him. “Welcome home, brother.”
“Good to see you, Ryan.” Nathan pulls me into a bear hug and thumps me on the back.
“Welcome home!” Dad calls, then Mum shoves me out of the way so she can hug Nathan.
There’s pandemonium as everyone greets Nathan with hugs and kisses and questions about his time away. You’d think he’d been gone for years instead of eight months.
I step away and lean against the wall, nursing my beer, watching the action. It’s nice to have him home and I’m looking forward to spending time with him.
Derek appears at my side. My heart does its usual flip-flop when his arm brushes me. He nudges my shoulder with his. “The surprise worked out well.”
