Mike’s eyes twinkled. “What you’re really saying is you want to know what my intentions are.” He sat down on the couch, flicking his head to Tommy to indicate that he should sit next to him. Caroline took the armchair facing them.
She beamed. “I like a man who’s a straight shooter.” She leaned against the seat cushions. “Tell me about yourself, Mike.”
“Not that much to tell.” He reached for Tommy’s hand and placed it on his leg, Mike’s hand covering his. There was a rightness to the gesture that sent a flood of warmth slowly spreading through Tommy. He sat there and listened as Mike talked about college and his life as a bartender, the sound of Mike’s voice comfortable and familiar. Caroline listened intently, focused on Mike.
The living room door opened, and Ben and Bethany walked in. Bethany was all smiles when she caught sight of Mike, and when he wasn’t looking, she gave Tommy the thumbs-up. Ben was a different story. He stared at Mike, mouth open. Caroline noticed instantly and frowned at him before turning her attention to Mike and smiling.
“Mike, these are my children, Ben and Bethany.”
Mike rose to his feet and extended a hand to Bethany, who shook it vigorously. “A pleasure,” he said. “Tommy’s spoken about you a lot”—he winked—“and all of it good.”
Bethany giggled. “I’ll bet.” She glanced at Caroline. “Anything I can do in the kitchen, Mom?”
“The rolls are warming in the oven. Could you get them out, please, and put them on the table along with the butter?”
Bethany nodded, and with one last smile at Mike, she left the room. Ben stood at the end of the couch, still staring. The tight knot of tension in Tommy’s belly proved difficult to ignore. He wondered if their difference in ages was what caused Ben’s reaction. Whatever it was, he didn’t like it, and neither did Caroline, judging by the warning glances she kept sending in Ben’s direction.
Benson made an appearance, and more introductions were made. Mike seemed at ease, chatting with him about his job as an international lawyer. Tommy was delighted to see how quickly Caroline and Benson warmed to Mike. The three of them talked at great length about what was going on in Atlanta, and Mike seemed sincerely interested in Caroline’s work with her charities. He mentioned fund-raising events he’d undertaken or organized for several LGBT charities, and Caroline’s face lit up. Tommy couldn’t help smiling as he watched their conversation grow more animated. Bethany appeared from the kitchen with a tray of glasses full of sweet tea, and Mike accepted a glass with a smile. Ben, on the other hand, was a mystery. After about ten minutes or so he’d quit staring, but he didn’t say a whole lot. Mike appeared puzzled, and Tommy could understand that. He’d told Mike so much about his roomie, and this just wasn’t like him. It was something of a relief when they all went into the dining room to have lunch.
Caroline had prepared roast beef with mashed potatoes, green beans, carrots, and gravy. Mike complimented her on the meal, and when he took a second helping of beef and mashed potatoes, she smiled widely. The atmosphere was relaxed for the most part, except for Ben talking very little. Tommy kept glancing at him, trying to work out what was bugging him, but Ben seemed to be avoiding meeting Tommy’s gaze.
Throughout lunch Tommy was aware of Mike next to him. Now and again, Mike would stroke his thigh under the table, a light touch to connect them. His arm would brush against Tommy’s, and he would catch a whiff of Mike’s scent, a mixture of his cologne and, underneath it, the warm, earthy smell of pure Mike. The meal would have been perfect, if not for Ben.
Coffee followed, and Mike appeared genuinely sad to have to leave. A couple of hours had flown by, and Tommy was really pleased with how things had worked out. He guessed from Caroline’s initial reaction that she might have something to say about Mike’s age, but from the way lunch had gone, he wasn’t so worried. Mike had obviously worked his magic.
“It was lovely meeting you,” Caroline told Mike as she walked him to the front door. “You’ll have to join us for dinner soon.”
Tommy stood beside Mike, resisting the urge to take his hand.
Mike shook Benson’s hand firmly and then leaned forward to kiss Caroline’s cheek. “It would be a pleasure. I had a great time, and it was good to finally put faces to the names.” He straightened, and his expression grew more serious. “I’m glad Tommy has you in his corner.”
Caroline’s cheeks flushed, and she smiled. “We love that boy like he’s our own. And I feel a whole lot better about him going away with you, now that we’ve met.” Her blush deepened.
Mike chuckled. “Caroline, I didn’t mind in the least. You were looking out for Tommy, and that’s a big deal in my book.” He glanced at Tommy. “Gonna walk me to my truck?”
“Sure.”
With one last nod to Caroline and Benson, Mike turned and walked down the driveway, reaching for Tommy’s hand, their fingers entwined. When they got to the truck, Mike darted a glance toward the house before taking Tommy in his arms.
“I’m glad they invited me,” he said quietly. “And I’m also glad I’ve put their minds at rest. So that means….” He cupped Tommy’s cheek and kissed him slowly, taking his time, as though he was savoring the taste of him. Tommy closed his eyes and molded his body to Mike’s as he leaned against his truck, thoroughly engaged in the kiss. He was aware of birdsong, the distant hum of traffic, the slight breeze that caught his hair where it was longer on top. But most of all, he sank willingly into Mike’s embrace, his heartbeat quickening at the thought of his lover leaving.
Mike broke the kiss and leaned back. “I’ll be calling you tonight when I finish, if you’re still awake.”
“I’ll be awake,” Tommy assured him. He wouldn’t miss a chance to talk to Mike.
“And tomorrow we can discuss where we’re going to go next week. Then I’ll book us some flights, and we can be off for three or four days.” He craned his neck and kissed the tip of Tommy’s nose. “I can’t wait.”
There was that huskiness that made all Tommy’s blood head south. “Me neither,” he confessed.
Mike kissed him once more and then sighed. “It’s no good. I gotta go, baby.” He released Tommy and climbed into his truck. “I’ll talk to you tonight.”
“I’ll be waitin’.”
Mike rolled down his window and regarded Tommy in silence. Tommy’s skin prickled. He had the strangest feeling that Mike wanted to say something, but the moment passed. Mike switched on the engine and, with a wave of his hand, pulled out of the driveway.
Tommy watched him until the truck was no longer in sight. He turned back toward the house and slowly walked up to the front door, which was ajar. When he got inside, he expectedto find Caroline waiting for him, but instead it was Ben, who seemed agitated.
“Why didn’t you tell me?” he demanded, eyes wide. “For God’s sake, Tommy, how could you keepthatquiet?”
