“We really don’t know a lot about each other. You suspected one thing, and I did another.”
“Imagine if we had taken the time to talk like this the first time,” Stephen told him. “Things could have been different.”
“True,” Brenden agreed. “But there’s nothing wrong with fixing our past mistakes now.”
“What are you saying, Brenden?” Stephen whispered.
“Am I not being clear?”
** ** ** ** **
“I need you to say it out loud, so I don’t get confused about what you’re implying.”
Brenden reached over and picked up one of Stephen’s hands again. They were cold and shaking. He brought it to his lips and kissed the tips. He never took his eyes off the other man and smiled when he licked his lips. “I don’t want us to hold things back from each other. I’ve said it before that we should give this a shot. But let’s do it for real this time. Me, you, and the kids. What do you think?”
Stephen stared at Brenden, and he was right, they’d started over twice in the past few weeks. But could a third be the charm? “Before I answer your question, answer mine. I’m not asking you to declare your undying love for me, or God forbid, ask me to marry you. But why? Why should we try again? I do not deny that I don’t want you, because I do. What happens the next time I do something else that you view as irredeemable? Are you going to blow up and walk away from me?”
Brenden was silent for a few minutes, and Stephen didn’t think he was going to answer his question. They were gazing at each other, but there was no anger in the other man’s eyes.
“Since we’re being honest with each other,” Brenden started. “Because I want you and I want us, I regret letting you walk away from me five years ago. I was scared of what I was feeling then. Today my mother and sister told me to figure out what I want. Hell, even Tucker and your dad told me the same thing. And I thought I knew what I wanted then.”
“And now?”
“I know what I want, and I’m not letting you walk away from me.”
Could he be saying all this because of Nicholas and the baby?
“I know what you’re thinking, it’s written all over your face.” Brenden leaned closer to him. “It has nothing to do with Nick and the baby.” Stephen looked away, he had to. He felt his tears welling in the corner of his eyes. “Hey,” Brenden placed a finger under his chin and turned his face to his, “I’m not ready to declare my undying love for you.” He smiled. “But know this, I care for you more than anyone else. You have me twisted up inside.”
Stephen didn’t hold back his tears, that time he let them fall. Brenden moved to the empty chair next to him without letting go of his hand and cupped his cheek with the other. Stephen touched the hand on his cheek.
“We’re not perfect,” Brenden whispered. “And we will make mistakes. But I know we are perfect for each other. God, I get jealous when you smile at someone else or show them a part of you I haven’t claimed as mine.” Stephen raised his head and their eyes connected. “Be mine, Stephen. Give us a…”
“Yes,” Stephen answered then leaned closer connecting their lips together. Tears streamed down his cheeks. He wasn’t able to say everything he wanted, but he hoped that Brenden understood. He wanted the same thing.
They forgot where they were for a minute until their server returned with the rest of their meals, breaking their loving embrace. The rest of the dinner went great, they talked more, getting to know each other again. Brenden teased Stephen for his obsession with terribly dubbed kung fu movies. Brenden couldn’t understand Stephen’s love for the movies, however, the other man cheered when he heard his love for the movies did not extend to their son. So, it made him wonder why Brenden asked him out on Saturday on a date to watch the terribly made movies. All too soon their date was over and Brenden was walking Stephen to his car.
“I had a good time tonight.” Stephen smiled and leaned against his car.
“Me too.” Brenden stepped closer to him and gently rested his hands on Stephen’s hips. “Do I get a goodnight kiss?”
Stephen quirked an eyebrow, looking at Brenden. “I don’t know. Do you deserve one?”
“I think I’ve been on my best behavior.”
Stephen wrapped his arms around Brenden’s neck. “I think I can agree with you.” He moved closer, their lips were close enough to touch. “This once,” he finished before pressing their lips together.
** ** ** ** **
Brenden wrapped his arms around Stephen, fully pulling their bodies closer together. He opened his lips, moving the tip of his tongue along Stephen’s lips, before nibbling on them. He’d always loved kissing, especially a willing lover like Stephen. Their kiss depended, and Brenden could feel his cock taking an interest. He needed to stop before things went too far, but he could not pull himself away from the sweet, delectable lips and the man that has always had a hold on him in some fashion.
At least one of them was more sensible, because Stephen was the first to pull away. He rested his forehead on Brenden’s chin. “Why do you always make me forget where I am?”
Brenden lifted one of his hands and placed it under Stephen’s chin, lifting his head so that they were facing each other. “You do the same thing to me as well, amante.”
Stephen smiled. “It’s been a while since I’ve heard you call me that.”
“You’re the only one I’ve used that with; no one has captured my heart enough to be called my lover.”
