Rediscovery (8 page)

“That was amazing,” Michael said with a long sigh of repletion. “I didn’t know I could feel like that.”

Lee grinned at him. “Let’s get cleaned up, and you can return the favor later tonight. If you want to stay up here with me, that is.”

Michael’s arms tightened around Lee, even knowing why his lover started to pull away. “Try to make me leave and see what happens.”

Lee laughed. “Not interested. I’d much rather keep you here.”

Michael let Lee go long enough to dispose of the condom and to return with a warm cloth to clean them up.

When that was done, Lee snuggled into bed, his body curling around Michael’s. Michael sighed again, with contentment this time, still amazed at everything Lee had made him feel. He had no idea when Lee had finally removed his pants, but they were skin to bare skin now, and that only added to his enjoyment of the moment. Lee’s lips nuzzled at the back of his neck, bringing a fresh smile to Michael’s lips. “I could get used to this,” he said softly.

“So could I,” Lee said, snuggling even closer, “but we don’t have to rush into anything. If this is right between us, it will still be right in a month or six months. We can take our time and let things develop naturally.”

Michael rolled in Lee’s arms so they were facing each other. “Or we can realize what we have and grab onto it with both hands. When it’s right—and nothing has ever felt as right as being here with you—time doesn’t matter.”

“We’ve known each other three weeks,” Lee reminded him. “We’ve had a total of three dates.”

Michael shrugged. “My parents met at a wedding. They saw each other the next weekend, and the weekend after that, they got engaged. That was thirty-five years ago.”

“So you believe in love at first sight?” Lee asked.

“I believe in love,” Michael replied, “whatever that looks like. How can I not with that kind of example in front of me? I’m not saying we should run away to Massachusetts and get married right away, but if you feel the same way, is there any point in not admitting it right away and making plans based on those feelings?”

“I didn’t think you’d want to move that fast,” Lee admitted. “You were pretty nervous around me when we first met.”

“And since then you’ve shown me I have no reason to be,” Michael reminded him. “Other than those unfounded fears, everything about you is exactly what I need. Even not seeing you every day, the past three weeks have been the happiest I can remember in years. I want to hold onto that.”

Lee smiled. “Then that’s what we’ll do.”

Michael
paid his registration at the Houston Gay Gamers Convention and picked up the schedule. Lee had already taken their bags up to the room and probably had the booth set up by now, but once Michael had his badge, he headed toward the dealers’ room to check anyway. He couldn’t stop the smile on his face when he caught sight of his lover, wearing jeans and a T-shirt still at this point rather than his full leather gear. He’d save that for tomorrow when more attendees were wandering around. Lee wore a leather vest over the T-shirt, though, a little bit of advertising even now.

Looking around, Michael found the booksellers’ table, the same publisher as the year before and the same women, but no kids. “Hi,” the redhead said as he approached. “What do you like to read?”

“Everything you publish,” Michael said with a laugh. “You hooked me last year, and I haven’t looked back. The kids didn’t come with you this time?”

“Not this year, thank goodness,” the other woman said. “We survived the weekend thanks to Lee, but it’s not an experience I’d care to repeat. Nice vest. Is it one of Lee’s?”

Michael looked down at the brown leather vest he wore, fingering the hem. “Yes, he made it for me.” He looked across the room at Lee and then back at the booksellers. “I’m almost sorry your kids aren’t here this year. If it hadn’t been for them, I never would have looked at Lee twice.”

“Michael? I could use a hand with this.”

“Excuse me,” Michael said. “Work is calling.”

He went over to Lee’s booth, helping him hang up the items they’d brought for display. When they were done, Lee kissed him swiftly. “Enjoy the con, baby. I’ll see you at dinner tonight.”