Where You Least Expect It (22 page)

“I don’t know. I wanted to stop somewhere first, but we have time to figure something out.”

Christian looked at him with curiosity. “Where are we going?”

Matt glanced at him out of the corner of his eye, suppressing a grin. “It’s a surprise.”

“Really? I love surprises.”

They settled in the truck and Matt leaned over to kiss Christian again. “I know.”

Ten minutes later, Christian was looking at him curiously when Matt parked the truck.

“The park?” Christian seemed confused.

“Yep.” He caught Christian’s eye roll out of the corner of his eye.

Christian followed him out of the truck. “So, what are we doing?”

Matt shrugged and shoved his hands in his pockets, suddenly feeling self conscious. Maybe this was a dumb idea after all. “I thought we could go for a walk.” He relaxed when Christian smiled.

“Okay.”

Matt realized he was staring at Christian with what he suspected was a very sappy expression. “Okay.” He turned and started walking toward the lake. He still felt silly, but Christian looked happy, so that made it worthwhile.

The park was busy; kids ran around and rode their bikes, college students lounged around on blankets pretending to study. Matt and Christian were only one of the couples walking around the lake.

“So, what’s up?” Christian finally asked.

Matt smiled. “Can’t a guy just want to go for a walk?”

Christian was still looking at him. “Okay.”

Matt laughed; he enjoyed teasing Christian. “The first time I drove you home, you managed to sound completely enthralled by that horrible fall weather. I thought you might want to experience something, I don’t know, less wet.” Matt winked. “Besides, it’s been, what, three months since you moved in? That’s kind of a milestone, don’t you think?”

Christian beamed at him. “An anniversary walk?”

“I thought it was more like an anniversary date. Come on, walk around the lake with me and I’ll buy you dinner.”

“Thai?”

“Sure.” Matt took Christian’s hand and continued their walk as the sun set over the lake. Three months certainly wasn’t a lifetime, but they’d come so far from where they were Matt was confident this was only the first of many anniversaries.

END

If you enjoyed this, try these other titles from M Durango and Torquere Press!

Teammates

When Cory’s car breaks down just as he’s heading home for winter break, the last thing he expects is Jeff, the school’s star basketball player — and Cory’s secret crush — to offer him a ride. Cory’s even more surprised to find out his feelings might be returned, but Jeff’s parents’ angry reaction to Jeff’s coming out may pose an obstacle. Will Cory have the chance to show Jeff that things get better or will Jeff run back into the closet?

Overtime

Jerry loves his job as a real estate developer, loves it down to the sawdust and the nails. On weekends, when he’s alone and the site is quiet, Jerry comes to wander the half-finished buildings, to marvel at the changes that occurred in the week, and to appreciate — in his own way — all the things he loves about the work. When a very attractive employee shows up unexpectedly, Jerry has to face facts: he’s busted. Good thing for Jerry he might not be the only one interested in putting in a little overtime.

My Secret Valentine

Valentine’s Day seems like a greeting card holiday designed to bilk people out of their hard-earned money. That’s always been Jeremy’s take; but this year is different. Months after becoming lovers with his twin, Brian, Jeremy finds himself wondering just how this new aspect of their relationship changes things. In addition to battling his own insecurities, Jeremy might have to battle Brian’s sexy — and interested — study partner, as well. Will Jeremy and Brian work out their differences or will their first Valentine’s Day be over before it begins.

Dinner and a Movie

Jeremy and Brian are best friends, roommates, and brothers; they’re inseparable and there are no secrets between them except one. When an old high school nemesis tries to start a bar fight with Jeremy, throwing around his usual insults about their relationship, Brian soothes Jeremy’s frustration and thinks that’s the end of it. But when Jeremy starts avoiding him, Brian has no choice but to push for the truth. Are they so close that they even share the same dark secret they’ve each kept from the other all these years?