Tactics

Tactics by Stevie Woods

Torquere Press www.torquerepress.com

Copyright ©2008 by Stevie Woods First published in www.torquerepress.com, 2008 NOTICE: This eBook is licensed to the original purchaser only. Duplication or distribution to any person via email, floppy disk, network, print out, or any other means is a violation of International copyright law and subjects the violator to severe fines and/or imprisonment. This notice overrides the Adobe Reader permissions which are erroneous. This eBook cannot be legally lent or given to others. This eBook is displayed using 100% recycled electrons.

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As his office door opened, Michael looked up sharply, his finger marking the line on the page he was working on. "I asked not to be disturbed, Marcia," he firmly told his secretary. "You know how important this project is." "Yes, sir, I'm aware of that, but I thought you would want to know that there has been an accident on the loading dock..." Michael's heart seized as he heard the words. Colin was on the loading dock. His new shipment was due in this morning and he was always so particular that any new equipment was perfect before he would accept delivery. Not Colin, please God, not Colin; the words pounded inside Michael's head, drowning out the words Marcia was still saying. Taking a deep breath, Michael forced himself to listen. "...they've been taken to Mercy General. I have asked for..." "He ... they're alive? Thank God!" Michael interrupted hoarsely. "Who?" "I said, sir," the woman frowned. "Who, damn it?" "Mr. Marsden and Mr. Wilmot. It sounds as if Mr. Wilmot was injured more severely but..." Michael didn't hear the rest of the sentence; he was already halfway through his secretary's office as soon as he heard Colin Marsden's name mentioned. He was admittedly relieved when he heard that Colin was not as seriously hurt as Steve Wilmot. Michael couldn't even feel regret or guilt at his 3

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relief that it was Steve and not Colin who had come off worse. Nothing, no one meant more to him than Colin. So why the hell had he never let Colin know that? **** Colin saw Michael enter the emergency room, Michael noticeably slowing down as he reached the man in the bed next to Colin. He stared at Wilmot for a few seconds, before his eyes jerked toward his best friend. The fear in Michael's eyes was obvious to Colin, who was equally shocked and satisfied that Michael was so affected. Guilt swept through Colin; he shouldn't be pleased that Michael was worried for him. As soon as Michael saw that Colin was sitting up, watching him, he visibly relaxed. "It's okay, Mike," Colin said, as Michael came closer. "I wasn't hurt anywhere near as badly as Steve." "No, thank God!" Michael smiled, sidling in to stand alongside Colin's bed, staring pointedly at Colin's bandaged shoulder, held tightly to his chest by a short sling. "I was expecting to see you flat on your back with tubes and wires and stuff. Still, you look bad enough." "Thanks," Colin retorted, grinning. He gave a oneshouldered shrug, "But, I guess I was lucky; if I'd been standing a few inches further..." "Right. You'd be worse off than poor Steve," Michael finished for him. Colin sighed, knowing Michael was right, the odds were that he would have died when the chain slipped and the 4

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heavy load fell. It was pure luck that he moved to retrieve his clipboard at the same moment, receiving only a glancing blow instead. As chief engineer, Colin considered it his duty to double-check, on delivery, every new piece of equipment that he had ordered. He had been doing just that when the accident happened. "Don't suppose you know what caused it?" Michael asked. Michael, as the Engineering Director and Vice President of Harrison Lethe, was Colin's direct boss, but, more importantly to both men, was also Colin's oldest friend. "Not really. I had just turned away when I heard a sound, a harsh grating noise. Afterwards, I saw the chain hanging from the pulley. I assume it broke." Colin posed it more like a question than a statement. "Don't worry about it now," Michael said. "I'll investigate it thoroughly and if anyone is to blame..." His voice had taken on a sharp edge. "Michael?" "What? If it is someone's fault you and Steve were injured..." He let the sentence hang, but Colin knew that Michael wouldn't let it go. Deep down, Colin also knew he would do the same if Michael had been hurt, so he didn't comment any further. Michael glanced over at the unconscious Steve again and then back to Colin, an unusual expression on his face. "What?" Colin asked. "I just ... We've been friends for a long time. It was something of a shock to hear that you'd been rushed to the 5

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hospital." Michael shrugged. "Don't want to think about the possibility of losing you, you know?" Michael's words warmed Colin's heart, but he simply said, "Don't make more of it than it was, Mike, I'm fine. They're keeping me in for a few days, that's all." As if in response to the comment, an orderly arrived with a wheelchair to transfer Colin to his room. "What about his colleague?" Michael asked, nodding at Steve. "He'll be moved when they're sure he's stabilized," the orderly answered. "Right, I see. I'm gonna have a word at the desk, Colin, and see if they'll tell more about Steve's condition. I also need to make sure his wife is on the way," Michael shrugged. "I kinda left the office in a rush, left Marcia to sort things out." Imagining how he would have felt if their positions had been reversed, Colin nodded in understanding. "I'll be up to see you as soon as I can," Michael added. "Okay," Colin smiled, watching admiringly as Michael walked across to the nurses' station. God, the man has a sweet ass. **** "Do I still have to wear this thing?" Michael heard Colin's voice as he strode along the corridor toward Colin's room. Grinning, Michael could imagine what his friend was complaining about—the short backless gown Colin had been wearing in the emergency room. Michael hurried 6

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into the room, hoping to get another tempting glimpse of Colin's conveniently visible backside, which had been on show the last time the orderly moved Colin from the bed to the wheelchair. Frustratingly, he was too late; Colin was already in bed. "Yes, sir, until a family member or friend brings in something else in," the orderly was telling him. "I'll bring you something, Col," Michael said, trying not to laugh as he caught the orderly's eye as the man walked out. "Don't you dare laugh," Colin said, pulling the blankets up, his expression stern. "Come on, Colin, you know..." Michael stopped when he saw the sparkle of amusement in Colin's eyes. "Cute!" he declared. "Cute? I trust you are not talking about me?" Colin was still trying to look serious, but he couldn't keep it up, his facing lighting up as he laughed. Michael wanted to say "Hell yeah," but instead grinned and said, "Now, would I dare?" "No, I guess not," said Colin, and Michael thought for a moment that Colin sounded disappointed. He dismissed that notion with a wry grin. "What's that you're carrying?" Colin asked. Michael pulled the over-bed table from the end of the bed until it was over Colin's thighs and then placed the items on top of it: a folded board and a wooden box. "Fancy a game?" Michael asked. "Chess?" Colin grinned. "Where do you get that from?" 7

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"I saw it sitting alone and unwanted on a table in one of the lounges, so I 'borrowed' it," Michael grinned. "I thought it might make your stay here less boring. You want to play?" "Yeah, anything has to be better to help pass the time than daytime television. It has been a while since we played though," Colin hesitated, thinking back. "I can't remember the last time." He glanced at Michael. "Me either, now you mention it. Odd, we used to enjoy playing but it just seemed to peter out. They say time changes everything, even the simple things." Colin just nodded and, being careful of his sore shoulder, he leaned forward to position the board as Michael opened the box containing the chess pieces. As they set up the game, they both reached into the box at the same time and their fingers entangled over two of the pieces, one a knight and the other a bishop. Grinning, Michael looked up to find a pair of bright blue eyes staring at him. Colin flushed. Almost as if he'd been burned, Colin pulled his fingers away and Michael couldn't miss the flicker of ... panic in his eyes before Colin quickly looked down again. Michael's gut clenched, though he wasn't sure if it was because of Colin's expression or from the tingling sensation still flowing through his hand at the momentary contact. Just touching his friend shouldn't have affected him like that. Michael had felt this way about Colin almost from the moment they'd met, and he'd spent a long time hiding his reaction to the man. 8

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Since he'd gotten that phone call this morning about the accident, however, everything seemed to have come startlingly into focus. He had come too close to the possibility of losing Colin forever. Michael acknowledged that, if there was the slightest chance of more than friendship with Colin, he wasn't going to waste any possible opportunity. He wouldn't he risk losing the bond they presently shared either. He had to be sure. Glancing at Colin again, the other man's pensive expression still puzzled Michael, but he tried not to read more into it than might be there. After a long, silent moment, Colin continued to place the pieces on the board and Michael followed suit. Still quiet, Michael pulled up a chair beside the bed and sat, waiting as Colin settled himself as comfortably as he could with his injured shoulder, preparing to play. Colin made the first move and the game continued in virtual silence for about ten minutes, the only sounds those of breathing and the soft scratching of the chess pieces as they were moved from square to square. Michael was vividly aware of Colin's proximity and that Colin seemed to be nervously watching him. Feeling the need to break the unusual tension as he took his next move, Michael said, "Going to wipe the table with you tonight, Mr. Chief Engineer." Glancing at Michael, Colin's eyes suddenly sparkled with mischief. Smiling widely, he said, "That so, Mr. Vice President? Going to call on all your vast experience, huh?" Something in Michael ... sizzled at Colin's expression and, still staring absently at Colin, Michael picked up the bishop 9

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which he planned to use for his next move. Tearing his eyes away from his opponent, Michael looked down at the board. He did his best to look as if he was contemplating his move, rolling the bishop between his fingers, slowly before placing the piece against his closed mouth, gently rubbing it against his pursed lips. "Something like that," Michael replied, placing the bishop back on the board a few squares nearer to Colin's end and lifting his eyes to look at Colin as he did so. Struck by the intense expression on the other man's face, Michael felt his mouth go dry as Colin slowly licked his lips. Michael was unable to draw his eyes away from the vision of his tormentor's tongue as it wet those luscious lips, wondering what it would feel like to have Colin licking his own lips like that. With effort, Michael slowly looked up to find his friend still staring at him. Colin suddenly dropped his eyes when their gazes met, as if ... as if he was ... embarrassed at being caught? Michael so wanted Colin to be interested, to want him that he wondered if he was imprinting his own desires on the other man. Or was there really something going on behind those oh-so-expressive eyes? Something Colin still felt the need to hide from him? After all, Michael had spent years hiding his feelings from Colin, why should he be surprised by the possibility that Colin was ... damn, no that was just too good to be true ... wasn't it? Colin reached out to make his next move, keeping his eyes firmly on the board as he selected his piece. Michael's gaze caught on his long slender fingers as they held ... no, damn it 10

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... caressed it; Colin was caressing the piece. Michael wondered if Colin was doing it on purpose. Michael knew Colin could be a bit oblivious sometimes, but he wasn't acting that way today. God, I wish I knew if this was all just my imagination! "Sir?" Michael jumped at the sound of the voice. The nurse was directly behind him. "Yes?" "I'm afraid I'll have to ask you to leave now, sir. Mr. Marsden needs to take his medication and then get some rest." "Right," Michael replied absently. "Would you like me to leave your game set up, so you can finish it tomorrow?" the nurse asked, pushing the table back toward the foot of the bed. "Okay, yes, thank you," he sounded distracted even to himself. "Goodnight, Colin, I'll call and see you tomorrow, as soon as I can get away." "Night, Michael," Colin's voice was soft, perhaps a little tired. "Ciao, Col!" Michael called automatically as he walked away, his mind in a whirl. **** The following afternoon around four, Colin called Michael at the office, knowing he would still be hard at work. "Donaldson," Michael answered brusquely. 11

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"Hi, Mike. Can you swing by my place and bring me some fresh clothes?" "Colin! Hi there. Clothes? Don't tell me they're letting you out of there already?" "Yep, I convinced the good doctor I could heal just as well resting at home. And after she almost slipped on a chess piece that had been knocked onto the floor, she was quite happy to see the back of me." Michael laughed. "Right, and I was so gonna beat you too." "Ha! Never," Colin declared. "Still, if you've got nothing on tonight, I wouldn't mind a visitor. I could set up the game again. I know how we left the board." "Right. I'll be there as soon as I can. We can pick up dinner on the way back to your place, okay?" "Perfect. See you soon, Mike. And thanks." "Ciao, Col!" Colin held on to the receiver for a moment, listening to the silence, smiling at Mike's use of his trademark words. He hadn't been completely truthful with Michael, not telling his friend how he'd begged the doctor to let him go home. He hated it in the hospital, a long-standing dislike. Having Michael there helped, but an hour or so of his company a day wasn't enough. In some ways, it only made it worse. Colin hadn't told the doctor that he had hardly slept the night before, but then, the cause hadn't been entirely due to his injury. His mind kept going over the conversation with Michael, and perhaps even more, the notable silences. Colin had been less than cautious last evening, particularly during the chess game. Probably as a result of his injury, his 12

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emotions had been too near the surface and he had carelessly allowed them to show. Perhaps it hadn't been a bad thing, if what he believed he saw in Michael was true. He wasn't sure if he imagined Michael's reactions—they had been all he had ever wanted: the interest, the hunger—but had they been real or only the mirror of his own desires? He couldn't answer the question and it was driving him crazy. He needed a resolution and thought the only way to get one was to move forward, even if that meant forcing the pace. The problem was that he was nervous of what the pursuit might reveal. What if Colin was way off the mark and Michael didn't feel that way about him? How much damage might he do to their friendship? Should he take the risk? Damned if he did, and damned if he didn't. Fuck! It took longer than Colin expected for Michael to arrive and, when he finally walked in, Michael was flushed. "Sorry, I'm probably a lot later than you thought," Michael said, voicing Colin's thoughts. He dropped a bag on the foot of the bed. Colin was sitting on the bed in a robe he'd managed to scrounge from one of the nurses. "I'm just pleased to see you now," Colin replied. Michael smiled and warmth spread through Colin at the expression in the dark brown eyes regarding him; Colin couldn't help but return the smile. "The thing is, I'm late because there was an emergency at work just as I was going to leave, wouldn't you know it! Still, I've got your stuff," he indicated the bag, "but after I drop you home, I won't be able to stay. Have to catch a plane to 13

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Chicago in a couple of hours." Michael shrugged apologetically. "Damn," Colin retorted, "I was really looking forward to spending some time with you." As soon as he said it, Colin wished the words back, but Michael simply smiled. "Me too. I was looking forward to thrashing you." "I trust you meant at chess?" Colin grinned. Michael raised an eyebrow. "Now, what else could you be suggesting?" "Me?" Colin asked, all innocence. Colin stood and pulled the curtain partway around the bed and began to dress. **** "I'll probably be away for a few days. You gonna be okay at home alone with that shoulder?" Michael raised his voice a little, wishing he could see through the damned curtain. The shadows only revealed how much he was missing. "I'll manage," Colin replied. "The doc gave me some painkillers and I have to see a physical therapist every day at first." The curtain was shoved back. "I could wish you didn't have to go, but I know it goes with the territory." "Gonna miss me?" Michael asked softly, a touch of amusement in his voice. Colin did a double-take, held Michael's stare for moment, but he didn't answer. Michael had hoped for something more, and he wistfully watched as Colin turned away to check that he hadn't left anything in the drawer beside the bed. 14

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Then, as he turned, Colin said, "I'll miss finishing our chess game." "Yeah, it was getting interesting," said Michael. "We could still play, if you want," Colin offered quietly, and Michael lifted an eyebrow in query. "You're taking your laptop, right?" Colin asked and Michael nodded. "Okay, I can transfer the positions to my computer, send you the file and then we can continue our game over IM. If you want to, that is." The question sounded simple enough but Colin's voice was husky. "Right, sure, would like to see a result ... from the game," Michael replied, automatically taking a step toward Colin, who, at that moment, reached for his bag and grimaced when he pulled his injured shoulder a little. The movement brought Michael up short, reminded him that Colin was hurt and that they were still just friends; anything else was only wishful thinking. "Here, let me get that. Let's get you home," Michael said, picking up the bag and helping Colin from the room. **** Colin was seated at his computer, waiting for it to finish loading their interrupted chess game. He had to work slowly, mostly typing one-handed so as not to jar his injured shoulder. At last, the small icon flashed as his computer beeped to inform him the download was complete and the program was ready. He could pass the file on to Michael whenever he was ready. 15

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Colin had really been looking forward to spending some quality time with Michael and this sudden business trip was very frustrating. He was glad he'd had the idea to use completing the chess game as an excuse to keep in touch with Michael while he was away, but now it seemed as if the little flashing icon on his computer screen was mocking him. They were farther apart than ever and tapping away on a computer didn't compare with seeing Michael's smile, or watching as his face crinkled when he laughed, or the light Colin believed he could see in Michael's eyes when Michael looked at him. Looking at his clock, he realized it was later than he'd thought. They had agreed a sign-in time for IM and it was past time he could contact Michael, so why was he waiting? Because he was unsure, that's why. Colin was still uncertain if he was misreading Michael's signals. If he shoved his doubt aside, he honestly didn't think so; Michael's recent behavior had been ... suggestive. Colin couldn't have mistaken that look in his eyes or that tone in his voice. He wanted Michael and sitting there, staring at his screen, wouldn't achieve that. Taking a deep breath, Colin opened his IM and went online. It seemed that Michael was waiting for him, because he replied immediately, the message flashing across the screen. "I wondered for a while there if you'd changed your mind." "No, I said I wanted to finish the game," Colin typed. "Unless you are too tired to play? You must be exhausted, your late flight and then trying to solve someone else's problems all day." 16

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"Hell, no, it'll help me unwind to beat the pants off you." Grinning, Colin sent a surprised smiley with the message attached, "You'll be lucky!" "Is that a challenge?" Michael's reply flashed quickly on the screen, together with a sarcastic smiley. "The whole game is challenge, Mike. Is it my move or yours?" "Oh, my move definitely," Michael sent back and one of his pawns moved across the chess board, taking up two-thirds of the screen. They played for about an hour, more time spent trading insults and jokes than actually moving chess pieces, but as Colin didn't want to end the game just yet, he didn't mind at all. **** As the days slowly passed with little change and even less result, Michael was becoming irritable. Being a troubleshooter for a large conglomerate could be exciting or frustrating; this situation was definitely the latter. Michael's only respite was his evening chat and the continuing chess game with Colin. By the fifth night, though, he was ready to climb out of his skin with aggravation, and not just because of his problematic job. Chess was not the only game they were playing and Colin was good at both of them. Michael watched the clock relentlessly until it reached nine, their appointed time to chat. He signed onto to his laptop and 17

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immediately opened his IM, gratified to find Colin waiting for him. "Whose turn is it to start tonight?" Colin asked him without preamble. "My move first, but I'd better take it slow," Michael typed. "Yeah, make sure you're well prepared. What are you going to move?" "Right. My bishop, I'm going to press you with my bishop." "Oh, well be careful where you ... put that." "Oh, I know exactly where it's gonna go," he said, and on the screen, Michael's bishop moved diagonally toward Colin's queen. "Ah, going for my queen then, thought you might want to go for the king." Colin added the winking smiley to his message. "Oh, he's my prime target, just got to get rid of her first." "So, you don't care what ... who you have to go through to get what you want?" Not if you are the prize, Michael muttered aloud. However, he typed, "Nope, nothing's going to keep me from my goal." "No distractions then?" "Oh no. I know exactly what I want and I think I know precisely how to get it." "Right," Colin typed, adding a very happy face smiley to the statement. Michael laughed at Colin's use of one of his trademark comments. He'd thought for a while no one noticed, but Colin had cheerfully told him one day that there was a running book on how many time Michael would say "Right" in a day. It 18

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was at that moment that the idea hit him. Grinning, he pulled the laptop closer. "Careful, Col," Michael typed, "you use something of mine, then that gives me the right to use something of yours." Colin's reply appeared immediately. "Yeah, I concede that one." "So you agree you owe me the use of something?" Michael asked, sending Colin a leer. Colin's reply came back smartly, a rolling eyes smiley attached, "For that? Only a very small something." There was a row of dots and then Colin added, "Hmm, the 'use of something,' odd way to put it. What do you have in mind?" "Let's just say I have some ideas. It might even be something I'll take as a down payment. So, what if I wanted something ... bigger?" Michael's heart was pounding and he very much wanted to see Colin's face at that moment; his imagination was running away with him and he was afraid he was reading more into the comments than Colin meant. "I want to know what this down payment is before I agree to anything." "I'll tell you that if you agree that now we're playing for the something bigger." Michael made sure to emphasize the important bit. "Oh, playing blind? That's a bit risky." "Not if you trust me." "I do, Michael, I do. Okay, I agree." Michael's telephone rang at that precise moment. Cursing, he got to his feet, walking over to pick it up. He'd been waiting to hear if the meeting next morning was still going to 19

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take place but the timing sucked. It wasn't until he had the receiver in his hand that he realized he hadn't messaged Colin that he was answering the telephone. After a minute or so, he returned to his laptop to find two IM messages from Colin. "Michael? Mike! Where the hell are you?" "Sorry, Col, had to take a phone call. I was expecting it, and now I have to make a few other calls as well to finalize tomorrow morning's meeting. I'm afraid I'll have to cut our chat short tonight." Michael added an angry face. "Oh, okay then." Colin added a sad icon. "Call you when I can. Ciao, Col!" With that, Michael signed out. **** Damn, damn, damn! Colin closed his program with a jab of his finger, frustrated at the timing of Michael's telephone call. He was positive that Michael's comments were suggestive, and that Michael meant for him to react in the same vein. Colin wanted to know what the hell Michael would demand as a down payment. Perhaps, more importantly, what might it lead to; just how far would Michael want to go? Hell, how much was Colin prepared to play for? Colin's curiosity was at an all time high and he had no idea when he would get the answers. Knowing that he wouldn't hear from Michael again that night, Colin decided to go to bed. He doubted he would get off to sleep easily but at least he could rest. His shoulder had been aching all evening; he'd had a particularly difficult therapy session that afternoon. However, he soon discovered 20

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that even simple rest was difficult; his mind wouldn't settle and his body wanted to toss and turn but he had to fight the inclination. Colin needed this damn problem that Michael was dealing with sorted so he could clarify things with Michael, and for that, Colin needed to see Michael's face, to read his eyes—to know. After all their years as friends, Colin knew how good Michael was at keeping things close to his heart when he needed to, but now Colin believed that Michael wanted him to see. And, God, was he going to look! **** The following afternoon, Colin returned home after another uncomfortable session with the physical therapist to find a message from Michael on his answering machine. It was the first time Michael had called during the day and Colin had been out—perfect timing! However, Michael had left a number, asking Colin to call him back as soon as Colin could. Trying to squash his excitement at the prospect that Michael might be returning soon, Colin dialed the number immediately, but it wasn't Michael who answered. Damn it, he must still be involved in his meeting. "I was trying to contact Michael Donaldson; he asked me to ring him back on this number." "Just a moment, please," the voice said and then suddenly, Michael was on the other end. "Colin. Everything okay?" "Sure, just been for another treatment. Frustrating to be out the first time you call me during the day." 21

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"Sounds about right," Michael laughed. "I wanted to let you know I'll be flying back this evening." Colin felt like cheering but he thought that would be rather overdoing it, so instead he said, "Oh, that is good news!" He hesitated a moment. "Not going to finish our game then?" A huff of laughter traveled down the line as Michael replied, "Oh, I still intend to checkmate you pretty damn soon!" Colin sucked in his breath at Michael's nerve; surely not only Colin would have noticed Michael's emphasis on the second syllable of that word—checkmate? There had to be a least one other man in the room with Michael, probably more, Colin suspected. Then he smiled at the audacity—only Michael! He didn't expect Michael to carry on their game like this. Well, if Michael wanted to play, he was willing too. "Right!" Colin replied, very distinctly. "You do realize that this is another forfeit you owe me," Michael said, and Colin could hear the amusement in his voice. "You've got to win the game, Michael, to be able to claim all the ... prizes." "Except for the down payment, Colin." "I still don't know what that is." "I know, but I do," Michael said. The line was silent for a few seconds, and Colin could imagine the expression on Michael's face as he considered what was at stake in their game. Colin was certain it was just as important to Michael as it was to him. Abruptly, Colin 22

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decided he didn't want to wait any longer than necessary to see Michael. "I could meet you at the airport," Colin offered. "What time do you get in?" "No, that's not necessary, not with your bum arm." "It's better than it was. The therapy is hell but it works and I can drive. I want to, Mike," Colin said firmly. "Okay, if you're really sure. I'd like that. My flight is due in at seven thirty. We can have dinner at my place." "Then we can finish off our game after dinner?" Colin wasn't sure where that husky tone of voice came from, but, damn, he couldn't deny he felt hot under the collar. "Our ... chess game?" Michael asked, his voice laced with amusement. "Was there another game?" Colin asked with blatantly false innocence. There was gentle laughter over the line, before Michael said, "I think we ought to bring it a conclusion, don't you? See who had the best ... tactics?" "Well, we have played all this time, shame not to finish things. It's been a good game, so whoever wins..." Colin said suggestively. "I think we'll both find it was worth it," Michael agreed. Colin heard the sound of voices in the background getting closer. "Hang on," Michael said. Colin tried to listen to the conversation taking place on the other end of the line, hoping whatever it was, it wouldn't delay Michael's return. Then Michael was back on the line, 23

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saying, "I'm sorry, Colin, but I've got to go. See you tonight, Col." Relieved and suddenly feeling buoyant, Colin replied, "Right. Ciao, Mike!" Colin heard the peals of laughter as he was replacing the receiver, his own grin spreading over his face. **** As he crossed the airport terminal, Michael was on the lookout for Colin. He was still surprised, though, as he felt the butterflies take flight in his stomach the moment he saw Colin. Colin was standing a little to one side of the other folk waiting to meet friends or family. Colin saw Michael at about the same time and a smile lit his face, growing wider as Michael approached. "Well, Mike, got everything sorted then?" Colin moved nearer until he was standing directly in front of him. Grinning, Michael said, "Yep, after I knocked a few heads together." Colin stood so close that Michael could feel the heat of his body, and Michael had to shove his unencumbered hand into his pocket or he would have grabbed Colin and pulled him into an embrace. Sighing, Michael said, "It's so good to see you again." "Right," Colin smiled. "That's four, Colin," Michael said huskily. "Damn, another forfeit, bit careless there," Colin grinned. "What exactly do I owe you, Michael?"

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"I'll show you later. Let's make tracks," Michael said, turning away quickly and heading for the parking lot. He needed to get Colin alone as soon as he could. **** Colin's heart beat faster at the look on Michael's face; he was pretty sure he was going to enjoy paying this forfeit. Picking up the pace, he hurried after Michael. A short time later, Colin's car pulled into Michael's driveway. The journey from the airport had been made mostly in silence, Michael obviously as aware of the tension between them as Colin. Even the air seemed to crackle around them. Colin's hands on the steering wheel were almost white, he was gripping it so tightly, while Michael's gaze seemed glued to the windshield. Colin kept glancing at Michael out of the corner of his eye; now that the moment was almost on them, he was increasingly nervous. He wanted so much for things to go well, yet how often in his life had that happened? The abrupt silence as he turned the engine off was almost a surprise. For what seemed like the first time since leaving the airport parking lot, Michael turned to look at him and smiled so suddenly that all of Colin's qualms melted away. "Come on," Michael said, unsnapping his seatbelt and clambering out of the car. Striding swiftly up the path, he led the way to his door, through which he ushered Colin. He dropped his bag by the door, hung up his coat in the closet, reaching for Colin's almost before he'd had chance to remove it. 25

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Immediately heading for the kitchen, Michael called over his shoulder, "What do you want to eat? Not sure what I've got in the freezer. Or shall I order in?" "I'm not very hungry, perhaps some soup or a sandwich?" Michael popped his head round the door to look at Colin, who was making himself comfortable on the sofa. "Okay, that'll do me too. Do you want to set up the game while I get the food? You'll find the chess set in the left-hand cupboard," he said waving his hand in the general direction before turning back to make dinner. Colin didn't move for a moment, his mind in a whirl as he considered the game they had been playing for the past few days. Game? Was it really just one game? He got the chess set and placed the board on one side of the dining table, ready for after they had finished eating. He very carefully set out the pieces as they had been on the computer screen the night before, when Michael's bishop had taken his queen. They were actually pretty evenly matched; even now, the game could still go either way. Not that Colin had any intention of actually winning; he was too invested in paying whatever forfeit Michael wanted, but he would go along with it as long as necessary. Just then, Michael came from the kitchen carrying a tray with two bowls of soup and a plate piled high with ham and Swiss cheese sandwiches, and two glasses of ice water. They sat opposite each other and ate in virtual silence until Michael commented on Colin's excellent memory of the positions of the chess pieces. 26

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"It's been pretty important to me for the last few days," Colin said quietly. "Yeah?" "Well, of course, I had to prove I could beat you!" Colin laughed, thinking it was better to keep things light. "You think I'd have let you win? I don't think so, I was determined to check ... mate you." Colin's breath hitched at the sexy timbre of Michael's voice as, yet again, he emphasized the second half of the word. Colin's eyes slowly lifted to meet those of the man he not only desired, but now knew he loved with all his heart. Abruptly, he decided he'd had enough of playing. "Which game do you want to play, Michael? Because I know what I want," he said gruffly. Michael stared at him for long moment. "Perhaps it's time I called in one of your forfeits?" Michael asked, his smiling eyes belying the serious tone. "About time you told me what you ... expect." Colin smiled back. "Like I said, I'll need to show you," Michael said, rising to his feet. "Stand up, Colin." Heart pounding, Colin obeyed. He had an idea what Michael wanted—at least, he hoped he did—as he turned to face his friend. Slowly, Michael raised a hand, but just before he would have touched Colin's cheek, he lifted his eyes to Colin's, silently asking for permission to continue. Colin didn't speak, but merely met Michael's gaze squarely and, while quivering internally with tension, he outwardly waited calmly for Michael to continue. With a smile, Michael 27

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let his hand close the final distance and brushed his fingers gently against Colin's cheek. After all the anticipation, that simple touch felt like tendrils of fire dancing along Colin's skin, and he sucked in a breath and closed his eyes. **** Michael watched Colin's reactions. When Colin leaned into the caress, Michael was relieved to find that Colin really did have feelings for him—feelings that went far beyond friendship. He'd been right in believing that Colin had been playing more than just chess. Michael allowed his fingers to drift along to Colin's mouth, and then it was his turn to gasp as Colin opened his lips a little and drew Michael's fingertips inside the warm cavern and suckled them gently. "Colin," he murmured, pleased when he saw a sliver of bright blue as Colin opened his eyes. Watching those expressive eyes carefully, Michael slowly withdrew his fingers and ran his hand carefully along Colin's shoulder and down his right upper arm. "I'm not hurting you, am I?" Michael asked. "Only if you stop," Colin breathed. He stared into Michael's eyes and added, "Don't treat me as if I'm made of glass, I'm not. I've waited far too long to let a little discomfort stop me now." Nodding his understanding, Michael said nothing as his other hand mirrored the movement on Colin's left arm until he pulled Colin nearer, leaning in and finally taking what he wanted. 28

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Colin sighed into the kiss, pressing himself against Michael and wrapping his arms around Michael's back. Michael couldn't have asked for a better response. Licking his lower lip, Michael tasted Colin for the first time; he wasn't at all surprised to find the reality was so much better than his imaginings. Then Colin opened up, allowing him in; Michael leisurely explored and tasted every surface of his soon-to-be lover's mouth, Colin's sighs and moans showing his appreciation. All too quickly, they needed to break for air. Michael rested his forehead against Colin's, staring into his lover's eyes. For Michael was sure that, before this night was over, he and Colin would truly be lovers. He sighed, saying, "That was only the down payment, Colin, still three more forfeits to go." "I thought maybe you might want something more for the second forfeit," Colin whispered, smiling. "I would, but I wasn't sure if you would really be prepared to pay up," Michael smiled, a question in his eyes. "I knew what I was doing when I upped the ante." "So, you expected to have to pay a higher price?" Michael asked. Grinning, he added, "And I thought I was the one with the tactics." Colin smiled, holding Michael's gaze as he moved closer again. Michael took that sweet mouth once more, but this time it was a more passionate, bruising kiss. Michael drew Colin's lower lip between his teeth, nibbling gently. Colin clung to him and Michael thought he could easily get lost in the sensations that swamped him as they explored each other. He couldn't think of a better way to let go than to 29

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become totally wrapped up in Colin; he trusted the man like no other. This time, when they separated, Michael propelled Colin to the sofa and pushed him down against the cushions. Michael swiftly lay down beside and half over him, kissing him again. Colin was squirming under the onslaught, his eyes tightly shut. One of his hands slowly caressed Michael's waist while the other rubbed along the shoulder to Michael's neck while his mouth clung to Michael's. If the sensual sounds Colin was making were any indication, Colin was thoroughly enjoying the experience. Michael needed more and was soon stroking Colin's abdomen before slowly unfastening his lover's shirt buttons, kissing and licking Colin's chest as it was exposed, enjoying the particular taste that now he would always associate with Colin. His fingers teased Colin's sensitive nipples, making Colin arch into the caress as Colin moaned deep in his throat. **** Colin could hardly believe that they were touching each other like this. He'd dreamed for a long time about making love with Michael, yet it was something he never really believed would actually happen. So much so that he'd rarely allowed himself to fantasize beyond simple kissing; the fact that he now had permission to touch, to kiss and to make love with Michael was breathtaking. As if the realization goaded him into action, Colin frantically pulled Michael's shirt from his pants. He needed to feel skin, to touch to know it was for real. 30

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Colin's action spurred Michael on and, abandoning any pretense at unfastening buttons, he tore the shirt from Colin's body. Excitement slammed through Colin and he gasped into Michael's mouth. Colin was frantic now to get his hands on Michael's skin and he broke the kiss, scrabbling at Michael's clothing. Michael reacted and they desperately undressed each other 'til they were lying naked side by side, staring into each other's eyes. Never breaking eye contact, Michael rolled Colin underneath him and, dipping down, kissed Colin again. Colin returned the kiss hungrily, wanting more, needing ... everything. At the same, Michael began undulating against him, their already half-hard cocks filling as they rubbed against one another. Colin lifted his hips to get more friction and wrapped his arms tightly around Michael, ignoring the throbbing in his shoulder as he pulled Michael closer. He wanted to feel the weight of Michael's body everywhere he could. Michael dropped his head onto Colin's shoulder, his mouth lazily moving across Colin's skin. As they surged against each other, creating a steady rhythm, Colin kissed and nipped any patch of skin he could reach. Each time his mouth touched Michael's skin, the heat seared him and made him feel so alive. How had he survived all these years without this? Without knowing the taste and feel of Michael under his tongue, under his fingertips? The movement between them sped up as their perspiration-covered bodies slid more easily against each other. The sound of moaning and murmuring filled the room. 31

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Colin's fingers dug into Michael's back now as sensations roiled through his body, his orgasm already beginning to build. Opening eyes that he didn't remember closing, Colin stared at Michael, fascinated by the strained concentration on Michael's face as he shifted frantically against Colin's body. As if Michael sensed Colin's eyes on him, he looked up and their eyes locked. Staring at each other, their movements became more erratic until Colin gasped out Michael's name as he came, spilling his seed between them. As if that was all Michael needed, Michael roared out his completion and his come mingled with Colin's, coating their bodies. Michael collapsed across Colin, panting for breath and Colin wrapped his arms around him, his own body still slowly recovering. When their breathing settled to normal again, Colin rolled them over so they were facing each other. Michael squirmed a little, getting comfortable, then he raised a hand to brush the sweat-soaked hair back from Colin's forehead. "Oh God, Michael, I've wanted you for so long," Colin whispered. "Me too, Colin, oh, me too. It was just ... you were so important to me. I guess I was afraid..." he dropped his head onto Colin's shoulder. "What's wrong?" asked a worried Colin, but when Michael raised his head, he was smiling. "Oh, there's nothing wrong. Just regretting all the wasted time." Michael sighed.

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"I know just what you mean, but no regrets, Mike," Colin said. "We can't change the past so let's just concentrate on the future..." His voice trailed away. "What?" "I ... I was assuming..." Taking a deep breath, Colin began again. "You do want this ... us to continue? This is just the beginning?" He couldn't bear the thought that it might only be a one-time experience. Michael's laugh interrupted Colin's thoughts. "Oh, yes," Michael laughed. "That was just the introduction. You've only just paid the forfeits. Now for that something bigger." The look Michael gave Colin was positively feral, and he felt his heart rate speed up in anticipation. **** "I think we should take this to the bedroom," Michael said, rising from the sofa. He stretched out a hand to Colin, who took it with alacrity. It would be the first time Michael had shown Colin his bedroom, and he smiled at the idea that he could soon living at least one of the fantasies he'd jacked off to in his bed. "What exactly have you in mind for this something bigger, Mike?" Colin asked breathlessly. "Well, that kind of depends on you, Colin." Smiling, Michael took hold of Colin's other hand, facing him squarely. "Nothing you don't want, I promise." "Thought maybe you were planning on nailing me to the mattress," Colin grinned. 33

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Michael laughed. "Not saying I wouldn't want to; hell no, I'd like that. Then again, I like the idea of you doing me, too." Michael shrugged. "I should be honest here, though. It's been a long time since I trusted anyone enough to do that." "But you'd let me?" Colin asked, eyes wide. Michael looked at Colin, his expression serious. "I know I've not made it clear, Colin, but this isn't really a game to me. You're special, you always have been. This isn't new, not for me. I've dreamed about being with you, I've fantasized about it." Colin's eyes widened and his expression tensed. "God, Mike! Chess is the only game I've been playing too. I love you. Let me show you?" "You love me? I never dared hope." Heart pounding in his chest, Michael grabbed hold of Colin, shoving him up against the wall; his mouth covering his lover's hungrily, demanding entrance, which Colin readily gave. Michael's rock-hard cock pressed against Colin's thigh and he could feel Colin's length rubbing against him. Michael wanted that cock inside him, wanted to know what it felt like in reality, not just in his fantasies. Breaking the kiss but not releasing his hold on Colin, Michael maneuvered them into his bedroom, pushing Colin toward the bed. As soon as Colin felt the edge of the bed behind him, he grinned at Michael and bounced back on to the bed. Michael watched his naked lover as he settled himself comfortably, beckoning for Michael to join him. Opening the drawer beside the bed, Michael took out a packet of condoms 34

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and some lube and dropped them both on the pillow near Colin. Glancing at them, Colin smiled. Michael took a moment more to admire Colin's naked form, stretched out for his appreciation. The skin was pale but so smooth; Colin wasn't muscular but he was toned and all his muscles were well defined. He had good abdominals; his stomach was flat, with a fine line of hair pointing the way toward his cock, proudly springing out from his thatch of wiry pubic hair. Michael found he was itching to touch, and he climbed on to his bed. Lying beside Colin, Michael tenderly reached out and laid his hand on Colin's chest, feeling the beat of Colin's heart, noting it picking up speed as Colin reacted to the Michael's touch. When they had sex on the sofa, Michael hadn't had the presence of mind to simply feel; he'd been so excited, so hot to just get off with Colin, he hadn't really had time to do this—to touch and to absorb the sensations, to appreciate how it made him feel in return. "It's so wonderful to simply touch you," he murmured, talking as much to himself as to Colin. "Skin so soft, like velvet. So warm. I knew I'd like the way you felt. I've wanted to caress your skin for so long and it's even better than I imagined." "Oh, Mike, when you say things like that ... God, you make me want, so much." Colin rolled so he was half on top of Michael and he kissed him deeply. Long, languorous kisses that left Michael shivering with need. Breaking away, Michael cried out, "Colin!" **** 35

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The desperation in the cry went straight to Colin's groin and he moaned as he began to kiss his way down Michael's body. He laved Michael's nipples, making his lover arch, pushing his chest closer to Colin's mouth, Michael's body begging for more. Colin sucked each of the tight little nubs into his mouth once more before moving on down Michael's body. He spent a little time licking around Michael's navel before thrusting his tongue inside, mimicking what he wanted to do inside Michael. Michael moaned in response. Colin continued moving down Michael's body, more turned on than ever by Michael's responses to him. As he finally reached his goal, Colin looked up to see Michael, who was watching him with eyes dark with passion. Colin smiled at his lover, delighted that he could affect the self-possessed Michael so very much. Returning to his task, Colin licked along the length of Michael's cock, paying particular attention to the tip. He swirled his tongue around the flared head, licking away the drop of pre-come that blossomed from the slit, before opening his mouth to take Michael in. Michael gasped and bucked as Colin licked the underside of his cock from tip to his base, sucking him deeply as Colin drew back to the head before once again taking him to the root. Thigh muscles tensing, Michael was shuddering and murmuring brokenly. Colin managed to uncap the lube and spread a little on his fingers as he kept up a steady rhythm. Michael was moaning now, his hands gripping the sheet beneath as he lifted his hips off the bed. The sounds that Michael was making excited 36

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Colin and he sucked harder as Michael began to thrust. It had been some time since Colin had done this, but it seemed he had not lost his touch as Michael's head thrashed from side to side, and his groans were interspersed with mutterings. "Oh, yes, that's it. Col, please." The murmuring and groans turned to a muted yelp when Colin slid a finger under Michael's balls, along his perineum to his puckered opening. His finger circled the opening gently before he pressed it against the ring of muscle. Michael was obviously tight. Colin had no idea how long it had been since Michael had been penetrated and Colin had no intention of breaching him without plenty of preparation. "Easy, love," Colin murmured. "Let me do this." He carefully worked his finger inside, opening up his lover as much as he could before adding a second finger. Michael was squirming and crying out now, words long since gone and replaced by moans deep in the throat, accompanied by soft cries. Colin was so turned on by how much Michael reacted to his lovemaking. He lifted his head to look at Michael's face to see Michael's eyes tightly closed, face flushed and sweating, lower lip gripped by his teeth. The sight slammed right through to Colin's groin and it was almost painful. He was ready but he needed to wait until Michael was fully prepared. He went down again, taking Michael to the root as he continued his preparation of the opening to Michael's body. Michael was relaxed enough now, ready to take the third finger so Colin could stretch him as much as possible. 37

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The groans increased in volume and Colin felt Michael's balls draw up, knowing he was near now. Colin sucked harder and felt Michael's thrusts increase as Colin finally found what he was seeking. As Colin massaged that particular spot, Michael arched off the bed and cried out, leaving Colin to hold him in place as Michael's orgasm flashed through him. Colin swallowed as quickly as he could, trying to take in everything Michael offered him. Feeling smug and happy, Colin collapsed on the bed, flinging one arm across Michael's chest. **** Michael gasped, trying to control his breathing as his heart pounded against his ribs. It had been some time since he had been penetrated, yet never before had he experienced such intense sensations as when Colin massaged his prostate. His toes had curled and his orgasm raced through him to explode from his cock. He'd never quite believed in such euphemisms as coming like a train; now he did. "My God, Col, that was fucking amazing!" "Pretty amazing yourself, Mike," Colin declared, his hands still lazily caressing Michael's chest. Michael glanced over at Colin, his eyes tracking down Colin's body and saw Colin was still rock hard. "Wow, think someone needs help," he said, slowly rolling toward Colin, Michael's fingers drifting down Colin's belly toward his cock. "I am damned close. Just one touch from you, love, and I'll explode. I want to be inside you when that happens. Roll over for me?" 38

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"I want to watch you; I need to see your face," Michael's fingers traced Colin's erection as he spoke, not quite touching. "Yeah, I know what you mean; watching your face as you shot was such a turn-on. If you're sure that's the way you want it." "It is." Michael had never been surer of anything. He wanted to feel Colin moving inside him, and he wanted to see Colin's face as he came. Colin grinned as he put on the condom and then lubed up his cock, Michael's eyes never leaving his. He positioned himself between Michael's spread legs. "Put your legs over my shoulders, Mike," Colin said. Michael did so immediately, wriggling a little to get comfortable. "Are you ready for me?" "Been ready for this for so long," Michael said huskily. Colin carefully lined himself up and pressed against Michael's opening. Michael was prepared for a little pain but was pleasantly surprised when all he felt was a burning sensation as, little by little, Colin penetrated him. He tried to relax as much as he could as Colin pushed forward. It was fairly obvious that Colin was trying to go slowly and easily, carefully watching Michael's face for any signs of discomfort, so Michael smiled back at him. Colin glided forward again, inch by inch until he was completely sheathed inside Michael. Michael sighed at the feeling of being so full, of holding his lover within his body. Michael watched Colin as he closed his eyes, knowing the ecstasy that his lover was feeling. 39

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God he's so beautiful, he's glowing. Colin, my Colin. Having Colin inside him filled him with awe. He never wanted this wondrous feeling to end; he and Colin were truly part of each other and it was perfect. Colin opened his eyes then, his gaze meeting his lover's. Michael didn't have a chance to mask his emotions, but then, he didn't really want to; he wanted Colin to know without doubt how Michael felt about him. Colin must have understood because his expression softened in response and he smiled broadly. Colin began to move, slowly at first, then increasing his rhythm when Michael threw back his head as Colin brushed his prostate, creating a spark that ignited a fire along Michael's nerves. "Oh God, Col! Again, do that again. Faster, damn it, faster." **** Colin grinned at the growled words of his lover. "Happy to comply, Mike." And he really was, so very happy. This was his fantasy come to life. Colin lifted himself a little to get a better angle, so that every time he slammed forward now, he brushed Michael's prostate. Michael was no longer capable of words, his mouth opened and closed, breaths gasped out between low moans. Colin had known he couldn't last and he could feel the sensation building, crawling along his nerves. Speeding up his movements, Colin thrust over and over into Michael's hot passage, the muscles gripping him as if not wanting to let him 40

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loose. It was all Colin needed to push him over the edge and he panted, "I'm gonna come, Michael. I can't hold out ... it's..." Hands scrabbling on the bedding, Michael curled up as his eyes shot open and his gaze settled on Colin's face, determination in every line. Colin held Michael's gaze as long as he could, sharing the need to watch his lover as he came. Then he could no longer keep his eyes open as his orgasm crashed through him. Colin's head dropped back, mouth opening and a keening cry escaped as his seed shot deep inside his lover. When Colin came down from his high, he was being held tightly in Michael's arms. Michael murmured something in his ear, but Colin couldn't make out any words yet, but it didn't matter, he knew what Michael was trying to say. "Yes," Colin whispered, "I love you, too." Michael looked up then, smiling broadly, "Yes, I think you just showed me that perfectly." Colin snuggled in closer to Michael, and Michael kissed his hair, sighing in contentment. Colin felt wonderful, and didn't want anything to spoil it, but he also needed to know, to be sure. "So, what now?" Colin asked softly. "Hmmm?" Michael queried absently, still holding Colin close against him. "With us. I mean what do you want from this?" "Want from this? I want you, I thought I made that clear." Michael shifted, pulling back so that Colin had to move to balance himself. They stared at each other. "I thought that 41

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was what you wanted too," Michael said, a distinct edge to his voice. "Of course I do! But, Michael I wasn't sure just how serious you were, or if you were just playing another kind of game with me. I need to know where I stand once and for all. I need to know how much you can give me." Michael sighed, "Colin, the only game I have been playing is chess and that was only to be as close to you as I could." Kneeling up and facing Colin, Michael took hold of his hands. Colin gripped Michael's hands back and held his lover's gaze, hoping with all his heart that Michael was ready to commit to him. He wasn't sure what he would do if all Michael could offer was a casual relationship. "When it comes to you, I'm dead serious. For the simple reason that I thought I couldn't have what I really wanted in life." He paused momentarily to emphasize to his declaration by running his fingers over Colin's lips. "I made my career all important, but not any more." Michael smiled, "If I know I have you in my life then everything else will fall into place. I can really be happy, Col, not just marking time." Closing his eyes, Colin sucked in a breath as a smile spread over his face. He'd won. "Oh, you have me, Mike. You have me. We can be happy together." The chess game might have been abandoned, but he hadn't been. Michael had captured him and now Colin was going to make sure he never let go. "Just one question," Colin said, doing his best to keep his face straight and look thoughtful. Michael looked vaguely 42

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puzzled. "What was that comment about thrashing me? There isn't anything else I should know, is there?" Colin grinned.

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