Page 70 of Love in Mission City: The Shorts

“I was planning to go to the animal shelter tomorrow.I’ve picked out a dog.Today they’re cleaning her teeth, and tomorrow she’s mine.I mean, if you don’t like dogs, I’ll understand…”

“Oh my God, I love dogs.How do you not know this about me?And you’re adopting a stray?For Christmas?”I lunged up to give him a kiss and our noses collided.

He grunted.

I giggled.

“Whenever she’s not with you, I want her with me.It is a she, right?”

“Yeah, Kiki.She’s a malti-poo.Her owners abandoned her when they left town.She’s about six.Aside from the horrible teeth, she’s in good shape.”

“Oh, wow, we’re like, already having children.”

I expected him to balk, but he got a wistful expression.Ah, so kids were on the table.Good to know.

He smiled.“After I spend the day with my family, can I come over?For, you know, Bruce Willis?”

“I happen to have a spare key.”I waggled my eyebrows.“And by then you’ll be recovered, and we can do this again.”

His cheeks went a deep scarlet.

Adorable.I pulled in my stomach, and the skin stuck.“Now, a shower, and then I need sustenance.I’m thinking pizza or Chinese.”

“We could head to Fifties and grab burgers.”

“You want to be seen in public with me?”

“Yes.”He nodded solemnly.“We’re buddies hanging out.And, I promise, one day we’ll come out as a couple.Just…” Another swallow.“The women are going through something right now, and the timing couldn’t be worse.”

“I’ll wait.For you, I’ll wait forever.”

“Not forever.”His beautiful brow furrowed.“I won’t have you thinking you’re my dirty secret.”

“Well, if we don’t have a shower, I will continue to be dirty.”

Before I could lever myself away, he pulled me in for another toe-curling kiss.

“Forever,” he whispered.

“Forever,” I responded.

I planned to hold him to that pledge.

Did you enjoy Marcus and Cadence's story?There are more stories!Turn the page for another scorching short tale.

Not in it for the Money

A Mission City Gay Romance Short Story

Gabbi Grey

Julian

I’m just hanging out on a Friday night, and my boss drops by for comforting.He’s mourning his tragic loss, and I’m happy to offer a shoulder to lean on.When the man I’ve been crushing on for years wants to move things to my bedroom, how can I say no?

August

After the devastating loss of my sister, I turn to the one man who I know will be there for me.I’ve been in love with my employee for years.Now, as I face the greatest loss of my life, can I find the courage to be my authentic self?

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