Page 53 of Sass in the Grass

And the entire time he was being carried, he was heated right through, except for the chill that ran down his spine.

“Stop smiling, and don’t get used to this. I’m not carrying you on the survival camps.”

“Pity. I’m sure I’d survive much better.”

“Oh, I’m sure of it, but I can’t show bias like that. If I carried you, I’d have to carry everyone.”

“Not a chance! You’re my knight in…camo.”

They laughed and Jovian forgot all about how he was going to be aloof and dismissive of the man. How could he not? Dixon was giving him one of his dreams.

When he was set back on his feet, it was like they’d traveled through time and space to a completely different planet. Theywere in a valley, and there were so many purple, white, and yellow wildflowers, it was like Dixon had planted them all, just for their date.

There was a huge oak tree that made lovely shade, and yet another stream that was only feet away from the tree. The world around the little spot showed all the most beautiful mountains and to the south, the lake was a dark turquoise color that just added to the beauty of the spot.

“This is…amazing.”

“I told you. Actually, though, I lied. I said this was the most beautiful place on earth, but it is really in competition with a bunch of other places around here.”

“I don’t know. This is pretty great.”

The backpack slid down his arms and he caught it with one hand, then kneeled in the shorter grass under the tree and pulled out a blanket and containers of food.

Jovian sat on the blanket once it was placed on the ground, and he picked up the containers, smiling as he saw fresh produce and fried chicken. “This looks good. I’m hungrier than I thought I’d be.”

“Hold on a minute before you open anything,” he said, then sat a bottle of wine on the blanket. “This is against the rules, but we’re not technically at the camp right now.”

There was a strict no alcohol rule at the camp. He smiled, liking the bit of rebellion Dixon showed. “Nice. I’m a little surprised you didn’t make your own wine to bring.”

“Oh, I do, but it’s a little potent.”

“I was kidding! You make your own wine?”

“Sure,” he said with a shrug. “Beer too.” He leaned over and set a finger over Jovian’s lips. “Okay, now, I’m not trying to pressure you, but I have to know. That is for me, so I know…how to continue with…with us.IfI’m continuing.”

The finger was taken away so Dixon could dig deeper in the bag, and Jovian’s jaw dropped hard when condoms and a bottle of lube were tossed onto the blanket by the containers of food.

“These…are one option. If you’re just after my dick, then there, we can get it over with today. And that is fine, if that’s what you want. I’m good in bed, I’m told, and I’m sure you’re fun as hell, too. If not, I’ll put these away, and we’ll have a pleasant lunch. We might kiss a little and talk a lot. Your choice, and I won’t fault you either way. We’ll fuck and part friends, or…we’ll see where this is going to go.”

To have it put so bluntly, it was like he had a target on his forehead. He wanted to duck and run, but for some reason, his voice spoke out while his mind was still racing for thoughts.

“Put them away.”

Dixon ducked his head almost shyly, Jovian thought, and became elated. The smile on his dark lips, the way his mustache twitched with those lips as he tried to not smile but smiled regardless…how sexy.

“Yeah?”

“Feed me, and let’s talk. Although, I’m not much of a talker. I’m more of a thinker.”

He laughed aloud about that and started stuffing the box of condoms and a bottle of lube deep in the backpack. “I’ll try to get through, somehow.”

As the containers were opened, Dixon held a cherry tomato out to Jovian, who moved closer, licked his lips before he let them part. Dixon pushed the tomato between Jovian’s lips and as soon as it disappeared into Jovian’s mouth, Dixon leaned in to press his lips tenderly against Jovian’s.

Like a bolt of lightning struck him, Jovian felt those lips leave his, and he couldn’t open his eyes for a long time, feeling Dixon’s lips long after they’d kissed him. For a chaste, sweet kiss, it was the best of his life.

When he opened his eyes, he saw Dixon getting two wooden plates from the backpack. “That’s all I get?”

“For now. I’m hungry. I thought you were too.”

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