Page 45 of Rainbows Over Cedarwood

Chapter Fourteen

Ashley scooped Wyatt into his arms and followed Colt into the house. In the last four weeks, so many things had happened. He couldn’t keep it all straight, but he wouldn’t have changed a thing. He had Colt in his life and arms. Wyatt was safe, happy and thriving in the new environment.

“You’re okay with moving in here?” Colt asked. He closed the door. “Your mother isn’t upset you didn’t want the house?”

“If she is, she hasn’t said anything. Getting over market value and being able to transport the swing set over here helped. She’s living at the retirement home as a nurse in residence since her friend wasn’t allowed to go back home. Ma’s important.” She was also finally happy. No more dwelling on the failed relationship with Ashley’s father or how long she’d waited before accepting Ashley’s sexuality. Ashley loved that his mother had been able to move forward. She’d driven him crazy, but he wanted the best for her. If the best meant becoming a full-time on-site employee of the retirement community, then he was all for her decision.

“How about Wyatt?” Colt asked.

“Besides being asleep and weighing a ton, he likes it. Yes, the kid is heavy. Jeez.” Ashley chuckled. “But you were talking about him adjusting. He does like it. He’s got a yard to play in, friends on this street and an entertainment room.” Ashley carried his son up to the second floor. “Did I mention his own room that’s not sharing a wall with his father’s room? Yeah, that’s a plus, too.” He appreciated the space in Colt’s house and liked the better neighborhood. He wasn’t afraid his car would be vandalized or broken into. Plus he could be with Colt every night. His love for Colt had grown and he couldn’t wait to tell Colt how he felt. Was it instant love? No, they’d needed the time to figure out their feelings and now he was sure.

“For everyone.” Colt eased up behind Ashley and whispered, “Love having you beside me when I sleep.”

The words and the tone of Colt’s voice sent shivers down Ashley’s spine. He’d never get tired of hearing Colt say those things.

When Ashley placed Wyatt on the bed, Colt helped remove the child’s shoes. Ashley unzipped Wyatt’s jacket then eased it off his son. Colt draped the blankets over Wyatt. Ashley’s heart skipped a beat. He never would’ve guessed they’d fall into a happy routine so fast. He’d assumed Colt would make a good parent and partner, but their rhythm was so balanced. He’d found the right person to complete his team and to work toward the same goals.

“Come on.” Colt nudged Ashley out of the bedroom and into the hallway. “He’s out for the count.”

“He’s never been to the pizza place for one of those birthday parties and game-night things.” Ashley strolled into the bedroom he shared with Colt. Yet another new experience. He’d lived with Lane, sure, but there had always been a barrier between them. Lane needed privacy, whereas Colt was an open book. Ashley kicked out of his loafers and unbuttoned his dress shirt. “Come to think of it, that’s the first time I’ve ever been there for a party.”

“You kept yourself away from the fun for far too long.” Colt shut the door. “I know you’re not ashamed of your past, but I wish, babe, I would’ve been able to be there to help you find yourself faster.”

Ashley shrugged out of the shirt. “I know. I also think things had to happen the way they did—I wasn’t in a good headspace back then. I needed to be on my own to see what I really wanted.”

“Me?” Colt stalked toward him. His eyes glittered.

“Yeah, you.” Watching Colt in the dim bedroom light with the T-shirt suctioned to his body turned Ashley on. He admired Colt’s ability to look good in anything—including stripped nude. Colt’s confidence and sensuality overflowed. He couldn’t believe such a handsome man was in his life and he was in that man’s bed.

“Come here, you.” Colt stalked across the room until he caged Ashley in his arms. “I’ve got news.”

“Really?” When Ashley’s legs hit the mattress, he tumbled onto the bed. Colt stared down at him. Ashley spread his legs. Soon they’d be able to fuck. He wasn’t about to push Colt to do something that would irritate his cracked ribs, but he wanted Colt in his ass so much.

“Uh-huh.” The scruff on Colt’s cheeks shimmered in the low light. He stood and flexed his arms. “The doctor says I’m progressing better than he’d expected. I’m still not allowed to hit the weights like I want or to go for the longer jogs, but I can get physical with you.” He eased his shirt up over his head. The bruising from the beating had faded, but the scars on Colt’s torso remained. He touched the tattoo in the middle of his chest. “Remember how you said this was for body, mind and spirit?”

“I do.” Ashley shivered. He loved the low tone Colt used. “It makes you whole.” He’d even considered getting the same tattoo but smaller on his chest.

“Actually, you make me whole.” Colt crawled onto the bed and planted his hands on either side of the mattress next to Ashley’s head. He straddled Ashley’s lap and rubbed the bulge in his open jeans over the one in Ashley’s khaki pants. “I’ve decided to change the meaning—Colt, Ashley and Wyatt. A big, happy family.”

“Really?” His voice cracked. Damn it. “I mean, wow.” He wasn’t sure what the hell he meant. “Are you sure?” He knew his heart and it belonged to Colt.

“I wasn’t me—the real, happy me—until you two came along. The diner didn’t complete me. It’s a building with workers. This is real.” He reached between their bodies and fondled Ashley’s erection.

“I love you.” Ashley had blurted the words and didn’t regret it. “So much.”

“I’d hoped you’d say that. I’ve loved you since pretty much the day I met you.” Colt eased away from Ashley and stood long enough to shove his pants to the floor. When the denim fell away from his body, he revealed his lack of underwear. “I wanted to shout it to the world how much I’d fallen for you, but I didn’t want to rush you.” He stepped out of the wadded-up denim.

“You’re so beautiful.” Ashley dragged his fingers over Colt’s arm as Colt stretched out beside him.

Colt settled on his back, his erection pointed toward the ceiling. He wrapped his fingers around his cock. “Strip, babe. I’m allowed to do this. I can’t overexert, but this is within my limits.”

He almost questioned Colt, but why bother? Colt had gone to the doctor that afternoon. If the doctor didn’t feel Colt was up to a little hand action, then he’d probably have said something. Ashley shimmied out of his pants and boxer briefs. He stroked himself then glanced over at Colt.

“It’s been four weeks of not being able to fuck you. I hate it.” Colt curled his hand around Ashley’s. “I’ve dreamed of this.”

Ashley rolled onto his side, giving Colt better access. Colt hadn’t been kidding. For the last four weeks, they’d been relegated to Colt watching him masturbate, or making out. They still couldn’t fuck, but this was pretty good. He moved his hand in time with Colt’s strokes. A shudder racked his body. Everything tingled.

“Jesus.” Colt squeezed his eyes shut. “Feels so fucking good.” He increased the speed of his pulls. A grunt escaped his lips and he tilted his head back. “Fuck.”

---