Page 15 of Rocking Cedarwood

“You cut right to the chase once you open up.” Michael moved the plate to the glass-top coffee table. “I’m not a ‘couple of dates, a fuck, and it’s over’ kind of guy. If I say I like you, it’s because I’m interested.”

“Oh.” He wasn’t sure what to think.

“Now.” Michael took the plate from Niall and scooted closer on the couch. “About that confidence issue.” He curled his fingers under Niall’s chin. “I like comic-book movies and football, too. I love spending time with you when we run and the stretching afterwards.”

“But…”

Michael placed his thumb over Niall’s lips. “It’s been hard sharing a hallway with you.” His knees brushed against Niall’s and his breath warmed Niall’s cheeks. “We were friends and I knew you weren’t interested in becoming more because of our jobs, but it was difficult. I wanted to spend time with you doing more than talking about school. You’re very sexy.”

“In a geeky way,” he said around Michael’s thumb. He sucked it into his mouth. Maybe if he redirected Michael, they’d stop talking about his lack of self-confidence and get down to what he knew Michael wanted—sex.

“You’re teasing me.” Michael eased his thumb from between Niall’s lips. “You’re dangerous. You almost made me forget what I wanted to say.”

“That was the point.”

“Maybe, but I want to finish.” His eyes flashed. “You’re a sexy man. I wanted to make a move back in September. I’d see you in your classroom and wonder about you. School’s over now and I can’t wait.” He crushed his mouth down on Niall’s.

Damn.The same rush came back. Niall smoothed his palm over Michael’s chest. He wanted Michael closer. Michael gathered Niall in his arms and leaned back against the couch. Niall crawled onto Michael’s lap. He rubbed his crotch against the bulge in Michael’s pants. Being with him felt so good, so right.

“I’m not sure why I held back for so long.” Michael rested his forehead against Niall’s. “I should’ve offered to buy pizza before.”

“Michael.” He held on to Michael’s shoulders. “I—we need to talk. Kissing is good, but I want to talk.”

“Sure.” Michael didn’t let go. Instead, he stuffed his hands into Niall’s back pockets. “What’s wrong?”

What’s wrong?He should be basking in the heat between them, not questioning Michael. But he wanted to spill his guts. He needed to know Michael would stick around. “I’ve only had one boyfriend.” He paused. “One partner. I’ve been with three guys, but one boyfriend.”

“Nothing wrong with that.” Michael feathered kisses around Niall’s mouth. “There’s no rule saying you’ve got to have a lot of experience.”

“If you’re not wanting a relationship, tell me now. Okay? I don’t want to get dicked over because you’re looking for a one-night stand.” He’d probably screwed up his chances with Michael, but he’d know where he stood.

“You don’t give a guy the opportunity to get to know you that way.” Michael kept his hands in Niall’s pockets. “How about we see where this goes? Could be good, could be a disaster, but we won’t know until we give us a try.”

His heart sank. He’d hoped Michael wouldn’t say that. “I understand.”

“No, I don’t think you do.” Michael nipped Niall’s bottom lip. “Stick around. Why can’t we have fun right now?”

“Michael.” He scurried off Michael’s lap and threaded his fingers in his hair. If he did what Michael wanted and stayed…he’d probably have a great time with the guy who featured in his fantasies. He didn’t want one chance with Michael. But if he left, he’d regret it.

“Have some supper with me.” Michael scooted away from him. “I’m sorry. I forget not everyone wants to move at zero to sixty—once I get my engine going.” He averted his gaze. “But I have to confess I’m a horny bastard.”

He couldn’t say Michael wasn’t, but then he couldn’t say he wasn’t a horn ball. He wanted to strip down and allow Michael to have his way. He sank onto the couch beside Michael.

“So you’re not good at relationships, are you?” Michael smiled. “What’d the guy do? Cheat? Or was he one of those jerks who seem perfect but are on the way out before you realize what’s going on?”

“It was too much, too soon and over before I knew what happened.” He took a bite of the pizza. Michael hadn’t been kidding. The pie was good.

“I had a boyfriend like that.” Michael finished his slice of pizza. “He wanted something from me I couldn’t give. I knew we weren’t going to last more than a couple of months, but he saw forever.” He stopped and smiled. “Want more?”

“No, I’m good for now.”

“Cool.” Michael turned the television on. “The game doesn’t start for another couple of hours.” He flipped through the guide. “See anything good?”

Niall didn’t answer right away. He saw lots of things that looked great—Michael among them. So why didn’t he take what he wanted? Because he’d told himself being alone was safer than getting his heart broken again.

“What?” Michael patted Niall’s thigh. “I know. There’s nothing on. The news is depressing. The commercials are goofy.”

“Fuck me.” Niall placed his empty plate on the coffee table. Time to make a decision. Take what he wanted from Michael or go home and be alone again. He didn’t want to be lonely any longer and he’d never get what he wanted if he didn’t find his gumption. What did he want?Michael.

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