Page 41 of Silver Fox in Cedarwood

“If it’s too much, then tell me.” Len scrubbed his forehead with the back of his hand. “I never thought I’d feel complete again. That I’d have a love like I did with Keye. This isn’t like with Keye, though. It’s different, because it’s a love I never thought was possible, and I’m glad.”

“Len?” Love? Did they feel the same? He wouldn’t move in with a man who didn’t love him.

“I can’t see my life without you.” Len grasped Isaac’s hand. “I’ve never been in this deep and in love. Keye was my partner then and I wouldn’t trade that time for the world. You’re my partner now. I love you and treasure what we have.”

“You do?” His voice clogged in his throat. His dreams were coming true.

“Without a doubt.” Len tugged Isaac close and rested his forehead against Isaac’s. “Be my swim partner, my boyfriend, lover, and love me.”

“Yes.” He didn’t need to think this through. He didn’t question his heart. “I’ve got six months on my lease.”

“Don’t sweat it. We’ll figure that out.”

He nodded. “What about Ollie? I don’t want to leave him.”

“What about him?”

“Cissy?” If the dog and cat didn’t get along, they’d have problems.

“She won’t care. She loves visiting the cats at the shelter.” Len slid his palms over Isaac’s bare ass. “I’ve thought about getting a cat. We’ll try it out and work with them.”

“You’re sure?” He needed to know.

“Positive.”

“We’ll get him in the morning.”

“After a swim?” Len asked. “I won’t turn down a reason to see you in those swim trunks.”

“Yes.” He kissed Len hard. For the first time in his life, he was loved and wanted. He wasn’t ready to admit out loud that he loved Len, but he did love him. He needed more time, but he’d have it if they lived together. Len was willing to take a chance on him and he loved Len more than he’d ever thought possible. They had time to grow and learn each other in a way that’d make their relationship stronger. He couldn’t wait to get started.

* * * *

Isaac set Ollie’s food dish on the top of the cat tree and poured food into the bowl. He hadn’t been sure that Ollie would like the move. Twice in a six-month period was a lot to ask of an animal. Instead of being stressed, Ollie acted like he owned the condo. He preened on his cat tree and sunbathed in the front window. Len had even insisted on buying and installing a special perch for Ollie there.

“I think he’s happy,” Len said. He petted the cat. “Ollie’s a good boy.”

“He is.” He closed the plastic container he kept the cat food in and placed it on the counter. Isaac had no reservations about moving in with Len, but he’d worried about the animals. Now, he had no cares in the world.

“I’m glad you’re here.” Len gathered Isaac’s hands in his. “Happy?”

“I am.” He’d settled into a nice routine—he worked at the clinic, came home to Len, spent time at the swim complex with him and ran laps during the weekends and his short days. They walked the dogs every night and he couldn’t ask for more. Dorian liked Len and Aiden liked him. The situation was better than he’d ever planned.

Isaac’s phone rang and he tensed.

“I’d say don’t answer it, but it could be important,” Len said. “Go. I don’t mind.”

“I’ll check first.” He needed to change the ringtone to differentiate the important calls from the junk ones. He checked the screen. Jake, his ex-boyfriend. “Hello?”

“Isaac,” Jake said. “You never showed up at the clubs.”

“I know.” He placed his hand over the receiver and spoke to Len. “It’s nothing.”

Len shrugged. He put the cat food away, then wandered out to the living room.

Isaac walked to the sliding door and let Stan out. He stood on the back porch while Stan inspected the spring flowers in the beds lining the fence. Isaac focused on the call. “Why are you trying to contact me?”

“I can’t call a friend?” Jake asked.

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