Page 57 of Embracing James

“That and the art space.” James scooted closer to Paul. “And love.”

“You did?” His heart raced. He squeezed James’ fingers. “What did you decide? Did you decide anything?” He wanted to be hopeful, but he had to be patient, too. He and James shared something so strong and he refused to deny it, but he couldn’t rush it, either.

“I’ve been thinking that moving in does make the most sense. I mean, I like being here with you and I like the condo. Doob has room to run and the neighborhood is fantastic,” James said. “Plus, you’re right about the artist colony. We need one in Norville. It’s an artsy town, but we have nowhere for the artists to congregate.”

He nodded. He couldn’t push, no matter how much he wanted to.

“I’d be willing to give up my apartment in the Annex so the building could be an artist colony.”

“Only for that?”

James grinned. “No. Mostly because I want to be here with you. What you said about waking up beside me and the last moment before we go to sleep…it got to me. That’s how I feel about you. I’m not me without you.”

He could work with that.

“I also got to thinking about Craig.”

“Him?” He bit back a groan.

“Hear me out. I got to thinking that if he’d have done something stronger and tried to hurt you or Doob, I’d be lost without you. Just thinking about losing you made me realize I do love you. I’ve been falling since we met.”

“You love me?” He couldn’t hold back the grin.

“I do.” James kissed him. “I can’t imagine being anywhere else with anyone else. You’re my person. You’reourperson.”

“You’re mine, too.’ He’d been so lucky. From the moment he’d embraced James, he knew he’d found his heart and his home.

“Now you mentioned something about fucking.” James left Paul’s lap, then closed the front door. “I believe we were going to have dinner, then fuck, but who says we can’t have desert first?”

Paul scrambled off the couch and rushed after James. “I like the way you think.”

James tugged Paul close and kissed him with a passion and ferocity he never knew possible. This man flowed in his veins. He walked Paul back to the bedroom. This time, he’d take control. This was his chance to show Paul just how much he loved him.

He nudged Paul onto the bed and crawled on top of him.

“You’re in charge?” Paul chuckled. “I like it.”

“I hope so.” James unbuttoned his shirt, then tossed the garment onto the floor. Chilly air wrapped around him and his nipples beaded. Sitting on Paul like this made him feel sexy. Made him feel invincible.

He leaned over Paul and kissed him again, this time sucking on Paul’s tongue. He roved his hands over Paul’s chest, needing to touch him everywhere.

Paul stuffed his hands down the back of James’ jeans. He massaged James’ ass and the move turned James on. He ground on his lover. The freedom in being true to himself and his feelings spurred him forward.

James groaned into the kiss, then opened the front of Paul’s dress shirt. He kissed his way down Paul’s jaw to his chin, then throat. He stroked Paul’s pec before tweaking his nipple.

“Fuck me, I love that.” Paul trailed his fingers along James’ back. “Need you in me.”

He’d have to prep Paul first. If he went too fast, he’d hurt him. He doubted he’d be able to stretch this out because he wanted Paul so much, but he should make this moment last.

James continued to kiss down Paul’s chest to his nipples. He sucked one in his mouth while he popped the button on his lover’s pants with his free hand. He unzipped his trousers, then eased his hand beneath the elastic of Paul’s boxer briefs.

“My God.” Paul massaged the back of James’ neck. “More.”

“Soon.” He scooted down Paul’s body to help him out of his trousers. “Have I ever told you I love when you wear those boxer briefs? It’s like a present only I can unwrap.”

“Oh yeah?” Paul’s eyes sparkled. He’d smudged his makeup, but he still looked just as sexy as ever.

“I’m the only one who can see what you’re hiding, even if it’s not all that well hidden.” James stood long enough to shuck his own jeans and underwear. He stepped out of the wadded-up clothing. When he crawled back on top of Paul, Paul gathered his dick and James’ in his hand. He stroked them both.

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