Page 9 of Trash and Treasure
“This is…really nice,” Jack said. He turned in a circle, taking in the whole room and the view of the kitchen.
“Thanks. I’m glad you like it,” Mico replied, surprised just how much Jack’s opinion mattered. “Can I get you a soda or a cup of coffee? We’ve both got a long night ahead of us.” He moved toward the kitchen, glad to have something to do to keep from standing and staring at Jack.
Several times during the day, he had almost reached out to take Jack’s hand, and down in the yard, amid the sculptures, the urge to pull Jack into a kiss had been almost overwhelming. He hoped it wasn’t his imagination that Jack often brushed up against him on the trail and didn’t seem to mind standing close together.
“Coffee, please. That would be wonderful,” Jack replied.
“Right this way.”
Jack followed him into the small galley and leaned against the counter while Mico made a fresh pot. It didn’t take long for them to have steaming cups in their hands, which they took back to the deck. Beneath the trees, it had grown dark enough that the lanterns glowed.
In the distance, an owl hooted, and the high-pitched howl of a coyote made Jack shiver. Mico slid a little closer, reassuring him that they were safe here.
“If you could be any animal in the world, what would you be?” Jack blurted after they’d sat together in comfortable silence.
“A raccoon,” Mico answered promptly and crossed his fingers over the handle to his coffee mug, hoping for good luck. Jack gave him a considered look as if trying to see the animal inside. “How about you?”
Jack looked away nervously. “I’ve always been partial to possums, myself. I mean, I know they aren’t sexy, and people get weirded out by the tail—”
“Who says possums aren’t sexy?” Mico asked quietly, reaching over to guide Jack’s chin so their eyes met.
Jack blushed. “Lots of people.”
“Well, they’re wrong,” Mico said, stroking Jack’s chin with his fingers. “Possums are awesome.”
“So are raccoons,” Jack murmured. His pupils were blown wide, and Mico chose to believe it was from desire, not just the dim lighting.
“I had a very nice time today,” Mico whispered. “I’d like to go out with you again.”
“I’d like that too,” Jack said in a breathy voice.
“Is it okay if I kiss you?”
Jack nodded wordlessly, never losing eye contact.
Mico moved in slowly, giving him a chance to pull back. Jack didn’t move, but his eyes fluttered shut as their lips touched, and he sighed in contentment.
To Mico’s surprise, Jack deepened the kiss, pressing more firmly and running the tip of his tongue across the sensitive skin. Mico’s lips parted, and Jack licked into his mouth as Mico’s hand came up to cup his head, and Jack tangled his fingers in Mico’s hair.
When they finally pulled back, Jack’s lips were kiss-swollen, and his breath came fast and shallow. Mico figured he looked the same. He was achingly hard, and a glance told him that Jack was too.
“We should probably go,” Jack managed.
“Is everything okay?” Mico felt his heart sink, fearing he had misread Jack’s interest.
Jack smiled. “Better than okay. But I need to be to work in an hour, and if we keep that up, I might not get there.”
Mico brightened. “Yeah, me too. Can we go hiking again? Maybe in our fur?”
“Yes to both—and I’m hoping you’ll still stop by later for a donut—I’m doing a strawberry margarita recipe tonight since the bourbon one went over so well,” Jack replied.
“I’ll be there. Can’t wait to try it,” Mico assured him.
He took their cups inside, then locked up, and they walked down to his car together. He let his knuckles brush against Jack’s, not quite holding hands but close enough.
“Thanks for a nice day,” Jack said when Mico dropped him off at the café with a quick kiss. “See you tonight.”
As Mico drove away, he realized that he’d never been so excited to start his shift.
