Page 42 of Galen's Redemption
He hadn’t been kidding when he said he didn’t do casual sex. He’d beenaround the people at the shelter enough to know that many people would willingly give their body for a warm place to sleep at night. Brady was living proof of that. But he was also one of the success stories. He was fitting in well with Craig and Melinda’s family. They said he was sweet, respectful, and still in awe over his good fortune.
Robert wanted to tell Noel about Galen. God, he wishedhe could share with him how wrong he and Lincoln were. Yeah, he was prickly and prone to mood swings, but there was a tender heart under there, waiting for the right person to cradle it in their hands and never let it go.
“I talked with someone who asked me to rethink my priorities. Maybe next week we can talk it through, but I’m guessing Lincoln is waiting for you to call.”
Noel chuckled. “He’sasleep on the couch in the group room. He said he kept checking his phone to make sure he didn’t miss my call and finally decided it was better to wait here.”
It was obvious how much Lincoln loved Noel. The way his gaze stayed locked on him, no matter where he went. But he also trusted Noel. “You two are good together.”
Noel’s cheeks pinked. “I’ve never felt like this before. I know it’s onlyJuly, but I’m already thinking about our first Christmas. I want to get him something special.”
“Well, if I can help, let me know.”
“You know I will.” He looked at the clock on the wall. “I’d better get him home. He’s got to be up in a few hours.”
“God, I’m sorry.” When Noel chuckled, Robert was shocked. “What’s so funny?”
“Lincoln insisted I do it, and believe me when I say the choice washis. So you have nothing to be sorry for. He’s quite… demanding. Anyway, I’ll see you next Sunday, okay?”
“Sounds good. And Noel? Thank you again. Those few hours off meant a lot to me.”
“Let me talk to Lincoln. Maybe we can schedule this to happen more often.”
God, the idea was tempting. What would it be like to have off one Sunday a month? He could call Galen and they could—
Wow. A joltswept through Robert as he realized he was about to say they could go out. Maybe hold hands. Do the things couples do, and then afterward, they could go home together and make love.
Yes, it would be making love, because, despite Galen thinking casual sex was okay, Robert couldn’t see only having one night with Galen. He imagined the two of them in bed, Galen lying on his back, his lips partedslightly. When Robert slid into him, Galen’s mouth would form an O, and there would be love and affection in his eyes.
“Why are your cheeks so red?”
Because I’m having dirty thoughts about someone you don’t like.He wished Noel knew Galen like Robert did. Not to say he really knew him all that well, but despite their initial meeting, something about Galen called to Robert.
“Just overtired,I think.”
“Okay, go get some sleep. I’m going to do the same.”
Noel wrapped his arms around Robert’s shoulders and squeezed him. “Thank you. Have a good night.”
“Will do.”
He stayed back as Noel woke Lincoln. The fact that he woke up so quickly surprised Robert, considering how much Lincoln worked. He stood, took Noel’s hand, and started for the door. When they got there, he turned and gaveRobert a wave, and then they stepped outside.
It was too late to drink something, so Robert went to his room and stripped down. He would worry about showering in the morning. Tonight he wanted to crawl into bed and sleep.
When his phone chimed, he groaned, until he saw who it was.
Just want to make sure everything is okay.
Galen might be fooling himself, but he wasn’t putting one over on Robert.
Everything is great. I had a wonderful night with an amazing man.
Oh? Anyone I know?
Robert laughed, and it felt good. He enjoyed Galen’s quirks so much. In fact, he liked Galen so much, he wanted to do something he’d never even considered before.
I was just thinking about you, you know.
