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When the last plate was put away, Tillman turned and pulled Laith close. Strong arms wrapped around him as Tillman nuzzled into his hair. Laith hugged him back tightly, breathing in the scent of pine and woodsmoke that always clung to the bear shifter.
“I meant what I said earlier,” Tillman rumbled. “I just want to spend today with you. No shop, no work, just us.”
Heat fluttered through Laith at the promise in those words. There were still hours before sunset and the meteor shower. Plenty of time to enjoy each other’s company in whatever ways they desired. Tilting his head back, Laith sought Tillman’s lips in a slow, sensual kiss. Their bodies pressed flush, fitting together perfectly.
When they finally parted for air, Laith trailed his fingers down Tillman’s chest suggestively. “Well, if you insist on taking the day off, I’m sure we can find ways to entertain ourselves.”
Tillman’s eyes darkened, hands flexing on Laith’s hips. A low growl rumbled through his chest. Then he was scooping Laith up, carrying him swiftly in the direction of the bedroom. Laith laughed, anticipation and desire sparking hotly through his veins.
The rest of the world could wait. Right now, it was just the two of them, and Laith intended to make the most of every stolen moment.
* * * *
Laith didn’t think he’d ever been happier. Before he’d moved to Midnight Falls, he’d merely existed. He’d lived in Arrowvale for five years and worked from home, never really making any friends. He’d met Daniel at a sandwich shop one day, and they’d hit it off.
But even then, Laith never felt complete. It was as if he knew that something more was out there. That something more was Tillman. He made Laith’s heart clench every time their eyes met. He made Laith want to shout at the top of his lungs that Tillman was his.
It was a complete one-eighty to wanting to keep his sexuality a secret. Laith no longer cared. Tillman had said that Midnight Falls had a lot of gay couples, and Laith couldn’t have been happier.
And when he was in Tillman’s arms, when Tillman kissed him, the rest of the world fell away.
“You ready?” Tillman asked as they put away their dinner dishes. “It’s a hike to the rocks overlooking town. If we start now, we’ll have plenty of time to take things slow.”
“I’ll grab a blanket,” Laith said. “You want to put some hot chocolate in a thermos?”
By the time they met at the back door, Laith had the blanket folded under his arm. Tillman had the thermos, but he also had a rifle slung over his back. Laith didn’t like guns, but he knew the threat of hunters was still out there, and it looked like, this time, Tillman was going to be prepared for any fight, if one came their way.
Laith took the handle of the thermos while Tillman grabbed a flashlight. “Let’s go watch some meteors.”
The trek was just as breathtaking as it was before, though Laith didn’t think he could ever tire of the beauty of nature surrounding him. The sun was nearly below the horizon, and instead of a crisp breeze, it was a warm wind that caressed his skin.
The air smelled of pine and earth, of fresh-cut grass and wildflowers. They walked at an unhurried pace, fingers entwined.
When they reached the rocky outcropping, Laith was once again in awe of the view. Tillman set down the blanket and the chocolate, while Laith stretched out on his back. He patted the space next to him, and Tillman joined him with a contented sigh.
“It’s one of my favorite places,” Tillman confessed as he held out the thermos to Laith. Taking it, he sipped the steaming liquid before handing it back.
“I can see why,” Laith said softly, his eyes on Tillman’s face instead of the sky above them. “Why did you stay here? I mean, don’t get me wrong—I’m glad you did—but most people would have left for bigger and better things.”
Tillman shrugged as he laid down beside him, their bodies touching. “Midnight Falls is my home,” he said simply. “Yes, I could have made more money in a bigger city—”
“But,” Laith finished for him in amusement, “you wouldn’t have been happy.”
“Exactly.”
Tillman turned onto his side, propping his head up with one hand so he could look down at Laith. “I’ve always felt connected to this place, to the land and the people. There’s something special about Midnight Falls. It’s more than just a small town.”
He reached out, brushing his fingers along Laith’s jaw. “When I’m out here, surrounded by nature, I feel free. Like I can really be myself without worrying what anyone else thinks.”
Laith covered Tillman’s hand with his own, turning his head to press a kiss to his palm. “I’m glad you brought me out here. It’s beautiful.”
Tillman smiled, leaning down to capture Laith’s lips in a slow, deep kiss. Laith sighed into it, his body flooding with warmth.
After a long moment, Tillman pulled back, his eyes dark with desire. But then he glanced up at the purpling sky and laughed. “We’d better stop distracting each other. It’ll be dark soon.”
Reluctantly, Laith tore his gaze away from Tillman’s handsome face to look up at the heavens. The first faint stars were just becoming visible as the sun finally sank below the distant mountains.
Tillman shifted onto his back again, shoulder to shoulder with Laith as they waited for full dark. Laith found Tillman’s hand and threaded their fingers together, content to lay quietly and watch night fall.
