“So, when do you start the position at the college?”
“Classes start in a week,” Rory said. “I’m teaching three classes this semester.”
“That’s amazing,” Bernard said. “I’m so happy for you.”
“It’s really exciting. I’ll be doing the same thing as before, but a little more pay.”
Bernard leaned over and embraced him in a hug. It was cozy. Rory hugged him back. He missed this. Bernard’s touch. His compassion. His genuine interest in him. These were the things that mattered. Bernard was the man he hoped to spend the rest of his life with.
“Sorry.” Bernard pulled away. “I didn’t know if I should hug you in public.”
“It’s nice,” Rory said. “I like your hugs.”
“I like your hugs too.”
They packed up and headed to the parking lot.
“I’ll meet you at your house,” Rory said.
He needed to spend time with Bernard.
He is one of the few people who doesn’t tell me what or how to feel. He lets me decide. My friends are right, Bernard never tried to coerce me.
“That sounds nice.”
Rory’s heart raced as he followed Bernard home. He didn’t know what would happen, but he knew they needed to complete their day. Running into Tracy and Jason had to be difficult for him. Rory needed to be there for him.
Rory stood on Bernard’s porch. They locked eyes. He looked deep into Bernard’s eyes. He took in Bernard’s warm smile. His soft beard. The small crook of one side of his mouth was higher than the other. Bernard had thick lips. He wanted to run his fingers through his wavy hair. Hold the strands between his fingers. Bernard had let it grow out. He’d never wanted to do this with anyone else. He’d never had feelings this strong for anyone.
Rory grabbed both of Bernard’s hands. He smiled at him. He slowed his breathing as they held hands.
“I’m so glad we could talk,” Rory said. “It hurt being away from you.”
“It hurt me too.” Bernard put his hand on Rory’s cheek.
“We all make mistakes.”
“I’m sorry about what I said. I know it was heart-wrenching for you and I felt like the worst person in the world for doing it.”
The mix of emotions running through Rory over the past week had been overwhelming. Anger at his mom for spying and interfering, then calling Bernard a slur. Anger at Bernard for calling his mother a name. He was angry, sad, hurt, and disappointed. He cried himself to sleep so many nights. His friends and father brought him to his senses. Bernard wouldn’t do anything to hurt him, not on purpose.
“I understand you were upset. I know you didn’t mean it the way it sounded. You were worried about me.”
“I promise never to hurt you like that again.”
“I know you won’t.”
Rory placed his hand over Bernard’s. Bernard had a gentle touch. He pressed his face against Bernard’s hand. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Heat filled him. A burning desire he couldn’t explain.
“I would like to kiss you,” Bernard said.
Rory opened his eyes to see want in Bernard’s. The words he’d longed to hear.
“I want to kiss you too.”
Rory closed his eyes. Their lips met. Soft and warm. He was kissing Bernard for the second time. This time was different. It was gentle and soft.
Rory wrapped his arms around Bernard and pulled him in. He opened his mouth and their tongues met. His body tensed at the flavors in Bernard’s mouth. Sweet strawberry jam and peanut butter with a hint of cherry. His cock perked up. Bernard’s arms rubbed his back. Rory wanted to reach down to see if Bernard was hard as well. He wanted to feel what he did to him.
