Seventeen
“I wasn’t going to ask you move out of the room,” Micah said when he learned Mark’s belongings had been transferred to the other guest room.
“I know. You’re too sweet and considerate for that.” Mark smiled. “That’s why I made the decision myself. You’ve met your soulmate. We can no longer be friends with benefits, but justfriends.”He kissed Micah’s face. “And I’m good with that. You’re an amazing friend that I will cherish always.”
“Thank you.” Micah hugged him. “I must admit, though,” he whispered, “I think I will miss thebenefits.”
Mark laughed lightly and drew back. “No, you won’t—not once you start receivingbenefitsfrom Graham.”
Micah smiled. “Well, I will definitely remember them fondly.”
“As will I.” Mark gazed at him warmly. “I really am so happy for you. I can’t imagine this holiday trip being more amazing than this.”
Micah could think of one thing that would make it more amazing—if Mark’s sister would call and tell him that Jeff called off the wedding. It wasn’t outside the realm of possibility. Micah was quickly learning thatnothingwas impossible.
“Bet you can’t wait for your date.” Mark sat on the end of the bed and grinned up at him. “Be honest, do you think the two of you will make love?”
“Uh…” Micah rubbed his temple and smiled. He sat beside Mark. “I don’t know for certain, but I think it might be a strong possibility.” He shivered. “For so long, I’ve dreamed about meetingthe one.And imagined how it would feel to be in his arms…to make love to him.” He swallowed and leaned against Mark, touching heads. “I know all of this is real and is really happening, but I don’t think it’s sank in yet. It still feels so dream-like.”
“That’s because it’s a dream come true,” Mark murmured. “If you’re lucky, it will always feel like a dream.”
“Yeah,” Micah sighed happily.
Mark shifted next to him. “So, what is Graham going to be doing tomorrow before the date?”
“He’ll be over at Sal’s place. He said there were a few things that he needed to do on the house before he put it on the market.”
“You should go over and offer your assistance.” Mark smiled.
Micah laughed quietly. “We’re going on a date tomorrow evening,” he reminded. “Maybe he wants some time alone before then.”
“Really?” Mark stared at him, eyebrow cocked. “Let me ask you this—wouldyourather spend tomorrow alone or with him?”
“I won’t be alone.” Micah smiled. “I’ll be here with you and Nick and Wendy and the kids.”
“You know what I mean.”
Micah groaned. “Okay. So, maybe I’d love to spend the day with him.”
“Maybe?”
“Definitely.”
“And do you think he feels any different?” Mark asked. “You two just met yesterday. Trust me, he wants to spend every waking second with you. How could he not? A man who is falling in love wants to be with the object of his desire twenty-four-seven.” He nudged Micah. “Am I right?”
A small moan escaping him, Micah nodded. “Yes.”
“So, make his day and show up early. Get a jump on the date.” He winked. “Or on him, whatever strikes your fancy.”
Micah was two seconds from agreeing to the idea when he remembered something of great importance. “I can’t miss opening the Christmas Eve present. It would disappoint Eli if I wasn’t here.”
“No problem,” Mark said. “You have to come back to get ready for the date, anyway, so just come home soon enough to open your present as well.” He chuckled. “Of course, by that time, you may already be on Santa’snaughtylist.”
If I’m lucky,Micah thought hopefully.
∞∞∞
At just past midnight, Micah had yet to fall asleep. His blankets and sheet were a jumbled mess from him tossing and turning for the last two hours. He finally gave up and left the bed and went downstairs. A dim under-the-cupboard light spilled across the kitchen counter, providing enough visibility that Micah didn’t need to turn on the overhead lights.
