Page 11 of Redemption Ridge Vol II

“I won’t.” Though his limbs and eyelids were heavier than they’d been a few moments ago.

Tyler narrowed his eyes as if he had read Owen’s mind. “Don’t leave either.”

“I’m not going anywhere.” Even if it was probably the smartest course of action.

Tyler watched him for a few more seconds before disappearing into the bathroom. Owen propped himself up on an elbow, mentally pushed away his sleepiness, and watched the doorway for Tyler’s return. The sound of running water made it a little harder to stay awake, but he reminded himself that Tyler wanted more kisses. Owen had never been much of a kisser since hookups didn’t invite that kind of intimacy. But he really fucking loved kissing Tyler.

“Are you asleep?” Tyler called out from the bathroom.

“Yep,” Owen quipped. “You’re taking too long. Come back to bed.” Words he had never expected to say to Tyler.

The water shut off, and Tyler stepped through the doorway holding his towel. A surge of adrenaline hit Owen’s bloodstream like five shots of espresso, and he bolted upright, his heart hammering like he’d just finished a marathon. He’d gone from lethargic to hot-wired in an instant. Tyler’s abdomen was still dewy because he hadn’t bothered to dry off yet. Owen watched a water droplet snake its way down his flat stomach and disappear into his dark pubic hair. Owen’s nostrils flared as he imagined burying his nose in the thatch while giving Tyler head.

“Like what you see?”

Owen tore his gaze away from Tyler’s cock to study his expression. He appeared bolder and more confident postorgasm, maybe even a little smug. It was a good look on him.

“Come over here and find out.”

Tyler made a quick trip to his dresser to retrieve clean underwear before drying himself off and stepping into them. Owen enjoyed every second of the show. There was definitely a bit of swagger in his gait when he strode to the bed. “You’re on my side.”

The mattress was barely big enough for one person, let alone designated sides, but Owen played along. He made a big show of moving until Tyler put a hand on his arm to stop him. He rolled Owen to his back and made himself comfortable between his thighs.

Tyler kissed his sternum, then rested his cheek against Owen’s chest. “You’re my new favorite pillow.”

“You won’t be saying that when you wake up with a stiff neck,” Owen teased. Tyler’s weight pressed him deeper into the mattress, but he had zero complaints. He could tell by Ty’s even breaths he was almost asleep. Owen trailed a hand up and down his back a few times before covering them with a blanket. He turned the bedside lamp off and pressed a kiss on top of Tyler’s head. He’d never snuggled with anyone before, and it surprised Owen to learn how much he liked it. Of course, that probably had a lot more to do with the person in his arms than the act itself.

“Just catching my breath for a minute…” Tyler’s words stretched into an enormous yawn. “Then we’ll make out some more.”

Owen closed his eyes and smiled into the darkness. “Sure we will.”

He wasn’t sure what time it was when they next woke up tangled in each other. The only light in the room was from the alarm clock on the bedside table, which cast a faint blue glow around the room. Its illumination was enough to reveal a set of big brown eyes watching him. The guys had rolled to their sides during sleep and were face-to-face on a shared pillow. Owen searched the expressive gaze for any signs of regret but only found relief.

“It’s about damn time,” Tyler mumbled before capturing Owen’s lips in a hungry kiss.

Owen tore his mouth free and said, “You could’ve woken me.”

Tyler snorted. “You needed your rest because I have so much to learn.”

“You know the rules.”

Tyler nibbled on his bottom lip as he timidly placed his hand on Owen’s chest. “Your heart is pounding.”

Owen matched Tyler’s gesture. “So is yours.”

Tyler’s nostrils flared, and his hand began a slow descent down. Owen followed his lead, and they learned each plane and valley of their abdomens. They traced each rib, explored happy trails, and discovered erogenous zones and ticklish spots. Tyler’s abdomen quivered when Owen circled his belly button, and Owen moaned hungrily when Tyler’s fingers dipped beneath his waistband to caress his pelvis. Their foray under the briefs and boxers ended there, much to Owen’s relief and regret.

Tyler had come so close to touching his dick, and he probably would’ve made a fool of himself had he made actual contact. Just thinking about it nearly made him come in his boxers. They moved their hands to safer territory by exploring one another’s backs. Tyler’s fingers got brave again when they reached Owen’s ass. Instead of dipping beneath the waistband, Tyler kept his hand over the fabric when he palmed the curve of Owen’s cheeks and traced the crack between them. He couldn’t help but flex and lean into the caress, and Tyler did the same when Owen got a handful of his ass too.

“How do you know what you like?” Tyler whispered. His curious fingers inched closer to Owen’s pucker before retreating, giving a clue to his unspoken thoughts.

“Topping or bottoming?” Owen asked to be sure.

Tyler swallowed hard and nodded.

“Some people just instinctively know what they like from the fantasies they have. Others explore to see what they like.”

Tyler’s hands stilled, and so did Owen’s. “Which one are you?”