A Bid For Love by T. D. McKinney Read Free Book Online Page A

But it was uncharted, terra incognita . He'd never been the bottom for anyone.
    Looking at Scott, watching him pop a ripe olive into his mouth before turning back to Asher with a second held out in offer, made that unknown appealing, though.
    As always, Scott read him far too well. Lean fingers slid into Asher's hair as Scott settled down next to him, warm water lapping at them both from the motion. "It's okay, baby. Not like I'm for rushing things. And if it's not your cup of tea, there's lots of other ways to show you how much I love you." He teased the olive across Asher's bottom lip. "Just all sorts of treats waiting for us."
    Part of Asher wanted Scott to slow down, to give him time to think. And part feared if he did so he'd chicken out and lose what could be the best thing he'd ever been offered. "I've no doubt the...ah...treats will be well worth it." And that thought, oddly, didn't supersede the image of Scott smiling across their desks at him each day with that love light as strong in his eyes as it glowed now. He'd bet even the worst of the office Neanderthals' icy glares couldn't douse that heat.
    A cool champagne glass pressed toward his fingers. "Here, darlin'. We're fine. Just the thought of curling up here with you for a while with those jets on low and a good meal sounds about perfect. We'll get back to setting the fire alarms off in a bit." The deep chuckle from Scott's chest reverberated a bit louder, as Asher's earlobe had been receiving some attention just then. "Or maybe melting the walls."
    "Right now, you're rather effective at melting me." And it didn't pinch Asher's ego to admit it. Another reason this felt so right. He could say things to Scott he'd dare not say to anyone else. He took a long sip of the sparkling wine, peachy tart on his tongue. "I approve of your idea. It sounds...heavenly."

    * * * *
    Fourteen hours on a plane and an hour's drive, combined with a six-hour change in time zones, an emotional roller coaster between rage and utter bliss, and the considerable exertion of loving a man like Scott... Asher supposed he could be forgiven for losing the battle to sleep for a few minutes, especially when cradled in that warm, perfect embrace.
    Scott's smile held no recriminations, only love. "Come on, baby. Let me dry you off and put you to bed. We could both use a bit of a rest." Water cascaded down perfect thighs as Scott rose from the bath and held out his hands to Asher.
    Tired he might be, but the view was both incredible and just too tempting to let pass. Asher let his gaze travel down that long form and a genuine smile curved his lips, wondering again at how perfect it all felt. "Now that's just evil. Presenting me with such exquisite an offering at the optimum angle when I haven't the energy to enjoy it."
    Scott's chuckle flowed over Asher, warm as the bath water. "I'll be happy to offer it any time you feel inclined, darlin'." Strong arms helped Asher to his feet and guided him from the tub. "After a bit of a nap, I'm sure we'll both feel like offering all sorts of things." A soft towel brushed over his skin. "But rest first."
    "You take such good care of me." And it felt so good to allow it to just happen, to leave himself open to a little human generosity, a little affection. What might he become, with years of such care?
    "That I do." Scott moved with ease, drying them both off. "I like doing it. Makes me feel...warm. Inside." A soft kiss kept Asher from replying. "Now, off to bed with us both." He tugged at Asher's hand, leading them from the bath and its now sputtering candlelight to the bedroom. "Just curl up with me and rest."
    "Good idea." The bed cradled them, Scott's arm warm over Asher's waist. The memory evoked by that sensation set Asher chuckling even as his eyes drooped. "Now see, if it had been you instead of the East German women's weight-lifting champion using me for a teddy bear on that blasted road trip, I wouldn't have protested."
    Scott's chest rumbled with his