Hide And Keep is still my favorite, among all of my books. I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to top Aiden Sharp. He’s very complex and poor Lane doesn’t know what to make of him, or what to do with him. Aiden knows exactly what he’d like to do with Lane. Hide And Keep is also my readers’ favorite and I have plans for a short featuring Aiden and Lane at the end of December, as a holiday Thank You for the amazing support I’ve received this year.
It’s Lust at first sight. Mostly.
At the airport, it only took a few minutes for Lane to figure out which gate Sharp would be arriving at. He used his badge to get into the terminal just as passengers were starting to come off the jet bridge. He made eye contact with a few men in suits only to have them rush by before his eyes connected with those of a younger, strikingly handsome man strolling casually at the end of the group.
Lane felt his body tighten as he watched him move. He was wearing a grey hoodie and his hands were shoved in the pockets. Lane quickly looked at the other arriving passengers, scanning for anyone that might be Sharp. People swept by in a hurry, nodding curtly as they pushed past. Once again, Lane’s eyes were drawn to the man at the end. Those eyes. They were endless. So light blue, they were almost silver, Lane felt as if he was being pulled into them. He forced his gaze down, noting wireless bluetooth headphones around the man's neck, hands deep in the hoodie pockets, resting against his stomach, jeans and low top, black Converse. What was it about this hipster college student that had Lane’s shirt sticking to his back and his pulse thudding in his ears?
Lane was half way in love by the time the man was a few strides away. He held his breath as he watched full, wide lips pull into a cocky grin. Lane looked around in confusion. Was he in the wrong terminal or did he miss Sharp while he was falling into a lust trance?
“I believe you’re looking for me.” Smooth and deep, the words slid through Lane and his heart started to beat more forcefully in his chest. God, I wish, Lane thought as he let his eyes spill over harsh cheek bones, a straight nose and a square jaw. This wasn’t a college student, he was in his mid to late twenties. His dark brown hair was long on top and cut short on the sides and fell over his brow, making him appear almost boyish despite a faint, two-ish day beard. Lane shook his head as he looked around. As much as Lane wished he had time for this insanely hot model, rocker, artist, whatever he was, Lane knew he had to get his head out of his pants and find Clark’s F.B.I. douche bag.
“Not unless you happen to be the Lake Cliff D.A.’s expert witness,” he mumbled as he turned and looked at the herd of passengers behind him.
“I’m Aiden Sharp, your D.A.’s witness,” he said and Lane’s head snapped around. Lane resisted the impulse to inform Sharp that Clark wasn’t his D.A. as he narrowed his eyes and studied the man before him. Fuck my life. This can’t be the “special expert” from the F.B.I. that I’m supposed to spend the weekend with. Lane clenched his jaw and willed his body to relax.
“Detective Lane West, Agent Sharp,” Lane said as he offered his hand. Sharp shook his head as his eyes swept over Lane before he pulled his hand from his pocket. The sleeve was pulled up, revealing a tattooed forearm covered in Hebrew script as Sharp took Lane's hand.
“I never went to the academy. I’m a doctor but I’d prefer that you just call me Aiden.” He shook Lane’s hand before he strode for the exit. Lane’s head pulled back in shock.
“Wait!” He called and Aiden stopped and turned. His brows were raised and he stared back. Lane frowned as he jogged to catch up. “Are we done here?” He asked as he gestured toward the sign directing them to the baggage claim. Aiden shrugged.
“I don’t have any luggage. I’m hungry. Can you take me to McDonald’s?” He asked as he turned and went for the door. Lane’s jaw fell. He felt as if he had been dismissed, that Aiden considered him to be nothing more than a chauffeur.
“You want me to take you to McDonald’s?” He asked incredulously. Aiden nodded as he looked over his shoulder at Lane.
“I haven’t eaten since last night,” he explained as he walked through the automatic doors. Lane squinted angrily at the late afternoon sun as he followed. “Can you take me to a mall after I eat? I need to go to The Gap. And a drug store,” Aiden asked as he let Lane pass and lead him through the parking lot. Lane felt his temper slipping. He didn’t care how hot this “doctor” was, he wasn't going to spend the weekend being treated like a taxi driver by some arrogant F.B.I. shit.
“I can get you a car to use while you’re here,” Lane offered and Aiden shook his head.
“I don’t drive,” he said and Lane threw him a dubious look. Aiden ignored it. “And I can’t go around alone.” Aiden explained as Lane nodded toward his car and pulled the keys from his pocket.
“This is your car?” Aiden asked as Lane went to the driver’s side. Lane looked at him impatiently and gestured for him to get in.
“Yes,” he said as he buckled his seatbelt. Lane started the car and waited for Aiden to settle into the passenger seat.
“This is a 1960 Mercedes-Benz 190SL. You can’t afford this on your salary,” Aiden said as he slid his hand over the red leather dashboard. Lane reached over and pushed Aiden’s hand off the dash.
“You don’t know what I can afford,” he said bluntly and put the car in Drive. He could feel Aiden’s eyes on him, the side of his face felt warm.
“I can guess your salary with reasonable accuracy,” Aiden said and Lane jumped then ducked when he felt Aiden’s hand pulling back the collar of his shirt. “Banana Republic. More reasonable on a detective’s salary,” he added. Lane glared out of the corner of his eye.
“Do you mind?” He asked as he leaned away. He saw Aiden shake his head dismissively.
“Expensive haircut and manicured nails,” Aiden observed. “Is this is how you think a gay man should look?” He asked. Lane’s head whipped toward Aiden and his mouth fell open.
“What?” Lane asked in shock. “Why would you assume I’m gay? Because I don’t wear bad suits and put effort into my grooming?” He knew he sounded defensive. Aiden looked confused.
“I don’t make assumptions. You kept looking at my lips, your pupils dilated and your body temperature rose when we shook hands. And you don’t wear bad suits and you put effort into your grooming.” He stated as he tilted his head so he could see more of Lane’s face. “Are you gay?” Aiden asked. Lane’s lips pulled in and he nodded stiffly. Aiden nodded as well. “Good. I’d like to have sex with you, if there’s time,” he said casually as he looked out at the street around the car. Lane gasped and forced his attention back to the road. He noticed that the light turned red and slammed on the brake.
“What’s wrong with you? Who says shit like that?” Lane asked loudly. Aiden shrugged.
“I do. I have Asperger’s syndrome. And I have no way of estimating who or how many people would say that,” he explained. Lane’s brows pulled together and he frowned at Aiden.
“So that means you can just say or do whatever you want?” He asked and Aiden shook his head as he studied the window.
“No. You’re unusually hostile toward me, Detective West,” Aiden stated. Lane managed not to laugh.
“I can’t imagine why,” he mumbled.
Aiden is full of surprises. Lane learns quickly that he might have underestimated him.
“I promise you, Lane has been a very generous host.” Both Clark and Lane turned toward the stairs and watched as Aiden lazily tied the strings of his pajama pants and offered Clark a drowsy grin. He was still shirtless and had perfect bed hair. Despite his irritation with Clark, Lane was temporarily mesmerized by the way the muscles of Aiden’s stomach bunched and stretched as he offered Clark his hand.
“You must be Clark Cabbot,” he said brightly. Clark’s eyes were wide and his face had a pink tint when he eventually accepted Aiden’s hand.
“You’re Dr. Sharp?” His voice broke and Lane sucked his lips in to keep from laughing. Aiden nodded.
“Yes, but call me Aiden. I don’t like when people call me Dr. Sharp,” he said. Clark blinked stupidly at Aiden.
“Ok.” His eyes flicked to Lane’s and he frowned before he looked back at Aiden. “I just stopped by to make sure you got in all right,” Clark lied. Aiden offered him a wide smile.
“Yup. Had an uneventful trip and Lane has made me feel very welcomed.” Aiden winked jauntily at Clark as he walked past him and came around the counter. He slid behind Lane and looked over his shoulder into the pan. “Looks like he’s going to spoil me,” Aiden teased as his hand closed over Lane’s hip and he rubbed his cheek against Lane’s. Lane saw Clark’s eyes flare but he was more distracted by his now urgent erection and the wall of heat behind him. He cleared his throat.
“Did you sleep well?” Lane asked and tried to look competent as he pulled the bacon from the pan while Aiden was pressed against his back. He heard a soft chuckle and goosebumps spilled down his back.
“I slept like a rock. I was exhausted,” Aiden replied and Lane was sure he could hear Aiden winking at Clark. He felt Aiden’s hand slide around his waist and brush across his stomach. Lane couldn’t stop his eyes from closing but he successfully swallowed the soft moan that tickled his throat. Oh, that’s really nice, Lane decided and opened his eyes. Aiden’s head swung to Lane’s other shoulder and he pressed a quick kiss to Lane’s neck. “You smell really good,” Aiden whispered. Lane felt the words against his ear and heat rolled through him and his lips curved into a shy smile before Aiden stepped past him and reached for the juice. He poured a glass and took a long drink as his eyes darted between Clark and Lane. “Is he joining us for breakfast?” Aiden asked. Lane shook his head.
“No. He’s leaving,” he said as he looked at Clark. It was obvious that Clark didn’t enjoy the display of affection or what he was imagining. Or that they were both dismissing him. Lane gave him a sarcastic smile. “You don’t want to be late. Don’t you have to take the family to church, Clark?” He asked as he went around the counter and didn’t bother to hide the obvious tenting of the front of his pants as he guided Clark toward the door. Clark frowned over his shoulder at Aiden.
“I’ll see you tomorrow, Cabbot,” Aiden said as he waved. Clark’s jaw twitched angrily as he looked at Lane.
“I’ll call you later,” he said under his breath as Lane pulled the front door open. Lane shook his head as Clark passed him.
“Don’t bother, I’ll be busy.” Lane winked as he slowly shut the door in Clark’s face. He laughed softly and scrubbed a hand over his face before he turned and went back to the kitchen. “What the hell was that?” Lane asked as he went to the stove. Aiden shrugged as he leaned against the counter.
“He sounded like an asshole and he wasn’t getting the message. I thought I’d help you,” he offered before he finished his juice. “So, you and Clark Cabbot?” Aiden asked as he poured himself another glass. Lane raised a shoulder as he made their plates.
“It was just sex,” he said as he looked at Aiden. “Do you like pancakes and bacon?” Lane asked and Aiden laughed.
“I have Asperger’s. I’m not a member of Al Qaeda or a Communist,” he explained as he took his plate from Lane. “I love pancakes and bacon. And syrup. It’s one of the few condiments I like,” Aiden said as he went to the table. Lane smiled as he set down his plate.
“Do you want some coffee?” He asked as he went for the syrup and the juice.
“I can’t drink coffee. It makes me see sound,” Aiden said as he greedily munched through a piece of bacon. Lane’s eyes grew large.
“Of all the things you’ve said to me, that might be the most strange and offensive,” Lane said and Aiden’s eyes snapped to his and he looked worried. “I’m kidding. But how can you not like coffee?” Lane asked. Aiden shook his head.
“Caffeine makes my skin hurt,” he said as he reached for the syrup. Lane couldn’t stop his eyes from sliding over Aiden’s chest at the mention of skin. God, Lane was hurting.
But it’s really about what Lane does to Aiden…
It was all too much. Aiden never understood what other children felt on Christmas morning, he’d never felt the giddy joy and excitement. As he stared at Lane and felt a wave of intense, glowing warmth crash through him, Aiden believed he’d tapped into a dozen children’s Christmas joy. It was surging through him and choking him. Aiden’s nose burned and his eyes stung as they blurred. A loud noise clawed at his throat and his chest felt like it was expanding too far. Aiden jumped to his feet and ran for the stairs. He climbed blindly and before he realized what he was doing, he slammed Lane’s bathroom door shut and fell against it. Aiden’s chest heaved as he slid to the floor and tears streamed down his face like drops of lightening.
“Aiden?” Lane’s voice was gentle and patient and Aiden searched for an explanation for how he came to this time and this place, with this man.
“I just need a few minutes.” Aiden’s voice was weak and watery. He cringed as he untucked his shirt. He needed to get his courtroom clothes off. They felt heavy and soiled with all the words he’d said about Jonathan Burgess.
“I’m sorry if you feel trapped. I just… I’d never forgive myself if something happened to you and I wasn’t there to protect you,” Lane explained. His voice was lower, he was sitting on the other side of the door. Aiden squeezed his eyes shut as more Christmas morning warmth swelled within him and wet heat slid from his eyes.
“I don’t feel trapped, Lane,” he whispered.
“Are you scared?” Lane asked and Aiden shook his head.
“For the first time in a long time, no. I actually feel free, like I’m living right now.” He pulled off his tie and began unbuttoning his shirt.
“Then why did you lock yourself in my bathroom?” Lane sounded like he was smiling. Aiden sighed as he let his head fall back against the door.
“I’m overwhelmed, I needed some insulation. Being here with you is like heaven. I don’t think I’ve ever been happy like this.” Aiden tried to make his eyes stop crying as he pulled off his shoes and socks. He heard a soft laugh and it tickled in his chest.
“This is the kingdom of grilled cheese sandwiches and sex,” Lane teased and Aiden smiled as he unbuckled his belt.
“It’s more than that. You’re perfect and patient and it’s so quiet and comfortable here. And there were pancakes. I really love pancakes, Lane.” Aiden heard another laugh and he didn’t want it to stop. He unzipped his trousers and raised his hips as he slid them off.
“Why did all of this overwhelm you?” Lane asked carefully. Aiden slid his shirt off and pulled his undershirt over his head. He sighed as the cool air of the bathroom wrapped around him.
“I was so tired, Lane. When I came here, I didn’t think I could do it anymore. All of the running, the hiding, the messages and sleeping on hard pleather couches or folded up in office chairs… I wanted it to end. I just couldn’t handle it anymore. I thought the International House of Pancakes would be a good place. That way, my last meal would be pancakes,” he confessed.
“Jesus, Aiden,” Lane gasped.
“I haven’t felt like that since I met you. I got a little scared downstairs when I thought about leaving and going back to my life. I knew this couldn’t last forever but I wasn’t ready for it to end so soon. Then, you said that I was staying and it felt like a miracle.” Aiden heard Lane get to his feet.
“Can you come out now?” He asked. Aiden got to his feet and frowned when he saw his reflection in the mirror. You’re kind of a pervert, right now, Aiden decided.
“Umm… I had to get out of my court clothes, they were making me very uncomfortable,” he said as he pressed his forehead against the door. “I’m naked,” he admitted.
“So, you’re telling me you’ve had a head start? Come out and help me catch up,” Lane ordered.
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It’s Lust at first sight. Mostly.
At the airport, it only took a few minutes for Lane to figure out which gate Sharp would be arriving at. He used his badge to get into the terminal just as passengers were starting to come off the jet bridge. He made eye contact with a few men in suits only to have them rush by before his eyes connected with those of a younger, strikingly handsome man strolling casually at the end of the group.
Lane felt his body tighten as he watched him move. He was wearing a grey hoodie and his hands were shoved in the pockets. Lane quickly looked at the other arriving passengers, scanning for anyone that might be Sharp. People swept by in a hurry, nodding curtly as they pushed past. Once again, Lane’s eyes were drawn to the man at the end. Those eyes. They were endless. So light blue, they were almost silver, Lane felt as if he was being pulled into them. He forced his gaze down, noting wireless bluetooth headphones around the man's neck, hands deep in the hoodie pockets, resting against his stomach, jeans and low top, black Converse. What was it about this hipster college student that had Lane’s shirt sticking to his back and his pulse thudding in his ears?
Lane was half way in love by the time the man was a few strides away. He held his breath as he watched full, wide lips pull into a cocky grin. Lane looked around in confusion. Was he in the wrong terminal or did he miss Sharp while he was falling into a lust trance?
“I believe you’re looking for me.” Smooth and deep, the words slid through Lane and his heart started to beat more forcefully in his chest. God, I wish, Lane thought as he let his eyes spill over harsh cheek bones, a straight nose and a square jaw. This wasn’t a college student, he was in his mid to late twenties. His dark brown hair was long on top and cut short on the sides and fell over his brow, making him appear almost boyish despite a faint, two-ish day beard. Lane shook his head as he looked around. As much as Lane wished he had time for this insanely hot model, rocker, artist, whatever he was, Lane knew he had to get his head out of his pants and find Clark’s F.B.I. douche bag.
“Not unless you happen to be the Lake Cliff D.A.’s expert witness,” he mumbled as he turned and looked at the herd of passengers behind him.
“I’m Aiden Sharp, your D.A.’s witness,” he said and Lane’s head snapped around. Lane resisted the impulse to inform Sharp that Clark wasn’t his D.A. as he narrowed his eyes and studied the man before him. Fuck my life. This can’t be the “special expert” from the F.B.I. that I’m supposed to spend the weekend with. Lane clenched his jaw and willed his body to relax.
“Detective Lane West, Agent Sharp,” Lane said as he offered his hand. Sharp shook his head as his eyes swept over Lane before he pulled his hand from his pocket. The sleeve was pulled up, revealing a tattooed forearm covered in Hebrew script as Sharp took Lane's hand.
“I never went to the academy. I’m a doctor but I’d prefer that you just call me Aiden.” He shook Lane’s hand before he strode for the exit. Lane’s head pulled back in shock.
“Wait!” He called and Aiden stopped and turned. His brows were raised and he stared back. Lane frowned as he jogged to catch up. “Are we done here?” He asked as he gestured toward the sign directing them to the baggage claim. Aiden shrugged.
“I don’t have any luggage. I’m hungry. Can you take me to McDonald’s?” He asked as he turned and went for the door. Lane’s jaw fell. He felt as if he had been dismissed, that Aiden considered him to be nothing more than a chauffeur.
“You want me to take you to McDonald’s?” He asked incredulously. Aiden nodded as he looked over his shoulder at Lane.
“I haven’t eaten since last night,” he explained as he walked through the automatic doors. Lane squinted angrily at the late afternoon sun as he followed. “Can you take me to a mall after I eat? I need to go to The Gap. And a drug store,” Aiden asked as he let Lane pass and lead him through the parking lot. Lane felt his temper slipping. He didn’t care how hot this “doctor” was, he wasn't going to spend the weekend being treated like a taxi driver by some arrogant F.B.I. shit.
“I can get you a car to use while you’re here,” Lane offered and Aiden shook his head.
“I don’t drive,” he said and Lane threw him a dubious look. Aiden ignored it. “And I can’t go around alone.” Aiden explained as Lane nodded toward his car and pulled the keys from his pocket.
“This is your car?” Aiden asked as Lane went to the driver’s side. Lane looked at him impatiently and gestured for him to get in.
“Yes,” he said as he buckled his seatbelt. Lane started the car and waited for Aiden to settle into the passenger seat.
“This is a 1960 Mercedes-Benz 190SL. You can’t afford this on your salary,” Aiden said as he slid his hand over the red leather dashboard. Lane reached over and pushed Aiden’s hand off the dash.
“You don’t know what I can afford,” he said bluntly and put the car in Drive. He could feel Aiden’s eyes on him, the side of his face felt warm.
“I can guess your salary with reasonable accuracy,” Aiden said and Lane jumped then ducked when he felt Aiden’s hand pulling back the collar of his shirt. “Banana Republic. More reasonable on a detective’s salary,” he added. Lane glared out of the corner of his eye.
“Do you mind?” He asked as he leaned away. He saw Aiden shake his head dismissively.
“Expensive haircut and manicured nails,” Aiden observed. “Is this is how you think a gay man should look?” He asked. Lane’s head whipped toward Aiden and his mouth fell open.
“What?” Lane asked in shock. “Why would you assume I’m gay? Because I don’t wear bad suits and put effort into my grooming?” He knew he sounded defensive. Aiden looked confused.
“I don’t make assumptions. You kept looking at my lips, your pupils dilated and your body temperature rose when we shook hands. And you don’t wear bad suits and you put effort into your grooming.” He stated as he tilted his head so he could see more of Lane’s face. “Are you gay?” Aiden asked. Lane’s lips pulled in and he nodded stiffly. Aiden nodded as well. “Good. I’d like to have sex with you, if there’s time,” he said casually as he looked out at the street around the car. Lane gasped and forced his attention back to the road. He noticed that the light turned red and slammed on the brake.
“What’s wrong with you? Who says shit like that?” Lane asked loudly. Aiden shrugged.
“I do. I have Asperger’s syndrome. And I have no way of estimating who or how many people would say that,” he explained. Lane’s brows pulled together and he frowned at Aiden.
“So that means you can just say or do whatever you want?” He asked and Aiden shook his head as he studied the window.
“No. You’re unusually hostile toward me, Detective West,” Aiden stated. Lane managed not to laugh.
“I can’t imagine why,” he mumbled.
Aiden is full of surprises. Lane learns quickly that he might have underestimated him.
“I promise you, Lane has been a very generous host.” Both Clark and Lane turned toward the stairs and watched as Aiden lazily tied the strings of his pajama pants and offered Clark a drowsy grin. He was still shirtless and had perfect bed hair. Despite his irritation with Clark, Lane was temporarily mesmerized by the way the muscles of Aiden’s stomach bunched and stretched as he offered Clark his hand.
“You must be Clark Cabbot,” he said brightly. Clark’s eyes were wide and his face had a pink tint when he eventually accepted Aiden’s hand.
“You’re Dr. Sharp?” His voice broke and Lane sucked his lips in to keep from laughing. Aiden nodded.
“Yes, but call me Aiden. I don’t like when people call me Dr. Sharp,” he said. Clark blinked stupidly at Aiden.
“Ok.” His eyes flicked to Lane’s and he frowned before he looked back at Aiden. “I just stopped by to make sure you got in all right,” Clark lied. Aiden offered him a wide smile.
“Yup. Had an uneventful trip and Lane has made me feel very welcomed.” Aiden winked jauntily at Clark as he walked past him and came around the counter. He slid behind Lane and looked over his shoulder into the pan. “Looks like he’s going to spoil me,” Aiden teased as his hand closed over Lane’s hip and he rubbed his cheek against Lane’s. Lane saw Clark’s eyes flare but he was more distracted by his now urgent erection and the wall of heat behind him. He cleared his throat.
“Did you sleep well?” Lane asked and tried to look competent as he pulled the bacon from the pan while Aiden was pressed against his back. He heard a soft chuckle and goosebumps spilled down his back.
“I slept like a rock. I was exhausted,” Aiden replied and Lane was sure he could hear Aiden winking at Clark. He felt Aiden’s hand slide around his waist and brush across his stomach. Lane couldn’t stop his eyes from closing but he successfully swallowed the soft moan that tickled his throat. Oh, that’s really nice, Lane decided and opened his eyes. Aiden’s head swung to Lane’s other shoulder and he pressed a quick kiss to Lane’s neck. “You smell really good,” Aiden whispered. Lane felt the words against his ear and heat rolled through him and his lips curved into a shy smile before Aiden stepped past him and reached for the juice. He poured a glass and took a long drink as his eyes darted between Clark and Lane. “Is he joining us for breakfast?” Aiden asked. Lane shook his head.
“No. He’s leaving,” he said as he looked at Clark. It was obvious that Clark didn’t enjoy the display of affection or what he was imagining. Or that they were both dismissing him. Lane gave him a sarcastic smile. “You don’t want to be late. Don’t you have to take the family to church, Clark?” He asked as he went around the counter and didn’t bother to hide the obvious tenting of the front of his pants as he guided Clark toward the door. Clark frowned over his shoulder at Aiden.
“I’ll see you tomorrow, Cabbot,” Aiden said as he waved. Clark’s jaw twitched angrily as he looked at Lane.
“I’ll call you later,” he said under his breath as Lane pulled the front door open. Lane shook his head as Clark passed him.
“Don’t bother, I’ll be busy.” Lane winked as he slowly shut the door in Clark’s face. He laughed softly and scrubbed a hand over his face before he turned and went back to the kitchen. “What the hell was that?” Lane asked as he went to the stove. Aiden shrugged as he leaned against the counter.
“He sounded like an asshole and he wasn’t getting the message. I thought I’d help you,” he offered before he finished his juice. “So, you and Clark Cabbot?” Aiden asked as he poured himself another glass. Lane raised a shoulder as he made their plates.
“It was just sex,” he said as he looked at Aiden. “Do you like pancakes and bacon?” Lane asked and Aiden laughed.
“I have Asperger’s. I’m not a member of Al Qaeda or a Communist,” he explained as he took his plate from Lane. “I love pancakes and bacon. And syrup. It’s one of the few condiments I like,” Aiden said as he went to the table. Lane smiled as he set down his plate.
“Do you want some coffee?” He asked as he went for the syrup and the juice.
“I can’t drink coffee. It makes me see sound,” Aiden said as he greedily munched through a piece of bacon. Lane’s eyes grew large.
“Of all the things you’ve said to me, that might be the most strange and offensive,” Lane said and Aiden’s eyes snapped to his and he looked worried. “I’m kidding. But how can you not like coffee?” Lane asked. Aiden shook his head.
“Caffeine makes my skin hurt,” he said as he reached for the syrup. Lane couldn’t stop his eyes from sliding over Aiden’s chest at the mention of skin. God, Lane was hurting.
But it’s really about what Lane does to Aiden…
It was all too much. Aiden never understood what other children felt on Christmas morning, he’d never felt the giddy joy and excitement. As he stared at Lane and felt a wave of intense, glowing warmth crash through him, Aiden believed he’d tapped into a dozen children’s Christmas joy. It was surging through him and choking him. Aiden’s nose burned and his eyes stung as they blurred. A loud noise clawed at his throat and his chest felt like it was expanding too far. Aiden jumped to his feet and ran for the stairs. He climbed blindly and before he realized what he was doing, he slammed Lane’s bathroom door shut and fell against it. Aiden’s chest heaved as he slid to the floor and tears streamed down his face like drops of lightening.
“Aiden?” Lane’s voice was gentle and patient and Aiden searched for an explanation for how he came to this time and this place, with this man.
“I just need a few minutes.” Aiden’s voice was weak and watery. He cringed as he untucked his shirt. He needed to get his courtroom clothes off. They felt heavy and soiled with all the words he’d said about Jonathan Burgess.
“I’m sorry if you feel trapped. I just… I’d never forgive myself if something happened to you and I wasn’t there to protect you,” Lane explained. His voice was lower, he was sitting on the other side of the door. Aiden squeezed his eyes shut as more Christmas morning warmth swelled within him and wet heat slid from his eyes.
“I don’t feel trapped, Lane,” he whispered.
“Are you scared?” Lane asked and Aiden shook his head.
“For the first time in a long time, no. I actually feel free, like I’m living right now.” He pulled off his tie and began unbuttoning his shirt.
“Then why did you lock yourself in my bathroom?” Lane sounded like he was smiling. Aiden sighed as he let his head fall back against the door.
“I’m overwhelmed, I needed some insulation. Being here with you is like heaven. I don’t think I’ve ever been happy like this.” Aiden tried to make his eyes stop crying as he pulled off his shoes and socks. He heard a soft laugh and it tickled in his chest.
“This is the kingdom of grilled cheese sandwiches and sex,” Lane teased and Aiden smiled as he unbuckled his belt.
“It’s more than that. You’re perfect and patient and it’s so quiet and comfortable here. And there were pancakes. I really love pancakes, Lane.” Aiden heard another laugh and he didn’t want it to stop. He unzipped his trousers and raised his hips as he slid them off.
“Why did all of this overwhelm you?” Lane asked carefully. Aiden slid his shirt off and pulled his undershirt over his head. He sighed as the cool air of the bathroom wrapped around him.
“I was so tired, Lane. When I came here, I didn’t think I could do it anymore. All of the running, the hiding, the messages and sleeping on hard pleather couches or folded up in office chairs… I wanted it to end. I just couldn’t handle it anymore. I thought the International House of Pancakes would be a good place. That way, my last meal would be pancakes,” he confessed.
“Jesus, Aiden,” Lane gasped.
“I haven’t felt like that since I met you. I got a little scared downstairs when I thought about leaving and going back to my life. I knew this couldn’t last forever but I wasn’t ready for it to end so soon. Then, you said that I was staying and it felt like a miracle.” Aiden heard Lane get to his feet.
“Can you come out now?” He asked. Aiden got to his feet and frowned when he saw his reflection in the mirror. You’re kind of a pervert, right now, Aiden decided.
“Umm… I had to get out of my court clothes, they were making me very uncomfortable,” he said as he pressed his forehead against the door. “I’m naked,” he admitted.
“So, you’re telling me you’ve had a head start? Come out and help me catch up,” Lane ordered.
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