Matthew had fallen for Greg Stevens and Matthew had fallen hard. Before Greg, Matthew had thought that finding true happiness was not meant to be, for him. When a mutual friend fixes him up with Greg, Matthew continues to doubt his chances for true love. Greg is much younger than he and just beginning his career. When Matthew shows Greg the carvings above the fireplaces that his grandfather had built years ago, Greg sees in them the same “sign” that Matthew had seen ten years earlier. When a baby girl is abandoned at the hospital where Greg works, he and Matthew wonder if the fireplace carvings could have been designed from a premonition of Matthew’s grandfather and that perhaps this wise man, years ago, had known what lay ahead for his grandson.
Greg quickly briefed his chief resident who would be finishing his rounds for him this morning, and then hurried to the school to pick up his daughter. What could possibly have happened? The school nurse had said that Nichole wasn’t feeling well, but hadn’t gone into detail. Fearing the worst as always, Greg hurried as fast as he could to be with Nicky. Out of breath after running from the parking lot to the school, Greg could barely speak when he walked into the nurse’s office. “What’s wrong? Is she sick? Did she fall?” “We’re not sure, Dr. Stevens. She said that her stomach hurt and that she wanted her daddy.” “Okay. Where is she?”
The nurse led Greg to where Nichole was lying down on a cot. “What is it, baby? Does your tummy hurt?” Nicky nodded her head. “Do you want to go home?” Nicky nodded again. “Let’s go. I’ve got someone to cover for me at work.” Nichole took Greg’s hand and the two of them walked to the car. Once inside the car, Greg pulled Nicky onto his lap and held her like a baby. “What’s wrong, Nicky? Can you tell Daddy?”
****
Greg woke up early and was out of bed at eight on Saturday, anxious to see Matthew again. He showered and spritzed his clean body with a very light cologne, then searched his closet for the perfect shirt and pants. He assumed the attire was casual, but he really wanted to impress Matthew. He wanted Matthew to think that he was with someone mature, and not just a kid. It was ten by the time Greg was finally satisfied with his attire and was ready to go. He read the paper, but couldn’t seem to focus on the words. He was nervous about going out with Matthew. Matthew knocked on the door just before eleven, and Greg invited him in. “It’s not much, but it’s home.” “You’ve decorated it to perfection, Greg. I’m impressed.” “Thank you. That’s the perfectionist in me, I’m afraid.” Seeing Matthew in the daytime did not diminish his good looks. If anything, Greg thought that he looked even more distinguished in the daylight. He was tall, like Greg, with black slightly curly hair and bright blue eyes. He had just a hint of gray in his hair that only added to his good looks. He was fit, and obviously worked out. Greg knew that he was not nearly as gorgeous as Matthew, although he had been told that he was handsome. Greg’s hair was brown and straight, his eyes brown, and still had the leanness that comes with too much work and too little time to eat. “I’ve promised myself more than once that I would see the wonders of Seattle, but never allowed myself the luxury,” Greg admitted, as Matthew opened the car door for him. “Well, we’ll see them together,” he said.
****
When the tour was over and they were on their way back to the kitchen, Matthew stopped just short of the kitchen. He opened the door across from the kitchen, and turned on the light. “Here it is, Greg. This was a den, but is now my bedroom. It feels like a cozy little house living in it this way.” “It’s nice, Matthew. It really is.” Greg started to leave the room, but Matthew took his hand. “Greg, I would love it if you stayed with me tonight, but please don’t feel pressured to do so. I won’t hold it against you if you don’t feel comfortable with staying, and I certainly will not stop seeing you. I like you a lot, Greg.” There, he had said it, and now the ball was in Greg’s court. Greg looked at Matthew with his endearing smile, his bright blue eyes sparkling. He kissed Matthew lightly on the lips. “I would love to spend the night with you, Matthew,” he whispered, as he moved closer. “I’ve thought about what it would be like waking up next to you.” Matthew pulled him closer and put his arms around him. They held each other for a long time, and then Matthew kissed Greg on his neck and then his cheek, and finally their lips met. It had been a long week without each other, and their lips seemed to know it too. They kissed more passionately tonight, more hungrily.
Matthew led Greg to his bed, and the two of them unbuttoned the other’s shirts and took them off. Matthew pulled the covers back and invited Greg into his bed. The room was dark, but they undressed separately before getting into bed and moving toward each other. They embraced again, holding each other, kissing each other. Matthew was a passionate lover and took his time, two things that Greg was not accustomed to. Matthew stroked Greg’s face as he kissed his lips and when his hands caressed his chest, Greg was completely at his mercy. Greg caressed Matthew’s back, his perfectly toned back. Matthew kissed Greg’s chest, licking his nipples. The covers had slipped off of Matthew so that his butt was now in full view of Greg. Damn, I hope I look that good when I’m forty, he thought. Matthew looked at Greg, leaned up and kissed him on the lips again. “Greg, look at me.” Greg half opened his eyes.
