Falcon got home, late as he usual. It had been that way for the last few weeks, so Connor wasn’t surprised or worried. It was November now, and the chilliness of fall was becoming the bite of winter up here in the mountains. Connor had built a fire and was reading when he heard his lover’s footsteps on the stairs. He put down his book and waited for Falcon to come through the door. He’d known that he’d be tired and hungry, as usual, so there was beef stew simmering in the crockpot. Connor had learned that it was hard to screw up something in that wonderful device, so he’d downloaded a bunch of recipes off the internet and was cooking dinner regularly now.
As Falcon came through the door, he sniffed the air and said, “Something smells wonderful.”
Connor stood and crossed over to Falcon. “Beef stew and Texas toast.”
Falcon quirked a brow and asked, “What? No dessert?” before he leaned down to kiss Connor.
Connor wrapped his arms around Falcon’s neck and deepened the kiss, sliding his tongue into Falcon’s mouth. When he came up for air, he laughed and said, “Your mother brought a whole pan of those baked pears drizzled in honey that you love so much.”
“Did she put enough honey on them?”
“God, I hope so. They’re absolutely swimming in the stuff.”
Falcon looked smug. He smiled at Connor as he said, “My mother knows what I like.”
“Hmph. And spoils you rotten. Honestly, Falcon, for such a big old bear, you are such a child.” He put his arms up again and pulled Falcon’s head down for another kiss.
Falcon put both of his hands on Connor’s ass and pulled him close. “You love me, though.”
“Well, aren’t you quite sure of yourself?”
Falcon pulled back and looked down at Connor, raising his brows. “What? You don’t love me?”
Connor nuzzled his neck and whispered, “You know I do.”
“Good. Now that that’s settled, let’s eat. I’m starving and that stew smells wonderful. It was a great day when you found out about the magic of the crockpot.”
Connor snickered. “Ain’t it so? I was beginning to think that we might starve to death. Now, go sit down and I’ll bring you a bowl.”
Falcon took a seat and said, “You don’t have to tell me twice. And make mine a big bowl. It’s been a long time since lunch.”
Once Connor had given Falcon his beef stew and served himself, he sat down and began to eat. Between bites of the stew, which he had to admit to himself was really very good, he told Falcon about talking to Blake. After relaying the whole story about Blake’s job and the man that he was probably in love with and what was going on with that, he said, “So, I invited him to come up here for a while. I didn’t think you’d mind. He’s coming in a few days. I know that’s not much notice but....”
Falcon interrupted him by putting a hand on his arm. “No, I don’t mind. He can stay as long as he wants. As long as he needs to. Two weeks, a month. Whatever. Besides, I’d like to get to know him and I can’t wait to meet the dude that had that Brazilian thing done. Not to mention, he’s your best friend.”
Connor brightened. “Yes, he is. More like family really. Besides, he sounded really down and I’m worried about him.” He paused and looked straight into Falcon’s eyes. “Are you sure about this? You’re already taking care of me and this would be another mouth to feed.”
Falcon laughed. “Sometimes you crack me up. Honey, we’re a couple. You’re not a charity case. And he won’t be either. Let’s not forget that I’m rich.”
“Oh, yeah. A decided perk to being your boyfriend.”
“Is that the only one?”
Connor winked at him. “Oh, no, babe, you have others that are definitely more attractive than money.”
“Yeah? I’ll let you elaborate on them later, but first, how about that dessert?”
Connor smiled and stood up, walking toward the stove. I’ve had it warming in the oven, as per your mother’s instructions.” He took the pan out and uncovered it, carrying it to the table. He had to admit, it did smell wonderful.
Falcon sniffed loudly. “Mmm. That smells almost as good as you.” He reached for the dessert bowl that Connor was handing him and began dipping pears and honey out. Lots of honey.
Connor watched and said, with a smirk, “Would you like a few pears with that honey?”
Falcon chuckled. “Oh, shut up. You know how I love the stuff.”
Quirking a brow, Connor said, “Indeed, I do. I know that you like to put it on a lot of things and lick it off.” He watched as Falcon licked the spoon with the tip of his tongue and Connor felt himself getting hard. Jesus, they couldn’t even eat a meal together without Connor wanting to jump his lover’s bones. Making himself think of something besides sex—at least until they could finish dinner—Connor asked if Falcon had heard anything from Gabe.
Shaking his head, Falcon said, “Not a word. He said that he was going to be in North Carolina for a couple of weeks, but it’s been a little longer than that now. I hope everything is okay.”
“I’m sure it is. This isn’t the first time that he’s been gone longer than expected.” Falcon had just taken a bite of the pears and Connor watched in fascination as Falcon’s tongue snaked out to lick some honey off his lip. As he took another bite, some of the golden liquid dripped off the spoon onto his chin.
Before Falcon could wipe his mouth or lick it off, Connor groaned and leaned across the table, lapping it up with his tongue. He felt Falcon’s hands lock on his upper arms and begin pulling him toward him for a kiss. Connor pulled back and said, “There’s a table between us, you know. Finish eating, babe. I just couldn’t resist licking that honey off your chin and lips.”
“One more bite and then, I think that we should retire to the bedroom for my second dessert of the evening.” He took another bite and stood up. “Let’s go.” He reached for Connor’s hand. “Oh, and grab that jar of honey off the counter. You’ve given me an idea.”