CHAPTER FORTY Cole

I'd forgotten to pull the blinds when we went to sleep the night before and sunrise illuminated the bedroom. Soft hues of yellow gold lit the walls with the quiet explosion of a new day. I slipped out of bed to lower the blinds before the brightness woke Chad.

His heavy breathing clued me into his slumber. The evening had been warm, and we'd left the window open for the cool night breeze. Chad was face down on the bed, his hair splayed across his pillow, his backside fully exposed from where he'd kicked off the sheet.

He was like a little boy when he slept. Rambunctious, with his wild limbs and the way he'd cuddle up when cool, and then semi-aggressively push me away when warm again. I stood by the window and stared at the quiet surf and orange sky. The view was simply magical and took my breath away. How long had it been since I'd viewed a new day with such joy? Ever?

Chad's chest slowly inflated and then deflated, imperceptibly lifting him from the bed while I ravished him with my eyes. He had one arm thrown across my pillow, not recognizing that I wasn't there. The other arm was tucked under his chest.

My eyes locked onto his bright locks, a messy nest of glory, before they followed down his back and to the narrowest of waists. He was golden brown until the white separation line of his ass. It was there that my gaze focused on the most perfect butt I had ever seen. The picture-perfect symmetry of each round cheek was a sight to behold. Without even touching them, one could see the velvety texture of his flawless white skin.

Long lean legs were slightly parted, one askew with a bent knee as he fought for a comfortable position earlier. The tan began again, just above his knees. Board shorts weren't designed to create the perfect tan line, but I doubted Chad would ever be in a Speedo, so it didn't matter.

"You love him, don't you?" the voice said.

"I do," I mouthed, no longer afraid of the messages.

"Tell him."

I let the voice fade away as I watched Chad sleep. To describe him as angelic would not do him justice. He had a beautiful soul that he exhibited every day and to everyone. He was astonishing to be around and to bear witness to. We'd spent most nights together since he'd stopped by three weeks ago. That gesture and the connection we'd both rekindled were the catalysts for us to cease questioning what we shared.

Neither of us spoke of a future. Neither of us said I love you. But the bond and the attraction still grew despite the absence of those qualifying words. A month ago, I would have been ripped apart by the uncertainty of an ‘us,' but today I felt calm, appreciative, and accepting about what we could share.

Chad had an aura that, when around him, would encircle you. You believed all things were possible and that any mistakes you may make would be forgiven. There were no grudges, no emotions not discussed, no feelings swept under the carpet because of the fear of being judged by the other. The experience was freeing.

To admit that he had improved my life would be a gross understatement. Chad had drastically changed my life in a very short time, and for some unknown reason, I wasn't afraid of losing him. Maybe I should've been, but honestly, what I had experienced thus far could last a lifetime even if I didn't get another second of time with him.

He tossed and turned slightly, causing me to freeze so as not to wake him, but he rolled over. His beautiful blue eyes caught the sunlight as they opened, trying to focus and join the rest of the living. He noticed me and smiled, breaking my heart for probably the millionth time that week.

"Hi," I whispered.

"Hi," he responded, sheepishly grabbing his erection and glancing from it to me. "The morning light is wonderful," he said.

"We should leave the blinds open more often," I agreed, moving to the edge of the bed and sitting down. "Have I told you how adorable you are?"

"You have, Mr. Hicks. But I like when you say that." He curled his finger at me, so I leaned over him and kissed him gently. "Make love to me, Mr. Hicks," he whispered.

"You need to leave for work in less than an hour."

"That's okay," he said, pulling the back of my neck to bring me down again. "What if we skip the foreplay and make it a quickie? I don't care. I just want to feel you inside of me."

"I was just inside of you a few hours ago," I reminded him.

"Good thing we showered after," he teased. He grinned like the naughty boy he was when talking about sex, running his hands over his bare chest and gripping his cock. "You like?" he asked. I nodded, raising my brows seductively. "Kinda hot, don't you think?" he added.

"How about you persuade me concerning this quickie, boy?"

"That will not be a problem, Mr. Hicks."