Double Happiness

An Ellora’s Cave Romantica Publication

www.ellorascave.com

Double Happiness ISBN 9781419917912 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Double Happiness Copyright © 2008 Shayla Kersten Edited by Mary Moran. Photography and cover art by Les Byerley. Electronic book Publication October 2008 With the exception of quotes used in reviews, this book may not be reproduced or used in whole or in part by any means existing without written permission from the publisher, Ellora’s Cave Publishing, Inc.® 1056 Home Avenue, Akron OH 44310-3502. Warning: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. No part of this book may be scanned, uploaded or distributed via the Internet or any other means, electronic or print, without the publisher’s permission. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000. (http://www.fbi.gov/ipr/). Please purchase only authorized electronic or print editions and do not participate in or encourage the electronic piracy of copyrighted material. Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated. This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or places, events or locales is purely coincidental. The characters are productions of the authors’ imagination and used fictitiously.

DOUBLE HAPPINESS

Shayla Kersten

Shayla Kersten

Chapter One Chen Jin Tai’s heart stopped as he read the letter. “No way.” This couldn’t be happening. Not now. Not so close to the ceremony. The front door of his Manhattan apartment opened. Jangling keys clattered on the small table in the foyer. “Tai, you here?” “In the kitchen.” Tai balled up the letter then stuffed it in a nearby cabinet inside a coffee cup. A rather silly move since his lover couldn’t read Chinese. David Anderson’s head popped around the corner. “You cooking?” “Nah…” Tai chuckled in spite of his nervousness. “You don’t want me to burn down the apartment, do you?” “Didn’t think so.” David stepped around the corner with a stuffed plastic grocery bag in his hand. Raising his arm, he swung the bag back and forth. “Greek!” “Great. Spanakopita?” Even as nervous as he was, the thought of the layered spinach and feta pie piqued his appetite. “Of course.” David set the bag on the counter before wrapping his arms around Tai. “You’d divorce me before the wedding if I forgot your favorite food.” If the wedding happens… Tai returned David’s embrace with a desperate hug. His hands clenched through David’s T-shirt. Fingers dug into hard muscle. “Hmmm…” David nuzzled Tai’s ear. “Seems like someone is interested in a different type of appetizer.” “Yeah…” Distraction was a good thing. Relax his lover with a little sex then spring the bad news. Tai suckled the soft skin where David’s neck and shoulder met. A gentle groan vibrated against his lips.

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David’s hand scrambled down Tai’s back then grabbed his ass. He jerked him forward, pressing his groin into Tai. “I think that could be arranged.” David’s fingers dug through the material of Tai’s scrubs, pushing into the crack of his ass. “Or we could just…” Tai pushed David back against the kitchen table. Pulling away from David’s embrace, he slid to his knees. His fingers made short work of David’s fly then pulled his jeans open. “Commando?” “Yeah, I was just going out to the corner diner.” Tai grinned up at David. “More fun this way.” Sucking his lover’s half-hard cock deep into his mouth, Tai relished the lengthening flesh against his tongue. Desire chased away his anxiety—at least for now. Even after two years, he couldn’t get enough of David. David gripped the edge of the dark wood table. His knuckles whitened with each twirl of Tai’s tongue. His hips flexed forward slightly. Tai ran his hands up David’s thighs then clutched his hips. With a gentle tug, he encouraged David forward then back. The now-erect length moved between Tai’s lips with short, quick strokes. Harsh pants of breath filled the small kitchen. Soft half-mumbled words—“Yes.” “Good.” “Fuck.”—escaped David’s mouth. Closing his eyes, Tai absorbed the erotic music. A gentle hand cupped his head, fingers threaded through his hair. “Tai—” David pulled back as his tone warned Tai of his impending orgasm. Tai clenched David’s hips then yanked him forward. His lover’s length pushed deep into Tai’s mouth, bumping the back of his throat. David fisted a handful of Tai’s hair and held him close. Relaxing his throat, Tai let David take control and fuck his mouth. Three final strokes then hot come shot into Tai’s throat.

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After a short, jerking thrust, David’s hand released the clump of Tai’s hair. “Damn… You know that drives me crazy.” Tai let David’s dick slip out of his mouth with a pop. “And I love driving you crazy.” As he stood, he pushed David onto the table until the taller man sat on the edge. Tai leaned his chest against David’s. “I, uh, have some news…” “News?” David sighed. His fingers trailed down Tai’s back. “What kind of news?” “My mother is coming to the wedding.” “She’s what?” Tai winced at David’s growl. “I received a letter from her. She wants to be at the ceremony Saturday.” Backing away, he tried his best pout.

David stood, tucking his wilted cock in his jeans then fastening the fly. A quick glance warned him Tai wasn’t playing fair. David couldn’t stand to see Tai unhappy and the younger man knew it only too well. Retreating around the table, David kept his back to his lover. Their dinner cooling on the counter was a safer place for his gaze. “You have to tell her no.” The Ice Queen hated him. She’d be nothing but trouble. “How can I tell her she can’t come to the wedding of her only child?” The small affair four days from now was a celebration of their domestic partnership papers. Living in New York, it was all they could do…for now. Slamming his palms on the counter, David growled, “Does she know it’s not really a wedding?” A sharp gasp forced him to turn around. Tai’s almond-shaped eyes narrowed into a glare. “It is to me. And it was to you before you knew Ma was coming.” Uh-oh… Extract foot… “It still is. You know what I mean.” David grabbed the bag of food then set it on the table.

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Tai’s frown softened. “Her being here is a big concession. You know how she feels about me being gay.” “Yeah…all my fault… You know she’ll cause problems. She’d love nothing better than to see us split up. I just don’t want her coming between us.” Tai opened the bag then pulled out an aluminum container. “I don’t think that’s why she wants to be here.” David snorted. The woman wouldn’t piss on him if he were on fire. “She never once spoke to me in San Francisco. I didn’t know the meaning of ‘look through’ someone until I met her.” Tai slammed another container on the table. “Give her a break. It was my father’s funeral.” “I know, babe.” David circled the table then pulled Tai into a tight hug. The funeral a year ago had been hard on his lover. “I’m sorry. But three days—we were there three days. She couldn’t speak to me even once?” Tai’s hands clutched David’s back. “It was a tough time for her. But now you’re going to be her son-in-law.” Pulling his head back, Tai glanced up at David. “Maybe she wants to make amends.” “Maybe…but I’ll believe it when I see it.” When pigs fly… “When does she arrive?” “Tomorrow evening. I’ll see if I can get off work early so I can pick her up.” David sent a silent plea to any and all gods. He didn’t want to have to greet the Ice Queen alone.

***** David waited at the baggage claim area of LaGuardia Airport with a handwritten sign proclaiming Chen Qi Xiang. Not that Tai asked him to bring a sign, but since the Ice Queen refused to acknowledge his existence, she might not recognize him. His mind kept cursing his luck. A last-minute emergency delayed Tai. With the Emergency Department already one doctor short, he couldn’t abandon ship. Not that 7

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Tai would. His dedication to his profession had him close to finishing his residency at twenty-eight. Graduating high school at seventeen, Tai blasted through college in three years so he could get into med school as fast as possible. Since David ran his financial consulting business from home, he didn’t have a legitimate excuse to say no to Tai’s pleading request. “You my driver?” David mentally shook his head clear. A tiny Chinese woman stared up at him. “Mrs. Chen, it’s very nice to see you again.” He’d forgotten how small she was. Tai at five foot nine would tower over her. At six two, David felt like a giant. “Oh.” Her nose wrinkled with a disdainful sniff. “It’s you.” Be polite, be polite… David bit his lip against a retort. If she’d bothered to look at me… “We can grab your luggage over here.” He strode off, expecting her to follow. When he glanced over his shoulder, she was still standing where he’d left her. With an about-face, he stalked back. “Is there a problem?” “You’ll need claim tickets.” She handed him a strip of paper. A grimace snuck across his face before he could stop it. He schooled his features back into neutral. “No problem. I’ll be right back.” Storming away from the little tyrant, David muttered, “Demoted from chauffeur to baggage boy in the space of a few seconds.” The things he did for his lover. As he reached the baggage conveyor belt, it bumped into motion. Maybe the suitcases wouldn’t take long. He glanced at the claim ticket—tickets. Four suitcases for a few days? And he didn’t have a clue as to what they looked like. A quick glance over his shoulder revealed the Ice Queen regally ensconced on a bench near the door. No help there. The first suitcase popped out of the chute, slamming against the barrier near David’s knees. “Hope there’s nothing breakable.” The tag numbers didn’t match.

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“Didn’t expect it to be that easy, now did you?” David glanced around at the crowd. No one seemed to pay attention to his solitary conversation. Maybe someday, on his and Tai’s twentieth anniversary, he’d look back and laugh about today. A grin replaced his frown. Twenty years with Tai wouldn’t be enough. Sometimes he wished they’d met sooner. Of course, considering the ten-year age gap, too soon would have been cradle robbing. When they met two years ago, Tai at twenty-six seemed almost too young. But he didn’t act young. When David bumped into him in front of the coffee shop near the apartment, Tai’s iced coffee splattered all over him. David had never seen a more gorgeous man. Long, straight hair so black it seemed highlighted with blue. Almond-shaped dark eyes had glittered with amusement as David apologized over and over again. When David invited Tai to his apartment to clean up, he didn’t expect the younger man to take him up on the offer. Then Tai walked out of the bathroom shirtless, revealing lean muscles and a slender waist hidden by his baggy shirt. David wasn’t even sure of his guest’s sexuality, but it didn’t stop his dick from taking notice. Or stop him from flirting. He couldn’t help himself. Didn’t take long for him to buy a clue. The mutual jerk-off session in the hall was the first of four times they made love that day. David’s gaze checked the number on a dark-red suitcase as it rolled out of the chute. “Finally!” Heaving the heavy bag off the conveyor, he set it next to him as he watched for the next one. His memories were a little too good. Slow-burning desire curled in his lower stomach. Best not to face his mother-in-law with an obvious boner. The rest of her matching bags followed in quick succession. “A little luck, at least.”

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David glared at the pile of bags. The two large ones had rollers and the smallest had a shoulder strap. The last one was in between the other two in size. He piled the medium on one of the large ones. With the strap of the smallest secure on his shoulder, he grabbed the long pull handles on the large bags. Rolling his load toward the door, he didn’t bother to speak to Mrs. Chen. At his point, he didn’t think he could say anything polite. With a tiny curl of her lips, she rose from her throne with only her purse and her carryon bag then followed. Heat blasted David as he exited the airport. “The car is this way.” He nodded in the direction of short-term parking. “I wait here.” “Fine.” David set her suitcases near her. “I’ll go get the car.” He turned toward the street, checking for traffic. “You take bags. Don’t want them stolen.” David whirled around. “Excuse me? You’ll be here with them. They won’t be stolen.” “I’m old lady. I couldn’t stop crooks.” “It’s broad daylight and I won’t be gone but a few minutes.” David was not carrying her bags when she was standing right here by them. “You take them.” Her gaze darted toward a security guard. “You make old woman carry suitcases?” Her tone changed from harsh to plaintive. “I carry.” She leaned over, grasping the handle of one of the larger bags. The guard walked toward them, a frown on his face. “That’s not what I said,” David hissed between clenched teeth. “Fu—” Biting back his expletive, he grabbed the suitcases. “I’ll be right back.”

*****

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Sweat trickled down David’s neck and forehead as he stuffed the suitcases in the trunk. At least he had a few moments of peace. He slammed the trunk shut. As soon as he started the car, he shoved the air conditioner on high, letting the air blast him. Mrs. Chen could wait a few minutes. Her visit had started out exactly as he expected…nothing but trouble. Easing the car out of the parking spot, he then drove through the maze of streets to get back to the terminal. The cooling air helped moderate his temper. He just had to keep it together until he dropped her at her hotel. He pulled up to the curb in front of Her Royal Highness. She was chatting with the guard, a sweet smile on her face. The hot sun didn’t seem to affect her. Her black hair, piled high with some kind of ornate twist, didn’t have a strand out of place. In spite of the dark pantsuit, she looked as if she weren’t perspiring. Maybe a side effect of being an Ice Queen was internal air conditioning. David climbed out of the car in time to catch the last of their conversation. The guard glanced at David then said, “You have a wonderful visit to New York, Mrs. Chen.” “Thank you, Tony. Have a nice day,” her clipped syllables murmured in a sweet tone. Seething anger returned. She couldn’t speak to David. He didn’t think she remembered his name, but she could be pleasant to a total stranger. Gritting his teeth, he walked around to the front passenger side then opened the door. Mrs. Chen didn’t move toward the car. You’ve got to be kidding… He closed the front then opened the back. A small smile quirked the side of her mouth as she entered the car. Fine. Two can play this game.

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And silence was the name of the game. At least his end of it was. Mrs. Chen pulled out her cell phone. The musical strains of the Chinese language serenaded David on the drive back to Manhattan. He was almost grateful for her phone call. At least he didn’t have to feel guilty for not making an effort to talk to her. A strange chirping started then stopped. David couldn’t isolate the source. Something wrong with the car? Again the noise sounded over Mrs. Chen’s conversation. He’d have to get it checked before the wedding on Saturday. They were driving upstate for the honeymoon on Sunday. As he pointed the car across the Queensborough Bridge, he dared to interrupt her conversation. “What hotel are you staying at?” Her dark eyes, so familiar in an unfamiliar face, glared at him in the rearview mirror. “Hotel? No hotel. I stay with my son.”

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Chapter Two Tai stripped off his latex gloves then tossed them in a nearby disposal bin. Fortunately, none of his patients were in critical condition. With everyone patched, xrayed and released, or waiting for admission, he was free to go. His cell phone beeped for the third time, reminding him he had a message from David. His lover hadn’t been happy at the idea of picking up Ma alone. Or at all. Snagging his phone from his waist, he dialed his voicemail. “She says she’s staying with us! No, actually she said she’s staying with her son.” Tai lowered the volume. Even with the phone an arm’s length away, he could hear David yelling. Sighing, Tai ended the playback. “I hope Ma didn’t hear his rant.” In spite of David’s skepticism, Tai wanted to believe his mother was ready to accept his sexuality. And David’s role in his life. Tai waved at the head nurse as he ran out the sliding doors. He’d better get home before bloodshed ensued.

***** Tai pressed his ear against the front door of the apartment. Nothing but silence. He wasn’t sure if it was a good thing or not. With a deep breath, he opened the door. No sound. Not music, television… No voices. Had they killed each other already? Easing the door shut, Tai took a deep breath. Out of habit, he set his keys on the narrow table in the hall. The clatter of metal on wood echoed through the apartment. “Tai?”

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A harsh whisper led him to the kitchen. “David, what are you doing?” “Hiding.” David stood against the farthest wall from the door. The pout on his rugged face suited a five-year-old more than Tai’s thirty-eight-year-old lover. Tai glanced over his shoulder before attempting to kiss away David’s ire. “I’ll talk to her. It’ll be okay.” Rough hands pushed Tai away. “Oh no, you don’t. You’re not distracting me so easily.” “Not trying to.” Tai chuckled at the thought. David was very easily distracted. “Besides, it’s not like we can do it on the kitchen table with my mother in the apartment.” David’s eyes narrowed as if expecting a ploy. “You have to get her out of here. I have a project to finish before Saturday and she’s in my office.” Several years ago, David converted the spare bedroom into a home office but kept a twin bed in the room for the occasional guest. Tai never expected his mother to occupy the room. “We’ll work something out. I promise.” Tai ran his hand across David’s chest. His fingernails teased the tiny bump of a nipple through David’s T-shirt. The action elicited a small gasp from David. The clatter of heels in the hall forced Tai away from David with a grimace. He schooled his features into a welcoming smile as he turned to greet his mother. Her foreboding glare softened when she saw him. “Ai tz…” Tai’s forced smile eased into a grin. She hadn’t called him beloved son since he came out. “Ma…” A few short steps took him across the small kitchen. Wrapping her in a big hug, he blinked back the sting of tears. His being gay had strained their relationship to the

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breaking point. With his father gone, the ever-steady buffer between Tai and his mother, their relationship had frayed even further. “Tai, he wants me to leave.” The tender moment faded as his situation clarified. “Ma, it’s a small apartment.” He released her then stepped back. “I’ll get you a nice hotel room just a few blocks away. You’d be more comfortable instead of cramped up here with us.” The hard onyx of her eyes glittered with moisture. “But I see you so little. I want to be close. I’ll be no problem.” Her voice quavered and cracked on her last few words. Tai’s determination melted. He glanced over his shoulder. David’s arched eyebrow and slowly shaking head wasn’t encouraging. Biting his lip, Tai returned his gaze to his mother’s pleading face. “Ma…please excuse us a minute.” Tai motioned for David to follow him.

David knew he was losing the battle. The worst part, the old woman knew it also. Her pitiful expression changed to a smirk as soon as Tai walked past her. David glared at her as he stalked out of the kitchen and followed Tai into their bedroom. The door safely closed, David growled, “No, Tai, no.” “Keep your voice down,” Tai hissed. “She might hear you.” “Why bother? She knows I don’t want her here and you do. She’s already scored the first point!” Anger seethed through David—not so much at his lover but at Mrs. Chen’s manipulative ways. “You don’t understand. She and I were so close when I was a child. I never expected her to reject me because I’m gay. If it hadn’t been for Da, I don’t think I would have ever seen her again.” Tai’s eyes clouded with a hint of tears. “Then when Da died…” His voice choked. 15

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“Okay… Fine.” David couldn’t handle Tai’s pain. Wrapping Tai in his arms, he conceded, “She can stay. I’ll get my files and laptop and work in our room.” “Thank you.” Tai wrapped his arms around David’s neck then pulled him down into a hard kiss. “But no bitching about keeping the light on at night if I need to work.” “No bitching… Promise.” Tai pushed David backward. Between the hard flop on the bed and Tai’s weight landing on him, David gasped for air. Kisses covered his face while Tai’s body rubbed against him. His cock responded to Tai’s frantic movements. “Tai…” Fingers slid under David’s T-shirt, nails scraping his lower stomach. Kisses fluttered down his neck then migrated to the hollow of his throat as Tai pushed David’s shirt up. “Shit…” David grabbed a handful of Tai’s shoulder-length hair. “Your mother is waiting in the other room.” Tai’s head popped up. His face contorted into a grimace. “Damn!” He rolled off David, breathing heavy. “Okay…” As they lay side by side on the bed, Tai laughed. “Fine. But tonight, I thank you properly.” He slid off the bed then hurried for the door. Great… Before he followed his lover, David adjusted his cock. Tonight seemed a really long way off. Mrs. Chen stood in the kitchen where they’d left her. Steam drifted from an ornate red teapot. Her gaze darted from her son to David. Her impassive expression revealed neither tears nor smirk. “I make tea.” “Thank you, Ma.” David mumbled his thanks. She poured a cup then handed it to Tai. “I go pack for the hotel now.” She walked toward the door with a slow, defeated step. “No, Ma, you’re staying here.” Tai set his cup on the table then followed her. 16

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Her back to Tai, she didn’t bother to hide the flash of a triumphant smile. David controlled the childish urge to make a face or stick his tongue out. The next few days until the wedding could make or break his relationship with Tai. Schooling her expression, Mrs. Chen whirled around to face her son. “Thank you.” She gave him a quick hug. “I brought a wedding gift.” The happiness on Tai’s face was almost enough to reconcile David to her being here. “Ma, you didn’t have to bring presents. You being here is enough for me.” “I get it.” She hurried out of the kitchen. “See.” Tai beamed his pleasure. “She’s making an effort. Everything will be fine.” Grabbing David around the waist, he hugged him hard. The clatter of heels warned of her return. Tai broke away from David’s arms. Regret washed through David at the loss, although he understood Tai’s reluctance over overt displays of affection. Mrs. Chen had been very vocal in her disgust when Tai first came out. Mrs. Chen scurried into the kitchen with a tiny, strange-shaped cage. An ornate carving of a fish on the top explained the shape but the purpose mystified David. “I bring you this for luck.” She held the object toward Tai. “To keep in the happy couple’s bedroom.” A strange chirping emanating from the cage confused David. The sound was the same noise the car was making earlier. “A cricket…” Tai said. “A what?” David shuddered as he peered between the thin bars of the cage. Twitching antenna and beady eyes greeted him. The chirp grew to a steady highpitched noise. “You brought us a bug?”

*****

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Carrying the cricket cage, Tai ushered David into their bedroom once again. “A bug, Tai. She brought a bug into the apartment.” “Shush, she’ll hear you.” Tai closed the door too fast. The slam echoed in his ears. “Crickets are good luck and considered an appropriate gift. She’ll be insulted.” “I don’t like bugs.” David’s shudder emphasized his words. “What the hell are we supposed to do with it?” “Feed it?” Tai shrugged with a grin. David’s glare bore holes through Tai. “How about flush it?” “You can’t! It’s bad luck to kill a cricket.” Plus Tai didn’t want to jeopardize the fragile beginning of a reconciliation with Ma by insulting her gift. If her visit turned out badly, Tai knew he’d never hear from her again. “We’ll figure something out after she leaves.” “Where do we put it in the meantime?” “In here?” Tai cocked his head to one side and smiled his sweetest smile. “In our bedroom. A bug.” The chirping song grew increasingly louder. “A noisy bug in our bedroom.” “It’s only a few days. And they don’t sing all the time.” David glanced from Tai to the singing bug. “Humph.” Tai’s cell phone added a chirp of its own. The sound was even less welcome than the cricket’s. The tone indicated a text message from the hospital—one used when he was needed at work. As a third-year resident in emergency medicine, Tai didn’t have much say about his hours. He pulled his phone from his belt. “I have to check this.” David nodded as he stalked toward the window. Needed at ER. The timing couldn’t be worse. “Babe, I have to go.”

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“Figured as much.” David’s shoulders slumped as he exhaled a long sigh. “Keep her occupied while I get my stuff out of the spare room. I need to finish up the Kaufman project before the ceremony or we can skip the honeymoon.” “Okay.” Tai walked up behind his lover. Massaging David’s tense muscles, he kissed him between the shoulder blades. “I’ll try not to be long. I still owe you a thank you.” David’s soft chuckle reassured him. Tai would tell his mother David needed to work. Maybe she would leave him alone until Tai returned. He could hope, couldn’t he?

***** David glared at James Kaufman’s financial reports. The man had tried for years to manage his own finances—not very well. Kaufman had dozens of investments in different online accounts, some of them for the same stocks. David had to untangle the mess of investments and accounts before he could make solid recommendations. A long trill rang through the room. The damned cricket was driving him crazy. “Accidents happen, bug.” Now he was talking to an insect. Of all the stupid presents— A hard rap at the door startled him. “Come in.” He regretted the words as soon as he spoke them. Mrs. Chen entered with a frown creasing her brow. “What’s to eat?” Glancing at the clock in the corner of his computer screen, David winced. Nearly eight and no word from Tai. “A good daughter-in-law would feed me.” “Um, maybe you haven’t noticed but I’m not a woman.” “You still plan to be daughter-in-law.” Her chin tilted up. “You’re marrying my son. Makes you the bride.”

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David bit back a retort. “We’re men. Two grooms, no brides.” “Not very good bride. Leaving mother-in-law to starve.” Her right eyebrow rose in an elegant arch. No sense in arguing. The sooner he fed her, the sooner he could get back to work. “Let’s see what we can find for dinner.” David closed his laptop before he crawled off the bed. “Come on.” He motioned for her to precede him through the door. His mind ran through the options for dinner. Trying to finish up work before the wedding, grocery shopping fell way down his list. He’d planned to take Tai and his mother out. Of course, he’d thought the Ice Queen would be staying in a hotel and Tai wouldn’t be at work. Mrs. Chen marched into the kitchen then stood beside one of the kitchen chairs. David dodged around her to the refrigerator. Just as he expected. “Not much here.” “Not very good wife. No food with visitors coming.” Bumping his head against the freezer door, David prayed for calm. “I’m not a wife.” “Whatever. You stay home while my son works. You should take better care of him.” David slammed the refrigerator door closed then whirled around. “I work from home. You’re sleeping in my office.” She sniffed as her chin tilted up again. “Whatever.” “I’ll go to the corner grocery and pick up a few things.” A quick walk would soothe his temper. Too bad he couldn’t lose himself in a long run. “Anything in particular you’d like.” “No, you pick.” David started to argue. Nothing he did would make her happy. Instead, he said, “Fine.” Storming out of the kitchen, he grabbed his keys from the hall table. “I’ll be back in a minute.” He didn’t care if the door slammed too loud.

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Ignoring the elevator, he ran the three flights of stairs to the lobby. “Daughter-in-law…humph.” He barreled through the door and out into the humid night air. The heat of the day hadn’t dissipated and it didn’t help his mood. A light sheen of sweat coated his skin after a few steps. The manipulative old woman wanted to get under his skin. If he let her, it could cause trouble between him and Tai. He’d do anything to avoid upsetting his lover. Even after two years, David couldn’t believe his good fortune. He wouldn’t let Mrs. Chen ruin everything with her prejudice. With determination fueling him, David hurried toward the corner grocery.

***** Mrs. Chen sniffed the pasta then wrinkled her nose. “What is this?” “Pasta primavera.” David had picked up a variety of vegetables at the store. A quick sauté with garlic and olive oil poured over angel hair spaghetti made for a fast meal. With their hectic schedules, David and Tai had shared it on many occasions. First, she nibbled at a green pepper then a small bite of pasta. She labored through chewing then ended with an exaggerated swallow. “Noodles not cooked enough.” “They are al dente like Italian pasta is supposed to be.” Silence ensued for the rest of dinner. Mrs. Chen barely touched the food. As soon as she finished, she returned to the guest room. David breathed a sigh of relief when the door clicked shut. Maybe she’d stay there and he could finish his work in peace. Cleaning the kitchen consisted of stuffing dishes, pot and skillet into the dishwasher and a quick swipe across the table with a damp dishrag. Rushing down the hall, David thought he was home free until the door of his office swung open. “I have gift for you.”

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David stopped, rolling his eyes before turning to face her. “Another cricket?” “No, here.” She motioned him into the room. Long, intricately embroidered, brilliant red silk draped over the bed. The yellow needlework created curling designs up and down the material. “It’s beautiful, but what is it?” “Your wedding dress.”

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Chapter Three Tai slipped into the quiet, dark apartment at almost two in the morning. Exhaustion crept through every muscle in his body. A city bus had collided with a truck, sending a dozen people to the hospital. With the frantic pace of triage, he hadn’t taken a break or eaten anything. While food sounded great, the thought of actually fixing something was simply too tiring. A shower, on the other hand, was a necessity. He headed for the bathroom instead of his bedroom. No sense in waking David. As late as it was, he’d save his thank you for later. After turning on the shower, he stripped then grabbed his toothbrush. His mind wandered while the bathroom filled with steam. No frantic phone messages were a good thing. The quiet in the house reassured him. If Ma and David had gotten into an argument, one of them would have called him. He yawned around his toothbrush. “Need sleep,” he mumbled. Since he was off rotation for the next two weeks, he planned to spend some quality time with his pillow. And David. The hectic schedule at the hospital combined with plans for the wedding had worn him out. Add to his exhaustion, the tension of Ma’s arrival and David’s disapproval… Tossing the toothbrush in the cup next to David’s, he rinsed and spit. A hot shower and a good night’s sleep would set him on the right foot for tomorrow. He ducked behind the shower curtain then into the hot spray of water. The massaging heat held his attention. If he wasn’t so sure he stank to high heaven, he’d stand here until the hot water ran out. The click of the doorknob startled him out of his haze. “Tai?” David’s hoarse whisper almost blended with the rush of water. 23

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“Yes?” Cool air drifted into Tai’s warm cocoon then the door snicked shut. “You have to talk to your mother.” David pulled the shower curtain open a few inches. “She’s crazy.” “What now?” Tai held back a sigh. All he wanted was a shower and some sleep. He ducked his head under the spray. “She brought me a wedding dress.” Tai sputtered water then shook his head to clear his ears. “What did you say?” “She brought me a wedding dress. Red silk thingy.” David’s frown and narrowed eyes reflected the sharp irritation in his voice. Leaning against the wall, Tai sighed. “I’ll talk to her in the morning.” David must have misunderstood Ma. Exhaustion shook his knees. David’s hard gaze softened. “I’m sorry, babe. You look wiped. I should have waited until morning.” He slipped his T-shirt over his head then stepped out of his pajama bottoms. “Let me help.” He climbed into the shower. “Turn around.” Grateful for the reprieve, Tai obeyed then closed his eyes. He could almost sleep standing right here. “Lean your head back.” David’s whispered close to his ear. Tai swayed as he complied. Gentle fingers lathered his hair. David’s fingernails scratched his scalp. After a long night in a surgical cap, the itch of sweat and matted hair drove Tai nuts and David knew it. If he weren’t so tired, he’d probably purr. Instead, he exhaled a soft moan. David’s palm swept the stray strands from Tai’s forehead then gave his hair a final hard scrub. “Lean forward.” Eyes closed, Tai dropped his head into the warm water. David combed his fingers through Tai’s wet hair until the gentle squeak of soapfree hair sounded inside Tai’s head. 24

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The comforting hands disappeared. Pulling out of the stream of water, Tai swiped his face then pulled his hair forward over one shoulder, twisting water from it. In a few seconds, David’s hands returned, slippery with soap, caressing Tai’s neck. Thick suds lathered the base of his skull. Tai dropped his head, letting his hair fall in front of him as strong fingers worked across his shoulders, banishing the aches and pains of the long night. As tight muscles eased, his flaccid cock took notice of David’s gentle touch. Tai reached up then turned the showerhead toward the wall. Leaning forward, he pressed his palms against the water-warmed tiles. David’s low chuckle meant he understood. Instead of taking advantage of the familiar position, David kept massaging Tai’s back. His hands worked from shoulders to ass in slow, deep strokes interspersed with loving caresses. Each touch, rough or gentle, sent fissures of desire crackling through Tai’s body. Need forced short, hard breaths from his lungs. David’s hands moved lower, kneading Tai’s ass, pressing his cheeks together. Establishing a gentle rhythm, the motions teased Tai’s hole. The growing ache of need surpassed Tai’s exhaustion. “Fuck me…” “In a minute, babe. Let me finish…” Soapy fingers traced a line down Tai’s crack. A teasing touch whispered past his opening. Tai pushed back, seeking pressure, but the tempting fingers disappeared. “Easy, Tai. We’ll get there.” David kissed the back of Tai’s head. “I’m almost done.” David pulled him away from the wall. Arms slipped around him. Chest to back, David’s hard erection pressed against Tai’s lower back. His hands lathered Tai’s chest in teasing circles. Stifling a groan, Tai forced his body still in spite of the urge to push into his lover’s heated flesh.

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David’s fingers teased nipples already peaked with anticipation. Soothing circles of lather played across Tai’s pecs. Each rotation ended lower than the last. Finally, a soapy hand slid across the top of Tai’s thighs then slipped between his legs. Gentle fondling accompanied a thorough soaping of his balls. Need grew with each touch. Tai couldn’t stop the slow roll of his hips. Instead of discouraging him, David matched his pace. His thick cock slid in the remnants of soap on Tai’s back. Soft grunts punctuated his movement. Tai was close to begging when David’s unoccupied hand wrapped around Tai’s cock. A sharp sigh of relief shot from Tai’s lungs. Slick lather eased his flesh through David’s tight grasp. Ecstasy rushed through his body with lightning speed. Air forced from his lungs in a hard gasp as come shot from his cock. His knees buckled, pushing him forward. David caught him around the waist then held him tight. “You okay, babe?” Concern bled through the hoarse desire in David’s voice. “Okay…” With David’s sure hold supporting him, Tai forced his legs to cooperate. “I want to feel you inside me. Now.” Tai grabbed a tube of lube from the shower caddy. A soft kiss on Tai’s shoulder vibrated with David’s groan. One arm released him. When David held his hand out, Tai squirted a glob of slick gel on his fingers. David leaned back enough to slip his hand between their bodies. Blunt fingers pressed inside Tai’s hole, lining his passage with the cold lube. “More…” Tai gritted his teeth. David’s fingers slid free then his hand reappeared. This time, Tai squirted a generous amount of gel into David’s palm. Dropping the tube, Tai braced his hands against the tiles. He didn’t have to wait long. The thick crown of David’s cock pushed against Tai’s ass. Exhaling hard, Tai relaxed his muscles, allowing his lover access. His tired body responded from years of familiarity.

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Hard flesh filled him, brushing his prostate. The familiar burn faded into pleasure. A second thrust, slow and gentle. Then a third—harder, quicker. “Not going to last…” David’s fingers dug into the flesh of Tai’s hips. Gasping for enough air to speak, Tai forced words from his throat. “Don’t. Try. Fill me.” Two hard strokes and David did as Tai asked. With a long, low moan, his hips jerked against Tai’s ass. “Oh babe…love you.” Strong arms wrapped around Tai’s waist. Kisses fluttered along his back. The thorough washing, massaging and caresses had him on edge. Add the exhaustion plus nerves associated with both the wedding and his mother’s visit. Now David’s flesh and seed filling him, loving words and tight hugs… Tai’s defenses fell. Tears welled in his eyes, spilling over his already damp face. He pressed his forearm across his mouth to muffle a long sob, but he couldn’t stop the shake racking his body. “Tai?” David’s voice—passion-filled seconds ago—echoed his worry. “Did I hurt you?” “No…” “Then what’s wrong?” “Need…sleep…” He couldn’t stop. David’s concern made the tears roll faster. “Okay, babe.” David eased his cock from Tai’s body. “Let’s get you rinsed off.” Tepid water sprayed over Tai’s body. Gentle hands ran over his skin, helping wash away the soap. And still, Tai couldn’t stop the sobs racking his body.

David rubbed a towel through Tai’s shoulder-length black hair. The tears had stopped but Tai seemed dazed. Maybe it was just exhaustion. He worked an insane schedule as a resident to begin with. Trading schedules for the past week so he could take time off made his hours even worse than normal. 27

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Swaying forward, Tai leaned into David’s chest. “Here. Sit before you fall.” David tossed a towel on the bathroom vanity. Turning his lover, David helped him onto the makeshift seat. Grabbing another towel, David made quick work of drying him. Normally, Tai would dry his hair before bed or he’d looked as if he’d stuck his finger in a light socket come morning. Tonight, David decided they’d deal with bedhead tomorrow. After wrapping a fresh towel around Tai’s hair, David dried himself then tucked a towel around his waist. Pulling Tai from the counter, he dressed him in a third towel for the short trip across the hall to the bedroom. “Come on. Let’s go to bed.” Tai nodded but didn’t move. Opening the door, David wrapped his arms around Tai’s chest. His intention was a hug of encouragement, but Tai had other ideas. Arms snaked around David’s neck then held tight. David caught Tai’s full weight with a grunt. “Okay… We’ll do it your way.” Tai’s legs curled loosely around David’s hips. Good thing David kept in shape. Tai might be smaller but he wasn’t a lightweight. Grabbing Tai’s towel-covered ass so his neck didn’t have to support all his lover’s weight, David stumbled out into the hall. Only to find his mother-in-law waiting. “What you do to my son?” You really want to know? David bit back the retort. “Don’t start. He’s exhausted and I’m taking him to bed.” “If you take care of him like a proper wife, he not be so tired.” Full dragon-lady mode at three in the morning. David gritted his teeth before he dared answer. “Look, lady. Not. Now.” He marched past her into his and Tai’s bedroom. Kicking the door shut in her face gave him intense satisfaction. If only David wouldn’t have to pay for it tomorrow.

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Chapter Four The sharp blare of the alarm startled David out of a sound sleep. He rolled over and slapped the snooze button. David’s normal early morning run didn’t appeal to him as much as Tai’s warm body in the center of the bed. A bunched-up towel lay on the pillow above Tai’s head. Memory flooded his sleepy mind. The bathroom, the shower and Tai’s inexplicable tears. And the Ice Queen in an apartment with only one bathroom. David hadn’t bothered to clean up the clothes scattered across the bathroom floor. “Shit.” Or hide the lube. As much as he hated the idea of leaving Tai’s side, David rolled out of bed. His bladder encouraged the idea of a trip to the bathroom. He shut the alarm off before he grabbed his robe. At a few minutes after five, he hoped Mrs. Chen was still asleep. The click of the doorknob echoed in his mind. Pausing with the door cracked, he didn’t hear anything stirring in the apartment. He darted across the hall into the bathroom. Closing the door carefully, he clicked on the lights. The bathroom appeared to be the same as he left it. He took care of business quickly. The flush of the toilet roared like Niagara Falls in the early morning quiet. He needed to get moving before he woke Tai’s mother. With a soft sigh, he gathered the clothes and towels from the floor then stuffed them in the hamper. The lube was in the tub where Tai must have dropped it. Leaning over, he snagged the still wet tube. Using a towel from the hamper, he dried it then looked around for someplace to stash it. David shook his head. Whatever was bothering Tai had to be serious. Tai wasn’t prone to tears. Even at his father’s funeral, he kept his grief bottled up until he was

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alone in his room. David only knew he had been crying from Tai’s tearstained face and bloodshot eyes. Although Tai had been working crazy hours the last few days—at least thirty-six hours without sleep until last night—the schedule wasn’t new. He’d pulled worse before. The only unusual factors were the wedding and Mrs. Chen. Tai had been delirious at the idea of a commitment ceremony. He’d overseen every step of the planning—from where to the catering. None of the plans flagged his energy. If anything, he’d seemed more animated than usual. So that left Mrs. Chen. And David’s attitude toward her. David leaned against the vanity. His attitude wasn’t helping. Although he didn’t believe Mrs. Chen was here for a reconciliation with her son, David needed to back off. Stubborn anger welled at the idea of being nice to the Ice Queen. Everything she’d done since she arrived deliberately provoked him. Then the memory of his sobbing lover cooled his irritation. David would do anything for Tai, even make nice with his dragon-lady mother. A soft knock on the door pulled him out of his thoughts. “Just a minute.” Giving up on a hiding place for the lube, David stuffed it in his robe pocket. He half hoped Tai would be standing in the hall. He pulled the door open to face Mrs. Chen. Perfectly coifed, looking as if she’d stepped off the pages of a clothing catalog, her dark eyes glittered with animosity. “You not wash hands?” For Tai…anything for Tai. “I didn’t want to make you wait. But evidently, you’re in no hurry.” David turned away from her. Keeping his face down so his reflection wouldn’t show in the mirror, he washed his hands very thoroughly. “Humph. At least you cleaned the mess.”

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David bit his lip so hard he expected to taste blood. “Yes ma’am.” He schooled his features into a passive expression before he grabbed a hand towel from the rack. “I was concerned about Tai last night. I didn’t think about the bathroom. I apologize.” He almost choked on the last word. For Tai…for Tai. His mind chanted his new mantra. Mrs. Chen’s eyes narrowed with suspicion. Evidently speechless by his courtesy, she didn’t say anything as he slipped past her then into the bedroom. Leaning against the closed door, he grinned. Maybe killing her with kindness would be easier than he thought. At least confusing her would be more fun than arguing. The cricket chose the moment of his small triumph to taunt him with its chirping song. David softly banged the back of his head on the door.

***** Tai stretched hard. The soft sheets caressed his skin. The air conditioner strained in the window as sunlight filtered through the curtains. A couple of minutes passed before he realized the morning sun wouldn’t be shining through the west-facing bedroom window. A quick glance confirmed the time as nearly four. “Damn.” No sign of David and no sounds from the apartment. Sitting up, he stretched sore muscles. He ran his hand through his hair. Felt as if a rat nested in it last night. Memory of his breakdown flushed his skin. “Oh crap.” What did David think? Tai had bawled like a baby. Over what? Work, the wedding plans, his mother? How lame… He’d try to pass it off as exhaustion. Maybe David would forgive him for being such a pain. Crawling out of bed, Tai stumbled toward the closet door for his robe. His legs ached from long hours on his feet. Actually, his entire body ached. Including his ass. A 31

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smile snuck across his lips. David’s gentle care last night amazed him. Sometimes he couldn’t believe how lucky he was. Once upon a time, Tai would have said there was no such thing as luck. Until two years ago, he believed a man’s life was what he made of it through hard work. A pedestrian hit-and-run changed his mind—changed his world. Tai had stepped out of the coffee shop downstairs. David, on his daily jog, had darted around another pedestrian and straight into Tai. Fortunately, Tai’s choice of caffeine was iced because the contents of his cup ended up all over him. Barely a drop touched David. The poor man’s expression was a mix of horror and horny. With profuse apologies, he offered to let Tai come up to his apartment to clean up. In spite of his unexpected icy shower, Tai’s body had flushed with heat. He’d accepted David’s offer with ulterior motives in mind. Tai laughed at the memory as he walked to the window. Peering through the curtains to the street three floors down, he could see the spot where they’d met. The entire incident played like a bad porn movie, up to and including the hot, sweaty sex for the rest of that afternoon. Two months later, David asked him to move in. Two weeks ago, they signed their domestic partnership papers. And two days from now, they’d share their commitment in front of a group of close friends and Tai’s mother. “Ma!” He’d left David and his mother alone all day. Tugging tight the belt on his robe, he strode across the room. Even with the door open, the quiet was deafening. He tugged the door closed before he headed down the hall. “David? Ma?” The shuffle of feet sent him in the direction of the living room. His mother stood near the couch. A smile graced her face.

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Things had been so hectic since she arrived, Tai hadn’t had time to really look at her. She’d aged in the year since his father’s funeral. Crinkles had always lined her eyes, but now thin wrinkles etched pathways across her cheeks and forehead as well. Always tiny, now she bordered on frail. A quick calculation surprised him. She was nearly seventy. His parents had given up hope of having children long before he was born. Tai was the result of a surprise pregnancy when she was forty-one. His mother considered him a gift from heaven. Finally a child—more important—a son. After he met David, he couldn’t keep his sexuality a secret any longer. He’d found the person he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. Telling her had been the hardest thing he’d ever done. The disappointment in her expression nearly killed him. Her tirade against David hadn’t helped. She blamed David for making him gay. Nothing Tai said would change her mind. “Good morning, Ma. Ah, afternoon…” He ducked his head with a sheepish smile. Suddenly, he felt fifteen again. “Sorry I slept so long.” Her smile slipped. “He,” her lip curled on the word, “said you needed sleep and not to disturb.” With a long sigh, Tai prompted, “David. Ma, his name is David.” “David doesn’t like me.” A frown creased her forehead. “He wants me to leave.” “He doesn’t want you to leave. He’s just a little uncomfortable. You need to get to know each other, that’s all.” Tai looked through the kitchen door. “Where is he anyway?” “Said he needed to work. Took his computer and left.” Tai would give even odds David was hiding in the coffee shop downstairs. “Have you had lunch?” “A little leftover from last night. Not much food here.”

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Tai raked a hand through his unruly hair and puffed air between his lips. “Probably not. We haven’t been to the store in a while. My schedule has been nuts.” “He doesn’t go to work. He should get groceries.” ”David works, Ma. He has his own business and works from home. Besides, we usually do the shopping together. Of course, neither of us cook much. We eat takeout a lot.” Tai hated cooking. David didn’t mind, but with Tai’s crazy schedule, he thought it was a waste to cook for one. “Let me get dressed and I’ll take you out for an early dinner.” “Okay. I wait here.” She sat on the couch, prim and proper, legs crossed at the ankles. Tai retreated toward the bedroom but hesitated when a key clicked in the front door lock. Backtracking, he caught David peering through the door as if he expected an attack. “Hey… You’re awake.” David, computer bag on his shoulder, slipped through the door then eased it shut. “Feel better?” A slight frown creased David’s brow. He rubbed the back of his hand against Tai’s cheek. As he leaned into David’s touch, Tai flushed. “Yeah… I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to lose it like that.” “Not a problem.” Strong arms enveloped Tai. “You’ve been working too much and trying to do too much with the wedding plans. You really should let me help.” “I like planning our wedding.” Burying his face in David’s chest, Tai sighed. “And you’ve been so busy lately, I didn’t want to bother you with details.” David’s fingers curled into Tai’s unruly hair. “Like you haven’t been busy. If you’re not careful, you’ll sleep through the party.” He tugged Tai’s face out of hiding. His lips brushed against Tai’s. “I’m afraid you’ll be so worn out, you won’t enjoy yourself.”

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Sweet arousal whispered through Tai. After two years, he thought some of the lust would calm, but it hadn’t. Being close to David—even just looking at him across the room sometimes—made Tai’s dick take notice. Tai wrapped his arms around David’s neck. “You’ll be there. That’s all that matters. Besides, I feel great this morning—afternoon.” His lips curled into a grin. “A little sore maybe…” Pressing his hips into David’s thigh, Tai rubbed his rising interest against hard muscles. With a soft groan, David pushed back. His voice dropped to barely a whisper. “Where’s your mother?” “In the living room, waiting for me to get dressed.” “I can be quick.” David shuffled forward, forcing Tai to walk backward. Between rapid kisses, Tai mumbled, “Have to be quiet…” “Maybe I need to stuff something in your mouth.” Tai snickered. “You’re louder than I am. Maybe you need something in your mouth.” The bedroom door bumped against Tai’s back. He fumbled with the doorknob until the door clicked open. The two of them almost fell into the room. He released his hold on David’s neck to keep from falling. Pushing the door closed behind them, Tai flipped the lock then he grabbed David by the waist of his jeans. His fingers flipped the button loose then yanked the zipper free. As they shuffled toward the bed, David tugged Tai’s robe open. His hands slid down Tai’s sides to his hips. One moved forward then wrapped around Tai’s cock. His soft robe slid off his shoulders and down his arms, landing in the floor. Still aware of the need for silence, Tai bit his groan in half. His hips rolled with the motion of David’s hand. “Shit…” The feeling of being a naughty teen, a little afternoon nookie with his mother nearby, made the encounter even more arousing.

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Tai pushed his hand inside David’s jeans. His lover’s hot flesh strained against his palm. A hard kiss muffled David’s loud moan. “Mutual mouth stuffing may be required,” Tai mumbled. David’s response was another moan. His hand released Tai’s length. A tight embrace lifted Tai from his feet. With a swift motion, David deposited him on the bed with a hard bounce. Before David had the chance to pin him to the mattress, Tai rolled to his knees. “You on bottom. Quick. Before Ma comes looking for me.” David pushed his jeans and briefs down to his thighs then lay on the bed with his long legs draped off the edge. Not wanting to waste a second, Tai crawled over his lover. He planted his knees on each side of David’s head and his hands next to David’s hips. Already the tip of David’s long cock glistened with moisture. Before he could get his lips around the crown, David’s hot mouth swallowed Tai’s cock almost to the root. “Fuck!” His whisper sounded loud as his lover’s chuckle vibrated around his flesh. “Payback…” Tai growled. With a deep breath, Tai returned the favor. When it came to deep throating, David couldn’t compete. Tai took his lover’s entire length. The tip of David’s cock filled Tai’s throat, blocking air. He couldn’t hold it long. Not with David gobbling his flesh like a starving man. He needed breath for the gasp yelling to be free. Tai pulled back, sucking breaths around the crown. His tongue teased the bitter pre-come from the tiny slit. David’s fingers dug into Tai’s hips, pulling him lower then pushing him up. Tai caught the rhythm, slowly fucking David’s mouth. A wet finger teased Tai’s hole before pushing past the opening. If he wasn’t careful, Tai would finish this race first. Another long, throat-filling stroke and David moaned around his mouthful.

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As if David recognized Tai’s imaginary competition, he stepped up the pace. David’s finger headed unerringly for Tai’s prostate. His free hand pulled and pushed Tai’s hips with increasing speed. Need pooled in Tai’s lower stomach. Desire pushed aside the idea of making David come first. His body responded to David’s prompting. His hips bounced, forcing his cock deeper into David’s mouth. Another push against his prostate and Tai lost the battle but won the war. Ecstasy swept through him as he filled David’s mouth. His lover’s flesh muffled Tai’s low moans. Then hot, creamy seed erupted down Tai’s throat. Caught up in his own release, David’s come almost gagged Tai. Forcing down the reflex, Tai suckled David’s flesh until the spasms of orgasm subsided. A tap at the door toppled Tai from the heights of passion. “Tai?” Ma’s voice filtered through the door. “You okay?”

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Chapter Five David groaned at the loss of Tai’s warm body as Tai rolled off him. “Just a minute, Ma.” Tai pulled his robe around him then motioned for David to get up. Standing, David yanked his underwear and jeans up then buttoned and zipped his fly. A strong temptation to hide in the closet almost won. But he’d promised himself he’d try to get along with Mrs. Chen for Tai’s sake. Hiding wasn’t an option. Tai opened the door a crack. “I’ll be out in a minute, Ma.” “Okay.” Once the door was closed, Tai leaned against it. As the tapping of Mrs. Chen’s heels faded down the hall, Tai’s grin broke into a long, low laugh. “I feel like a misbehaving teenager.” David sauntered across the room then pinned Tai against the door. “Maybe I should have spanked you instead of blown you.” He pressed a hard kiss against Tai’s mouth. Tai opened to him. Tongues tangled and David tasted himself on Tai’s kiss. “Hmmm… Spanking, eh? Maybe later.” Tai pushed against David’s chest. “Now I have to take Ma to dinner.” David nodded. “I need to change my T-shirt first. And I should probably wash up a little.” “You’ll go with us?” Tai’s surprise overshadowed the joy in his eyes. “Of course.” A hard hug and another deep kiss confirmed David’s determination to make nice with the Ice Queen. 38

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***** Walking along the avenue, David lagged a little behind Tai and Mrs. Chen. The two of them chattered in Chinese as Tai pointed out various sites. The lovely language lulled David into a mild daze. Maybe lack of sleep had something to do with it as well. He didn’t know when the muscles in Tai’s neck and shoulders tensed. His attention sharpened as the soft, melodic tone of Mrs. Chen’s voice turned discordant. David recognized the pleading “Ma” in Tai’s rush of foreign words. Time to interrupt what sounded like a scolding. David quickened his pace. Sliding between the two antagonists, he slipped his arm around Tai’s waist then cupped Mrs. Chen’s elbow with his other hand. “So have we decided what to eat? I’m starving.” He’d eaten a scone at the coffee shop, but food seemed a safe subject. “Mrs. Chen, do you like Greek food? It’s Tai’s new favorite.” Out of sight from his mother’s harsh gaze, Tai’s hand squeezed David’s. David recognized his lover’s gratitude with a slight hug as he kept rattling on, not giving Mrs. Chen a chance to say anything. “Of course, his favorite changes almost weekly. I don’t understand where he puts it all. He doesn’t gain an ounce. I have to jog daily just to keep up with him at the dinner table.” David steered the tiny woman down the avenue, dodging other pedestrians. She tugged her arm a couple of times but David didn’t let go. “There’s a great little Greek diner around the next corner. Or a really good Chinese food place a little farther down the avenue. Tai? Do you have a preference?” “No…” Tai swallowed the word. David glanced at his lover afraid Mrs. Chen’s words might set off another episode of tears. He needed to find the time to learn Chinese. Instead, Tai’s gaze glowed with humor. His lip caught between white teeth didn’t hide the smile trying to take control. “So, Mrs. Chen? Greek or Chinese food?”

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The old woman glared at David. “Chinese.” David took over as tour guide and pointed out the sites as he ushered them to China Garden. As soon as they entered the cool interior, he realized his mistake. Mrs. Chen struck up a conversation with the hostess—in Chinese.

Tai grimaced as his mother informed the elderly hostess that David was her daughter-in-law. Heat flushed his face when David turned toward him. Leaning closer, David whispered, “What’d she say?” “Tell you later.” Fortunately, Jiao had known him and David for years. She launched into praises for Tai—what a good son, a doctor and all. And David, such a successful businessman. The heat of embarrassment cooled when Jiao told Ma how proud she would be to have such a son-in-law and how happy she was the two men had chosen her humble restaurant for the wedding banquet. Tai flashed a grin at David before he saved Jiao from the sharp edge of Ma’s tongue. “We brought Ma to sample your fantastic food, Jiao.” “Come this way.” Jiao grabbed three menus then guided them through the maze of tables. Late afternoon didn’t ease the crowds. China Garden was always busy. “The best table for the two grooms.” The table was big enough for five. The large window looked out on a tiny but elegant garden. A water fountain flowed across a series of precisely placed stones and into a pool of lily pads in full bloom. “Thank you, Jiao.” David held a chair for Ma. At first, Tai thought she would move to another spot, but she allowed David to seat her. Tai took the chair on Ma’s left and, to his surprise, David sat on her right. At least David was trying. Maybe things would work out after all. 40

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Sure, the cricket was annoying but Ma meant well. Tai frowned as his memory resurrected David’s words in the bathroom last night. Something about a wedding dress? Surely David misunderstood.

***** The bustle of early evening life in New York impeded the walk back to the apartment. Of course, anything was better than the uncomfortable meal. Tai let a small sigh escape. Ma hadn’t said a word the entire time. David tried to keep conversation going but after a couple of minutes of no response, he gave up and added his silence to hers. The only time Ma spoke was to the waiter and Jiao. At least she’d complimented the food. Tai liked China Garden and didn’t want to insult Jiao. As soon as they entered the apartment, David went straight to their bedroom and Ma to the guest room. Tai chose the kitchen for his retreat. Sitting at the kitchen table, sadness settled in his stomach with his dinner. Ma would never accept David or Tai’s sexuality. When they’d passed a children’s clothing store on the way to the restaurant, she started in about grandchildren. How Da’s line would die and no one would be left to honor the ancestors. The squeak of a sneaker on the hall’s wooden floor warned him of company. “Where is she?” The hoarse whisper made Tai smile even as it saddened him. He turned his head to see David peek around the kitchen door. Watching his tall, well-muscled lover acting like a child avoiding the playground bully was amusing. “Guestroom.” But David’s actions only emphasized the ever-widening rift between him and Ma. Moving behind him, David’s hands rubbed Tai’s shoulders and a soft kiss landed on his head. “What did she say to upset you?”

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Tai leaned his head back then peered up at David. “Have you thought any more about kids?” A half smile twisted David’s mouth. He let go of Tai then walked around him. Pulling a chair out from the table, he sat knee to knee with Tai. “I told you we’d do whatever you wanted—adopt, find a surrogate.” “I know…” “But?” Tai leaned forward, his hands on David’s knees. “You said what I want. What do you want?” Leaning into Tai’s space, David rested his forehead against Tai’s. “More than anything in the world?” “Yes…” The discussion wasn’t a new one. Tai wanted children, but David’s answer had seemed ambiguous at best. “I want you to be happy. If changing dirty diapers and two o’clock feedings will do that, then I’m all for it.” David turned his head, brushing a kiss on Tai’s nose. Tai jerked away. Standing too fast, he knocked the chair over. “Damn it, David. That’s not the answer I want to hear. I want to know the truth. Do you want kids?” “What brought this on?” David rose from his seat then righted Tai’s chair. “It’s your mother, isn’t it? That’s what you were talking about on the way to lunch.” “Yes… No! I mean yes, we talked about children—grandchildren—but it’s not just her.” Tai pinched the bridge of his nose as a headache swarmed him. “I want to know whether you want kids. Really want them.” David opened his mouth but no words came out. He drew a deep breath. “I—” He stopped when a door opened in the hall. “Later.” “No, now.” Storming across the kitchen, David paused near Tai. “I refuse to argue in front of her,” he hissed. He stalked out of the kitchen.

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“Tai?” Ma appeared in the doorway. “It’s nothing, Ma. Don’t worry about it.” Tai tried to convince himself as the front door slammed. “I should go to hotel,” she said with a long sigh. “I cause trouble.” “No, Ma. This had nothing to do with you.” Tai gave her a gentle hug. “And I want you here. It’s my home too.” At least for now…

***** David sat on the stoop of the apartment building. He’d grabbed his computer with plans to return to the relative peace of the coffee shop. Instead, he couldn’t stop thinking about Tai or his question. They’d talked about children before. David thought the issue was settled. If Tai wanted kids, he would go along with him. But Tai was right. His answer was lame. The building door opened behind him. David scooted over to allow more room for someone to pass. “You didn’t get far.” David shielded his eyes from the rays of the setting sun and looked up at Tai. “Nah…I’ve had enough coffee to float a boat.” Stepping down a couple of steps, Tai sat next to him. “I’m sorry—” “You have nothing to be sorry about. Having children is a big decision and I should have discussed it with you instead of just agreeing.” David slipped his arm around Tai. “I never thought about kids until you came along.” He chuckled against Tai’s ear. “I didn’t think about a lot of things until you bumped into my life.” “You bumped into me.” Tai corrected with a laugh. “I didn’t consider myself the kind of man to settle down with one person. Kids weren’t part of my plans.” “And now?” Tai reached across David then intertwined his fingers with his lover’s.

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“I don’t know. I’m almost thirty-nine. A child is a big responsibility. And a huge adjustment.” “So that’s a no?” David shook his head. “It’s a maybe, but something we should discuss. Seriously.” A smile lit Tai’s face. “So the wedding is still on?” “It was never off, babe. I want you in my life forever. Never doubt that.” David leaned in for a fast kiss. “And not just because you’re the sexiest thing I’ve ever seen. Even when covered in iced coffee.” “I love you.” Tai cupped David’s cheek, pulling him back into a longer kiss. His teeth pulled at David’s lower lip before his tongue swiped into David’s mouth. David pulled away, breathing heavy. “You shouldn’t start anything you can’t finish. Your mother is waiting upstairs.” With a final brush of lips, Tai released his hold on David. “Only for a few more days. And thank you for trying. She’s not easy to get along with sometimes.” David didn’t mean to snort aloud. “Okay,” Tai laughed, “most of the time.” His thumb drew circles on David’s palm as his amusement faded away. “About that what I want thing…” “Uh-huh?” David watched Tai’s hand as he half responded. “You do that a lot.” David leaned away enough to look at Tai’s face. “What do you mean?” “It seems like everything is what I want…the partnership papers, the wedding were my idea. Most of the time—even where we eat or go out—you ask me what I want to do. And I’ve let you get away with it. Until now, I didn’t even realize I was doing it. You’ve spoiled me in a lot of ways.” Tai drew a deep breath. “When is it time for what you want?” David’s heart thudded in his chest. Serious relationship talk wasn’t something he did well. Serious relationships weren’t something he did—period. Until Tai. 44

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Always easygoing, letting Tai have his way in most things wasn’t an issue. At least until now. Thanks again, Mama Chen. “Babe, it makes no difference to me if we eat Greek for dinner or Chinese. Or what movie we see or club we hit. As long as you’re with me. As long as you’re happy, I’m flexible. I don’t see a problem.” “Until you start to resent me.” Tai shook his head. “I should have sent Ma to a hotel. It’s the only thing you’ve ever asked me to do and I demanded more.” “No, you were right. She’d only hate me more if you’d given in. She’s your mother, and as much as she drives me crazy, she should be welcome in your home—our home.” David wrapped his arm around Tai. “It’s only for a few days. I’ll cope. Besides, you didn’t demand—you pouted. You’re so pretty when you pout.” “I’m not pretty,” Tai growled. “Beautiful?” Tai’s thumbnail dug into David’s palm as he grunted. “Gorgeous?” This earned David a punch in the thigh. Tai never considered himself great-looking, although David couldn’t understand why. “Sexy? Hot?” A flush darkened Tai’s face. “Oh, shut up.” Grinning, Tai elbowed David in the side. David pressed his mouth against Tai’s ear then murmured, “Your pouts always make me horny. I want to suck on that stuck-out bottom lip then fuck your brains out.” A soft groan escaped Tai’s lips. “Stop it…” “As a matter of fact, I’m getting hard just thinking about it.” More than getting, David’s cock already strained against the zipper of his jeans. “Too bad your mother’s up there. I’d love to take you upstairs, bend you over the kitchen table.” David couldn’t take a deep breath. His words breathed against Tai’s ear. “Fill your…tight ass…” Tai pulled away too fast. He teetered on the edge of the step and would have fallen except for David’s arm around his waist. David grinned at Tai’s flushed face and the bulge in his jeans.

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“Shut up. Just shut up.” Tai regained his balance then started to stand. “Fuck.” He plopped back down on the step. “I…” “Got a little problem there.” David wagged his eyebrows in an exaggerated leer. “Fuck you, asshole.” “That would be different and could be arranged.” David rarely bottomed and never had with Tai. His lover never asked or acted as if he were interested. “Shit!” Tai’s hand darted toward the bulge in his jeans then stopped. “Shut up.” “So you do like that idea. I’ve wondered.” A shiver swept through Tai. “I’ve…never…” “Never? Ever?” David didn’t talk about his past relationships, mainly because there was nothing to talk about. He’d never asked Tai about his ex-lovers because he didn’t want to answer questions Tai might ask in return. And to some degree, he didn’t want to know. Tai ducked his head, hiding his face. “Until you…” He shrugged. “I hadn’t done much at all.” Narrowing his eyes, David asked, “Define much.” Tai’s teeth tugged at his lower lip. “Hand jobs, blow jobs…” His gaze cut toward David. “I was kind of still in the closet.” “But…but…” The afternoon they’d met, they’d had anal sex twice. Realization hit David hard. “I was your first?” Tai’s head jerked in a short nod. “Why the hell didn’t you say something?” His passion deflated fast. “I would have—” “What? Not done it?” David wasn’t sure what to say. Would he have backed off? Or at least been more gentle… As relationship shy as David was back then, he probably would have run as fast in the opposite direction as possible. An afternoon of casual sex with what he 46

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thought was an experienced man was one thing. Being someone’s first lover tended to bring emotions into the game. “Probably.” And he wouldn’t have Tai in his life. It was David’s turn to shudder. The void Tai filled in his life—would leave in his life—wasn’t something he wanted to consider. “I’m glad you didn’t say anything then. But why not later? After we were together for a while?” Tai shrugged. “The subject never came up. You don’t talk about your past lovers. Why should I say anything about the lack of any of my own?” “We need to talk more…” David sighed. Tai’s fingers tangled with David’s and Tai stared at their joined hands. “Should we put off the commitment ceremony?” His voice cracked slightly on his words. “No!” David tightened his hand around Tai’s. “Absolutely not. Our little true confessions don’t change how I feel about you.” He kissed the side of Tai’s head. “I love you and want you with me always.” Tai yanked his hand away then engulfed David in a tight hug. Frantic kisses swept across David’s jaw until Tai’s lips found his mouth. Desire reignited with a blast of heat. With the sun now below the tall buildings surrounding them, David chanced a quick grope in their darkened corner of the stoop. Tai’s cock still strained at his jeans. A muffled groan vibrated through Tai’s rough kiss. David pulled away. “Come on.” The ache of need made standing difficult, but they couldn’t keep making out in plain sight of the street. And he wasn’t ready to go upstairs. His gaze darted over the side of the stoop. Under the stairway was a small alcove leading to a basement door. He tugged Tai up from the stair then pulled him down the remaining steps. “Where are we going?” Tai glanced up toward the apartment.

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“To take the edge off.” David led his lover around the stoop, down the second shorter set of stairs. Excitement raced through David’s body like an electrical charge. Although they’d had sex in every room of their apartment and in hotel rooms they stayed in on vacation, they’d never had sex anywhere else. And never outside. He pushed Tai against the wall then dropped to his knees. David’s fingers made fast work of Tai’s fly then he tugged his jeans down just enough to give him access to his lover’s hard flesh. A streetlight filtered in a little light, illuminating the object of his desire. “David, we can’t—” Tai’s groan swallowed the rest of his words as David took the leaking cock deep in his mouth. David pulled back, his hand wrapped around Tai’s length. Stroking the spit-coated flesh, he whispered, “Tonight I’m going to feel this deep inside me.” Reduced to whimpers, Tai reached for David’s head. “Can’t wait to have you reaming my hole—hard and fast.” David licked the flared crown. “Feel all your hot juices filling me up.” His tongue teased bitter moisture from the slit. “Oh shit…” David kept stroking. “You want that, babe?” Another twist of his tongue. “Want to fuck me?” He suckled the tip. “Fill me up?” “Oh shit!” Tai’s fingers tugged at David’s hair before his hands clenched on his head. Thick come splattered David’s lips. He swallowed Tai’s cock and let the flow of hot seed splash his tongue and tonsils. Tai’s hands gripped David’s head with hard pressure. His hips jerked forward, fucking David’s mouth. “God, yes… Gonna fuck you.” David relaxed his mouth and throat, and let Tai take control. Another first in their relationship…one David thought he could get used to.

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Chapter Six Tai pulled David to his feet. Hard kisses, full of tongue and teeth, tasted of semen. Tai’s knees quivered with the aftereffects of an incredible orgasm. His entire body shuddered with the memory of David’s words. As much as he loved the feel of David inside him, the idea of fucking his tall lover had crossed his mind more than once. Unsure of how to ask, time and again, Tai quelled the urge and the thoughts. The idea alone had his cock already twitching with renewed interest. Tai pushed his hand inside David’s jeans. Sticky moisture lined the inside of David’s briefs. “My God, you came in your pants.” David buried his face in Tai’s hair and snorted laughter. “Yeah. You were so fucking hot, outside, up against the wall. And the idea of you inside me…” His chuckle vibrated against Tai’s neck. “Didn’t take much.” “So you have a thing for outdoor sex?” “Not really. Or at least I didn’t think I did.” David lifted his head. His face was unreadable in the darkness. “I think I just have a thing for you—anywhere I can get you.” Tai couldn’t stop his wide grin. His hand pressed against his lover’s flagging cock. “Maybe we should test this theory.” “Huh?” “Are there any nice private places in the park where you run? I could learn to like jogging.” Tai nipped at David’s bottom lip as David’s cock twitched in his hand. “We could take some lube and give tree hugging a whole new meaning.”

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“Damn.” David’s hips flexed into the pressure of Tai’s hand. “This talking thing could prove very interesting. If we don’t get arrested for indecent exposure.” “Hmmm…behind bars, eh?” “Enough. We will definitely discuss the contents of your rather interesting imagination later. After you distract your mother long enough for me to get to the bedroom so I can change.” Tai sighed as he rested his face on David’s chest. “I’d rather distract you.” Strong arms wrapped Tai in a tight embrace. “You will. Later. Let’s hope your mother goes to bed early.”

***** Tai opened the door while David waited in the hall out of sight. “Ma?” “In kitchen.” Footsteps approached the hall. Slipping inside, Tai left the door cracked then hurried to the kitchen. “What are you doing?” His body blocked the doorway before she could get into the hall. “Looking for breakfast things. I make breakfast tomorrow.” “You don’t have to cook. You’re our guest.” He slipped an arm around her frail shoulders and guided her into the main part of the kitchen, out of sight of the hall. “We can go out to breakfast.” “No. I make congee for you. Sweet congee.” The warm rice dish was one of his favorites as a child, especially on cold, dreary days. “Sounds great. We have rice up here.” He pulled open a cabinet then pointed at a canister on the middle shelf. “I too short to reach.” Tai laughed. “No, David’s too tall. He does most of the cooking so he has everything where he wants it.” “So he’s the wife.”

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At first, Tai didn’t understand why she was speaking English. With a small sigh, he shook his head. She must have known David had come into the apartment and she wanted him to hear. Maybe David was right. Her idea of reconciliation was to come between them. “No, Ma. There’s no wife. We’re both men.” “But he marry you, he’s daughter-in-law.” Her chin tilted up in a stubborn expression Tai recognized from his childhood. Usually she had directed the look toward his father, and Da had crumbled every time. “No, he’s your son-in-law.” Tai never took a stand against his mother on anything. She’d spoiled him as a child, he’d never had to. But he had to now. David’s love was something he refused to give up. If Ma kept antagonizing him, David might decide their relationship wasn’t worth the hassle. “Why you do this? He make you gay. You leave him and marry a nice girl, you’ll be much happier.” “No, Ma. I’ve told you before,” Tai rested his hands on her shoulders, “I’ve always been gay. David didn’t make me this way. But I love him and I want to be with him for the rest of my life.” “You not gay until him.” Her dark eyes glared defiance. “Yes, I was. I just didn’t know how to tell you until he came along.” Tai couldn’t hold her gaze. Standing up to his mother was a foreign concept. “A nice girl would make babies. Give me grandchildren.” The shuffle of footsteps interrupted any answer Tai could give her. “Hi,” David practically bounced through the door. The change of clothes was subtle. His jeans were almost the same color as before but not quite. “So what’s on the agenda for you two tonight? I have to finish up some work.” Ma turned away from Tai and stayed silent. “I don’t know. Whatever Ma wants to do.”

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Her slight mumble was very low but Tai heard her anyway. “Doesn’t matter what old lady want.” “Ma…” “Sons marry, mother is forgotten.” “It’s not like that, Ma.” Tai placed his hand on her tense shoulder but she shrugged away his touch. “I go to bed now.” “It’s only eight, Ma. We could go to the movies, or take a stroll through Chinatown.” “No, go to bed.” She whirled around. Her dark glare pierced David. Tai knew his lover couldn’t have missed her look but David smiled and nodded. “I’m sure you’re tired, Mrs. Chen. You were up so early this morning. And jet lag can be hard to deal with.” David moved out of her way as she stormed past. “Good night.” Her shoes clicked down the wooden hall then the door of the guest room slammed shut. “Ma…” Tai moved to follow, but David’s arms caught him. “Don’t. She’ll get used to it. Give her time.” Tai buried his face in David’s chest. “She’s had nearly two years to get used to me being gay. Don’t you think that’s time enough?” “And she’s had nearly twenty-nine years to dream about her future daughter-inlaw. I’m sure she never pictured a white, six-foot-something man in that role.” Tai snickered into David’s shirt. “To tell the truth, I didn’t either.” He glanced up at his grinning lover. “I don’t think I ever thought about happily ever after with anyone. I was having enough trouble dealing with random lust.” “Is that what I was?” David’s eyes gleamed with humor.

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“At first. I was terrified when I walked out of the bathroom that day. From the look on your face when you showered me with coffee, I half hoped you’d react the way you did. Another part of me was ready to run screaming from the apartment.” “Humph… Instead you ended up screaming in my bed.” Tai snorted. “In your bed with my ankles around your neck and your thick dick so far up my ass I thought you’d split me in half.” David’s body shared Tai’s shiver. Tai’s jeans became a little tighter as his cock joined the reminiscing. “Did I hurt you?” David’s hand rubbed the length of Tai’s back then back up again. “Some. But you felt so good at the same time. I wouldn’t have stopped you for anything. Especially with the look on your face.” Tai looked up at David. “You looked like you’d found heaven on earth.” “I think I did. When you got ready to leave, my instinct was to let you go, no questions asked, no numbers exchanged. But I couldn’t do it. I’m glad I didn’t.” David clutched a handful of Tai’s hair at the base of his skull. “I want you to take me like that.” David’s whisper pushed Tai to full hardness. Hard, sloppy kisses bruised Tai’s lips. “Of course, we’ll need to keep the screaming to a minimum.” “Shit…” In spite of his earlier climax, Tai’s desire was on the edge. “You keep talking like that and I don’t know if I’ll last long enough to make it to the bed.” “Then we’d better go now before I tell you how much I want to feel you riding my ass, your stiff prick pounding me.” “Shut up.” Tai pulled David toward the kitchen door. David’s whispered voice kept murmuring in his ear. “Your hot juices filling my hole.” David paused with a harsh gasp. His fingers dug into Tai’s biceps. “Never had that.” “What?” “Until you and I were tested, I never did bareback, with anyone, top or bottom.”

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Tai knew his grin was wide and goofy but he couldn’t help it. “So my come will be the first to ever slick the inside of your ass.” He ran his hand down David’s chest then brushing the bulge in his jeans. David rewarded him with a groan. Curling his fingers in the waist of David’s jeans, Tai yanked him toward the bedroom. “We’d better hurry before I need a change of clothes.” Tai hurried toward the bedroom, keeping his hold on his lover. He pushed the bedroom door open too hard and it swung back against the doorstop with a loud thud. “Shit.” With a low chuckle, David closed the door with exaggerated caution. “You are in a hurry, aren’t you?” “Yes.” Tai pushed David toward the bed. His body hummed with desire. He needed to calm down or he’d blow before he had David’s clothes off. He paused, wrapping his arms around his tall, blond lover. Rubbing his face against David’s chest, Tai took a long, deep breath. “What’s wrong?” David’s hand ran through Tai’s hair. “Too excited.” Tai muffled his laugh in David’s shirt. David laughed—a low, throaty sound. “I thought the incident under the stoop would cure you of that.” “I don’t think I’ll ever be cured of wanting you.” Tai slid a hand around David’s neck then tugged him down to kissing level. “I certainly don’t want to be.” Tenderness eased his driving desire. Soft kisses and nibbling bites, gentled his fierce passion. “Let’s go to bed.” David hugged him hard. Tai nodded as he released his lover. They took turns removing each other’s clothes. Shirts first. Fingers caressing abs and pecs. They toed off their shoes then worked on jeans.

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The air conditioner supplied a cooling breeze as Tai’s cock sprang free of its confinement. He slapped David’s hand away from his straining flesh. Any more stimulation and he’d be done for the night. Tai forced his thoughts away from his goal. Concentrate on each step. David’s jeans…tugging them down his long legs. Don’t think too hard about the thick flesh straining against David’s briefs. Kneeling, Tai helped David free his feet from his jeans. His mind raced with the sudden changes in their two-year-old relationship. As happy as Tai had been with David, the possibilities arising from their conversation made a future with his lover even more appealing. Tai ran his hands up David’s legs. His fingernails combed through coarse dark blond hair. Rubbing his face against the soft cotton material covering David’s hard erection, Tai breathed in his lover’s scent. With a gasp, David cupped Tai’s head then tugged his face upward. “Do you know how much I love you?” Desire welled through Tai on a wave of joy. He rose from his knees, his hands sliding up David’s body. Words weren’t enough to express the feelings overwhelming him. Tai pushed David’s briefs down his legs. “I want you so much.” Stepping out of his underwear, David planted a quick kiss on Tai’s lips. “Come on.” David sat on the edge of the bed then scooted toward the middle. His long, lean body spread across the covers, one leg bent at the knee. David’s hand cupped his balls, fingers rolling the tight sac with slow, indolent motions. “Fuck me?” Tai yanked his jeans and briefs down, kicking them off his feet. His heart raced as he scrambled up the bed. Kneeling beside his lover, his gaze devoured David from his blond hair to his long feet. A well-formed chest, not too much bulk, rippled abs, a runner’s thick thighs… And all of him Tai’s. “You’re gorgeous.”

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David’s smoldering gaze brightened with a wide grin. “You’ve never said that before. You’ve called me sexy.” “I’ve always thought you were beautiful. Don’t know why I haven’t said it.” David caressed Tai’s thigh. “We’ve said a lot of things today we never have.” Grinning, Tai leaned over his tempting lover then brushed a kiss against David’s lips. “And done some things too. Do you have any idea how turned-on I was outside? You on your knees…” A shudder swept through Tai. Chuckling against David’s ear, he nipped his lover’s earlobe. “I need to think about something else. I’m so hard right now even thinking about it could make me come.” “Maybe we should get on with—” A tap at the door threw cold water on Tai’s passion. “Damn!” David’s face contorted in a frown. “Maybe if we’re real quiet she’ll go away.” His whispered words were tempting. “Tai? You in there?” Ma’s soft voice seemed lost. “David…” Tai bit his lower lip. “I have to.” “Fuck.” David rolled out of bed, grabbed some clothes from the bottom dresser drawer. “Do whatever.” He kicked the drawer closed. After yanking on his underwear and a pair of shorts, he dug through the top drawer until he found a pair of socks. “She has perfect timing.” He grabbed his running shoes from the closet floor. “I’m going for a run.” Tai barely made it to his robe on the closet door before David stormed out the bedroom.

David brushed past Mrs. Chen without a word. The old woman’s mouth quirked in a fast grin then it faded. Biting back a smart-assed comment, David made a beeline for the front door.

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Two more days then he and Tai would be on their way upstate and the old bitch would be on her way back to San Francisco. “Two more days.” The words ground out between clenched teeth. He stopped on the stairs then pulled on his socks and shoes. “Two more days.” Running down the stairs, he burst through the building door. With a long, deep breath, he glanced up the street toward the park. His usual running path was too dark for this late, but the sidewalk surrounding the park didn’t look too busy. He hated running on concrete but he needed relief. Frustration washed through him—of more than one kind. Heading up the avenue, he let the rhythm of his footsteps drown out the pulse of anger. The ache in his cock made concentration difficult. Tai’s defection to the enemy hurt in a different way. Nightfall hadn’t made a dent in the day’s heat. Sweat trickled down David’s bare back making him regret running out without a T-shirt. His need to escape the apartment had overwhelmed his thinking. Tai still hadn’t seen through the old bat’s actions. Maybe he never would. David’s heart clenched at the idea of losing Tai. Mrs. Chen had a hold on her son, but how strong, David didn’t know. Forcing Tai to make a choice between his mother and David wasn’t a good idea. His life had changed so much over the last two years. No more partying—although he and Tai did date night at the clubs occasionally. As strange as the concept would have been two years ago, David enjoyed a quiet life with Tai. Being faithful was something David never thought he could handle. Variety was the spice of life—one of the reasons he avoided relationships. Then Tai dropped into his world and everything changed. Before, David hit the clubs three or four times a week. Sex was for pleasure, not love. He never realized how much emotion added to a physical encounter. Almost from the beginning, being with Tai robbed him of breath and reason. 57

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With thoughts of Tai, David’s flagging erection renewed interest. Running with a hard-on was a real pain in the ass. David snickered. Or in the dick. “David?” A vaguely familiar voice caught his attention. “David Anderson?” Stepping into a walk, David turned around. Shadows from a nearby tree’s lowhanging branches obscured a tall man’s face. “It’s me, Tony Perez.” He moved into the light of a nearby streetlamp. David’s brain supplied a memory of the Hispanic man on his knees, his face buried in David’s crotch and his hot mouth around David’s cock. Once again, he regretted the lack of a shirt—anything to hide his erection. “Tony. It’s been a while.” Years of habit sent David’s hand out to shake Tony’s. The strong hand squeezed tight and held longer than a normal handshake. “Too long.” Tony’s gaze roamed up and down David’s body then stopped with a hard stare at his crotch. “Missed seeing you at the clubs.” His gaze returned to David’s face. “Been out of circulation for a while.” David retrieved his hand. “Are you back now?” Once again, Tony’s gaze dropped. “We could take a little stroll in the park—take care of that.” Tony’s tongue flitted along his lower lip. “I always enjoyed sucking that thick cock of yours.” David’s brain numbed with Tony’s words. The fierce ache in his groin pushed him a step forward. “I can’t.” The words jumped out even as his body swayed toward Tony. “I…ah…I’m involved with someone.” Taking a step closer, Tony brushed his fingers across a sweaty nipple. “So? What’s a little blow job between old friends? Your boyfriend doesn’t have to know.” His tone sneered across the word boyfriend. A shiver swept through David, but instead of desire, revulsion roiled in his stomach. He pushed Tony’s hand away. “I’d know.” Turning back the way he’d came, David started a fast sprint toward home.

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Tai was his life. His mother was a temporary thorn. Nothing more. She’d be gone in a couple of days and things would go back to normal. Or maybe not so normal. After their conversation early today, things would change. For the better. The idea of his ass impaled on Tai’s cock put an extra kick in his step. Maybe by the time he got back to the apartment, the Ice Queen will have gone to bed. David could grovel for forgiveness then he and Tai could take up where the left off. The apartment in sight, David’s foot struck something loose on the pavement. His left ankle laid over like a drunk on a three-day bender. Sharp pain lanced though his joint. Over-correcting his loss of balance, David went down hard on his hands and knees. The burning sting of skinned knees and a palm joined the throbbing ache in his ankle. “Fuck.” David rolled over onto his ass. Sitting in the middle of the sidewalk, he flicked several pebbles from the stinging wound on his right knee. “Tai’s going to kill me if I can’t walk down the aisle Saturday.”

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Chapter Seven Tai glanced out the living room window again. No sign of David. Pacing the floor a couple of times, he walked back into the kitchen. “I made you tea.” His mother acted as if nothing had happened. Turning toward the counter, she picked up the electric teakettle just as the whistle started. “Don’t want the water too hot.” “Ma, did you bring David a wedding dress?” Her back stiffened but she didn’t pause in her preparations. Pouring the hot water into a teapot, her shoulders rose and lowered with a hint of a shrug. “It is the proper thing to do when a son marries.” “He’s a man, Ma. And a very proud one. You demean him implying anything else.” “Then marry a woman.” She slammed the teakettle on the counter then whirled around to face Tai. Her glaring gaze softened with a hint of tears. “I want a daughter-inlaw. Grandchildren.” Her hands gripped the back of a chair. “I want a normal son!” Tai’s first urge to bite his lip and plead for calm vanished. Anger swept through him. “Being gay doesn’t make me abnormal, Ma. And marrying a woman isn’t an option.” The front door creaked open. With a sigh of relief, Tai ran to greet David only to screech to a halt as David limped into the hall. “What happened?” His left ankle was twice its normal size. “Twisted my ankle. Fell.” David’s face contorted in a grimace. Tai stepped under David’s right arm to support him. Sweat dampened Tai’s shoulder. The strong, musky scent of his lover sent Tai’s libido in a spin. But a glance at

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David’s knees made Tai wince. One looked like a simple scrape, but the other was a bloody mess. “Let’s get you to the bathroom and clean your knees.” “Hand too.” David held out his right hand, palm up. “Oh love.” Guilt washed over Tai. If he’d ignored his mother earlier… And if pigs had wings… “Come on.” “What wrong?” Ma asked from the kitchen door. “He twisted his ankle. I have a first-aid kit in the bathroom.” David hissed as he took a step. “Put your weight on me, not your ankle.” Tai helped David past his mother. “Ma, will you please get the ice pack out of the freezer? There’s a cloth cover in the drawer next to the refrigerator.” Sweat slid down David’s forehead then his nose. A drop hung suspended for a second then dropped. “And a bottle of water from the fridge, please? When they reached the bathroom, Tai let David grab the vanity then hop through narrow door on his own. “Get up here.” Tai patted the counter. Turning toward the shelves over the toilet, he grabbed his first-aid kit. A slight huff caught his attention. His mother stood in the doorway with the ice pack and cover in one hand and the requested water in the other. Her glare centered on David, although Tai didn’t think his lover was aware of it. David’s head tilted down until his chin almost touched his chest. His breath raced in time with the pulse in his neck. Ma’s expression softened into a blank stare when she glanced at Tai. “Thank you, Ma.” Tai relieved her of her burdens. “I’ll just check out his injuries then we can have tea.” With a sharp nod, she left Tai with David. “You did a number on your knees.” Tai dropped his voice to a whisper. “Guess there won’t be a repeat of today’s adventures under the stairs anytime soon.” 61

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David chuckled. “Probably not, unless you’re the one on your knees.” Tai’s cock liked that idea too. “That could be arranged.” Sweat threaded through the hair on David’s chest. Tai twisted the lid off the ice-cold water. “Drink.” He shoved the bottle into his lover’s hand then opened the first-aid kit. As David chugged half the bottle, a small amount escaped, rolling over his chin, down his throat, mixing with sweat. Tai had to concentrate on the need for first aid or he’d end up chasing the drops with his tongue. Rummaging through the kit, he found gauze, tape and some antibacterial ointment. Laying them out on the counter, he then grabbed a washcloth. “I’m sorry.” David’s words startled him. “For?” His hand reached for the hot-water tap. “Losing my temper. Running off. Acting like a spoiled brat.” “Well, you had reason.” Tai didn’t want to admit David was right but…truth hurts. He flipped on the faucet then held the washcloth under the stream, waiting for the water to get warm. “She is here to cause trouble.” He kept his gaze down. “I won’t let her come between us.” David tapped Tai under the chin. Tai lifted his gaze to meet David’s. “We won’t let her.” “And she’ll be gone in two more days.” Squeezing the now-warm cloth, Tai shook his head. “She won’t stay gone forever. She’s my mother. If she wants to visit again…” “Then she’ll visit again.” David’s eyes crinkled with his smile. “And we will ignore her attempts to split us up. Nothing she can do will ever make me regret marrying you.” Tai drew a long breath. “Glad to hear that.” His attempt at humor fell short when his voice cracked. Strong arms pulled Tai close. “I couldn’t bear to lose you.” Tai rubbed his face against David’s sweat-damp shoulder. 62

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“Not going to happen. Let’s just get through the next couple of days then it’s just the two of us for two weeks.” “That sounds so good.” Tai sighed as he pulled away from the comfort of David’s arms. “But first, we need to get you cleaned up and some ice on that ankle.”

***** David lay with his ankle wrapped in the ice pack and propped up on a pillow. Bandages covered his knees and the heel of his right hand. The soft murmur of voices piqued his curiosity, but as long as the conversation didn’t get loud, he was content to stay put. Doctor Tai pronounced his injury a slight sprain and sent him to bed with some anti-inflammatory meds left over from a strained tendon. David knew he was getting older when the injuries came more often and the healing took longer. Not that he was in bad shape, but he had to work out harder to achieve the same results of a few years ago. He hoped Tai loved him for more than his body. Tai’s good night to his mother filtered through the bedroom door. David’s mouth crooked in a smile as the door opened. “Hi there.” Easing the door closed, Tai glared at him. “You should be asleep.” “Hey, I haven’t moved since I lay down. Sleep won’t make much difference to a sprain.” David patted the bed beside him. “Anyway, we have unfinished business.” “Not tonight.” Tai stripped his shirt over his head. “You’re hurt.” Kicking his shoes toward the closet, he then opened the fly of his jeans. “Ah, that’s why I’m going to make you do all the work.” David flipped the sheet off his body. His cock had simmered on low burn in spite of his injuries. As he watched Tai strip off his jeans and briefs, David’s flesh hardened. He fondled his balls as he pressed his uninjured palm against his dick. “Suck me?”

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Tai grinned as he crawled across the bed. “Anytime.” His hand wrapped around David’s flesh, pulling in long, slow strokes. David fished a tube of lube from under the pillow. “And while you’re down there,” handing the lube to Tai, he grinned, “you can get my ass ready for a good, hard fucking.” Tai gasped as his hand deserted David’s length to clutch his own balls. “Damn. The things you say.” “You like it when I talk dirty, don’t you?” Another new and fascinating fact about Tai. Today was full of surprises. “Love it.” Tai’s face flushed with his admission. “Something about the way you say it. Sometimes I think I could come from you telling me what you want to do.” “So, should I tell you now?” David ran a hand down Tai’s chest. “Maybe not. Not now anyway. I have a few ideas of my own.” Leaning over, Tai swiped his tongue along the thick vein on David’s cock. “You just lie back and recuperate from your injuries.” “Doctor’s orders?” David’s fingers combed Tai’s long black hair. Strands teased David’s stomach and groin. “Uh-huh…” Tai wrapped his hand around the base of David’s dick. Warm, wet heat surrounded David’s flesh. A teasing tongue wiggled up and down his length as Tai’s mouth stroked him. David forced his hand away from Tai’s hair then closed his eyes. The drama of the day had drained him. The pills he’d taken probably helped relax him as well. Content to let Tai take care of him in more than one way, David sighed. The pop of the lube cap roused his lazy eyelids. He glanced at Tai as his lover tried to handle the lube without David’s cock slipping from his mouth. “Here.” David held out his hand for the lube. After squirting some of the gel on Tai’s fingers, he snapped the cap shut. David bent his legs at the knees, kicking the ice

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pack aside. He suppressed a hiss at the sting from his knee. Planting his feet on the bed, he spread his knees wide apart, giving Tai room to work. The pressure on his ankle distracted him for a second then Tai regained his full attention. Long, thin fingers pressed against David’s perineum. Cold lube caused a small gasp, but David was too relaxed to do more. The blunt tip of one finger circled his opening while Tai’s mouth settled on a slow, steady rhythm on David’s cock. A slight burn accompanied the push of a finger past the tight ring of muscle. Probably ten years had passed since David bottomed. Not that he didn’t like the feel of a stiff prick up his ass. Paranoia from AIDS and a dislike of feeling vulnerable kept him from indulging. With Tai, neither reason had meaning anymore. “More,” David whispered. Tai accommodated. His long finger pressed deep inside. A couple of wiggles found David’s gland. “Oh yeah…” Sweet pleasure swept through David’s groin, spreading through his body. His hips rolled to match the slow stroke of wet heat on his cock. Pushing up into Tai’s mouth then back onto his finger… “More…” A second finger joined the first. Together, they massaged David’s prostate, sending a steady stream of ecstasy flowing through him. Tai sucked harder. His tongue twirled around the crown with each stroke. His pace picked up until heat swirled through David’s groin and erupted into Tai’s welcoming mouth. “Fuck!” David pulled a pillow over his face then bit into the soft cotton. His hips lifted from the bed, jerking as his orgasm shattered him into tiny pieces of pleasure. His knee and ankle protested, but the intense ecstasy overwhelmed the pain. “Fuck…” he moaned into the pillow. Tai suckled the last of his seed from his spent cock. Cool air chilled his spit-covered flesh. “Fuck, that was good,” David groaned.

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“Not done with you yet.” Tai’s hands ran up David’s chest then down his arms. With little encouragement, David released the lube clenched in his fingers. “Oh yeah. Fuck me.” David didn’t move the pillow. Instead of watching Tai, David let his skin track Tai’s actions. Cold lube pushed into David’s ass. Tai’s fingers twisted and scissored his opening. David pulled the pillow from his face. “I don’t think I can get more relaxed than I am right now. So will you fuck me already?” Kneeling between David’s thighs, the leer on Tai’s face was almost comical. But not quite. He squirted a glob of lube on his palm. Wrapping his hand around his cock, he stroked the gel on with long, slow motions. “You want this?” His hips pressed forward and he wagged his cock at David. “Yes. Deep, hard and fast.” Tai kept playing with himself. “And now!” David threw the pillow at his teasing lover. Tai’s attempt to duck kept him from being hit in the face. The pillow glanced off his shoulder. “Fine. Have it your way.” Tai grabbed David’s left leg then pressed it against his chest. Kisses fluttered across David’s calf. “Dreamed of this.” “Of what? Your dick in my tight ass?” “Oh yeah. Filling you full of my cock, of my come.” David’s cock twitched with an attempt at renewed interest. “You should have said something.” He exhaled and relaxed his body as Tai pushed the flared crown past the tight ring of muscle. “I would…have. Let you.” Tai’s eyes closed. His shoulders tensed and his fingers dug into David’s calf. “Didn’t. Know. How. To ask.” His hips jerked forward. David groaned as Tai slid deeper. “Did I hurt you?” Tai’s eyelids flew open as his body froze.

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“No. Want more.” So long, David had almost forgotten the sweet mix of pleasure and pain of penetration. The slight burn created anticipation. He pressed toward Tai to encourage his lover. The motion filled him a little more. Tai pulled away but before David could protest, he pushed in again. Slow, short strokes, each pushing deeper than the last. A long, low groan spilled over Tai’s lips with the last push. “So fucking tight.” Tai’s brow knitted into a twisted frown. Teeth flashed and dug into his lower lip. “Not. Going to last.” Sweat glistened on his face. “Then don’t try, babe. Fuck me hard and fast.” David’s words seemed to release whatever control Tai had mustered. Tai pulled back then slammed into David, nailing his prostate. Matching groans filled the air. Again, a long, hard stroke. David would have finger-shaped bruises on his calf from Tai’s grip. “Harder, Tai.” David rocked his body to match his lover’s pace. All control gone, Tai pistoned in and out of David. His dark hair flew, strands catching in the sweat rolling down his face. Grabbing David’s other leg, Tai pushed both onto his shoulders. Tai rammed into David with powerful driving thrusts. “Feels. So. Good.” His words escaped in time to Tai’s rhythm. “God. Yes.” Tai’s words deteriorated into half-mumbled grunts. “Love. You.” His body tensed, holding tight against David’s ass. Jerking shudders joined a low, keening growl. Tai shoved David’s legs off his shoulders then slid between them. Their bodies still intimately joined, Tai scattered a flurry of kisses across David’s jaw until his lips found David’s. “So good. Thank you.” David held Tai’s face still so he could taste his sweat-seasoned kisses. Nothing in this world would separate him from his lover—not even the Ice Queen Dragon Lady mother-in-law from hell.

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Chapter Eight David stifled a groan as wakefulness intensified the pain of his injured leg. Flexing his ankle carefully, he sighed with relief. His knee hurt worse than his ankle. Tai’s arm draped around David’s waist, his slender body plastered against David’s back. His steady breath tickled the hair on the back of David’s neck. As much as he’d like to snuggle up to Tai for a little more shut eye, his bladder had other ideas. Another sign he was getting old. Easing out of Tai’s embrace, David scooted to the edge of the bed. He set his foot on the floor, pressing gingerly. A dull ache instead of the sharp, lancing pain from last night. With a deep breath, David stood, keeping most of his weight on his left foot. His robe was on the chair near the bedroom door instead of hanging on the back of the closet door. Probably Tai’s doing after David fell asleep. A short half-step, half-hop wobble got him across the room. Wrapping his robe tight around him, David slipped out the door, easing it shut behind him. Holding on to the hall wall, he crept toward the bathroom. The soft chime of metal against glass sounded from the kitchen. His luck, the Ice Queen had to be an early riser. Ducking into the bathroom, his mind wandered as he took care of business. Although Tai recognized his mother’s true purpose, she still posed a threat to David’s world. As long as she had the power to make Tai unhappy, she could interfere. As David washed, he made a decision. Instead of turning toward the bedroom, David hobbled down the hall to the kitchen. Mrs. Chen glanced at him. Her eyes rolled as she sniffed her disdain. “Oh, it’s you.” She sliced into an orange. Her lip curled in a sneer. “These oranges are bad.” Half a dozen blood oranges, sliced in half, cluttered a cutting board. 68

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The sweet fragrance wafted through the kitchen. “There’s nothing wrong with the oranges. They’re blood oranges, they’re supposed to be red. And yeah, it is me. David’s the name. Your son’s boyfriend—soon to be husband. Your host in this house.” Her onyx eyes glittered with anger. “You can’t—” “Talk to you like that? Look, lady, I love Tai. I’m going to marry him. And there’s nothing you can do to stop me. And if you ever want to be welcome in our home again, I suggest you change your tune.” “You made him gay.” Her arms crossed her chest as she straightened her spine, the knife still in her hand. “You go away, he’ll be normal.” David limped toward her. “I didn’t make him gay, but I thank God every day that he is and that he loves me.” Her hard stare softened slightly as she stepped backward. “He be happier with a nice girl.” “No.” David shook his head. “He’d be miserable. The only person who would be happy is you. And if you convinced him to leave me, he’d suffer. You may not understand it. You may not like it. But he loves me—” “I want grandchildren.” She arched her brow. “Tai loves children. He not get any with you.” “Oh lady, climb out of the dark ages. He and I have talked about children. I know Tai wants them and we’ve discussed having at least one.” Her eyes narrowed. “You can’t make babies.” David lowered his chin to his chest and chuckled. “No, I can’t. We can adopt or hire a surrogate.” Her frown deepened. “A woman to carry Tai’s child.” “Buy a woman?” “Not buy.” David chuckled. “Kind of rent. Until a baby is born. Don’t you understand. I’ll do anything to make him happy. Even wear that stupid dress you brought to the wedding if you insist.”

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Her chin lowered and she tilted her head to one side. “You do that?” “I’d die for him, but I’d prefer you don’t ask me to prove it.” “But I get a grandchild.” She looked as if she were about to start haggling. “Maybe. We haven’t made a final decision yet. It’s a big step.” Her gaze hardened again. “But,” David headed her off, “if you keep antagonizing me, you may never get to see your grandchild, even if we have one.” A long-suffering sigh shook her shoulders. “I behave.” A smile quirked the side of her mouth. “But I get to name baby.” Still holding the knife in her hand, she pointed it at him. “And rent girl must be Chinese.” David grinned. She just couldn’t stop. But having her planning his and Tai’s baby meant she might accept him as her son-in-law. His and Tai’s baby. He kind of liked the sound of that. He’d thought of children in abstract terms not as something belonging to him and Tai. Only one would be the biological father, but the child would be theirs. “Finding a rent girl willing to carry a baby isn’t that easy. Finding a Chinese one could be almost impossible.” She twirled the knife in the air. “No worry. I find one.” Her confidence was incredible. “We get to make the final decision though.” The whole conversation was surreal. “And you stop trying to break us up.” “Deal.” Her face radiated with an incredible smile. Her normally sour expression hid her beauty. For the first time, David saw the resemblance between Tai and his mother. “Deal.” David couldn’t hold back his grin. “Ma!” Tai stood in the door, a look of terror on his face. “Put the knife down.”

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David looked at the tiny woman brandishing the knife. And promptly lost it. His relief over Mrs. Chen’s willingness to back off bubbled up as a low chuckle then jumped to a long, loud laugh. His mother-in-law’s light, airy laugh joined his. She set the knife near the mangled pile of blood oranges then wiped her hands on a nearby towel, still cackling with amusement. Her feet almost danced across the kitchen to her gape-mouthed son. “You too funny.” She reached up with both hands then pinched his cheeks. After murmuring something in Chinese, she left the room. Her laughter followed her down the hall. David gasped for air as he choked back guffaws. “What’d she say?” A frown creased his forehead. “She said I need to get a pair of balls like her son-inlaw instead of kowtowing to an old woman’s bad temper.” Once again, David lost it. Tai’s expression darkened as David couldn’t control his laughter. “What the hell did you say to her?” David limped across the room then pulled Tai into a rough hug. “I’ll tell you later.” A hard kiss silenced both David’s amusement and Tai’s questions. Now there’d be plenty of time for talking.

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About the Author By day, Shayla Kersten is a mild-mannered accountant. By night, she’s a writer of sexy romances. Torn between genres, Shayla writes erotic stories about hot heroes and their sexy women as well as hot men and their passionate heroes. A native of Arkansas, Shayla spent four years in the Army as a missile specialist, stationed in Germany and Oklahoma. After her enlistment was up, she spent eleven years in New York City taking a bite out of the Big Apple. Even her love of theatre and the nightlife of the big city couldn’t cure terminal homesickness for the Natural State. In 1995 she returned to her roots in Arkansas. Shayla now divides her time between her mother, her spoiled-rotten dogs, her dratted day job and her obsession—writing. And no, her mother doesn’t know what she writes. That’s between Shayla, her dogs and her readers!

Shayla welcomes comments from readers. You can find her website and email address on her author bio page at www.ellorascave.com.

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Also by Shayla Kersten A Helping Hand Gaps in Your Soul Hidden Force Longing for Eternity Past Lies The Cost of Eternity The Rememdiu

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