Page 11 of Love Language

Greg was fighting not to smile, and it was adorable. He’d clearly had been thinking pretty poorly of himself, and now he shone under the praise.

Really? he asked again.

Really, Marco confirmed.

You know that I’m still all messed up about R, he gave a name sign that Marco wasn’t familiar with, but presumably it indicated his husband. And I’m old and…

Marco gently grabbed his hands, preventing him from finishing his sentence. “Shhhhhh…” he voiced. “You’re allowed to think about him. And you are beautiful. I won’t let you say otherwise.”

He didn’t like using his voice, but he didn’t hate it as much as some people. He’d had to speak all the time at his old job, so he was pretty used to it. He’d also found that with hearing friends, sometimes voicing could get someone’s attention or cut through an argument. So, he used it when he needed to.

He voiced now because he knew that it would make Greg realize how serious he was.

Greg’s hands twitched, but he didn’t try to break free of Marco’s hold. He didn’t voice or mouth his response either. Marco appreciated both of those choices.

He watched Greg’s face as he processed everything. It was subtle, but he could see him going through a range of difficult emotions. Marco knew he must be fighting within himself. His hands twitched again.

This time, Marco released his hands to let him reply.

If you really want that… He drew in a deep breath, held it, and let it out. I’d like to try.

Marco tried to still his racing heart and keep his elation off his face.

Whenever you’re ready. He felt even more protective of Greg now, which in turn made him feel more turned on. No hurry.

Greg was trusting him with this fragile, new exploration and that made his Daddy side swell up with pride.

He wanted to crush Greg’s lips under his, and wrap him in bubble wrap, forever safe. It was crazy how strongly he felt for the man after knowing him for only a few short hours.

Greg closed his eyes, thinking, and then opened them. His eyes were pure and honest. Part of me thinks I won’t ever be ready. But the rest of me is ready now.

Marco’s pulse was racing, and he let a little bit of the desire he felt seep into his face. He’d made an offer half expecting to be rejected, and certainly expecting to be put off.

Now, tonight?

Greg blushed and looked away. Marco hooked two fingers under his chin. Now? he signed again, knowing that Greg would see it in his peripheral vision.

Greg nodded slowly.

Wow. Marco was blown away. He’d had dozens of hook-ups, maybe hundreds. But this… this was something special. Greg was giving him a huge amount of trust, and he knew the sub hadn’t made the decision lightly.

He felt honored.

Taking his time to savor the moment, Marco lowered his lips to meet Greg’s. He brushed gently across them, feeling the sensation ripple through his body. The feeling between them was electric. He couldn’t imagine how it would explode as they explored everything that Marco wanted to do with him.

Greg gazed at him dreamily, still absorbing the soft kiss.

Then doubt spread across his face. Are you sure?

Marco searched his face. Greg had seemed to know what he wanted a moment ago, even though he was conflicted. What had changed?

Greg’s eyes darted down Marco’s body to where they were still pressed together, and then returned to his.

Oh. Dammit. He’d been so caught up in Greg that he’d totally forgotten that he had some critical information of his own to disclose. Like why Greg wasn’t feeling a hard bulge where he expected one.

He really should have discussed this before asking if Greg was interested in pursuing anything further. Damn, damn, damn.

I need to tell you something, he opened.