Page 26 of Ancient Obsession

Dave stood and tugged Oliver up from the couch.

“Sure you want to sleep with me?” Oliver said as they shuffled down the hall. “I may be infected by mummy dust and turn into a zombie during the night.”

“I’ll take my chances.”

“You’re either brave or foolish.”

Dave gripped his shoulders and gave him a quick massage. “If you do turn into a zombie, I want to be one too so we can stay together.”

Oliver sat on the edge of the bed. Lamplight shone in his eyes. “You are the sweetest man I’ve ever met.”

Dave got into bed beside him. “Sleep well.”

“Yeah, maybe.”

Minutes later, they both were asleep.

The next morning, Oliver was up before Dave and making scrambled eggs. After a good morning kiss, he held his arms out to the side and said, “Still human.”

“I’m so glad. I really don’t like rare meats.”

Oliver laughed easily. Dave’s body responded in kind, and they enjoyed a comfortable breakfast together before Oliver left to go to class. Dave logged into work and, after a couple of meetings and sorting through a problematic formula in Excel, sent him a text.

10 days. I love you!

His phone buzzed in his hand with a call from Cody. A call instead of a text usually equaled trouble.

Dave answered. “Are you in jail?”

“Why does everyone say that when I call?”

“Because you usually want something.”

“That’s not true. I called you plenty of times before you moved back.”

Dave had to give him that one. “Okay, fine. You got me. What’s up?”

“I’m in jail.”

“What?” Dave practically shouted.

Cody laughed. Dave cursed him out.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry. But you deserved that.”

“No, I didn’t. Especially not a week before my wedding.”

“It’s ten days.”

“Is there something you need? Other than a smack on the back of your head?”

“I’m trying to get a head count for your bachelor party.”

“Yes, include Oliver.”

Cody released the longest, most dramatic sigh Dave had ever heard. “Oh my God. Your precious fiancé is on the guest list, okay? You got your wish.”

“Thank you.”