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Ten
“On your left.”Ben pulled even with Jason. “Do you realize how good the view is behind you? Your ass in those tight shorts makes it difficult to keep my eyes on the road.”
“You could pass me and let me look at your ass for a while, you know.”
“But then what do I have to look at?”
“The road you were just talking about.”
“It’s such a catch-22. I’d rather stare at your butt.” Ben downshifted, feeling the beginning of a hill climb.
In the year since they had met on this stretch of road, Jason and Ben had taken part in three other AIDS rides—Chicago, the 600-mile California ride, and even a ride in Hawaii. Not surprisingly, Ben rode stronger this year after all the time spent on the bike, which included the commute to work each day. Everyone on the team rode in their usual spots, with Kyle and Diane ahead and Drew behind.
Ben dropped back just as Jason stood to keep his pace going up the hill.
“Whoo-hoo,” Ben called. “Look at that hotness.”
“Yeah, you better stop staring and get moving up this hill with me.”
“Yes, sir.”
A couple of horn honks sounded and cheering sounded off behind them just before one of the sweep vans pulled alongside.
“Happy anniversary, boys,” the women in the front seat said together along with some riders from the back seat.
“Thanks!” Ben and Jason said in unison.
The van picked up speed and headed down the road, looking for riders in need of assistance.
Jason knew exactly where they were in the route. At the bottom of this hill was the spot where he’d met Ben. Butterflies bounced around his stomach, knowing the spot would truly mark one-year.
“On your left.” Ben gave Jason a proud look as he passed.
“Seriously? You go, boy!”
Ben pumped past Jason, and he was proud that Ben would crest the hill looking so strong. Jason sped up to keep pace because he wanted to make sure they stopped for a moment at their meeting spot.
“Whoa,” Ben called out as he arrived at the top. “Jay, wow. You’re not going to believe this.”
“What?” Jason easily caught up to Ben since he’d stopped. “Oh my,” he said when he saw what waited for them at the bottom.
Strung across two trees was a handmade banner that read “Happy Anniversary Jason & Ben.” Scattered on the ground were flowers, smaller signs, and other trinkets tied to the trees. One of the ride photographers snapped pictures as they sped down the hill.
Diane, Kyle, and a few other riders who’d been ahead of them waited as well.
They stopped and were greeted with a loud “Happy Anniversary!”
“Kyle, how did you pull this off? I know it had to be you.” Jason dismounted his bike and laid it down. “Incredible.”
“It was a coordinated effort.”
Jason and Ben hugged Kyle.
“Amazing. I’m so glad I had that flat.”
“Me too.”
The guys silently pulled their helmets off and slipped into a hug. Jason couldn’t resist going in for a deep, long kiss.
