IAN was having a wonderful time with Marcus as they sat in the back of their favorite pub, listening to a live band. They hadn’t had this much fun in quite a while—not at all since John passed away. John, Marcus, and Ian. Most people had called them the three musketeers because they were always together. John and Marcus were in a committed relationship, but they all three loved each other and would have done anything for each other. When John first got sick, they rallied together in love, friendship, and caring, but the brain tumor was too far along, and there wasn’t anything to be done. Ian thought watching a best friend die was one of the worst things that could happen to a person.
Ian looked over at Marcus and knew it had been even harder on him. John was the love of his life, and they had been inseparable. Ian loved Marcus so much, and he wanted to find a way to help him move on with his life, to find love and happiness. Marcus seemed to be doing a lot better recently. It had only been nine months, but they’d had time to come to terms with losing John before he was actually gone.
Ian knew he and Marcus had feelings for one another, but he didn’t want to push before Marcus was ready to move forward with something more intimate. Their friendship was worth so much more than the risk of never being a couple. He gave Marcus space and was there for him, waiting for a time that was appropriate to confess his deeper emotions to the man he loved.
Tonight appeared to be the night. They were both relaxed and having an excellent time. The music and atmosphere of their favorite pub, along with the laughter, was something they had missed for a very long time.
They sat in a back booth of the bar so that the music from the live band wasn’t too loud to have a conversation. Shrouded in shadows, Ian really looked at his friend. They’d known each other for more than ten years, and Marcus looked just as good as the day they met. He was just over six feet tall with broad shoulders, sandy blond hair, and soulful brown eyes that always had people swooning. However, he was completely oblivious to the attention that he received.
Smiling, Ian leaned over to Marcus and placed a hand on his leg. “You ready to go home, baby?” he asked, allowing his eyes to show all his love and desire.
Marcus stared at him for a few seconds, recognition crossing his features. Ian leaned in for a kiss, allowing Marcus to make the choice. There would be no pressure tonight, no demands, only love and affection freely given. If Marcus wanted that, it was his for the taking. Marcus smiled and leaned into the kiss that was offered.
Ian placed his other hand on Marcus’s cheek, holding him for the kiss. A gentle coaxing of his lips had Marcus opening to him with a moan. Ian took full advantage of what he was offered. They explored each other until Ian pulled himself away with a deep-throated groan. With his hand still on Marcus’s thigh, he looked down and said, “I really think we should take this home, baby. I want you so badly, but is it what you want? There’s no pressure here, only time.”
Answering without words, Marcus leaned in and grabbed Ian’s face. He pulled him down for a passionate kiss that had Ian panting for air by the time Marcus released him.
“That should answer your question, Ian.” Marcus laughed at the shocked expression on Ian’s face and leaned in to kiss him again. Ian tried desperately to hide the overwhelming hope and fear swirling through him. He was afraid that Marcus was not ready, and they were harming their long-standing friendship. At the same time, the heat of Marcus’s kiss seared through him, making him want so much more.
Ian held him back with a palm to his chest. “Come on. Let’s get out of here before we get arrested for what I want to do next.”
Marcus laughed, drew Ian out of the booth, and started for the exit.
