Ethan’s life is rolling along. He runs his own business, owns a home, and is a dad to the best fur baby in the world. The only thing missing is love, but he’s not even sure he knows what love is.
When River opens the door to find Ethan on his doorstep, the attraction is instantaneous. As they work together to help the local community center get ready for the annual Thanksgiving meal, they find themselves exploring their passion and wondering if their connection might be more than just physical.
“So, what can I do to help right now?”
Surprising himself, his words were out of his mouth before he could stop himself. “Nothing. Just stand there and keep looking sexy.” River winked, then busied himself with wiping down the table. The hair on the back of his neck tingled as he sensed Ethan moving closer. When Ethan’s hand slipped around his waist, River turned, and Ethan’s hand slid across River’s abs. His skin quivered at the touch and he slipped a finger through one of River’s belt loops and tugged. River’s heartbeat thrummed in his ears and he tilted his head to look up at Ethan. His lips parted as his breath turned into short, quiet pants.
Ethan nuzzled River’s hair with his cheek and River sagged against him.
“Why can’t I stop thinking about you, River? You’re even in my dreams,” Ethan whispered. “When you asked me for dinner tonight, I nearly jumped for joy. I probably shouldn’t admit something like that,” he added with a low chuckle. “But I was thinking Wednesday would never get here.”
River shivered as Ethan’s arm snaked around River’s waist, splaying his hand against the small of River’s back.
“I like when you say what you’re feeling. I’d rather know you’re interested than wonder.”
“Oh, I’m interested,” he whispered into River’s ear. “Very interested.”
Ethan slid his hand up River’s back until he was cupping River’s neck.
The weight of Ethan’s hand on his skin, the way the man was looking at him, was almost too overwhelming. Too stimulating. A small moan slipped from River’s lips and Ethan’s eyes widened, then flashed.
“I can feel your passion, River.” Ethan’s voice was thick. Raspy. His fingers moved until he found the pulsing beat in River’s neck. “There it is again. Faster. Racing. Aching.”
River didn’t bother to deny it. He couldn’t. “Needing,” he whispered, not looking away.
Ethan groaned and pulled River close, then kissed the top of River’s head. “I’m not sure what’s going on, River. But when I’m around you, I can barely think. Breathe, even. I’ve never felt an attraction this intense in my life.”
River smiled against Ethan’s chest. “Thank God I’m not the only one feeling like that. I barely know you, yet I want ... so many things. And ... I don’t even want to play games or be coy. Not that I know how,” he added with a low chuckle. “I just want to admit to you how much I want to ...” His voice faltered.
Ethan held him tighter. “You want to?”
“Oh. God, Ethan. I want -- need to -- to be with you. To feel you inside me. You on top of me, taking me, touching me. This is so new to me, Ethan. I should be embarrassed, I know, but instead, I want to drop to my knees and taste you,” his words tumbled out as he admitted his deepest desires.
Ethan let out a shaky breath against his hair, and River shivered.
“Fuck. No embarrassment, River. This is all new to me, too. The intensity.” He stepped back and grabbed River’s upper arms.
River's face heated, but he looked up to meet Ethan’s gaze.
“The pure ... physical thing between us ... I want to explore it with you, River. Want to see where it goes. Do you?”
“I don’t think I have the strength to say no, Ethan.” He paused and furrowed his brow.
“What is it?”
“Well, what are we saying? Is this a friends-with-benefits thing?” Please say no.
“I don’t think I could ever be just your friend. I want to get to know you, too. I just want to be with you, River.”
River’s heart sang a little. He was rational enough to know it was way too early to make any kind of commitment, but it appeared Ethan wanted the same thing River did, meaning they really were on the same page. He nodded. “Me, too.”
The sound of Joel running from the bathroom to his room made River step back. “The kids are going to bed soon. Do you want to go to the living room and get comfy on the sofa? Maybe watch a movie?” River had no plans to watch anything. But he definitely wanted to spend more time in Ethan’s arms.
“I would love to. Just push me out when you need me to leave. I don’t want you to be too tired on your second day of work.”
River grinned and reached for Ethan’s hand. “We can also look on my phone for places that may have pies.”
“Lead the way.”
