It Takes an Archaeologist

  “You rank up there with the big boys,” Cole said proudly, setting his cup down on the side table by the sofa.

  “Sometimes. I do know what I’m doing, and the people I deal with like the feeling they’re getting special attention.”

  “I like your special attention, too.” Cole winked.

  Despite Cole’s kidding, the look on his face told Gideon that Cole wasn’t exactly happy he was going away. It was the third time in the last four weeks Gideon had had to leave the city to deal personally with a client.

  Am I doing the same thing to him that I did to Robin? Putting my business before my personal relationship with him? I thought he understood this would happen. “I’m sorry,” Gideon said, reaching for Cole’s hand. “If he hadn’t been so persistent that it had to be me…”

  “I know.” Cole squeezed Gideon’s hand. “When do you leave?”

  “In the morning. I promise I’ll be back Friday night, if not before.”

  “I’ll be here.” Cole looked as if he wanted to say something more, but wouldn’t.

  “What?” Gideon asked.

  Cole sighed. “I know you’re worried.” He slid over, putting his arm around Gideon. “Not about the job. About us.” He ran a knuckle along Gideon’s jaw. “I’m not Robin. Understand? Yes, I’m not wild about your business trips, but I knew from the beginning they would happen. At least when they’re finished, you come back here, not to New York.”

  “Home to you,” Gideon replied, gazing at the man he loved. “I wish…”

  “Now you’re doing it,” Cole said, hugging him. “Spit it out.”

  Gideon shook his head. “It’s too early, still.”

  “Too early for you to go back to your place? Too early to go upstairs?” He paused. “Too early to move in together? Pick one.”

  Gideon’s cocked an eyebrow. “All of the above?”

  “Whew. I was afraid…”

  Gideon laughed. “We seem to have trouble finishing our sentences. I suppose the question is, which one of us actually moves? Or maybe not. You’ve had this house forever. I’ve only been in the carriage house for two months. I don’t have any real emotional attachment to it.”

  “You’re sure?”

  “That I’m not attached to it? Yes.”

  “No. I mean…I guess I should say, are we both certain we want to live together?”

  “You aren’t?” Gideon asked, his emotions spiraling downward.

  “Of course I am, or I wouldn’t have suggested it. I want to be sure you feel the same. I did sort of foist the idea on you out of the blue.”

  “I am very sure!” And he was. He had been from the moment he admitted to himself that it was time to let go of the past—thanks to the man sitting beside him. The man he loved with all his heart.

  Gideon proved it—physically that night, then a week later by moving in with Cole, lock-stock-and-barrel. He knew there would be rough spots in their relationship. They wouldn’t be human if there weren’t. But they would overcome them because, as Cole had said, quoting Robert Browning—much to Gideon’s amusement at his going for the classics, again—”Grow old along with me! The best is yet to be.”

  Gideon believed that.

  THE END

  ABOUT EDWARD KENDRICK

  Born and bred in Cleveland, I earned a degree in technical theater, later switched to costuming, and headed to NYC. Finally seeing the futility of trying to become rich and famous in the Big Apple, I joined VISTA—Volunteers in Service to America—ending up in Chicago for three years. Then it was on to Denver where I put down roots and worked as a costume designer until I retired in 2007.

  I began writing a few years ago after joining an online fanfic group. Two friends and I then started a group for writers, where they could post any story they wished no matter the genre or content. Since then, for the last five years, I’ve been writing for publication—my first book came out in February of 2011. Most, but not all, of my work is M/M, either mildly erotic or purely ‘romantic.’ More often than not it involves a mystery or action/adventure, and is sometimes paranormal to boot.

  For more information, visit edwardkendrick.blogspot.com.

  ABOUT JMS BOOKS LLC

  JMS Books LLC is a small queer press with competitive royalty rates publishing LGBT romance, erotic romance, and young adult fiction. Visit jms-books.com for our latest releases and submission guidelines!