Devlin and Garrick by Cameron Dane (short story to read txt) 📕

oh-so-sexily across his chest, shoulders, and upper arms. The man looked beautiful, but it was the silver taking over the gray in his eyes that held Garrick riveted in place.

Not moving an inch from his position a dozen feet away, Devlin added, “When you didn’t want me to help you, I half figured you might make a run for the home improvement store and just keep driving.”

Garrick’s stomach leapt right up into his throat, and he thought he might throw up.

I don’t know if I like someone knowing me so well.

Devlin wouldn’t look away. When it felt like Garrick might collapse if he stared into those knowing eyes another second, he spun and put his full attention on the door.

“I won’t let you walk away like I did last time,” Devlin said. He moved closer; Garrick could fucking feel his heat without looking and he started to sweat. “And I won’t buy that you’re not freaking out on the inside, right this second, so it might be a good idea to eliminate any bullshit you’re thinking about telling me and start getting the truth off your chest.”

Garrick squeezed his eyes shut, but the rawness swirling around inside him would not be shoved down anymore. “I thought about leaving,” he said softly without facing Devlin. “Still thinking about it, if you want the full truth.”

He palmed the new keys out of his pocket and tested the strength of his work, all the while fully attuned to the man now standing next to him. “Grace and the kids don’t have to worry about Randy being a threat to them anymore but that doesn’t do them a damned bit of good against anyone who might come for me.” The frame and new bolt held up well against Garrick’s attempts to force the door open after locking it.

With nothing else to do until the window guy showed in a few hours, Garrick forced himself to make eye contact with Devlin. He stared, and so much love hit him at once, it almost buckled him where he stood.

“Jesus, beautiful.” Garrick cupped Devlin’s cheek, needing to feel his warmth and life. “It doesn’t put you out of danger either.”

Taking a step closer, Devlin held Garrick’s stare while covering his hand. “I’m not scared.”

Fire burned through Garrick, and he ripped his hand out from under Devlin’s. “Then I don’t know if you’re still painfully naive or just stupid.” He pushed past the man and flew down the back steps, heading for his apartment.

Devlin caught up in a flash and strode step-for-step at Garrick’s side. “Don’t throw insults at me. I know you don’t mean them; they won’t make me leave.” He stomped up the steps behind Garrick; Garrick could feel him on his heels. “Saying I’m not scared doesn’t mean I’m not aware or cognizant of what could happen if someone finds you. It just means that I’m trying to apply reason and assessing that I don’t see any real threat right now that should send you reeling in this way.”

Garrick spun around on the landing and found himself right in Devlin’s face. “You don’t think someone could find me tomorrow?” Escaping panic raised his voice. “How are you all of a sudden the expert when I’m the one who has been working law enforcement since I was twenty years old?”

Devlin smacked his hands into Garrick’s chest and shoved him into the railing. “Because I’m taking my cues from you!”

Garrick reared at the storm brewing in Devlin’s eyes. “What?”

“I’m sorry.” Devlin immediately stepped back and held up his hands. “I didn’t mean to shove you.” He straightened Garrick’s T-shirt and then his own. Taking two steps down on the stairs, he made room for Garrick to open the door. “All I’m saying is that I’m using the fact that you’re still here to tell me there isn’t an immediate threat.”

“That doesn’t make any sense.” After letting them inside, Garrick pulled the curtain wide open. “Obviously, I think there is a danger or we wouldn’t be having this conversation.”

Devlin’s sigh encapsulated the entire room. “Stop looking out the window, Garrick. This conversation deserves your full attention.”

With his hand clutched around the curtain, and his heart racing with Devlin’s proximity, Garrick pinpointed his focus on his truck in the drive. “I promised I’d keep an eye out for the repair guy.”

“Who I overheard Grace telling you isn’t scheduled to arrive for a couple of hours,” Devlin shot back quickly.

Shit.

Garrick commanded his hand to let go of the fabric, and moved to pace the short length of his kitchen. “I don’t know what you want me to say.” He walked and walked like a caged animal, unable to remain still. “I ripped myself open for you last night. Isn’t that enough?”

On Garrick’s third attempt to circle the tiny kitchen table, Devlin grabbed his arm. He eased Garrick into one of the two kitchen chairs and then kneeled down in front of him, filling Garrick with his presence. “Baby, I can’t even begin to imagine how difficult this all is for you.” Devlin smiled, something soft and welcoming, and the sight of it started stripping away protective layers Garrick hadn’t even realized he had anymore.

Devlin pushed in between Garrick’s spread legs, took his hands, and looked up, right into his eyes. Garrick started to shake. He had never felt so naked--but also completely safe--in his life. Devlin dipped down and pressed his lips to the backs of Garrick’s hands, lingering for a moment. As if Devlin’s touch was a special sedative, Garrick settled inside and stopped trembling.

“You’ve already essentially lost one family,” Devlin began as he made eye contact again. “I get that you’re scared about losing another, which is why you’re all over the map with what you think is the right thing to do right now. But you’re also still alive,” passion infused Devlin’s every word, “so I know you must have been good at your job. I am sure a sixth sense kept you alive more than once