Tight Quarters (Out of Uniform 6)

“Are there going to be private moments?” he countered. “Pretty sure I’m expecting some lecture from you any minute about how this was a one-time mistake, never to be repeated.”

“You wouldn’t be wrong.” Spencer raised himself up on an elbow. “It was a mistake. I don’t do this. I don’t sleep around with sources. As a gay man—hell, as a journalist period—I take my credibility very seriously. Because I’m out and somewhat in the public eye, I’ve always tried very hard to have impeccable ethics and boundaries. But somehow you just barreled right through.”

“That’s me. I do reckless and impulsive well.” Bacon gave him a pointed look.

“And yet you also have this serious side. You’re a contradiction. And you’re dangerous—”

“Because I’ve killed terrorists?” Some of Bacon’s earlier anger started to seep back in, and he sat up.

“No. Not that kind of dangerous.” Spencer squeezed his biceps. “Dangerous because I like you. Far more than I should. If you were just an impulsive kid, it would be so much easier to dismiss you.”

“You know for all my tendency to get restless, I haven’t had many intentional one-night stands. I like having friends. People I hang out with when I’m in town. And occasionally screw around with. I’m not usually into anonymous sex or one-off fucks. I wouldn’t mind a repeat.”

“I can’t be that for you.” Spencer sounded legit pained. “I’m based out of LA for one, but I’m not sure a friendship between us is advised.”

“Seriously?” Bacon shook his head as he peered down at Spencer. “Never once have you made friends with a source? I call bullshit. No one you met on a story and later met for a meal or who sent you a holiday card? Not one person you’ve kept in contact with?”

“I want a damn sight more from you than a card,” Spencer growled as he too sat. “And okay, you’ve got a point. Yeah, I’ve been friendly with people.”

Something cloudy passed in Spencer’s eyes, and Bacon knew there was probably a story there, but he didn’t press for it.

“We both know your story’s probably dead in the water. Is there really such a big deal about us staying in contact?”

Spencer let out another pained sigh. “Maybe not. But I’m not sure I can be what you need.”

Bacon had heard similar so often he needed to start a damn support group for it’s-not-you speeches. “No offense, but I’m not sure you get to tell me what I need. I’m not asking you to be the love of my life here. Not planning to tell anyone either—my team would be pissed, and I’m not going there, but I’m just saying there’s an option here where you don’t kick me out never to speak again. We can part friends. Maybe I look you up when I’m back in the States, maybe I don’t, but we can keep in touch.”

“Is ‘part friends’ code for you’re hoping for a round two?” Spencer’s laugh sounded forced. Good. Bacon liked having him rattled.

“I’ve got a little time.” Bacon shrugged. “We can get food—”

“We shouldn’t be seen together. If we run into someone else from your team...”

“They invented room service for a reason.” Bacon rolled his eyes. “We eat. Maybe we fuck again, maybe we just talk. I’m not sure I’ve got that strong of a preference. All I know is that despite everything, I like being around you. It quiets my brain, and after the week I’ve had, I desperately need that. Don’t make me be alone before I have to.” He didn’t like putting it all out there like that, laying it on the line. Made his skin feel like he’d showered in too-hot water or something.

Spencer’s face softened. “I won’t. I still think this is madness, but I get what you’re saying. And for what it’s worth, I like you too. Like you far more than I should. I don’t want you alone and hurting. I know you don’t want to hear it, but I really am...sympathetic about your friends.”

“Thanks.” Bacon had had about enough of heavy conversation so he pushed Spencer back on the bed, loomed over him. “I just need to not think about it for a while.”

“I can help with that.” Spencer touched Bacon’s face with a tenderness Bacon hadn’t had from many people.

“Good.” Lowering his head, Bacon kissed him thoroughly. Initial frenzy gone, he kissed him like he wanted to memorize everything about Spencer’s mouth and his responses. Maybe all they got was tonight, but Bacon wasn’t letting him get away so easily. There was something here, something he didn’t fully understand but he craved. Needed. And he wasn’t stopping until he got it.

Chapter Thirteen

“I think I like you more than the local food.” Bacon grinned up at Spencer, clearly enjoying their half-dressed picnic on the bed, despite his lack of enthusiasm for the cuisine.