“You’ve always meant everything to me. I was broken, I had to sever all contact, they told me they would be watching me and you. I left my agent's office that day drunk, and I’m not sure I stopped drinking until ten months ago. Maryia found my pictures of you and threatened to expose us. I couldn’t risk you being hurt by my actions again.”
“Colt, I don’t understand.” Confusion clouded his mind. Jace’s hands were shaking and he wrapped his arms around his chest to try to hold himself together. “You had pictures of me?”
“Yes,” Colt said, a small grin lit his face. He stayed about an arm’s length away, hands still shoved deep in his pockets. “I got alerts anytime your name was mentioned on the internet or television. I printed every picture. I followed your career. I’ve watched every time your gym performed, just hoping I would see you. I have years’ worth of video coverage on your gym. I love you, Jace. I always have, and through all my mistakes, I wanted you to know I’ve never said that to anyone else. Only you.”
When words failed him, Jace brought his palm to his mouth. They both held their ground for a minute or two, observing each other. “Am I too late? Have you moved on? If you give me another chance, I promise to do everything in my power to never hurt you again.”
Jace didn’t say a word, he couldn’t. All the pain, hurt, and doubt he’d tried so desperately to bury came rushing forward, overwhelming him. He closed his eyes at the magnitude of emotion pouring through his body. He finally had the answers ten long years in the making, and Colt said he loved him. He still loved him after all this time. Colt didn’t get married. The tears forming spilled over and ran down his cheeks. Colt reached out for him, and his hands felt like heaven.
“Baby, why are you crying?” Jace allowed himself to be wrapped in the firm comfort of Colt’s strong arms, exactly where he was meant to be.
“No matter how I tried, I’ve never stopped loving you. I missed you so bad.” Jace lifted his face and leaned in, bringing his palms up to Colt’s face. “You’re really here.” A smile spread across his face, before he pressed their lips together.
The moment their lips met all the intense feelings Jace tried so desperately to push from his heart came crashing back. Jace deepened the kiss, sliding his tongue forward into the warmth and sweetness of Colt’s parted lips. Their tongues collided in a frenzied dance of heat and passion. He poured ten years of longing into the kiss and feasted on Colt’s mouth. Colt slid his hands up Jace’s back to cup his head, opening his mouth for more of the kiss. Jace melted against Colt and his cock swelled in his shorts.
“I need you so bad,” Jace whispered as he tore his mouth free. He ignored the spinning room, no doubt a lingering effect of the alcohol, and lost himself in the depth of emotion pouring through him. Both emotionally and physically, Jace needed Colt back in his life. For the first time in a long time, he felt complete wrapped in Colt’s arms. The extension of himself was back. He had his heart back in his arms. Jace leaned his head back, closing his eyes, letting Colt nibble hungrily along his jaw.
“I need you too, baby. I’ve missed you,” Colt said, untangling his fingers from Jace’s thick hair. Colt lifted his gaze to Jace’s face. Love and deep regret reflected in Colt’s eyes. The look melted more of Jace’s heart. As Colt spoke, he ran his fingertips down Jace’s neck to his shoulders.
“God, you smell so good, just like I remember. I was so afraid you wouldn’t want me, you wouldn’t forgive me, but I had to come here, at least try.” Colt’s fingers lightly traced the dips and curves of Jace’s broad chest, stopping to circle his hardened nipple with the tip of his finger. Jace did nothing to stop Colt’s exploration of his body. He loved seeing and feeling Colt’s hands touching him again. Colt hesitated, but finally reached out, teasing and rolling the tightening bud, before his strong fingers slid down the front of Jace’s body.
“I’ve only ever wanted you. You’re the only person I’ve ever made love to.” Colt bit his lip as he spoke the sweet words.
“You’re all I’ve ever wanted. No one could ever fill your shoes,” Jace whispered the words, sucking in his breath when Colt’s hand skimmed across his hardened cock. His other hand moved up to Jace’s face, his knuckles ran softly along his cheek, and then came to rest under his chin. Colt used his finger to tip his face up, making Jace look directly at him.
“I only let myself think about this moment one time on the way here. I told myself if you gave me another chance, I would take this slow and somehow prove to you that you’re the only one that ever mattered to me. I’m willing to spend the rest of my life showing you how much you mean to me. I’ll work every single day to be the man you deserve, but let me make love to you tonight. Let me know what it’s like to feel you again. Please.” As Colt spoke, he gently massaged Jace’s cock and drew him in until their foreheads touched. Jace leaned forward and kissed Colt’s lips.
“I’m going to be really pissed off in the morning if this turns out to be a dream,” Jace said, his lips remaining against Colt’s. His hips rolled into Colt’s hand.
“Come on, let me end any doubt right here, right now.” Colt turned Jace in his arms and guided him to the master bedroom.
***
The overhead light was on and Colt flipped the switch, allowing the moonlight to cast a perfect glow through the bedroom window as he urged Jace to the edge of the bed. The moment was perfect. Jace’s warmth pressed along his body, he loved the feeling and wanted so desperately to make tonight count. Too many years had passed since Colt tried to make something special for any one. Actually nine years and ten months since he stood right in this same place letting the moon guide his path. This room, with this man, was the last time he’d cared about who he had sex with. He’d gone full circle and Jace had accepted him back. Colt sighed on a slow grin as relief hit him.