The Current Between Us

“Daddy, I didn’t want you to feel bad because I had a girlfriend and you don’t have anyone. Auntie Sophia said you were lonely and you needed to go out and meet people.” Hunter spilled it all out and finally lifted those big green eyes to his, worry all over his face.

“Son, how could I be lonely? I have you and Em with me?”

“Daddy, that’s what I thought, too. I was right!” Hunter wrapped his arms around Trent’s neck and hugged him tight, then bounded off, apparently done with the conversation. Rhonny and Em stood by the kitchen door, waiting on him.

“Bye, Gage,” Hunter said, zooming from the room.

“Bye, Gage,” Em called.

“Bye, guys, thanks for helping me with breakfast,” he said. Em came back to give him a hug before she took off into the living room. Trent sat across the table for several long moments before Gage moved closer, taking Hunter’s seat.

“You’re a very good father, and I’m so sorry. He caught me at the door and I didn’t know what to do,” Gage said.

“You covered it well,” Trent said, taking a drink of his coffee.

“He totally busted me. I waited too long to leave. I laid there watching you sleep and lost track of time,” Gage said, watching Trent closely.

“You watched me sleep?” Trent asked, his grin growing with each word spoken.

“Absolutely, I’m a man in love! You’re the most exquisite thing I’ve ever laid eyes on.” Gage leaned in and gave Trent a sweet soft kiss on the lips. “I have to get going. My plane needs to leave by ten. I’m sorry to leave you with the dishes.”

“No, it’s fine, besides you said whoever cooks shouldn’t do the dishes. Thank you for breakfast,” Trent said. Gage reached across the table, taking Trent’s hand.

“Thank you for last night. I loved waking up with you in my arms,” Gage said, leaning into Trent again, kissing him a little more than before. Gage gave a small swipe of his tongue this time.

“I slept good, too. I didn’t want to get up,” Trent said, leaning close.

“Me either, it’s why Hunter caught me. I’ll have to do better next time,” Gage said, getting up, placing his cup in the sink. “Walk me out?”

“Sure.” Trent scooted his chair out and took Gage through the living room to the front door. Once on the porch, Gage turned, taking Trent into his arms pushing him to the far reaches of the porch somewhat secluded from the street.

“I don’t want to leave,” Gage said and leaned in, placing a simple kiss on Trent’s lips. Trent wrapped his arms around Gage, tightening his hold. He didn’t want Gage to leave. He wanted exactly this moment every day from now until… well, forever.

“Be safe this trip. Make it an amazing story,” Trent said, feeling reasonably sure he sounded convincing.

“I meant everything I said last night,” Gage said while never leaving Trent’s personal space.

“Me too,” Trent said. And I want you to say it again.

“I want to kiss you so badly, but I haven’t brushed me teeth,” Gage said, and Trent reached up, but Gage pulled back. Not willing to be denied, Trent grinned and lifted his hand to Gage’s head before he spun him around, changing positions. Now he had Gage pressed back against the wall. Trent slanted his mouth over Gage’s and thrust his tongue forward. Gage didn’t resist and opened for the kiss. Trent kissed him long and hard until his dick stood wanting and his knees wobbled. Even then it took several minutes before he pulled away.

“Think about me when you’re gone. No meeting any men along the way,” Trent said, drawing Gage into a hug.

“You have nothing to worry about there. My guy holds my heart.” Gage leaned in to kiss Trent’s neck as one of the Coop Electric trucks pulled into the driveway behind Gage’s Prius. His electrician could see everything from where he sat in his truck. All eyes met one another. His electrician’s eyes narrowed, really taking in the scene before looking away.

“I haven’t hid, I swear, but I’ve never mixed it all up like this. I guess I’m completely out now,” Trent said, turning back to Gage trying to hide his worry.

“It’s all good. They’re gonna have to get used to seeing me around, Trent. I’m here to stay.” Gage kissed him again on the lips and pulled free of the hold. He took the steps down, looking back over his shoulder. “I’ll call you as soon as I can and let you know my schedule. I’m going to Mexico. I don’t know how good my signal will be, but I’ll try to stay in touch. Remember those gifts are coming tomorrow, and tell Em happy birthday for me. I really wish I could be here for both her and you, I’ll try. I love you.”

“I love you,” Trent called after him and watched his electrician back out of the driveway to let Gage leave, then pulled back into the drive a little too aggressively. Trent kept his eyes on the guy, until he pulled past the house into the back, and he prayed everything would work out.

Chapter 18

The surveillance equipment laid spread across Gage’s bed, and he looked over everything, ticking off his mental check list of needed supplies. His cameras, lenses, scores of memory cards, tripods, cleaning equipment, all terrain laptop, and back up everything were all ready to go. On the other side of the bed, his personal climbing gear, binoculars, compass, canteen, toiletries, and clothing consisting of a couple of T-shirts, shorts, socks, underwear, and bandanas scattered across the coverlet. Gage packed numerous bandanas to keep the sweat out of his eyes and the dust from his mouth.

He didn’t plan on staying long. Gage added his broadcasting equipment to the gear, but in his heart he planned to do what it took to be back here for Emalynn’s birthday party on Sunday. That meant he would fly back to Mexico on Monday morning to broadcast his findings from the short weekend trip.