Theron's Return

to believe it’s not that. Relationships are hard even without the baggage the two of you will be dealing with. I think the best thing for you to do is to open up and tell Theron everything. Get it all out into the open from the beginning. Then if things don’t work out down the line you’ll know it wasn’t your past.”

Michael started chewing the inside of his cheek, something he often did when he was nervous. Joe had a good point, but could he chance it? “Can I call you if things don’t go well?” he finally asked.

“You’d better,” Joe said. “Despite what happens with Theron, I expect you in here Monday morning for your regularly scheduled session. If you need to talk over the weekend don’t hesitate to call. Rocco and I will be around.”

“Thanks.” Michael stood and walked to the door. He knew Theron was on the other side in the waiting room being as supportive as any lover could be. Did he have the strength to open up?

“Michael?” Joe asked from behind him.

“I’m okay,” he said. “Just gathering courage.”

“That’s good. Take all the time you need.”

After a few deep breaths, Michael opened the door and came face to face with the man he loved. “Everything okay?” Theron asked with concern in his eyes.

“No. But at least I’m on the right track. Do you care if we stop by BK before going back to the lake house? I need to talk to Charlie.” He had a lot of apologising to do and Charlie was top on the list.

“Sure.” Theron wrapped an arm around Michael and led him towards the parking lot.

raped? Is that why you don’t want to have anything to do with me? You think I’m dirty now, used goods? Is that it?”

Theron’s jaw hung open in apparent shock. “No, that’s not it.”

Michael’s anger quickly turned into need. He grabbed the back of Theron’s hair and tilted the shorter man’s head up. Before he could stop himself, he crushed his lips to Theron’s.

He heard a moan and suddenly Theron was kissing him back. Their tongues duelled for dominance in the tight confines of Theron’s mouth, as Michael ground his erection against the solid wall of the Greek man’s body.

The spell was broken when Theron’s cell phone rang. Their kiss ended as it continued to ring. Theron’s pupils were dilated and his cock hard, if the press against Michael’s thigh was any indication. He sensed Theron’s shock at what they’d just done. Wrapping his arms around the smaller man, Michael tried to pull him even closer. “Please. God, please don’t push me away. I need you.”

“I…I need to get that,” Theron mumbled.

Michael shook his head no, and continued to hold tight. “There’s no one on the other end of that phone who needs you more than I do.”

Theron closed his eyes and rested his head on Michael’s shoulder. “I can’t start something with you. It can’t lead anywhere, don’t you see? I’d be using you, just like all the others.”

The reminder of just how many people had used him over the last several months finally got through to him. Michael released his hold and stepped away. “I get it. I’m