12
Acouple of months later
Spence wokewith one of Ben’s large arms wrapped around him. The weight was comforting, as was the warm body pressed against his back. He’d easily fallen into the position of little spoon and loved to wake in the warm cocoon of Ben’s hold. He smiled.Who would have thought Ben was a cuddler?As he lay there in the early dawn light, Spence counted his blessings. It had been a pretty horrendous year all around, but a year that had seen he and Ben finally get together, so he wouldn’t change a thing.
Well, okay, so maybe he would change a few things, especially Ben’s trip to the hospital. He gently skimmed his fingers over the scar on Ben’s bicep. It had healed well, but an angry red ridge remained, a memory of that frightening day a couple of months ago. Spence continued his movement along Ben’s arm until he reached his hand, where he tangled their fingers together and pulled their joined hands to his chest. Snug and safe in the warm bed, with Ben’s gentle breath in his ear, he thought of the good things rather than focusing on the bad.
He and Ben now shared the apartment. It had taken a couple of weeks for Ben to get back on his feet, but he’d gotten back to his business as soon as he’d been given the doctor’s all-clear to commence light duties. Spence was just grateful he’d waited that long, as Ben had been champing at the bit to get back to work. In the early days, Spence worked beside Ben doing the landscaping work that Ben wasn’t able to do until his arm healed fully. He loved the work, and being with Ben was the icing on the cake. As Ben had recovered and new clients continued to request his services, it had actually made sense for Spence to continue working with him. At least for now. They’d fallen into a pattern where Spence divided his time between joining the new guys out on the jobs and running the office. This freed Ben to focus on the design element and meeting with clients. They made the perfect team.
Ben shifted in the bed. Spence looked at the clock on the bedside table. Nearly seven. They’d have to get up soon.
He did a mental calculation. Mel and Cameron’s wedding was in the afternoon, and, as best men, they had to get over to Cameron’s to help him get ready, but they had hours yet. Spence heated as he thought of how they could spend the morning. Perhaps they should spend some of that time in the amazing new shower—Ben’s gift to him—that they’d christened last night? With its huge size, overhead rain shower, and jets at either end, he had no doubt they’d spend many hours in there together, loving on each other.
My God, the sex was fantastic. Not that he’d any doubts after the first time Ben had touched him. They made fireworks. They’d certainly not shied away from experimenting with the pleasure they could bring each other. Hours of hot and heavy kissing, hours just spent touching and licking. Hours of torturous rubbing and grinding against each other. A simple hand job was anything but when Ben wrapped his large hands around Spence, slowly stroking him to completion, perfection. And, holy shit, the first blow job. It was magnificent. He had loved every minute of Ben’s mouth on him, but the chance to taste Ben was better than anything he could have imagined. Hot, hard, smooth, and eventually pulsing on Spence’s tongue. He’d savoured every drop of Ben’s essence.
Just remembering the wicked things Ben did to his body had Spence squirming, and just as well, as he felt the firmness of Ben’s morning wood against his arse. He pressed back and encouraged the gentle movements as Ben slowly slid along his crack.
“Good morning, gorgeous,” Ben whispered in his ear.
Oh, yeah.It was a good morning indeed!
His desire built as Ben continued his thrusting and reached around to grip Spence’s erection. Spence groaned in response and reached out to the bedside table for supplies.The best way to wake up, ever.
* * *
Ben moved slowly,relishing the sensation of being inside Spence. It amazed him, each and every day, that Spence had given so much of himself. Spence was a gift, something Ben would treasure forever and never take for granted. He nuzzled Spence’s neck, inhaling the scent that was now so familiar. Spence was warm from sleep, his lean body providing a sweet press of heat against Ben’s front. Ben pulled back, then pushed into the welcoming heat, eliciting a groan from Spence.
Spence reached behind and grasped his hip, fingers digging in. “More. Jesus, Ben, I need more.”
Desire coursed through Ben at the words. More, he could do. In fact, he didn’t think he would ever get enough. He snapped his hips, forcing another moan from Spence, then another. They moved together, the sensual rhythm of slow movement becoming urgent as they drove for their release.
Oh my God.The sensations washed over him. Ben reached around and grabbed Spence’s cock, his slick fingers becoming slipperier as Spence’s climax pulled Ben’s own orgasm to the surface. His heart slammed into his ribs as he gave in to the pleasure.Fuck.
It took a moment to catch his breath, but as soon as he could move again, he nudged Spence, encouraging him to roll over. Spence turned in his arms, raising his face. Ben dipped his head and brought their lips together.Wow.
Spence smothered a laugh against Ben’s mouth.
Ben pulled back so their gazes met. “What?”
“I was just thinking that early mornings are a lot more appealing now.”
Ben chuckled. “Well, I definitely could get used to this.”
“I hope so.”
“Iknowso.”
With that, Spence jumped from the bed. “C’mon. Let’s get this show on the road. We’ve got a wedding to get to.”
* * *
Cameron’s backyardlooked nothing like it had only months ago. Now it was a green oasis filled with trees and lush lawn. Overflowing flower beds provided a riot of colour in amongst the low-maintenance plants, and formal paths encouraged exploration. When they’d first heard of Cameron and Mel’s plans for a garden wedding, Spence had suggested they remodel the garden as their gift to the happy couple. Now, seeing the finished product in all its glory made the blood, sweat, and tears so worth it. The newlyweds had loved it, making Spence’s thoughtful gesture all that more special.
A large white tent took centre stage for the wedding festivities, and Ben watched his friends and family with a smile on his face.
Mel and Cameron were dancing in each other’s arms, turning slow circles on the dance floor. They looked adoringly at one another, their love so obvious. Seeing their adoration had him immediately seeking out Spence. He was standing by the bar, holding a glass of champagne, and damn, he looked bloody hot in his suit. The slim-fitting black trousers and matching jacket emphasised his lean physique—wide shoulders, slim waist, and those legs.Wow!
Ben forced his eyes away, seeking out his mum. He didn’t think he’d ever get over the protective instinct he felt towards her, but they were in a much better place now. With his father now permanently out of the picture, his mum and Maddy had moved to a new, smaller place not too far from Ben and Spence’s apartment. Moving to a new house gave them a fresh start and meant they weren’t continually surrounded by bad memories, the reminders of the bad times. Ben was sad at the loss of the tree house, the place where he’d first realised his feelings for Spence and where they’d spent emotional times together, but it was hard to hold any real regrets when they were making so many new and happier memories.
Ben still helped out his mum, but she and Maddy were both so busy—Maddy with her studies and his mum with a new job at the local aged care facility—that they were hardly ever home, which meant he had heaps of time to devote to Spence. Spence approached and passed the glass of champagne to his mum. She smiled her thanks, and Ben’s heart overflowed to see the two of them getting along so well. Spence had always been part of the family, but now hereally waspart of the family.
Everyone had been so accepting of his and Spence’s new boyfriend status. Their relationship hadn’t been too much of a shock to anyone. Sure, a bit of a surprise to some, but quickly welcomed, and they were surrounded by love and support. The support had extended to Suzie, who couldn’t have been happier for Ben and Spence. It probably didn’t hurt that once her ex, Paul, had found out about the baby, he’d immediately jumped on a plane and come home. Once the baby was born, they were going to look at their options. Suzie and Paul might move back to London, but it was still undecided.
Spence looked up, his gaze landing on Ben. He beamed with happiness as their eyes locked.
Ben’s thoughts scattered as he focused on the man who’d captured his heart. He couldn’t contain his grin as Spence crossed the lawn and grasped his hands. His grip was warm and sure and intimate. He still couldn’t believe that he could have missed out on all of this because of his fear of losing Spence’s friendship. What they had now was so much more, and his heart was full.
Life was too short, and Ben wasn’t going to let a moment of it pass without being grateful for what he had. He wrapped Spence in his arms, holding him close.So very grateful.But as he looked over Spence’s shoulder at the wedding scene in front of him, dreams took flight.One day...
THE END