Page 45 of Glow

“Hang in there,” Liam said, and Dan knew the librarian understood how much the whole situation upset him. “We’ll get this settled.”

They thanked Liam again before ending the call. Without being asked, Quinn got up and returned with the coffee pot to pour refills for both of them.

“Spill,” Quinn said when he sat. “That’s a lot to process.”

“I’m never going to watch one of those adventure movies about an innocent man on the run again,” Dan said. “For the record, the movies make it a lot more glamorous, and we never see the hero throw up.”

“Fair,” Quinn replied. “What else?”

“I don’t think I’m hero material,” Dan replied. “I was always the skinny kid in dodgeball. And being the target of a professional killer is the total opposite of exciting or sexy. But the podcasters and Harrison have hurt a lot of people and gotten away with it. I guess going through all this is worth it if it stops them from hurting anyone else.”

“You’re a hero to me.” Quinn leaned in for a kiss that promised more. “You’re hanging in there, not hiding in the closet, not totally retreating from life. Moving to a new place, making decisions to increase your safety, starting a new love affair.” He had a mischievous glint in his eyes. “That all takes bravery. Maybe not like in the movies, but it’s real. And I think that you should stay with me full time, at least until this is all settled.”

He held up a hand to forestall Dan’s protests. “Yes, our relationship is new, but it’s certainly holding up well under pressure. The more we’re together, the surer I am that we are fated mates. I get wanting to ease into it and not going too far, too fast, but my priority is keeping you safe. If you want to have a little breathing space when the dust settles and move out again, we can work through that. But I lose too much sleep wondering if you’re okay.”

Dan smiled. “If you were expecting an argument, you won’t get one from me. Yes, all those concerns ran through my mind, but none of it matters if I’m dead. So be careful what you wish for, you’ve got a new housemate. And yeah, I agree—and so does Wally—that we’re mates.”

Quinn smiled broadly. “Great. I can come with you to get anything you need to bring.”

“That won’t take much, I didn’t unpack,” Dan confessed. “I had the feeling we were going to jump in with both feet sooner rather than later.”

I told you so, Wally interjected smugly.

“I think we were both trying to be logical, rational, and mature instead of impetuous,” Quinn agreed. “But we got to the same conclusion anyhow.”

They cleaned up the dinner dishes and put leftovers away, then headed into the living room couch to watch television. Dan snuggled close, suddenly feeling the weight of the day. “Hold me,” he whispered. “I need to feel close to you. Help me stop thinking about this mess.”

Quinn tipped Dan’s head so he could look into his eyes. “Gladly.”

CHAPTER 8

QUINN

Quinn wrapped his arms around Dan, who leaned in and rested his cheek against Quinn’s shoulder. Dan shuddered, and Quinn held him close until the trembling stopped.

“You’re safe here. I’ve got you.” Quinn took in the smell of his lover’s shampoo and aftershave, mingled with a scent that was uniquely him. Quinn kissed the side of Dan’s face, working from hairline to chin, and then gently nuzzled him into position and pressed their lips together.

He felt Dan’s heart speed up, and deepened the kiss, sliding his tongue against his closed lips, seeking entry. Dan opened his mouth and licked Quinn’s tongue and lips, growing more heated as their bodies responded.

Quinn pulled Dan to straddle his lap and ran his hands up and down Dan’s back, appreciating the sinewy muscle of his shoulders and arms. Dan’s knees bracketed Quinn’s hips, rubbing their crotches together. It didn’t take long until both of them were panting.

“How do you want it?”

“Hard and fast,” Dan said in a raw voice. “I don’t want to think.”

“I can make that happen,” Quinn replied with a wicked smile. He shifted enough to increase the friction and pulled Dan’s hips against him as he began to buck and rut. Neither of them lasted long, coming almost simultaneously.

Dan slumped against him, and Quinn ran a hand through his mate’s sweat-tinged hair. “I love you,” he murmured.

“Love you too,” Dan replied. “That helped a lot, but now I’m sticky.”

Quinn chuckled. “Let’s shower together. Then we can watch TV or go to sleep, your pick.” They stripped quickly as Quinn let the water heat. The shower was a close fit for two grown men, but that just added to the appeal. “Let me take care of you.” He took his time massaging shampoo into Dan’s hair and soaping down his body, letting the sweat and tension wash away.

Dan returned the favor, taking extra time to tweak Quinn’s nipples and slick his package, leading to another climax before they rinsed off and stepped out.

“Best shower ever.” Dan sounded sleepy but relaxed.

Quinn wrapped a towel around his own hips and took the other towel from Dan so he could dry him off, enjoying the contact.