The first was when Cole fell again, on an escalator this time, and Sloan had to force himself to stand back and let Cole manage on his own. It upset him so much he clawed at his thighs until they were streaked with blood. Cole walked in on him, clasped his hands, and threatened to tie him up if he didn’t behave.
The second incident occurred the night their fathers showed up unexpectedly. Joe Driscoll had been surprisingly supportive of the new relationship, despite the fact he’d been summoned to New York by a blistering phone call from Ken, accusing Sloan of warping Cole’s mind. Joe countered by telling Ken to face reality the way he had years ago when Sloan admitted he was gay. Joe was relieved his son was finally settled and content. Ken went a little crazy, as expected.
The blow-up lasted for several hours, and it included a lot of name-calling and angry accusations, but Cole had stood his ground with his arm firmly on Sloan’s shoulder. He announced in no uncertain terms that he was bisexual, and his family would have to learn to live with it. It was a proud moment for the couple, but Sloan had reached for the blade later on, certain Cole would regret his stand. His fears were washed away along with the bloody water after Cole interrupted him and tended to his wounds. He promised he wasn’t going anywhere, and the loving attention he received in Cole’s arms settled him and made him throw away the blade the next morning.
“How long can you stay?” Sloan asked.
“My class doesn’t start until eleven.”
“We’ll break in a few, and then maybe we can grab a coffee.”
“Have you eaten anything at all?” Cole asked.
“Not since dinner.”
“What have I told you?”
“No time, dude. I was crazed this morning.”
“Well, fortunately, I know you too well.” He dug into the side pocket of his briefcase and pulled out an energy bar loaded with protein. “Eat.”
Sloan smiled and reached for the bar. “Thank you.”
“Welcome. I have a vested interest in your continued good health,” Cole teased.
“Oh?”
“I refuse to put up with an exhausted partner at the end of the day.”
“Why not?” Sloan leaned in and whispered in Cole’s ear. “Do you have plans for the evening?”
“Don’t I always?”
“Yes, and it usually involves sex.”
“I can’t help it.” Cole snickered. “Starting a day without our morning ritual of sex, shower, and more sex is as bad as it gets.”
“I’m sorry I had to run. I’ll make it up to you later.”
“No sorrier than me.”
“You can show me how much you love me tonight,” Sloan said, pressing closer.
“Cole,” Max interrupted, appearing in front of Cole’s face like a dark shadow. “Do you think we could borrow Freddie for a few headshots with Sloan?”
Cole felt his dog shift as soon as he heard his name. He laid his hand on Freddie’s head, bidding him to stay, and Freddie settled down immediately. He was in tune with Cole’s every command, a smart animal that had brought so much joy into his and Sloan’s life.
“You’ll have to ask Freddie,” Cole replied.
Max knelt down in front of the golden retriever and said, “What do you think, you big queen? Can I take your picture?”
Freddie barked loudly, and his tail swished back and forth, pleased to be the center of attention again.
“I think he said yes,” Sloan said, grinning as he watched the scenario unfold.
“Would Freddie ever refuse the spotlight?” Max drawled.
About the Author
Mickie B. Ashling is the pseudonym of a multi-published author who resides in a suburb outside Chicago. She is a product of her upbringing in various cultures, having lived in Japan, the Philippines, Spain, and the Middle East. Fluent in three languages, she’s a citizen of the world and an interesting mixture of East and West.
Since 2009, Mickie has written several dozen novels in the LGBTQ+ genre—which have been translated into French, Italian, Spanish, and German. Lately, her muse has been nudging her in a different direction, and she’s learned through past experience to pay attention to creative sparks that show up unexpectedly. Her pen name is a part of her now, and will travel along on this exciting new journey, wherever it might lead.
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Also by Mickie B. Ashling
Third Son
Enforcing Emory
My Semana Grande
Mayon
Saying Goodbye
Yesterday
Finding Our Morning
LEGACY SERIES
A Tangled Legacy (1)
A Noble Cause (2)
BASQUE TRILOGY
Loving Edits (1)
Tono (2)
Momentos: Mick’s Journey (3)
BAY AREA PROFESSIONALS
Impacted! (1)
Bonds of Love (2)
Fractured (3)
Forged in Trust (4)
Yield (5)
CUTTING CORDS SERIES
Cutting Cords (1)
Vessel (2)
Cleave (3)
Cutting Out (4)
HORIZONS SERIES
Horizons (1)
Taste (2)
Daddio (3)
Chyna Doll (4)
Through My Own Lens (5)
Being With Him (6)
THE OPEN SERIES
Open Seating (1)
Open House (2)
Open Case (3)
POLO SERIES
Fire Horse (1)
Ride-Off (2)
The Sixth Chukker (3)
Cutting Cords (Cutting Cords Series Book 1) Page 21