From the back room, Lee emerged. He didn't say anything, but Peter felt his presence, like a lifeblood that was keeping him alive. Being together had bonded them in ways he hadn't known existed. He now actually felt Lee's presence, and his emotions, far more strongly than he'd realized anyone could for another. It had started that first night together, when they began to learn one another's bodies, awkward and worshipful in equal measures, and it was still growing.
Now, though they each still ran separate businesses, Lee had quietly moved into Peter's rooms. They fit surprisingly well. In more ways than one. Life with Lee seemed to be a constant source of revelation for Peter. The physical side of their feelings for one another, that he had thought might be awkward, proved extremely enjoyable. There was always something new to explore, and they never seemed to tire of one another. And there were unexpected joys to waking up beside this man, a quiet warmth, a happiness that Peter hadn't known existed, at least for him.
"I hope you know I didn't marry you just for your coffee," Lee had said once, and flushed hotly. "Er, I didn't mean 'marry' exactly…"
But Peter just grinned; he knew. He felt the same way. The thing between them was settled, once and for all. There was an easiness underlying the passion, a trust that seemed too deep and wide to ever leave. Perhaps because of the magic between them; perhaps because of the danger they'd survived. Peter didn't know. All he knew was that he was very, very grateful for it.
Joel had, aside from a few smirking winks, made himself scarce and given "the lovebirds" (as he put it) time to themselves. He could be tactful, in his own way.
Business had perked up for Peter, though he hadn't needed to hire anyone to help him so far. Particularly well-selling were his protection sachets. He didn't sell any to ladies of the evening, as far as he knew, but every school boy or girl, housewife, and miner wanted one for themselves—just in case. Though no one quite dared ask him about it directly, Peter had the feeling the story of his magic use was getting better with each retelling.
Lanstrom still eyed him warily (and from a distance) when he and his partner stopped by to check in on their rounds. But Miles had broken down and asked for help with his freckles.
"I don't think Jan is partial to freckles," he'd said, leaning conspiratorially over the counter and giving Peter a wink. Peter, who still had the tremendous capacity to blush, did so.
"I thought that police officers…" he began awkwardly.
"Oh, yes, well, I don't think he even notices me that way, but even so, he's mentioned the freckles, and not in a good way."
"You're a vain young man," said Peter, smiling. "Of course I'll help." Who wouldn't want to be noticed by the handsome Lanstrom—for something other than freckles?
Lee had been helping round the shop when he could spare the time, which wasn't often, because he was busy selling baked goods and fried pies to policemen and everyone else. His business was taking off, well enough that he'd been able to hire a second helper, part-time, with a view to becoming full-time.
Now, Peter watched the front door, waiting for Lee to speak if he meant to do so, and simply enjoying the late-evening quiet of the shop and the presence of his partner.
"All right?" asked Lee at last.
Peter smiled. "Oh yes. Would you like some coffee?" He didn't move, didn't turn, because he could feel Lee coming up behind him, intent on surprising him, and completely unable to.
"No," said Lee softly, lacing arms proprietarily around his middle and leaning closer to whisper hoarsely in his ear. "I'd like something else."
"Ah, a brownie? Because I have a few left over from a baker friend of mine. Would you like me to fetch—"
"Close the shop, Mr. Magic Man. Come to bed. You need your beauty sleep!"
"Ah, is that what I need?" Lee's gentle, firm hands rubbed across his stomach, leaving Peter breathless and shivery. "What were we talking about again?"
"Can't remember," said Lee softly. "Maybe we should finish pulling the curtains."
"Oh. Oh dear. Yes, of course!" He moved forward, flushing to his cheekbones, but not before he saw Mary's laughing face—back again, the little scamp!—pressed against the glass at the edge where the curtain hadn't quite closed, hands cupped round her little face to shield it so she could shamelessly watch.
The End
About the author
Hollis Shiloh writes love stories about men, with the preferred genres of contemporary, historical, and fantasy. Hollis's stories tend toward the sweet rather than the spicy. When not writing, the author enjoys reading, listening to music, and being around animals. Blog: http://hollisshiloh.blogspot.com/ email: [email protected]
Thank you for reading my story! Please consider taking a few minutes to leave a review on Amazon. It can be as short or as long as you like, and helps other readers decide if a story is for them. I appreciate every review!
Also by the author:
Jude's Magic – fantasy romance
Adrian's Librarian – Regency romance published by Dreamspinner Press
Falling for Archie – contemporary romance
Winton's Strays – historical Christmas romance
Strawberry Rivals – contemporary summery romance
His Paparazzo – contemporary romance
Hearts of Gold – adventurous fantasy romance
Moths and Men – Vietnam era romance
Good With Dragons – angsty fantasy romance
Colton and Ry – gentle firefighter romance
Yours, Johnny – Vietnam era New Adult pen pal romance
Repairs with Rhett – erotic contemporary romance
The One for Me – contemporary interracial romance
Charlie & Leo – angsty British romance
Man's Best Friend – free short contemporary (on my blog)
The Keeper – historical fantasy set at a lighthouse
Mark & Spence – Christmas fantasy romance
Design by the Sea – contemporary romance
Jack & Julian – historical British romance
Loved You Once – Regency romance
You Were Always the One – from Dreamspinner Press (contemporary)
The Christmas Mansion – gentle magical romance in RJ Scott's free Christmas anthology
Coming soon:
Songs By Heart – from Spare Words Press (contemporary full-length novel)
Always Saying Goodbye – from Less Than Three Press (angsty British romance)
Brian's Mate – from Dreamspinner Press (wolf shifter romance)
A Wizard's Shelter – from Dreamspinner Press (historical fantasy selkie romance)
Magic for Lee (sweet gay romance) Page 8