Page 103 of Pride High 2: Orange

“Really?” Anthony asked, starting to squirm. “Because—”

“Yes, really.” Cameron pulled him into a hug.

Their bare skin pressed together. After a moment of disbelief, Anthony squeezed him even closer, recognizing how good it felt to be in his arms. Comfortable. Reassuring. He was ready. Anthony took one of Cameron’s hands and brought it down to his belt, but they stayed close, even as he worked to get it open. Then his hand delved inside. Anthony gasped in appreciation. Cameron’s touch felt so good that he shimmied his jeans and underwear down on his own.

“I knew it,” his boyfriend said, leaning back to see. “But I shouldn’t be surprised. Youaretaller than me. There’s a correlation, right?”

“I have no idea,” Anthony admitted.

“Then maybe we should do some research.” Cameron fell to his knees.

Anthony bit down on a knuckle. The sensation was intense! Once he adjusted, he let his hands drop so he could run fingers through Cameron’s hair. Anthony didn’t feel self-conscious anymore. He wanted more. They began taking turns, eventually ending up on the couch. At a certain point, Cameron had to push him away.

“Let’s go to the bedroom,” he said.

Anthony looked up at him. “Why?”

“Because this couch is velvet, and I’m not sure how easy that is to clean.”

Anthony smiled. “Are you close?”

Cameron chuckled. “Enough to be worried, yeah!”

“And it’s not because you want to see that bedframe again?”

Cameron shrugged. “I mean, it’s hard to think of a better place for the grand finale.”

Anthony got up and pulled him to his feet. Cameron used the opportunity to embrace him again before searching his eyes. “I love you, Anthony,” he said, his voice raw with emotion.

“I love you too,” he promised. “And I always will.”

Anthony took his boyfriend’s hand, led him to the bedroom, and made sure it was a Christmas that neither of them would ever forget.

* * * * *

Soft morning light filled the room. Cameron remained in bed, curled up on his side so he could watch Anthony sleep. His boyfriend’s position mirrored his own, the downturned lips slightly open, his breathing slow. Just looking at him made Cameron’s insides hum. The sensation was overwhelming in the best way possible. And dear lord he was gorgeous! Forget about the furniture of exceptional craftmanship that surrounded them. Anthony was the true masterpiece.

Even now. His red hair, normally tousled, was flat against his head, the black tips almost reaching his eyebrows. Cameron wished he could see its natural color, just once, because he had a thing for blonds. Although he did love Anthony’s punky style. Cameron could never be so daring with his own appearance, too certain he’d become a laughingstock. Anthony was braver about such things. Which is what made his shyness last night so surprising.

Cameron had found it endearing, if not a little puzzling. Although he thought he understood. Guys were always under pressure to be big and strong, which was dumb because skinny and delicate had its own appeal, as did chubby and cuddly. Although he definitely had a preference.

Anthony rolled over onto his back, the blankets pulling away from his body. But not enough for his liking. Cameron reached over and pinched the fabric before very slowly lifting and lowering it. Just enough to expose the pink nipples and protruding ribs. So incredibly beautiful! How could Anthony feel insecure about his body, when all Cameron wanted was to press his lips against that pale skin once more?

He scooted closer, intending to do just that, when Anthony stirred. His eyes fluttered open, a crease appearing on his brow until he remembered where he was. Then his head turned, and when he saw Cameron biting his lower lip, he smiled and murmured, “Good morning.”

“I love you,” Cameron replied.

Anthony laughed. “That’s not the standard response, but I like it.”

“Good, because you’re going to be hearing it a lot from now on.” Cameron slid his hand over a perfectly flat stomach. “Do you feel different?”

“You tell me.”

“Seriously.”

Anthony inhaled. “Not different. Just…more.”

“Exactly,” Cameron said, propping himself up on an elbow. “I feel closer to you now. Do you think that will keep happening the more we make love? Will it ever stop?”