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Summer Games, Apparent Flame
`Thanks. Good work,' I tell some soul who was clocking out of the office after they wished me a good summer holiday.
No special reason as to why I decided to use my paid leave on the first two weeks of summer. I haven't family to visit nor do I have spectacular plans; well, unless you consider staying at home and binging shows from the 80s as the perfect getaway.
I just wanted time to myself. I've nowhere else to be later in the year, so I thought it'd be wise to use my days whenever I wanted to.
In no way am I miserable. I enjoy my life. I have a steady job, an okay apartment--in the city, nonetheless--and a few friends whom I can consider trustworthy. `Why not plan something with your friends?' may be a question I've heard countless times, and to be honest, the reason is quite simple: I just don't want to go through the trouble of doing so. The close friends I do have are wonderful people, but they're extremely extroverted. Their idea of fun requires booze and dancing with strangers. That's not really my thing. Call me a prude, but I like what I like.
As I wrapped up my work, another soul appeared before me. I assumed I had to repeat what I had said to the previous coworker, but then I saw him.
`Headed home?' Michael asked.
Ah, Michael. Michael Sterling. A tall and handsome man who fits the ideal male archetype. He also happens to be in the same department as me. I've no strong feelings about him. He's a pleasant coworker. Reliable, and that is enough for me.
`I know you're off for your secret getaway tomorrow, but come grab a drink with me?' he smiled as he clasped his hands together. And pouted his lower lip. And looked at me with those deep blue eyes.
Fine, I may or may not have had a crush on him at some point, but that changes nothing. I stand by what I meant when I said I do not have strong feelings about and for Michael.
Or...there may be some lingering feelings, I suppose.
`What'll you have?'
I rolled up my sleeves as I sat down at our table. `I don't drink.'
Michael tilted his head slightly with a raised eyebrow.
`A Shirley Temple, please.'
He looked at me funnily before smiling. `Gotcha.'
I watched him make his way to the bar to place our orders. His back was a magnificent view which made me wonder if he wore tight shirts on purpose so he could put it on display like that. Michael for sure has noticed how the office folk swoon over him. They make it too obvious and Michael would be a completely oblivious fool not to have noticed any of it. I wonder if their admiration for him is what makes him not wear looser clothing.
Michael seems to get along well with everybody in the office. He's one of those extremely likable people. I'm not by any means a hateful or bitter person as I'm very much neutral with everyone I interact with at the office and I'm friendly with some of them, at most. Michael, however, just has this effect on me--and everyone else, it seems. If it were anybody else inviting me for drinks at the very last minute, I'm sure I'd have declined.
Here we are,' he said, arriving with our drinks. A Shirley Temple for you and a x for me.'
He sat across from me and immediately took a sip of his drink. `So, busy day tomorrow?'
Not really,' I responded. So, you wanted to talk about something?'
He quirked an eyebrow. `What?'
`You wanted to meet.'
He shook his head and chuckled. `What, I need a reason to hang out with you?'
He would, actually. It would be the only logical explanation for him asking me to meet, to begin with. The fact that he simply wanted to meet up with me in a casual fashion made me curious if I'm being frank.
`Hang out for what?' I asked.
`Tell me about your trip!'
My eyes narrowed slightly. It dawned upon me that it would be a bit embarrassing to admit that I, in fact, do not have any extravagant plans for the summer which I'm using my paid leave on. I normally would not care what other people thought, and to a certain extent, I don't. I guess since it's Michael, the situation is different.
`I don't have any plans.'
His eyes widened, hearing my answer. `But you're taking like two weeks off.'
`Yes.'
`And you won't be doing anything?' Michael asks with a raised eyebrow.
He thinks I'm weird. Wonderful. I suppose Michael's definition of a perfect summer getaway would be beach parties and a bunch of people getting wasted, but like I said, not for me.
I shook my head as a response and he simply hummed in acknowledgement.
`Just me and a bunch of old sitcoms, I'm afraid,' I said, attempting to ease the awkwardness. Mine, at least.
There was a silence in between the sips of our drinks. I'd expected this meeting to be livelier since Michael is someone who speaks a lot--not that I find him annoying for that, of course. His voice is a velvety smooth baritone and it is quite pleasing to the ears, so I could listen to him yap all day if I must.
The silence started to physically bother me, so I took the initiative. Just like with office work. `Do you have any plans?'
What a stupid question. As far as I knew, Michael didn't request any days off. He'd be in the office like most of our single coworkers. That is, assuming he's single. `Sorry, I take it you'll be in office this summer?'
That got a smile from him for whatever reason. `Yeah, but it's Q3 and our department's not that busy.'
`So you're not gonna do anything?' he added.
`Binging shows is hardly doing nothing.'
Michael scratches the back of his head and lets out a sheepish smile upon hearing my retort. `Right, sorry.'
There was another silence but it was not as prolonged as the previous one. Michael downed the last of his liquor and cleared his throat before looking at me with his gorgeous eyes. What left his lips afterward took me by surprise. `What if I came over some time? Board games. You like board games, right?'
Confused would be an understatement. I had no idea what's gotten into him or what he was aiming for.
`What, why?' I ask as I finish my mocktail.
I could see a hint of a blush on his cheeks. I surely doubt Michael's a lightweight. I've attended a few company dinners and Michael could definitely handle more than one glass of alcohol. I'd seen it before, so this was...weird.
Michael took one deep breath, screwing his eyes shut before letting it go and opening his eyes to gaze--not drunkenly--at me. `I like you.'
It was as if I was the one who was drunk because I laughed. Laughed. Not a small chuckle or a humorless giggle. I laughed like I heard the funniest joke since my great-uncle Steven came out to the family as a flat-earther over a fancy dinner.
The handsome man before me furrowed his brows--really looked at me--as if I had offended him. `Why's that funny?'
I wiped a tear from the corner of my eye and calmed myself. It was a rather silly display to laugh like that in front of Michael. `You just caught me off guard with the joke. That's all.'
`Not a joke.'
`Michael.'
I like you, Sam,' he confessed again. I really do. For a while now, actually.'
It was my turn to clear my throat. Either this was real or it was a cruel, cruel jock on Michael's part. If it was the latter, I wonder if I could sue him for emotional distress.
`Stop it. That's not nice.'
`What, me liking you?'
`Yeah. That.'
He snorted with a light laugh. `Is that so hard to believe?'
`I think you've had too much to drink, Michael.'
I only had a glass,' he says, rolling his eyes. And you know I'm not a lightweight.'
I knew it!
My body reacted to the whole situation rather poorly. I felt antsy everywhere, from my fingertips to my toes. I've never been one for romantic confessions like this one. To be fair, I've never been in a similar situation. Most of my relationships--not many to begin with--were as bland as one could wonder.
I needed an out, so I tapped on the screen of my phone. It was only half past eight, but I wanted--no, needed--to get out of the bar. `I think I should get home. It's pretty late.'
I placed a few bucks on the table, not knowing how much I owed him for the mocktail. All I knew was I needed to leave.
Sam!' he called out. Sam, wait!'
He chased me down. It wasn't much of a chase as he caught me as soon as I had one foot out of the bar. `What's up with you?'
What's up with me?' I glared lightly. What's up with you?'
Michael relaxed his grip on my arm and looked at me with a soft gaze after releasing a light breath from his lips. My eyes met his as well. I had to look a little bit up as he was taller than me by a few inches. Okay, more than a few.
The noise from the streets and the overall business of the city was blocked out as our gazes locked on one another. I should run. Definitely. He legally cannot keep me from going home right this instance.
`Look, just...give me a chance?'
`Look for chances with the others at the office. I'm sure they'll be up for whatever plans you have,' I replied in the nicest and politest tone I could muster.
This,' I add, pointing at both him and I, can't happen. It just won't work.'
`Why not? Let's just have a casual, friendly date first. Like I said, board games at your place!'
`Absolutely not.'
`We can do a word battle or buy fake property!' Michael beamed as he brought both board games out of his tote bag.
Against my better judgment, I invited him over to my place on Sunday. I am a fool, I know, but you cannot fault me for it. I gave in and thought maybe having some company during my break would be decent. At the very least, it would do no harm.
`The first one,' I said.
Michael set the board and I arranged my letters. The game would be simpler than fighting over property til one of us files for bankruptcy, I thought. I went first as I had to closest alphabet to `A'. The game went on as normally as it could have, with Michael being there. I thought I'd be a bit more frazzled due to his company but surprisingly, I was at ease. He didn't make it awkward and I suppose I didn't either. However, another part of me felt as if this was unnecessary. Of course, Michael's being here was already unnecessary but if I recall correctly, he proposed this to be a date. This, whatever this is, it does not feel like a date.
Lost,' I say as I place the appropriate letters surrounding the letter S'.
I feel like I'm losing already,' Michael chuckled. He puts down the letter Y' at the end of `Horn' which I had formed earlier, and snickered like a fool.
I sigh and roll my eyes. `You're such a child.'
Michael continued to laugh as he lay flat on the floor before letting out a long sigh and stretching his arms and legs. `I'm beat.'
`Beaten.'
`What?'
You said bea--never mind,' I say. What do you wanna do now?'
The man perked up, propping himself up with his elbows. `You don't want me to leave?'
Fuck. I should've kept my mouth shut, or better yet, told him to leave.
I don't mind just staying here for a bit,' he says. Unless you mind.'
I'm absolutely going to regret this, aren't I? `I don't mind.'
Michael made small talk and we discussed miscellaneous things like hobbies. I brought up the topic of work once but he shut me down because `work shouldn't be discussed when you're on leave!' and to a certain degree, I agree.
`So, did you think about what I said?' he asked.
I knew he was referring to the short conversation we had the other night about him liking me. What he doesn't know is that he wasn't the only one with feelings of fondness. `Not really.'
I was never raised to be a liar yet here I am.
`What is it do you not like about me?'
`What is it do YOU like about ME?' I asked, turning the question back towards him.
Without missing a beat, he answered. `I like how smart you are. I like how real you are. I like how cute you are. How easy it is to talk to you.'
The latter two were blatant lies.
`That so hard to believe?' he says with a genuine and soft smile.
I like Michael, too.
I like how kind he is. I like how considerate he is. I like how passionate he is about things he likes. He's easy on the eyes as well, which doesn't hurt one bit. Anybody would be lucky to have him, which is exactly why this entire conversation is making me feel uneasy.
`What are you doing?' I ask as he scoots closer to me. I could smell his cologne and as he inched closer, I got a whiff of his shampoo and conditioner. Camellia and bergamot. What an odd combination but the fragrance was pleasing to the nasal cavities.
I really like you, Sam,' he smiled, gently holding my hand. His voice was a whisper. Promise me you'll tell me if you don't want this?'
His eyes were soft and gentle, similar to his touch, and I was drowning in his gaze and melting against his touch. Should I tell him I do not want this? That I don't like him?
I've already told one lie today, and like I said, I wasn't raised to be a liar.
Fuck it.
I leaned forward and planted a kiss on his lips, which felt soft and hot from his breath. I felt a slight tension from him. My eyes were closed but I could feel his shock. Thankfully, the tenseness disappeared as he quickly returned the affection and I felt his own lips enveloping my own. Surely I was dreaming.
Our kisses grew more passionate and truth be told, I was enjoying every second of it. In spite of the heat of the scene and his own fervor, Michael was so tender with me as he took his time with me. I couldn't help but think of his sexual prowesses that I potentially could experience. I suppose I was going to find out soon.
Kiss by kiss, my ears started to burn and my breathing became more shallow, particularly as Michael started to caress me elsewhere, and by elsewhere I mean under my shirt. His hands glided across my skin ever so softly and carefully. He moved his head and kissed my jaw before moving on to my neck. That's when I pushed him away, but not hard enough for him to recoil.
`Should I stop?' he asked. His breathing, too, was a bit ragged.
I took my time to answer him, and he waited for it like a good boy. Our breaths did not match one another. They were short-winded and all over the place. No harmony whatsoever. Like Michael and me. I had no idea why this was happening in spite of his confession. True, he liked me and I may have liked him as well but I could not fathom it, still. I needed a solid and well-detailed answer.
But my goodness, this man...
You're thinking why, aren't you?' he gave me a sympathetic smile. In his position, he righted himself so that he was comfortable to look at me. Please, Sam. I'm being so serious right now when I tell you I like and adore you.'
I remained a disbeliever of his words...but after a long while of non-stop work at the office and unbearable meetings with some unpleasant colleagues every other morning, maybe I deserved a treat. And what better treat than Michael, a man carved out of marble, Sterling?
Moving my body without much force, I leaned forward and captured his lips in a sweet kiss, bringing my hand up to cup his cheek. `This afternoon, at my home, I believe you.'
My eyes were slightly open and I could see his confused expression but I paid it no mind. I needed this, and if anything he claimed was true, he did as well. From then onwards, I could only feel joy and lust spreading throughout my body. Michael hoisted me so that I sat upright, pressing me against the foot of my bed as we remained on the floor. He continued peppering my skin with kisses that made their way to my chest, but he stopped again. `Can I?' he asked while his fingers paused at the hems of my shirt. I nodded while also thinking about how on earth this man could have feelings for me. He's the absolute definition of perfection from head to toe, inside out.
My skin was bare before him and he rubbed his thumbs across my chest. `You're skinnier than I thought.'
`Problem?' I raised an eyebrow.
Michael shook his head and kissed my neck before looking up at me. `No, I'm just making an observation, sweetness.'
I ignored him and pulled him in for a kiss. Our tongues lapped over one another and my breath grew more ragged like before. Michael swiped his tongue across and around my nipples and sucked on them not so gently. I also made a mental note at that moment because I never realized how loud Michael was during...this. I wouldn't have known before as this is our first time but it's very evident. Nothing wrong with it. Actually, I find it quite endearing. Cute.
Somewhat out of breath, Michael released my nipples from his lips and moved downward to approach my crotch. When the two were at eye level, Michael wasted no time and took off my sweatpants. He cupped my bulge which was wet and sticky at the tip and thumbed the excreting point. All this while having that charming smile on his face. `I'm so flattered right now.'
`What for?'
`You're leaking because of me, Sam,' he beamed.
The man's smile made me melt even more and truth be told, I wasn't even irritated at this point. Instead, I returned his smile with my own albeit mine was a bit softer. More reserved. `I'm the one who's flattered,' I said as I teased his own shielded erection with my foot to which he let out a whisper of a moan.
To think,' I say quietly. You'd get hard for me.'
Michael let out a short breath and looked at me. His smile was still there. `Like I said: Not hard.'
He corrected himself immediately after. `Well, I am hard but like, you know.'
The two of us chuckled at this, making the moment seem more innocent than it looked. Our smiles were still present despite the vanished laughter and Michael took it as an opportunity to continue. He kissed my cloth-clad dick to a point where I moaned and groaned more audibly than before. I practically begged him to go further afterward. `Michael, please.'
I thought he would give me a playful response like, Please what?' or something similar, but he didn't. He simply left a kiss below my belly button before taking off my underwear completely, revealing my steely erection which was leaking like a faulty faucet. We locked eyes again and I could only see lust and adoration in his eyes, and I suspected he saw the same in mine. Michael kissed the tip of my penis, leaving a string of precum attached to his lips once he pulled back. Remember, just stop me if you don't like it.'
I gave him a nod, and he went down.
Feelings of sexual warmth engulfed my hard-on which I could only describe as absolute ecstasy. I was in heaven. Never mind the fact that I thought Michael was definitely a seasoned cocksucker because I didn't feel any sort of discomfort--no teeth, nothing! I was a very, very happy man at this moment.
Michael's blowjob started off very gently, stroking my dicks with his tongue and wet lips, making sure I felt good before proceeding with the main part where I was going to feel excellent. That moment came when I felt his sucking grow more vigorous. Michael's sucking and slurping grew louder as did my whimpers of euphoria. Bobbing his head up and down, taking my whole erection in his throat, I never felt more alive than now.
`Fuck,' Michael gasped for air after providing me with the best blowjob I've ever gotten which he wasn't done giving yet. The beautiful man stroked my cock in his hand, amplifying the wet and squelching noises while he went lower to envelop my balls with his tongue and spit. I couldn't stop groaning. I was a man possessed.
In spite of feeling good, I didn't want this to be all about me. I couldn't. Therefore I stopped him with a hand on his bare shoulder. `Michael...'
He stopped and looked up at me with furrowed brows, worrying he might've done something wrong. I quickly shook my head with a weary smile. `It's good, but let me do you, too.'
His lips parted like he wanted to decline but decided against it. We corrected our positions to seem more appropriate for the second act of this lustful situation. My face was now facing his pulsing member, sheathed by his briefs. The wet spot caused by his precum was more apparent than mine because of the color of his underwear--powder blue. That or he could've just leaked more than I did. Releasing his cock from its prison, I was left astonished. It wasn't that long, no. Not ten or even eight inches but instead six to six and a half inches, but its girth was quite impressive. It would definitely require some effort to have it in me, I thought.
I took a deep breath before inserting his dick into my mouth. I moaned as every inch passed my lips. As previously mentioned, Michael's very loud when it comes to this. Case in point, what's happening right now as his heaves were loud. He couldn't keep his hands still as they were everywhere but one place. They did eventually settle on one place, which was my head. Michael never once pushed me to deepthroat him. His hands just settled where they were as he continued to moan and groan away like I was giving him the most exquisite fellatio ever, which I highly doubt. He continued to display feelings of ecstasy while I was working, though, I don't know if it could be considered working if it is pleasurable.
Stop...stop,' he panted. I was a bit shocked. Maybe I was getting a bit rusty, but it appears that was not the case as he brought me up to face him. He planted a short and sweet kiss on my lips and flashed me a lop-sided grin as if he were nervous. Would you like to...'
I wasn't sure what was going on so I asked, `What?'
`Can we do it?'
I nearly chuckled...and I actually did because of how funny that seemed to me. The men I've been with would just ask if we could fuck, and sometimes, they wouldn't have asked at all. Michael, on the other hand, did whatever this was. I found this display of him to be extremely cute, hence the chuckling, which appeared to be contagious as he started giggling as well.
`I thought it was already in the itinerary,' I say with a genuine smile on my face, and Michael responds by leaning forward and pressing his lips against mine. I did excuse myself at one point to...ensure everything was well for whatever was going to occur. I'll spare the details as I've still some pride, surprisingly.
It was bliss and nothing but bliss from then onward. Neither of us said anything to interrupt the moment besides a few is-this-okay's and are-you-okay's, which only added to the joy and goodness of the experience. Michael touched, kissed, and licked me everywhere and I reciprocated by doing the same. When Michael rimmed me, I jolted at the feel of his wet tongue invading--no, invitingly intruding my hole. He lapped his tongue around my entrance while slowly and gently prodding it open with his lubricated fingers. I moaned continuously as he did, not sparing a second to stop him. Why would I? I haven't felt this good since forever. Once the man was done, he leaned back and straightened his posture, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand whilst panting. Sweat glistened on his body and the beauty of it all was only enhanced by the summer sunshine from the windows.
`Can I?' he asked again to confirm, to which I nodded. I was ready for this man to take me. I saw him stand up and grab a condom from my nightstand as I told him where it was. Everything about the man was so gorgeous to me, from the way he looked to the way he treated me. The view at this very moment was glorious. Michael walked back towards me and my eyes were glued to his throbbing cock bouncing with every step he took. He reached for my hand and pulled me up, leading me to my bed. I got comfortable and I suppose so did he once he placed the condom over his thick member.
`Tell me if it hurts.'
I nodded and kissed him once more. He slowly inserted himself into me. I could feel his cock stretching me out and I gasped once I actually FELT it. Michael noticed it and immediately stopped to look and check on me. `Okay?'
My eyes were closed though I didn't realize until I saw the beautiful creature in front of me with his brows furrowed, looking at me with worry etched on his handsome features. Despite the pressure and slight discomfort, I gave him a subtle grin and I guess he understood what it meant as he let out a breath and gently inched in more. I held onto him as if my life depended on it. Michael leaned in closer as he went deeper and as he did, his whimpers got louder and my arousal maximized immensely. Crazy what a man's whimper can do to you. Especially when that man is Michael Sterling.
`Holy fuck...,' Michael gasped, and that's when I knew he was fully inside of me. Well, that and the feeling of fullness that I felt at the moment.
He pulled his face back ever so slightly so that his eyes could meet mine. They sparkled when he asked, `Can I move?'
`Yeah,' I whispered.
Michael retracted half of his dick from my hole gently before pushing it back in, earning a louder moan from me. He pulled his hips back again and pushed forward. Soon, he found a nice and sensuous rhythm that was very much clear and sorted out. He never lost his rhythm. It only grew stronger and faster while retaining its tempo. Honestly, you could use the sounds of it to replace a metronome.
`Does it feel good, Sam?' he asked.
I nodded. `Really good. Don't stop.'
He didn't. He kept going and the piston of his hips against mine grew louder and squelchier. Michael's pants were a source of my arousal. So was his body. And his face. And his voice. And his personality. And his, well, everything.
`You feel so good around my dick, Sam,' he panted all the while slamming his girthy cock into me again and again. The wet sounds emanated from our lustful session did not stop as Michael never stopped. I, too, had no intention of stopping him. His thrusts grew stronger and harder and as I mentioned, they never stopped--not even to switch positions. I was comfortable and he appeared to be, too, so there was no need. Neither of us thought of moving because we were so absorbed in the moment. Nothing could ever erase this moment from my memory, and I truly hoped for it to be the case for Michael as well.
Michael's groans and breathing became increasingly ragged and his thrusts reached a point where I didn't think he could go any faster. I knew he was close, that he was reaching his limit. I was, too.
`Sam, I'm so close,' he panted as he closed the gap between us, landing on my chest while still humping my hungry hole. Before his face disappeared in the crook of my neck, his expression was one I couldn't efficiently describe. It was as if he looked like he was begging for my permission to cum.
I didn't know if I was being delusional, but I played along with my instincts. My arms found their way around Michael, hugging him close as he continued to pound my ass with the speedy and delicious rhythm. I moaned out loud as he went to town on my ass, but when I myself was close, I whispered in his ear. `Cum for me, Michael. Cum with me, please.'
With that, I felt Michael's pelvis slam against me as he let out a guttural growl mixed with whimpers and moans that acted as music to my ears. Michael stayed as he was for a moment and within that same moment after I felt him release the last of his milk inside of me through the condom, I came as well, without even touching myself. Michael was catching his breath while still on top of me, sticky with sweat and I'm sure from my semen as well. My breathing was also quite ragged as I took my sweet time to say anything. I also didn't want this moment to end and truly, could you blame me?
Unfortunately, all good things come to an end, as the saying goes. Michael shuffled to remove himself from me. Even after his release, he was so gentle with me, ensuring that his extraction was slow and not abrupt. I felt an emptiness in my hole and that's when I knew it was over.
`My god,' he huffed as he landed next to me again.
`Good?' I mutter. It was the only thing I could say and his reaction made my heart skip a beat.
The best,' Michael beamed as he inched closer towards me and pressed a kiss to my forehead. That was the best, Sam. You're the best.'
I'd be happy if it ended there.
It was late in the afternoon and we were both in bed, still. I didn't have the heart to ask him to leave, and I didn't want him to leave either. I fell asleep for a bit, but I don't really know what he was doing during my slumber. All I know is when I woke up, there was a marvelous man next to me and I didn't complain one bit.
Michael turned to look at me and it somewhat surprised me. `Sam.'
`Michael.'
`Can we talk?' he asked. His voice was quiet, almost a whisper, and his eyes were as they were during sex: soft and pleading. I didn't respond to him verbally. I didn't even move, but I thought my gaze was enough of an answer as I looked at him intently, waiting.
`Can you at least give it some thought?' he said with a slight smile. His hair was a mess from our session and to be frank, it was one of the peak hotness variations of Michael Sterling.
Michael shook his head while releasing a breathy chuckle. `I'm not saying binging retro TV shows is boring but you could do it with me on the weekends, too.'
His smile, although soft and controlled, shined like the sun and I was insanely smitten. `You don't have to be my boyfriend--although, I'd love you to be!' he added.
My figure didn't move one bit except for my chest rising and falling from my breathing. I merely kept my gaze locked on him as he spoke. I needed to hear this, which complimented his situation--he needed to let this out of him.
But I'd be stoked if you could at least give me a chance,' he grinned with furrowed brows as he took my hand and pressed it against his chest where I could feel the beating of his heart. Like a trial period maybe?'
I couldn't take it. The beating of his heart was in tandem with my own. Although, I hope he couldn't at all hear mine. I was embarrassed enough as it was. With great effort, I took my palm off his sculpted chest and moved away from him. My legs swung from the comfy bed and I stood up, grabbing my robe and putting it on.
I heard sounds of movement from the bed. Without looking back, I knew Michael had gotten up as well, and it was confirmed when he spoke once more. `Sam, please--'
My hand reached for three letters on the ground from our earlier game. Many letters were scattered on the floor as we never tidied up after our game and, of course, my win. Normally, I would be stressed but now, I felt like how I was supposed to. I felt like a winner.
I turned around to face Michael, who was still stark naked. His expression was clear as day and he made no effort to hide his feelings. Those pleading eyes had become more...pleading. Sad, even. I simply responded by presenting him with a genuine and soft smile of my own. Nothing that matches his, of course.
My hand found his and I placed the three wooden tiles in his warm palm. Michael took them without question albeit a bit confused. He looked at the letters and rearranged them on his hand as a child would. It didn't take too long but it certainly wasn't immediate for him to figure it out.
Then, he beamed and I felt the corners of my lips tugging upwards. I wasn't going to watch my shows alone this summer.
He clenched the letters in his fist and enveloped me in a bear hug as he cheered--very loudly:
`YES!'
The End