Ripped (Siren Publishing Classic ManLove) by Anita Kinley

work.”
    “I’d rather just order something in tonight. Stay here. We can talk. Give your legs time to completely quit aching.”
    “Yeah, maybe you’re right. Catherine was completely exhausting.”
    “What does she do, anyway, career-wise?”
    “She’s an ad executive for a top modeling agency in New York City.”
    “Her behavior is very interesting for someone living in the Big Apple.”
    “She was born and raised here. Lisa’s parents were very strict.”
    “I’d say so.”
    “Lisa was different, though, more accepting.”
    “I was wrong to demand that you just go once a month. Maybe we can go together before we leave on our trip to replace her flowers with some artificial ones. Maybe after we get back we can go once a week, for a while, anyway. I want to help you work through this.”
    “I’m struggling with wanting to go today.”
    “I know you are, and I’m not angry anymore. We just have to find things to do to occupy your time, sort of retrain your brain. Exploring the shower with you after dinner tonight sounds like a good project.”
    Dinner had consisted of a pizza. As Roman held Kyle against him, hot water flow over their bodies.
    “Nice,” Kyle murmured.
    “It will be even nicer when you decide how we are going to retrain my brain,” Roman spoke against Kyle’s ear.
    “I’ve got a few ideas,” Kyle said, pulling back just enough so Roman could watch the waterfall over his partner’s body, darkening his hair a shade, and moistening his full lips.
    “Maybe I should get my camera. I think I need to start a personal collection.”
    Kyle didn’t respond, except to shut off the water. Reaching for a towel, Roman let his husband wrap their bodies in the bath sheet. Ending up on the bathroom floor wasn’t exactly what Roman had planned, but he said nothing as Kyle tore open a condom.
    “This behavior is so unlike you, Roman, last night and now. Usually you are so reserved, such a classic male. Not my gay baby,” Kyle said as he covered Roman’s body.
    “There’s a silly boy who makes me less inhibited.”
    “Got any inhibitions now?” Kyle asked as their bodies connected.

Chapter Eight
     
    Roman woke Kyle at six the next morning, already dressed. He watched, amused, as his partner rolled over, covering his head with a pillow.
    “We’re leaving in an hour on the Harley. I’d suggest you only pack one backpack. We can either rent a tent or a cabin when we get there.”
    “Where are we going?” Kyle asked, sitting up.
    “Someplace my father used to take me when I was little. It’s not far, just a few hours.”
    Responding to the look on Kyle’s face, Roman said, “Don’t look so surprised, silly boy. I think you were the one that wanted a wilderness adventure. I’m just fulfilling those wishes.”
    “I love you, Roman.”
    “I love you, too. Now quit looking at me like that. How many times have we made love in the last four days? Five by my count. Now get up and get your stuff together.”
    “We’ll need to stop by my apartment. Remember, I’m not completely moved in yet.”
    “Then you better get moving. I’d also like to drop off some artificial lilies by the cemetery.”
    Kyle’s arms felt good around his waist as they traveled toward Mount Magazine State Park. Roman smiled, hoping that Kyle would agree to rent one of the cabins instead of roughing it. The silly boy had brought a sleeping bag.
    Leaving the flowers at the cemetery had been difficult, as Roman acknowledged the fact he would not be returning for at least a week. He was also embarrassed to admit that Kyle had encouraged him that Lisa and Adam would be all right. Kyle was the strong one, even if his young husband wouldn’t agree.
    Feeling Kyle lean into his body as they rounded a curve, Roman knew that his partner was healing wounds that he thought would torment him for the rest of his life. Kyle made everything into a lesson of intimacy, as Roman felt his partner’s hands slipping under his shirt