Throwback Thursday - A Sniper's Devotion

I’d like to share an excerpt from Hector and Miguel’s story. We’re in Hector’s point of view here, and we see him finally acknowledge his attraction to Miguel. I love this scene because it’s like the air before a storm. You know what’s coming, but it’s not here yet. All you have is tension and expectation and wondering what it will be like. And of course it leads to one of my favorite romance tropes: forced to share a bed. Yes! I hope you enjoy.

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Hidden in the semi-darkness, Hector let his gaze trail down the line of Miguel's naked back to the enticing curve of his ass cupped by the tight underwear he wore. Hector swore under his breath. There was no confusion anymore. The box of everything he'd been reluctant to unpack was flung open, all his desires and wants spread out for him to see. He might not be ready to admit it to anyone else, but he couldn't deny it to himself any longer. Not when he was sitting there, imagining himself walking over to Miguel and picking him up in his arms again so he could carry him back to bed and touch everything he was secretly running his eyes over.

Finished with his water, Miguel made his way back to the bedroom doorway. But he didn't go inside. Instead, he stood there in the shadows. Hector waited to see if there was something he wanted to say.

"I feel bad about kicking you out of your bed."

"It's not a problem. Don't worry about it."

Miguel balanced on his crutches, staring at the floor. He was quiet for several long moments before he finally spoke. "It's a big bed, Hector."

Silence.

After that completely unexpected invitation, Miguel continued to stare at the floor. And Hector stared at him. He shouldn't share a bed with Miguel. Not after that night and the sexual attraction Hector had just acknowledged not thirty seconds ago. But the couch wasn't meant to be slept on by someone his size. He needed to be well-rested for work. And it was a big bed. With embarrassing speed, Hector finished rationalizing the decision he wanted to make and got up from the couch.

"Okay." He grabbed the pillow but left the blanket there. He'd take care of it in the morning.

"I'll put some shorts on," Miguel said as he swung around. But he moved too fast and one of the crutches tripped up in the carpet instead of swiveling with him. He overbalanced and started listing to the side. Miguel flailed. He wasn't wearing the boot so he ended up hopping on his good foot as he rushed to regain his balance.

Hector leaped forward to steady him with a hand on his waist. "I've got you." His hand lingered longer than it should have, feeling the smooth, warm skin under his palm. When he took his hand away, his fingers trailed over that skin. Miguel shivered.

"Thank you," Miguel said in the nervous, breathless tone that Hector remembered far too well.

"No problem."

He followed Miguel into the bedroom. They didn't look at each other as Miguel went to the side where he had pillows stacked at the end for his ankle. They didn't speak as Hector went to the other side and got under the covers. Miguel pulled on a pair of shorts before he joined him.

The king-size bed allowed for plenty of space between them. But Hector would only have to reach out to feel more of the warm skin that he'd briefly touched moments before. Except, Miguel hadn't invited him here for that. Had he? He'd put on a pair of shorts before getting in bed, a clear signal that nothing sexual was about to go down.

Unless he'd done so because he thought Hector wasn't interested. Too bad his cock growing stiff with arousal proved his interest without a doubt. Hector tried to will away the erection. Miguel wouldn’t know what was going on in his pajama bottoms. But Hector felt like a pervert lying in bed next to him with a hard-on. This was a mistake. He should have stayed on the couch.

Fuck.

Hector tossed an arm over his eyes again. He was here now, so there was nothing for it but to try to get some sleep. "Good night."

Miguel's voice was still nervous and breathless when he responded. "Good night."

Fuck.

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A Sniper's Devotion is available on Amazon and in Kindle Unlimited.

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