Don't Look Back - 59. Chapter 59 (11.4)

The Christmas Eve shindig at Milly’s officially broke up at midnight when Milly reminded everyone, with a wink and a smile, that she had grandchildren in Tucker Falls who liked to get up at the crack of dawn to open their presents. Of course the diner wasn’t open on Christmas Day. Nothing in Burnham was, although Roy remained on duty, ready to take calls if needed. Generally, that didn’t happen.

Some people called it a night and went home, while others lingered in the parking lot, finishing conversations, and discussing what an unqualified success the evening had been. Marshall and Lee stood with Sarah and Craig, beside the Fergusons’ pick-up.

“You should come by sometime soon and see Ritsu’s litter,” Sarah said. “Their eyes are open now, and they’re all so adorable.” Ritsu was Sarah and Craig’s cinnamon and cream Chow Chow. She’d recently given birth for the first time. Marshall loved Ritsu, and would often bring her little treats as an excuse to play with her. Whenever the couple had to be gone overnight, Marshall gladly volunteered to look after the little dog.

“We’ll do that, for sure.” Marshall knew Lee wouldn’t object. They had the same love of animals, even if they didn’t own any.

“You know, Lee, they make lovely companions. And they’re so affectionate! You could always pick out the one you like best and I’ll hold him or her for you until they’re ready to leave their mama. Or two even. One for each of you.” She gave Lee a knowing look. Marshall couldn’t help but laugh. He couldn’t see them taking one dog, much less two. That was a whole lot of responsibility. It was one thing to take care of one as a favor, but ownership was a much more serious matter.

“I appreciate the offer, Sarah,” Lee replied gallantly, “but I have my hands full with this one as it is.” He winked, even as he ruffled Marshall’s hair. Sarah and Craig both laughed, and Lee grinned. Marshall didn’t mind. He knew it was all in good fun.

He stuck out his tongue at Lee. “At least I’m housebroken,” he quipped.

“Most of the time,” Lee riposted, earning him a swift punch in the arm which he laughingly accepted.

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, they bid Sarah and Craig a Merry Christmas, amid promises to come see the pups soon, caught up with Roy and told him they’d see him for dinner the next day, then returned home.

They curled up on the couch together in comfortable silence. The lights on the tree blinked off and on, the only illumination in the room.

Marshall laid with his head against Lee’s chest, listening to the comforting rhythm of his heartbeat. He felt more relaxed now than he had just a few hours ago. Then he’d thought it was the end of the world. Now he knew better.

“I was sure we were going to tell everyone good-bye tonight.” He turned his face up to Lee’s. “I didn’t think anyone would want to have anything to do with us again, and we’d have to leave town. But I was wrong. Everyone was absolutely wonderful.”

“That they were,” Lee agreed. “Roy was right. He had more faith in the town than we did. Looks like we found ourselves the best people in the world. I think we’re home to stay. What do you think?” He softly caressed Marshall’s cheek, gazing into his eyes.

“I think so too.” He’d follow Lee anywhere he chose to go, but he was glad they weren’t going anywhere. Not for a good long while. And not until they were ready.

Marshall reached up and claimed Lee’s lips, kissing him with a growing urgency. Lee’s touch only served to inflame him, to whet his appetite. He knew he’d never get tired of being with Lee, not if he lived to be a hundred. “Let’s go to bed,” he whispered against Lee’s mouth.

“You tired?”

“Not at all.”

Lee responded by slanting his mouth over Marshall’s, kissing him long and hard until they both had to draw apart to breathe. They disentangled themselves momentarily. Lee took Marshall’s hand and led him into the bedroom. There they undressed quickly and fell together on their bed, mouths meeting and melding, hands caressing and stroking.

“Get on your hands and knees,” Lee instructed, “I want to taste you.”

Marshall gladly complied. They’d already kicked the blankets and top sheet from the bed. He positioned one of the pillows beneath him and wiggled his ass enticingly. He was rewarded by a slap against his cheek, followed by a gentle caress. Just what the doctor ordered.

Lee stroked along the back of Marshall’s thigh, sending tingles shooting through him. First one, then the other. Softly, sensuously. Marshall started to twist his head to look at Lee.

“Keep it down,” he was told, and he obeyed. “Feel, don’t see.” Marshall shivered in anticipation.

Lee’s strong hands soothed a path up the back of Marshall’s legs, cupped his cheeks and squeezed the firm flesh. Marshall pushed back into his hands, wanting more.

“Don’t be impatient,” Lee chided in a voice that was as much of a caress as his touch. Marshall loved Lee’s voice all the time, but especially at moments like these when he pitched it even lower, reflecting his love and desire for Marshall. Every note resonated inside of Marshall’s soul.

Marshall could wait forever, if he had to.

Lee’s lips brushed over Marshall’s ass, caressing the dip at the base of his spine for just a moment before heading south again. “Spread your knees a little more,” he said, and Marshall complied.

Lee’s fingers gently separated Marshall’s cheeks. He felt cooler air against his hole just before Lee swiped at it with his tongue, eliciting a moan. Lee licked downward, across the perineum to Marshall’s balls. He took them into his mouth, one at a time, and sucked.

“Oh God,” Marshall moaned.