Chapter Four #2
“So do I,” Dade said. “But I want to do it in my own way. I’m helping teach the next generation of kids.
I’m part of something bigger than just me, and all of us teachers and administrators are working to make sure our kids have the tools they need to succeed.
The tools they need so you and the army will be able to help them serve.
Without what I do, you don’t have qualified recruits.
Yes, I could take my skills elsewhere and make more money, but I couldn’t do anything more important than what I am right now.
At least that’s my opinion. But my father just can’t seem to grasp it.
There are a ton of different ways to serve, and not all of then involve camouflage. ”
“I get that. You’re a passionate person.
That’s pretty obvious.” And he certainly wanted to see more of that passion…
in a much more personal way. The fire behind Dade’s eyes was enticing; and Cliff’s heart beat faster, and his skin warmed just thinking about it.
Cliff liked so much more than how Dade looked.
The man was beautiful, though, with his dark hair and intense eyes.
But it was his courage and conviction that Cliff found truly attractive.
Dade took another bite of his sandwich, chewed, and swallowed. “Let’s talk about something other than my father.”
“Like what?” Cliff asked, looking into Dade’s eyes. “We can talk about anything you like. We could talk about how good the food is… or what flavor of ice cream is the best.”
“Strawberry,” Dade said, but Cliff ignored it with a smile.
“We could talk about…oh, I don’t know… what your lips would taste like right now if I were to kiss you.”
Dade chuckled. “That’s easy. Onions. Same as yours, because we’re both eating this sandwich. But when we get home, I’m willing to try.” He smiled, and they finished eating, with Dade continuing to flirt with him and Cliff giving it right back.
Once they were done and he paid, they drove to the south side of town and parked at the beginning of the trail that wound out along the LeTort Spring Run.
The sun was bright, but as soon as they got under the trees with their changing leaves, it grew cooler.
Still, it was nice, the wind rustling the branches above, and once they passed under the freeway, it got quieter and the sounds of the birds and trees took over.
“I love it out here. Sometimes I ride my bike or just walk back here.” Cliff took Dade’s hand, grateful that there was no one around. They walked together for a while until they reached the bridge over the stream.
Cliff leaned against the railing, watching as the water flowed under them.
Dade stood right next to him, geese and ducks floating in the water nearby.
“Look,” Dade said quietly, pointing to a turtle sunning itself on a limb that stuck out of the water.
“It won’t be long, and they’ll hibernate for the winter. ”
“Yeah, I get that. Fall is definitely here, and winter will be just around the corner.” He turned to Dade and swallowed hard.
Every time he got close to him, his throat went dry and his hands felt clammy.
He rubbed them on his jeans to dry them before leaning closer.
Dade met him halfway, and their lips touched.
Dade deepened the kiss, pressing against him, his fingers sliding along Cliff’s cheek. Holy hell, he hadn’t known quite what to expect, but he hadn’t planned that Dade would be the aggressor. He pressed Cliff back against the railing, sucking on Cliff’s lower lip and sending him into overdrive.
Cliff closed his arms around Dade, holding him tighter as their kiss intensified even further.
His entire body reacted, and he was tempted to drag Dade into the woods and strip the man down right there.
It was a bad idea, but Cliff’s primal instincts took over, and he didn’t want this to stop.
Just kissing Dade evoked some of the most intense feelings of his life.
A bell caught his attention, and Cliff pulled away as a group of bicyclists approached. He stepped out of the way and put his arm around Dade as they passed. “Do you want to continue on?”
“Sure,” Dade answered, and they began walking farther, approaching the quarry a few minutes later. Trucks pulled in and out of the drive. “I think that’s far enough.” They turned back, returning to the quiet of the wooded trail. “I have to ask: do I taste like onions?”
“No. You taste like sweetness and warmth mixed with a touch of spice, probably from lunch. But I really can’t be sure, so….” He drew Dade to him and kissed him again. “Yeah, definitely something special.”
“You too.” Dade pressed Cliff against a tree and kissed him hard, the cool breeze trying to infiltrate their bubble of heat and failing completely. The energy between them was too intense, something Cliff was incredibly thankful for.
“You don’t hold anything back, do you?” Cliff asked when Dade pulled away.
“Why do that? If you want something, you have to go for it. That’s something I learned from the general, and it comes in handy. I’m not a shrinking violet, never have been.”
“That’s something I never doubted.” Cliff took his hand. “And don’t get me wrong for a second. I love that you know what you want and go for it. I’m the same way.” He closed the distance between them, lowering his voice. “And I want you.”
“I see…,” Dade said, swallowing. Cliff watched his throat work and loved the reaction.
“Well, it’s a good thing the feeling is mutual then.
Isn’t it?” He took a step back to steady himself and then led the way back down the path toward town.
The afternoon sun reached the ground in some spots, the leaves having fallen in places, letting in the light.
It was a wonderful afternoon, but as they reached town, the light began to fade as clouds settled in from the west.
“Is it supposed to rain?” Dade asked. “I never checked the weather.”
“I didn’t either.” They picked up speed and got to the car.
The first drops of rain hit the windshield as they pulled into the parking spot in front of Dade’s building.
Cliff helped him get everything inside, and they closed the door as the fall winds picked up, chilling everything just as the rain began in earnest.
“That rolled in fast,” Dade said as he peered out the window and then let the curtains fall back into place.
“Yeah, it did. But this time of year, you never know.” He stood behind Dade, pressing into his back, inhaling the clean scent from his hair.
Slowly, tentatively, he slipped his arms around his waist and held him tightly.
Dade leaned back, and Cliff sighed softly.
Neither of them moved, just enjoying the quiet time until Dade slowly turned in the embrace and closed the distance between their lips.