Page 36 of Protecting Paul

“I do feel this way. Do you want me to repeat it? Because I will.” His voice grows desperate again. “I’m in love with you, Paul. That’s why I know nothing can keep me from being with you.”

Hearing him say that melts away my worries. I feel like a new person. Sam isn’t a liar; he especially wouldn’t lie to me. I know that now. I wrap my arms around his neck and pull him into a kiss.

Our bodies press together, and I feel his muscular chest against mine. I hum into the kiss, tunneling my fingers in his hair. He kisses me back with the same desperation I heard in his voice.

“Sam,” I say, resting my forehead against his. “I love you too. I don’t think I ever stopped loving you.”

“I know how you feel,” he laughs. The desperation and nerves are gone. He looks ecstatic. “I can give my notice at work tomorrow and start applying for law enforcement positions in Denver. With my service record and having done all the training here it won’t be a problem for me to find a job there.”

I feel tears well up in my eyes. Denver isn’t home anymore. Sam is home. And Sam’s home is Shafter Falls. But he’s ready and willing to give it up to be with me. I know exactly what I need to say to him, but the words come out a little rough. “Would you, um, would you consider staying here in Shafter Falls with me? I mean, shit, I’ve already got a house. We can stay in your apartment until we fix it up enough to move in. I never thought I would say this, but I think I’m ready to call Shafter Falls my home.” The place that never felt like home is now the only place Icouldfeel at home. Sam is here, and that’s all that matters. “I’m not leaving again.”

“Holy shit,” Sam breathes out, hugging me tightly against him. “You have no clue how happy that makes me.”

“I think I have a clue,” I laugh and roll my eyes before kissing him again. I can’t believe I get to kiss him like this as much as I want from now on.

“Want to go out on a real date?” he asks when we pull apart. “Our first official date, at least.”

“Of course I do, dummy,” I say. “You have to give me a chance to get ready first, and then I’m all yours. Well, fuck it, I’m always yours, but you get the point.”

“I’ll be back in a couple of hours then.” He kisses me again. “It’ll be the best date of your life. Mark my words!”

I watched him run off. He’s practically skipping, and it warms my heart. Sam Conroy is finally mine. He was my first love, and I hope he’ll be my last. I close the door behind me and start getting ready.

When I open the door for Sam again a few hours later, he’s standing there with a bouquet of flowers. He looks as handsome as a Greek God. He’s dressed up more than usual in a nice shirt and tight black pants. When he turns around, I can’t wait to take the chance to stare at his ass.

“Here you go.” He hands me the flowers and blushes. “I know it’s cheesy. You don’t have to tell me.”

“It’s perfect.” I shake my head and kiss the corner of his lips. “I’ll put these in some water, and then I’m ready to go.”

True to my word, I return shortly. Sam offers me his hand, and I’m happy to take it. Over dinner, I can tell we’re both buzzing with joy. Neither of us seems to be able to stop laughing or smiling. Being with Sam will probably always make me smile, though.

This is just the beginning.

“Are you okay with walking a little bit?” he asks when we step out of the restaurant. “I wanted to take you to, you know, our spot. If you’re not up for it, I understand.”

“I’m okay,” I assure. Instead of grabbing my hand, he wraps an arm around my waist. I can tell he’s taking on most of my body weight to ensure I’m okay as we walk.

Sam doesn’t hesitate a moment when we arrive at our special spot. He pulls me against him and kisses me deeply. I melt into his arms, putty in his hands.

“This was where we’ve had all of our most important kisses,” he murmurs against my lips. “It felt right to come here as boyfriends for the first time.”

“Mmm…. Boyfriends.” I grin, pecking his lips. I rest my forehead against his, taking in his warmth. “I like the sound of that.”

We stand there for a while longer, not speaking as we kiss repeatedly. When I can’t take it anymore, I pull away.

“Your place is nearby,” I pant. “We should go there, like, now.”

“You’re right.” We walk faster this time. Even when I feel slight pain, I don’t slow my pace. My desire for Sam is overwhelming, and I need him badly.

He kisses me hungrily as we walk inside. We clumsily make our way to his bedroom, falling onto the bed. Our lips don’t break apart until we slip our shirts over our heads, tossing them aside.

My hands are shaking as I undo my pants and slip them off. I can’t tell if it’s arousal, nerves, or a combination. We haven’t said it, but we both know we will go all the way this time. I look over at Sam. His pants are gone, too, and he’s rummaging through his nightstand drawer.

I slide back onto the bed, leaning against the headboard as I watch him. He scoots next to me, a bottle of lube in his hands. I can’t help but kiss him again, nibbling on his lower lip. Our erections press together, and we moan in unison.

“I’ll be gentle,” he mumbles, trailing his fingers over my cock through the fabric. “At least for now. I know you’re still in pain.”

“I don’t care about the pain,” I smirk, tugging my underwear off. “I just want you to fuck me.”

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