Page 46 of The Wounded Warrior

Rory came in with two Dr Peppers, shirt unbuttoned at the neck.

“What is your position on velvet paintings?” he asked.

“What? You mean like dogs and matadors and Jesus?” Rory plopped down and offered him a can. “I prefer dogs playing poker.”

“See how you are?” Luke took a long swallow of the fizzy drink, loving how it tasted better in Texas. It just did. “Preacher collects. I stand to inherit the biggest collection west of the funny car races in Paducah, Kentucky.”

“Impressive. I like it. I collect things, but not specific things.”

“Yeah? Do you do flea markets and stuff?”

“Canton. I take First Monday off, man.”

“Aw, man I haven’t done that since I was a kid. Preacher used to go for yard art supplies.”

“Wanna go? We’ll have a blast. I’ll help on the rough parts.”

“I’d totally dig that.” He so would. Luke chuckled. They were making future dates.

“Cool. I also would dig it. Can I kiss you now?”

“As long as I don’t have food in my teeth.” He bared his teeth at Rory. Might as well start out as he intended to go on.

“You’re safe. Is there any place I shouldn’t touch?” Rory turned to face him, full on.

“I’ll let you know,” Luke said wryly. “No one has touched me since I left the hospital but Avery.”

“My stitches are here.” Rory took his hand and placed it on his leg. There was a ridge of bandages, right there under his fingertips. “It’s a little tender.”

“I’ll try not to put my hand right there and lean.” He’d never had such careful negotiations on a kiss before. Finally, Luke just put one hand behind Rory’s head and pulled him close enough for their mouths to meet.

“Oh. I’ve wanted this for weeks.” Rory leaned in the rest of the way, pressing their lips together.

Luke let it happen, let the feel of Rory’s surprisingly soft lips wash over him. He closed his eyes at the last moment, his free hand trying to decide where to light.

Rory must have had a mint when he grabbed the Cokes, and that made him smile. So thoughtful. Luke wasn’t gonna let himself think of whatmigasand pancakes had done for him.

Instead, he explored, tracing Rory’s mouth with his tongue.

Rory’s hand slid up his thigh, the touch gentle as all get out, and all the while, Rory let him lick and lap, let him explore.

He avoided the thigh that was all stitched, putting his hand on Rory’s chest instead. Damn, that heart was thundering. He loved the feel of Rory’s nipple, which drew up tight under his palm.

They broke for air, but dove right back in after, and Luke figured they were going to set the couch on fire. Chemistry?Hoo yeah.

Rory touched him, stroking his thighs fearlessly, like no one else had in recent memory.

He shivered, his cock rising in his loose pants. God, it had been forever, and he was almost tempted to stare down at his crotch. Really, Luke was kinda amazed.

“Mmm. You taste good, man. I approve.”

“Thank you. You feel like heaven.”

Rory grinned, eyelines showing on his face. “Excellent. Let’s go another round, huh?”

“Hell, yes.” Luke felt like a million bucks.

“I like your enthusiasm.” Rory bent back to his task and kissed him like it was the only thing the man ever wanted to do,ever.

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