Page 208 of The Texas Sterling Collection
“You know something about music?” James looked in Rod’s direction.
Wyl laughed. “My husband has his Ph.D. in music. So yes, he knows a little about music.”
All five laughed.
“Well, I need to get back to my set. It’s good meeting you two, and it’s good seeing you Texans back in Wilde’s. I hope to see all of you again.” James nodded and left.
“Nice guy,” Declan said. “Friendly, too.”
Wyl turned to Rod. “Well, babe, I guess we need to go. Ailbe has me working tomorrow, and I need my rest.”
Ailbe smiled. A bit of an evil twinkle escaped his eyes as he winked at Wyl. “You two take care. We’ll see you on campus in the morning. Come to the campus around 9:15. I’ll start the class, then you can come in and talk to the lads.”
“Sounds good. I am not familiar with the GMIT campus. Where is this classroom?”
“It’s in the Technology Centre in the School of Business. There is visitor parking at the south entrance off Ballybane Road. You’ll find a campus directory inside the building adjacent to the parking area. Follow the signs to Technology. The classroom is Room 240. Second floor.”
“We’ll find you. See you in the morning.”
“I’m looking forward to it,” Ailbe said. “Good night.”
* * *
Back at the flat, Wyl and Rod undressed for bed.
“I think Ailbe plans to make a play for me.” Wyl unbuttoned his shirt.
“What makes you think that?” Rod unbuckled his belt and stepped out of his pants.
“He winked at me tonight. I’m unsure if it’s real or part of the game, but I definitely noticed.”
“What the fuck are you telling me?” Rod bristled, his voice ramping up to full-blown jealousy.
Wyl’s bare feet pounded the floor to Rod, and he wrapped him in his arms. “Babe, relax. I’m not interested in anyone but you.”
Rod struggled briefly, then relaxed and melted into Wyl’s embrace. “Sorry. I don’t like other men showing interest in my husband. Remember San Francisco?”
“How could I forget. Stewy’s advances threw us both for a loop.”
Rod pulled back to look at Wyl. “Yeah, but you came and found me after I fled.” Desire replaced the jealousy in his eyes.
“And remember this?” Wyl held up his left hand, tapping his thumb on the underside of his ring finger. “The gold and diamond thingy, as you put it.”
“Yes, and I have one, too,” Rod held up his left hand, tapping his thumb likewise.
“And what does that symbolize?” Wyl asked, adoration in his eyes.
“Uhm…I need a manicure?” Rod remembered their conversation on Castro Street that day.
Wyl grabbed Rod's sides and tickled him mercilessly. Rod wriggled, laughing wildly while trying to free himself.
“Stop,” he laughed out the word.
Wyl reached his arms around Rod and clasped his hand in the small of Rod’s back. “I asked you to marry me because I love you and only you.”
Rod gazed into Wyl’s eyes, and they shared a kiss. “And I said yes because I love only you.”
“Babe, sit.” Wyl released his arms and edged Rod to the bed, and they sat. “I need you to listen to me and listen carefully.” Wyl put his arm around Rod’s shoulders, his right hand squeezing Rod’s right shoulder.
