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.Steaks done, they stood together building their sandwiches and loading theirplates with macaroni salad and chips. I know this isn t the healthiest of meals, Mattsaid with a grin. All these calories and carbs. But it tastes good. Mmm hmm, Matt agreed around a bite of his sandwich.Matt kept looking at Col as he talked, the words registering, but the whole ideaof what he was saying seemed so farfetched, Matt wanted to pinch himself to make surehe really was awake.It didn t take long for them to work their way through the foodand with the meal finished, they made short work of the cleanup.Matt wanted to see Col s bike so they went outside. Would you like to take aride? Col asked. Could we? Matt replied, his eyes filled with an admiring gleam. Of course.They spent the next hour or so riding around town and out onto some countryroads where Col was able to open the Harley up at speeds that took Matt s breath away.He held on tightly, enjoying the feel of him, so warm and solid in his arms.EventuallyKate Steele Bond of the Maleri : Mate Hunt - 28 -they ended up at the park where they d first met, and it was there they stopped to walkfor a time.They finally settled on a bench near a small duck pond. I thought I d run into a wall the day we met, Matt mentioned with a grin. I am sorry about that.I was so anxious to meet you, I wasn t thinking clearly.Ifit s any comfort, you left a bruise, Col teased. Now I m sorry. For the bruise or that we met? Just the bruise.Col& what exactly is it you want from me? Love? Affection? Sex?Matt gave him a piercing look. All right, Col conceded. I want you as my mate.I realize that there s been nomention of love, but the bond that formed so easily proves it s right between us.I cantell you from what I ve seen of my brothers that love always follows.It s just a matter oftime. Matthew remained silent, giving no hint of what he was thinking as he lookedout across the water. I would also ask that you come live with me. Leave Earth? Matt asked, though his voice held little surprise. Yes. Col, I d be lying if I said I wasn t interested.I like being with you.Those nightswe were together in my bed with you just holding me as we talked, well, I ve never feltso good in my life.I like the way you make me feel.I like you& but& I can t leaveEric, he concluded. He and I are all we have.Though they re still living, we don thave much if any contact with our parents or other relatives.Eric just went through avery bad experience. Matt s voice grew shaky. He lost his partner to cancer.Dan wasa wonderful guy and we both miss him very much.Col slid an arm around Matt s shoulders and gave him a rough hug beforereleasing him. I m sorry to hear that, Col replied. I wish very much that I could holdyou now, but I know such wouldn t be met with approval by most people here. Narrow minded bigots, Matt replied. This is one point in favor of leaving.You would not be faced with such onKate Steele Bond of the Maleri : Mate Hunt - 29 -Belthola.But back to the subject of Eric.I have thought about the fact that you mightobject to leaving him behind.That s why I contacted my brothers with an idea, an ideathey believe has merit. What idea? That Eric accompany us. Really? Tell me the rest of it.Col smiled. You said yourself that Eric too is empathic.It s entirely possible thata mate awaits him among the Maleri. I wonder if he d go for it. Matt frowned. You re going to have to help meexplain all this to him because if I try it on my own, he s probably going to think I mnuts.This isn t going to be easy.Not nearly as easy as it was between you and me.Col nodded. I realize that, but I think between the two of us we can convincehim. Let s go back.You re staying for supper and you can help me cook while wecome up with a plausible plan. Yes, sir, Col replied. And so it begins. What? The nagging and ordering about only a mate can provide.Col s reply surprised a grin out of Matt. This may turn out to be fun, he teased.Col merely groaned and followed Matt s lead back to the Harley
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