XXX CHAPTER 44 XXX

Later that night near the roaring fire, they finished off generous bowls of homemade apple crisp. As promised, Emmett had already "fucked Edward silly" on a good many surfaces, including the soft leather couch currently supporting their bare asses.

Emmett scraped the bottom of his bowl, devoured the last sugary crumbles, and set his dish next to the tube of lube sitting on the coffee table. Rubbing his belly, he let out a deeply contented sigh. "That was way too good. I really hope you didn't bring more."

Edward's smile beamed across their intertwined legs. "The rest is in my freezer at home."

Emmett groaned. "No more desserts when we get back."

"Is that your New Year's resolution?"

Chuckling, Emmett answered, "One of 'em."

"Oh?" Edward jiggled his foot in Emmett's lap. "How many do you have?"

Emmett snagged the toes tickling his thigh. "A bunch."

Edward grinned, and Emmett had a strong feeling they'd be revisiting the subject. "Are you really worried about your weight?"

"I've put on eight pounds in two months. If I keep this up, I'll be twenty pounds heavier when I report to spring training."

Edward clambered across the couch and wedged his ass between Emmett's legs. "While I appreciate the elegance of your extrapolation, I don't think your weight gain is going to continue as a linear function of time."

Closing his arms around Edward's belly, Emmett said, "You're making me hard."

"Jesus. Again?"

Emmett flexed his hips playfully against Edward's back. "Don't worry; I'm too tired to move."

"Thank God!" Edward's soft chuckle shook the cushion they were sharing. "I think we stayed in the hot tub too long after our run. Made you a little woozy."

"I think your skintight running pants made me woozy!" Emmett pressed his lips to the fire-kissed skin of Edward's neck. "Anyway, it's a good woozy."

"Mmhmm." Edward's head slumped back against Emmett's shoulder. "I don't ever want to leave this couch."

Emmett felt the edges of his lips curl into a smile. "Maybe we should just sleep out here."

"I vote yes. Think the fire will be okay?"

"Sure. Might get a little cold in here when it goes out though."

"Then, I guess we'll have to rub two sticks together and start our own fire." Edward chuffed softly at his own joke.

"Oh, you're mighty proud of yourself, aren't you?"

Edward turned his head and closed his smile over Emmett's lips. "Mmm."

Aw, shit. Now Emmett really was hard. Running his fingers through Edward's hair, Emmett slid his tongue inside Edward's mouth. They kissed lazily, a kiss with no agenda beyond pure contentment at being fully present for each other.

"How about you?" Emmett asked. "Any big resolutions for 2015?"

"Of course."

Emmett chuckled to himself. Had he really thought for one second that Edward didn't have a plan to improve himself? "Would you care to share?"

"I guess the biggest one is to show more patience with my students."

Since Edward had started teaching, he'd related several stories of what he'd considered failures in the classroom. One of his Math Concepts students was particularly challenging, the kind of kid who tried to mask his failure to understand the material by acting out in class. No matter what Emmett said to reassure him, Edward felt as though the boy's failures were his own.

Rather than invalidate Edward's feelings, Emmett tightened his arms around his lover in quiet support. They sat staring into the flames, each lost in his own thoughts until Emmett spoke again.

"I want 2014 to be the last year I spend in the closet. No matter what." The words passed heavily across his tongue, as if it required all of his remaining energy to force them out of his mouth.

"Amen," Edward replied softly.

Emmett burrowed his nose into Edward's hair, as if he might find refuge there from the implications of his promise. Edward's arms closed around Emmett's in a kind of inside-out hug as they huddled together, each drawing and supplying love and comfort. When Emmett lifted his face, his eyes were moist with tears.

Edward cleared his throat. "I need to work on keeping my sarcastic comments to myself around my boss."

Grateful for the release of tension, Emmett chuckled. Dr. Rosalie Hale had proven to be quite the force, and poor Edward often came home scratching his head about how to handle her.

My turn again. "I want to read more books in 2015—and actually finish them."

"I want to perfect your mother's popovers."

That last one made Emmett smile. "Maybe we better stop before we overcommit ourselves."

Edward turned his face toward the fire. "I have one more," he said.

The reflected flicker of the fire rippled and flashed off Edward's cheeks. His jaw was squared, all business. Instinct kicked in; Emmett's chest fluttered though he'd told himself to stop his silly worrying every time Edward became serious.

Emmett braced them both by tightening his thighs around Edward's body. "Go for it."

Edward pulled in a deep breath and pivoted so his gaze locked on Emmett's. "I want to work on my phobias. I want to sit on your balcony with you and have a drink without feeling like I'm gonna throw up or have a panic attack."

The tears in Emmett's eyes spilled down his cheeks. "That's amazing and incredibly brave. Are you sure?"

"Yes." Edward's tone held no reservation. He'd thought about this and had made his decision, and Emmett knew he'd follow through.

"Would you like to talk to Jasper about recommending one of his colleagues?"

"I would."

Completely overcome by emotion, Emmett pulled Edward to his lips and prayed his kiss would communicate where words failed. Edward wiped the tears from Emmett's cheeks with the soft pad of his thumb, pulling back from their kiss just enough to say, "I'm ready, Emmett. I want to do this."

His response came out a strangled mess. "Do you have . . . any idea . . . how much I love you?"

Edward smiled, the warmth in his expression drawing a visceral response from Emmett. "Yes, I actually think I do."

XXX

Emmett couldn't have said how long he'd dozed; he woke to the last gasps of orange embers glowing in the fireplace. Judging by the pitch black room, he guessed they were somewhere inside the post-midnight, pre-dawn stretch that belonged uniquely to new parents and ardent lovers.

Emmett glanced at the man nestled against his side, sleeping peacefully despite the chill in the room. After the mad rush of Christmas shopping and the flurry of parties Emmett and Edward had attended separately for family, faculty, and team, Edward needed this break more than he knew, and it killed Emmett to disturb his sleep.

If only I could wedge my arm out . . .

One eye squinted open and located Emmett in the dark. "Mmm, hey. What time is it?"

Seizing the moment, Emmett slipped his arm out and worked his leg out from under Edward. "It's go-back-to-sleep o'clock."

"Where are you going?"

"To get a damn blanket. The fire went out."

"Hurry up! It's freezing in here."

Chuckling at Edward's grumbled complaints, Emmett felt his way through the back hall to the linen closet. In addition to the throw blanket, he grabbed a pair of pillows and an extra hand towel—just in case.

When Emmett returned to the living room, he found Edward sitting on the couch, yawning and rubbing his eyes. Emmett tossed a pillow at him. "Sorry, I didn't really think through the bed situation."

Edward shrugged. "This is fine."

Emmett followed his pillow onto the cushion next to Edward and settled the blanket over them both. "Yeah, it's not as if I have to pitch tomorrow."

Nodding, Edward added, "Or stand up in front of a classroom of 11-year-olds."

"It's a good thing we're both cuddlers."

Edward snorted. "You mean, it's a good thing I don't mind if you suffocate me in my sleep!"

"Yep, that's exactly what I meant." Emmett climbed across Edward's lap. "We need to get some body heat going here."

"Orrrr . . . you could add a couple more logs to the fire."

Emmett chuckled. "Always so logical. Okay, okay!" Emmett slid off Edward, taking the blanket around his shoulders with him. "Emmett build fire. Huh huh!" He beat his fists against his chest until Edward groaned out loud.

"We better bring in some more wood tomorrow," Edward said.

Emmett craned his neck so he could waggle his eyebrows at Edward. "I've got mine ready."

"Of course you do."

"Just sayin'."

The smoldering ashes found new life, lighting the room with bright white heat. Emmett stood and clapped the wood crumbs off his hands. He looked up to find Edward's intense gaze fixed straight ahead, on the slice of Emmett's midsection bared between the two sides of the fluffy throw carelessly draped around his shoulders.

Stepping closer, Emmett shrugged the blanket away. He was wide awake and rock hard. "May I help you?"

Edward swallowed with great effort and slid his tongue across his lower lip. "Hmm?" Edward's gaze drifted upward until it met Emmett's.

"Professor?" Say something.

"I don't see the extra eight pounds anywhere."

Emmett tried to resist the urge to tighten his abs and suck in his gut. "It's dark in here."

"I can see you perfectly." Edward scooted forward to the edge of the couch and reached around the back of Emmett's legs, gripping him with fingers that crept around the top of his thighs. Edward's mouth hovered just inches from the tip of Emmett's erection. "Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined being here with you like this . . . being able to look at your body whenever I want . . . or touch you . . . or show you how much I want you."

Sweet Jesus! Worshipful, swoony Edward was in da cabin!

Emmett held his ground while Edward leaned forward and kissed his way from hip bone to nipple, swirling his tongue in a seductive circle around the peak. Emmett couldn't look away as Edward licked a line across his chest to the other nipple and dropped soft, sweet kisses in a line to his belly.

Edward's head tipped back; their eyes met. Emmett thought he'd never seen so much longing in another person's eyes, but he was positive his own looked the same.

"Hey." Tugging gently on Edward's hair, Emmett pulled his head away.

"Why'd you stop me?"

"It's time for romance. Gimme a second here."

Edward gave him a curious smile. "Take your time."

Emmett scooped up the blanket and fluffed it out along the carpeted floor in front of the fireplace. "Okay, I'm ready."

Edward chuckled. "That's it? No violins? No rose petals? No white stallion?"

"Um . . ." Gesturing at his erection, Emmett said, "I'm not enough of a stud for you?"

"Oh my god." Edward joined Emmett, standing together with the soft blanket under their feet. "I know what to get you for Christmas next year—A Guide for the Romantically Perplexed."

"Aw, c'mon, Professor. Look at all this—secluded cabin, roaring fire, naked boyfriend sweeping you off your feet . . ."

In one swift motion, Emmett swooped Edward off the floor and into his arms.

Startled, Edward wrapped his arms around Emmett's neck. "Holy shit!"

"Whatsa matter, you've never been held in your lover's embrace?" Emmett gave him an outlandish waggle of his eyebrows that set them both off laughing.

"Okay, okay, you're romantic as hell! Put me down before you hurt yourself!"

"Now who's the unromantic one?" Shooting him a mock glare, Emmett dropped to one knee and lowered Edward onto his back. "Prepare for your scorching kiss, my love."

Emmett straddled Edward's hips and closed his mouth over Edward's smirk, adding extra tongue for good measure. A funny thing happened while Emmett was messing around: the kiss turned serious. Emmett was sure Edward noticed it, too—the moment their playful pawing became tender caresses; their porno moans turned needy; their hearts entered the game.

Seeing Emmett stretch for the lube, Edward rolled onto all-fours. Emmett gave him a love tap on his ass. "We're doing this the old-fashioned way, loverboy."

With an amused grin, Edward flopped onto his back. "Do with me what you will, stud."

"Oh, I will." Emmett propped Edward's right leg onto his shoulder and worked his lubed-up finger into Edward's hole. "Feel good?"

Edward answered with a series of soft grunts, which deepened as Emmett stretched and prepared him.

"I cannot wait to get inside your sweet tunnel of love."

"Ugh! Have you been Googling cheesy romantic lines, or does this come naturally?"

"Oh, it's all me," he answered with a wink. Emmett rose to his knees and lifted Edward's other ankle onto his shoulder. Pressing forward, he penetrated the tight ring and eased inside. "Ahh, fuck, feels so good."

Edward's staccato grunts joined together, forming long, continuous moans. Emmett wrapped his hand around Edward's shaft and stroked him. They settled into a rhythm. Emmett thrust deeper; Edward rocked beneath him.

"Are you close?"

"Yesssss," Edward hissed, his forehead crinkled with the effort of holding back.

"I'm waiting for you . . . want to feel you around me when you come . . ."

"Oh, fuck!" Edward's eyes pinched closed, and he held his breath while the hot semen spurted onto his chest. The muscles holding Emmett inside clenched and released, compounding the delicious pressure and tugging him over the edge. He released in three long sprays, holding on tight to Edward's ankles as the waves of pleasure crashed over him and took his breath away.

Emmett dropped his forehead to Edward's rapidly rising and falling chest until the oxygen returned to both of them. He flashed Edward a very happy smile. "How was that for romance?"

Dazed and exhausted, Edward answered. "On a scale of one to ten, you were a million."

Emmett chuckled. "I think I must've fucked your brains out because that makes no sense."

"I need sleep." Edward closed his eyes to illustrate the point.

"Hang on. I'm not done yet."

Edward's eyes popped open in mild horror. "What?"

Gently releasing Edward's legs, Emmett pushed up onto his hands, leaned in, and left a tender kiss on Edward's lips. "I love you, baby."

"I love you too, a million sixty-nine."

XXX

With the Alekhine volume open beneath his fingers, Emmett reenacted the Rubinstein attack on the chessboard between them, carefully advancing his black pieces in response to Edward's rote movements. As he slid the bishop into checkmate position, Emmett glanced at his opponent, prepared to gloat over his pre-ordained win, only to find Edward's eyelids drooping closed.

Chuckling to himself, Emmett said, "Well, I guess the only way I'll ever beat you is while you're half-asleep, playing a game I've already won before we started."

"Huh? Oh . . . yeah, good job." Edward rubbed the sleep from his eyes. "Want to try the McCutcheon next?"

Emmett rounded Edward's kitchen table and pulled out Edward's chair. "The only move I want to try is getting you to bed. You're exhausted."

"But I wanted to make it to midnight! We were gonna watch the ball drop together."

Even as Edward protested, Emmett hoisted him out of the chair. "If you're a good boy, you can watch my balls drop when I take off my underwear."

Edward was awake enough to give him a side-eye glare. "Very festive."

"C'mon, Edward. This is why we came home a day early, remember? To get a good night's sleep on a nice, comfy bed. It's already 2015 in New York anyway. Seattle will catch up by the time we wake up."

"Fine," he grumbled, doing his best zombie impersonation as Emmett dragged him along.

Edward climbed into bed first and sank into his pillow with a loud sigh. Snuggling in behind him, Emmett pulled Edward's hips against his groin. "This was a good idea."

"Spooning?"

"No. Well, yes, but doing it here. I don't think my shoulder could've handled another night on the couch."

"I don't think my ass could've handled you keeping me up all night again."

"Poor baby." Emmett dropped a kiss on Edward's shoulder.

"Hey, Em . . . do you mind if I ask you something personal?"

"You can't be serious! I've been on top of you and inside you for seventy-two hours straight."

"True."

Emmett reached for Edward's hand and intertwined their fingers. "What's up, Doc?"

"I was just wondering, even though it's none of my business really, what on earth are you going to do with a thirty-million-dollar salary if Scott is successful with his negotiations? I mean, the numbers just boggle my mind."

Emmett sighed. That Edward could still think anything was none of his business was a discussion for later. "Well, right off the top, Uncle Sam gets half."

"Okay, fifteen million is still a pretty large chunk of change."

"Yep. I've had my eye on this waterfront lot in Langley for my folks. The cabin is fine, but Dad's always wanted a place with its own dock, and as you could see, the accommodations are a little cramped these days. I haven't said anything . . ."

Edward squeezed Emmett's hand. "Your secret is safe with me."

"I know. I pay into a trust fund each year for Sawyer, but Alice and Jasper are both doing well, so I don't need to worry about the boy's education. There's certainly nothing I need right now for myself. Hell, I already own a truck I can't use."

"How are you set for the future? Is somebody watching out for you?"

"Not officially, but I have most of my money socked away in CD's and a small percentage in stocks. I own my car, and I paid off my mortgage in June. I don't believe in debt."

"That's smart. A lot of guys in your position would be mortgaged up to their eyeballs."

"I don't know what the future holds. One injury could be the end of the line, not to mention poor performance. I can't put that kind of pressure on myself."

"That sounds wise."

"Are you some kind of investing whiz kid? Of course you must be, with your love of numbers. What am I talking about?"

"Actually, I'm awful, not that I have anything to invest anyway. I'm way too risk-averse to be effective. I'm just asking because I wouldn't want you to get taken advantage of. My dad has people he trusts if you ever need a name."

"Sure. Thanks."

The heater clicked off, infusing the still room with a pregnant pause. Edward shifted beside him.

Emmett squeezed his hand. "Did you have something else on your mind?"

He didn't say no right away, which meant the answer was yes. Emmett bit down on the inside of his cheek and waited.

"At the risk of being really intrusive . . ."

Emmett cleared his throat in lieu of saying something lewd.

"Okay, fine." Edward continued, his voice a bit firmer than before. "Have you ever considered the possibility of a 'Mini Mac' somewhere down the road?"

Oh, that. "Honestly? No. The concept of family always brought to mind my parents or Alice's family. I'm a part of all that, but I've always seen myself as the end of the line."

"Literally."

"Right. I mean, you know how much I love Soy, but how was I gonna fit a kid into my life? Assuming I keep playing ball for a while—"

"Which you will!"

"Okay." Emmett couldn't help but smile when his favorite cheerleader started shaking those pom-poms. "Where does that leave 'Mini Mac'?" Emmett had to admit the name had already worked its way under his skin.

"At home with his other dad?"

The curtains parted, and the movie rolled through Emmett's mind as vividly as if he were watching through a window. Edward and Emmett bringing their baby home from the hospital. Edward warming up bottles and changing diapers and mashing up cooked carrots. Emmett playing peek-a-boo, rolling a ball to the baby, reading a bedtime story. Edward teaching him to count . . .

Where the screen had only been blank, Edward's presence in his life created high definition imagery. Emmett's voice was raw with emotion when he spoke.

"I can see that as a possibility now . . . down the road . . ." With you.

"That's good"—Edward pulled their joined hands around his body and scooted back into Emmett's chest—"because it would be a crime for those megastar genes of yours to go to waste."

"What about you, Einstein? You could get a pretty penny at the stud farm, yourself."

Edward chuffed. "It's a damn shame we can't make a baby together. Can you imagine?"

"I don't think the world is ready for that quite yet, Professor."

"It's a new year, Em. You never know."

Author's Note: Hmmm, you never know.

Thanks for waiting for the second installment of their vacation. I hate inserting chapter breaks where they don't logically belong (maybe the Professor's influence on me?) but each of these two chapters was long individually, and together...fuggedaboudit!

I'm a wee bit behind on my review replies. Sorry if yours got suspended in my inbox, but I was working my fingers to the bone finishing up the MASSIVE epilogue, which I'm pleased to say is DONE! (until my prereaders and beta get their eyeballs on it, anyway). Sigh... we still have a handful more to go here so don't get misty-eyed just yet. I absolutely will get to every review, as always. Each one means so much to me and my boys!

Thanks for the love, support, ideas, questions, insights, and even the begging (you know who you are).
xxx ~BOH