Page 49 of Rubbing One Out

Someone tapped him on the shoulder. “Ben, have you seen Mal? He went off to get me another drink and I can’t find him.”

Ryan stood, swaying slightly on his feet. His dark hair was mussed, his lips pouty. Ben surmised Ryan and Mal had been holding an epic make-out session somewhere. Ryan’s new boyfriend was slim, cute, and had green hair. Ryan was enamoured with him, and Mal with Ryan. They were adorable.

“He went into the garden hut to grab an extra deck chair.” Ben waved over towards the hut at the bottom of the garden. “I haven’t seen him come out yet, though. Maybe you were supposed to join him?” He winked at Ryan, who smiled sunnily.

“Oh, you think? Thanks, Ben.” He tottered off to the hut, and Ben shook his head in amusement. No doubt Mal had an ulterior motive for disappearing.

Hemmy laughed. “That boy has had enough to drink, I’m thinking. Time to cut him off.”

Ben looked around for his special steak spice. He couldn’t see it anywhere and handed the metal spatula to Hemmy. “Here, take over for a minute. I need my super spice to season these steaks.”

He scooted off to the kitchen, passing Hazel and Raj making out on the garden bench under the rose trellis. Ben felt a twinge of envy. He wanted to be doing that, kissing Dae until their lips were numb, and making love in the bed upstairs until both of them lost their minds.

Dae, you’d better be home soon, no matter what,because I can’t do without you. Please come home. Please.

“Where are you,” he muttered as he searched the cupboard. “I know I saw you here the other day. Where the hell are you?”

“Right behind you,” came a soft reply.

Ben stood stock-still, heart thundering in his chest, hoping beyond all hope he wasn’t dreaming that familiar voice.

“Aren’t you going to turn around?” the voice asked in amusement. “I’ve been gone a while and all you can do is stand there?”

“Dae,” Ben gasped and turned so fast he thought he might have injured his neck. “You’re back.”

Dae nodded. “I am. I’m not going away from you ever again.” He looked a little tired, but he was still Dae. Dressed in soft yoga pants and a clear, lemon-hued chiffon top, he was a beloved sight, and Ben wanted to whoop for joy.

Instead, he hurled himself at his lover, wrapping him up tight, finding his mouth with the desperation of a fish out of water. Dae’s hands encircled Ben’s waist as they pulled together like magnets, and the warmth and passion of their kisses catapulted Ben to that place he felt most at home. In Dae’s arms.

When they’d quieted their immediate need to kiss each other senseless, they pulled apart and Ben held Dae’s face in trembling hands, not willing to let him go.

“You were gone so long, I thought it was over,” he whispered against Dae’s fragranced hair. “God, I missed you so much. I didn’t think it was possible.”

“It took some time to get things resolved, but the Lady Mage got the wishes granted, and a replacement Djinn settled in.” Dae reached out a hand and gently stroked Ben’s new trimmed beard. “I like this. Not too much. Very sexy.”

“I’ve been a little lazy about shaving,” Ben confessed. “God, I’m so relieved you’re home. The guys are going to love seeing you again.”

“The guys?” Dae frowned. “You have visitors. Who are they?” His beautiful lilac eyes narrowed. “Have you replaced me so soon?”

Ben shook his head. “No, doofus. I’m having a barbeque, and Hemmy, Hazel, and Ryan are here with their significant others. Well, Hemmy doesn’t have one because honestly, he can’t choose from them all. One day that man is going to find an irate husband waiting for him around a dark corner.”

He’d only had one beer, but he was giddy with happiness. He drew Dae over to the lounge and pushed him down onto the couch. “Tell me about my wishes. What happened?” He sat down next to his man and waited.

Dae smiled softly. “All you need to know is that as of midnight tonight, I’ll be human. I’ll be able to stay here with you and we’ll grow old together. If that’s what you want.”

“Hell yes, that’s what I want.” Ben captured Dae’s lips in another kiss. “I’ve dreamt about you coming home. You’ve sacrificed so much to be here with me. I can’t even tell you how much I love you for that.”

Dae’s eyes shimmered in shades of purple. Ben was entranced by the emotion shown in them. “You love me?”

Ben cupped his face. “I love you. You’re mine. My beautiful, incredible genie.”

“Not anymore,” Dae said wryly. “Although I do have a little bit of magic left in me.” He closed his eyes and lifted his fingers, and above their heads, a ring of fairy lights flickered, rotating in the air like a crown of fireflies.

Ben stared at it in awe, then back at Dae. “So you’ll be able to visit your family?”

Dae nodded. “Yes. Once a year I can go back. It was the best she could do. They will be sad I’ve made this decision, but I’m happy with it. As long as I have you.” He leaned in and kissed Ben on the cheek. “I love you too. This is my new home. Here, with you and Tess.” He waved a hand at the backyard. “Those people out there. Our friends. I look forward to getting to know them much better over the years.” His face shone. “It feels good to be able to say that.”

“I can’t believe you’re back. Knowing we’ll grow old together.”

Dae leaned in close to Ben and whispered, “She let me keep the tattoo as well, so your fetish can still be served.” He grinned. “The new Djinn got an elephant tat. She seemed pleased with it.”

Ben stood up, dizzy with relief. “While I want you madly, and nothing would delight me more than taking you to bed right this minute, I have food on the grill and Hemmy isn’t the best at turning the meat on time. I want to take you outside, show you off, and let everyone know you’re home. Is that all right?”

Dae pursed his lips. “More than all right.” He pouted. “I feel I should have dressed up a little more, but this outfit will have to do.”

Ben chuckled. “There’s my fashion-conscious man. Come on.” He took Dae’s hand and tugged him towards the garden. “I must warn you. I think Ryan and Mal, his new partner, are having sex in the garden hut, and Hazel and Raj were getting frisky when I passed them earlier. Hemmy’s probably out there watching it all, and there could be a fire in the garden if he hasn’t paid attention to the meat. Just saying.”

Dae looked a little shell-shocked at having all that information in one fell swoop.

Ben flashed Dae a huge smile.

“Welcome back, baby. This is just the beginning.”