Page 9 of Bicycle Built for Two

“Do you ever get to Chicago?” Ben asked softly.

“Work gets me there sometimes.” Jason opened his eyes only to find Ben had his closed. He gazed at the peaceful expression for a few seconds before closing his eyes again. He didn’t want to be caught staring.

“We’ll have to meet up next time you’re in town. I’ll show you all the good places that you probably miss if you only stay downtown or by the airport.”

“I’d love that.” Jason checked and found Ben’s eyes open. “We definitely have to trade info.” Jason paused for a couple of seconds and decided to ask more. “When do you go home after this? I imagine you’re not getting on a plane the second we’re back in the city.”

“No. I’m leaving Tuesday or Wednesday. I have to ship the bike on Monday. I may catch a show or something. Officially, I’m on vacation all next week, so I haven’t made firm plans yet. I can’t imagine my legs are going to want to be crammed in a plane on Monday, or maybe even Tuesday.”

“Have dinner with me tomorrow night?” Jason blurted out before he could second guess himself.

“I’d love to.” No hesitation in Ben’s answer either.

“Cool,” Jason said, so softly that it wasn’t until Ben grinned that he was sure the sound traveled across the tub.

“It’ll be great to dress in real clothes, sit in a comfortable place, not worry about how hydrated I am, and get to know you better.”

“Sounds perfect.” Jason’s words got clipped by a yawn.

“We should get some sleep, shouldn’t we?”

“Awww… but it’s so perfect here.” Jason hunkered down into the water.

“Can you imagine what this is doing to our hydration levels?”

Jason splashed Ben, landing water on his face.

“Oh, you want to play that game, eh.” Ben used both hands to create waves from two directions, sending several tidal waves of water into Jason.

To fight back, Jason stood and vigorously splashed Ben. The peaceful atmosphere they’d shared became a grade-school ruckus with water flying in all directions. Ben met him in the middle of the tub as they continued to laugh heartily and toss water around.

Suddenly Ben stopped, grabbed Jason’s face, and gave him a soft kiss on the lips.

This kiss was a surprise, albeit a welcome one. It took Jason a few seconds to stop splashing and for his brain to catch up. He returned the kiss and wrapped his arms around Ben. The taller man was wide enough that Jason’s hands almost didn’t meet to complete the hug.

“You’re pretty awesome, you know that, Jay?”

“I think you’re the awesome one.”

“Okay, we’re awesome.”

They kissed for another few minutes, their tongues tentatively exploring.

“We really should get to bed.” Jason sounded unconvincing. “Five thirty is going to come too fast, and day three is hard enough without sleep deprivation.”

Ben sighed. “Yeah.” He stepped out of the hug and climbed out of the tub. He extended a hand to help Jason.

“I want more kisses sometime,” Ben said as they toweled off.

“That can be arranged.”