Chapter 5
Neither of them seem to know quite what to say. Harold is doing that wide eyed confused face that John usually finds amusing. Finch finally gathers his wits and picks up his cup.
John watches silently as Harold finishes his tea, sets the cup down and wipes his lips on the napkin.
“Are you finished, Mr. Reese?” He asks politely, taking out his wallet to leave a tip for the waitress.
John considers for a moment. “I’d like to make love with you.” He says finally.
Harold is back to wide eyed confusion. His mouth opens and closes a couple of times as he stares at John.
“Mr. Reese?” Finch finally manages to stammer out. John closes his eyes.
“You don’t have to feel obliged, Harold.” He tells the other man. Hoping that he hasn’t just destroyed their friendship. “I just…” He falls silent, unsure what to say next.
“I think I’d like that also.” Harold says quietly. John opens his eyes and stares at the other man. Harold is smiling sweetly at him.
“What?” John rasps out, unable to believe his ears.
“I would like to make love with you, John.” Harold reaches across the table and lays a gentle hand over John’s.
There are two sorts of hotels in New York City where no one blinks when two men with no luggage but accompanied by a large dog show up out of the blue asking for a room. John’s pretty sure you could rent a hundred rooms in the low end fleabags for what Harold is paying for their suite at the Greenwich Hotel. He’s not sure why they need a 2 bedroom penthouse but he appreciates Harold’s need to make this special.
John settles Bear in the downstairs bedroom and returns to find Harold standing in front of the large window in the sitting room, watching twilight fall over the Tribeca neighborhood. John moves to stand behind the smaller man, wrapping his arms around Harold’s waist and rubbing his cheek in Harold’s hair. He is relieved when Harold relaxes back against him, laying a warm hand over John’s.
They stand there watching the lights come up. Content for the moment to just be with each other. John can’t resist pressing a soft kiss on Harold’s neck just above the collar of his shirt.
“It’s been awhile since I’ve been with a man.” Harold admits softly. “What do you like, John?”
“I don’t know.” John confesses. “I, I never dared imagine I could have this.”
Harold turns in his arms so he is facing John, reaching up to cup John’s cheek. John finds himself bending slightly so he can kiss Harold. The older man’s mouth opens beneath his. John can’t suppress his groan. The older man’s mouth is hot and sweet. Harold’s tongue duels with his own.
“Let’s go to bed, John.” Harold whispers when they break apart.