Maybe it was because he was living in close quarters, but he could smell Gamble after a shower, and there was something insanely hot about passing him in the hallway when he was only wrapped in a towel.
Poe was only human, but he wouldn’t risk damaging Gamble for some tawdry roll in bed.
Not that the man seemed to want that. After that one incident, it had been quiet on the lust front.
That morning, he’d had to walk past the man, and pray that his morning wood—for Gamble after an incredibly erotic dream—didn’t give his thoughts away.
Every day, Poe was fighting a battle between his needs and what he knew was right and wrong.
And it wasn’t getting easier.
Not.
At.
All.
From where he stood, Gamble kept talking, trying to eke out another month together.
“I know you have a life that you’d rather be living instead of babysitting me…”
Poe stopped him.
It was a dead stop too.
“I’m not babysitting you, Gamble. I’m helping you heal. You’re a decorated Marine who served his country. This is an honor for me to be part of your journey. You are anything but a burden to me. I swear.”
The man looked relieved.
Then, Gamble went there.
“So you’ll help me?” he asked, knowing he wasn’t leaving here.
If he had to, he’d ask him to hire him to take care of the animals while he was busy—just to stay near him. Leaving The Hunters…he’d do it to be with Poe.
That told him everything.
As he waited, Gamble held his breath.
It was clear the man was contemplating it.
Finally, Poe answered.
“If you feel you need more time,” Poe said, “I want you to have what you need. I can hold off on the other patients. You’re a priority to me.”
And there it was.
Another month and more time to see what was going on between them.
Gamble finally breathed again.
Only, he was in for a shock. It was clear that Poe had conditions.
And he laid them out.
“You can stay. We’ll keep doing what we’re doing, as that seems to have worked.”
Hallelujah.
