A Bid For Love

lips caressing his face. A whole other kettle of fish, his forebears would say. This love wasn't based on camaraderie, on brotherhood. Personal, deep, passionate...lasting. And had been firmly in place for years, if he dared believe Scott's words.
    Vistas of possibility ran through his imagination. Scott, a man he knew as intimately as he knew anyone, a person he respected even if he'd never said so, someone he already cared about. A tremor startled him when Scott nipped with the gentlest of bites at the tender skin behind Asher's ear. And someone he desired greatly, if the steely rod between his legs was any sort of indicator. Was it possible he could come to love Scott the way he'd dreamed of loving a spouse?
    "Let's go out to the bed, darlin'. Just relax and explore for a while if you want. Or you can finish what you started with me." Strong, broad hands caressed his biceps as Scott feathered a kiss over his lips. "I really, really want you to finish me, but we can slow down if that's what feels right."
    "What feels right?" Oddly, this all felt absurdly right. But a bed certainly appealed. "I think I'm beyond the ability to decide something so complex." Even so, he knew he wanted Scott's hand in his again. "Perhaps, for once, you have a good idea." And if he could get past the sex, ease some of this desire, he'd have a better idea if passion clouded his perceptions or not. At least he didn't need to worry about cameras.
    That warm little chuckle didn't hurt at all. "Do have my moments. Come on."
    The big bed cradled them, Scott's weight warm and solid over him. Softest whispers of perfection, completion, wandered over his skin. "Just gorgeous, honey. Inside and out." The tip of Scott's tongue slid over an especially nice spot on Asher's collarbone. "God, I love this mole. So many mornings I wanted to rip that tie off and lay open your shirt just so I could see it."
    Asher actually felt his eyes snap wide. "You noticed my mole? When?" He forced his shattered mind to function. "Some all-nighter, no doubt. And we have shared the shower room after a workout." That sent heat creeping into his face. "Wait. You love to shower opposite me and talk. You were checking me out that whole time!" The heat reversed direction. Truth then, that Scott had wanted him for years. He tipped his head back into the pillow as Scott sucked at his collarbone. Damn, that felt good!
    "Well, yeah." Scott's lips curved against Asher's skin. "But actually I first noticed it when we got into our recon gear for a raid your second week with the unit. Rest was sort of gravy." Scott pushed up for a minute and looked Asher straight in the eye. "Yes, I enjoyed watching you. But I enjoy talking with you every bit as much. You sort of forget about being Asher Hall and all the highbrow stuff that goes with it. You're just my friend. My teammate. And the man I fell for in the middle of some silly rant about half-eaten donuts."
    Asher searched back in his memory and couldn't recall the conversation. How odd. Something possibly so momentous and he couldn't remember it. "I am Asher Hall, though. And unfortunately a great deal goes with it. If you're sincere in this..." His voice locked up as his mind blanked at the sheer enormity of Scott's confession. He blinked up into sky-bright eyes. He'd long ago gained the ability to read his friend, to see what Scott kept tucked out of casual sight.
    The truth flared back at Asher and his body hummed with a heretofore unknown awareness. He was loved. Truly, deeply loved. It glowed there in Scott's eyes, in the soft, broad smile, in the gentle touch. A tremor gathered deep in Asher's core and worked its way outward.
    "I know there's a lot. And I know it's not going to be an easy choice for you." Scott rolled to his side and pulled Asher close. "But right now I just want to give us a chance to discover each other. If it can't work..." Fine white teeth fastened in a sensual bottom lip. "Well, I'll worry about that if it comes along."
    Asher had never imagined a male body could feel so comforting. Oh, he'd notice handsome men and recognized his own attraction to them, but he'd envisioned something different. "I think I might want it to work." Oh, Lord! He'd said that out loud!
    Scott's soft laugh washed over him. "Ash, I know you well enough to recognize a bit of panic in your eyes over that, and to not take it as a proposal yet. How about we just get used to each other for a start?" Solid muscles snuggled up to Asher,