The Merger – 21

 

"Someday," Mike said, panting as he collapsed on one of the benches along the canal's bike path.

"You'll beat me?" Josh grinned, dropping down beside him.

"You bet. Maybe not next Sunday or the one after, but someday."

"Then we stop running?" Josh asked.

"Hell, no. I like doing this, even if you are better than me."

"Ah-ha. You admit it."

Mike laughed, giving him a sweaty hug. "I think you proved it." Leaning back, he watched a middle-aged couple jogging their way. "Now them I could beat hands down."

Josh arched an eyebrow. "Maybe in the short haul, but I happen to know they run half-marathons and do quite well."

"You're kidding."

"Nope. They have the stamina it takes to do them. You, my man, are more of a short-distance runner."

"If I keep hanging out with you, I'll improve."

"That's the plan."

Mike cocked his head. "You have a plan?"

"Of course. To develop your stamina. You're going to need it to keep up with me when the time comes." Josh winked, jumped to his feet and started down the path, heading back the way they'd come.

He didn't mean that the way it sounded. Mike chuckled to himself as he took off after Josh. Of course he did and I have no problem with that.

When they got back to their cars, Mike said, "I'm starving. Want to stop for lunch somewhere?"

"Nope. We're eating here." Josh popped the trunk of his car, taking out a picnic basket. "It's too beautiful outside to spend the rest of the morning in some crowded restaurant, so I planned ahead." He carried the basket to a nearby picnic table. Opening it, he said, "We have blueberry muffins, breakfast burritos with potatoes, scrambled eggs, and cheese"—he took out a thermos—"orange juice and coffee." He held up another thermos.

"You even remembered plates and cups," Mike commented, taking them out of the basket. "No silverware?"

Josh handed him a foil-wrapped burrito. "For what?"

"Okay, I rescind the question," Mike replied when he realized everything was finger-food. "This is good," he said after taking a bite of the burrito.

Josh grinned. "Of course. I made it. There's hot sauce if you want it," he added, liberally dousing his burrito with some before handing the bottle to Mike.

Mike put a couple of drops on what he was eating, took a bite, and quickly took a gulp of his juice before looking at the bottle's label. "Habanero? Damn. Warn a guy."

"Wuss," Josh replied. "I could have gotten some made with ghost chilies."

"Shit, no. I've heard about them. I like my lips and tongue the way they are, thanks. Not burned to a crisp."

Josh looked at him, smiling. "I like them the way they are, too."

"Mr. Aston, are you coming on to me in a public park?"

"Nope. Just stating a fact. If I was coming on to you, I'd do this." Josh glanced around then kissed Mike.

For a moment, Mike savored the kiss. Then he pulled back, sucking in a breath. "You forgot you've been eating hot sauce," he said, taking another drink of orange juice.

Josh grinned. "Maybe I'm just a hot kisser."

"That goes without saying, in both ways. However, next time—"

"I dispense with the hot sauce?"

"Please?"

They laughed then went back to eating their picnic breakfast. When they'd finished, Josh obviously realized they hadn't touched the coffee, so he poured them each a cup.

Mike leaned back against the table, a feeling of contentment washing over him as he sipped his. "I could get used to this," he said.

"Relaxing on a Sunday morning?"

"I'm not sure we did that much relaxing, given the fact we ran for a good half hour, but yeah…spending the morning outdoors with sun, a nice breeze, and great scenery." He looked at Josh and winked. "Very great scenery."

Josh rolled his eyes. "You did not just go there."

"Did," Mike replied, moving closer to put one arm around Josh's shoulders. "We need to make this a regular thing."

"Of course. At least until it starts snowing."

"Which, thank God, won't happen for another four months, if we're lucky." Mike thought about asking what Josh had planned for the afternoon then decided not to push his luck. This whole being together thing is new for both of us. If we overdo it too soon… He smiled to himself. It's sort of like a box of candy. Eat the whole thing in a day and you get sick of it. Eat just a couple of pieces a day and you look forward to the next day and the next—then the next box.

They sat in comfortable silence for a few more minutes before Josh said, "I suppose we'd better get moving. I've got clothes to wash. I'm sure you've got chores that need doing, as well."

"Unfortunately, yes."

They gathered everything up, Josh packing the basket while Mike took the trash to one of the refuse containers. When they got to Josh's car, Mike put his hands on Josh's shoulders. Kissing him, he said, "I had fun."

"Me, too. Right now I wish it was next Sunday—or Friday, if we want to do something again Friday night."

"We do," Mike said emphatically, earning a bright smile from Josh. "We'll figure out what sometime this week. For now, though, I'll see you in the morning."

"Bright and early," Josh replied with a grin.

"Yeah, yeah. At nine, when we open." Mike gave and got back a kiss before he walked to his car. He waved when Josh drove past him, got in then headed home.