Adult-FanFiction.org : Celebrity

Last Swim	By : jai Category: Individual Celebrities > Athlete/Sports Misc Views: 8134 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. I do not know the people written about in this fanfiction. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 27
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- 29
June 1, 2007 Detroit, MI

“Michael, you need to calm down.”

Michael stopped pacing and turned to look at Ian.

“I can’t help it, I’m too excited.”

Michael walked over and sat next to Ian for a moment before getting up and pacing again. “Do you think Iona will like her room?”

Ian looked down at his magazine with a sigh. “She’s only a year old and she’ll only be here for a week.”

“But do you think she’ll like it?”

“Love, it’s a perfect room for a child and she’ll be crazy about it.”

Michael put his hands on his hips and gave Ian a look. “You’re humoring me.”

Ian opened his mouth to answer but spotted his parents coming down the escalator. “They’re here.”

Michael whipped around. “She’s here!”

Ian stood and grabbed Michael by the back of the shirt to prevent him from running towards the escalator. “You don’t want to scare her.”

After taking a deep breath, Michael nodded. “You’re right. Sorry.”

“It’s okay. I’m excited too but she hasn’t seen us in a couple of months.”

Ken smiled and waved, pointing at them while talking to Margaret. Christina and David followed with David carrying Iona and Christina pushing the baby carriage. Once they were close enough, Ian let go of Michael’s shirt and greeted his parents, sister and brother-in-law. He waved to Iona who looked up at him shyly.

Michael hugged Margaret and Christina and shook Ken’s hand. He nodded at David and smiled at Iona. “God, look at how big she is.”

Christina held out her hand with a smile; Ian pulled a twenty dollar bill out his pocket and handed it to her.

“I should never bet against Michael being goofy over the kid.” Ian said with a sigh. Michael was too busy making funny faces at Iona to notice.

“Michael dear, maybe we should get the luggage and head for the car.” Margaret said with an indulgent smile.

“Oh, right.” Michael reluctantly stepped back.

^^
Ian opened the door to the kitchen and waved his parents, Christina and Iona through while Michael and David were busy unloading the luggage. Once they were in the kitchen, Ian left the door open and led them into the living room.

“Mum, dad we’ve put you in the downstairs bedroom. Chris, you and David are in the upstairs bedroom but we’ve got baby gates on both ends of the stairs and down to the basement. Joanne came over and checked our baby proofing but you’ll want to take a look around, I’m sure. Michael fixed the third bedroom up for Iona but I don’t know if she’s sleeping on her own yet.”

“She’ll probably sleep with us tonight but you two didn’t have to go to all the trouble, we have a travel crib and she could have stayed in with us.”

“I know but you know Michael. He’s spent the last two months putting it together. It does look great but-”

“I went a little overboard. I know but I couldn’t help myself.” Michael said as he came in with two bags. “David said these were your bags, Chris. Would you like to go up?”

“That sounds good, Michael.”

Everyone went up the stairs, with Ian holding the baby gate open at the bottom and Margaret getting the one at the top.

“Which room is David and Christine’s, Ian?” Margaret asked.

“The one to the right.”

Margaret opened the door to the blue and white bedroom she and Ken had stayed in previously.

“Oh, this is lovely guys,” Christina said as she looked around. Iona had woken up and was babbling away, wanting to get down. Christina put her on the bed and sat down next to her as David came in with one of their bags and a travel crib. Michael set the other two bags down out of the way.

“So, let’s see Iona’s room.” David said with a smile.

Ian opened the door across the hall to reveal a room painted in a creamy yellow. A crib made of dark wood stood in the corner nearest to the door and a changing table was on the wall between the window and the bathroom. The remaining wall was taken up with a large shelving unit filled with children’s books and a few toys. There was a cheerful yellow and green area rug and a rocker near the crib. The crib bedding and curtains echoed the yellow and green colors with coordinating floral and stripe materials.

Michael walked into the room and went over to the shelving unit. “The unit anchored into the wall and e’s e’s a bed behind the center section but you have to unlatch it up here. I didn’t want her pulling anything down on her.”

“This is a beautiful room, Michael. I think Iona will love staying in here.” Christina reached up and kissed Michael’s cheek. “In fact I’ll put her down for her nap in here as I see you have a baby monitor set up after she’s had her lunch.”

“Oh, we’ve got lunch ready to go and Ian picked up the baby food you said you used. Is everyone hungry?”

“Starving.” Ken stated.

“Why don’t Michael and I go get lunch ready and we’ll leave you all to freshen up.” Ian said as he and Michael withdrew from the room.

&&
After lunch, Ian was cleaning up the dishes while Michael and Ken brought in the rest of the bags and Christina and David took Iona up for her nap.

Margaret was sitting at the kitchen table enjoying a second glass of ice tea when she finally had Ian alone and could broach the subject.

“Is everything okay between you and Michael?”

Ian sighed and tossed the dishrag in the sink. He poured himself a glass of tea and sat down. “I figured you and dad were doing the divide and conquer. Yes, we’ve both been a little tense the last couple of months. Mostly I think we’re both tired. It’s been a hellish school year and with two competitions since January, we haven’t really had time with each other.”

“And?” Margaret said as she put a hand on Ian’s arm.

After giving her a look, Ian continued, “We’ve had a couple of arguments lately and we’ve been avoiding each other.”

“What have you been arguing about?”

“Stupid stuff that shouldn’t even cause a tiff. He’s been late coming home a few nights. He’s missed a couple of lunch dates. That’s not the problem because I’ve done the same. We were both carrying a heavy class load last semester and it happens but it’s why he’s been late that bothers me.”

Margaret gasped. “You think he’s seeing someone else?”

“I know he’s seeing someone else but not like that, not yet anyway.” Ian said sadly.

“But how could this have happened?” Margaret asked.

&&&

August 13, 2006 Vancouver, BC Canada
Wedgewood Hotel Suite 1402

It was after eleven by the time Michael and Ian made it back to their hotel suite. They’d ditched the film crew early and had dinner at Lumiere followed by a walk through the Chinatown Night Market.

Ian closed the door behind them and locked it securely, making sure to place the ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign on the door knob outside. He tossed the key on the table and joined Michael in the bedroom.

Michael was pulling the drapes closed and turned to smile at Ian as Ian drew near.

“This has been a magnificent day, thank you love.” Ian leaned in and kissed Michael.

“You’re welcome. I had a good time too.” Michael slid his arms around Ian’s neck.

“Are you amazed that I didn’t buy anything?” Ian began unbuttoning Michael’s shirt.

Michael laughed softly, “No because you were too busy eavesdropping on people’s conversations.” He unbuckled Ian’s belt and pulled it from the loops.

“It’s interesting how their intonations differ from the ones in Shanghai.” Ian ran his palm up Michael’s taut stomach and up to his chest. “So what’s on the agenda for tomorrow?”

Michael thought about it for a moment. “Well, there are still plenty of things to do here. We could take the gondola up to Grouse Mountain, go to the Aquarium or take a tour of the rainforest.” Michael gasped as Ian’s lips closed in on his earlobe. “Maybe we could just stay here tomorrow.”

Ian grinned into Michael’s neck and plucked one of Michael’s nipples. “I like that last one.”

With a moan, Michael clutched at Ian’s waist and scrambled to unbutton his black jeans. “We’ll have to call Chad and let him know we won’t be available tomorrow. Why did you wear button fly jeans?”

“Because you like the way my ass looks in them.” Ian went in for the kill and sucked gently on the tender spot below Michael’s right earlobe. Ian wasn’t sure why the right side was so much more sensitive then the left but he didn’t mind exploiting that fact.

“Ah. Huh.” Michael panted and succeeded in finally getting all the buttons undone; sliding a hand into the opening and cupping Ian’s cock.

Ian sucked in his breath at the intimate touch and inadvertently gave Michael a little hickey. He pulled his head back and winced. “Oops.”

Michael straightened his head and looked at Ian, stilling his hand. “What?”

“I just gave you a hickey.”

“Oh, is it big?”

“No, it’s very small.”

“Then don’t worry about it. You want to go try out the shower?”

“Sure. The market was a bit smoky wasn’t it?” Ian pulled off his polo shirt and finished removing his pants while Michael shrugged off his own shirt and started unzipping his khakis. Ian finished first and wandered into the bathroom as Michael admired the view before hurrying to re his his socks and underwear.

He stepped in to the large shower stall, joining Ian under the spray and reached for the bottle of shampoo. He poured out a small portion and nudged Ian. “Hey, this smells really nice doesn’t it?”

Ian sniffed at the liquid and sighed. “Yes, it’s wonderful. What brand is that?” Michael nodded to the bottles and Ian picked one up. “Oh, it’s from the spa here. There’s a spa here?”

“Yes, in fact that’s one of the activities I was going to suggest for tomorrow. We can either book massages here in the room or get the full treatment down in the spa. I already checked for appointments and they said they had several slots open. Wet your hair, sit down and I’ll shampoo you.”

Ian sat on the bench, facing Michael and spread his legs so Michael had access. He couldn’t help groaning when Michael’s fingers started massaging his head. “Oh, that feels nice.”

“I know. You had that migraine a couple of days ago and you’ve looked tense ever since. So what do you think? In room or down in the spa? There’s a brochure in the living room.”

Ian groaned again and tilted his head back. “I can’t think when you do that, your hands are too magical. Ask me later.”

Michael grinned and applied his magical hands to Ian’s scalp and neck. He hummed softly as he worked the shampoo in and then picked up the handheld sprayer to carefully rinse the suds out. The conditioner was just as aromatic and he was pleased to see the little wrinkles around Ian’s mouth disappearing as his lover relaxed.

After the conditioner was rinsed out, Ian opened his eyes and smiled at Michael. “Thank you that got rid of the last tiny bit of headache.”

“Good. Now stay there and I’ll soap you up.” Michael picked up the soap and began spreading lather over Ian’s chest. “I think it’s really amazing that you function with that kind of pain hanging around.”

Ian shrugged and leaned back. “I’ve gotten used to it. It would have been much worse if you hadn’t given me that back rub the other night.”

“I’m glad it helped.” Michael spread the soap down over Ian’s stomach and groin, massaging lightly. He washing Ian’s cock and scrotum before heading down to Ian’s thighs and knees, stooping to do the lower legs before sitting down to thoroughly clean and massage Ian’s feet.

“If you keep that up, I won’t need to visit the spa.”

“Ah, but they have the Sea of the Senses Detoxifying Body Envelope.”

Ian cracked an eye open and gave Michael a long look. “Did you memorize the brochure?”

Michael grinned, “No, it’s just the names they give those things; they’re kind of funny. The Sea of the Senses has champagne grape seed scrub and a glycolic polymer application. It’s like a cross between a vineyard and a car wash, I guess.”

Ian laughed, “It does sound like that doesn’t it?”

“They also have the Chai Soy anti-stress back treatment which includes a chai soy mud mask on your back and a soothing scalp and foot massage. It actually sounds pretty nice.”

“That does sound good.”

“I just remember how much you loved that massage and facial on Wadigi and figured we could give it a try.” He picked sprayer up again and rinsed Ian’s front. “You want to stand up now? I still need to do your back.”

Ian stood and helped Michael to his feet before turning to brace himself on the wall. Michael soaped his hands up again and started slowly spreading it over Ian’s shoulders and back, taking time to press down on various muscle groups. Ian moaned and rested his head on the shower wall.

“You are so good at this.”

“I like touching you so it’s not like it’s a hardship. I just try to do what the guys at the pool do for me.” Michael re-soaped and lathered down Ian’s narrow waist and over his buttocks, paying attention to the cleft between Ian’s cheeks before moving on. After soaping down the backs of Ian’s legs and rinsing he moved Ian back under the main spray and quickly washed and rinsed himself.

Ian allowed Michael to maneuver him around and then out of the shower cubicle, standing pliant while Michael dried them off. Michael patted him on the fanny and pushed him towards the sinks.

“You’ll need to brush your own teeth I’m afraid. My services don’t quite extend to oral care.”

“And you call yourself a concubine.” Ian said with a grin, feeling refreshed and alive again as he reached for the toothpaste.

“I might be able to manage it but I don’t think either one of us would enjoy it.” Michael answered his grin with one of his own and picked up his toothbrush.

After they brushed and took care of other necessities, Michael pulled Ian back into the bedroom making sure he grabbed a towel. “Why don’t you get in bed, baby and I’ll get us some water?”

“All right. Look, cookies.” Ian broke off a piece. “It’s pretty good too.”

Michael got two bottles of water ou the the mini-bar and came back into the bedroom. “They’re supposed to be fresh baked.”

Ian pulled back the bedding and slid between the sheets, looking up at Michael with a smile while patting the mattress. “Are you going to join me?”

“Hang on; I need to get the lube.” Michael went back into the bathroom and rooted through his shaving bag. He thought about it for a moment and grabbed both the lube and the condoms before returning to get into bed.

“Ah, condoms. No wet spot tonight.”

“I think we learned our lesson about that.” Michael snuggled up to Ian after putting the supplies on the nightstand. “Where were we?”

Ian squirmed around until his body was drawn tight up to Michael’s and started nibbling on Michael’s shoulder. “Right here?” His voice went up on the last syllable as Michael’s hand found Ian’s cock.

“I think you were nibbling a little higher actually.” Michael said before he took Ian’s mouth with his and slid his free hand around Ian’s neck.

They kissed for several minutes, leisurely exploring each other’s mouths before Ian pulled away with a moan. Michael’s limber fingers had just found his perineum and he couldn’t help splaying his legs open to give Michael more room.

“Love, please?” Ian said knowing Michael would understand what he wanted.

“I’ve got you, baby.” Michael reached for the lube and quickly coated his fingers, opening Ian’s passage up without teasing. Ian stared into Michael’s eyes as he whimpered; trying to flex his hips and drive those long digits deeper.

Once Ian was ready, Michael rolled a condom down Ian’s cock using a little more lube to smooth it on and then helped Ian turn over. He put a condom on his own cock and then cuddled up behind Ian, guiding his cock until he was fully inside his lover.

He reached a hand around and found Ian’s perineum, stroking over the flesh and pressing as he began to make tiny thrusts with his hips and kiss across Ian’s shoulder.

Ian responded with whispers, whimpers and moans; one hand on Michael’s wrist to help him find just the right spot, the other wrapped around his balls bringing them tight up against his cock.

“Michael, please.” Ian twisted his head around and Michael rose up to kiss him, driving his cock deeper. Ian came suddenly as Michael’s cock hit his prostate, Michael’s mouth muffling his cry of surprise.

Michael removed his hand from Ian’s perineum knowing Ian couldn’t take the stimulation at this point and thrust a few more times as Ian’s channel fluttered and contracted around his cock. Michael’s orgasm spooled through him and he arched his back as the sensations overwhelmed him. He rested his head against the back of Ian’s neck and breathed.

Afterward, Michael disposed of both condoms and wiped Ian down before straightening out the bedclothes before rejoining Ian. He slung a leg over Ian’s and snuggled back in, resting his head on Ian’s shoulder.

“Um. Love you are so good to me.” Ian brushed a kiss across Michael’s brow.

“All part of the service, my king.” Michael said sleepily.

&&

September 2, 2006 Ann Arbor, MI

Michael waved as the Price’s minivan pulled into the driveway. He set down the hose and went over to greet them.

“Hi guys. How was the trip?”

James opened his door and got out, shaking Michael’s hand. “It wasn’t bad, we made pretty good time. Thanks again for letting us stay here.”

Michael smiled and gave Nadia a hug while waving at Joe and Clay. “Hey, you guys are family and anything for fellow student.” He grinned at Joe. “Are you excited?”

Joe nodded and then rolled his eyes as Clay ran up to Michael for a hug. “Yeah except for having to drag the pipsqueak along with us.”

Before Clay could complain, Nadia reached over and bopped Joe on the ear. “Knock it off, I’m tired of you two squabbling at each other.” She looked at Michael with a sigh. “Sorry, they’ve been fighting the whole trip.”

Michael put his arm around Nadia with an understanding smile. “It’s a tradition. I tried to make mom leave Hilary at a rest stop when we were taking her to college but mom didn’t go for it.”

He turned and noticed James unloading two bags from the back of the packed van. “Hey, let me help you with those.”

James waved him off. “It’s okay. Joe, come on over here and help.”

“Dad!” Joe said in protest.

“Hey, we only have two more days of using you like a pack mule so step up and get to it.” James said with a grin, reaching out to ruffle his son’s hair. Joe attempted to evade it but smiled with relatively good humor.

“Nadia, why don’t we go inside? You look like you need to sit down and put your feet up for a while.”

“Thanks Michael. I was at the hospital late last night and we had an early start this morning.”

“Hey, Michael can I finiashiashing your car?” Clay asked hopefully.

Michael looked at Nadia who shrugged. “He washes the minivan.”

“Okay but Clay, don’t spray your dad or your brother and don’t get too wet. It’s a little nippy out here today.”

Clay nodded and went over to pick up the hose almost reverently. Michael patted his pocket to make sure he had the car keys and then opened then led Nadia through the garage and into the kitchen.

“Clay’s a little car crazy right now. I’m hoping he grows out of before he gets his license.”

“Nadia, boys never grow out of the car phase. Do you want to sit in the living room or here in the kitchen?

Nadia pulled out a chair and sat down at the table. “Here’s just fine. As long as it’s not moving, I’m not fussy. What’s that heavenly smell?”

“Apple pies. We’re having one after dinner and I think the other one is for the bake sale. We have coffee, hot tea, ice tea, soda, milk and water. What can I get you?”

“Oh, a cup of tea would be great. You bake too?”

“Nah.” Michael put the kettle and pulled out the tea caddy. “Ian’s baking. He’s down working out in the gym.”

“No he’s not.” Ian said from the basement door. “Hi Nadia, how was the trip?”

Nadia took one look at Ian all sweaty and clad only in tiny shorts and fanned herself while grinning wickedly, “I think seeing you in that outfit made it all worth while.”

Ian glanced down and blushed. “Oh, sorry. I’ll just go upstairs and clean up. Michael, would you take out the pies if the buzzer goes off?”

“Sure baby.” Michael smiled and waited for Ian to walk away before turning to Nadia. “Oh, that was evil.”

Nadia shrugged unrepentantly. “I’m a fully functioning female. You put something like that in front of me and I’m going to react.”

Michael laughed, “Fair enough. We have Earl Grey, Oolong, Peppermint, White Monkey, Snow Dragon or Ice Needle. What’s your preference?”

“Peppermint sounds lovely. You brew it loose?”

“Yeah, Ian’s gotten me hooked on making it the proper way.” Michael reached up and pulled down the tea pot and infuser.

James and Joe came in with four small bags and set them down, James taking a chair with a sigh of relief. “I guess we should have put Clay’s bag in last with the rest of them. We practically had to unpack the car to find it.”

“Do you two want something to drink?”

Joe sat down and stretched out gratefully. “I’d like a soda if you have one.”

“And I’ll have water.”

Michael opened the fridge. “Ah, we have Sprite, Diet Dr. Pepper or Coke.”

“Coke’s fine.”

Michael pulled the can and a bottle of water. “Do you want glasses and ice?” After James and Joe both said no, he handed the drinks over and turned back to the stove as the buzzer sounded.

Michael carefully removed the pies and set them on the counter to cool.

“Those look great. Ian’s making one for a bake sale?” Nadia asked.

Michael nodded and poured the hot water into the tea pot. “Yeah, we went out last week to an orchard with the Wilkins and Joanne somehow roped us into baking for the sale. I made cookies yesterday and I have extra if you’d like a snack.”

They all nodded and Michael put out a plate of chocolate chip and oatmeal cookies and then brought over the tea pot and the accoutrements. He had just poured two cups when Ian reappeared.

“Joe, James. How are you?”

“We’re fine. Again, thanks for letting us stay with you,” James said.

“Any family of Michael’s is family of mine. Is that tea?”

“Yes, peppermint. You want a cup?” Michael asked.

“Is the Queen English?” Ian asked as he took a seat at the table and reached for a cookie. “Where’s Clay?”

“He’s washing Michael’s car. It’s a boy thing.”

&&

After the Prices had a chance to freshen up, they drove down to the campus in two cars and helped Joe get settled into his West Quad dorm room. His roommates, Charley and Matt seemed like nice guys and had already been there since Friday so it was just a matter of unloading Joe’s things into the room.

Michael caught Joe out in the hall carrying up a suitcase and pulled him aside.

“Hey, Ian and I were going to invite you and your folks out to dinner. We’d be happy to take Charley and Matt out with us if you’d like.”

“That’s really nice of you, Michael,” Joe said with surprise.

Michael grinned, “No worries as Ian says. I just didn’t want to say anything in front of them and have you feel obligated to invite them along if you wanted to spend the evening with you folks. And we’d be fine if you guys wanted to go out as a family too.”

“Heck, you’re like my cousin right? You’re family too. If you’re sure you don’t mind, I think Charley and Matt would like that. Their families have already left.”

“Cool, we’d love to have them join us. We’ll probably go to Arbor Brewing; they’re casual and serve big portions.”

&&

Ian followed the hostess to a table in the back and thanked her while taking a seat on one corner. Everyone else seated themselves and opened their menus.

“Hi, I’m Amanda and I’ll be your-. Oh, it’s Ian and Michael. How are you guys g?” g?”

Michael looked up and smiled while Ian nodded from the far end. “Hey Mandy. We’re doing fine. How was your summer?”

“Spent it working back home. How was yours?”

“We did a lot of traveling. This is my cousin James and his wife Nadia, and sons Joe and Clay. Joe’s just moved into West Quad and these are his roommates, Matt and Charley. They’re on the third floor.”

“Hey, I’m up on five. I’m in 522 if you guys need anything. What can I get you to drink?” They placed their orders and Amanda went off to retrieve them.

“You guys sure know a lot of people here.” Charley said Ian with a slight Southern accent.

“It’s a big school but you get to know people fairly quickly.”

Dinner was a lot of fun as Charley, Matt and Joe got to know each other. Ian and Michael dropped the new college students off at their dorm and after offering to give Clay a ride back to the house, let James and Nadia at the same time so they could have a little quiet time in their car and say good night to Joe.

Clay was excited to spend time with the two guys he considered his favorite cousins and chatted happily on the ride back before suddenly going quiet as they pulled up to the house right before James and Nadia did.

Ian and Michael got out and opened the backdoor to find Clay out like a light. Nadia and James walked up and she laughed softly at Ian and Michael’s worried looks.

“He’s getting ready to hit a growth spurt and one minute he’s running around, the next he’s asleep. He fell asleep on the stairs going up to bed one night.”

James reached in and hauled Clay out, hoisting the small fourteen-year-old in his arms.

“I guess being a doctor, you know all about stuff like that.” Ian said as Michael unlocked the door and turned off the alarm.

“No, when Joe did it I was terrified. You have no idea of all the things that were running for my mind. Thankfully, Meagan remembered that James and his brothers had done the same thing when they were growing up or I would have had Joe in the hospital the next day running tests.”

James took Clay upstairs to get him into bed while Nadia and Ian sat in the living room chatting and Michael put on coffee. James joined them in a few minutes and they ate pie with their coffee as they talked and caught up with each other before heading up to the bedrooms.

The Prices left the next day to return to Chicago and soon Michael and Ian were caught up in the whirlwind of training and classes. Ian traveled to Australia for the Qantas Skins meet in November while Michael was in California with the college’s swim team. They were back in Sydney for the Christmas break then spring semester began with another round of classes.

It wasn’t until April and the end of the semester that Ian began to figure out that Michael was keeping something from him. Not only was Michael missing for unaccounted for periods of time be wae was more tired. It had been going on for months but the exhaustion seemed to finally be taking a toll on Michael as the semester ended.

They’d always had a healthy and active sex life but Michael was more interested in sleep these days and they barely made love once a week. Ian found it even more suspicious that Michael had also gone back to using a condom more times than not.

June 1, 2007 Ann Arbor, MI

“Ian?”

His mother’s voice finally broke through Ian’s foggy thoughts and he looked over at her.

“Ian, are you okay?”

“Yes, mum. Just thinking. What did you say?”

“Why do you think Michael’s been cheating on you?”

“Because he’s not where he says he’ll be; he’s tired all the time and there are other things I don’t really want to tell my mother about but he gets calls from some woman named Nancy all the time. I’ve heard her talking about meeting her and he always hangs up when I come into the room. And he’s been so excited about Iona visiting. Maybe he’s realized that because we can’t have children, he’d be better off with Nancy.” Ian said the name with a venomous tone.

Margaret sighed and patted his arm. “Have you asked him who Nancy is?”

Ian looked down at his hands with a slight pout. “I shouldn’t have to ask him.”

Margaret crooked her eyebrow and blew out an exasperated breath. “So, you’re being stubborn. You’ve probably built this whole thing up in your mind and instead of talking to Michael, you’ve beickiicking fights with him because you’ve got a mad on.”

“Mum, why are you taking his side?” Ian wailed plaintively.

“I’m not taking sides Ian, I just know you. Are you still seeing your therapist?”

“No.” Ian said, looking at Margaret like he used to when he was thirteen. Margaret remembered those years well and didn’t see any point in handling Ian differently just because he was almost twenty-five.

“Ian James Thorpe, get on your feet.” Ian automatically rose at ton tone and Margaret assisted him by taking him by the ear and tugging him up.

“Mum that hurts.”

“Good.” Margaret tugged him out of the kitchen, through the living room and out to the patio and deposited Ian in front of Michael who was sitting with Ken, talking about the garden.

“Margaret, what are you doing?” Michael asked curiously.

“He’s too big for me to spank but you might want to consider it later.” Margaret said, shocking both her son and Michael. “Ask him.”

“No!”

“Fine. I’ll do it. Michael, who is Nancy and why have you been meeting her secretly?”

Michael looked incredibly guilty for a minute and stood, putting his hands on Ian’s arms. “God, is that why you’ve been so pissy lately?”

“Yes, I know all about her.” Ian said sadly, feeling as if his heart was breaking.

“Ian, Nancy is a physical therapy instructor at the hospital. She’s been teaching me massage techniques so I can help you when you get migraines.”

“Oh.” Ian’s voice was very small which is how he felt and he looked down at his feet only to look up when Michael enveloped him in a hug.

“Baby, I wish you would have said something. Hell, I should have said something about my lessons but I was waiting until you had a migraine.”

Ian snuggled in Michael’s embrace, relieved. “I had one last month but I was too stubborn to mention it.”

“I thought so. Ian, you didn’t seriously think I was having an affair, did you?”

“I thought you were thinking about it because of Iona,” Ian admitted.

Michael drew back with a puzzled frown. “What does Iona have to do with this?”

“You’ve been spending all that time getting the room ready for her.” Ian stopped suddenly. “I was jealous of her.”

“Well, I was a little obsessed I’ll admit but only because I was worried about her getting hurt. Chris mentioned she started crawling and I got a little paranoid. This house was hardly ready for a baby.”

Ian nodded and glanced back at his feet but Michael wasn’t having it. He put his hand on Ian’s chin and raised his face until he could look into Ian’s eyes. “You know I want kids but I’m not even close to thinking about having any. When I am ready, I wouldn’t want to have them with anyone but you. I’m not mad at you, okay? We both made mistakes here.”

“But I should have known better.”

“Yes, you should have but we were both so busy that we stopped talking about the important stuff. Between the extra classes and training and just general life we kind of lost track of each other.”

“And I got resentful about all the time we weren’t spending together and started building it into an issue.” Ian added.

“I could tell something was wrong when you stopped snuggling up to me at night but I figured you were just as tired as I was. You’re the one taking two classes this summer.”

“Huh.” Ian thought about it. “I didn’t realize it but you’re right.”

“Well, I’m glad you two are working things out.”

Ian and Michael turned to Margaret who had sat down next to Ken in Michael’s abandoned chair.

“Oh. Sorry Margaret, Ken I forgot you were there.”

“Sorry mum.”

“It’s okay but why don’t you boys take this elsewhere?” Margamademade a shooing motion with her hand.

“But you guys just got here.”

Ken chuckled. “We’re family not guests. Go on, Margaret and I will be fine here and we know where everything is if David and Chris need something.”

Michael looked at Ian. “Why don’t we take a walk? We haven’t done that for a while.”

Ian took Michael’s hand and smiled. “I’d like that.”

As they walked away, Ian turned around and mouthed the words ‘thank you’ to his mother.

Margaret grinned and looked at Ken who took her hand. “You’re a genius Mrs. Thorpe.”

“Thank you, Mr. Thorpe.”
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