Cavendish felt his body tense the closer his partner came, his heartbeat deafening as it pounded in his chest. Dakota wrapping his arms around his neck caused a shiver to shoot up his spine, it taking everything in the older man not to lose composure altogether– least his breathing betray him.

And yet those shaded covered eyes seemed to look right through him. All knowing in a way that usually frustrated him. Dakota laughed.

“C’mere, ya big lug,” his breath was warm and moist, and Cavendish couldn’t help but stare at the lips that nearly touched his own.

“If ya wanted a kiss, all you had to do was ask.”