Even Ben groaned at the alarm the morning after his day off. Colton rolled over as he turned it off and wrapped his arms around Ben’s chest. He kissed the back of Ben’s neck.
“Hey,” he said, quietly. It seemed wrong to disturb the early hours with loud words.
“Colton, I have to get going.”
“I’m not asking for sex.” No, he was asking for forgiveness. He kept hold of Ben. “I can’t get any more hours before Christmas.”
Ben was tense beneath him. He said nothing. Colton had no idea if he was angry, or disappointed, or simply defeated. Life together wasn’t supposed to have been such a struggle. They were both motivated people, or at least they had been once.
“I’ll pick up more after everyone’s done with their push to get presents this year. And until then…” He closed his eyes, silently apo
