Chapter 12This is not a good idea, Mario told himself yet again as he unlocked his front door. Why can’t I…Why didn’t I say no?
“Not bad,” Steven said, slipping past him when Mario opened the door but didn’t step inside. “You have a thing for earth tones, I think. Brown sofa, oak bookshelves and coffee table, beige walls, moss green carpet. Is the rest of the house like this?”
Mario chuckled, finally entering and closing the door. He said somewhat sarcastically, as Steven started toward the stairs, “I’m sure you’ll find out soon enough.”
Steven stopped dead, turning to stare at Mario. “You don’t really want me here.”
“Yeah, I do. I’m just…” Instead of finishing his sentence, Mario stepped forward, gathering Steven into his arms. When the young man looked up at him Mario kissed him, har
