Chapter 22

“Uh…Charlie, is that you?”

Charlie stood, stunned. The voice was deep, the accent western. His heart started pounding in his chest.

“Uh…Charlie…ya there?…It’s Wade.”

“Wade? Wade! Yes, yes, I’m here. What are you doing here? Wait! I’ll buzz you in,” he blurted out.

Charlie pressed the buzzer. He could hear the door open. He opened his door and ran out into the hall and started down the stairs. Halfway down, he met Wade coming toward him, taking the stairs two at a time.

Wade picked Charlie up and carried him back up into the apartment, his lips locked on Charlie’s.

“Damn it, Charlie Bradley. Damn it,” Wade said through their clenched lips. “I love ya, man. I didn’t want to do it, it scared the hell outta me, but damn it, it happened. I love ya!”

“God, Wade,” Charlie said, “I love you, too!”