Page 49 of A Swan’s Love Song

Sean licked his lips. “Let’s see. What am I thirsty for? Hmm.” He tapped his chin as if deep in

concentration. “I guess a glass of water will do for now.” Sean locked gazes with him. “But on your

way back in, you might want to grab the lube from the shower.”

Avi was already halfway off the bed when he registered what Sean had said. “Lube?”

“Yeah.” Sean leaned over and opened the nightstand drawer. “We’re all out in here.”

Right as Avi was about to verify that Sean was sure he felt all right and wouldn’t be overtaxing

himself, he was reminded of his own thoughts from a few moments before.

He knows what he wants. Avi grinned at his mate. And so do I.

* * * *

Sean could barely keep his eyes open as he balanced a bottle of fruit-flavored seltzer water on

his leg. He was reclining in the outdoor chaise that was part of the new patio set that he and Avi had

bought for their small backyard. Kellan had decided to throw him a baby shower, but they had both

determined that Kellan and Vic’s cabin was much too small for all the guests.

He glanced around at all the people who’d shown up. The gift opening had already taken place

earlier, along with some silly games Kellan had insisted they all play. It wasn’t that he was ungrateful

and didn’t appreciate all the trouble his friend had gone to, but he was so tired.

But now that the shower part of the gathering was over with, the second crop of guests had

shown up which included Skip, LaMarkus, Lance and Mateo, Grayson and Chance and finally, Dora

and her new fiancé. Dora had been Kellan’s wing-woman in coordinating the shower part of the event

and Vic and Avi had been placed in charge of the barbecue portion of the evening.

Avi strolled by with a platter of salmon and steaks, pausing as he gazed down at Sean with

concern. “Is the seltzer helping your stomach any?”

Sean gave a small shrug. “Maybe a little?”

Avi narrowed his eyes. “You probably need something to eat. You’ve barely touched anything

the past two days.”

Barf.

“Yeah. Probably.”

“I think Kellan’s inside changing Erik, but I could ask him to grab you some crackers on his

way back outside. How does that sound?”

“Um…” Sean gripped the glass bottle tighter as his stomach roiled. If he didn’t pass out or