Chapter 3: Separation
“Ed?” Joe’s voice wasn’t much more than a whisper, close to his ear.
He groaned and rubbed his eyes. “What?”
“I’m leaving. Sorry, I didn’t want to go without saying good-bye.”
Ed’s eyes flashed open. “Shit.” He sat up. “What time is it?”
“Uh, three o’clock. Sorry, I want to get there early. Got a lot to do.”
Ed threw his legs over the side of the bed and stood. No wonder it was so pitch dark. “Okay.” He shook his head, trying to clear the sleepy cobwebs. He couldn’t think of the right words he knew he wanted to say. It would be days before he’d see Joe again. s**t, maybe a week. Or more.
He wavered, and Joe’s hands landed on his shoulders. When he stared silently into Joe’s eyes, those hands cupped his face. Their kiss was tender and full of longing as Joe’s th
