Free Of Love by Sean Michael Page B

his own thing. Dex loved their friendship, loved being with the man. That was more than enough. It had to be, right?
    He liked Kent too much for it not to be.
    After picking up his paperwork, his finisher T-shirt, and his medal, he headed off toward where Kent had parked the car, still moving a little slowly. He needed a shower, a snack, and a predinner nap, he thought.
    He looked around for Kent. They had left the car this way, hadn’t they?
    Kent honked, waved. “I moved closer!”
    Oh thank God, he’d thought he was losing his mind. He waved back and headed for Kent’s SUV.
    He crawled in, and Kent handed him more water. “Drink up.”
    “You rock.” He took a good long gulp. “I’m glad we decided on the hotel and making a trip out of it.” It was an hour and a half or so home, but it felt good knowing that he’d be shower and napbound in a matter of minutes.
    “Yeah, this makes it a real celebration.” Kent was all smiles.
    “It does. I can’t wait for that shower.”
    Kent chuckled. “I bet. Thank goodness for valet service.”
    “Yeah. You gonna join me and wash my back?”
    “You know I will. You’re the king of the universe today.” Kent reached over, patted his leg.
    “You’re certainly making me feel like I am.”
    “I try.” Kent gave him another one of those quick, happy smiles.
    “You do better than try.”
    They pulled up at the hotel, and he got out, letting Kent deal with the cooler and the valet. It was damn nice not to have to worry about anything. He headed into the hotel, hit the button on the elevator, sort of moving on autopilot. Kent joined him just as the elevator arrived, and they got on together, taking it to the sixth floor.
    He followed when they got out, admiring Kent’s ass.
    Their room was at the end of the hall in an amazing suite with the world’s best private Jacuzzi. He couldn’t wait to have his shower, let Kent get him clean, and then melt into the hot tub.
    Kent managed to get the door open to their suite, even with the cooler. Oh man. He sucked, not even helping a little bit.
    “Sorry, sorry. I am just out of it.”
    “Huh? For what?” Kent shooed him. “Go get in the shower, and I’ll get the hot tub started.”
    “For letting you deal with everything on your own—I couldn’t even open the door for you!”
    “You ran a million miles.”
    “A million and one. And I swam for a million more. The biking doesn’t count, it was barely any work.” It was the easiest of the three parts of the race.
    “There you go.” Kent patted his ass. “Go on, honey. I’ll be right in.”
    Dex stole a kiss, then went in and started the shower, which was about twice the size of his at home. Awesome.
    It felt amazing to stand under the hot water, let it beat down on his tired muscles.
    The scent of soap hit his nostrils before he heard the shower door close. “Hey.”
    “Hey.” He turned and leaned back against the tile, finding a warm smile for Kent.
    “So proud of you.” Kent rubbed the little hotel bar of soap between his hands, making suds.
    “Thanks, sweet. That means a lot.”
    “It’s true.” Kent began to wash him, hands sliding over his skin.
    Moaning at the touches, he simply leaned back and enjoyed it. “I’ll do you next time,” he promised.
    “Shh. Just let me love on you.”
    “I can do that.” His eyes fell almost closed as he watched Kent.
    The touches were steady and gentle, not demanding anything but peace and ease. He let his eyes drift completely closed, letting Kent make him feel good. There was nothing sexual about the hands on him, but he found them as necessary as any touch he’d ever had. A low moan bubbled out of him as his muscles all relaxed beneath Kent’s gentle ministrations.
    “Mmm. Better,” murmured Kent. “There you go.”
    The water felt amazing, the heat and pressure perfect. “Yeah. Yeah, thank you. You’re hired.”
    “Woo-hoo!” Kent’s little cheer cracked him up.
    He took hold of Kent’s arm and