EXCERPT:
Concerned for his social life or lack thereof, many of Kenton’s former fellow students and now colleagues had offered to “fix him up” with a special woman they knew.  What they didn’t know, and what he Kenton had chosen never to divulge to any of them, was that Kenton was gay.  His last relationship was with a young man during his undergraduate days at the University of Wyoming.  That seemed like such a long time ago, and Kenton felt so old now. 

As he poured over his mountain of research cases now, Kenton made a promise to himself that this year he would allow himself to be more vulnerable and would hopefully at least find a friend, if not a friend and a lover.  Kenton hadn’t been celibate since his undergraduate days, but desired a relationship rather than a casual fling.  He had matured, and so had his needs.  He needed a mature relationship. 

******

Jeff got out of bed and walked to the door of Kenton’s room.  He looked in and noticed that Kenton was sleeping.  Kenton was naked, at least from the waist up, which is where the covers stopped.  Jeff slowly and quietly walked into Kenton’s room and stood at the foot of the bed.  As Jeff watched the rise and fall of Kenton’s chest with his slow steady breathing, he wondered what comprised Kenton’s thoughts.  Did he always see the world through the eyes of a physician, or were there times when he thought of life in its simplest and most natural form? 

After watching Kenton for awhile, Jeff walked around to the side of the bed opposite from where Kenton was sleeping, and quietly climbed into bed.  He pulled the covers up over his naked body and lay on his back staring up at the ceiling.  He squeezed his eyes shut tight as if to give himself courage.  Turning onto his side, he moved closer to Kenton until he was close enough to put his arm over him and rest it on Kenton’s chest. 

Kenton was immediately awakened when he felt Jeff’s hand on his chest.  He turned onto his back.  “Jeff, are you okay, are you feeling okay?” 

Jeff’s hand did not leave Kenton’s chest as he said, “I don’t think of you as an old man, Kenton”, and then kissed him on the mouth. 

Kenton and Jeff remained as they were, each holding the other, feeling the same feelings, though neither thinking the same thoughts.  Jeff was feeling so much love for Kenton and thinking about their wonderful future together.  Kenton was feeling love for Jeff, but thinking of the harm that could come from this relationship, hurting both of them.

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