Drew made a number of changes at the Retreat after Duncan MacDonald-Stevens, Jr. was born. Duncan was fifteen months old and his mother Lenore was pregnant with her second child.
The new Executive Office Building that Drew had built at the Retreat was now in operation for over a year. This had been in the plans for some time and was the ideal location to house the top executives of the MacDonald-Stevens Corporation. Drew still maintained the GW Stevens Company headquarters offices in the Stevens Building in Manhattan. However, he worked out of his second office at the Retreat. The Executive Office Building was in keeping with the grand style of the other buildings on the Retreat grounds. Two more mansions had been built in the area that Drew designated as Presidents Park. Drew leased the land to those executives that wanted a residence at the Retreat. Mac's business plan proved to be extremely successful. His corporations had more than doubled his initial five-year plan. All the years of planning had paid off and had earned him a reputation as a forceful and dynamic business guru.
Mac continued his close working relationships with the top executives at GW Stevens, and held a seat on the Board of Directors. Of course his main job was running the MacDonald-Stevens Corporation. He had added several more executives to his staff to manage the rapidly expanding divisions within the MacDonald-Stevens Corporation. He also added several new directors to his Board of Directors. The original group included, Drew, RW Nelson, John Chang, and Rod Johnson. Since then, he has added, Mike Lee, Noel Erickson, Scott MacGregor, Chip Buchner, Karl Landsdorf, Eric Rothacher, David Chang and Charles King.
The MacDonald-Stevens Corporation became a powerful and respected name in the business community. The Human Resources Department was inundated with applications from job seekers who wanted to join the firm. The word had spread about the corporation's people-friendly environment. Mac's corporation was one of the few corporations that offered an employer-paid medical insurance program that covered the entire family. That was in addition to above-average salary and bonus programs. Every employee from top management on down felt secure in their job, and confident in the company's future growth.
The company was managed efficiently, and it enjoyed an above average profit every year. Mac kept his corporate staff lean, and delegated authority to his line managers. Every manufacturing facility in each division operated as a profit center. All the employees were well trained in their jobs and required very little supervision. The employee committees themselves weeded out any slackers before they became a problem.
Mac's biggest challenge came with the acquisition of the former GW Stevens Petrochemical and Plastics divisions.
Mac's suspicions of Thomas Hopkins were right on target. The investigation uncovered his underhandedness. Drew had taken over control of the operation on his return from overseas. It took him over a year to gather the proof he needed to nail Thomas and his partners in crime. Thomas' plan was well conceived, so Drew's investigation took much longer to collect the evidence and documentation to build an airtight case against them.
Drew learned that Thomas had conspired with George Calvert, the executive VP of International Polymers, and Catherine Rogan, the Senior VP of US Chemicals, to undermine their respective divisions. Their plan was to run both divisions into the ground and make it appear that Drew's mismanagement was responsible for the losses. Thomas had cut a deal with Calvert and Rogan to bring them into the GW Stevens Company as senior vice presidents when he unseated Drew. Thomas had also recruited several key Board members into his scheme.
Charles King continued to handle the case for Drew and Mac's wife, Lenore, helping them to build an airtight case against Thomas. Lenore was Assistant District Attorney for the City of New York. The trap was to be sprung while the Hopkins family was on their annual three-week vacation.
When the day finally arrived, Drew emailed notices to the stockholders announcing an emergency meeting at headquarters. The majority of the stockholders were present with the exception of Mrs. Hopkins, Thomas' wife. Drew presented his case, implicating Thomas Hopkins' plans of deceit. The majority stockholders voted to remove Thomas as divisional President forthwith. A directive was issued informing all employees that Thomas Hopkins was banned from the premises and all properties owned by GW Stevens. The stockholders further agreed that Thomas, and all the parties named in the indictment, were to make restitution for the company's losses.
After the stockholders meeting, Drew held a meeting of his Board of Directors to inform them of the stockholders' decisions. The Board accepted and approved Drew's new plans. The three disloyal directors where terminated and were arrested in the lobby as they left the building. The remaining board of Directors also approved the sale of International Polymers and US Chemicals to the Eric Rothacher Division of MacDonald-Stevens Corp.
Charles and Lenore had been working very closely with the District Attorney to bring to trial all the guilty parties. They had coordinated their moves with RW Nelson and his security teams, who were guarding the corporate offices, the division headquarters that Thomas Hopkins headed, as well as the offices and plants of US Chemicals & International Polymers.
At the same time Drew was holding the meeting in the corporate offices at the Retreat, John Chang, Mac, and two of his directors had converged on the offices of US Chemicals and International Polymers with their own security team, including the local police. Fortunately, both divisions shared the same complex.
All the gates into the facilities were locked and all employees were handed separation notices as they arrived for work with instructions to report to the local AMC movie theater for a ten o'clock meeting.
John Chang opened the meeting at ten o'clock that morning. His first order of business was to inform all employees that they were terminated. He told them that US Chemicals and International Polymers were no longer in business. He went on to explain that he was not in a position to discuss anything about the former companies because they were in litigation. All former employees would receive two weeks' severance pay, and would be notified when they could return to the building to remove their personal effects. He thanked them for their many years of service and wished them well.
John said, "The property and facilities are now owned by The Eric Rothacher Division of MacDonald-Stevens Corporation. "Mr. Stevens is with us today and will now address you."
Mac introduced himself and said, "The Eric Rothacher Division will be accepting employment applications today. Those interested in seeking employment will find the application forms in the lobby."
The previous week Eric and Mac had screened all employee records in both plants, and had selected the people they intended to hire. Eric was already at work selecting his management staff and the supervisors who would be running the complex. After the meeting was over, they all returned to the executive offices at the plant complex to help Eric make his final selections.
Mac caught Mike Lee's attention and said, "Mike, I want you to ride with me back to Manhattan. There are a few things we need to discuss."
They were riding in the back seat of the limo and Mac said, "I appreciate your help with this project, Mike. It's like old times having you back. I know you have a lot on your plate running the Paris operation, but I needed your help on this one. Speaking of coping, how is Karl holding up?"
"I think his shrink has done a remarkable job in helping him to deal with Philippe's death. He is a hell of a lot better now than he was six months ago. He is acting more like the old Karl again. At least he doesn't prowl around the apartment in the middle of the night any more. He used to scare the hell out of me. How would you feel waking up in the middle of the night with someone sitting in your bedroom armchair watching you sleep? At least we're communicating now and getting along much better, as long as I remember not to get into any heady discussions with him. One night he went on until two in the morning. He is a very knowledgeable person; he reminds me so much of Drew. He is so well informed on everything that goes on in the world."
"Do I detect another one-sided romance in the making?"
Mike nodded his head and sighed, "I'm reverting back to my old ways once again. Not only is Karl extremely handsome, but he is a decent, warm hearted guy. I'm crazy about Karl and I've been keeping it under control for a long time, and it's not easy. I'm hoping things will improve when you transfer me back to headquarters. At least we won't be living in the same apartment anymore."
"You deserve the best, Mike, and I know you will find the right person some day. Both you and Karl are very special people and I love you both. Try to stick it out until I transfer you back here. If it gets too rough for you, I'll pull you out sooner."
"You're a good friend, Mac. I thought you should know how I feel about Karl."
"Thanks for sharing that with me. Remember, I'm always here for you Mike. If you want to talk about it, please don't hesitate to call."
"Do you have any idea how much longer you will need me here?"
"We have everything under control now, if you want, you can leave tomorrow."
"Great! I'll make my reservations."
Mike wasted no time booking a flight for the next day when they returned to the Penthouse. He also emailed Karl to let him know his plans.
After dinner, Mike briefed both Drew and Mac on the progress he was making with his International Security Division. He told them that he and Karl were both ready to make the move to headquarters in two months. Both divisions were ready to open their services up to the US market.
Drew said, "I have appointed John Chang to be the President of Thomas's Division. Thomas will be arrested when he arrives back in town. Naturally, he is barred from entering the Division offices. All his personal and corporate papers have been removed from his office, and all the codes have been changed. His two sons will be working with me until I can find a place for them. They are completely innocent of any wrongdoing. I can't punish my nephews because of their father's treacherous behavior. I'm very pleased with the smooth transition and how our careful planning has paid off. All of the conspirators have been fired. They also have been told to keep their mouths shut. Thomas is in for a big surprise when he returns home in two weeks."
Mac said, "Well, gentlemen, we've all had a long and tough day. If you don't mind, I am going to call it a night. Drew and I will be returning to the Retreat early tomorrow morning, Mike, so my friend, we'll say goodbye tonight. Have a pleasant flight and give our regards to Karl.
Mike arrived at Karl's apartment in Paris by mid-afternoon. The first thing he did was to shower and spend a good half hour in the whirlpool bath to get rid of the kinks from sitting so long on the airplane. He changed into his casual clothes and began to read his mail. Karl walked in a few minutes later and welcomed him back. "It's good to have you home again, I missed you."
Mike chuckled, "I'm surprised you even noticed! I thought you considered me part of the furniture. It looks like there is hope for me yet."
Karl laughed, "You know it took me two days to realize something was missing in the dining room? I'll admit I've not been the best of roommates, but I promise to do better in the future."
"What do you say we have a quiet dinner at home tonight?" Karl asked.
"I'd like that. I really don't feel up to going out."
"I'm anxious to hear all about your trip," Karl said. "Come on in the living room and we'll have a cocktail."
Mike related the events that took place while he was in New York. He continued his story through dinner.
They were having their coffee and brandy in the living room when Mike said, "I picked out our offices while I was at headquarters last week. They are adjoining offices. I told Mac that I would let him know if you would rather select a different location."
Karl smiled, "Why? You think I wouldn't be satisfied with your selection?" Karl asked. "I've gotten used to working with you. Anything you selected will be fine."
"Would you mind if I asked you a few personal questions?" Karl asked.
"Shoot!"
"Are you involved with anyone now?"
Mike smiled, "You're kidding, of course. How could you ask a silly question like that? If I'm not at the office, I'm here with you. To answer your question, no, I'm not involved with anyone."
"I wanted to make sure before I told you that I'm attracted to you and have been for some time. I would like to know if I have a chance with you, Mike."
"Wow! You sure don't waste any time getting to the point. Your chances are better than excellent."
"Thank God! I've been miserable since you left," Karl said. "I don't need anymore rejections."
"What do you mean? I've never, ever rejected you. This is weird. We have been living together for months, and each of us pining over the other, yet not a word passed between us," Mike said. "I fell for you the day I first met you. The past two weeks have been hell for me as well."
"Wonderful. I'm delighted," Karl said. He got up, turned on the stereo and selected some slow dance music. He walked over to Mike, took hold of his hands, pulled him into his arms and kissed him very tenderly.
"God, you feel good," Karl said. They kissed again. This time Mike opened his mouth, and slid his tongue past Karl's lips. Karl could feel Mike's erection pushing against his crotch. Karl turned the equipment off, led Mike into his bedroom and slowly undressed him, then quickly undressed himself. Karl took him in his arms again and kissed him tenderly on the face and neck.
"That feels so wonderful I don't want you to stop," Mike said. "You have me so turned on I feel I will explode any second."
Karl said, "Lay down on your back, in the middle of the bed." Karl straddled him, kneeling just below Mike's knees. He took a bottle of lotion and rubbed it all over Mike's body, avoiding his hard erection. Karl leaned down and gave him a long passionate kiss, then turned him on his stomach and worked the lotion into his back and legs. He then turned Mike on his side and put a condom on himself. He slipped on a rubber glove and lubricated his finger with KY jelly. He inserted his finger into Mike's rectum and massaged his sphincter until Mike was relaxed enough to accept him. He squeezed a dollop of KY into Mike's rectum and slowly inserted his erection. At the same time, he reached around to grab Mike's penis, and masturbated him with the same stroke he was using deep inside Mike.
"Am I hurting you, sweetheart?" Karl asked.
"God, no," Mike said. "It feels marvelous, don't stop."
After they climaxed they remained locked together, until they calmed down., They got up, showered together, and then returned to bed. ,Karl pulled Mike into his arms again and kissed him tenderly.
"You are better than I ever imagined," Mike said., "I've never experienced sex like that before, ever."
"You're very handsome and I've wanted to make love to you for so long," Karl said. "I knew you would be great in bed. I also, knew from that first kiss tonight that you were mine. You have that magical effect on me, you're exciting and wonderful and I want you to sleep with me from now on."
Mike squeezed him harder and kissed him again. "You don't have to worry about that, you gorgeous hunk," Mike said. "Exactly how tall are you anyway?"
Karl laughed, "Six-five, two-hundred-ten pounds, why do you ask?"
"God, you are a giant," Mike said. "I'm six foot, one-seventy-five pounds, yet I feel like a shrimp next to you. It's ironic in a way, I'm being paid to protect you, and you have the strength of a bull."
"True, but you're a trained killing machine and you know how to get the most out of every pound," Karl said. "I love your tight, trim body. Tonight is the first time I have seen you completely naked and you are downright beautiful. I love your cute firm butt."
"Now anytime you feel like having sex with me just jump me, don't stand on ceremony," Mike said. "We need our sleep; now lie on your back and snuggle up close."
They fell asleep and slept soundly through the night. The sun was just starting to rise when Karl opened his eyes. Mike was still asleep in his arms. He kissed his ear and the back of his neck rubbing his penis at the same time. Mike started to moan from the pleasant feeling.
Mike turned his body to face Karl. "Good morning, handsome," Mike said. "I've always dreamed I would wake up in your arms like this." He kissed Karl tenderly. "Turn over on your back. I want to explore your wonderful body."
Mike ran his fingers gently over every inch of Karl's body, and then sat back on Karl's thighs. "You have a magnificent body," Mike said. "You have taken good care of yourself. The plastic surgeons did an excellent job of replacing the burned tissue in your groin area. You look even sexier with no hair on your body. What a wonderful gift you have given me, from now on your body belongs to me, my love. I studied the ancient art of how to satisfy a man sexually. Now relax and don't move."
Mike brought Karl to sustained plateaus of sexual pleasure that he had never experienced in his life. Mike played him like a violinist would play a priceless Stradivarius. Karl's body responded to Mike's every touch and kiss until his entire body was covered with a fine film of perspiration. After an hour of nonstop pleasure, Mike took Karl's penis into his mouth for a sustained orgasm.
Karl was exhausted from the experience and fell sound asleep with Mike lying on top of him. Two hours later Karl awakened for the second time that morning. He rubbed Mike's back until he opened his eyes.
"You are fantastic, I'm so relaxed and sexually satisfied," Karl said. "That was incredible. I cannot even begin to describe the experience to you. Will you take off the next three days and spend them with me on my farm? I don't want to share you with anyone for the next three days. We can stay in bed all day and make love. What do you say?"
"What time do you want to leave?"
"Right after breakfast," Karl said. "Why do you have such a troubled look on your face? I know you have a pile of work to catch up on, but you can do your work at the farm. Take what you need with you, and we can both spend several hours a day catching up. We need this time together. I want to be with you every minute for the next three days. It's so delightful holding you in my arms like this." They stayed together, enjoying each other's bodies. Finally, Karl got up and pulled Mike into the shower.
Mike arranged to have their chauffeur drive them to Karl's farm. Karl had the butler pack their bags, then he called his overseer and his houseman to let them know his plans. Shortly after breakfast, they left.
Mike closed the one-way partition between the driver and the rear of the limo giving them complete privacy and fell asleep in Karl's arms. He awoke up an hour later, still lying in Karl's arms. "I'm sorry I fell asleep like that," Mike said. "I guess I'm still not over my jet lag."
"Don't apologize, I was the one having all the fun," Karl said. "I liked holding you like this. You amaze me. Here I am fondling you and kissing you, yet you slept through it all. Are you sure you were an agent for the NSA?"
"Yes, I was one of their best," Mike said. "I know that I'm safe in your arms and have nothing to fear."
Karl escorted Mike on the grand tour of the farm. "Would you like to go horseback riding with me after lunch?" Karl asked. "I want to take you to my secret place."
"How could I refuse you anything?" Mike said.
An hour later, they reached the crest of a large hill. One side was barren of any growth and strewn with rocks, while the other side was green pastureland as far as the eye could see. They dismounted and tethered the horses. Karl untied the blanket rolls and led the way to the rocky side of the hill. He led the way down a narrow path through the rocks until they reached a small flat clearing with a natural stone slab that overlooked it. The clearing was hidden from anyone looking down from the crest, and was not much wider than the blankets Karl spread on the ground. The rays from the sun were shining down on the surface of the rocks. The smaller rocks at the edge of the clearing protected them from the wind. It was a perfect spot. They could see the lush green valley below with the animals grazing in the fields.
After spreading the two thick blankets on the ground, Karl and Mike stripped and lay side by side on the blanket and made love.
"It's heaven being here with you Karl," Mike said. "I never thought I would ever make love like this on the side of a mountain in broad daylight. I've never known another man like you before. For that matter, I've never realized you could be so bold and outgoing. It was heartbreaking to watch how you were suffering through those last months with Philippe. You were very brave," Mike said. "Do you feel like talking about it?"
"Philippe was my first and only lover. He was the first and only gay man I ever met. I was only a young college student when he rescued me from the gang. He brought me out and introduced me to the gay lifestyle. Philippe was your typical Frenchman. He tended to take life pretty much on his own terms. The last few years we were together, I felt that Philippe was cheating on me. He loved me, but he is a Frenchman in his attitude about sex. I'm glad I never found out about it, because it would have destroyed our marriage. I am monogamous and that's the only kind of relationship I want. My suspicions of his running around troubled me because of the AIDS situation on the one hand, and how it would affect our future life together. The last two years were particularly difficult for me."
"My shrink wanted me to get it out in the open and discuss it with Philippe. He said my suspicions were starting to cause a strain in our relationship. I spoke to Philippe about my concerns and he laughed. He said I was the only one he loved and to stop worrying about him having an affair. He didn't deny that he was having sex with another man, nor did he agree with my rigid thinking about our marriage. That didn't satisfy me at all, so I hired a private detective and had Philippe followed. It was shortly after that, we learned about his illness. Of course, that changed everything. Oddly enough, our marriage improved, until he became so sick. Emotionally I was on a roller coaster and it played hell with my mind."
"You were a great comfort to me," Karl said. "I knew you had a rather low opinion of me at the time. You assumed I had wrapped myself in a blanket of self-pity. But it was more a case of trying to get my life back in order. I owe a lot to Mac. He was the one who forced me back to work and made me get involved in this new division. The work itself was the cure for my depression. His devotion and encouragement did the trick. Both Drew and Mac are so understanding and sympathetic. They are a great team and complement each other. Mac is a purist who always remains focused, while Drew is the soothing, sympathetic, thoughtful person."
"After a while I could see that you had softened your attitude toward me. You became a friend and I grew fond of you. That's when I started to look at you in a different way. I responded to you more, and studied your moods and your unspoken dislikes. The more I learned about you, the more I realized what a fine person you are. It was then that my feelings turned to desire. After that happened, I had to learn everything about you. I wasted no time in having you investigated back to the time you were a baby. It was obvious to me that you felt something for me, but I didn't know if it was friendship, or something deeper. You're an intelligent, delightful person, and never once did you lose your temper with me. The only negative thing I found was your lack of commitment in your personal relationships. Why would a person like you, with so much talent and good looks, be unable to find a partner, male or female? That bothered me a little. The reason for my concern was that I didn't want to become involved with you unless it was for a lasting relationship. You must admit that you made some bad judgments in the people you chose in the past. The reason why I've brought this up is because I'm deeply in love you and I want you to share your life with me. I will never hurt you and I will always be faithful to you. If you decide to become my lover, it will be for life. I want you to take your time and think about this very carefully. Take all the time you need. But I warn you, I'm not going to let you go. My plan is to wear you down until you say 'Yes'."
The tears were rolling down Mike's cheeks and he could not speak. He laid his head on Karl's neck and cried. Karl held onto Mike until he got it out of his system.
"I'm sorry for losing control," Mike said. "I have been searching for you all my life. Yes, I will marry you and will be happy to share my life with you. Do you know that you are only the second person in my life that could see into my heart and who really cared about me as a person? Mac is that other person. He believed in me and gave me the opportunity to grow, and I will be forever grateful to him. I love him for the true friend he is. You would not have taken the time and money to learn all about me if you didn't love me. I'm pleased that you have learned everything about me. Now I don't have the painful task of explaining my poor judgments. You are right; I did make some bad calls in the past."
"I had a long talk about you with Mac," Karl said. "I told him how I felt about you and I told him that I was going to make my feelings known when you returned. Mac told me to be absolutely sure before I made my move. He didn't want to see either of us hurt again. He felt we were both very special people and thought we would make a good match."
"Mac knew how I felt about you, because we had a long discussion about this the day I left," Mike said. "He told me to hang in there since I would be returning to New York in a couple of months."
"Mac is a very smart man. He knew how we both felt about each other, yet never divulged that information to us. He let nature take its course."
"I love you, Karl, and always will," Mike said. "I want to be your partner for life."
They kissed again and Karl said, "I'll always love you and I'll take good care of you and your children. We will both be moving to New York in a month and I want you to decide where you want to live. I'm sure Drew will sell us property on the Retreat grounds if you want to live there. Sweetheart, you do anything you want, and don't worry about the money. I have more than enough for both of us.
"I think you'd better get dressed, you're starting to get goose-bumps," Karl said. "I don't want you getting sick on me now."
They dressed and made their way back to the farmhouse. They showered together and sat in the whirlpool. Then they dressed for dinner.
"You're a beautiful man, Karl," Mike said. "I love you more than I ever thought possible and I'll never forget this day as long as I live. It's truly the second most memorable day in my life. The first day is when I joined the firm. Let's call Mac and share our good news."
"Not until I give you your wedding present. He handed Mike an envelope. This is your engagement present, my love."
Mike opened the card to find a gold key with Mike's name engraved on one side, and Unit-22, Paradise Island Village on the other. The note read 'I am yours forever, with all my love, Karl'. Mike hugged Karl and showered him with kisses. "You are so generous. I cannot thank you enough for everything you have given me. God, you are the most wonderful man in the world."
"You are a very emotional guy. I thought you Orientals were supposed to be very reserved and unemotional." Karl kissed the tears away and said, "Even your tears taste good." He continued to hold Mike and rubbed his back until he calmed down. "Did you know your eyes sparkle? You've made me feel alive and happy again. I adore everything about you." Karl kissed him tenderly. "You know you drive me wild, Mike?"
"I never knew what true love could be like until I met you. I'll never understand why Philippe would ever look at another man when he had you. Why would he risk losing you? God, what more could any man want? You're the most handsome man I have ever known, you're wonderful in bed, and I'm very happy to have you all to myself."
"Now will you call our leader?" Karl asked.
Mike called Mac and put him on the speakerphone. He told him of their wonderful news. Mac congratulated them both, wished them a long and happy marriage, and promised to give them a party when they returned to New York.
"I know you two have a lot of planning to do for the future," Mac said. "Drew will be so pleased when he hears the news. We hope this will encourage you to move faster in returning to New York."
"Would you ask your other half if he would sell us enough land to build a home near the office complex?" Karl asked. "We have the children to think about now and we want a place big enough to house our staff."
"I'll speak to Drew and get back to you," Mac said. They chatted with Mac for a while, then ended the call.
"We may have to work tomorrow if we want to be out of here in a month," Karl said. "So, my love, it's early to bed for you tonight."
Mike smiled, "I hope this is going to become a habit with you. These clothes are too confining anyway."
They went to bed and made love. Karl said, "Every time we make love it gets better and better."
Karl wrapped his arms around Mike. "How do you think your children will react to me?"
"What do you mean?" Mike said.
"Did you hear what I told Mac? Do you think for one minute that I would allow your children to continue to live in a boarding school?" Karl asked. "We are a family now, and they are our children. If they are anything like their father, I'm going to love them."
"You are a wonderful man in addition to being a marvelous lover," Mike said. "God has been good to me. You were worth the long wait. It's wonderful of you to allow my children to live with us. Are you sure you want to do this? Children can be a little difficult at times, even for a young tiger like you!"
Karl chuckled, "Why don't you listen to me? Must I repeat everything twice?" Karl asked. "I will repeat it once more, very slowly. I love you. Therefore, I will love your children, because they are part of you. I know what children are like. I was one myself a few years ago. My question once again is..." Before he could finish the sentence, Mike kissed him.
"They will love you as much as I do," Mike said. "How could anyone not love you?"
"I hope so. If they don't, I'll take it out on you," Karl said. "Good, another milestone achievement in our new married life. Now that we have settled that, it's time to go night-night. Was it comfortable for you sleeping in my arms last night?"
"Yes, it was wonderful. I love to feel your naked skin against mine and have your big, strong body wrapped around me," Mike said. "I can feel your heart beating inside of me. It's a wonderful, secure feeling."
"You say the nicest things, and you always express yourself in the most loving way," Karl said. "The only thing I regret now is that we wasted so much time getting together. The bright side of the coin is that we have the rest of our lives to make up for lost time." Mike turned on his side with his back toward Karl. Karl pulled him closer and wrapped his arms around him, kissed him on the back of his neck and ear, and within minutes they drifted off to sleep.