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    Andrew would go to work at Fidelity Investments, managing portfolios, but rushed home after work so the two of them could be together.
    When gentrification set in and rents began to climb, Andrew’s priorities shifted. He was still a wonderful man, loving, attentive, gentle. But some of the free-spirit that had initially attracted Jeremy had seeped from him. In the beginning of their relationship, Andrew’s idealism lifted Jeremy up, reminded him that good things do happen. He had forgotten that for the longest time.
    With each promotion, Andrew became more and more corporate and the spirited DJ, the carefree lover, drifted further and further away. And the further Andrew slipped from him, the more Jeremy thought back on his youth; about Craig. Craig had been the one person who had remained consistent for him.
    Jeremy pushed his thoughts from his head. He popped another fry into his mouth then headed into his building, walking up the three floors to their apartment. When he entered the living room, his breath caught and he dropped the fries. What was Andrew doing home so early? The initial rush of disappointment caused him to feel slightly guilty.
    Andrew rushed to Jeremy’s side and bent over to pick up the fries he had dropped.
    “You okay, baby?”

    17

    D.H. Starr

    Meant For Each Other
    Jeremy ignored his comment and took in the rest of the scene before him. Andrew was dressed in nice but casual clothing. The table was covered with a crisp white cloth topped with flowers and lit candles. Hope sparked in his chest, causing his heart-rate to speed and his skin to warm. Did he come home just to do something special for me? Just to surprise me? “My God. You’re home. What is all of this?” Jeremy waved his arm at the room in general.
    Andrew was still scooping up the spilled fries. He glanced up at Jeremy, wrinkling his nose. “You love this creamy garlic sauce don’t you?” After picking up the last spilled fry and depositing the mess on the kitchen countertop, he returned to Jeremy, cupping his face in both hands. “I’ll kiss you even if you do have garlic breath.” He leaned in and brought his lips to Jeremy’s, gently brushing them against his mouth and flicking his tongue across the surface begging entrance.
    Jeremy leaned into Andrew, accepting the comfort after reading about Seth’s story.
    He opened to him, enjoying the familiar warmth of Andrew’s mouth. Andrew kissed him with an intensity Jeremy had not felt for quite some time. He allowed Andrew to take charge, pulling them closer together, letting out a short gasp when Andrew caught his bottom lip between his teeth and nibbled, laughing at his uncharacteristic playfulness.
    After he had spent his walk home thinking about his problems with Andrew, finding him home was a welcome surprise. Maybe he does get it? The hope from a moment earlier flared and he tightened his grip around Andrew’s neck, kissing him back.
    Winded and lips sore, they pulled apart. “What was that for?” Jeremy staggered back a couple of steps, grabbing hold of the countertop to balance himself.
    Andrew grinned widely. “I have a surprise for us. Today I got promoted. You are looking at the man in charge of three of the firm’s largest clients and my salary was increased by fifteen percent. I’m well on my way to becoming a director of portfolio management.”
    Jeremy froze. So this was the real reason for the romantic dinner. He should have known. Andrew had been working for years to get this promotion, putting in long hours and doing everything in his power to stay a step ahead of the other investment bankers in his firm. Yet, the tension between them was growing because of this very thing. Shit. Yet if he mentioned this, Andrew would be crushed. It was important to be the supportive partner, wasn’t it? “I—I’m so proud of you, although I’m not surprised.
    You’re incredible at what you do.” He braced himself, expecting what was coming next, but