Friends and Family Series
Murdoch and Ryan

By: Ron Robbins
(© 2012 by the author)
Editor: Frank Perry

The author retains all rights. No reproductions are allowed without the author's consent. Comments are appreciated at...

Chapter 3

They were having a glass of wine in the drawing room after dinner when Murdoch said, "Tell me about your mother and family and why you were the only person to inherit from you mother's estate?"

"My great-great-great-grandfather was the first of the family to settle in this area of Georgia. The family originally came from Charleston, SC. They heard that Georgia was a good place to settle.  The soil was rich, the water was plentiful and the land was virgin timber land. It had both hardwood and softwood.  The area was not heavily populated at that time.  The deciding factor was that land was cheap.  Granddad fell in love with Atlanta and sold his holdings in South Carolina and purchased thousands of acres between here and Atlanta.  He was a shrewd business man and split his land purchases into timberland and rich farmland.   There was already a demand for pine and oak lumber in both the Northeast and the mid-west. Grandfather filled that need.  At the time, Atlanta was already a bustling city, but what appealed to my grandfather were the railroads.  Atlanta eventfully becoming the hub for the Southeast with connecting rail service to the Midwest and the Northeast. Grandfather felt that in time he could market his produce and lumber throughout the country and abroad, with the aid of the railroads.  My grandfathers lived to see his dream come to fruition. Succeeding generations continued to build on his foundation, until the Templeton Empire spread across the United States and oversees.  Their businesses weren't hurt during the Civil war period, because the family was involved in businesses in both the South and the North.

"My grandfathers' Wills stipulated that the Templeton Corporation could only be owned and controlled by a Templeton.  That is why I will take over the rains on my twenty-first birthday.  My father has nothing to do with the actual running of the Templeton Corporation it is controlled by Cartwright, Belden, McCormick, Horvitz and Kline — my attorneys in New York.  It's quite clever the way my grandfather and my mother's lawyers worked out how the corporation would run under my mother's rain.  Mom did not really want to take an active role in running the corporation, yet she still remained in direct control. Her attorneys hired a Business Management Consulting firm to act as watchdog on the entire operation.  They are responsible for supervising the CEO's, the executive management staff, and appointing the board of directors.   They produce a monthly report and present it to the attorneys on the first Monday of every month.  The Chairman of Templeton Corporation presents his report as well. Then the attorneys prepared a consolidated report for my mother.  Since my mother's death, the report was handled by a three member committee that monitors the business for me. Since my freshman days in college I worked every summer with one of the divisions. I also have been receiving the business reports every month since I've been in college.  So I have been keeping abreast of what the company is doing."

"What happens to the Corporation if anything happens to you," Murdoch asked?  "Does the company revert to your father?"

"No; if I die without an heir, one third of my holding are turned over to the employees and the rest is turned over to Templeton Foundation."

"How come your father never received anything from your mother's estate?" Murdoch asked.

"My dad owns Spencer Industries and didn't want any part of Templeton. Instead, he was awarded 100 million dollars from her estate.  My dad was never aware of the vast size of the Templeton Corporation.  You see Templeton is a privately held corporation and as such, it's impossible for an outsider to learn exactly who or what the corporation owns. Spencer Industries is on the big board and is a Fortune-500 corporation. It is easy to find out what Dad's firm is worth.  Even though my dad owns the major portion of the stock, he still has to answer to his stockholders and has to live by the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission."

"How do you get along with your stepmother and your half brothers and sisters?"

"When my dad first married my stepmother, Vera, things were great.  Vera was a twenty-six year old, young outgoing socialite, who my dad married several years after my mom died.  Dad and Vera have four children now — twin boys and two girls.  Their oldest girl, Carol is eleven and the twins are nine. The baby Barbara is three.  When they were first married, they lived in Dad's penthouse in Atlanta.  I really didn't see much of them because I lived here at Templeton Manor.  In the beginning, they would come down and spend a weekend, but not that often. I usually would spend the weekends in Atlanta.  Vera was active with her social set and felt this place was too provincial.  As I mentioned, Vera and I got along in the beginning. But, everything changed when she became pregnant with Carol. I don't know if it was due to her pregnancy, or what her problem was, but Vera's attitude toward me began to change. She became demanding and short tempered with me.  I felt uncomfortable around her.  She constantly found fault with me.  I finally had a talk with my father and told him how I felt.  We agreed that it would be better if I didn't come up to Atlanta, at least until after the baby was born.  Around the time Vera was in her seventh month of pregnancy, my dad called to ask me it I would object to let Vera come down to stay at the manor until the baby was due. She felt very uncomfortable around her friends and didn't want to stay in the penthouse alone while Dad was traveling abroad. 

"I told Dad that I didn't think it was such a good idea, in view of her attitude toward me up to that point.  My dad pointed out that it was a big house and we could keep out of each other's way. He promised he would talk to her about my feelings and assured me that she would be cordial. She assured Dad that she would make every effort to smooth things over between us and would call me to apologize. Personally, I thought she was giving Dad and me a snow job.  If she really felt sorry for the way she acted, she would have picked up the phone and apologized to me.  Nevertheless, I told Dad that Vera was welcome and that I would try to work things out.

"Two weeks later, Dad drove Vera down.  They stayed in my former redecorated suite in the west wing. Dad stayed the weekend and flew out early Monday morning.  Vera made a grand show of apologizing over dinner Friday night, which I accepted.  The next few weeks went smoothly without any friction.  In fact Vera was very charming and friendly.  She asked if I would mind if her mother could come down for a short visit.  I had no objections to her mother's visit.  Her mother was nice enough, and I felt it might be nice for Vera to have someone to talk to.  As it turned out, her mother stayed three weeks.  They busied themselves buying baby clothes and searching the magazines for ideas for the baby's room.  I think that was the first time Vera asked if she could redecorate the bedroom suite.  I pointed out that the west wing, including her suite, had just been redecorated.  But, she said she wanted to brighten it up a bit to make it softer.  Naturally, this would be at her expense.  If she wanted to foot the bill, and to keep peace in the family, I figured why not.  It occupied her time and kept her out of my hair. I wasn't all that thrilled with the results.  She had removed all of the antique furniture from the rooms and replaced it with a style I call Caribbean Modern — over-stuffed, bright patterned furniture with drapery to match and new wall-to-wall white carpeting.  This was not my cup of tea.

"One evening over dinner, Vera said she had some ideas to change around the public rooms on the first floor. Would I mind it she came up with some rough draft sketches to kick around?   I could see where this could lead, so I told her I had no objections with her suggestions, but, I told her outright, that I had no intentions of making changes in the public rooms.  The rooms and the furnishings were, as they have been for generations and they were not going to be changed. 

"I was in New York City, attending the quarterly review with my attorneys, when I received a call from Annie.  She was very upset because a crew of movers and packers showed up early that morning with Vera's decorator running around giving orders.  They had moved the contents from the ground floor into the ball room. Annie asked the decorator if I had authorized this, and she said she takes her orders from Mrs. Spencer.   I told Annie I wanted to speak to Vera, and was told that she left for Atlanta two days ago.  I told Annie to contact the chief of security at Oakdale Farms and have him contact me immediately. 

"While I was waiting for him to call back I went back into the conference room and told my attorneys what Vera had done, and it was not my wish that anything be changed.  I also told them that this could lead to a confrontation with my father and my stepmother.  I wanted to be absolutely sure that they understood my feelings in case my father backs my stepmother in this issue.  My lawyers assured me that my father had nothing to say in the matter and had nothing to fear on that account.  I had complete authority at Templeton Manor. If any workman or decorator were trespassing on my property without my permission, I could have them arrested and they could be held responsible for any damage they caused.  The lawyers agreed that my chief of security could handle this matter and throw those people off the property.  For good measure, they suggested that my security chief call in the Sheriff and have the decorator arrested for trespassing; that aught to do the trick.

"When my security chief called back, I told him how I wanted him to handle this matter, and to call me after everything was taken care of. I called Annie back and told her what to expect and to call me after it was all over. 

"I tried to reach my father, and left a message with his answering service. Naturally, my call was not returned. I finished up my meeting in New York and returned home.

"Vera returned to the Manor Sunday afternoon, madder than a wet hen.  She barged into my sitting room without knocking and demanded to know why I had her decorator arrested, and countermanded her instructions. By this time I was becomming angry. But, I kept my temper in check and let her vent her anger. After she stopped, I spoke. 

" 'Let's just get a few things straight, Vera.  Firstly, you are a guest in my home and you had absolutely no right to change anything without consulting with me first.  Not only did you overstep your bounds, but you proceeded to make changes behind my back and hired a crew of workmen to trespass in my home, again without my consent. Unless you didn't know it, I'm the owner of Templeton Manor, Oakdale Farms, and Templeton Corporation, and I will decide how my home is to be decorated. I have a staff of attorneys to see that my wishes are followed.  Your decorator — and, I may add, a very arrogant and obnoxious person — refused to leave the property and was arrested for trespassing. It was her defiant and demanding attitude that was responsible for her ending up in jail. She may have a lawsuit on her hands if my household staff should find any damage to my possessions.  And lastly, Vera, what gives you the right to barge into my room acting like you have any rights in this house?  In the future, you will conduct yourself as a guest and you're not interfere with me, my staff, or comment on the way I run my house.  You are my father's wife, and you are no relation to me whatsoever. I will give you the respect owed to you as my father's wife, provided you respect my wishes as well.  I feel that we need a period of adjustment until we can both put this behind us. Since I can't trust your word, I have had your things moved to one of the guest houses for the rest of your stay here. If you need anything, I'm sure Annie will take of it.  One last thing before you leave, I'm having the suite you trashed, returned to its original décor; if you want the obnoxious furniture and draperies, please let Annie know. If not, I'll see to it that the staff will dispose of them, preferably in a bonfire.  It's up to you; you are not welcome in this house and will not be allowed in here unless escorted by my father. Good-bye, Vera; I'm sure you know your way out.'

"Of course she was shocked and speechless; she also knew that she had tried to play the game, and lost.  Vera didn't say another word, but I could see she was seething with anger.  She turned on her heals and left. That was the last I saw of her. She left that afternoon for Atlanta. Of course I knew I had created an enemy. Yet, I knew that eventually we would be at odds as she was a determined woman and wanted to be in control. I could see the way she had my father wrapped around her little finger.  Now with their first child on the way, she had tried to control me and my estate. She is cunning and has every intention of driving a wedge between my father and me. I don't know how much my father has told her about my estate and about the shares of stock I own in Spencer Industries."  

"I knew my father would be on the telephone to me once Vera told him her side of the story, and I was prepared.  He was quite angry by the way I treated Vera. Naturally, I presented him with my side of the story. After that he calmed down; he agreed that she was wrong.  We talked for some time and I told him that I felt like an outsider since his marriage. That's when I found out that he had never told Vera about the plantation, or that he or his children had no claim to the Templeton holdings. He also told me that Vera was unaware of my holdings in Spencer Industries and he wanted to keep it that way. He said he was sorry that I felt I was being pushed aside.  He told me that I was his first born and would always love me. He was determined to spend more time with me in the future.

"He did speak to Vera, and things seamed to improve, at least on the surface. Let's just say that we tolerated each other from then on, but I didn't trust her for one minute."

"If anything happens to your dad, do you share in his estate?" Murdoch asked.

"I'm sure Dad will leave me something. But, remember, I already own a twenty-five percent share of the stock from the time I was born. Those shares have grown over the years and have split several times since then. But, my lawyers take care of that. I receive a monthly check from my Trust Fund that takes care of all my needs. All my bills are paid by my trust. If I need something big, like my condo in Atlanta, or my apartment on campus, my lawyers take care of the details.  I'm very conservative for a wealthy young man and try to keep a very low profile.  I'm also a very private person; other than you and Annie, no one knows my business. Most people think I'm a young man with a rich daddy and I let them think what they want. I have to be very careful. If not, my dad and my lawyers will insist I keep a full security team on me all the time. They pretty much leave me alone down here, but there is a team on me when I'm in Atlanta or, when I travel. I really don't mind traveling with my security team. At least they keep Vera off my back."

"I take it you still don't trust Vera?" Murdoch asked.

"Not really," Ryan said. "Naturally, there is always going to be a certain amount of resentment to any woman that my dad marries. No one could ever measure up to my Mom.  Don't get me wrong; I was happy my dad found someone to share his life with, and Vera seemed to care for him. But, I always had a wary feeling about Vera and her brother, Nat Rollins. I couldn't stand Nat from the moment I met him. He always struck me as devious and dishonest person.  To me, everyone in the family was a fortune hunter.  They were upstarts on the fringes of society in Atlanta.  My dad was quite a catch for Vera.  They certainly weren't from an old line Southern family like my dad's family. Or, from any other old line family for that matter; they were successful tradesmen, but they lacked that breeding and patina of an old refined family.

"After that incident with Vera at Templeton Manor, I had my lawyers do an in-depth investigation on the Rollins family. As it turned out, most of my suspicions were on target. I learned that Vera's grandfather was a bag man for a corrupt political boss in Brooklyn, New York. He was street-smart and made a lot of money from his wheeling and dealing.  He never got caught, and always delivered when the going got rough. When things got hot and the good citizens began to investigate the corrupt politicians, the family left town and moved to Greenwich, Connecticut, and became respectable citizens. The children and grandchildren were sent off to the best schools and became active in the community. Of course, even though they became respectable, there was still the brash and deceitful traits in their character that remains to this day. Vera's parents moved to Atlanta some years ago. They appeared to be decent people, but Nat and Vera sought wealth and power. Eventually, Vera persuaded my father to take Nat into his firm in the Accounting department. He did establish a good track record working at the Rollins Corporation. The last time I spoke to Dad, he told me that he had been promoted to a Senior Financial Director of Divisional Accounts.   That's a pretty good position to be in; he monitors the five major division of the corporation."

"I still don't trust him. I'm sure he'll be careful to keep a low profile as long as Vera's married to my dad, but, with his new position, he has much more authority and control than he ever had before. My feeling is that he is not opposed to do a little creative deal to line his own pocket."

"Have you mentioned your feelings about Nat to you Dad?" Murdoch asked.

"Yea, but he became quite angry and told me to mind my own business and to stop making accusations about Nat unless I could prove them. I was really hurt by my father's aloof attitude, but I didn't argue with him or mention the subject. I could see the only way I could convince my father was with cold hard proof. And that is exactly what I set out to do."

"Baby, my only concern is that you don't get hurt. I don't give a damn about your father, or his family. I totally agree with your suspicions of the Rollins family, from what you have told me; frankly I wouldn't trust Vera or her brother, either. I hate to say it, but I would go a step further and investigate your father and Vera as well."

"Enough said about my problems for now," we are going to have to think about our future together," Ryan said. "As much as I hate to probably being separated from you for two months, I don't see how I can avoid getting out of the trip to Europe in June. My dad and I always spend the month of July together. We both like to spend the time on his sailboat. We both love the sea and also hitting all the good fishing areas. It's something we've done together since I was a teenager. Vera and the kids will not be around. So I thought that would be the best time to broach Dad on the subject of my homosexuality."

"Are you sure this is a good time to bring that up, Don't you think it would be better to talk to him about it after you move to Atlanta?"

"I know; Vera and Dad are going to insist that I become socially active in Atlanta. Vera is always asking me if I've met anyone interesting. I've always been able to fend her off with one excuse or another, but, it is not going to be that easy once I move to Atlanta. I'm sure Vera will try to play matchmaker. If Dad knows I'm gay, they'll leave me alone."

"This is going to be a very traumatic experience for you Ryan. I've been there, and I know the feeling. I've also attended enough Gay support meetings on campus and learned how some parents react when their children come out to them.  Until you learn your father's reaction, don't come-out to him until you test the waters. I'm sure his reaction is going to be one of shock, based on what you told me about him. Go easy; say you have been having these feelings about men, but, you are confused and haven't made up your mind, yet. If he accepts your orientation, then you're home free. If, on the other hand, he goes ballistic, don't go any further."

ALook, Murdoch, I'm in love with you and there is really nothing my father can do to stop me from living with you. I know I don't look forward coming out to him, yet, I also don't need his permission in how to live my life. I'm over twenty-one and have my own money."

*          *          *

Ryan and I both graduated with honors that May and were able to spend a glorious week together on his yacht. It was our first vacation together and it was heavenly. I never knew married life could be so wonderful. I loved Ryan more than I ever thought possible.  We made every day count because we knew that we would be separated for almost several months.

Before leaving for our honeymoon trip, I received telephone calls from six of the companies I sent my application to. Actually, there were only three companies I would consider joining. It came as a pleasant surprise when the three I wanted, responded to my application. Of course, it didn't hurt that I graduated with a 4.0 GPA. In any event, I scheduled the three interviews for over a two day period. Ryan drove me up to Atlanta and we stayed in his penthouse. He had two days of meetings with his lawyers and accountants.  In between interviews, I contacted a few real estate agents to see what the rental situation looked like. Of course Ryan insisted that we move in with him, but as much as I wanted to, I felt we should wait until he came out to his father first. Anyway, his penthouse was a two-bedroom apartment and not equipped for a handicapped person.

My interviews went better than expected.  I was up front with each of the firms and told them of the other firms I was interviewing with.  I had two interviews on the first day, and the third one was on the following morning. I informed each of them that I would be leaving town on Wednesday and would be out of town and not returning until the following Wednesday. When I returned to the apartment that afternoon I received an offer from Chuck Shaw, Jr. VP of Raymond, Wakefield, Winthrop, Shaw & Associates, the firm I had interviewed with on Monday. Chuck said he wanted me on his team and offered me a very substantial package. Much more that I ever expected.

One of the important benefits was that the company had a college tuition reimbursed program, which was an important consideration for me.  I asked Chuck to Fed-X me a copy of the offer in writing and that I would give him an answer by the end of the week. He said he would and the offer would be extended until the following Friday.

I was delighted, and discussed the offer with Ryan. He would run it by his lawyers and see if the offer was competitive. The Fed-X envelop was waiting for me when I returned the following day, Chuck had sent it out the day we spoke. I was impressed with not only the offer, but the way in which they responded to my request. Ryan and I read it over carefully and both agreed that it was a good offer. I called Chuck and accepted the offer that afternoon. Now, I could breathe a lot easier. Chuck arranged to have me take the company physical at the University Hospital. I didn't have to drive back to Atlanta for that. I was scheduled to start work the second week in June. The firm was paying for all moving expenses, in addition to my expenses at the Embassy Suits until I found an apartment. The company had their own in-house group that would help me find a suitable apartment in Atlanta. On top of that, I also received a $4000 dollar sign-on bonus.  I was a happy camper when Ryan and I left for our trip. Ryan left the week after we returned home from our trip, to fly to Paris for the rest of the summer to be with his father, whereas I began the task of relocating to Atlanta to begin my career.

*          *          *

In spite of my hectic schedule those first several weeks, I missed Ryan a lot. He did call when he could, but it was difficult with the time difference. We were incommunicado for the month of July. That's when Ryan and his dad were out sailing on his yacht. Ryan had planed to use that time to talk to his dad.

Mother and I loved our new high-rise apartment in Atlanta. The view of the Atlanta skyline was priceless.  We were also very fortunate to find Kay Richards, a delightful older woman to take care of my mother. Kay had returned to nursing after her husband passed away from a heart attack.  Her children were grown and out of the nest, so she decided to take on private patients once again.  She took on my mother's case and it worked out great. She is part of the family now and great company for mother. The best part is that Kay is able to stay with mother when I'm out of town, or when I spend time with Ryan.

The last Sunday in July I received the freighting call from Ryan. He told me that he father blew-up and refused to believe that he was gay. Ryan told me that he had reservations for Atlanta and would be arriving in town later that night. Needless to say that I was concerned, but I couldn't see what his father could do about it.

Ryan reached me at my office early the next day and asked me to meet him at his apartment after work. I arrived a little after five. I was not prepared for the shock of seeing the terrible shape he was in.  He looked as if he hadn't slept for days. He eyes were bloodshot and dark circles under his eyes. I walked in, closed the door behind me, and took him in my arms and held him. "Oh, my poor baby, what has he done to you?"

I kissed him on the neck.  Ryan burst into tears and cried for some time. I held him tight and rubbed his back until he calmed down. I lifted his head and kissed his face and neck, and finally on the lips. "Oh sweetheart, it's wonderful to have you back home and in my arms again."  I led him over to the couch and held him in my arms.

"I'm sorry, Murdoch, I couldn't hold it back any longer. I learned one important lesson; I need you in my life.  The only thing that kept me sane, was knowing that you would be there for me."

"Alright, baby, tell me what has you so upset?"

"Well I did as you said; I waited until the last night out on our trip before broaching the subject about my feelings of being gay.  Well he blew-up and said that I was not a homosexual. He insisted that no son of his could be gay. He said we both had a little too much to drink, and we would discuss it in the morning. I could see where my dad was going with this and it didn't look good. Needless to say, I got very little sleep that night. When I awoke the next morning, Dad was already up and was sitting in the galley having his coffee. Without any preamble, he got right to the point.

"First of all, you are not a homosexual," he said. "Just because you got it on with a couple of your teammates after winning a couple of football games, doesn't' mean anything. You were all liquored up, and on top of that you were all horny. You are my son and you could not be a homosexual. I won't hear of it; just put that out of your head. Now this is what I've decided:  When you get back to Atlanta, I want you to see psychologist. Homosexuality can be cured, with the right therapy. I know you can and will be cured of this illness. In the meantime, you will go back to the university and get you MBA. I also want you to start thinking seriously about finding the right girl and get married. In three years time, you'll be twenty-five years old. That's when you will be receiving your mother's estate."

"I want you to take this seriously, Ryan. Because, if you persist in this ridicules train of thought, I assure you that I will have you committed to a sanitarium. I'd rather see you locked away before I let you ruin yourself and the family name. Do you know what this would do our business and to our family name? I don't intend to become a laughing stock in Atlanta. I have three more children to rise. You must consider how this could affect them. Now, what it going to be, Ryan?"

"Of course, I'll do as you say, Dad; I certainly don't want to hurt you or your business."

"That's more like it; just put that nonsense out of your mind."

"Look, Dad; I think I need to get back to Atlanta and see if I can enroll at Georgia Tech for their MBA program. When you get the chance, why don't you call and let me know the name of the doctor you want me to see?"

"That's the right attitude, Ryan; I'm sure you have a lot of loose ends to clean up before you start Tech at the end of August."

"Dad … one more thing;  I'd appreciate it if you didn't mentioning this to Vera?"

"Don't worry on that score. We'll keep this to ourselves."

"My God, Ryan, your father is a real bastard," Murdoch said. "I can't believe he'd threaten you like that. For Christ sakes, you're his own flesh and blood.  How could he put his business and so-called good name before you?"

"You know, I had to use all my self control to sit there and keep my real feelings from my father. I showed a perfectly calm face while he was going through his speech. Deep inside my first reaction was shock, followed by fear. I knew then that not only had I lost my father, but I also lost any respect and any love I had for him as a father. I'm sure he has convinced himself that he had gotten through to me and that I would be the good dutiful son and obey papa. Fortunately, we got underway after that conversation. It was easy to continue my charade until we docked at his club. As soon as we got back to the hotel, I made my reservations, and I called you collect from a pay phone in the travel office.

"It must have been rough for you to have to have dinner with your father and Vera?"

"I had dinner with Dad that night, Vera and the children were still visiting friends in the country."

"You look so tired and worn-out, Ryan; didn't you get any sleep at all?"

"Not much, I kept thinking about what dad said and trying to figure out a way to prevent him from carrying out his threat. I met with my lawyers this morning and told them how I feel about my father. I told them that he may wish to gain control of Templeton interests before I reach twenty-five.  But, his real concern was the family name and his reputation.  I insisted that they hire a private security agency to shadow me from now on. I also wanted a tail and bugs on my father, my stepmother, and her brother. I also wanted my apartment and my cars swept for bugs every day. I no longer trust my father, Murdoch. I know the way he thinks and I believe he will have me watched.  He will also make sure I start dating and will no doubt enlist Vera's aid in finding me a suitable wife."

"You've made the right move, Ryan. This means, we are going to have to be careful to keep our relationship under wraps, at least until you're twenty-five."

"That's what bothers me the most, Murdoch.  I don't want the trail to lead back to you. My father has too many connections in this town. He could ruin your career if he ever found out about you." 

"I'm already registered at Tech for my MBA.  At least we'll see each other."

"Can you stay with me tonight, Murdoch?"

"Did you think for one second that I wouldn't?"  Murdoch untangled him self from Ryan and stood up.  "Come-on lover: let's take this into the bedroom where I can make love to you."

Murdoch was the first to awaken. He untangled and rolled off Ryan. He was still sleeping.  Murdoch cleaned him off with a towel and pulled the blanket over him, letting him sleep. His poor baby needed the sleep. Murdoch gathered up the clothes and hung them in the closet. He then showered and dressed in one of Ryan's leisure suits and left he bedroom, closing the door behind him.  He went into the kitchen selected a frozen dinner from the freezer and microwaved his dinner.  He turned on the TV and watched the local news as his dinner was cooking. He returned to the living room and pulled out his laptop computer to finish off a proposal he needed to complete.  He turned off the computer and yawned.  He glanced at the clock. It was 11PM.  He got up turned off the lights and headed for bed.

He went into the bathroom, brushed his teeth emptied his bladder and returned to the bedroom.  Ryan was lying on his side in a deep sleep. He crawled into bed behind and pulled him close to him and wrapped his arms around him. He kissed him tenderly on the cheek.

When he awoke at dawn Ryan could feel Murdoch's arms around him, "Good morning, my love," Ryan whispered. "Thank you for letting me sleep last night. I don't remember anything after we made love last night."

"I feel completely satisfied now, my love, but I do think we need to hit the shower."

"You're right, but I feel so content and safe lying here with you. Can you take the day off and stay here with me?"

"For you my love, anything is possible," Murdoch said. "I'll call my secretary later and let her know I won't be in today. I'll e-mail the proposal to my boss. That will keep him happy until tomorrow. Let's just stay where we are for now; I love the feel of your body."

Ryan kissed him on the cheek and held him close as they drifted off to sleep again. 

*          *          *

To be continued...

Posted: 04/13/12