The Night Courier – Part 2: First Light
Gay Stories·EN·2 min read·Published 2026-11-07, updated 2026-11-07·Part 2 of 2
He was early the next night. Four minutes early. Kwame opened the door before he knocked.
"You agree?" asked Kwame.
"I agree," said Antoine. "Very much."
The kiss was warm and tasted of vanilla. Kwame's floury hand settled on Antoine's cheek, and he laughed softly into the kiss, pulling him inside by the collar. The door swung shut behind them. The oven glowed. A tray of brioche cooled on the rack, forgotten.
"I have forty minutes," said Kwame. "Then the tray needs turning."
"I have forty minutes."
"Are you sure you'd like to spend them like this?"
"Entirely."
The back of the bakery held a storeroom with a narrow cot, a stack of flour sacks and a small window that looked out on the dark street. They sat on the cot, shoulders touching, talking, laughing, kissing, slow and uncomplicated. Their coats slipped to the floor. The smell of bread filled the room. Time passed gently. Neither of them looked at a clock.
"I will be late for my next delivery," said Antoine at last.
"I will burn my brioche."
"Worth it."
"Very much."
They made time for the tray eventually, and for the one after, with a little flour and a lot of laughter. When the first light touched the window, they sat on the step outside with coffee and warm rolls, watching the city wake.
"Saturdays are slow," said Kwame. "I have four hours between trays. I thought you might like to spend one with me. Not on the bike."
"I'd like that," said Antoine. "I'll bring my own mug."
"I have one for you." Kwame reached into the shelf and handed him a blue enamel mug with a tiny bicycle painted on it. "I made it. It is not very good."
Antoine looked at it for a long moment. "It's perfect," he said, and kissed him.
More gay romance stories: Morning Run · Night Telescope · The Tailor's Apprentice
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