Whiskey and Moonshine

by Elizabeth Noble

  “Sir, are you sure about the car?”

  Mal waved him off. “Get out of here and enjoy your family. We won’t be going anywhere tonight. We’ll see you in the morning.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Kensington. Thank you very much.” Frank gave them a nod and a quick wave before striding back down the hall.

  “That was dope.” Colt stood just inside the door, leaning on the handle. Once Mal was completely inside, he shut it softly.

  “Would you like something to drink?” Mal whispered.

  Colt held Mal’s shirt collar in both hands and leaned closer, shaking his head. “That didn’t work out so well the last time.”

  “True.” Mal slipped one arm around Colt’s waist and kissed his lips—oh so lightly.

  Stepping closer, Colt pulled Mal flush against him and deepened their kiss. Mal’s arm tensed enough that Colt could feel his biceps bulge. When Colt released Mal’s shirt and slid his arms around Mal’s neck, Mal put his other arm around Colt, holding him in a powerful grip.

  Swaying slowly, Colt pressed his groin against Mal’s, delighting in the heat rising between them. The pleasantly full feeling in his cock from before changed to a raging hard-on. Mal broke their kiss and dipped Colt backward enough to nibble at his neck. Colt blew out a throaty sigh and let his head drop, exposing his throat completely.

  Mal took the invitation. He skimmed his teeth along the tender flesh under Colt’s jaw, then sucked gently down the length of Colt’s neck, all the while holding Colt so tightly that the muscles of Mal’s chest flexed against Colt’s torso with his every move. Mal moved one hand down Colt’s back, squeezed his asscheek, and nudged them even closer.

  Colt ran one hand through Mal’s hair, then along his spine, gasping and panting the entire time. “My clothes are getting tight,” Colt mumbled.

  “Mmm, mine too.” Mal straightened and tugged Colt’s shirt up and over his head.

  Before Colt could respond in kind, Mal had both arms around him again, and this time lifted him so he straddled Mal’s hips. Colt gripped Mal’s shoulders and leaned back, groaning when Mal’s mouth covered one of his nipples. He sucked gently at first, then with hunger and urgency.

  “Oh… God, that’s….” Colt’s words cut off, and he groaned deeply. He shifted so he could stand again and took Mal’s hand to lead him to the bedroom. They left a trail of clothes in their wake.

  The bedroom was separated from the sitting room by french doors that gave the sleeping area a cozy, intimate feel. There was a fireplace across from the bed. While Colt turned the blankets down, Mal took a remote control and pointed it at the hearth. With a slight whoosh, a small, cheery blaze sprang to life. Next Mal put soft music on and dimmed the lights, which perfected the room’s romantic atmosphere.

  Colt moved closer to Mal and wound his arm around Mal’s waist. He pulled while Mal pushed, and together they fell onto the bed. Colt landed flat on his back and Mal at his side. They spent a few minutes kissing and running their hands over each other’s bodies. Everywhere Mal touched Colt’s skin, a tiny fire ignited and spread through Colt’s body.

  “I packed a little bag,” Mal said. He rolled to the edge of the mattress and reached for the night table, causing Colt to shiver from the loss of body heat. On the table sat a leather shaving kit. Mal grabbed it with one hand and set it on the bed between them, then moved so he was kneeling over Colt, a knee on either side of Colt’s hips. “You’ve had sex, but you’ve never made love.”

  It wasn’t really a question, but Colt looked up at Mal and nodded. “I got paid for other people to get enjoyment.” He’d never come out and said it, but Mal wasn’t stupid or naïve. Certainly he had some idea how Colt had survived for ten years on the streets. Relief flooded through him when Mal didn’t even twitch at Colt’s statement.

  “Tonight you’re the one who gets enjoyment. I’m your boyfriend, not a customer.” Mal took a bottle from the bag before he put one hand on Colt’s side and nudged gently. “Roll over onto your stomach.” He had to lift his body up a few inches, but once Colt had sprawled out facedown, Mal settled between his thighs.

  Colt took a pillow and folded it beneath his cheek. He closed his eyes and sighed as creamy smooth lube was spread all over his backside. As Mal kneaded and massaged him with his hands, Colt relaxed, sinking more comfortably into the mattress. Every few seconds Mal would slip his thumb into Colt, easing him open and pushing in plenty of lube.

  Music began playing softly—another click of the remote, maybe—and it swirled around Colt. It lulled him until his mind let go, and all he knew was the sensations emanating from his body. The more Mal worked his hands over Colt’s flesh, the warmer the lube became. Every deep breath Colt took filled his nose with the heady, musky scent of their bodies, combined with the light fragrance of the lube. It was intoxicating. In short order, Colt was writhing and squirming beneath Mal. His hips jerked uncontrollably, and his breath began coming in short, unsteady bursts.

  “Slow down a minute, cowboy.” Mal leaned down and kissed the back of Colt’s neck.

  Colt heard him pick up the bag before zipping it closed and dropping it to the floor. Something ripped, and Colt realized Mal was opening a condom. He sucked in a breath and moaned softly, then rubbed his hands over Colt’s back and shoulders. He wrapped one arm around Colt and eased him to his side, then slowly stroked Colt’s cock. Mal eased into Colt, gliding in on a cushion of warm, slick lube to fill him. He continued to stroke Colt’s cock, and Colt forgot about any discomfort.

  Slowly, very slowly at first, Mal began to move, easing partially out and pushing back in again. The tip of his cock brushed Colt’s sweet spot, making him shudder and gasp. In no time, Colt was rocking his body back to meet Mal’s thrusts.

  “More,” Colt groaned and reached around to grab Mal’s ass, urging him on. He was aware of every movement, flex, and bulge of Mal’s muscles. Heat rose from within, and jolts of pleasure coursed through Colt each time Mal’s dick hit his prostate.

  Mal let go of Colt’s cock and slipped his fingers between Colt’s thighs to rub his balls and press against his taint. Colt gasped when Mal suddenly switched to stroking his cock again, faster and harder this time. Mal’s hips stuttered, and his arm around Colt tensed, holding them tightly together.

  Gyrating with vigor, balls slapping against Colt’s thighs, Mal leaned forward and sucked on Colt’s ear. He slid his hand from between Colt’s legs and moved it up to his chest, where he lightly squeezed one of his nipples. A tingle started at the base of Colt’s spine and rolled through him in waves. His cock throbbed, matching the pulsations of Mal’s cock inside him.

  Colt rolled to his stomach and spread his legs wider. That allowed Mal in even deeper so they could ride the wave to the last possible spasm. Mal eased out but didn’t get off Colt; instead he caressed Colt’s hair and kissed his cheek. Smiling, Colt turned his head, meeting Mal’s lips. They shifted around so they were face-to-face and wrapped in each other’s arms.

  “That was phenomenal,” Colt murmured. “Way, way better sober too.”

  Mal laughed and brushed his fingers through Colt’s hair. “Not having a lot of relationships doesn’t necessarily preclude no good experience.”

  “Hmm.” Colt ran his finger down Mal’s chest. “I’m all in favor of getting the benefits of your experience.” He nuzzled Mal’s neck. “You know what else I’m all in favor of?”

  “What’s that?”

  “A shower,” Colt admitted.

  “Definitely.” Mal slid away and out of bed, offering Colt his hand.

  They spent a delightful time under the warm spray of water, lathering and washing each other. Colt’s cock was most interested in the attention. He loved the feel of Mal’s body under his hands. “Where’s your special bag?” Colt asked as he washed Mal’s back.

  “You may be ten years younger than me, but….” Mal held up one finger and looked over his shoulder at Colt. “I am nothing if not resourceful.”

  He turned arou
nd in Colt’s arms and pushed Colt against the shower wall. Mal dropped to his knees and held Colt by his hips while he licked up and down Colt’s cock. He sucked the tip, then eased off while he skimmed his tongue through Colt’s slit. When Colt’s knees turned to jelly and he started to slide to the floor, Mal held him up and at the same time captured the head of Colt’s cock with his lips.

  “I’m gonna—”

  Mal stood up, pulled Colt to him, and whispered in his ear, “That’s the point.” Mal gripped Colt’s cock, and after a few long strokes, Colt came all over the shower floor.

  Once they finished their shower and dried off, Colt dug a pair of boxers out and hopped into them. He wandered to the sitting room, where Mal sat on the love seat, menu in hand.

  “You gotta be shitting me,” Colt sputtered.

  Mal glanced up, then dropped the menu to his knee. He shook his head and snickered. “Seems we have matching boxers. Gwen does like the tartan patterns in greens and grays.” He held out the menu. “Want to get a snack or something to drink?”

  They settled on hummus and crackers and a pitcher of margaritas to pass the time until they could watch Colt on television. “When will the show be on that was taped today?” Colt asked.

  Mal glanced at his watch and raised his eyebrows. “In about twenty minutes.”

  “Watch in bed?” Colt suggested.

  Mal nodded. “Sounds like a perfect end for today.”

  They settled under the thick comforter. Mal’s arm was around Colt’s shoulders, and Colt rested his head on Mal’s chest while they watched Colt on The Tonight Show.

  MAL stifled a groan when he read the text from Jeffery. “Need to speak with you this morning.”

  There was a photo shoot taking place on a remote section of Mal’s property, and he was hoping to have a few hours of free time to watch. Maybe he could meet with Jeffery and still make it to the shoot.

  Jeffery was waiting in Mal’s office in the distillery, wearing his normal sour expression.

  “Why the grim look, Jeffery? Jim Beam planning a hostile takeover?”

  Jeffery pulled a folder from his briefcase and extracted a bundle of papers stapled together, with little tape arrows sticking out to indicate where Mal would be signing something soon. Mal gave up trying to lighten Jeffery’s mood and dutifully sat at his desk, took his pen in hand, and held his other hand out for the stack of paperwork.

  Jeffery held the documents out of reach. “Understand, if you’re going to be involved with this young man, it’s my job to protect you. That’s part of what you hired me for.”

  Mal ground his teeth and silently counted to ten. Jeffery always meant well, and he wasn’t a mean person by any means. However, he needed to work on his presentation sometimes.

  “Jeffery, why do you feel this is necessary? We’re not doing anything wrong. We’re not hiding, or sneaking around, and we’re both consenting adults.” Mal spoke with as much calmness as he could muster. “You wouldn’t care if Colt had worked somewhere else or hadn’t arrived here homeless and with nothing.”

  “I would care about anyone in a romantic relationship with you,” Jeffery said quietly and handed over the sheaf of papers. “That gives someone else potential access to the inner workings of this company.”

  Mal put the papers on the desk and began reading. “It’s not as if I’ve handed him the keys to the castle.”

  “He has a key to your house.”

  Snorting, Mal nodded. “True. He also pays rent. You know that, you set up the withdrawal from his paycheck for him. He has no access to my personal or business accounts. Colt has done nothing wrong, and he’s excellent at his job.”

  “And there is no reason to think that won’t continue. This is simply an extra layer of insurance.” Jeffery paused. When he continued, his voice was softer. “It’s to protect you both and assures confidentiality and that you’re both in this without duress.”

  “It reads more like a prenuptial agreement,” Mal grumbled. He wondered if tremendous physical attraction counted as duress.

  “I used one as a guide,” Jeffery admitted. “What if your relationship changes, and not for the positive?”

  “Colt wants to learn distilling, and he’s got some very good ideas,” Mal countered. “As I recall, you were one of the people who kept nagging at me to date more. Didn’t you think eventually one would take?”

  “Yes. In fact, I hoped that would happen.” Jeffery shrugged. “I also thought you’d play the field more.”

  Mal looked up at him and made a face. “You thought—hoped—I’d suddenly change because I had someone to fill in for me publicly and, what? Start hitting singles bars or hookup sites?” He heaved a sigh. “I like Colt, Jeffery. A lot. I admire that he took the opportunity offered and has worked very hard to make a new life for himself. He’s a good person. There are one or two of those left, you know.”

  Jeffery nodded. “Then we can stick this document, after you both sign it, in a file and never have to look at it or worry about it again.”

  “I’ll go over this with him,” Mal insisted.

  “If he has questions….”

  “I know.” Mal sighed and stood up. As he walked by, he laid his hand on Jeffery’s arm. “I also know you’re doing what’s best for this company… and me. Thank you.”

  Jeffery turned to leave, then stopped and faced Mal again. “For the record, I hope it works out for you both.”

  Before Mal could say any more, Jeffery offered him a small smile and a nod, then left. Rolling the bundle of papers into a cylinder, Mal carried it back to the house. Luckily he still had time to watch the photo shoot. He kicked off his shoes and swapped out his clothes for jeans and hiking boots. There was enough of a nip in the air today that he opted for a lightweight coat. He shoved the rolled-up papers into an inside pocket before heading down to the dressing room and office.

  Gwen and Colt were in the dressing room, but first he peeked in on Audrey, who was in the office with a reporter and photographer. Then he planned to make a stop in the kitchen for later, when he and Colt could be alone.

  “Are we all ready?” Mal asked. Audrey looked sharply at him and raised her eyebrows, no doubt noticing his irritated tone.

  “We are. The old hunting shack is in a nice spot for pictures and not difficult to get to,” Audrey explained.

  Mal forced a smile. “I thought it was a good idea.”

  “I need to check over my equipment. Is it all right if we meet you by the truck?” the photographer asked.

  “I’ll show you out,” Audrey said, waving them ahead of her.

  Mal trailed behind as far as the dressing room, where he found Colt leaning against the back of a chair, typing on his phone. When Mal walked in, he glanced up and smiled. The ball of tension between Mal’s shoulder blades and the knot of muscle in his jaw relaxed. His anger bled away. He loved Colt’s smile and the way it made his eyes sparkle.

  “Want to see?” Colt held out his phone.

  Mal crossed the room so he could stand beside Colt. Holding Colt’s hand in his, Mal turned it slightly for a better view of the screen. “What am I looking at?”

  “Mr. Grice had the social media lady—her name is Kim; she’s a sweetheart—help me with a verified Twitter account. Look at all these people I talk to. I found some Firefly fans too. So a few times a day I’m supposed to tweet—put these little messages on here,” Colt said in a rush.

  Mal laughed. “Colt, I know I’m over thirty and pushing dead, but believe it or not, I do know what Twitter and tweets are. I’ve even retweeted a few.”

  Colt blushed. “Sorry. Doing this is fun for me. Sometimes Kim or Audrey give me specific things I’m supposed to say. Other times I just wing it. I… uh… hope you don’t mind, but I did put out the idea of developing a moonshine line that is based off the fruit tea you turned me onto. Oh, and I think you’re pretty splendid for pushing dead.”

  “What’s the verdict on the ’shine?”

  Colt scrolled
down through the feed and pointed out a conversation. “‘Aces’ and ‘dope’ are the prevailing responses.”

  Mal patted Colt’s shoulder and gave him a thumbs-up. “Awesome.”

  Colt shrugged. “I figured there’re different ways to be helpful with promotions, and I should learn them.”

  “You plan on sticking around?”

  “Sure do. I like it here.” Colt grinned wickedly. “The food is great.”

  “Just the food?” Mal whispered in Colt’s ear.

  “Well, the chef is kind of yummy too.”

  Mal shook his head. “I’ll meet you outside. I have to talk to Audrey.”

  He gave Colt a quick kiss on the cheek and left the room, heading for the wide driveway leading to the house. He caught Audrey’s eye and waved her over.

  They walked around to the back of the house, and Mal pulled the rolled-up sheaf of papers from his coat pocket. “Did you know about this?”

  Audrey took it, leafed through the pages, then handed it back. “Jeffery mentioned he was considering drawing up an agreement.”

  “Why didn’t you warn me? You let him blindside me with this!” Mal snapped.

  “Calm down, Mal. Of course I would have told you if I had something concrete to say. There is nothing wrong with this, and Colt certainly hasn’t done anything wrong. It’s simply a contingency in case your relationship with him doesn’t go the way we all hope it does. Yeah, it sucks that people must do this sort of thing. Both of you will need to get used to the idea that if the need arises, there’ll be a prenup to work out too. It’s something the board of directors and stockholders will expect to protect the company. I bet if we dug up the documents your parents signed, we’d find more than the agreement about your mother’s family name being your surname as well. A relationship with a billion-dollar company involved requires paperwork. Both of your parents understood that. They loved each other but completely accepted the fact to have a life together, some adjustments had to be made. I know you know that too. And Jeffery was—”

  “Only doing his job, I know. I’m sorry I snapped.” Mal sighed.