South Main and Gentry

by A. D. Ellis

  I kissed and sucked on Tanner’s neck while one hand made soapy circles on his firm, fit chest. The other jerked that perfect cock, slowly picking up speed.

  “Damn, this must be what waking up is like in heaven,” sighed Tanner.

  I said, “I’m not planning to get there any time soon to find out.”

  Tanner’s breathing grew labored, and he pushed his head back against my shoulder. My soapy hand found its way up the side of his neck and, then I whispered, “Raise your arm.” I slid my soapy hand down the inside of his bicep, the pit, and his abs until I finally found his balls and cradled them.

  “I’m close,” whispered Tanner. “Tug my balls—please—every morning forever.”

  I followed the instructions and firmly tugged Tanner’s nuts while his abs tensed. He was close to the edge. I increased the speed of stroking one more notch to push him over the edge.

  “Aww, fuck!!” Tanner howled as white ropes of cum shot across the shower enclosure and his grunts and moans echoed off the tile. He turned around and pushed his face into my neck as he panted for breath.

  I whispered, “Good morning. I think we’ve got to figure out where this thing is going because I could get used to wake-up calls like this.”

  Tanner didn’t respond in words to the comment. Instead, he pinned me to the wall with his body and shared the kind of kiss I’d wanted when we woke in bed together. He knew what he was doing with his mouth and tongue, and I felt the sensations all the way to the tips of my toes.

  After the gourmet dinner Tanner prepared for us the night before, I offered to rustle up a quick diner breakfast before heading off to work. While Tanner brewed us cups of coffee, I asked, “Do you have what every self-respecting chef should have ready for breakfast? Eggs? Milk? Flour? Potatoes? Bacon?”

  “Check, check, check, check, and double-check. I’ve also got orange juice, bananas, and yogurt if you want something a little more healthy to balance out the fat and grease.”

  I pulled up one of my arms to flex and show the muscle in the bicep. “Built on bacon and eggs. Need I say more?”

  “No explanation is needed, but if you stick with me, there might be a veggie scramble or a yogurt parfait for breakfast in your future. It’s a warning.”

  “Unless you’ve kept something particularly well-hidden, I think I’m well aware of the risks, and I’m ready to take the plunge. Are you? Do you want to sink or swim with me?”

  16

  Tanner

  I strode through life with a skip in my step and a smile lingering on my lips for several days. Sex with Mitch was intoxicating. I’d slept with some incredibly talented men, but Mitch stood at the top of the class. Whether he was really that much better at kisses and fucks than any other man I’d experienced, or if it was merely the combination of knowing him and appreciating him so much, I didn’t know. That indescribable “Mitch-ness” took it all to another level. He wasn’t merely another hookup.

  I worried my lip between my teeth as I worked on finishing my day at the shop. I was reconciling numbers from the previous day’s sales. Nothing with Mitch had been easy until we finally crawled between the sheets and pressed flesh to flesh. We’d butted heads since the first day we met. Fortunately, when the rest of the world fell away and left only two bodies behind, lightning struck. It was heart-stoppingly amazing, and it was the easiest thing we’d done together.

  My heart fluttered, and a smile danced on my lips as I thought about everything I could do with Mitch and what we could become. Unfortunately, a stubborn voice in my head kept playing devil’s advocate. What if it all crashes and burns, and you’re stuck here in a tiny town with your ex? What if Mitch gets sick? Can the two of you co-exist as business owners without the sizzling activity between the sheets?

  My phone buzzed and gave me a respite from all of my negative thoughts. I read the name “Shane Rogers” on the screen and smiled fondly. Shane was one of my first sexual encounters, and we’d remained close as friends. It wasn’t an unusual pattern. Shane was the guy I could go a year without talking to, but when we finally caught up on the phone or in person, it was as if we’d never skipped a beat.

  I ran a thumb across the screen and answered the call. “Shane Rogers, what’s a bitch have to do to hear from you now and again?”

  “Shit, I could ask you the same, Gentry.” Shane’s rich voice filled the line as he returned my teasing as good as he got.

  I laughed. “True, true. What’s up?” I leaned back in my chair and kicked my feet up on the desk.

  “I’ve got a favor to ask, but I think it’ll be good for your latest enterprise as well as for me.”

  “Go on; you know the way to my businessman’s heart.”

  “I’ve been working on my film career. I want to enter the Heart of the Midwest film competition. It includes flicks in multiple categories. I was mostly interested in the Local Public Interest Short Film category.” I heard the click of a turn signal and realized Shane was driving as he spoke. “The subject of the film needs to be Midwestern and should pique the interest of both locals and beyond.”

  I thought about Willow Springs, Gentry’s Java, South Main, Smitty’s Stop-N-Go, Town Center Foods, and the other outstanding businesses in Willow Springs. “And you’re thinking—”

  “I wondered if you’d be down with me coming to your little corner of the world and shooting a short movie.”

  “What would be your focus?” I shifted in my chair to grab a notebook and pen.

  “I’d search for what makes the town special. I assume it’s an ace little town if you’re still there. I thought you were likely to set up another Gentry’s and then high-tail it back to Chi-town.”

  “You and me both,” I interjected with a chuckle. “Anyway, go on.”

  “What would make people want to visit? Why do people stay? Why should weary and hungry travelers stop in Willow Springs instead of staying on the interstate and hitting up the big chains a few exits down the road?” Shane honked his horn and cursed. “God, this traffic.”

  I held my hand over my mouth to stifle a laugh as Shane continued. “What do residents do there? Of course, Gentry’s Java would be one of the primary focal points of the film, but what else is there? I want to appeal to the foodies, the small-business supporters, the travelers who like to be transported back in time, and—most of all—those who love to immerse themselves in small-town living as a way to escape their big-city stress. Perhaps, I’ll even catch the eyes and ears of people who have lived in small towns their entire life and are curious to visit another little gem.”

  Shane always had a unique spark in his voice when he spoke of telling stories and appealing to viewers through film. His words had me thinking a mile a minute about places and people to highlight. I’d show him the woods and the springs, of course. Mitch’s diner, my shop, the locally-sourced grocery, and the old-fashioned gas station and store were all on the agenda. My chest thrummed with excitement.

  “That sounds brilliant. I know you’ll do a bang-up job. When would you want to start filming?”

  Shane laughed. “Funny you should ask. I’m on the way as we speak. I’ll be there in about three and a half hours, assuming I don’t hit more traffic. I was hoping you’d say yes.”

  I chuckled to myself. That was so like Shane. He’d latch onto an idea and run with it long before checking out the details. Thinking about operating that way made my skin crawl, but it worked for Shane. He’d won multiple awards with his short films, and I harbored no doubt that this one would be a top contender, too.

  “Wow, that sounds like a legendary flick in the making.” Travis smiled across my back patio table where I’d just finished telling my unique little group of friends about Shane’s plans.

  The expressions of Barry and Mitch spelled out their approval.

  “Good for the town and businesses,” said Barry as he sipped his margarita.

  “Yeah, I’m going to have him highlight your flower shop and our places.” I gestured bet
ween myself and Mitch. “I’ll have him squeeze in the grocery, the Stop-N-Go, and the bed and breakfast. All the vital businesses will get a mention.” I filled a taco shell from the fixings on the table and offered the platter to the guys. “Even Doc Ford’s place. We’ll let people know they can get medical treatment while here if needed. Of course, we’ve got the top attractions in the woods and the springs.”

  “Don’t make it too much like a tourist commercial,” grumbled Mitch. “When will your friend be here?”

  I checked my watch. “Almost any minute now. Shane told me about it as he was driving down from Chicago. I offered to let him stay with me, but he opted for the BnB so he can get an independent feel for Willow Springs.”

  We finished our impromptu taco dinner and the margaritas. My friends didn’t leave a scrap of food behind. I’d completed my day at Gentry’s Java as soon as Shane and I said our goodbyes. Bubbling over with the need to share my news, I called the guys and invited them over for a casual dinner.

  “Well, this is super exciting. The next week should be a lot of fun—almost like climbing aboard the Tilt-a-Whirl at the fair.” Travis smiled from ear to ear and slapped me on the shoulder before heading for the door.

  Barry followed Travis. “I’m glad it’s just him and his camera coming, though. I’d hate to see Willow Springs swallowed up into a trucks-and-trailers movie set or turned into an overly commercial tourist trap.”

  “Definitely. Shane’s films aren’t like that. He’s all about preserving the uniqueness of a location.”

  When only Mitch and I remained, I bit my lip and swayed my hips lightly as I walked toward him. “I think that once Shane settles into the BnB, I have a certain distinguished gentleman I’d like to seduce into my bed for the night.”

  “Oh yeah? Distinguished, huh? Who might that be? Is that your polite way of saying old?” I worried that Mitch might pull back, but instead, he opened his arms and wrapped me in a hug before nipping and kissing along my neck.

  “Mmm,” I moaned and threw my head back, allowing him better access to the sensitive skin at the nape of my neck. My phone buzzed in my pocket, and I only pulled away from Mitch’s lips long enough to check it in hopes that it was Shane.

  I breathed a sigh of relief. “Shane says he’s all set up at the BnB. I’ll meet up with him tomorrow morning and show him around.” After tossing my phone on the counter, I ground my hips against Mitch’s. “Let’s go upstairs.”

  “So, how do you know this guy?” The protective Mitch strode into the picture.

  “We used to date, but we figured out pretty quickly that we’re better as just friends.” I stripped my shirt off over my head. “Get naked.”

  “He’s your age?” Mitch’s voice was flat as he unbuttoned his jeans.

  “Yes, he’s my age.” I shucked my pants down and kicked them to the side. “But guess what? He’s not here. He’s not the one I want to suck.” I moved close to Mitch and gripped his heavy dick gently in my fist. “He’s not the one I’m hoping will slide his thick, throbbing cock deep into my ass.” I used my best seductive voice as I whispered hotly against Mitch’s ear. My reward was feeling the shiver that traveled throughout his body.

  I pulled Mitch’s shirt over his head. “Let’s take a shower first. Then I’m sucking you until you’re close to exploding, but I don’t want you to come until you fuck me hard.”

  Mitch groaned and pressed his lips firmly against mine before giving me a teasing shove toward the shower.

  When we finished with the soap, I dropped to my knees. I loved the silky heat and pounding strength of Mitch’s cock, sliding between my lips and bumping the back of my throat. I kept a hand on his balls, and when they drew up tight, I popped off his dick and forced him from the shower to dry ourselves.

  I flipped the small bedside lamp on and turned off the overhead light before I crawled onto my bed. “Come over here. You look like you need my help to relieve some tension.” I eyed Mitch’s cock as it bobbed with each step he took toward the bed.

  “Oh yeah? You think you can help with this?” Mitch fisted his cock and stroked when he reached the edge of the mattress.

  I grabbed him around the waist and pulled him onto the bed between my spread thighs. Our hot, hard, weeping cocks met, and I nearly came right then and there. “Get a condom and lube from the drawer. I wanted you inside me an hour ago.”

  Mitch retrieved our needed supplies and teased my ass with slick fingers for a few moments while he sucked my cock.

  “That’s good—I’m ready.” I knew I sounded like a whimpering, needy mess, but my body longed for Mitch to take me. I wanted the stretch and sting, the deep connection.

  Mitch growled. “One day soon, I’m going to lock you in my room and keep you naked all day long. I’m not against the quick and hard, but I have so many things I want to do to you.” He kissed me. “Mark my words. All-day sex is on the agenda.”

  I shivered. “I can get on board with that.” I pulled my legs up and gripped tightly behind my knees. “But right now, I just need that gorgeous cock to fill me.”

  Mitch moaned, ripped open the condom, and rolled it down his thick shaft. He lined up with my ass and pushed gently at my hole.

  My body opened for Mitch bit by bit, slowly allowing for his girth to invade and slip past the tight ring of muscle. “Oh God, Mitch. You’re huge.”

  “Is it too much? I can stop.” Mitch pulled back slightly.

  “Fuck, no—it’s so good.” I groaned when Mitch’s cock bottomed out, and his balls rested against my body.

  “Wrap those beautiful long legs around me.” Mitch panted above me.

  I did as he directed, and Mitch began to pound into my ass with hard, fast thrusts. He shifted so that he could bring our chests together. My arms and legs wrapped around his body, my legs spread so far apart to accommodate Mitch’s thick thighs that I knew I’d be walking funny the next day.

  Mitch changed his thrusts from hard and fast to deep and slow. Our bodies trapped and rubbed my cock between us. I whimpered and hitched my ass higher. The slight change of angle put Mitch’s cock even deeper, and I cried out at the electric current that swept through me.

  “Oh God, do that again.” I tightened my arms and legs around Mitch and held on for the ride. When he pushed in hard and deep one more time, I shivered and exploded between us with a ragged cry.

  “Fuck, Tanner—the way your ass clings to my cock, tightens around it, milks me.” Mitch gritted his teeth and thrust into me once more. He came with a roar and a hiss as his cock pulsed hot and thick in my ass.

  “Holy shit—that was phenomenal.” I had barely caught my breath, and I winced as Mitch pulled out.

  Once he’d discarded the condom, Mitch was back in the bed and pulled me close. “It was beyond a phenomenon. I can’t describe sex with you in words. Imagine what we can do with an all-day sex session.” Mitch kissed me, his tongue slow and comfortable in my mouth. “Sleep. We’ve got to meet your filmmaker friend tomorrow. And I want you to remember who owned your ass tonight when you’re talking to Shane tomorrow.”

  “No worries—and that hint of jealousy is hot. I’m sure to know who owned my ass tonight a week from now—hell—ten years from now.”

  Shane spent the next week in Willow Springs filming every nook and cranny of the town and interviewing practically every citizen his camera lens could find.

  When Shane came to the shop to say goodbye at the end of the week, I tried to convince him to stay one more day for a celebratory dinner.

  “Thanks, but I have to pass this time. I’m fighting a major deadline to get this edited and produced in time to enter the Heart of the Midwest.” Shane hugged me. “When it wins, I’ll come back, and we can celebrate.” He kissed my cheek. “Don’t screw up with Mitch. I think you’ve got a keeper there.” He winked.

  My cheeks heated and flushed pink as I watched Shane grab his coffee and rush to his car.

  “A keeper?” I smiled to myself, and my heart flutte
red.

  17

  Mitch

  “What could be going on at the diner at this hour? You got a rat stuck in the walk-in?”

  I barked, “Can’t you tell by the tone of my voice that it’s an emergency? Pull some jeans over those Snoopy shorts and get your ass down here.”

  It was past 11:00 p.m. before Barry arrived, and I’d added up the numbers five more times. The columns always came out the same. South Main was bleeding cash like a stuck pig. I’d had a few months slip into pink territory in the past, but they never landed fully in the red. The rough periods always came with an explanation, too, like the cost of a new grill or new glass the night a branch crashed through the front window in a summer thunderstorm.

  I heard the key in the back door, and Barry appeared dressed in an old Madonna concert t-shirt and worn jeans. The few remaining strands of hair on his forehead were a tangled mess like strands of seaweed washed ashore by the tide. He gripped a baseball bat in his right hand.

  I gestured toward the Louisville Slugger in Barry’s hands. “What the hell are you going to do with that?”

  “It’s an emergency call. I thought you were fighting vermin or—at worst—an angry customer holed up in your office demanding a refund.” Barry panted and glanced around.

  “Wouldn’t I call the cops instead of you if that were the case?”

  Barry huffed, “I suppose so, but I’m tough when I want to be.”

  “Put that down and come take a look at these numbers.” I jabbed the air with a pen.

  “You called me out of bed for a missing check? Couldn’t that wait until tomorrow morning?”

  “It’s more than that.” I slapped a hand on the desk.