Kel's Keeper

by K. C. Wells

  There was something truly liberating about lying naked in the sunshine, playing with his dick, while fantasizing about the beautiful man lying next to him, oblivious.

  If you only knew the thoughts I’ve had about you. Not that there was any way Kel was about to reveal his attraction. That would bring an abrupt end to their idyllic circumstances. While Luc might possibly be flattered to be the object of Kel’s attention, the thought that his roomie was lusting after him would doubtless make him uncomfortable.

  Besides, Kel was having a hard enough time dealing with his fantasies. It was difficult to ignore that inner voice sometimes, the one that said such thoughts were plain wrong.

  Just then, Luc stirred and moved as if to roll over onto his back, and that was all the motivation Kel needed to turn onto his front, his erection trapped against the towel.

  Later.

  Chapter Twelve

  Kel put down the saw and wiped his forehead with a rag. He’d been working on the arbor since Luc had left for his meetings, and the temperature outside was already climbing. He’d set up Luc’s work bench on the patio, even though Luc had pointedly mentioned sawdust a couple of times. Kel had smiled politely and pointed to the yard broom, saying that if Luc was so worried, he could clean it up and save Kel the effort later.

  Yeah, that hadn’t gone down well. Luc had chased him with the hose, and his aim was far too accurate.

  Kel stretched, lifting his arms high into the air and feeling his spine pop. He’d never guessed he’d find working with wood so satisfying. He was still at the boring stage of cutting all the pieces to the correct size, but it didn’t matter. He was outside on a glorious day, and he felt… good.

  Amazing what difference two months had made. His deferral had been agreed, and he was going back to school in the fall. Knowing he had that buffer of time made all the difference. Sure, there were days when memories snuck up on him out of nowhere, and yes, he wept, but he knew he’d get through them. The estate was still going through probate, but that was only a matter of time. And as for money, he didn’t need any: Luc insisted on paying for groceries, and Kel didn’t go anywhere or want for anything.

  Life was good. Not perfect, but good.

  Kel went into the house to pour himself a glass of water. His back was soaked with sweat, and as soon as the AC’s cool air hit his skin, the sudden chilling was a shock. When the phone rang, he ignored it and carried on drinking. It was probably a business call anyway, and Luc’s answering machine would pick it up.

  Lord, he’d teased Luc about that. Having a phone with an answering machine? In 2019? Had he never heard of voice mail? Luc’s narrowed gaze didn’t bother him in the least. Poking the bear was fun, and he knew Luc could give as good as he got.

  Not that Kel wanted to think about Luc right then. More times than not, it only made him horny, and that led him into dark waters. His dad had offered no Bible quotes on the topic of masturbation, but he’d certainly had plenty to say about it, and he’d started when Mom had found Kel rubbing his dick at the age of eight or nine. Kel could recall lectures on how everything they did should be a way to glorify God, and that jerking off was only about self-gratification, and was therefore unclean and unholy. Of course there had been times when the urge struck and he succumbed, but the pleasure of release was always tempered with guilt.

  Kel recalled nights in his shared room at college, waiting until his roomie was asleep before giving in to his desires, tugging furiously with one eye on the other bed, praying not to awaken him. And look at me now. How many nights had he gone to bed, eager to close his eyes and focus on how Luc looked, how he smelled, while Kel brought himself off? And the morning after, it was always the same. He avoided Luc’s gaze, as though just looking into Kel’s eyes would tell Luc exactly what he’d been doing. As the morning passed, so did his feelings of shame, and by lunchtime he’d forgotten them.

  Until the next time.

  The phone rang again, and Kel half-listened as some guy explained what he needed in terms of software, before asking Luc to call him. When Luc was in a meeting, he usually switched off his phone and had his calls diverted.

  Kel glanced at the clock on the wall. He could maybe get another hour of cutting done before it would be time for lunch. Luc wouldn’t be home until late afternoon, and Kel was going to make dinner that evening.

  Then stop wasting time and get on with it.

  He poured another glass of water and headed back out into the sunshine.

  Kel put his plate in the dishwasher and closed the door. A glass of juice, and he’d be ready for the afternoon. Luc had called briefly while he was eating, mainly to check if there was anything Kel needed.

  He chuckled. That man could read a phone directory for hours and I’d just sit and listen. He loved the sound of Luc’s voice. It was deep, like his dad’s, but there the similarity ended. Luc’s voice had a rich quality to it. It was the kind of voice that made Kel want to curl up on the couch and shut out the world while he listened, enraptured. It inspired feelings of warmth, comfort, and security. It was also that same voice Kel heard in his head when he lay in bed at night, only then it was saying things that sent heat racing through him, until he came with a shudder.

  As he removed the juice from the refrigerator, the phone rang, and seconds later Kel heard a man’s voice. A surprisingly young, camp voice.

  Surprise! Well, you did say to call you when I got back from the UK. Except you’re not in Raleigh. I asked at Legends and Flex, but no one’s seen you in a while. You okay? And if you’re not, can I kiss your boo-boos and make ’em all better? [laughter] Seriously, Luc, my ass is in desperate need of your magnificent cock, so when you get this—call me. I promise I’ll make it worth your while. [chuckle]

  The machine beeped as the message came to an end.

  The empty glass slipped from Kel’s hand and fell to the floor, shattering into hundreds of sparkly fragments, and he gave a start. He grabbed a dustpan and brush, and hurriedly gathered up all the shards he could see. Once they were safely deposited in a plastic bag, Kel went over to the phone and played the message.

  It was worse the second time, because that only made it clear he hadn’t imagined it. He replayed it, desperately wondering if there was any chance he was mistaking the implications, but the message was as subtle as a sledgehammer.

  Luc’s gay.

  There was no getting away from it.

  Kel replayed the message, but before it reached the end, he clicked on the X button and deleted it. A sudden coldness hit him at his core, and he sucked air into his lungs that didn’t appear to be functioning properly.

  He’s gay. And he said nothing. He’s known I’m gay since May, and he hasn’t said a word. Kel sat down heavily at the table, unable to focus his thoughts. A wave of dizziness overcame him, and he put his head in his hands. His emotions tugged him in several directions, and he wasn’t sure which would win out over the others—his deep sense of hurt, his acute embarrassment, or his feelings of jealousy.

  How can I face him, knowing this? What on earth will I say to him?

  Luc switched off the engine, then grabbed his bag. He was mentally tired but satisfied. It had been a good day, even if he’d spent most of it in meetings with clients. But he’d come away feeling positive. A lot of new business would be coming his way, and that was never a bad thing.

  His phone rang, and he peered at the screen. Dale? Who the hell is Dale? Then he remembered. Raleigh, at Christmas. The twink with the enthusiastic tongue. Smiling, Luc connected the call. “Hey.”

  “I’m back,” Dale sang out. “Missed me?”

  Luc laughed. “How was London?” Dale had been a student, off to study for six months in the UK. “Did you meet lots of hot guys?”

  “Oh my God. The number of uncut guys over there… Heaven! I swear, I spent more time with my legs around my ears than I did in lectures. Of course, the first place I went to when I got back to Raleigh was Legends, but no one’s seen you. You given up d
ick or something?”

  God, had it been that long since Luc had gotten laid? “I’ve had a lot on my plate at home lately. I think Christmas was my last visit.”

  “Then I have just what you need.” Dale announced confidently. “My ass. Taken several times.”

  Which would have been great, except it wasn’t Dale’s ass Luc wanted. Only, that particular ass was out of bounds. “Sweet offer, but….”

  Dale sighed dramatically. “Let me guess. You’re brushing me off.”

  “I did say it was a one-time deal, remember?” Luc chided gently.

  “But you gave me your number!” Dale wailed.

  “Uh-huh. And if you recall, that was to contact me if you needed advice once you graduated. Remember that part? Me wanting to help you find an IT company to work for?”

  “I suppose,” Dale said with obvious reluctance. A pause. “Yeah, you did. I have this selective memory. All I could recall was the size of your cock.”

  “Thank you for the compliment. And you can still call me when you graduate, okay?”

  “Sure. I’m glad I called again and got to talk to you at least. I hate those fucking machines.”

  “Was that today? Sorry, I don’t answer calls when I’m in meetings.” When Dale didn’t respond, Luc chuckled. “Is that everything?”

  “Yep. Thanks for being a nice guy. I mean, trying to find me a job and all. And thanks again for the epic fuck, in case I didn’t thank you enough the first time.”

  Luc laughed. “Oh, you did. The next morning, as I recall.”

  “Oh yeah, right.” Dale cackled. “I think I thanked you a couple times.”

  “Goodbye, Dale, and good luck.” Luc disconnected the call, pocketed his phone, then got out of the car and locked it. He was more than ready for a glass of wine and a night on the couch with his feet up, watching a movie.

  Now, if Kel were curled up next to me, that would make it even better, but hey, can’t have everything, right?

  He walked into the house, and was struck instantly by the silence. Usually there was music, or at least Kel singing. Maybe he’s taking a nap. That would be right. Kel had probably overdone it with the woodwork. Luc placed his bag on the chair beside the hall table and glanced at the answer machine. A red 2 winked at him, and he pressed Play. The first was from a potential client. Great, more business. The second was a similar call. When the flat voice intoned ‘No more messages’, Luc frowned.

  Where is Dale’s message?

  Then he saw the envelope on top of his mail. Frowning, he opened it. What the hell? Never mind Dale’s missing message—he had more important things to think about, like a client who was threatening legal action over faulty software.

  Kel walked into view. “Hey.” The word was uttered in a dull, lifeless tone.

  “Hi,” Luc responded absently, his mind already focused on the letter. “I’m going to make some coffee, then I need to go deal with this. You want some?”

  “No, thank you.” Kel opened the refrigerator and removed produce, obviously to prepare dinner.

  It was only then that Kel’s tone registered. Luc sighed inwardly. He knew what that meant. It had been a bad day. “Look, do you want me to help make dinner?”

  “I can manage.” Kel got a chopping board and began slicing tomatoes.

  Luc’s heart went out to him. It had to have been a really bad day. “I’ll go upstairs and change out of this suit.” When that got no response, Luc gave up and headed for his room. Maybe a little space was all Kel needed.

  Hopefully he’ll feel better this evening. Luc couldn’t help feeling a little guilty. He could have sat down with Kel and talked about whatever ailed him, but for that damn letter.

  Luc got changed into jeans and a T-shirt, then went over to his office. He set up the coffee machine, his mind still on the letter.

  Some people just don’t follow instructions. He sat down at his laptop and logged on. When the coffee machine beeped, he barely registered it.

  Coffee could wait until he got this mess sorted out.

  Luc loaded the dishwasher and set it running, his mind in a whirl.

  What the hell is going on?

  Luc didn’t cope well with tension, and there was enough in the atmosphere to cut with a knife. He’d given up trying to engage Kel in conversation. Whatever was going on inside Kel’s head, he wasn’t talking about it. Luc was at the end of his rope. He’d tried keeping out of Kel’s way, offering help, and none of it was getting him anywhere.

  He was on the point of saying something when a thought prodded him.

  He’s an emotional mess right now. Just give him time. You have no idea what he’s been through today. Everything will probably look better after a good night’s sleep.

  He hoped.

  Chapter Thirteen

  After he’d lain in bed for an hour, watching the sun rise, Kel decided he might as well get up. Sleep had proved elusive, and he’d spent the night tossing and turning. His mood had vacillated between hurt and disappointment, occasionally moving into anger.

  He still couldn’t believe Luc hadn’t told him.

  Kel came downstairs and set up the coffee machine. There was no sign Luc was awake: the house was silent. As soon as the coffee pot held enough to fill a cup, he poured it and headed for the back yard. Outside, the birds were already announcing the arrival of a new day, sounding a great deal more cheerful that Kel felt.

  He walked slowly to the pool, the sunlight unable to break through the dense cypress trees. The water was calm, but Kel was in no mood for a swim. He sat on a lounger, his hands wrapped around his cup, his thoughts in a muddle.

  What do I do?

  This was nothing like the way he’d felt about Troy. That had been a crush, and he’d certainly never imagined doing anything with him, other than sharing a kiss or two. Not that Troy would ever have kissed him.

  I thought the same thing about Luc. My straight friend, Luc.

  Maybe that was what burned him. The guilt that had plagued him for fantasizing about Luc, imagining Luc touching him, kissing him… Imagining how horrified Luc would be if he could have seen into Kel’s thoughts. Because even Kel blushed to think of them.

  And he turns out to be gay.

  Kel didn’t want to think about that message. He wasn’t really sure why he’d deleted it in the first place. That guy had sounded so… confident, so comfortable in his skin. Kel could never see himself talking like that to anyone, as bold as you please. What hurt most was the knowledge that he obviously knew Luc, in a way Kel never could.

  But God, he wanted to.

  The previous night had been awful. He’d avoided looking directly at Luc, feeling awkward as hell and unable to deal with his conflicting emotions. He knew he should have said something, but what?

  Until I know what’s going to come out of my mouth when I open it, I’m going to stay out of his way. Because the mood Kel was in? He was liable to say something that would bring an end to their friendship. And right then, Luc was probably the best friend he had.

  The only friend.

  Luc’s stomach clenched as he watched Kel walking slowly through the yard, his shoulders hunched over, head bowed.

  He looks miserable.

  It was as if Kel had withdrawn into himself. At first, Luc had been sure it was related to his parents. That was the most likely assumption, after all. But now, he wasn’t so certain. Something about the way he avoided Luc’s company seemed like more than just residual grief.

  Luc glanced around the gym. He was in no mood to work out. This whole business gave him an upset stomach. Luc didn’t ‘do’ tension, and the atmosphere in the house screamed of it.

  How long do I let this go on before I say something?

  He had a feeling it wouldn’t be much longer, because he refused to feel awkward in his own home.

  If we get to this evening and nothing’s changed, I’ll speak up. This can’t go on.

  Another glance at the rowing machine drew a sigh out of him.
Maybe exercise was a good idea after all. It had to be better than worrying about Kel, especially when Kel seemed to be doing enough worrying for both of them.

  Dinner had been enough to bring Luc to a conclusion. Kel had picked at his food, saying very little, but by then Luc was convinced this was nothing to do with his parents. He caught Kel looking at him now and then, only to have his gaze flick away. Something in his expression gnawed at Luc’s insides.

  This is to do with me. He was sure of it. Luc racked his brains, trying to figure out what he could have done to elicit such a reaction.

  “I’m going to grab a shower,” Kel announced, after filling the dishwasher.

  “Now?” The word slipped out before Luc had time to think. He sighed. “Sure. Whatever.” If he wanted a shower, what of it?

  Kel blinked, then left the kitchen.

  Luc leaned against the cabinet. This is useless. Saying nothing had gotten them nowhere.

  Then say something!

  He walked to the foot of the stairs, listening. There was no sound of running water yet. Luc went upstairs, his heartbeat speeding up. When he reached Kel’s door, he hesitated, torn between discovering the truth and not rocking the boat.

  Boat be damned. Something is badly wrong, and I need to know what the hell is going on.

  Luc rapped on the door. “Can we talk?”

  “I’m about to get in the shower.”

  “But you’re not in there yet.” Luc wasn’t taking no for an answer. He waited, his heart pounding. Come on, Kel.

  Finally the door opened slowly, and Kel stood there, still dressed, his expression guarded. “What do you want to talk about?”