Jared

by R. J. Scott

  “That’s fine, and I agree, she’s been a great help.”

  The conversation changed from business to idle nonsense, and eventually Gregg excused himself.

  It was as if a weight had been lifted from Nate’s shoulders and the rest of the day flew by, until the last hour to closing.

  “I want to go home,” Nate mumbled as he lurked near the bar.

  Abi joined him. “Have you got something good waiting for you? Or is it someone?”

  Nate folded his arms across his chest. “Neither. He’s meeting me here.”

  “It’s creepy.”

  “What is?”

  She waved her hand in the direction of his face. “Seeing you all smiley.”

  “Is it really that weird?” He was going to end up getting a complex over it at this rate.

  “It’s not that you’re smiling, but just the…” She raised her shoulders. “I don’t know. They’ve more oomph than they used to have and there’s more of them. Not that I didn’t appreciate your serious brooding face. You know it was all like…” She narrowed her eyes and pouted. “I’m Batman,” she said in a husky voice.

  “You done?”

  “Yeah, I’m done.” She stood straight. “Oh, customer,” she said, excusing herself in a series of bouncy side-steps.

  The minutes counted down slower than Nate thought possible, but at long last they reached closing time.

  “Goodnight,” Abi said as Nate locked up.

  “Night.” Nate watched her walk down the street to her waiting boyfriend, then checked his phone. Jared had texted to say he had been held up. Something about his roommate and how he’d explain later but was now on his way to the bar.

  “I could have met you somewhere else.” He sighed and rested against the shutter.

  “Nate.”

  Nate stood and gave a short wave. “Hey.”

  “Sorry. Were you waiting long?”

  “Forever.”

  Jared’s face dropped. “Really?”

  “No, not really,” Nate said with a smirk and took a step. “We’ve only just locked up. Promise.”

  Jared pressed his hand to his chest in relief and joined Nate as he walked.

  “Is everything okay with your roommate?” Nate asked. “We could have just met up in the morning.”

  “No, no. I wanted to see you, and yeah, Ethan is fine. Well, as fine as Ethan ever is. I don’t really know how he does it, but I’m starting to think he’s a beacon for assholes. Every single man he’s dated ends up screwing him over somehow.”

  “Maybe he should hire himself one. A nice guy like you,” Nate said.

  Jared smiled. “A nice guy, huh?”

  “Mmm. Very nice.” Nate nudged his shoulder to Jared’s as they walked. The backs of their hands brushed together, and Nate let out a contented sigh when Jared caught hold of his fingers. They walked hand-in-hand to the station, a chaste kiss before boarding the train heading for home.

  “Hey,” Nate said in a hushed voice, laughing as Jared grabbed him and they stumbled together through the door and into the apartment.

  “I missed you,” Jared mumbled into Nate’s back as he hugged him from behind. “Did you miss me?”

  Nate leaned his head back, pushing his cheek to Jared’s when he rested his chin on Nate’s shoulder. “Of course, I did.” He closed his eyes as Jared moved his hands lower and rested them over his belt buckle. It’d only been a few days since he’d seen him last, but he loved having Jared around.

  “Can we?” Jared whispered in his ear. “Luka’s not here, right?” His lips brushed Nate’s neck, his teeth grazing the skin slightly as he nudged Nate’s earlobe with his nose.

  “He’s at his grandparents. All weekend.”

  “All weekend?” Jared asked.

  “It’d be impossible to decorate Luka’s room if he was here. He’d be in and out of there wanting to help or wanting to get something—a book, a sweater, his school bag. Easier this way, so…” He spun in Jared’s arms and rested his palms on Jared’s chest. “I can’t have you distracting me too much. I, no, we will complete all tasks this weekend. Got it?”

  Jared nodded. “I got it. But we’re not starting right now, right?”

  “No, but we do have to get up in the morning to go buy paint.”

  “It’ll be fine. We’ll get up.” He pulled Nate close, his crotch pressing against Nate’s thigh.

  Nate sucked on his teeth. “Seems like somebody already is,” he teased.

  With a groan, Jared rested his forehead on Nate’s shoulder. “Don’t say things like that.”

  “To be young, huh?” Nate said and reached between them. He cupped the front of Jared’s pants. “Okay, you have my attention, but you’ll have to settle for a hand job. A quick one.”

  “Seriously?”

  “If you’d prefer to go straight to sleep—”

  Jared lifted his head. “No, quick is good.”

  Nate chuckled, gently tapping the back of his hand to Jared’s bulge-strained pants. He met Jared’s eyes. “Come on,” he said and took hold of Jared’s hand.

  Time is precious.

  “I love you.” Jared held Nate’s hand tightly, tugging him back and into an embrace. “I mean it.”

  Nate smiled, relaxing into Jared’s hold. “I know you do.” He stroked Jared’s jaw and angled his head to meet him in a long, firm kiss.

  And I intend to make the most of our time together.

  They made their way to the bedroom in between kisses, laughter, and hugging and stripping away layers of clothing, until they came to lie together on the bed. They lay facing each other, each grasping the other’s dick.

  Nate nipped at Jared’s bottom lip and gripped his erection, shifting his pace from long, firm strokes, to rougher, quick tugs.

  Jared let out a throaty grunt.

  “Oh.” Nate turned his head, pressed his face into his pillow as heat rose in his gut, excited by the prolonged kissing and touching.

  I want to come so bad.

  Jared slid his free hand over Nate’s hips, encouraging him closer before tracing his fingers backward and toward Nate’s butt.

  “Hey,” Nate uttered and bit at Jared’s chin.

  “What?” Jared grinned, slipped his hand lower and pressed between Nate’s butt cheeks.

  “You don’t play fair,” Nate said.

  “All’s fair in love and…” Jared kissed Nate. “Something, something.”

  Nate clenched his ass. “Behave.” He thrust his hand down, his fist bumping Jared’s swollen balls.

  “Ah,” Jared groaned. He dug his fingers into the flesh of Nate’s ass as he thrust into Nate’s hand. “Fuck.”

  “Together,” Nate said, smashing his mouth to Jared’s, hungry kisses, panting, overwhelming sounds and sensations as they brought each other to a climax. Jared first, Nate chasing his own orgasm a heavy heartbeat later.

  “Fuck,” Jared said again and rolled onto his back.

  Huffing a breath, Nate sat up. He leaned over and kissed Jared. His heart was still racing. “Let’s clean up and get some sleep,” he said.

  Jared caught hold of Nate’s hand. “I love you.”

  Nate smiled. “Same.”

  “What’s that?” Jared came to stand behind Nate in front of Luka’s bedroom door.

  “It’s a surprise.” He pressed the wrapped gift to his chest.

  They’d spent the morning staring at various shades of green paint, then paintbrushes as the ones Nate had thought they were going to use were still covered in paint and hard as rock.

  When was the last time I used them?

  “Please?” Jared hugged him from behind.

  “It’s not for you,” Nate said. “It’s for Luka.” He glanced down at the purple tissue paper wrapping. “And maybe a little bit for me.”

  Jared rested his chin on Nate’s shoulder. “Are you okay?” His tone changed from teasing to soothing. “You’re not regretting us, right?”

  Nate raised his arm and stro
ked the back of Jared’s hair. “Don’t make me have to repeat myself. I’m a grown man making grown-up decisions. I want to be with you. Maybe all these years I was waiting for you somehow.” He leaned his head to Jared’s. “I’m too realistic to believe in things like fate, but, just maybe, Luka turning up at your office was a little bit of that.”

  Jared kissed his cheek.

  “Anyway. This.” He unwrapped the paper to reveal the wooden plaque.

  “Luka,” Jared read.

  “It’s to replace the one on his bedroom door.” He touched the raised lettering. “He’s always moving forward; he’s growing up.” He looked at Jared. “And I guess I need to do the same, well, the moving forward part.” He held the sign up, covering the one that had been on Luka’s door since he was a baby. “Time to move. Not exactly earth-shattering but for me, for you, it’s a sign I’m ready. At least, to wrap up the old one with great care, and tuck it away in a box somewhere safe.” He chuckled, his smile falling away as he turned his hand. “This, however, I’m not quite ready to take off,” he said of his wedding band. “It’s too final feeling for now at least.”

  “You don’t have to ever take it off if you don’t want to.” Jared wrapped his hand around Nate’s.

  Nate shook his head. “No. That’s sweet of you to say, but no, one day, when I’m ready, it’ll come off. I just need a bit longer, you know?” He faced Jared. “Is that okay?”

  Jared hugged him. “As long as you need.”

  “Thanks.” Nate closed his eyes and rested his head on Jared’s chest. He listened to the beat of Jared’s heart, such a comforting sound.

  One day, not too far from now, I’ll be ready.

  “I love you,” he uttered.

  And I’ll fill my heart up with you.

  Epilogue

  “Luka, dinner,” Nate called from the kitchen.

  “Coming,” he yelled, his feet thundering along the corridor as he rushed to the dining table.

  “Did you wash your hands?” Nate asked.

  “Yes.” He looked at Jared. “Did you?”

  Jared laughed. “Yes, cheeky.” He pulled Luka’s chair out, resting his arm on the back when Luka sat down.

  “What is it?” Luka asked when Nate put a plate in front of him.

  “You really are being cheeky tonight.”

  Nate handed Jared a plate. He smirked as if he was going to ask the same question. “Chicken noodle casserole,” Nate said and sat down.

  “Nana Kay makes it all the time.” Luka picked up his fork and started eating. “Hers is nicer.”

  “It’s exactly the same,” Nate insisted.

  Luka shrugged.

  “I used her recipe.”

  A grin spread across Luka’s face.

  “Are you messing with me?” Nate sighed. “Whatever. I like it.”

  “Me, too,” Jared said before filling his mouth. He smiled with puffed cheeks at Luka.

  It’d become a new normal for Nate and Luka. Jared joined them for dinner every couple of nights, or more often if work and school allowed. It had been that way for three months. For the first time in years, it wasn’t just him and Luka around the dinner table.

  Between the bites of food, conversation was easy, relaxed. They talked about things that made the others smile, laugh, want to hear more. It was really beginning to feel as if they were a little family, the three of them together.

  “I have something I want to show you,” Nate said after dinner. Luka was in his room reading, having left Nate and Jared to clean up.

  “Is it something sexy?” Jared swayed his shoulders.

  Nate laughed. “No.” He took Jared by the hand and led him through to the living room. “I bought something but thought you should do the honors.” They stopped beside the bookcase.

  “And do what exactly?” Jared eyed the shelves.

  Nate picked up the slim box he’d placed beside the bookcase earlier. “Don’t get too excited. It’s just a…” He shook his head. “I don’t know what it is, but here.” He gave the box to Jared and waited.

  Jared tipped the box. “A photo frame,” Jared said. He turned it over to see the photograph. “This is from—”

  “The museum the other month. Luka wanted a selfie of us all and well, I thought…” He carefully made space, parting some of the other pictures on the shelf. “I thought it was time for some new pictures. New family pictures.” He bit his lip.

  “Are you sure?” Jared gripped the frame in both hands. “Because this is…” He smiled. “Because I love it.”

  Nate nodded. He meant it. “The family I, Rhea, and Luka made, that’s its own thing, it’ll always be there, but I think the three of us can be happy, so if you’re okay with us, then, I’d like this to be the first picture of many many more. Our new family.”

  “I really do love it. Thank you.” He kissed Nate’s cheek, then turned back to the shelf, placing the photograph in the space Nate had made.

  “Happy?” Nate asked.

  “Are you?” Jared met his eyes.

  Nate glanced at the collection of photos. He smiled, turned to Jared. “Yes.” He pressed his hand to Jared’s face. “I didn’t think I’d ever be happy again. In some ways, I didn’t want to be happy. But you’ve given me something new to smile about. You make me smile, make me happy.” He leaned in for a kiss. “Thank you, Jared.”

  “Anytime,” Jared said, kissing him again.

  An eww came from behind them, followed by fake vomiting sounds.

  Nate turned to find Luka standing in the doorway. “How long have you been there?”

  “Since now.” Luka shrugged.

  Clearing his throat, Jared backed away.

  “Oh cool. The picture from the museum.” Luka jumped toward the bookcase. “That mammoth was awesome.”

  Nate stood behind him, rested his hands on his shoulders. “It was pretty awesome.”

  “Can we go again? Or maybe somewhere else?” He turned his head. “Jared, too.”

  “Of course, me too,” Jared said. “We’ll go somewhere when we’re all free, okay?”

  “Cool.” Luka jumped on the spot, then spun around. “Bathroom,” he said then scurried away.

  Jared looked at Nate and they laughed together.

  What a funny thing his new little family was.

  And I love it, and them. Luka and Jared, both.

  THE END

  Read Felix and Ethan’s story – coming, Fall 2021

  Sign up for a release reminder: rjscott.co.uk/rjnews

  Felix (Boyfriend for Hire, 5)

  Ethan is determined to face the ghosts of his past when he attends his high school reunion. Hiring a boyfriend as a pretend date seemed like a sensible idea on paper, but sexy Felix is everything Ethan wants in a man for real.

  When Ethan hires Felix, it’s just another job. But, after a single night together, Felix finds himself imagining an impossible future with the cute science nerd.

  Their attraction is off the charts, and a night of passion burns up the sheets, but when real life gets in the way, can Ethan and Felix find love?

  Also from RJ & Meredith

  Sapphire Cay

  Follow the Sun

  Under the Sun

  Chase The Sun

  Christmas In The Sun

  Capture The Sun

  Forever In The Sun

  Boyfriends For Hire

  Darcy

  Kaden

  Gideon

  Jared

  Felix (Fall 2021)

  Standalone Christmas

  The Road to Frosty Hollow

  Meet RJ Scott

  RJ is the author of the over one hundred published novels and discovered romance in books at a very young age. She realized that if there wasn’t romance on the page, she could create it in her head, and is a lifelong writer.

  She lives and works out of her home in the beautiful English countryside, spends her spare time reading, watching films, and enjoying time with her family.

 
The last time she had a week’s break from writing she didn't like it one little bit and has yet to meet a bottle of wine she couldn’t defeat.

  www.rjscott.co.uk | rj@rjscott.co.uk

  NEWSLETTER : rjscott.co.uk/rjnews

  Meet Meredith Russell

  Meredith Russell lives in the heart of England. An avid fan of many story genres, she enjoys nothing less than a happy ending. She believes in heroes and romance and strives to reflect this in her writing. Sharing her imagination and passion for stories and characters is a dream Meredith is excited to turn into reality.

  www.meredithrussell.co.uk

  meredithrussell666@gmail.com