by K. Sterling
“David didn’t like clutter and always insisted I restrict my decorating to my office. I haven’t really put much effort into my house yet.” He explained and Ross shook his head as he looked around.
“He sounds like a complete ass, Parker.” Ross stated. “This feels eclectic and warm. I could stay here all day.” He said as he turned back to Parker and angled his head so his lips brushed against Parker’s.
“No, you can’t.” Parker flicked his tongue over Ross’ lower lip and he frowned.
“Why? Are you worried that someone will see me here?” His head went to the door and Parker laughed as he swatted Ross’ shoulder.
“No. You can’t stay here because I want to take you home, get you naked, have sex, watch movies and eat junk food with you.” He felt the hard, warm press of Ross’ erection against his thigh and moaned softly as he sucked on Ross’ lower lip. Ross’ hands slid down Parker’s back and curved around his ass.
“Ah. We better hurry, then.” He mumbled as he ground his hips against Parker’s.
“Hurry?” Parker asked as his hand slipped between their bodies and found the bulge in Ross’ jeans. He groaned as his head tilted and his lips found Parker’s ear.
“I was hoping for a quick tour of the building and we should probably stop at the store and get food. I’m not planning to let you leave the house this weekend.” Ross’ fingers pressed into the cleft of Parker’s ass and he hissed as he raised his head. Parker bit his lip as he considered.
“How about we postpone the tour and order take-out every day.” He offered and Ross shook his head.
“We can’t get popcorn and breakfast delivered.” He argued and Parker’s lower lip pushed out. Ross laughed. “A quick run to the store and you promise to give me a tour before I leave.” He countered and Parker’s eyes flicked to the ceiling as he gave it thought.
“Deal. But we leave right now.” He said and Ross nodded enthusiastically. Parker dashed across the room and grabbed the bag and the essays before Ross’ hand closed around his wrist and tugged, dragging him from the room.
Chapter 11
“You think we’ll get it without reading the books?” Parker asked as Ross opened the case and pulled out the first disc. He nodded as he looked at the box again.
“I’m pretty sure they’re easy to follow. They wouldn’t have been so popular if people had to do actual reading to enjoy them.” Ross mumbled as he set it down and reached for the blu-ray player. He inserted the disc and dove onto the bed. Parker elbowed Ross as he held up the bowl of popcorn.
“Be careful! If you spill this, we’ll have to pause the movie and change the sheets.” He warned and Ross rolled his eyes before he leaned over and nipped Parker’s ear.
“Don’t be such a nag.” He teased and Parker scowled at him.
“I can’t stand it if I can feel things on the sheets. We should have watched this in the living room.” He complained. Again. Ross shrugged.
“There’s not enough room on the couch and we’ll just end up back in here when you can’t keep your hands to yourself.” He said and Parker snorted.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” He lied and tossed a piece of popcorn in his mouth. Ross raised an eyebrow and tried not to focus on Parker’s lips.
“Come on. You don’t think I actually picked an eight movie set because I was in the mood for a marathon, do you?” Ross rolled onto his stomach and stretched for Parker’s lips. He licked them and growled happily. “I’m hoping we won’t get very far.” He murmured as he wrapped his hand around Parker’s thigh.
“I’m pretty sure it was you that had the grabby hands the last time we tried to watch a movie.” Parker insisted and Ross laughed. They both knew that Parker got bored easily with movies and liked to entertain himself by teasing Ross until he gave up on trying to follow the movie. Ross didn’t mind. He was years behind with movies but he was more interested in making up for years of celibacy. And he didn’t think he’d ever get enough of Parker. What about Parker?
“Do you want to get married?” Ross asked as he turned and adjusted his pillows. He sat back and pulled Parker against his side as he reached for the remote. After a few moments, Ross looked over at Parker and his eyes were wide and blinking rapidly as his mouth hung open. “Parker?” Ross nudged him and he slowly turned his head and stared at Ross.
“I…” He licked his lips and swallowed loudly. “We’ve only been…” He swallowed again and his brows pulled together as he struggled and Ross laughed as he grabbed Parker’s shoulder and shook it gently.
“Relax. I didn’t mean to me, specifically.” Ross said and Parker exhaled loudly. “I meant in general. You know, is that something you’re looking for, in the future?” He explained as he pressed a quick kiss to Parker’s lips and he nodded.
“Yeah. I’d like to get married one day.” He said and Ross felt warmth and joy swell within his chest at the idea. He grinned as he settled back on the pillows.
“Good.” He announced as he navigated through the menu. “And I won’t be that clumsy when I propose.” He promised and Parker nodded as he leaned against Ross.
“I hope not.” He mumbled as he grabbed a handful of popcorn. Parker chewed and was quiet for several moments. “Do you think you will?” He asked as the movie began. Ross pulled Parker closer.
“I think so. Now, hush and watch the movie. And try to keep your hands to yourself.” Ross said sternly despite the fluttering in his stomach and the smile that tugged at his lips.
“That was brilliant.” Parker sighed as the closing credits began. Ross nodded, a little stunned and sad that it was over. It was Sunday night and they’d spent most of the weekend in bed, watching all eight of the Harry Potter movies. There were plenty of breaks for sex. Obviously. And meals. He frowned as he looked at Parker.
“It feels almost wrong, how much I enjoyed those. Being a grown man, and all.” Ross admitted and Parker chewed his lip as he nodded.
“I think I have to read the books now.” He complained and Ross’ lips pulled tight.
“I agree. We’re not telling anyone, right?” He asked and Parker nodded emphatically.
“Yeah, let’s keep that between us. It’s kind of ridiculous, isn’t it? You, the big, strong soldier type and me, the nerdy professor, reading books about teen wizards.” Parker stretched and yawned and Ross laughed as he wrapped his arms around Parker.
“You’re not even a little bit of a nerd and you’re big and strong.” He argued as he pinned Parker beneath him. Parker wrapped his legs around Ross’ hips and pulled him closer.
“Maybe I don’t look like a nerd. But, you know what I meant. We’re probably not the typical Harry Potter fans.” He explained and yawned again as he looked over at the clock. “Hey. It’s getting late. We better eat so you can get on the road.” Parker’s lip pushed out and his hands swept down Ross’ back. Ross shook his head and grinned as he buried his face in the corner of Parker’s neck.
“I’m not going back tonight. I have tomorrow off.” He muffled and Parker gasped as he fisted his hand in Ross’ hair and pulled, raising Ross’ head.
“Why didn’t you say anything?” He asked as his eyes searched Ross’ face.
“I wanted it to be a surprise.” Ross dropped a kiss on Parker’s lips before he let his head fall back into the corner of his neck.
“I have to work tomorrow.” Parker complained and Ross shrugged.
“I don’t mind, I get another night. I’ll sleep in and hang out until you get off.” He kissed Parker’s neck and sighed happily. “How about I pick you up and you can give me that tour and then we’ll go to dinner before I have to leave?” Ross felt Parker’s hands slide beneath the waist of his pajama pants and he growled softly as his teeth grazed Parker’s skin.
“Sure. That would be great.” Parker mumbled distractedly as his nails dug into Ross’ ass and his hips lifted off the bed as he ground against Ross’ cock as it hardened. Ross moaned as
he thrust back.
“Can I watch you teach for a little while?” He asked against Parker’s shoulder before he bit and Parker became still.
“If you want to. I have a lecture at the end of the day you could sit in on.” He sounded unsure and Ross lifted his head.
“Is that ok? I don’t want to make you uncomfortable.” He said gently and Parker shook his head.
“No! I just didn’t think you’d want to.” Parker’s hand brushed through Ross’ hair and his smile was warm and sincere and Ross felt it in his chest.
“Of course I’d want to. I love history and it’s pretty similar. And it’s you.” He stated and Parker’s eyes flared and Ross felt a little confused. “If you sang in a club, I’d go and watch, right? If you were a stripper, I’d definitely go watch.” He teased as he rose on his knees and pushed Parker’s sweatpants down his hips as Parker lifted them.
“I guess. Though, it would be a lot more interesting if I was a stripper.” He argued and Ross shook his head.
“Not to me.” He lowered his head and rubbed his lips back and forth over Parker’s nipple until it hardened. Parker groaned and his hips bucked off the bed.
“David never wanted to go. He said it was bad enough sitting through lectures when he had to.” Parker panted as Ross’ tongue traced his nipple in slow circles. He flicked it and shook his head.
“The more I hear about him, the more he sounds like a complete dick, Parker.” Ross murmured before he pressed his lips to Parker’s chest and sucked. He bit Parker’s nipple gently and he hissed as his hands wrapped around Ross’ head.
“I guess.” Parker gasped and Ross’ head popped up and he gave Parker a stern look.
“You guess?” He asked incredulously. “Parker, you’re amazing and I want to know everything about you. I love every moment we spend together. If he didn’t appreciate you and jump at the chance to see you doing what you love, he was a moron and an asshole.” Ross explained and Parker’s jaw fell open. His eyes shimmered and his lip trembled.
“Can I keep you?” Parker whispered as his hand curved around Ross’ jaw. Ross smiled despite the ache that filled his chest. He kissed Parker’s hand before he lowered his head and lapped at the groove down the middle of Parker’s stomach.
“I wouldn’t mind that.” Ross inhaled and his eyes shut in delight as Parker’s scent and warmth filled him.
Ross knew that Parker wouldn’t like what he had to tell him but it could wait until tomorrow. Ross tried not to feel the guilt or his own disappointment as he slid lower. He prayed silently as he licked, sucked and stroked Parker until he was delirious. Ross prayed that he could make Parker need him as much as he needed Parker. Making love to Parker started out as a slow burn. It began with a touch or a kiss. Ross could feel it spark within Parker, his touch would become more urgent and the pressure of his lips and tongue more intense. The spark would catch and the heat would slowly spread as Parker’s body became harder and warmer as it slid and pressed against Ross’. Parker’s hands would grip and glide over Ross’ flesh until the flames would engulf them, pulling them under. When their bodies connected and they arched and clung, the fire roared and became an inferno, they melted into each other and fused. Ross knew that he would never be able to let go of that heat, that he couldn’t lose that consuming pleasure and joy.
Everything Ross did, each stroke, lick, scratch and kiss, was invested with a desperate hope that it would be enough to make Parker burn with need, to crave Ross enough to hold on. When Ross slid into Parker’s body, he tried to force some of his obsession, his addiction into Parker. Ross tried to get closer to Parker’s center, to his soul with each thrust. When Ross felt Parker tense in his arms, he drove deep, trying to bury some piece of himself into Parker as he writhed and screamed Ross’ name. As Ross’ body flew apart, he was sure he felt some of his soul spill into Parker.
In the hours after, as his body cooled and Parker slept, Ross worried that he’d failed, that he’d surrendered something he couldn’t afford to lose and hadn’t done enough to make Parker need him to the point that he wouldn’t let go.
Chapter 12
“I want you to keep in mind the reality of life in Judah at the time that these figures were being made and the people that were keeping these. If you believe that they were fertility goddesses, then I want you to discuss the social and religious implications or how incongruous their presence is with what we know of the First Temple period.” Parker went to the board and wrote God’s Wife and underlined it. “If you plan to go there, you better pack a lunch and be ready for a long debate. Some of you will have to defend your assumptions against your peers.” Parker tossed the marker high in the air and danced back a few steps before he caught it. “Don’t forget that I’m going to throw things at you if you don’t come prepared, or if you bore me.” He warned and nervous laughter broke out among the audience. He flashed a large grin and the girls in front of Ross sighed. He sucked his lips in and shook his head softly and wondered how heartbroken they’d be if they knew. “Whoever impresses me the most gets a pass on a future essay.” Parker announced and excited whispers filled the air and he laughed. “I knew that would get you, you lazy slackers. Be ready on Friday.” He said as turned back to the board and wrote Get The Hell Out. The sound of laughter and books slamming shut followed and Parker went to the podium and gathered his notes. Ross reclined in his seat and waited for the room to clear. Once the last student left, Ross clapped loudly as he stood and Parker rolled his eyes as he took the stairs two at a time.
“That was brilliant.” Ross declared as he reached for Parker.
“I’m not so sure my students agree but thanks.” He said as he slid an arm around Ross’ waist and pressed a quick kiss to his lips. The door pushed open and there was a startled “Oh!” and Parker’s brow rose as he looked over. A petite brunette stood with a hand over her mouth and her eyes were as wide as saucers. Parker stepped back from Ross and gave her an expectant look. “Was there something you needed?” He asked politely before he looked down at his class roster. “Ms. Crane, isn’t it?” Parker offered a sheepish grin and she nodded weakly. Her eyes went to one of the middle rows.
“I forgot my jacket.” She mumbled as her eyes flicked back and forth between Parker and Ross.
“You should get it, then.” Parker said softly and her face turned red as she dashed down the steps. A moment later, the door slammed shut behind her and Parker shook his head as he chuckled. “They’re always forgetting things.” He murmured as he stepped closer to Ross. “I find that if I pretend that I can barely remember their name, it squashes any hope they might have that the infamous “extra credit” scenario might happen.” He explained and Ross laughed as he leaned close and angled his head so he could brush his lips against Parker’s.
“I’ve always wanted to sleep with a hot teacher.” He teased and Parker smiled as he grabbed a handful of Ross’ shirt.
“You’re definitely getting an A.” He breathed before their lips pressed and Ross groaned.
“I have to leave in a few hours and I want to see more of your building and take you to dinner.” He complained. Parker let out a frustrated sigh as he stepped back.
“How about I blow you in my office and tell you about the building while we eat?” He offered and Ross shook his head.
“Nope. You promised me a tour and we know it won’t end with just a blow job.” Ross dared Parker to argue. They both knew it was one thing to get caught sharing a quick kiss but neither of them wanted to risk getting caught in flagrante delicto. Parker’s lips twisted as he reached and pulled the door open.
“You suck, sir.” He announced as he waited for Ross to pass.
“I do, just not tonight.” He winked suggestively and Parker snorted as he followed.
“That was terrible.” Parker said as he nodded at a group of students. Ross chuckled as he pushed his hands in his pockets.
“I never said I was a comedian.” Ross replied as t
hey stepped out into the evening. Ross felt his stomach clench and his chest tightened. “Where do you want to eat?” He asked Parker as they headed toward Brooks Hall. Parker shrugged and looked thoughtful.
“If we hurry, we shouldn’t have to wait too long for a table at Citizen Burger.” He suggested and Ross nodded.
“Sounds good.” He agreed.
Ross pushed away the heaviness that kept threatening as Parker led him through the old Victorian building and described its colorful history and the attempts to have it demolished. Outside, Parker pointed out the names of the various biologists, zoologists, naturalists… and the carved animal heads before they made their way to the Downtown Mall. They didn’t have long to wander before their table was ready. Ross was watching the slow procession of people and enjoying the mild evening when Parker’s hand closed over his on the table.
“What’s up?” He asked when Ross’ eyes met his and Ross stifled a sigh as he reached for his cider. He took a long sip and smiled at the waitress as she set their truffle fries on the table. He waited until she left before he set his elbows on the table and cringed at Parker.
“I was waiting until tonight to tell you something, I didn’t want to ruin the weekend.” He brushed his thumb back and forth over Parker’s hand. He felt Parker tense and he sat up straight.
“Well, you might as well, you’re leaving after we eat.” He frowned as he searched Ross’ face. Ross nodded.
“Yeah. I took today off because I’m leaving tomorrow.” He said slowly and Parker’s head tilted as he considered.
“You’re leaving?” He repeated and Ross nodded. “Where are you going and for how long?” Parker asked and Ross shook his head.
“I can’t say.” He tried to look as apologetic as possible as Parker’s brows rose.
“You can’t say?” His lips pulled tight when Ross nodded again. He sat back and his finger tapped against his lips. “So, you’re telling me that you’re going away and can’t even tell me when you’ll be back, and I’m just supposed to be ok with that?” He asked incredulously and Ross sighed as he stretched his neck, trying to ease the tightness in his shoulders.