“No. This is my problem. She gets upset and I go running. I want to just enjoy the date, okay? I’ll call her later.” Drew pulled his cell from his pocket, powered it down. He’d get an earful tomorrow from everyone, but he wasn’t going to let his family put a damper on the evening.
“My grandma was like that. When I was a kid, we’d go to Sao Paulo most summers, and she’d hardly let me out of her sight. Always pushing me to eat more, stay close, don’t do things boys want to do at that age. It was annoying.”
“Well, as far as my parents are concerned, I’m still that little kid. I’m guessing you got to grow up.”
Josh looked like he wanted to ask Drew more about that, but Drew really didn’t want to talk about it. There were some reasons his parents were the way they were, and he could take responsibility for some of it. He just didn’t know how to convince them that he was okay now. And he wasn’t quite ready to open up to Josh about that yet.
“So, let me grab my keys and we can go.”
“IF I’D known you were taking me back to Baltimore, I would have offered to meet you wherever we’re going. You didn’t have to come get me.” Drew scanned the street, trying to figure out their destination.
“I wanted to pick you up.” Josh smiled but kept his attention on the road. He reached out and squeezed Drew’s thigh, then returned his hand to the wheel. “So worth it.”
They pulled into a metered spot on Fayette, then parked across from an ornate church that seemed familiar. “I want to show you something.”
Drew hopped out and followed Josh across the street toward the church.
“Ah, I’m not so sure what it says when you take someone on an official first date to a church.”
Josh beamed at him. “It’s Westminster Hall now.”
Westminster Hall. Why did that sound so familiar? Drew trailed Josh to a brick walk that led through a cemetery. Josh reached for Drew’s hand.
“First a church, and now holding hands in a cemetery. You are full of surprises, I’ll give you that.” Drew slid his hand into Josh’s, relishing the feel of Josh’s skin against his.
As they walked, Drew tried to remember where he’d heard of Westminster Hall.
“Wait.” He scanned the entrance as they approached, looking for a clue. “Is this….”
“Here we are.” They stopped in front of an ornate grave. A bas-relief of Edgar Allan Poe graced one side.
“Oh, wow. Poe’s grave.” Drew slowly circled the hulking monument. “Did you know Poe basically invented the American detective story?” Drew’s voice had dropped to a reverent whisper. He’d always meant to come see the monument but had never done it. Until now.
He reached out to touch it but pulled back his hand at the last second.
“You aren’t going to break it,” Josh chuckled.
“I know. I just don’t want to add to any wear. I bet lots of people touch it every day.”
“Would you like a picture?” Josh pulled out his cell.
“Absolutely.” He stood to one side, beaming. “This is so amazing, Josh. I can’t believe you brought me here. Best first date ever.” The butterflies started fluttering in his stomach again. No one had ever done something so thoughtful before.
Josh laughed and took several pictures. “I’m glad you like it. I aim to please.”
“Oh, you do. You really do. Now hop in and we’ll take a selfie together.”
After the photos and after Drew had read every inscription, they turned to go.
“I hope you like the rest of what I have planned.” Josh crossed to the SUV and held Drew’s door for him.
“Such a gentleman,” Drew teased. He couldn’t be more thrilled, though.
“Make sure you buckle in.” Josh smirked.
“Shut up.”
Josh cracked up. Drew kept a straight face. Barely. When they pulled back into traffic, Drew began scanning the buildings, trying to guess where Josh was taking him next.
They navigated away from the downtown and eventually pulled into a lot. A martial arts studio. Drew squinted at the sign.
“This is where I’ve trained for the last dozen years or so. I’ve booked us a private sparring room.”
“Are we sparring?”
“I thought I might teach you a few moves.”
“Are you planning on pinning me to the mat?” Drew waggled his eyebrows.
“Maybe. Or maybe I’ll let you pin me.”
“Mmm, I like the sound of that already.”
They exited the vehicle. Josh scooped a duffel bag from the back of his SUV and tossed it over his shoulder. As they moved inside, the smell of lavender, floor mats, and incense made Drew smile. It reminded him more of a yoga studio than a gym, the lobby full of skylights and posters of martial arts masters. Josh greeted a couple guys behind the desk and waved to two women sparring in front of a class of kids. He continued on down a hallway until they came to the last door on the left. He reached into a pocket and pulled out a key.
Once they’d entered the windowless room, Josh shut the door behind them with an audible click. He removed his shoes, so Drew did the same. The thick mats felt good under his feet.
“Here, I brought some clothes for you to change into.” Josh reached into the duffel and tossed Drew a pair of sweats. Then he pulled out the standard white flowing top, a black belt with a red patch and three white stripes, and matching pants for himself.
“Isn’t that called a gi?” Drew asked as he pulled off his jeans and slid on the sweats.
“Yeah. I didn’t think you’d taken any martial arts.” Josh had already stripped down and pulled the gi on.
“I didn’t. But I’ve had loads of friends who have.” He pointed at the belt that Josh tied around his middle. “And that belt means you’re a black belt, right? But what do the stripes mean?”
“They indicate my level. Third degree. In a few years, I’ll go for my fourth.”
“Wow, that’s super high, right?”
“There are a lot higher ranks. But yeah, it’s not something to scoff at.”
Soon they were standing next to each other on the mats, with Josh showing Drew a few basic positions.
“Hmmm, I don’t know if I have the patience for martial arts.” Drew mimicked Josh’s moves, but his form wasn’t even in the same ballpark as Josh. “You’re so graceful when you move. It’s like you’re dancing.”
“It is a bit like that. Especially capoeira. That combines martial arts and dance. I took lessons in that too.”
“What’s the difference?”
Josh grabbed his phone, tapped away. A couple seconds later music spilled forth, a heavy drumbeat with lots of clapping and chanting. He handed the phone to Drew, then started moving to the beat. A couple kicks, a spin, and then—holy hell—some hot as fuck backflips. All perfectly timed.
“Damn, Joao. That’s sexy.”
Josh did a few more flips, then stalked toward Drew, the heat in his eyes smoldering. Drew couldn’t help it; he backed up until his shoulders hit the wall. Josh’s movements were pure predator. Drew licked his lip, anticipation tingling down his spine. When Josh stepped close, he placed his hands on either side of Drew’s head, their bodies close but not touching. Drew leaned in as if to kiss him, but then ducked under Josh’s arm, laughing.
He didn’t even make it a single step before Josh had him on the mat, flipped over, and pinned beneath him.
“No fair.” Drew squirmed, trying to dislodge Josh but only managing to create a delicious friction.
“All’s fair in love and war, bem.” Josh’s lips brushed his, and Drew opened for him. When Josh’s tongue swept in, they both moaned.
Josh’s weight pinned him down, and Drew reveled in the feel of Josh grinding their hips together. Drew wrapped his arms around Josh’s shoulders, nipped at his bottom lip. Josh growled. The hair on Drew’s arms rose. So did his cock. Fully hard, he canted his hips to get more contact.
Josh snaked his hand under his T-shirt, shoving it up, fin
gers brushing over his nipples. Drew shuddered, but Josh’s hand didn’t linger. Sitting back on his heels, Josh stripped Drew of his pants and underwear.
“You’re so gorgeous, Drew.” Josh’s eyes were filled with such heat it made Drew’s breath catch. Josh urged Drew’s thighs farther apart, his gaze leaving Drew feeling vulnerable. Drew bent his knees, splaying his thighs, giving Josh even more access.
“Strip, Officer Hot Stuff.” Drew itched to get his hands on Josh’s bare skin. He didn’t have to ask twice. Josh yanked off his belt, tossed it aside. His gi quickly followed. Drew tugged his own T-shirt over his head so no clothes lay between them. Josh ran his hands over Drew’s legs, pausing to kiss the scar on his knee.
“Josh,” Drew groaned. “I need to feel you against me. Now.”
“So impatient, bem.” He slid over Drew. Both hissed when their cocks came into contact.
“Damn, you feel so good. I don’t suppose you brought supplies?” Drew asked.
“You’re the Boy Scout. I hadn’t intended for us to roll around naked on the mats. I’m pretty sure that’s against club rules.”
Drew huffed. “I knew I should have brought something.”
“Don’t worry, sweetheart. I’ll take care of you.”
“Oh? I like the sound of that.” Drew nipped Josh’s jaw, snaking his tongue down to Josh’s pulse point. Josh’s neck arched, a primal moan rumbling from his chest. God, he wanted to lick him all over.
Josh pushed up onto one arm, then spit into his hand. Reaching between them, he wrapped his fingers around both their cocks, aligning them. Drew moaned, the feeling of Josh rocking against him exquisite. He lifted his hips roughly to the rhythm Josh set, meeting his hand with every stroke.
“Damn, Joao. Feels so good, baby. Don’t stop.”
Josh grunted, sped up his hand, his grip firm and sure. When Josh slammed their mouths together, Drew met him stroke for stroke with his tongue, eager for more. Josh’s mouth was hot and wet, and Drew couldn’t get enough of it. Their bodies slick with sweat, they surged against each other, hips moving in counterpoint to Josh’s hand. Josh moaned when Drew locked his thighs around his hips, bringing their bodies into tighter contact. Josh’s rhythm faltered.
“I’m close, bem.”
“Me too. Just keep doing what you’re doing,” Drew panted, a bead of sweat rolling down his cheek. God, Josh’s hand was magical. Just the right pressure. When Josh twisted his wrist at the top of each stroke, Drew’s stomach clenched and his balls pulled closer to his body.
“Fuuuck,” Josh shouted as he stiffened, hot come spilling over his fist and onto Drew’s stomach and groin. Watching Josh’s eyes slam shut and his mouth drop open in a primal groan pushed Drew over the edge.
“Joao,” Drew shouted as his belly tightened painfully and electricity shot down his spine. His fingers dug into Josh’s shoulders. His climax slammed into him. His cock became impossibly hard, and he shuddered, clenching his teeth as his cock pulsed, his balls emptying, and his come mingling with Josh’s.
Josh stroked them both through it, keeping up his punishing rhythm until Drew was almost too sensitive. He quivered violently beneath Josh, boneless and sated. When Josh had pumped them both dry, he sank down onto Drew, their combined spunk sticking them together. Drew loved the feeling. They lay there, both gasping for breath, Josh’s weight pressing him into the mats, the smell of their exertion heavy in the room.
Then Josh pressed their lips together. Drew melted under the caress. Their sex was red-hot, but Drew liked the soft kisses and gentle touches of their postcoital bliss almost as much. He ran his hands over Josh’s back and shoulders, a lazy stroke. Affection in every movement.
Josh nuzzled behind Drew’s ear before he rolled to the side. Drew stretched, too blissed out to stand. He looked at Josh from under heavy lids. “So now that we’ve finished sparring, where are you taking me for dinner?”
Chapter NINE
JOSH HURRIED to Braden Field, cleats in hand. He was supposed to meet Drew a half hour ago, but a last-minute call had held him up. He yawned. He hated working nights—especially weekends—but at least he’d get to spend Sunday morning with Drew.
Last weekend’s date had gone so well. He’d dropped Drew off at his place after a nice dinner out and a little more fooling around. He was tempted to stay over, but he didn’t want to pressure Drew. Which was sort of silly since they’d begun by sleeping with each other in the first place. But spending the night together at Drew’s was another step. Not that he wasn’t willing to take it. He’d packed an overnight bag just in case.
Josh didn’t want to screw things up. He wanted to show Drew that he could date him and not just fuck him into the mattress. Though he really enjoyed that too. He yawned again. Damn, he’d have to take a nap later in the day or he’d be toast for their dinner with Drew’s parents.
When Drew asked him, he could tell that Drew didn’t really want to go, but Josh wasn’t opposed to it. He liked being around family, especially now that he didn’t have his own. The teasing between siblings was funny, and Siobhan and Shane were really welcoming.
He didn’t know what to make of Drew’s argument with his mom last weekend. She was definitely overprotective and… nosy. He could see that after spending only a couple minutes with her. The key incident was a dead giveaway. That and the fact she’d quizzed him relentlessly.
But he had a hard time believing she or Shane would think Josh was too good for Drew. That had to be Drew’s own insecurities, right? Though why such a cool guy still had insecurities, he couldn’t fathom. Drew was sweet and funny and just fun to be around.
Damn, Josh was so gone over this guy.
He scanned the field for Drew but saw Ian first. Ian waved and knocked shoulders with Drew, who stumbled from the contact. Even from across the field, he could hear Ian’s laugh and see Drew flip him off.
A bunch of other guys and a couple girls were already on the field, kicking the soccer ball around. He dropped his water bottle on a bench and sat to put on his cleats, the freshly mown grass one of his favorite memories of summers past.
“Cleats. My, my, you do come prepared.” Drew plopped down on the bench next to him. “I was worried you weren’t coming.”
“Sorry, I sent you a text. Work.” Josh wasn’t sure whether he should kiss Drew in front of his friends or not. Fuck it. He leaned in and gave him a quick peck on the lips, then pulled back.
Drew growled, then wrapped his hand around the back of Josh’s neck and hauled him back down for a more intense kiss. Drew’s lip ring called to him, and Josh tugged at Drew’s bottom lip.
“Hey, boys, break it up. You’re here to play soccer, not give a peep show,” Ian said.
They broke apart to applause. Drew—naturally—blushed bright red. Josh felt heat steal up his neck, but hopefully no one noticed. He placed his forehead against Drew’s before turning to face Drew’s friends.
After introductions they hit the field, and Josh schooled them in how soccer was meant to be played. Ian was on the other team, and Josh might have enjoyed running circles around him. For a big guy, Ian had some speed, but he didn’t have Josh’s agility. Which Josh proved at every opportunity.
“Sorry about that, big guy,” Josh called as he sailed past Ian—again—and stole the ball. Ian tried to keep control of it, only to become tangled in his own feet and hit the ground.
“You are so dead,” Ian bellowed.
“Gotta catch me first,” Josh taunted. To make his point, he scored another goal, the goalie unable to get a handle on his shot.
Drew high-fived him. “That was awesome, man! So glad you’re on my team.”
Josh chuckled at his smug tone, smacked Drew’s ass before he hit the field at a jog.
When the players took a water break, Drew leaned into him, his shirt long ago shed due to the heat. “Wow. And I thought the martial arts were impressive. That was some nice footwork.”
“You aren’t so bad yourself, bem. You’re sneaky.
I like it.”
“It’s ’cuz I grew up with the Irish bear.” Drew used his thumb to point to Ian, who flipped him off. “I had to be sneaky. You should see him in basketball.”
Josh ran a finger down Drew’s sweaty chest. It gave him lots of ideas of how they could spend the rest of the day… starting with a shower.
THE REST of the morning went well. After returning to Drew’s place for some hot shower sex, Drew grabbed a picnic basket from the fridge and brought Josh to Buddy Attick Park for lunch. Between the soft blanket that Drew set out, the picnic lunch, and the heat, Josh found himself curling up for a nap under the ample tree canopy. The light breeze and gentle sound of birds chirping lulled him to sleep.
When he woke, the sun was much lower in the sky.
“Wow, how long have I been out?” He scrubbed at his eyes.
“About four hours. You were really tired.” Drew had an e-reader on his lap.
Josh sat up. “Aw, man, I’m so sorry, bem. I didn’t mean to—”
“It’s okay.” Drew smiled, his eyes soft. “You needed it. I appreciate you coming straight from your shift to hang out. It was a good day. Gave me a chance to check out the latest Deon Meyer book too. Love that guy.”
“Never read him.”
“You’re missing out.”
“Oh, I don’t know. There’s this redheaded mystery writer I like. Huge fan.”
“You don’t even know what I write. You might hate it.” Drew rolled his eyes.
“Actually, I do know.” Josh reached over and squeezed Drew’s hand. “I bought your novel earlier in the week. It kept me up a couple nights. I was almost late for my shift last night because I just had to finish it. I couldn’t put it down. Seriously, I thought it was amazing.”
“You didn’t say anything when we talked on the phone.” Drew ducked his head, peering up at Josh through his lashes. He was adorable like this.
Josh shrugged. “I wanted to finish it first before I said anything.”
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