by Taylor Rylan
He bounced, giggling when he landed. That was a sound I wanted to hear repeatedly. I crawled on top of him like a predator stalking its prey. When I reached his mouth I gave him a gentle kiss before asking, “Now where were we?”
My long weekend with Liam flew by faster than I ever could’ve imagined. Before I knew it, Sunday night arrived. Our last evening together. I felt sad. He was going to drive Rhett’s Jeep back to California and I'd have to say goodbye to my boyfriend. I’d never had one of those, but it was something I wanted with Liam and definitely something I could get used to.
As I’d hoped, we spent most of the weekend fucking like bunnies. Thankfully, after the first night, Liam was well refreshed and ready for anything we tried. We managed to christen every room in the house. We started in the bedroom then moved to the kitchen counter, the living room couch, the dining room table, my office, and ended our exploration in the bathroom.
After the first near-fuck in the shower, I remembered to stash lube and condoms on an empty shelf in the shower.
We did have to pause our love-making once because I had to take a quick phone call from a panicking client. He didn’t need to know that I was completely naked, nor that Liam spent the entire phone call giving me one of the best damn blow jobs of my entire life. It was a miracle that I managed to not moan during the call.
After I finally assured my client that everything was alright, I grabbed Liam and proceeded to pound into him on top of my desk. I’ll never forget the way he screamed for me to fuck him harder and deeper the entire time. Jesus! He’s absolutely perfect for me, no doubt about it! It was like he was made just to love my sexual appetite. I couldn’t wait to explore all things sexual with him.
But today, we were lying in bed in a state of orgasmic bliss. Liam traced something on my chest with his finger while I ran mine up and down his spine. It took me a little while to figure out he was writing words on my chest. When I asked him what he was spelling, he stopped and said, “Nothing.”
I felt disappointed when he stopped. I loved what he was doing. I enjoyed feeling him snuggled up beside me. I needed him to keep on writing words on my chest because it was relaxing.
“Don’t stop. Like it, sweetheart,” I slurred, already more than half asleep.
To my relief, Liam started writing whatever on my chest again. “Okay, I won’t stop." Liam laid his head down on my shoulder and sighed. If I wasn’t already half asleep, I'd have asked him what was wrong. I fell asleep holding him in my arms; right where I knew he belonged.
It was killing me to say goodbye to Liam, but that’s what I had to do Monday morning. I begrudgingly helped him load his bag into the Jeep. Each step toward Rhett’s car was heavier than the one before. We decided that he should leave the majority of his clothes with me since they were winter clothes. He’d need them here before he’d need them in California. I was not happy that we wouldn’t be together again for three or four weeks. Our schedules just didn’t allow for more visits.
We hadn’t talked about taking things any further or faster. I was still being cautious and moving at what I thought was a respectable pace. What did I have to compare it to? Absolutely nothing. I was completely in the dark when it came to relationships. Liam said he didn’t have anything to go by either, as his relationships all ended within a month or two, except for Mike. And that sure wasn’t exactly a relationship to use to compare.
On the bitterly cold Monday morning in February, I gave Liam one last, lingering kiss. A kiss that spoke of promises yet to be fulfilled. I flicked my tongue over his like I’d done to his cock this morning when we woke up.
“Let’s go back inside,” Liam moaned into my mouth.
“You know we can’t. You have to get on the road and I have a meeting this morning. I'd love nothing more than to repeat this past weekend with you.” I pulled away so I could look into his eyes. “We only planned for the weekend, remember?” How the hell was I forming coherent sentences?
“Tell me I can come back. Please, Jasper. This is hard. I don’t want to leave.”
I rolled my eyes up, lust running through my body and love pounding in my chest. “Please come back, Liam, sweetheart. I’ll welcome you with open arms. I’m going to hate going home to an empty house this evening.” I looked into his crystal blue eyes. Shit, I was going to miss him like hell. “Be careful, and call me when you stop, alright? I’m going to worry about you until I hear from you, understand?”
“I’ll call, I promise. I’m not going to stop unless I hit bad weather. If I do that, I won’t reach Monterey until after midnight. You want me to call even if it’s that late?”
I growled. Of course I wanted him to call! “Yes. Call me every time you stop. When you get food, when you have to fill up the tank. I only have the one meeting this morning, so you won’t be interrupting me. I’m just going to be working on plans and blueprints in the office.”
Liam squeezed my waist and looked up into my face. “Alright. I’ll call every time I stop. Promise.”
“Sounds perfect." With one last bear hug and a soft, gentle kiss, I told Liam to take care and watched him drive away with my heart.
14 — Liam
I think the hardest thing I’ve ever done was drive that Jeep away from Jasper. I made it to the outskirts of Crooked Bend before I was forced to pull off of the road. I tried so hard to keep my tears from falling, but they fell, anyway. They had their own mind, and they were determined that they were going to fall. I gave myself a good ten or so minutes to cry and miss Jasper before I wiped my eyes and blew my nose. I had a long drive ahead of me and if I didn’t get it started, I’d never make my destination.
I decided to put on my big boy undies and get to it. The drive was beautiful. It was like I was looking through different eyes. The last time I’d taken this route was Christmastime with Rhett. I was in such a sorry state that I didn’t notice much of anything.
I was a beaten and broken mess then. I was under the care of a therapist regularly, and she agreed that I was doing well after what Mike had done to me. My relationship with him had been deteriorating for quite some time, and by the end, I was glad it was over. I could've done without the beating, but it was reassuring that he couldn’t hurt me or anyone else ever again.
I drove until my bladder screamed at me and my butt was sore from sitting. It was time for a break so I stopped and refueled both the Jeep and myself. While I sat in the Jeep, I decided to give Jasper a call. I took a bite of my cheeseburger and fries then dialed his number. The options were limited, so McDonald’s it was. I smiled when Jasper answered on the second ring.
He took a deep breath before speaking. “Hey, sweetheart, did you stop already?”
I smiled, happy to hear his voice. “My ass couldn’t make it any further. Someone gave it a good pounding last night and then Rhett’s Jeep did the same thing all morning. Tell me, why does he like this thing?”
The roaring laugh that came through the phone lifted my spirits.
“I couldn’t tell you why he likes that old thing.” He paused, as though trying to think how to respond to me. “I have to say I don’t recall you complaining last night while I was fucking you into the mattress, or against the shower wall.”
“Nor will you. You know I was picking on you, but seriously, this Jeep bounces all over the road.” I shoved several french fries in my mouth. “I stopped because my bladder was full and my stomach was empty. I decided to stop and take care of myself before heading on my way again. How did your meeting go?”
“It went well. The clients are excited about having their dream home built and they really were pleased with the ideas I had so hopefully we win their contract.”
“That’s great, Jasper! I should probably get back to driving since my lunch is finished,” I said. The last thing I wanted to do was hang up with Jasper. I wanted to talk to him all day.
“I understand, Liam. Please call me next time you stop? I just want to know you’re okay. It’s a long drive and the weathe
r can be so unpredictable this time of year.”
“I will, I promise. Have a good afternoon, Jasper.”
“Talk to you soon, Liam. Drive safe.” Jasper ended the call. I still had about twelve hours of driving ahead of me. I couldn’t waste time sitting in a parking lot. I merged onto the highway and continued my westward journey.
It was well after one in the morning before I finally pulled into the driveway at Jasper’s dads’ house. I was exhausted. Driving all day nonstop was so tiring! Not that I would ever complain, but I’m sure Jasper keeping me up most of the night before didn’t help. I probably should've stopped for the night six hours ago. I was too stubborn and determined to make it back as soon as I could. So there I was, waking Taylor in the middle of the night while trying to sneak into the room they’d given me.
“Sorry, Taylor. I didn’t mean to wake you,” I whispered to the man that I’d come to realize, though he intimidated me at first, was a complete marshmallow.
“Don’t worry about it, Liam. I was already awake. Rhett had another nightmare and I didn’t realize that Travis was here before I went running into his room.”
“Is he okay?” I asked, worried about my friend. He’d held me and helped me cope those first few weeks after Mike attacked me. I just wished he wanted my help in return.
“He’s fine. By the time I got to his room, Travis was already in bed with him and Rhett was already back asleep. I don’t necessarily agree with whatever it is that’s going on between those two, but right now, Travis calms Rhett down better than anyone else so I won’t complain.”
“Taylor, I don’t think there’s anything going on. I think Travis is a comfort and a source of security for Rhett and nothing else. He tells me they’re just friends, and I believe him. Travis is close to our age and he was one of the first people Rhett remembers seeing after he was found in the motel. I’m sure it’s a security thing." My assurance seemed to calm Taylor. I found it interesting. Why wouldn’t Taylor want Travis involved with his youngest son?
“Look, I know you’ve had a long day, so why don’t you get some sleep. I made sure the blinds were already closed in your room so the sun won’t wake you in the morning, okay?”
I know I looked completely wiped. I glanced at Taylor and gave him a look of gratitude. “Thanks so much. Have a good night."
I made my way into the room and kicked off my shoes and dropped my bag at the foot of the bed. I stripped down to my Andrew Christian briefs and dialed Jasper as I collapsed in the bed. I'd have felt bad about waking him up at almost three in the morning except that he was adamant that I call him when I arrived. Besides, he told me earlier that he was going to bed around nine so technically, he’d already been asleep for almost six hours. I was sure he wouldn’t be too unhappy that I woke him up. After all, he said he wanted me to call.
“Liam? Are you finally at Dad’s?” Jasper’s sleepy voice sounded through my phone.
“Yep, I’m in bed. I’m exhausted, but I wanted to be sure I kept my promise that I'd call, so that’s what I’m doing. Now I’m going to say goodnight and I’ll call you tomorrow once I wake up, okay?”
“Sounds good, Liam. Sweet dreams, sweetheart.” I could tell Jasper was only partially awake. He mumbled through the call.
“You too, Jasper.”
I managed to get my phone onto the nightstand before I pulled the blankets up and burrowed into the feather-soft bed.
When I finally woke from my overdue hibernation, it was afternoon and I was voracious. First things first. I texted Jasper to let him know I was awake and that I'd call him after I showered, ate, and joined the living again. After spending close to sixteen hours driving yesterday, I’d already resolved to make the trip in stages the next time. There would be a next time.
Jasper returned my text. He informed me that he'd be in meetings all afternoon and that he'd call on his drive home so I had a few hours to kill before we could talk. After my shower and raiding the copious amounts of food in the kitchen, I sought out Rhett. I had to talk to him.
I found my bestie out by the pool, relaxing in a lounger.
“Hey Rhett, how are you doing?” I sat in the lounger beside him.
“Liam! Nobody told me you were back!” Rhett stood and gave me a tight hug. I started to cry uncontrollably as I wrapped my arms around my best friend. Rhett was back. God, I’d missed him! Since the ordeal with Mike, he’d been withdrawn and shied away from physical contact. Before, Rhett was a very touchy-feely kind of guy.
“I got in close to two in the morning and crashed until just a little bit ago. Your Jeep is out front, though, so have fun." I pulled away from the hug and wiped my eyes but not before Rhett noticed.
He cupped my cheek with his hand and wiped an errant tear from my face. “Sorry man, I didn’t mean to make you cry.”
I shook my head. “It’s alright. I know you went through hell. I’ve missed you. I can’t help but feel…”
Rhett grabbed me by the shoulders and shook me. “Stop right there. We’ve been over this, Liam. What Mike did to me wasn’t your fault. I don’t blame you, not even a little. The demon’s I’m fighting are my own and I’m working on it. I’m sorry I’ve been so distant. I’m just…”
I waved my hand at my friend. “I get it, Rhett. You don’t have to explain anything. I truly do understand. I just want you to get better.”
“I will, Liam. I just need more time. It’s only been a couple of months so, yeah. Anyway, how was your trip back to Crooked Bend? Did Simon and Sean drive you nuts being all lovey-dovey?” Rhett asked with a dreamy smile on his face. He might tease Sean, but I knew he was immensely happy for his brother. It was time to let him know about my trip and where I stayed. I hoped he’d be happy for me and not have a problem with it. No time like the present to find out.
“About that. I didn’t stay with Sean and Simon.” I looked up at him through my eyelashes. “I stayed with Jasper.”
“Oh yeah? I guess that makes sense. Sean and Simon just got engaged. I bet they are still in that ‘all over each other’ stage. Did it work out? Jasper didn’t drive you crazy, did he?”
I smirked and masked a chuckle “No more so than I wanted. Rhett listen, Jasper and I…”
“Are totally fucking like newlyweds, aren’t ya?” Rhett interrupted.
Well, color me shocked! “You know?”
“Dude! It’s totally obvious! You have that just fucked look written all over your face. Not to mention, you’re walking a little funny too.” Rhett busted out laughing.
“Hey! It’s not funny. Your brother is quite aggressive in bed, among other places.”
Rhett pulled back and started laughing. He waved his hands in front of my face. “TMI, man!” He shook his head “I’m happy for you. You’re smiling again, I love that.” His smile faded just a little. “Just be careful. I’m pretty sure Jasper’s never had a serious relationship. I don’t know if he knows how. I don’t want to see you get hurt again, okay?”
I reached forward and clamped my hand on his shoulder. “Thanks, Rhett. I mean that. I appreciate your concern, but I already know about Jasper’s gallivanting ways. He wants to give a relationship a try.” I stopped talking and swallowed hard before continuing. “I fell for him, Rhett. Like, seriously hard. Like, my heart is already his, hard.”
“Holy shit, Liam! Dude!”
“I know, I know. You don’t have to tell me.”
“Listen to me, Liam. If you love my brother, that’s great. It’s amazing. If anyone has a problem with it, to hell with them. If there is anything I’ve come to realize, it’s that you never know what’s going to happen tomorrow. If you’ve got a chance at happiness with my brother, then take it. Take it and run. Grab him and don’t let go, Liam. Because you never know if you’ll get that chance again.”
I was a little surprised at the about-face. He started by warning me and ended by supporting us wholeheartedly.
I looked at him and felt my heart melt for my gentle friend. He was openly
crying. That started my own waterworks. I jumped up from my seat and wrapped myself around Rhett. I sat there, just holding him while he trembled.
“Shh. It may not seem like it, but I promise, it’ll get better,” I whispered in Rhett’s ear.
After Rhett was able to calm down, he looked at me and started laughing hysterically. It was the sweetest music I’d ever heard. He hadn’t been happy since before his kidnapping. He used to be so cheerful. If he was laughing again, then that was absolutely wonderful.
“If you’re sure, if you’re serious, Liam, you need to grab Jasper by the balls and don’t let go. Don’t let him and his bossy ways rule the roost. He can be really pushy.”
When Rhett said that, I laughed so hard I fell off of the lounger. Which caused both of us to laugh even harder. It would take more time, but Rhett was going to be okay.
After my chat with Rhett, I decided it would be best if I returned to Seattle and pack up my apartment. He was right; life was too short to wait for what other people thought I should do. Who was to say how long it took to care for someone enough to start a relationship? I may write murder mysteries, but I’m a hopeless romantic. I knew that Jasper was the one for me. He was my chance for love and happiness and I was going to take it.
That’s why, two days later, I found myself back in Seattle and supervising the movers about what was going on the truck to Wyoming, and what was going to the local LGBTQ youth shelter. Pretty much everything would go to the shelter. I arranged it with the director. He told me they welcomed all donations. My clothes and small personal items were already packed and loaded in Baloo. All I needed to do was make sure the movers were finished and turn my keys in. I’d checked into a hotel for the night and I would start my trip to Wyoming at first light. I was told my things would arrive in a week, which was well after I would, so if Jasper didn’t want me to live with him, I had plenty of time to get a storage facility for my things. I could either find my own place or get another company to move my shit to California. Rhett already agreed to be my backup plan. He and I hoped I wouldn’t need it.