by JC Calciano
***
Meanwhile, Brody, muscular and hotter than ever, and his partner Richard, a sexy, forty-year-old Latino with a wrestler’s build, were at the police station changing out of their uniforms into civilian clothes. Other cops swarmed through the locker room in various stages of undress.
“Hey, partner,” Richard said, “wanna catch a movie tonight? I’ll buy the popcorn… again.”
Brody wrapped a towel around his waist as he headed toward the shower. “Sorry, bud,” he called over his shoulder, “but I got plans. They start with a beer and they end with a sticky towel.” He gave his partner a wicked grin.
Richard chuckled in self-deprecation as he held up his hand. “Looks like it’s just you and me again tonight, buddy.”
Brody turned back toward his partner. “Hey, you’re the one who insists on being straight. Come out with me tonight. I guarantee that in ten minutes I’ll hook you up with an ass you can eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner off of!”
“Sorry, but I prefer my partners not have the same equipment as me.”
Brody chuckled. “Not me.” He held up a shoe in preparation of putting it on. “I prefer the same or bigger.” He shrugged. “Well, it’s your loss.”
Just then Brody’s Grindr app chimed. He picked up his cell and checked it out. “Oooo. Very nice!” He showed Richard the screen. “Meet David.”
The man appeared to be in his mid twenties with an Ivy League look— like a hot college stud taking a shirtless selfie in the mirror. He had blond hair and an almost cherubic face. Hello, new plans.
Richard shook his head, mostly at his own lack of luck with women of late. “Is it really that easy for you?”
“That’s the great thing about men. No wining and dining them. In five minutes I’ll have had a beer. In fifteen minutes, we’ll be in the sack. Sixty minutes later I’ll be home watching a movie on pay-per-view. It’s pretty great. You should try it.”
Richard paused for a moment. “It does sound tempting… and since you put it that way...”
Brody face brightened. He couldn’t believe he’d finally recruited his hot Mexican partner! Almost too easy. “Really? You’ll do it?!”
Richard laughed hard. “Hell no!”
They broke into raucous laughter when the other cops looked at them and rolled their eyes, used to the duos antics.
Growing up, Richard was always popular with the ladies. He was strong and muscular and, of course, his “Latin lover” good looks. His darker skin, broad shoulders, and square jaw guaranteed he was never want for attention from the fairer sex. And due to his size and appearance, people naturally respected his presence. He had a cool, collected calm about him that reassured others. Everyone knew he could “take care of business” if it came to it, so it rarely ever did.
Though he looked like a rock from the outside, on the inside, Richard had the sensitivity of a poet and the thoughtfulness of a priest. A Hallmark card could choke him up. Ads on TV about boys and their fathers made his eyes misty. And though he would never admit it to his buddies, he loved watching romance movies and romantic comedies, even more than any of the summer blockbusters or thrillers, the movies he watched with them.
Richard came from a line of lawmen — following in his grandfather’s and father’s footsteps. He truly believed in the slogan: To serve and protect.
Though Richard was only a few years older than Brody, he was the veteran. They were assigned to work together not long after Richard’s former partner retired. It was his responsibility to teach Brody the ropes, show him around the precinct and initiate him into the force.
The first step was drinks out with his fellow officers. Brody could handle his liquor, which was always a good sign. It showed he had some real stamina. The next step was watching football and basketball games together, along with some afternoon barbeques with the other guys. And last but never least, strip clubs. Richard worked hard every day and on his nights off he played hard too.
And that was the start of Brody and Richard’s friendship.
***
“As Time Goes By” from Casablanca played softly in the background. The gas fireplace hissed along; lights were turned down low.
Myles knew Kodi didn’t drink much. So the half empty bottle of wine in front of him tipped off the fact that something was wrong. But Myles didn’t want to acknowledge there could be a problem. Maybe Kodi was just tired. After all he’d had a big meeting today, and that could wear anyone out. He held out a spoonful of Eggplant Sorrento. “Someone was hungry. And thirsty!” he said as he moved the spoon closer to Kodi’s face. “Here, taste.”
“Are you going to sit down? I’d really like to talk to you...” He tried to catch Myles’ eyes to get him to slow down for just a second, but Myles was too excited about sharing his culinary creation and thrust the piping hot food into Kodi’s mouth.
Kodi’s eyes lit up.
“Wow. That’s amazing! It’s exactly like my mother makes it!”
Success! That’s all Myles wanted to hear. He was proud of being the perfect boyfriend and excited about being one step closer to Kodi’s finally being “the one.”
“I’m so pleased! Now, I want to hear all about your day. Come to the table. We’ll talk over dinner!”
Myles headed to the table as Kodi had one last gulp of wine and then took a deep breath as if to prepare himself for something unpleasant.
***
Brody pulled up to David’s house, a little Hollywood bungalow. It had been a long day, and a quick no-strings-attached fuck sounded like the perfect way to kick off the evening. Brody hoped David looked as good in person as he did in his photos. He was in no mood to be greeted by someone who posted another person’s photos on Grindr or used a picture that was ten years old.
He rang the bell and hoped for the best. Seconds later, the door opened. Wow. Not only did David look much like the photo on the website but somehow even better. Through the snug shirt he was wearing, Brody could see the sculpted body of a gymnast. Perfectly tight muscles, a strong sculpted “v” torso and a shirt just short enough to reveal a trail of golden hair leading down the front of his jeans. Brody smiled. This was going to be fun. At first glance David was a delicious treat waiting to be gobbled up.
“Hi. I’m David,” he said, with a hint of hesitation in his voice. It was obvious he was a virgin at this sort of thing and was terrified.
That’s probably his real name, Brody thought, though he really couldn’t condemn him for that. He was young and didn’t know the rules of the game most of the guys played yet. Brody used his own name too. It was simpler, rather than trying to remember which pseudonym he used with which men. Brody gave him a mocking grin. “Hi. I’m Brody.”
“It’s nice to meet you,” he said with a nervous laugh. And then he stood there. Awkwardly.
Brody laughed at the exchange. “Let me ask you: why is it guys always introduce themselves at the door like I don’t know who they are by now? You’ve already sent me so many photos of yourself that I know you better than your doctor does.”
“I don’t know,” he said, suddenly insecure with himself, “Do you have a better way of greeting someone at the door?”
“How about this: Hey, Brody, come in. Would you like a beer?”
David looked momentarily startled and then smiled. “Hi, Brody, come in. Would you like a beer?”
Brody chuckled. “Nah. I’m good. But thanks for asking.” He stepped inside with a confident stride. “You look terrified, David. First time using Grindr?”
“No.” He grimaced. “Maybe.” He glanced into Brody’s eyes. “Yeah.”
An innocent, fresh young stud, Brody thought. What could be better? Or cuter? “Everything’s going to be okay, David,” he said. “We’ll have fun tonight. Don’t worry.”
David turned and Brody followed him. “How about you, David? Can I get you a beer?”
David suddenly relaxed.
Brody was glad. He looked like a good guy. And, oh, so hot.
<
br /> “Actually. I’d love one.”
David welcomed him inside as he headed to the kitchen to get that beer. Brody followed him. Their evening had begun.
The kitchen was dark as David opened the refrigerator door, his torso outlined by the weak light emanating from inside. He twisted the cap from a bottle and took a long deep swallow. Brody could almost imagine the cold brew sliding down David’s parched throat, his body relaxing as he swallowed. He realized the man needed a beer to calm his nerves and felt sorry for him, yet at the same time amused. Had he himself ever been so naive and innocent?
“Ahh,” David said releasing a pent up breath, his shoulders relaxed.
“Feel better?” Brody asked.
David smiled and nodded. “I really needed that.”
“Besides,” Brody said, “the cold air from the fridge feels good on a hot night like this.” Of course, it was a double entendre.
“Sure I can’t get you that beer? You know there’s nothing better than a cold beer on a hot night.”
“Well, there’s one thing that’s better.”
“And what might that be?” David answered coyly, his eyes roamed slowly over Brody’s body.
“I have only one question for you David… what’s your safe word?”
“What?!”
Brody could see he had scared the other man. “I’m just playing with you.”
David visibly relaxed and tried to grin. “Guess you got me,” he said.
“Tell you what,” Brody said. “Since this is your first time… I’ll be gentle. For the first hour, anyhow!” He stepped toward David.
David took another long gulp of beer but not before Brody slid his hand down the front of David’s jeans. David was hard from the moment Brody touched him. “What do they put in the feed in those mid-western towns?” Brody asked. “They certainly grow you farm boys big!”
David blushed, embarrassed yet obviously enjoying what Brody was doing. “I’m not exactly a farm boy,” he answered.
“Not exactly?’
“From a small town in Michigan.”
“Ah, explains it,” Brody answered jokingly, “All that clean air.”
Brody leaned forward and pressed his soft lips against David’s mouth, tasting the beer on his tongue. The two men continued to kiss as Brody gently squeezed David’s cock. He was surprised to feel it growing even larger. Brody took the beer from David’s hand and finished it with a mighty gulp. Foreplay was over.
***
Candles flickered on the table; plates were picked clean. Myles had outdone himself.
“Oh, man, Myles,” Kodi said, “I should never admit it. But this was even better than what Mom makes.” He patted his stomach and accidentally belched. Quickly, he covered his mouth in embarrassment and blushed.
Myles was flattered. Best way to compliment the cook, after all.
“How did the meeting go with your client?” Myles asked, trying to break the tension.
Kodi didn’t say anything. He just sat for a moment staring into Myles’ face, as if trying to decide what to do.
Myles felt a tinge of alarm, tried to stop the waves of nerves that rolled over him, and then quickly continued. “I hope you got all the ‘I’m-thinking-of-you’ texts I sent.”
Myles could tell Kodi felt uneasy, as if he were about to apologize for something. Myles didn’t know what. His answer wasn’t what Myles expected.
“Yup, I got all ten of them.” His tone was sarcastic.
Suddenly, things were coming into focus, and Myles realized he’d been deluding himself. The evening wasn’t going the way he hoped it would. Still, he tried to redeem things. Elbows on the table, he leaned forward. “You seem a little... tired? Maybe if you take your shoes off. Relax a little. Stay for a while.”
Kodi looked stone-faced. That was when Myles began to realize that as usual, he’d tried too hard. Things had been too perfect—the wine, the appetizers, the music, the glow from the fireplace.
“I’m fine. Really.” He sat stiffly. “I’m just trying to figure out the best way to talk to you about something.”
Myles didn’t know how to react. Obviously the dinner conversation was turning into one that was all too familiar? It was the same conversation, with slight variations, that he’d had with a dozen men before Kodi. He mustered up a nervous smile, “As long as it’s not, ‘let’s see other people.’”
Kodi’s drawn face looked impassive. Clearly Miles had hit the nail on the head and he sighed. “You want to see other people?” His voice sounded resigned.
Kodi tried to soften the blow. “I’m thinking we’re going too fast.”
“We’ve been dating a month, and I see you once a week for dinner and sex. And I do all the work for both. How is that going too fast?”
Koki looked uncomfortable, so much so that Myles almost felt sorry for him. Almost.
“I just want to pump the brakes a bit.”
Myles was dying inside. He could almost literally feel that last tiny spark of hope he held onto start to flicker and die in his chest. He couldn’t believe this was happening. Not again. What was he doing that was so wrong? Trying to see that everything went well? Making sure the evening was successful. Myles shook his head. Kodi had seemed right for him. Suddenly, Myles was irritated.
“Maybe you could have pumped them on a day that I didn’t spend cooking an elaborate dinner and planning erotic massages?” He stood and opened the bedroom door behind him and then turned back.
Kodi’s face dropped at the sight of a bedroom full of candles and a massage table. Fresh cut flowers stood on the dresser and chest of drawers. Incense burned in tiny saucers.
“Wow, Myles. That’s incredible. Really. All I can say is that one day you are going to make someone the most amazing husband.”
He finally accepted the situation. “Just not you?”
Kodi stood and for a moment stared into Myles’ eyes, a look close to regret on his face, “No,” he said softly, “I’m going to leave.” He opened the door, quietly slipped out into the hallway, and away from Myles’ happily ever after.
Myles slumped in his chair, elbows on the table, chin rested in his hands. What had he done wrong this time?
***
Brody lay in David’s bed, relaxed, their bodies glistening with sweat. Brody smiled as he grabbed David’s tee shirt and wiped semen from his abs. David lay back, watching. Brody gently kissed his lips as he tossed the cum-soaked tee shirt onto the floor. He felt like a cat that had eaten a chocolate-covered mouse.
“That was certainly fun,” Brody said. “Did you enjoy it?” The answer was obvious. All Brody needed to do was look under the sheets.
“Oh yeah! Hey, can I get you a beer now?”
“You’re a quick study, David. I like you.”
“Enough to see me again?”
Brody laughed. He’d set the hook in this one. He knew that David was his for the taking any time he wanted. But it was better to not let him think this was going to be anything more than what it was. Being friends with a romantic like Myles didn’t do his conscience any favors.
“I like you enough to introduce you to my best friend.”
David looked unsure. “A threesome? I don’t know if I’m ready for that yet...”
“Sure you are!” Brody picked up his phone.
***
Myles sat at the dining room table, too defeated to clean up.
His cell phone rang, snapping him out of his funk. It was Brody face-timing him. He smiled. This is really the only man I want to be with tonight, he thought. Brody looked spectacular as always, and suddenly the evening sucked less.
“Myles. Meet David.”
Myles realized Brody was lying next to another man. Insult upon injury. Of course Brody was on the prowl. Once more the evening completely sucked. But Brody was his friend, so he’d put on his game face. “Hello, David. It’s always a pleasure meeting one of Brody’s ‘friends’, especially just after I’ve been dumped.”
&nb
sp; Brody rolled his eyes, but his face held a look of sympathy. “Want me to come over?”
Myles smiled. Of course, that was what he wanted. “That depends. Do you like strawberries infused with cognac hand dipped in dark chocolate?”
Brody chuckled.
Myles was aware that David was witnessing the exchange.
“Strawberries and cognac?” David asked. “Can I come?”
Without missing a beat Brody turned to him. “You already did. Twice.”
They both laughed, then Brody turned his attention back to the phone, spouted off a quick, “I’ll be right there” and hung up.
David was confused when Brody slipped his jeans on, but the look on both Myles’ and Brody’s faces when they saw each other made it clear. David was no competition for Myles’ attention. Besides, David had gotten what he wanted and more. He certainly wasn’t going to complain. It was best that the evening ended this way.
Brody kissed David deeply. “Thanks.”
“For what?”
Brody laughed. “For being a good guy; for looking like your photo.”
“And?” David was being coy.
“I’m sure you know,” Brody said. “But okay, I’ll say it. For the evening; it was great.” Brody meant it, but still nothing made him feel better than knowing he was going to see his best friend.
***
Brody noticed that everything looked absolutely flawless. Myles didn’t even have a hair out of place, and the apartment looked just as perfect. They sat at the still decked out table and Brody couldn’t help himself. “Since when did you start fucking Martha Stewart?” There was a twinkle in his eye.
“One does what one has to, to get a man,” Myles answered. His tone was joking but the smile didn’t quite reach his eyes.
“Well, I’ve had a lot of men, and I’ve never once injected a strawberry with cognac. Well, not in the literal sense.” They both chuckled at the naughty turn of phrase.
Then Myles thought of the disastrous evening he’d just endured and felt worse than ever. “It doesn’t matter anyway. I’m done. I’m in my mid-thirties. Time to acknowledge the fact that I’m destined to be a gay spinster. If the thought of dog hair everywhere didn’t disgust me, I’d be a gay cliché.”