by Lane Hayes
I reached for my cell just as my office phone rang. I picked it up without looking at the caller ID, assuming it was one of the firm’s secretaries or my boss issuing a quick reminder about another deadline. Probably just as well. Getting caught having phone sex at ten a.m. on company time wasn’t a smart career move.
“Hello, this is Matt,” I answered.
“Oh, I know who you are. And I have a sinking suspicion you’ve forgotten something rather important,” a soft Southern voice singsonged musically on the line.
“Um…who is—”
“It’s me! Jay! Oh Matt, what am I going to do with you? Do you even realize how woefully unprepared you are? I do, and it frightens me. I’ve come to your rescue.”
I swiveled in my chair, away from my computer, and glanced out the window unseeing. I couldn’t remember Jay ever calling me at work—on a company landline, no less. He obviously had something important to say. What was I unprepared for? I came up blank.
“Uh, no. I’m sorry. I have no clue. What did I forget?”
“Aaron’s birthday, you bonehead!”
Ah, yes. A high holiday in our house for sure.
I chuckled softly. “I didn’t forget. But it’s October first. His birthday is three weeks away and—”
“And you’re already running behind schedule,” he intercepted. “Aaron is turning thirty this year. Three-oh. He’s trying not to sound like his usual diva self because you’ve been so busy. He knows how to keep perspective and be compassionate. But Matt, let’s get real. That boy will be crushed if we don’t do his birthday up right. Am I correct? You know I am.”
“Uh…yes. Yeah. Wait. Has he been talking about his birthday with you? He hasn’t really mentioned it much.”
“I told you, he doesn’t want to be insensitive. But as his best friend, I’m stepping in. It’s time to plan a party. It’s not too late to do something fabulous. I’ll do the heavy calling, you do the heavy lifting. Sound fair?”
I snickered. “Sure. I could probably use a little help.”
“A lot of help,” he corrected. “We need a theme so we can tie in the food, music, and a signature cocktail. But we’ve got to narrow the guest list and…”
I had to laugh. Jay was a fucking steamroller, but this was a good wake-up call. I hated to think I’d neglected my relationship, but the truth was, I’d been too consumed with work lately. I needed to stop and refocus. Planning Aaron’s thirtieth birthday party with Jay was a good start.
Jay and I agreed that attempting a surprise party would be useless. Aaron was way too nosy, not to mention curious. We’d never pull it off without him suspecting. So we told him the time and begged him to let the rest be a surprise.
“Oh, my God. I’m so excited! What’s the theme? Do I get a vote on the signature cocktail? I’m thinking a cosmo, but not an ordinary one. How about something with—”
I set my finger on Aaron’s lips and shook my head. “Nice try. You’re not helping. Your only job is to show up.”
“But I have a million questions!”
I rounded the kitchen island and pointed the remote at the flat-screen TV over the fireplace, scowling when Aaron yanked it away a second later. “The World Series is on. Hand it over.”
“You can watch football later. This is important.”
I rolled my eyes. “It’s baseball, not football.”
He waved dismissively, then stepped between my thighs. “Same difference. I need information, Matt. Jay isn’t cooperating, but you will, won’t you?”
Aaron flattened his palm against my crotch and nibbled my bottom lip. I wasn’t immune. My cock immediately swelled in my jeans.
“That’s cheating,” I said, grabbing his wrist.
He widened his eyes innocently. “Who, me?”
“Yeah, you.” I pulled him against me and tickled his sides until he called for mercy. “I’ll make you a deal. You can ask three questions.…That’s it. Everything else will be a surprise, okay?”
“Okay. Question number one…what’s the theme?”
“You know, Jay asked me that too. Why do you have to have a theme? It’s your birthday. That’s the theme. You, balloons, cake…boom. Done deal.”
He fixed me with a blank stare. “A birthday isn’t a theme. It’s an occasion. A theme is specific, like ‘Under the Sea’ or ‘Jungle Jamboree’ or ‘Rock Stars of the Eighties.’ You can’t do anything without a theme. Jay knows that better than anyone. It’s a crucial detail, Matty.”
“Okay, well…I don’t know the theme.”
He smacked his hand against his forehead and grumbled in Spanish. “What about a color?”
“Huh?”
“If you don’t know the theme, you must know the color palette. Black and white, neon, all stripes, all polka dots. If I can request a no to Hawaiian prints, that would be great. Otherwise, I’m open to anything,” he said.
I chuckled. “Good to know. And once again, I have no idea. Last question, babe.”
Aaron sighed. “Will there be cake?”
“Do you want cake?”
“Yes, please.”
“What kind?” I slipped my hand under his workout shorts and boxer briefs and cupped his bare ass.
“Chocolate.”
“Any filling?”
“Ganache with buttercream frosting.”
“No whipped cream?” I asked, sliding my finger between his cheeks.
“No, thanks.”
“Mmm. Done. No more questions. The rest is a surprise.” I tapped his entrance as I brushed my nose along his jaw. “You don’t like whipped cream?”
“Yes, but not on a cake.”
“Hmm. I have a distinct memory of you licking whipped cream off my dick. Wasn’t that long ago, either. We might still have some in the fridge,” I said hopefully as I unbuckled my belt and unbuttoned my jeans.
Aaron laughed. “We don’t. But I’ll be sure to get some if you want.”
I unzipped my fly and pushed my briefs over my cock. “That’s okay. I don’t need it.”
“What do you need?” He curled his fingers around my shaft and stroked.
“That’s a good start.”
“But you’re looking for a big finish,” he joked.
“I wouldn’t say no to one, but we don’t have to—oh, fuck…” I gulped when Aaron sank to his knees, pushed my jeans down my legs, and swallowed my cock.
My man was a master cock sucker. I didn’t want to know where he got his skills, but since he was mine and I was the only one benefiting from his expertise, I really couldn’t complain. He seemed to know how much pressure to apply and how to do clever tricks…like twirling the tip of his tongue around the crown, then licking me like a fucking popsicle before sucking my balls. And he liked it when I lost a little control. He hummed in approval the second I grabbed a fistful of his hair. Of course, I couldn’t keep still. I pistoned my hips and fucked his mouth, muttering incoherently about how damn hot he was…or something like that. A true but slightly lame compliment, though he seemed to like it. He pushed his shorts out of the way to jerk himself off while he worked me over. Just when he set the perfect rhythm, I felt a telltale tingle at the base of my spine.
Aaron backed off to glance up at me. “Are you gonna come?”
“No, I don’t—fuck. Yeah, I’m coming.” I squeezed my eyes closed briefly as my orgasm pulled me under.
I didn’t realize I still had a handful of Aaron’s hair until he dug his nails into my thigh when his release hit a moment later. I loosened my grip and massaged his head before pulling him to his feet.
I immediately busted up laughing. “Jesus, Aar. It’s all over your face! I’m sorry, baby. Let me help clean you up.”
Aaron grinned mischievously. “Lick it.”
I cocked my head and stared at him. Okay, that was kind of…dirty. But in a super sexy way. I shivered slightly, then leaned in and licked his lips. Aaron groaned as he wrapped his arms around my neck and pushed his tongue in my mouth. It was nasty
and hot and raunchy and fuck…I wanted him all over again. I gasped for air and let out an amused huff.
“Holy shit, that was amazing. Kinda gross too, but mostly amazing,” I said in an awestruck tone.
“Yeah, it was. Does that mean I get my chocolate cake?”
“You can have two chocolate cakes if you want,” I assured him.
“Thanks. One will do.” Aaron beamed, purring like a satisfied cat. “God, aren’t birthdays the best? I can’t wait!”
Not gonna lie, I couldn’t wait for Aaron’s birthday either. Although, not for the same reasons. Parties were cool, but the stress of keeping secrets from a world-class snoop was hard work. It was a full-time job handling Aaron’s excitement and his endless barrage of questions.
“Who’s the deejay? Was Dom available? He’s the best. Did you invite my sisters and my brother? They might not stay long, but we should invite them. What’s on the menu? Jay told me Cachet is catering. Love them! Maybe they could—”
I put a hand over his mouth and backed him against the bathroom counter. I kissed his lips to soften the gesture, then narrowed my eyes.
“Dom will deejay. Your whole family will be there, at least for dinner. I have no clue about the menu. Jay took care of that part because he knows the caterer. You were out of questions three weeks ago. You’ll see when you get there.”
He smiled innocently, brushing his long dark bangs from his eyes as he slipped his hand between my legs and rubbed his palm meaningfully against my crotch.
“You’re right, Matty. It’s just a small party. Nothing to get worked up about.”
I groaned at his blatant tease. “If I could figure out a quick way to get those tight black leather pants over your ass and fuck you before we leave, I would, baby.”
Aaron chuckled. “And ruin this ensemble?”
He pushed me gently back and smoothed his hands over his floral collared shirt. It was tame compared to what he usually wore with leather pants, but I knew he’d lose the shirt and change into something a little sluttier after his family left—his words, not mine.
He glanced at his reflection and squeezed my ass.
“Let’s go, Matty. I’m about to turn that awful number we’ll never speak aloud. Might as well commemorate the occasion,” he said, posing in the doorway like a fashion model with one arm above his head.
I chuckled, then kissed his cheek. “Twenty-nine forever, eh? I know it’s not going to be a problem for a few years…at least, but what happens when I turn thirty? Or—”
Aaron glared. “Rude! I thought you said four years was nothing.”
“Age is just a number. I love you no matter how much older you are than me. Hey, you’re good for my ego,” I teased. “A hot older Puerto Rican lover with a beautiful ass—”
This time his fierce scowl knit his brow menacingly. “Watch it, or you won’t be getting any of this ass. And I have big plans at midnight, Matty. Big plans.”
I wanted to laugh at the silly, lascivious way he waggled his eyebrows as he sashayed out of the bathroom, but my jeans felt a bit too snug. I had no idea what was happening at midnight but knowing Aaron, it would be memorable…and probably X-rated.
Jay and his boyfriend, Peter, insisted on hosting Aaron’s party. Their house was bigger than our condo and had a great outdoor entertainment space with a brick fireplace and portable heaters. Fairy lights were strung over the deck and between the stately old willow trees in their backyard. Everything looked stunning. Jay hired a catering company and invited more people than I thought Aaron knew. Jay said they were all friends, family, and work associates, but it wouldn’t have mattered anyway. This was big, and Jay had insisted on going all out.
I was grateful for their generosity. Jay and Peter were worldly, successful, and though complete opposites, they balanced one another effortlessly. Jay was fun and free-spirited like Aaron, although possibly less dramatic, while Peter was more serious and focused. More importantly, they were the kind of friends who felt like family. The good kind of family, that is.
There had to be over a hundred people at Aaron’s “small” birthday soiree. What began in the early hours of the evening as a sophisticated catered affair with heartfelt toasts in the birthday boy’s honor progressed to nightclub-esque debauchery as midnight neared. Lights were dimmed, dance music blared, and drinks flowed freely. The theme was “flirty thirty,” and the signature cocktail was a pink martini with a lollipop in it. No idea what the hell was in it, but Aaron was in heaven. He loved a good party and wasn’t shy about being the center of attention. I watched him bounce from one group of friends to the next, pausing to occasionally take a sip of his martini or stick his tongue down my throat.
I stood next to Peter at one point and watched our boyfriends do some sexy dance together. If I didn’t know Jay was completely in love with Peter, I would have been crazy jealous at the way they grinded their bodies suggestively as they swayed to the beat. Jay was much taller than Aaron, and his blond good looks were a nice contrast to Aaron’s olive skin and dark hair. I should have been jealous, but I wasn’t. It turned me on. And I was pretty sure that was the idea.
Aaron was mesmerizing in his tight leather pants and the form-fitted shirt he’d changed into after his parents left. He’d put eyeliner and lip stuff on and glitter everywhere…in his hair and around his eyes. He looked amazing. I did a double take when we left our condo that evening, and I’d done that many times during the course of the night. I couldn’t believe he was mine. I felt so ordinary next to him, maybe even a little unworthy. He was so beautiful, and I was just…me.
“Damn.” Peter whistled appreciatively. “Those boys are very fuckin’ sexy.”
I nodded absently in agreement. “They are.”
“I think I’m gonna jump in now.”
Peter made his way toward Jay and Aaron and wrapped his hand around his boyfriend’s waist. He instantly had Jay’s attention. Aaron stepped aside to give them room to bump and grind, but he didn’t stop moving. He raised his hands in the air, swayed his hips, and found his own beat. He was so in tune with his body and the music. He wasn’t just dancing, he was communicating, emoting, and whether he meant to or not…he was putting on a show. Normal people didn’t look like him or move like him. Aaron was special. And he was mine.
I set my glass on a nearby table, headed for the dance floor…and stopped in my tracks when a stranger sidled in front of me and stole my spot.
I held back to see if I recognized him. He was a little shorter than I was, with brown wavy hair and a muscular physique. I couldn’t see him clearly in the dim light, but he didn’t look familiar. I thought he might be a friend from work, though I was pretty sure I’d met everyone we’d invited from Aaron’s office. But Aaron obviously knew the guy. He smiled and didn’t seem bothered when the stranger set his hands on his hips.
But it bothered me. A lot. And when he hooked his fingers in the waistband of Aaron’s leather pants and gyrated against his crotch…well, let’s just say, I lost my shit. Not immediately. I tried to play it cool. Maybe I read the situation wrong and was guilty of jumping to conclusions. There was only one way to find out. I pasted a smile on my face and pushed my way through the crowd to Aaron’s side.
He flashed a bright grin at me and beckoned me closer. “Dance with me, Matty.”
The stranger made a slick maneuver, moving between us to block Aaron from me. And something inside me snapped. I yanked his hand from Aaron’s waist and glowered at him.
“What are you doing?” I asked.
“I’m dancing with my birthday baby. What are you doing?” he countered.
“He’s mine. Fuck off, asshole,” I hissed.
“Are you kidding me? Who is this dick? Did Jay invite you?”
I saw red. A really deep shade of red. My head buzzed ominously; my pulse raced as adrenaline coursed through my veins. I balled my hand into a fist and stepped into his space with my teeth bared. “Get the fuck out of here.”
Aaron pulled
my shirt and stepped in front of the guy. “Matt, stop it. This is Todd. He’s my friend and…”
I didn’t hear anything else clearly. Friend?
Oh. Friends didn’t dance with friends like that. Did they? I never did. And I certainly never danced with other people’s boyfriends like I wanted to take them home and fuck them. Okay, so Jay and Aaron did the “sexy dance,” but they were best friends. And I knew Jay. And his boyfriend. He wasn’t competition. But this guy was out of line. Wasn’t he? Or did I overreact?
Nope. I glared at him. He was a prick. And dammit, he was a good-looking prick too. Anger and a fresh wave of jealousy made coherent speech difficult. I wanted to fuckin’ punch Todd. What an asshole name, I mused testily as I inched forward, expecting him to do the same. But Todd didn’t move. He furrowed his brow in confusion. In fact, everyone around me looked confused. That old familiar feeling of being in over my head was back with a vengeance.
Aaron tugged at my elbow and pulled me off the dance floor. Then he took my hand and led me upstairs to the first guest bedroom off the landing. He turned on the light and gave me a concerned look.
“What’s wrong?”
I gaped at him incredulously. “Are you kidding me? That asshole had his hands all over you!”
“Matty, that was no big deal. Todd is just a frie—”
“No big deal? Seriously? You think the way he was grinding his dick into yours was no big deal? You think I should just say…‘Hey, cool, let me know when you’re done, man. My turn next’?” Aaron’s sharp intake of breath indicated I’d crossed a line, and now he was pissed. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to—”
“You know, usually I’d be swooning all over the caveman routine, but you jumped to some nasty conclusions pretty damn fast and—”
“No, I didn’t. There is no way you can convince me that was just friendly dancing. It was too sexy. And who the hell is that guy? Why are you so intent on defending him?” I asked sharply.