“They have the best ice cream. Get your shoes.” Harper turned, hurrying from the room.
Del smiled, staring after him. Then he sobered, touching his right wrist, and followed. Harper was already at the door, almost bouncing in place as he pushed Del’s shoes with his foot. Del slipped on his sandals. Harper grabbed his hand, opened the door, and pulled him outside. He locked the door, then held Del’s hand again and moved them rapidly down the steps.
“I want a milkshake… no, an ice cream sandwich. Maybe I can have both,” Harper muttered.
“You really like ice cream, huh?”
“Like? That’s too mild a word. I love me some ice cream.” Harper licked his lips.
Del kissed him, following that tongue. They stopped, kissing hungrily. Del pulled back, tweaking his nose.
“You’re an ice cream monster.”
“Tease me all you want. When we get there, you’ll understand why.” When they got to the sidewalk, they turned left as Harper continued. “The Flavor Shoppe makes their ice cream fresh on a daily basis. The flavor combinations change often, but there are always the mainstay flavors of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry.” Harper moaned. “Oh my God, the shakes are thick and creamy. And there’s a menu with your choice of various ice cream treats.” Harper grabbed his arm. “The ice cream sandwiches are put together by hand. You can choose your ice cream flavor and have it either sandwiched between various types of cookies or slices of cake. The cake and cookies are also made fresh at the shop.”
“I can’t wait to taste this ice cream that makes you so….” Del studied the glazed look on his face. “Turned on. Let’s go back. We can get ice cream another day.”
Del leaned in. Harper put his hand on Del’s chest, stopping him.
“Nope. I want ice cream. I checked their website today. They have butter pecan. Maybe I’ll have that sandwiched between pecan praline cookies. Or pineapple ice cream with slices of coconut cake. A shake….” Harper kept changing what he wanted.
RETURNING FROM the shop, Del licked his cone, moaning as the rich flavor burst on his tongue.
“I told you. It’s so good.” Harper hummed.
Del lowered his cone and grabbed the plastic bag out of Harper’s hand.
“You’ve had enough. This is for another day.”
“I only had two ice cream sandwiches.” He reached for the bag.
Del held it out of his reach. “Those were some big sandwiches.”
“Fine. Then give me your cone.” Harper held out his hand.
Del handed it over. “Ice cream hoarder.”
“With ice cream like this, I’m an ice cream hoarder, and proud to be.” Harper moaned, licking the ice cream.
Del licked the ice cream Harper held, rubbing his tongue along Harper’s. Harper nipped his tongue, pulling away.
“My ice cream.” He walked away rapidly.
Del strolled after him, enjoying the view of his ass. At Harper’s, he entered the house and closed the door. Del took the bag of ice cream into the kitchen and put it in the freezer. He glanced at the wall clock and noted the time. Del silently cursed. They had stayed over two hours in the ice cream shop.
“Harper.” He went out the kitchen, searching for him.
Del checked the living room, man cave, office, and family room. Suspicious, he returned to the kitchen.
“Harper.”
Harper jumped, turning and putting his hand behind his back, a guilty look on his face. “I’m not doing anything.”
“The boys say that when they know they’re getting in trouble.” Del stopped in front of him and pulled Harper’s hand from behind his back.
Del removed the wrapped ice cream sandwich from Harper’s hand, opened the freezer, took the bag out, and placed the sandwich back in.
“I’m heading home.” He lifted the bag. “I’m taking this with me.”
“Stay.” Harper pressed his body against Del’s.
Del groaned. In one short week, he’d gotten used to Harper sleeping beside him.
“Call Clay. Speak with the boys.”
Del pulled out his cell, placing the call. He talked briefly with Clay, then the boys. He pressed the off button on his phone.
“The boys wanted to know why they couldn’t have a sleepover at your house. They didn’t think it was fair since you have them at their house all the time.” Del laughed.
“I’m surprised they want to sleep anywhere but in their rooms.” Harper checked the kitchen door.
“I don’t think they thought of that. They love the way their rooms turned out.” Del followed Harper as he closed up the house.
They went up the stairs together and into Harper’s bedroom. Curious, Del glanced around the room. It was comfortable and decorated in vivid colors. Harper stripped, padding on bare feet toward the bathroom. Del followed, shedding his clothing. The steam from the shower was already filling the room. Del joined Harper under the spray and kissed the back of his neck. Harper lowered his head, giving him more access. Del nibbled on the flesh, worrying it with his teeth. Harper moaned, grinding his ass against Del’s erection. Del gripped Harper’s shaft, tugging on the firm length. Cradling Harper, he rubbed his thumb over the spongy head of his shaft while licking the back of his neck.
“Del… please.” Harper lifted his hand, holding onto the back of Del’s neck.
He knew what Harper wanted. Del swirled his thumb over the hole at the tip of his cock, then pressed firmly on the indentation. Harper arched, moaning, at his touch, pumping against Del’s fingers. Del bit his ear, licking the shell.
“Come for me,” he whispered.
Harper thrust into his fist, moving urgently, making wild, uncontrollable noises. He was as expressive during sex as he was in all aspects of his life. Del worked the tip of his cock, alternating between squeezing and pressing into the hole on the tip of his member. Harper shuddered and hot liquid coated Del’s hand. Turning Harper, Del kissed him, then washed him off before he proceeded to clean himself, then got out of the shower, bringing Harper along with him. Del dried him off, then wiped his own body. He pitched the towel toward the hamper, leading Harper back to the bedroom. When they were beside the bed, Harper handed him lube and a condom, before lying down. Del slid the protection on, then readied Harper quickly. He threw the lube on the bed, then lifted Harper’s ass, lining up and pushing in.
Del closed his eyes. Each time he took Harper, that initial penetration always made his breath catch, and he fought for control. This time was no different.
“Move… Del,” Harper demanded.
He pushed at him, rolling Del beneath him. Del held his hips as he slipped out. Harper held Del’s erection, lowering around him, then riding him in urgent motions.
“Harper,” Del moaned.
Harper clutched tighter, clenching his crease. Del panted, gaze locked on Harper’s face. Harper grimaced, lips slightly parted. His hand jerked his revived erection as he rode Del. Harper puffed out a breath, then came again, spilling his hot liquid on Del’s stomach. Del pulled him down and kissed him. He rolled them, then thrust back into Harper’s hole. Although the need was urgently riding him, Del moved slowly. With steady thrusts, he drove Harper up to the pinnacle again.
“Del,” Harper moaned.
Del covered his lips, swallowing the sound as he came. He moved off Harper, disposed of the condom, then pulled him into his arms.
HARPER CHECKED the titles on the bookcase, then picked one he wanted to read. He approached the couch, pausing and staring at Del where he sat.
“What?” Del placed a finger in his book to hold his place.
“Nothing. Just watching you.” Harper sat, turning sideways, putting his legs on the cushions and relaxing against the armrest.
Del touched his ankle, slid his hand along his calf, then moved Harper’s leg into his lap. Harper placed the other next to the first and Del patted his leg, then returned to his reading. His curly brown hair partially shielded his face. Del pushed a lock behind
his ear with his fingers. Harper sat up abruptly and stood. Del looked at him curiously. Harper forced a smile, then left the room. He walked rapidly, when what he really wanted to do was run. In the family room, he found that corner of the couch he’d sat in so often after Karl died. Crossing his legs below him, Harper rested his head back on the couch.
“We’re in a relationship.” Harper said out loud what had just dawned on him.
“You finally admitted it.”
Del touched his shoulder. Harper rolled his head toward him. Del was eye level with him beside the couch.
“I’m stubborn,” Harper admitted.
“I know.”
“And you just went along with my madness.” Harper smiled.
“Compared to the others we know, it’s safe to say you’re normal.” Del held the armrest. “You were afraid of being hurt.”
Harper was silent, then said softly, “That’s what love is. Facing everything—the good, bad, and sometimes it does hurt.” Harper knelt on the couch facing him. “I love you, Del.”
Del cleared his throat. “I didn’t think you would be able to tell me that so soon. I didn’t know if you ever could. I hoped, but didn’t know.” He put his forehead against Harper’s. “I love you, Harper.”
Harper pressed his lips against Del’s. Del pushed him back, climbing on top of him. Harper wrapped his legs around him, moaning.
“They’re kissing again,” Rey said.
“They do that a lot,” Dar replied.
Del chuckled, moving his head back and glancing at the boys. They had their chins propped up on their hands, which were clasped in a V.
“Who’s ready to go home?” Del asked.
“Yay! This has been the best birthday ever,” Rey said.
“Thanks for our gifts, Del and Uncle Harper.” Dar kissed each of their cheeks.
Rey did the same.
“Go get your things. Sleepover is at our house tonight,” Del said.
The boys ran out of the room.
“Now that they’re seven, do you think they’ll slow down?” Del sat up.
Harper shook his head. “I don’t see those two slowing down until they’re at least fifty. They might stop running everywhere before that.”
“We’ll pick this up later.”
“Definitely.” Harper kissed him briefly. “They have no idea about the party. They thought this is all we would do.” Harper laughed.
“To them, a day with you is the best birthday gift ever.” Del stood, pulling him up.
Twenty minutes later, Harper followed the boys into the house. He and Del exchanged glances, smiling.
“Let’s sit on the back patio for a bit,” Harper said.
He put out his hand, taking Dar’s in his. Del held Rey’s, then reached for Harper’s. Harper clasped Del’s hand, glancing down as he felt the leather band. As always he was captivated by the simple beauty of the braided leather pieces with a flat piece in the center with some sort of writing on it. It wasn’t in any language he had ever seen. Del led them to the kitchen. Harper watched where he was going. At the closed door, they released hands and opened the door.
“Surprise!”
The loud screams made the boys jump. Then they hollered, “A party!”
They hugged Del and Harper. Harper laughed, glancing around the backyard filled with friends and family. Tomas and Gerald brought the huge cake forward, standing before the boys, who went forward to meet them. The seven candles flickered in the late afternoon breeze. Bur and Bernie carried a cake just as huge forward, stopping before Del. Harper placed his hand on the small of Del’s back, guiding him forward.
“Happy one year anniversary of being a dad.” Bernie and Bur said together what was written on the cake.
The sentiment was echoed throughout the backyard.
Del faced Harper, hugging him fiercely. “I love you,” Del whispered. “Only you would think of doing such a thing. Thank you.”
“I’m not done yet. Bring on the gifts.” Harper waved his hand.
Chairs were brought, and he made the boys, as well as Del, sit. Harper stood by Del’s chair as he opened gift after gift. Harper could tell Del was overwhelmed with the outpouring of love. Harper moved behind the boys, who were still ripping paper off gifts. He spotted the final gift for Del being carried forward by Hector and Simon. Harper grabbed a cloth off the table to the left of the door and laid it on the ground. The men turned the painting, then placed the canvas on the cloth. The vivid detail of the portrait showcased those they were celebrating.
“That’s us and Del.” Dar pointed.
“It’s cool,” Rey said.
“But it’s missing Harper.” Del stood, moving beside him. “I want you added to the portrait.” Del looked around. “I can’t believe you did all this for us.”
“Enjoy your and the boys’ special day,” Harper said.
They mingled, laughing and talking. The boys ran around with the other kids, playing and carefree. At the end of the party, they stood in the door, waving at the last of the departing guests.
“See you tomorrow,” Harper said.
“Be good, Rey and Dar. Don’t let them watch any late-night horror movies, Gerald,” Del warned.
“Fine,” Gerald replied.
“’Night!” the boys called.
Gerald and Bur escorted the boys down the driveway and out the walk-through gates. Del closed the door.
“Two men, all alone,” Del intoned.
“Bed, now.” Harper led the way upstairs.
In the bedroom, Harper undressed Del, then himself. He pushed him down to sit on the bed, then back until he was sprawled across it. Kneeling between Del’s spread legs, Harper inhaled his scent.
“Take it,” Del said, cupping his head.
Harper opened his mouth and slid down his erection. Suckling, Harper reveled in Del’s musky taste. Del moaned, arching, holding Harper’s head tightly as he sucked him. Harper cupped his sac, and Del groaned. Sliding his hands under his balls, Harper touched him. Del sat up, pushing him away hard. Harper grunted as he fell over. Shocked, he stared at Del, who was breathing hard, his gaze wild.
“Don’t touch there. It’s dirty.” Del stood rubbing his leather band.
Harper tried to figure out what he had done. “Touch where?”
Del’s expression changed as if he’d pulled on a mask. His gaze went cold, then his face. Harper rose, facing the cold man he had only glimpsed that one time weeks ago in his kitchen.
Harper stood, reaching for him. “Del—”
“I don’t bottom, Harper. Ever.” His tone was vicious.
Harper realized what had caused such an explosive reaction. Del strode toward the window, each step precise and deliberate. Harper followed and stood behind him.
“Tell me about your leather band,” Harper said.
Del glanced over his shoulder, his face contained. “Why? It doesn’t matter now.”
“It matters, Del. It’s eating at you. You play with that damn leather band all the time.”
“It’s to ground me. Make me know….”
“Know what? Talk to me, Del.” Harper reached to touch him, but stopped. “I want to touch you, but I don’t know if it’s welcome.”
“Your touch is always welcome. Just not there.”
“Will you tell me why not there, Del?” Harper asked, even though he didn’t know if he wanted to know.
Suddenly, Del turned, his face still shuttered. “You want to hear what my therapist could never get out of me?” He advanced.
Harper stumbled back.
“Hear all the sordid details I’ve told no one, not even my brothers?” Del stalked toward him, his words biting and short. “Words I’ve never spoken out loud?” Del gripped his shoulder, digging his fingers in, stilling Harper in place before him. “I’m not going to do it! What makes you think you have the right to know my secret?” Del roared.
Harper gripped his forearms, holding him in as tight a grip as Del held him. “T
here’s deep pain beneath that coldness. Stop fighting. Let it out, Del. It’ll eat you alive, make you feel any wrong move will make you shatter. I’ve been there in the depths of it. Rolled around in it. Pulling it around me like it was a blanket and shield against everything in the world.” He met Del’s cold, pale-green gaze, refusing to back down. “Tell me.”
Del gulped, blinking eyes that had started to fill. “Beating me wasn’t enough. They molested me. My parents molested me. And in my memory, I can still smell, taste, hear it, experience the sensations, and see their expressions from that day. I can never forget.”
Del gulped, a harsh sob, and dropped. Harper caught him, cradling him in his arms, rocking him. Tears filled his eyes as he comforted the man he loved.
IN HARPER’S arms, Del fought to get back a semblance of control. Revealing to Harper the one thing he had not told anyone laid him raw, yet he couldn’t even work up the energy to figure out if he was sorry he had. His throat was aching from the sobs. Del gulped, then wiped at his tears. Harper stood, bringing Del to his feet with him. He led Del to the bed and sat him down, then went to the bathroom. Harper was back in moments and sat beside him. With a warm cloth, he gently wiped Del’s face, cleaning the tears, then dried it with another. He placed both on the nightstand, then gripped Del’s hand. Del studied their clasped hands, then the beautiful band of braided rope with the flat piece in the center with writing on it.
“This calms me.” He rubbed the bracelet from the center down the side of the leather braided rope. “I don’t want to tell you the full details about what happened or what they did to me.” He paused, still stroking the item on his wrist. “There’s one thing that they did that stuck with me. They used to tell me that touching there was dirty. Only for me. I was dirty there.”
“Did they….”
“Penetrate me there?” He shook his head. “They would threaten to. It was their favorite taunt, but they never actually did it. When I left, it was because I felt they were getting to that point. The weird thing is, I don’t have a problem touching someone else’s ass, but I allow no one near my own. That bit about it being dirty stuck in my head.” He closed his eyes briefly, then opened them. “Back to why the bracelet calms me. By the time I was at Jerrod’s and feeling safe enough, I went out one night and had my first sexual encounter with a man. Being inside a man for the first time was wonderful. While it was happening, it was great, but after, I bolted back to Jerrod’s. I kept hearing them saying I was dirty there. Only I was dirty there.” Del blew out a breath. “I was sitting in the dark in Jerrod’s backyard when Clarita found me. I didn’t even know anyone else was up. We had a contentious relationship. Namely, I was rude as hell, and she returned it in kind.”
Something in Common (Dreamspinner Press Bundles) Page 59