“At night, when he comes by to fix your car, aren’t you the one who provides him dinner?”
“Well, he is fixing my car, and you’re always telling me to be nice. So I’m practicing. It’s a damn hard thing. B—”
“On the weekends, before you all get together with others, doesn’t he bring you your brand and flavors of your favorite tea? Then you, in turn, have pastries he enjoys, and on our brunch days, you always take him back food.”
“Dante is rubbing off on you.” Alex placed his hand over his heart. “Your Honor, all the things that want-to-act-like-a-lawyer Robert says are true.” He flipped him the bird. “You all really need to get a life. I bet it’s all of you who have been talking about it.” Alex narrowed his eyes. “The bet. No one will tell me what it is.”
“For the millionth time, there is no bet.” Robert shook his head to reiterate what he’d said. “Even Ramirez refuses to come up with a bet.”
“But why?”
“Leslie is a phenomenon that, no matter the outcome, you can’t possibly win or lose on.”
“That makes absolutely no sense,” Alex grumbled. He pulled out a chair, turned it in the direction of the activity going on in the yard, and sat.
Immediately he glanced around and spotted Leslie. As if feeling his scrutiny, Leslie turned his head their way, then smiled before returning to the massive grill he was cooking on.
Robert moved a seat beside Alex and slumped in the chair. “It makes more sense than you being discombobulated because of Leslie.”
“Stop it with the big words. You’re making my head hurt. Let’s just go with confused.”
“Why does he confuse you?” Robert asked.
“Every time I think I have him figured out, he’s nothing like I thought. He’s this opinionated, arrogant idiot who I want to deck when we’re talking about cars. Then he shows me the animals he has in the lot of his garage.”
“You’ve met Hannigan’s mascots.” Robert laughed, then shuddered. “Herman is a big sucker. She’s the sweetest thing, but large. Once she gets to know you, you can try and pet her. Her skin is leathery.”
Alex wasn’t about to get near the iguana to pet it. “That’s what is confusing. He seems so laid-back, but there is this intensity to him that….”
Alex stretched out his legs and crossed them before placing his laced fingers over his stomach. He studied Leslie, who blocked Miguel from taking the tongs from him. Miguel countered by getting another set from the table, and the two of them started to duel with them.
“You find him intriguing.” Robert’s words recalled his attention.
Alex nodded, then went back to observing Leslie.
“Exploring fascinating things is fun,” Robert said. Then he yelled, “Not the chest, Leslie! It’s one of my favorite parts of my partner!”
“You’re blushing, Robin.” Alex chuckled.
“Hush. You blush too.”
“Not as easy as you do. Here comes your partner.” Alex dipped his head, glancing at his watch. “There’s only half an hour until Harper, Del, and the boys get here.”
“We’re not doing anything.” Robert stood.
Miguel closed in and pulled him into his arms, winking at Alex before leading Robert away. Alex could hear Robert arguing with Miguel that they couldn’t go anywhere as they moved out of view. Leslie joined Alex and held out a beer. He accepted and took a deep drink as Leslie sat in the seat Robert had vacated. They didn’t speak as they drank their beverages. Alex was getting used to their comfortable silences. At the thought, he stood, stretching, and went to help out where he could. He also needed to put some space between him and the man who was as tempting as he was off-limits.
HOURS LATER, Alex listened as Leslie described and showed him his car collection. It was impressive, yet Alex couldn’t fully focus on it. Throughout the party the conversation with Robert had made him think too much. It also seemed as if every time he turned around, Leslie was in close proximity to him. When Leslie wasn’t near, Alex sought him out. His contradictory feeling of wanting Leslie far away, yet still longing for him to be close, was not at all like him. Alex finally could admit to himself he did find Leslie fascinating. Doing that had made his mind go to the attraction he was trying to deny.
Leslie stopped beside another car. “And this is the Cuda. The one I took apart when I was nine.”
Alex walked around the car, appreciating the shiny black color with red designs down the side. He stopped at the hood. Leslie retrieved a cloth, then moved to the car and wiped the windshield, then down the side. When he was done, he stroked his hand along the area.
“We can go for a ride. Thi—”
As Leslie turned, Alex stepped close and grabbed his head, kissing him. He parted his lips, opening Leslie’s with his, and stroked his tongue inside. Leslie slid his hands around Alex’s waist, pulling him against his frame. Alex rubbed against him, groaning as their cloth-covered erections rubbed along each other. Leslie made a guttural sound that vibrated in his mouth. Alex slid his tongue along the inside of Leslie’s mouth, then slowly released him from their kiss. Leslie’s eye color had deepened, and his breathing was harsh.
“Ale—”
“Shut up.” Alex looked around. “Do you have anything we can use in here?”
Leslie slid his hand into his pocket and pulled out a condom and a small packet of lube.
“Sure of yourself.” Alex reached for them.
Leslie held his fingers. “Hopeful. Alex, I meant what I said.” He released him.
Alex inclined his head, then tugged him behind him until they were at the hood. He placed the lube and the condom on the metal. He quickly opened Leslie’s jeans, then pushed them and his boxers down. He cupped his hand over Leslie’s erection. Alex bit gently along the underside of his jaw as he tugged up and down his cock.
“Alex.” Leslie pumped into Alex’s semi-closed fist.
Alex nuzzled into Leslie’s hair, then licked his ear and played with his piercing. Leslie gripped his forearms while he rocked his hips into his touch.
“In me, now.” Leslie nipped his lip, then kissed him thoroughly.
“When I’m ready.” Alex rubbed his thumb along the mushroomed head of Leslie’s shaft.
Leslie moaned, then gritted his teeth.
“I want you to lose control, Leslie. You’re always so controlled,” Alex whispered.
Leslie glanced at him, surprise plain on his face.
“You didn’t think I noticed? You come across as uncontrolled, but you know exactly everything you’re doing. It looks like madness and seems to have no rhyme or reason. But you’re always in control.” Alex kissed him hard, then spoke again. “When you’re with me, I want you to let it go.”
Leslie shuddered and his body relaxed. Alex smiled and kissed him gently as he felt that lanky body press more firmly into his. With lazy swipes, he coaxed Leslie’s tongue into his mouth, sucking on it while he continued jerking Leslie’s cock. Alex moaned, then pulled away, watching his hand wrapped around the thick shaft. Alex tried to open his jeans with his free hand. Leslie pushed his away, taking over. In moments, he was free of the constricting fabric. Alex shook as Leslie’s warm fingers covered his erection and tugged firmly. He locked his knees together, pumping his hips.
“You like control too, Alex. When it’s my turn, I’m going to make you lose it.” Leslie kissed him, then stepped back.
Alex removed his hold from Leslie’s cock and grabbed his own, sliding his hand back and forth. Leslie turned, bracing his palms on the hood of the car. Alex retrieved the condom, sheathed his erection, and coated it with lube. He stepped closer, widening Leslie’s stance, then readied him before placing his hand over Leslie’s on the hood, pushing into his heat in one thrust.
“Alex,” Leslie groaned.
Alex pushed in and pulled out in a fast rhythm. Leslie turned his hands, gripping Alex’s as he rocked back, moving against him. Alex lowered his head to Leslie’s shoulder, snapping his hips q
uicker. Leslie’s breathing increased, along with his grip.
“Harder… faster… Alex….” Leslie continued in a demanding tone.
Alex pumped, moaning as his sac went tight. Suddenly, Leslie stiffened, then whimpered. Alex pushed against his back, flattening him on the car as he thrust, then came. Alex tried to move, but realized he couldn’t. When he was finally able to, Alex pulled out, holding the condom, which he then disposed of. Leslie turned to face him, then gripped the back of his head and kissed him before stepping back. He had the wicked grin and look in his eyes that Alex could admit he enjoyed seeing. Leslie toed off his sneakers, kicked off his jeans, then stood in only his T-shirt and socks.
“Get rid of them and let’s go to the house.” Leslie gestured to Alex’s jeans.
“Even if your house is a little back from the road, we can’t walk across your driveway to the front door naked. What if one of your neighbors is walking by?”
“We can’t? Now, that’s a challenge I will someday get you to do. But not today. We’re not going across the driveway. Get rid of the shoes and jeans.”
Alex was curious as he removed the items, retrieved his cell phone, and put it in his shirt pocket. Leslie pivoted, and Alex followed his fine ass as he strode behind the Cuda and then out an open door. When Alex exited, he realized he was in a tinted glass-enclosed walkway. They followed it until they came to a door that opened into a hallway. Leslie grabbed his hand and hurried them through the living room and to the steps leading to the upper floor. At the stairs, they went to the right to a door at the end of the hall. Leslie pulled it open and kissed him hungrily, manhandling him inside. Alex walked backward as Leslie advanced. Leslie stopped kissing him and reached for Alex’s shirt.
Alex remembered his phone. “One sec.” He took it out of his pocket.
Leslie stared as Alex typed something on his phone. Exasperated, he gripped Alex’s cock and tugged. Alex moaned, moving into his hold, but still texting.
“Who can you possibly need to be texting at this time?” He moved his hand firmly.
“I have plans in the morning. Canceling them.” Alex glanced at him. “I’m spending the night.”
Leslie smiled at the statement because Alex said it so fiercely. “I was planning on it.”
He reached for the phone. Alex resisted a moment, then pressed another button and let it go.
“Now, where were we?” Alex hugged him, kissing him, then smirked. “Move it, Hannigan. You’re supposed to make me lose control.”
Leslie removed his shirt, and Alex did the same. He thought of the socks but decided to leave them. Leslie opened the nightstand drawer, then retrieved a condom and lube and threw them on the bed. He pushed Alex back, moving him until he was situated where he wanted him to be. Leslie knelt between his spread legs and watched him.
“I’ve been curious about something.”
“What?” Alex pumped his erection, staring at Leslie.
“I’ve heard that you blush, but I haven’t seen it.”
“I do, but not as easily as Robin or Bernie.” Alex cupped his balls, kneading them.
“Another challenge.” Leslie moved back and touched the tip of Alex’s big toe. “Do you know the one thing I love about restoring cars?”
“You want to talk about cars?” Alex stared at him in disbelief.
Leslie didn’t answer. Instead, he showed him. He rubbed along Alex’s toes, then up and down, until he touched all of them. Leslie moved to the top of Alex’s socks and ran his callused fingers along the skin.
“We can play footsy later. Come fuck me.” Alex flexed his foot.
“Hush. I’m indulging in one of my favorite things.” Leslie scraped his nails along Alex’s ankle. “I’ve wanted to touch your skin for the longest while.”
“Hmmm… I imagined you would be more oral than tactile.” Alex ran his hands along the tops of his thighs.
“I enjoy that too.” Leslie continued his exploration.
Alex shifted under his touch. Leslie gently moved his hands along the insides of Alex’s thighs. Slowly he touched Alex, enjoying the different textures of his skin. Alex moved under his ministrations, restless on the bed. Alex grabbed Leslie’s hand and placed it on his cock.
“Please… Leslie.” Alex’s face was flushed and his eyes looked glazed.
Leslie reached for the condom, put it on, then added some lube before touching Alex’s crease. Alex pushed against his probing fingers. Leslie smoothed his thumb over the puckered opening, then pushed in. Alex moaned, arching, yanking urgently on his cock.
“Don’t come… wait… I want in….” Leslie dropped over him, then pushed in.
Alex clenched around him, making him groan. Leslie thrust slowly, although the need coursing through him wanted him to go fast. He resisted, moving in a glide, in and out. Each motion made Alex’s breath hitch, and then he groaned. Alex blinked his curly lashes, briefly covering his now smoky-gray gaze.
“Leslie… move… faster.” Alex gripped Leslie’s ass, pulling him closer, moving under him.
Leslie’s control disappeared, and he thrust wildly. In moments, he stiffened, rocking as pleasure overcame him. Alex grunted, and his seed sprayed against Leslie’s stomach. Leslie collapsed against his frame, then moved his forehead against the side of Alex’s neck, kissing it gently. Alex gripped his hair, turning his head, and he kissed him fiercely, then gentled the caress before releasing him. Leslie shifted off his body, disposing of the condom, then pulled the covers over, moving Alex until he lay against his chest. Leslie yawned. The bed dipped.
“What’s that?” Alex asked sleepily.
“Probably Cuda. I can tell him to get down.”
“That’s okay.” Alex started to snore softly.
Leslie closed his eyes, inhaling deeply, then went to sleep.
Chapter Five
A SOUND penetrated his fog of sleep, and he opened his lids. “What—”
“It’s the doorbell,” Alex replied, lifting his head and looking at the clock, then at him. “It’s six o’clock in the morning.” Alex rolled over and snuggled deeper into the covers.
The incessant ringing of the doorbell came again. Leslie rubbed his eyes, groaning, then moved behind Alex, cuddling against his back.
“I’m not expecting anyone. They’ll go away.” Leslie nuzzled the side of his neck.
Alex rolled over, moving against him as he kissed him. “Morning.”
The bell continued to ring in quick succession.
“No one I know would be crazy enough to ring my bell like that.” Leslie frowned. “We should go check.”
“Uh-uh. It’s your house. I’ll be here when you get back. H—” He stopped speaking at the sound of The Twilight Zone theme. Alex picked up his cell and answered. “Ar… wait… what… Ro….”
Leslie was curious who it was. Alex was scowling and interjecting, but not getting any actual words out. He sighed and pressed the screen, then looked at Leslie.
“Do you have a room we could use for kickboxing?”
Not sure why he was asking, Leslie replied, “Sure. I have a home gym downstairs.”
“Good. When you get dressed, come down.” Alex kissed him, then slid out of the bed.
Leslie sat up, pushing his hair back out of his face. “Come down where?”
“To the gym. That’s where we’ll be setting up.” Alex put his hands on his hips. “Crap. We left my pants in the garage.” He shrugged. “Oh well. Not like they haven’t seen me naked before.” Alex walked to the door.
“Wait, Alex. Where are you going? Who is ‘we’, and what will you be setting up?”
“To the gym. Saturday mornings I usually have a kickboxing session with the Berkus brothers. I texted them, but the rat Robin told them where I was. Aristotle finally looked at the pictures Robin took of your house and decided to invite himself over.” Alex paused before the door, glancing back at him. “I should warn you. Sometimes it gets a little bloody when we kickbox.”
The do
orbell started ringing in quick succession again.
“I’m coming!” Alex screamed.
“They can’t hear you from here,” Leslie pointed out, then sighed. “I wanted to wake up and have sex, not have guests.” Leslie swung his legs off the side of the bed. “Maybe if we ignore them, they’ll go away.”
The bell came again, and then the cell rang.
“I better get down there before they break in.”
“Excuse me.” Leslie frowned. “Wait a minute. Miguel was mad last night about some pictures. He was complaining that he had warned Robert’s brothers not to break into his house.”
“Alex, get your butt down here!” a voice bellowed.
Leslie’s eyes widened, and then he laughed. “Oh man. I’ve got to get better acquainted with the Berkus brothers. I’m good at getting into cars, but houses, not so much.”
“Only you would be interested in being a part of their larceny.” Alex went out the door, then yelled, “Aristotle, stop right there!”
“Alex, you’re naked,” a deep voice said in the hall.
“You woke us up.”
“Hmph. Is he in there?” another voice asked.
“Yes. Come on, guys. He’s naked,” Alex stated.
“Not like we don’t have the same equipment,” a third voice joined in.
“Robin, stop laughing and help me.”
The bedroom door opened and three men came in. Leslie had seen them in passing a few times before, but all together, the men were formidable. Even though Leslie was six foot one, the three Berkus brothers towered over him. Dante he knew casually through his being a partner in Hector’s law firm. Lawrence and Aristotle he didn’t really know.
Aristotle crossed his arms over his chest. “You should open your door when people come to visit.”
“Visitors usually get invited, or at least call first,” Leslie retorted.
He stood and strolled toward the men. Alex pushed between the men, and Robert followed him. Immediately Robert blushed when he saw Leslie’s nakedness. Leslie grinned.
“We left a bag with some clothes for you downstairs, Alex,” Robert said, avoiding looking at him, then finally did before leaving the room.
Something in Common (Dreamspinner Press Bundles) Page 67