Someone to Bank on

by Carson Wescot

  Whoa, rein it in, Rushton, he told himself. Maybe Grant is just interested in equal rights and sexy underwear and isn’t gay after all. Maybe today would be the last day he would ever see him. But no, even if Grant was straight, he would still need help until that cast came off. And Bobby could only hope he would be the one that the man would continue to turn to in his time of need. If so, he was prepared to provide whatever he wanted.

  Yes, whatever he wanted. Absolutely anything.

  Not wanting to embarrass Grant with his premature arrival while he was still bare-ass naked, Bobby found a reasonably clean lightweight blanket in the bedroom and quietly covered up his former co-worker, intending to let him sleep as long as he wanted to. He then went to the kitchen to take a few sips of coffee and surveyed the situation in the harsh morning light. It was grim indeed. The kitchen alone – small as it was – would take a good hour to clean up. Grant had not only run out of food, but obviously clean dishes to eat off as well.

  Not wanting to make any noise just yet, he wandered into the bedroom and started stripping the sheets off the bed, wondering when they had last been laundered. One glance at Grant’s bedside reading matter confirmed his suspicions. Grant’s sexual orientation was definitely the same as his. Any uncertainty in Bobby’s mind about that had finally been cleared up by the evidence, much to his considerable interest and relief.

  The only downside to seeing the man’s “literature” stash was the absence of any pictures of guys of Bobby’s age. Grant seemed to be into men his age or older. However, that had not stopped him from openly admiring Bobby’s body last night, and he took comfort in that realization. He also took comfort in the fact that Grant – like himself – was probably not attached to anyone. If so, he wouldn’t have called him at work for help, would he?

  There was so much more that Bobby wanted to learn about this mysterious man – the cool, elegant Grant Collins. As he put one of the magazines back down on the nightstand and returned to stripping the bed, Bobby was suddenly aware that he was no longer alone in the room.

  “Here a little early, aren’t you, Bobby? I thought you were coming at 9.”

  Standing in the doorway wrapped in his blanket and leaning on his crutches, Grant looked mildly irritated, and Bobby felt suddenly uncomfortable with that.

  “Hi, Grant. I woke up early and finished my errands before I thought I would. Sorry if I woke you – I was trying to be quiet.”

  “I don’t remember going to bed with this blanket. Did you put it on me this morning?”

  “Yes – I thought you looked cold lying there.”

  “What are you doing in here? Checking out my choice of reading matter?”

  Feeling his cheeks turning red and his pits sweating, Bobby evaded the question. “I just thought I’d strip your bed first so I can get these sheets washed up for you, in case you’d like to lie down while I work. Which way is the laundry room?”

  “Down in the basement. Here – you can use this laundry basket. The laundry soap is under the bathroom sink, and there’s a pile of quarters for the machines in a bowl by the front door.”

  Grant’s tone wasn’t warming up a bit, and Bobby searched for a way to lighten the mood.

  “I’ll be right back up after I put these sheets in the washer, and we can have some coffee and a breakfast sandwich I brought in – and a bakery item we can split. You want that blanket washed, too?”

  “Maybe later. It’s all I’ve got to wear at the moment – until you get my clothes washed. That is, unless you want to keep me naked all day.”

  Finally a little smile broke out on Grant’s face. Maybe all the man needed was a little coffee to jump-start him. Bobby sighed with relief at the break in the tension.

  “Don’t go away – I’ll be right back.”

  “Where would I go dressed like this?”

  Bobby laughed. “I can’t imagine. Maybe if I’m lucky the machines will all be out of order and you will have to stay naked all day.”

  “You wish! Get your ass in gear while I warm up the coffee in the microwave. I like it hot.”

  “I’m sure you do, Grant. I’m sure you do,” Bobby quipped, raising his eyebrows and hoping the day with the older man would continue to play out better than it had started.

  Except for an occasional hobble to the bathroom, Grant seldom strayed from his couch all day. The TV was on, but it seemed to Bobby that Grant was keeping a close eye on him as he worked to make the apartment habitable once again. He felt the man’s eyes on his every movement. He was glad the tank top and tight-fitting shorts he had chosen this morning were getting some attention – even though he’d been wearing much less at one point last night. Although slender, Bobby had a good upper body that showed well in tank tops. He knew he looked hot, and Grant’s eye contact seemed to confirm his suspicions that he thought so, too.

  Grant hadn’t seemed to hurry him away from the breakfast table, and they also had a long, leisurely lunch at 1 o’clock. Bobby was grateful for that, not only because he’d been on his feet all morning, but also because it gave him a chance to talk to Grant and get to know him better.

  The two found that they had more in common than they realized. They were both children of successful Southern parents who loved their sons but gave them plenty of space to do and be what they wanted. Grant had graduated with a degree in business from the University of Kentucky ten years ago, while Bobby had just finished a degree in economics and history from Browland College there in Nashville only two months ago.

  Now that Bobby was sure that Grant was gay, he dropped enough hints about his own sexuality that Grant couldn’t possibly suspect otherwise of him. He also told him about living with Rodney and how it wasn’t going so well. Grant mentioned having had a few flaky “roommates” when he was younger, without tipping his hand about whether there was anything intimate about any of those arrangements. While the older man was fairly talkative, he revealed himself slowly, letting out bits of information but hardly baring his soul.

  By 4 o’clock, Bobby had washed all the dishes, the sheets and towels, and all of Grant’s clothing, as well as mopped the kitchen floor, run the vacuum, and dusted. The tub, toilet, and sink were again sparkling, and the kitchen would have passed any health inspection. Grant was duly impressed. But for some reason he didn’t seem to want to part with that blanket and get dressed, despite the warm temps of the day.

  Bobby hated the idea of leaving, but he honestly was straining to find things to do by 4, and Grant had not suggested that he should either stay or leave.

  “What’s with that lady across the hall, Grant? Almost every time I went down to the laundry room she opened her door and tried to peek in here.”

  “Oh, that’s just Doris, my nosy neighbor. Don’t let her engage you in conversation, or she’ll never quit. She needs to get a life.”

  “Why didn’t you ask her for help?”

  “There would be too many strings attached, my friend. I’d never get rid of her.”

  “You’re having a hard time getting rid of me, in case you hadn’t noticed.”

  “Have you noticed me trying to? Doris can’t compete with the likes of you. Who do you think is easier on the eyes?”

  “I’ll take that as a compliment,” Bobby teased, pleased that Grant seemed not to want him gone just yet. “How about another bath before I go? You could use a shave, too, you know. How long has it been?”

  “Not too long – two or three days maybe. Another bath sounds good. You sure you’re not too tired for that?”

  “I told you I was yours for the whole day, buddy. Your wish is my command.”

  “Well, actually…you know what I’d really like?”

  “No, what’s that?” The way Grant was looking at him, he knew it would likely be something they would both enjoy. Here it comes, he thought, but it wasn’t what he expected.

  “You ever done any massage? My back is killing me from sitting around here all the time – and from sleeping on this damn couch la
st night.”

  “Can’t say that I have, but there’s a first time for everything. Do you mind if I take a quick shower first? I feel kind of grungy after working all day.”

  “Why don’t you just go soak in the tub for a while? Get yourself all relaxed. Then you can work on my back, and we’ll figure out what to have for dinner – that is, if you’re willing to stay.”

  Bobby would’ve been willing to stay for the rest of his life, but he’d settle for the plan that Grant had just laid out. There certainly wasn’t any reason to hurry home to the likes of Rodney, who no doubt would have a crowd of his redneck friends over on Saturday night. No, he wanted to stay with Grant for as long as he felt welcome. So far he did.

  “Sure – let me run some bathwater and get undressed. You want to come and sit with me while I’m in the tub?” he grinned, aware that Grant hadn’t yet seen him completely nude.

  “Yeah, your ass is probably cute, but I think I’ll just wait for you on the bed. Take your time, but don’t do anything in there I wouldn’t do.”

  Grant turned off the TV and made his way into the bedroom while Bobby turned on the tub water and covered the drain so it would fill.

  He happily sank into the hot water, instantly agreeing with Grant that it was far more relaxing than a shower would have been. He closed his eyes and felt happy about the way the day had gone so far, although frankly it had been a lot of hard work. His cock lengthened and floated languidly in the warm water as he thought about the massage he was about to give the mysterious Mr. Collins in the next room, and he smiled with anticipation.

  CHAPTER 5

  For a few minutes the only sound in the apartment was an occasional drip from the tub faucet into Bobby’s warm bathwater as he soaked in it. He loved the feel of the water enveloping his tired body as he washed himself in the very place where he had washed Grant the night before.

  Twenty minutes later, his bathwater cooling, Bobby got out and dried himself with one of the many fluffy towels he’d laundered that day. He inhaled the fresh scent of it. His body was tired, but all his senses were alive and on high alert.

  There was a full-length mirror in the hallway just outside the open bathroom door, and Bobby could see himself in it as he dried off. It was at the same time exciting and a little unnerving to him being naked in Grant’s place for the first time, but he liked the feeling. It was just something that he was going to have to get used to – he hoped anyway. Somehow it felt right, even though 48 hours ago he wouldn’t have even imagined the possibility.

  Grant hadn’t bothered dressing all day – even when he finally had freshly clean clothes to put on – so Bobby expected to find him still wrapped in that silly blanket when he walked from the bathroom to Grant’s bedroom. Not having any clean underwear to put on, Bobby himself decided to remain nude and see how that would be received. Still half stiff, his cock swayed prominently as he made his way to Grant’s bed.

  Grant had tossed the blanket aside and was lying face down and nude on his bed. He was facing away from the door, so Grant didn’t see him come in. Bobby took the opportunity to file away yet another mental snapshot of the man’s perfect body.

  “Ready for your massage, big boy?”

  “More than ready, believe me. There’s some massage oil there on the nightstand. Straddle my butt and go to work on my back. Don’t be afraid to use a lot of pressure.”

  As Bobby assumed the requested position, his hardening cock briefly came into contact with Grant’s ass, sending jolts through both their bodies. Not realizing until then that Bobby was naked – but pleased that he was – Grant reacted by tensing his buttocks but not saying anything. He was silently thrilled that Bobby felt comfortable enough with him to be similarly unattired.

  Bobby hadn’t done massage before, but he followed his instincts and tried to do what he thought would feel good if done to him. Grant responded with grateful moans as Bobby’s hands worked their unpracticed magic on him.

  “Ahhh…baby boy…that’s sooo good – keep it up.”

  “How did you know it was up – you can’t see me from that angle,” Bobby quipped.

  “Very funny. I thought I hired a masseur, not a comedian. Just be careful where you stick that thing.”

  “Mmm, you take your chances when you leave your ‘back door’ open.”

  The negative tension that Bobby had felt when Grant woke up that morning and discovered him in his bedroom had long since dissipated, and he didn’t want the good feelings to end. He was growing quite comfortable around his former co-worker and hoped that the feeling was mutual. He was also feeling very attracted to the older man, but he didn’t want to come on too strong in case Grant wanted to be “just friends.” He decided it was best to bide his time and let Grant take the lead.

  Grant eventually fell asleep during his back massage – something that Bobby wasn’t initially aware of. When he realized that Grant was no longer responding to his occasional banter, Bobby decided to get up and put his clothes back on – sans underwear. He covered the man with a sheet and went to see what he could whip up for dinner. He managed to pull together a decent meal from the limited ingredients in the apartment and went back to the bedroom to see if Grant was awake yet. He was. In fact, he was sitting on the edge of his bed and slipping on a pair of boxers and a T-shirt. He saw Bobby enter the room.

  “Do I smell something cooking?”

  “You bet. Are you hungry?”

  “Getting that way. I didn’t expect you to do that for me, too. Are you going to join me?”

  “Well, I just happened to fix enough for two.”

  “Good – I was kind of hoping you’d stick around, but I suppose there’s a limit to what you’re willing to do around here in one day for just $100.”

  “Well, the meter is running, but I think there’s still a few dollars left in your account.”

  “You’ve been here for over nine hours now, Bobby – not to mention all the errands you ran for me before you got here. You’re starting to work for slave wages.”

  “Not a problem for me. Let me eat with you and throw in a beer or two and I’m yours till…well, whenever you get tired of me. I told you about Rodney and his obnoxious buddies, so you know I don’t have much to look forward to back home tonight.”

  “Let’s talk about that over dinner. I have a proposal for you.”

  That stoked Bobby’s curiosity, but he kept it in check while he put dinner on the table and opened a couple of cold beers. Grant wolfed it down like a man who hadn’t eaten all day. Pushing back his chair, he looked over at Bobby, who was still finishing his meal.

  “Bobby, I can’t tell you how much I appreciate everything you’ve done for me in the past 24 hours. You’ve exceeded all my expectations and met my every need – well, the ones you can meet, that is. If you have the time, you could top it off with a trip to the drugstore for me.”

  “Sure. What do you need?” Bobby asked, wondering which “needs” the man felt that he couldn’t meet. He’d be more than happy to try to meet them all, given the chance.

  “Well, I could use a bottle of super-strength aspirin, the largest bag of peanut M&M’s that you can find, and a toothbrush.”

  “A toothbrush? Don’t you already have one?”

  “Yes, I do, but I need a second one – for you. I want you to stay overnight here and spend tomorrow with me – or as much of it as you’re comfortable with. I hate being alone, and you’ve been like a breath of fresh air around here. What do you say? I’ll give you another $40 – for a little more work, that is – including another bath tonight.”

  Grant smiled expectantly, obviously hoping for a yes answer. Thrilled with Grant’s proposal, Bobby paused a moment to consider how to respond.

  “There’s nothing I’d like more. I don’t want to leave just yet myself. But you don’t have to pay me any more cash. It’d be enough just to share your meals with you tomorrow – as well as a few of those M&M’s. Maybe I’d let you treat us to a movie or somethi
ng tomorrow afternoon, if you’re feeling up to getting out. Deal?”

  “You got it, kid. I should get out of these four walls before they swallow me up. I don’t suppose you’d do the dishes, too, would you?” he smiled.

  Bobby wadded up a napkin and threw it at him.

  “You drive a hard bargain, man. But you do realize I’ll have to wear these same clothes tomorrow.”

  “That’s something we’ll just have to deal with. Hmm, I bet you’re going commando there aren’t you, my friend? I saw your undies on the bathroom floor. I can loan you a pair of clean briefs to put on – if I can find a pair small enough for that 29-inch waist of yours. I think I still have some that I wore when I was skinny like you. As far as I’m concerned, that’s all you need to wear around here. You can see that I don’t wear much else either.”

  “Yeah, I’ve noticed that. It works for me,” Bobby replied.

  Grant was in his usual position watching TV on the couch when Bobby returned from the drugstore with the requested goods. They watched a program together and then went through the same bathing ritual as the night before, except that Bobby felt comfortable enough by now to do it naked. He didn’t have any briefs on now anyway, so there were none to take off.

  The sexual tension was palpable now, but Grant still hadn’t made a move on him. Bobby was starting to wonder why. Was he too young for him? Worse, was there someone else in his life?

  After they dried each other off, Bobby helped Grant on with a clean pair of boxers. Still naked, Bobby stood next to Grant’s bureau while he rummaged through it to find something for the younger man to wear. Seeming to take his sweet time about it, Grant watched the boy try on three pair of his old briefs before they found one that didn’t fall off his narrow hips. They were powder blue with a white elastic waistband in a Y-front style, cut high on the sides.