“Can I take your coat? Get you a drink?” Leo was behind him asking questions. “Are you cold?”
Jack shook his head. “I’m fine.” He smiled and sat down on the arm of the two-seater couch. “Rented?” he asked.
“No, no. All mine, well, the bank’s until the mortgage is paid. A good few years before that happens.” Leo laughed as he took off his coat. “Did you want anything else to eat?” He rubbed the back of his neck as he stood in front of Jack, clearly looking for something to distract him from the bouts of silence they found themselves slipping into.
“The pizza was enough.” Jack breathed in deeply and looked up at Leo. “Honestly, I’m all good.”
“Cool.” Leo winced at the word and came to sit on the farthest cushion on the couch. “Do you have your own place?” He quickly returned to the previous conversation.
“I rent a room from Abe,” Jack said. It wasn’t so much a lie as an exaggeration. He had stayed at Abe’s now and then, usually for one of two reasons: he had overdone it and needed to rest after a day of tricks and fun, or he was in desperate need of being reminded what it was to be human and to be around people. Despite what he might say or how he acted sometimes, Jack didn’t want to be alone. He didn’t want to be one of the Frosts who woke one day and realized how twisted he had become and how far from human he really was.
When Jack lifted his head, he noted how Leo was studying him. The man was clearly curious about where Jack’s head was at. “Sorry,” Jack said. Now was not the time to get caught up in such thoughts, because right now, he wasn’t alone.
“Are you sure I can’t get you anything?”
Getting to his feet, Jack removed his coat and hung it over the back of the couch. He didn’t answer Leo’s question; instead he examined the tall bookcases either side of the television. “That’s a lot of movies.”
Leo laughed. “It’s an addiction, I think.”
Stepping forward, Jack studied the titles. “How many times have you watched these?”
“I’ve lost count. They’re kind of my go-to movies when I just want something easy to watch.”
“Cartoons and horror flicks.” Jack tilted his head and ran his finger along the spines of the ordered Disney movies. He stopped when he reached the copy of Tarzan. “Number thirty-seven.” He read off the number on the spine of the DVD case.
“Tarzan,” Leo chimed from behind him.
Jack screwed up his mouth as he moved back through the films. “Twenty-five?”
Leo looked up at the ceiling for a moment and then stated, “The Black Cauldron.”
“Nine?”
“That’s cheating. I don’t own that one. It was one of the ones made up of short animations.”
“Fair enough.” Jack cast his gaze over the rows of DVDs. “So, what got you addicted to kids’ movies?” He shifted his attention to the second bookcase and the array of models sitting on the higher shelves. Carefully, he picked up what he recognized as Pinocchio. The model was a version of the marionette with the ears and tail of a donkey.
“Him, actually.”
“I thought Tarzan was your favorite?”
Leo held out his hand, indicating for Jack to hand him the model. Taking it, Leo smiled. “Yeah, but he was kind of my first.” He laughed as he glanced up at Jack. “I remember it because it’s not about princes and true love’s first kiss, which are great, but a hard thing to live up to.” He pressed his mouth in a line and swallowed, averting his eyes. “I liked that it was about being brave, honest, true, that things can turn out okay even if you are a little naughty. It made me believe in magic and a fair few stars were wished upon. Though the donkey thing?” He held up the model. “That scene scared the crap out of me as a kid.”
Smiling, Jack took the model back and returned him to his position on the bookcase beside his conscience, a model of Jiminy Cricket. “Anything to do with why you work for a toy-making company?” He made his way over to the couch and sat down beside Leo.
“Never thought about that really. Maybe.” His face brightened when he smiled. “Though if I’m honest with you, I’m more in the marketing side of things.”
“And here I was imagining you carving train sets all through December.” Jack grinned as he teased Leo. He rested his elbow on the arm of the couch and gently smoothed the back of his hand over the line of his jaw. He noted the length of his facial hair, one of the few things that had continued to change over time. His mind was drifting, and he scratched at the soft stubble, regaining his focus.
“I’ll have that drink now,” he decided.
“Sure. Coffee? Juice? I think I have some beers in.”
It didn’t really matter what Jack drank, the effect would be the same. “Could I just have a glass of water?”
“Of course.” Leo stood and headed for a door behind them that Jack figured was the kitchen.
With Leo gone, Jack continued his appraisal of the living room. The space, though small, seemed to have plenty crammed into it; the couch divided the room. Tucked into the corner behind him was a round dining table and four chairs. A further unit sat against the wall, between the table and the door to the kitchen. On top of the unit sat an eclectic mix of picture frames, holding photographs of who Jack assumed were Leo’s family: mother, father, sister. Then a collage of pictures of Leo and Mac, some of Ruby and Nathan, and some faces Jack didn’t recognize.
“I’ll need to have a purge.”
Jack glanced at Leo. “What?”
“The pictures.” Leo handed Jack a glass.
“Ah.” Jack nursed the glass to his chest. “You two are definitely over, then?”
Leo gave a slow nod as he sipped the water he’d poured for himself. “Definitely.”
Making a decision, Jack placed his drink on the floor by the side of the couch. “In that case, you won’t mind if I do this.” He held Leo’s gaze for a moment, then leaned forward. Maybe he’d regret it, maybe Leo would push him away in the end, but right then, all Jack wanted to do was to kiss Leo. And he did.
The kiss was gentle, short soft pecks as he waited to see what Leo’s reaction might be. When the rejection he feared never came, he dared to put strength behind the kiss, to press his lips firmly to Leo’s, and to reach out, tracing his fingertips over the skin of Leo’s neck. Jack closed his eyes, focusing on the kiss so as to distract himself from what it was he didn’t feel as he stroked Leo’s neck and ran his fingers through the short curls of his blond hair. Leo was there and solid and kissing him back, but what Jack kept coming back to was how he longed to really feel Leo there with him, to feel the warmth of another person.
Maybe Leo sensed Jack’s attention had shifted or maybe he wasn’t as ready as he had claimed to be about moving on, but suddenly his hand was between them as he ended the kiss.
Jack pulled away, allowing Leo to sit back. He waited as Leo downed his glass of water, then mirrored Jack’s earlier move of resting it on the floor.
“I’m sorry,” Jack ventured. “I didn’t mean to—”
“You didn’t?” Leo smiled as he interrupted.
“If you’re not ready. I mean… We don’t have to do anything you’re not ready for.”
Leo’s smile widened. “You really are a nice guy.”
“I guess I have my moments.” He reached out, taking Leo’s hands in his. He circled his thumbs over Leo’s skin, noting how Leo visibly shivered from his touch. Abe was always quick to remind him he was a good person despite his trickery. Jack wasn’t so sure. He had hurt people. He’d hurt Leo.
“What’s wrong?”
Jack shook his head. “Nothing.” He met Leo’s eyes, but soon it was Leo who looked away, his gaze seemingly falling to Jack’s mouth. There was a hint of mischief on Leo’s lips as the corner of his mouth curled upward, then he was leaning into Jack’s space. They met in another kiss.
“I’m ready,” Leo whispered against Jack’s lips. He got to his feet, and keeping hold of Jack’s hand, gently pulled on his arm.
Jack rose
to his feet. He studied the soft lines of Leo’s face. Though Leo was a good-looking man, it was the youthful innocence about him, a warmth, a sweetness that intrigued Jack. Jack longed to feel like that. He was weary, tired of feeling only bitterness and cold. His hand was still in Leo’s. Tightening his grip, he pulled Leo close. Leo’s eyes brightened with lust and expectation. Well, if Leo was sure, then what the hell, right? He was tired of dwelling on the past. Maybe Abe was right, and he should try living for now, make connections, and let people in.
They met in a firm kiss. Jack ran his free hand over the top of Leo’s arm, massaging his shoulder and gently smoothing his thumb over Leo’s collarbone. Suddenly, Leo had his hand around the back of Jack’s head and threaded his fingers through Jack’s hair. The kiss intensified. Jack closed his eyes, desperate to feel something.
* * * * *
Leo fumbled with the buttons of Jack’s shirt. He sighed into the kiss as he found skin and pushed his hands firmly beneath the material. “Bedroom, yeah?” he said breathlessly, pulling away for a moment.
“Yeah,” Jack agreed.
Grinning, Leo put space between them as he took off his T-shirt. Discarding the item of clothing, he moved in for more kisses, pulling at Jack’s clothes as he encouraged him toward the bedroom.
The moment was hurried and messy. Leo kicked away his shoes before reaching for Jack’s belt. Excitement tightened his chest as he pulled at the waistband of Jack’s dark jeans. His mouth was dry. He hadn’t wanted anyone in a long time like he wanted Jack right then. It felt good. It felt right.
They moved across the condo and into Leo’s bedroom. Together they stumbled through the door. Leo held Jack tight as they both fought for dominance over each other and the kiss. They reached the bed, Leo’s calves hitting the frame as he held desperately to Jack to avoid falling back on the mattress. He closed his eyes, a smile on his lips as Jack kissed a path down the side of his neck. He felt the prickle of Jack’s stubble heating his skin as it brushed against him. Desire shot to the head of his dick. He felt the strain of his erection in the front of his briefs. He wanted Jack to free him from the last of his clothes, to lay him down and show him exactly what moving on felt like.
Leo opened his eyes when Jack stopped kissing him. He looked at Jack, surprised at how bright his eyes seemed. They shone as Jack grinned, and suddenly, Leo found himself toppling backward.
“Okay?” Jack checked.
Leo looked up at him and nodded. Jack stood between his legs and leaned down, unfastening Leo’s fly. Jack’s touch caused goose pimples to rise across Leo’s stomach, and he bit his lip when Jack slid his fingers beneath the waistband of his pants. This was crazy. He didn’t usually do this. He didn’t fall into bed with a guy just like that. He caught his breath as Jack’s touch became rougher, his would-be lover tugging at his pants and underwear. Feeling self-conscious, Leo draped one arm over his stomach, his other he brought up across his chest and gently touched his still heated skin from where Jack had kissed his neck.
Taking a breath, Leo lifted his head from the bed and watched Jack finish undressing. Idly, he twisted a lock of his hair between his finger and thumb as he studied the man standing in front of him. Jack was beautiful. His skin was pale, a milky translucence to it, and yet it suited Jack and complemented his dark coloring.
Low laughter snapped Leo out of his appreciative gaze. Shit, he’d been staring like some lusty teenager. He looked up at the ceiling, aware Jack had joined him on the bed as the mattress dipped.
Jack lay beside him and rested his head in his hand. He didn’t say anything, simply waited, watching Leo.
Leo turned his head and met Jack’s eyes. He wasn’t sure what he expected to see in them, but it was clear Jack wanted him. There was a strange warmth to the otherwise cool blue of Jack’s gaze. Did Jack care about him? Was this about more than just sex?
Relaxing, Leo lowered his arms, then rolled onto his side. He held Jack’s gaze, trying to gauge what Jack expected, what their next move should be. He smiled, propping himself up on his arm as he leaned forward.
Jack didn’t react, allowing Leo to take the lead and kiss him.
What was it about this man? Leo brought his hand up and slid his fingers through the back of Jack’s hair, pulling him close as he kissed him. They met in an openmouthed kiss, and Leo couldn’t help the curl of his lips as Jack reciprocated his touch. He sighed as Jack ran his hand up over his thigh and around his waist, pulling him forward until their chests touched. He held Jack’s face as he kissed him passionately, and right then all he could think was how fucking fantastic Jack made him feel.
They stayed lying together for a few moments more, until Jack squeezed Leo’s hip and maneuvered them so Leo was on his back and Jack was above him. Jack draped his leg over Leo’s before making the move to lift himself so he straddled Leo’s legs.
Leo’s erection twitched when Jack rotated his hips as he settled into place over Leo’s thighs. Jack leaned down, seemingly tasting Leo with slow kisses, sucking on Leo’s lip before releasing it with an audible smack. Tenderly, Leo ran his fingers down Jack’s back, tracing the man’s spine until he brushed the soft curve of Jack’s ass.
With a low chuckle, Jack sat back. “So how are we going to do this?” The dance of his fingers over Leo’s chest sent a shiver through Leo like icy sparks.
Lifting his head, Leo looked into Jack’s eyes. The mischief in them was back and brighter than ever. “What do you mean?” He caught his breath when Jack moved his hand downward, catching the head of Leo’s dick. He moistened his lips, pressing them firmly together as Jack grasped his dick.
Jack leaned down and kissed him. “What do you like?”
“I, erm…” Leo’s brain stalled as Jack twisted his hand, thrust down toward his balls. He wasn’t used to questions. Mac and he had fallen into a routine when it came to sex. Mac had always been the one in control.
“Okay.” Jack lifted his leg and carefully positioned himself between Leo’s. He smiled, kissing Leo some more before slipping his hand between them and teasing a path from beneath Leo’s balls and toward his ass. “What if I said I wanted to do bad things to you?”
“Am I about to get robbed?” Leo joked. “Because take anything you want, just not my Tarzan DVD.” He cleared his throat as Jack’s touch moved lower. “Oh Christ.”
There was that deep chuckle again as Jack leaned over him and distracted Leo with kisses. “Bedside drawer?” He nudged Leo’s nose with his own.
“Uh-huh,” Leo managed. The knot in his stomach tightened with expectation. “The right.”
Jack jumped up and made for the bedside, leaving Leo free to move up the bed to lie on his pillow. “What do you like?” He closed his eyes. He must sound like a complete idiot. How did Jack manage to sound so damn charming no matter what he said?
“I’m easy.” Jack was grinning when Leo opened his eyes. “Flexible.” Jack sucked on his teeth. “An all-rounder.” Laughing, he shook his head. “Not sure that got any better.”
Still charming, even when flustered.
Jack dropped down on the bed with the supplies. “I tend to just go with what feels right,” he stated. He leaned across Leo to kiss him.
“And now? What feels right?” He looked up at Jack and waited.
With a smile, Jack kissed him again. He didn’t say anything, instead it seemed he wanted to show Leo what was right.
In a heady mix of excitement and lust, Jack took control, and Leo happily submitted. Jack kissed him openmouthed and passionately, and Leo lost himself in the flood of emotion, the way Jack touched and pulled at his body in a frenzy of desire and need. Distracted by kisses, Leo was only half-aware as Jack lifted his legs and reached beneath him. With a soft grunt, he nipped at Jack’s lip and pulled him close. Jack pressed against him, edging inside as he began the slow fuck of preparation with his fingers.
The next few moments were rushed and messy. Leo clung desperately to Jack, threading his fingers through Jack’s
hair and holding him tightly as he kissed him. He didn’t want to let go. Heated touches and crazy kisses collided around Leo, and he thought he might lose it right then.
With strong arms, Jack lifted him higher, exposing his ass, then in a seamless move Jack was sheathed and inside him. Jack wrapped one of his hands around Leo’s wrist and pressed it firmly to the mattress. His other he used to push Leo’s right thigh higher. He kissed Leo’s leg before leaning over him and thrusting forward. Leo curled his fingers tightly in the bedsheet as he gripped Jack’s shoulder with his free hand.
Fucking hell. Leo arched his head back as the tender moments of earlier turned to rough and needy. Jack was in control, and Leo felt like the man was igniting every nerve in his body. A delicious shiver passed through him, as he rocked his body, driving Jack harder and deeper.
“Touch yourself,” Jack whispered harshly against Leo’s mouth.
Leo nodded, panting as he reached between them to take his dick in his hand. A few well-timed thrusts and Leo lost it, coming hard. Almost at the same time, Jack came too, his body shuddering as he gripped Leo’s wrist tightly and let out a muted cry.
Breathless, Jack leaned back, shifting awkwardly as he positioned himself to look down at Leo. It was like his eyes were alight, but the way he looked at Leo, there was something cold lurking beneath them.
“Okay?” Leo said, moving his head as he settled on his pillow. He ran his fingers idly over Jack’s chest as he waited for an answer. Jack was staring at him. Was something wrong?
Jack leaned forward and planted a kiss to Leo’s forehead. “We should clean up.” He smiled and gently touched Leo’s cheek.
“Will you stay?” Leo closed his eyes. He shouldn’t have asked.
“Sure.”
Leo opened his eyes as Jack got off the bed. He admired the view as Jack left the room. The man seemed so perfect. With a sigh, Leo lay on his back on the bed and stared up at the ceiling. He shouldn’t be so curious of Jack’s intentions when he wasn’t sure of his own. Was this just sex? Was this something more? Could it be something more? He hardly knew the man.
Just Jack Page 9