by Jo Tannah
“Come on, mate. Let’s get you inside. You’re swaying on your feet.”
Ian threw an arm around his waist while he took hold of Michael’s arm and draped it over his shoulder. Mind still muddled, Michael allowed Ian to lead him to his front door. He didn’t know what had come over him.
As they walked the few steps to the front door, he saw it open. He stopped in his tracks when his mother appeared, her brows lifted and her arms folded in front of her.
“Hi, Mrs. Alexander.” Ian waved to his mother.
“Good morning, Ian,” his mother said with a welcoming smile. “How’s the baby? Has she managed to drive your father crazy yet?”
Ian laughed out loud. “If not today, definitely tomorrow.”
“What’s going on?”
For some reason, Michael couldn’t seem to open his mouth, much less speak. Instead, he blinked at his mother and remained at a standstill.
“What’s wrong with Michael, Ian?”
“He kissed me and I think he liked it,” Ian said and laughed some more. To his surprise, his mother joined in and giggled.
“Why don’t you take him to his room, you know where it is. He’s like this after he’s had a stressful shift at work.”
“No problem. Oh, we’re going out tonight. He said he was picking me up, but I think I should do that instead. What do you think, Mrs. Alexander?”
“I think that’s a great idea. Now, Ian, once Michael’s tucked in bed, come into the kitchen and I’ll send something over for your mother. Poor Elaine, she needs some comfort food in her.”
“Aw, thanks, Mrs. Alexander. Give me a few minutes and I’ll join you.”
Michael allowed Ian to take him to his room. He opened his mouth to speak when a wave of dizziness hit him.
“Steady, mate. Come on, get into bed.”
A few minutes later, he was looking up at Ian smiling down at him. He smiled back.
“I liked kissing you,” he said.
“You licked me, mate,” Ian said in a soft voice. He leaned over and kissed him soundly on the lips before straightening. “Now, that’s a kiss. Okay, go to sleep. I’ll pick you up at seven. That should give you enough time to get ready.”
Michael silently watched Ian go, closing the door behind him.
All man and lemonade. That’s what Ian was. He closed his eyes. He was in so much trouble.
* * * *
Ian
As he closed Michael’s bedroom door behind him, Ian leaned back against the doorframe and let out a long stream of breath. If the way Michael had reacted to him this morning was anything to go by, there was a good chance that this summer was going to turn out way better than he’d thought it would. The way Michael stared at him had made his pulse race and encouraged him to push a little harder than he usually would. When he reached over and held his face, licking his lips, Ian had nearly tackled him to the ground and given into the flash of red-hot lust that had raced through his body.
But this was Michael, not some casual hook-up, and he had to play things right. He had no doubt where things were heading, and he also had no doubt they would rock each other’s worlds. The memory of how Michael felt in his arms just a few minutes ago had him readjusting himself in his board shorts and willing his body to calm down before he spoke to Mrs. Alexander. It definitely wouldn’t be cool to go into your neighbour’s kitchen with a bulge in the front of your pants, especially when you’d just tucked her son into bed.
After a quick chat with Michael’s mum, he was sent home with a batch of still-warm scones and instructions to take them to his mother on a tray with a nice pot of tea, when morning teatime came around. As he was leaving, he noticed the odd place Michael had parked his car and realised that his sister’s stand had been in his way. He asked Mrs. Alexander for the spare keys and quickly moved things around out front so Michael wouldn’t get a parking fine or towed away.
His day was spent ferrying ice, lemonade and empty jugs back and forth between the house and the end of their driveway. Somehow, the twins managed to keep up a steady stream of customers until they ran out of ice in the early afternoon. This may have had something to do with their mother’s friends dropping by to visit her and the baby, or with the fact that their house was on the way to the local shop and the neighbourhood kids all had to ride past on their way there. Either way, it had been good for business.
He’d spent a large portion of the day checking his watch and phone, wondering if Michael was awake yet, and hoping he remembered their arrangements for tonight. Poor guy had been really wasted when he got home this morning, but damn, he’d looked good. Ian was already imagining feeling his well-toned body close to his again, and the smell of his cologne had been imprinted on his senses this morning. The memory of it brought a smile to his lips and slight shudder as he shook himself free before embarrassing himself in front of his sisters.
“Okay you two, we have to pack all this stuff away now... you can’t leave anything out here for the night,” he instructed Jenny and Lyssa, although he had a feeling he would be doing the packing away. “You take a chair each and put them around the back, then come back for everything else.”
“But, Ian,” they whined in unison.
How did he know they’d do that? “No, seriously... I’ve been lugging stuff around for you two all day. If you want me to do it all again tomorrow, the least you can do is carry your stuff back inside.”
They stood their ground, hands on hips and lips pouting, but he had better things to be doing.
“You carry those things, and I’ll carry the table in for you,” he said firmly. “I’ve been helping you two all day—that’s my final offer.” He stood his ground too, he wasn’t going to let a pair of twelve-year-old girls get the better of him. He knew they wanted a kitten, he also knew that they needed his help to get it. “Hurry up, though, because I’ve got plans for tonight, and they don’t include standing around here telling you two what to do.”
The twins were visibly shocked. They looked to each other, then back at Ian with confused expressions on their faces. Ha! I’ve stumped them. At least for a couple hours anyway, because that was about how long it would be until he walked next door and picked up his date for the night. The cat would be out of the bag at that point.
When everything was packed away, he headed into the bathroom to start getting ready. As the shower stall filled with steam, he lathered himself up with his favourite body wash, closed his eyes, and let his imagination take over. It didn’t take long for the memories of Michael’s strong body, or his hands, tongue, and lips touching him to ignite a fire deep in his stomach. He was not surprised by the erection he felt stirring to life, after all, Michael had been his go-to fantasy for over five years. The only difference was that he had more fuel to add to his fire now, which intensified every sensation and made his release even more satisfying.
After shaving and styling his hair, he wrapped his towel around his hips and made his way down the hall to his room. Ian hesitated at his doorway when he noticed his dad backing out of his parents’ room, quietly clicking the door into place behind him. There was no denying it, David Hamilton had the look of a man completely overwhelmed by what was happening in his life.
“Dad?” Ian spoke quietly. “How’re you doing? Are Mum and Karissa sleeping?”
His dad nodded and rubbed his hand over his forehead. “Yeah, finally. I think the baby finally wore herself out,” he answered, trying to force a small chuckle and a smile.
“Listen, the twins are going to be busy for a long time downstairs. Why don’t you lie down for a rest yourself? You look done-in,” Ian suggested.
His dad looked up, took in his appearance, and asked, “Are you heading out, son?”
There was nothing for it, he might as well tell him the truth. “Yes, I am. I actually have a sort-of date with Michael from next door.”
“Date?” His father’s eyes shot open.
“Well, it’s
more like fish and chips, and a catch up, down by the beach,” he answered quickly. “No big deal, Dad.”
“Oh... all right then.” That seemed to satisfy him and he continued down to check on the twins.
Ian quickly dressed in a button-down shirt, cargo shorts, and a pair of leather sandals. Then he grabbed his phone, wallet, keys, and Michael’s spare set of car keys and headed next door.
He could feel the excitement ratcheting up inside him as he waited for Michael to answer the door—he had a plan for how to stun him right from the outset. Ian plastered a cheeky smile on his lips and swivelled the spare car keys around his index finger. He didn’t have to wait long for the door to open.
“Are you ready for this, big guy?” he purred.
Michael’s mouth dropped open and his eyes betrayed his surprise.
Ian took a step towards him, stopping just millimetres short of making contact.
“Come on, let’s get out of here,” he whispered directly into Michael’s ear, before leaning away slightly. He darted his tongue out, gave Michael’s ear a quick lick, then turned on his heel, and led his breathless and speechless date to his car.
Chapter Three
Michael
“Where are we headed?”
Michael threw a quick glance at Ian sitting beside him before turning his attention back to the road. After his mum had woken him up, reminding him of his date with Ian, he’d rushed and had just pulled his shirt over his head when the doorbell rang. He hadn’t had the chance to think, much less make plans. His gaze darted to the left, then the right, before he spotted a landmark.
“How about Redhead?” He thought quickly. “We could go have dinner over at the Surf Lifesaving Club there. What do you think?”
Ian hummed and bobbed his head in time with the music. But when Michael risked another glance his way, Ian had his lips pursed in a pout and his eyes narrowed.
“How about we just get some takeaway? The club’s got some nice selections. We could ask them to wrap our orders in butcher’s paper and then go sit on the foreshore and chill.”
“Sounds good to me.” Michael drove a few more minutes in silence, concentrating on the road signs so he wouldn’t miss the turn. When he turned the car into Kalaroo Road, Michael finally relaxed in his seat.
“When did you get in? I didn’t see you at the hospital last week when Karissa was born.”
“I was babysitting the twins,” Ian said, chuckling under his breath. “I’d just arrived that afternoon and was asleep when Mum started having her contractions. Dad told me to stay home with the girls. It was their last day at school the next day and someone had to make sure they actually went instead of skipping over to the hospital. I was on my way over when Dad called in to say that Karissa was out.”
“I must’ve missed you then.”
“Why? Were you there?”
“Well, yes. I helped deliver your sister, actually,” Michael said, grinning widely. He could still picture the look of disbelief on Mr. Hamilton’s face when it was announced his wife just had another girl.
“Mate! That’s disgusting!”
“What do you mean disgusting? What’s disgusting?”
“Mate! You saw my... whoa! You looked at my mum’s... down there?” Ian’s voice faded to a whisper. He pointed a finger down to his crotch, his face a mask of incredulity and shock.
Michael’s eyes bulged. He tried to hold it in, he swore he did, but he just ended up snorting, unable to control the laughter from bursting out. Tears leaked out of his eyes.
“Eww... girly bits.” Ian’s face scrunched up as he squirmed in his seat, throwing looks of disgust his way.
“Ian, I look at girly bits all the time, it’s no big deal.”
“Stop! Just stop!” Ian flapped his hands over his face and shifted in his seat some more, kicking his legs under the dash.
Michael shook his head as he continued to laugh. Ian was so adorable. “I’m a doctor and I’m trying to be a good one, Ian. I also get to see the boy bits, too. Now, we’re almost there, have you thought about what you want to eat?”
Ian sniffed beside him and Michael had to bite his lip to keep from laughing again. Ian glared at him from under his lashes.
“Boy bits, better...” Ian’s voice had gone too low and Michael missed what he was saying.
“What were you saying?”
“Nothing,” Ian singsonged. To emphasise the closed subject, he started pointing at an empty parking space.
After parking, they entered the club and placed their food order. The staff advised there would be a wait of about fifteen minutes, so they decided to take a look around the garden to pass the time. Twenty minutes later, they collected their food and walked out towards the beach to find a place to sit, deciding on one of the bluffs overlooking the expansive beach. There were some tourists about, but not many.
“What are you studying?” Michael asked before taking a bite out of his prawn cutlet. “Oh, this is good.”
“Hmm...” Ian mumbled as he chewed on his piece of cod. “Yes, this is great. I haven’t really decided on my major yet, so just a BA for now. Though I’m thinking of changing courses next semester—maybe transferring over here. To Newcastle.”
“Oh?”
“Yeah, I’m thinking of going into teaching. Plus, with Karissa, Mum and Dad are going to need all the help they can get with the twins.” Ian’s voice sounded small and a bit hesitant. It was quite a shift from how he’d been earlier, all carefree and happy-go-lucky. Teasing him with his seductive looks.
Michael took a closer look at Ian, saw how his head was bent, intently studying the contents of his wrapping. For those who didn’t know him, Ian appeared the typical Uni student, slightly irresponsible, selfish even. But Michael knew better. He’d known Ian since he was eight, when he and his family had first moved in next door. He’d seen the way Ian took to his responsibilities as a big brother to his sisters when they were born. Michael could even attest to Ian staying home on Friday nights or the weekends, choosing to stay and babysit the twins instead of going out with his mates. With Karissa in the picture, Michael had no doubt he would be even more involved.
“Have you told your dad about this? I mean, I know he’s always wanted you to go into business management.”
“Not yet. I’ve only ever told my adviser over at Uni... and now you.”
“Hmm…” Michael studied Ian’s bent head. “Are you asking my opinion or are you telling me your decision?”
Ian pursed his lips and looked up. Their gazes met and Michael saw the determination in his eyes.
Michael grinned wider before taking another bite.
“Good decision. Now all you need to do is tell your dad.”
* * * *
Ian
Ian thought for a moment. Now that he’d spoken out loud about his plan it felt more real, like something he could actually do. He knew that his dad was going to have issues with him wanting to study primary school teaching, but it was something he was sure he would be good at. He’d just have to convince his father that it wasn’t too gay. Even though he was becoming more comfortable with Ian being gay, he still had ideas about different jobs being better suited to different genders... teaching little kids was still in the female basket.
“Yeah. He’ll come around, though. All he has to do is think about how good I am with the twins and their friends,” Ian explained. “I’m sure he’ll get it.”
“Man, I don’t know how you manage those two,” Michael said with a chuckle. “They’re certainly a handful. That twin-speak thing they have going on, where they seem to communicate without speaking out loud, that’s sort of freaky to watch. I’ve seen them get around your dad a few times using that.” He paused and thought for a moment. “They’re going to be trouble in a couple years’ time when they start looking at boyfriends.”
“Don’t talk about that... don’t even think about that.” Ian laughed as he spoke. “I�
�ll have to be on top of my game when that starts because Mum and Dad won’t stand a chance.” They laughed together as they finished their food, watching the waves crash onto the shore. The sky in front of them began to change colour, the rays of sunlight reflecting pinks and purples on the wispy clouds above as the sun started to slip below the horizon behind them.
“Want to go for a walk?” Ian asked as he stood, holding a hand out to help Michael to his feet.
“Sure,” Michael answered, putting his hand in Ian’s. There was an instant spark between them. The sizzle travelled its way along their arms and caused them both to suck in a sharp breath.
Ian pulled on Michael’s hand and brought him up to stand in front of him. “While the tide’s out we can walk around the point at the base of the cliffs. We can get a little privacy around there.” He looked deeply into Michael’s eyes, then nodded in the direction he meant for them to go. “Come on.”
After about fifteen minutes of picking their way over the rocks, they reached a spot that had some grass growing and backed up against a sheer wall of rock. Ian walked over and leaned against the wall, bending one knee so that his foot rested on the rock also. Michael followed suit, and they stood there silently for a time, taking in the expanse of ocean before them. They were out of view from the beach, and no one from the houses on the cliff above would know they were there.
Ian stole a glance at Michael, who had his eyes closed and was obviously thinking about something. Michael was so handsome, Ian had to hold his breath to make sure he didn’t moan his appreciation. He took in the contours of his face, noticing a slight blush to his cheek, then looked at his throat, noting the pulse beating quickly near its base. Taking this as a sign of Michael’s interest, Ian decided to steal a kiss.
Silently, he took a step which brought him around in front of Michael. He raised his hands to hold Michael’s face, bringing his mouth to his in a series of questioning kisses, begging him to respond. After a moment’s hesitation, he got the response he wanted... Michael’s hands went to his waist and his lips moved against his.