The Male Room

by Carolyn LeVine Topol

  Slowly opening his eyes, moist and glistening in the light shining through the window, Jeff ghosted his fingers across Craig’s cheek and chin. Jeff’s touch made Craig want to grab him, hold him close and never let go, but he was worried. He’d gone too far, pushed too hard. Jeff’s lips moved, but the sound was barely audible. “I love you.”

  Rolling his lips inward, Craig thought he heard Jeff correctly, but wasn’t sure if it was his imagination fulfilling some sort of previously unrecognized wish. His friend, hopefully lover, spoke so softly. Craig needed to know for sure. “Jeff?”

  Squeezing his eyes shut again, then reopening them, Jeff found his voice. “I never thought I’d ever get to tell you. I love you, Craig. This isn’t a reaction to sex or residual fear from last night. I’ve loved you for a long time. I just didn’t think you—”

  Craig didn’t let Jeff finish his sentence. Now was the time to act, to show and tell Jeff exactly how he felt. Wanting to kiss away any further doubts, he crashed his mouth onto Jeff’s. Craig hungrily pushed his tongue inside, Jeff now actively searching inside Craig as well. Both men explored and tasted, their hands eagerly grabbing and clutching at each other.

  Breathing heavily, stopping his hungry onslaught for a moment, Craig lifted his head, looking into the dark, lust- and love-filled eyes. “You don’t have to doubt me, Jeff. I love you too. I guess I’m the slow one, because it wasn’t clear to me until I almost lost you.”

  “You’re here now. We’re here. Nothing else matters.” Jeff was smiling, reaching up and placing tiny nips and licks across Craig’s neck and shoulder.

  “We are here, aren’t we? And you’d better stay put. No more moving in with anyone else, okay?”

  Jeff chuckled. It was the most incredible sound on the planet. “I think I can manage staying here for a while.”

  “A while?”

  A grin covered Jeff’s face. He threaded his fingers in Craig’s hair and pulled him in, attacking his mouth and jawline, biting and sucking anywhere he could reach. The two would have swollen lips and be well marked by the time they finished, but Craig didn’t care. Nothing mattered but this moment. He was happy to remain in this bed with Jeff for as long as possible.

  Craig wanted more, but it wasn’t time. There was no need to push Jeff. After years of denial, Craig realized they had to find their way together. If there was one thing Craig was sure about, Jeff desired romance, and he would make sure he got it. Jeff would know he was loved and appreciated. In the meantime, they had to leave the bed, what Craig hoped would be their bed from now on, and get to work.

  Spending the day in bed, further exploring the pleasure they could give each other, was all well and good, but eviction loomed if they couldn’t pay the bills, so pleasure must wait, for now.

  “Come on. We’d better get up and shower. It’s time to finish cleaning up.”

  Jeff bit his lip.

  “The paperwork has to be put back in order, and we have a business to open.”

  Nodding, Jeff got out of bed. Craig knew he had to say something else. He wasn’t good at this lovers thing yet, so he needed a moment to think. “Oh, uhm, it’s important we get everything in our business lives organized if we’re going to start a life as partners together too.”

  Seeing the light return to Jeff’s eyes, Craig knew he’d found the right words.

  “In that case, I’d better shower alone, or we’ll never get anywhere.”

  Lowering his head, Craig silently agreed. “Shit. I still haven’t figured out how to make this expressing myself thing work just right.”

  Waiting his turn for the shower, Craig lay back on the bed, staring at the ceiling. Hearing the sound of Jeff whistling as he turned on the shower, Craig smiled. Life was good.

  Chapter 10

  CRAIG wasn’t sure if he was spending more time fine-tuning the online profile pages or glancing over at Jeff, who had his head buried in the fresh, clean printouts of the Excel spread sheets he was working on.

  Neither man spoke of the previous night’s terror or its ultimately positive aftermath. Craig was sure he hadn’t made a mistake, yet there was niggling suspicion he might have misconstrued Jeff’s ultimate message. Did he really want to be Craig’s boyfriend, or was it just residual fear taking over, making him crave the security of Craig’s care and comfort?

  After two hours of continuous silence, Craig was having more and more trouble concentrating. The profiles were perfect. If any two people had at least seventy-five percent of their responses coincide, their preliminary contact information would be forwarded to the other party with a recommendation they arrange a meeting. Then it was up to them to accept or reject making direct contact, with the prospect of pursuing a relationship.

  Jeff seemed to continue working diligently, his responsibility was to ensure all the financials were in order and the columns added up accurately. Everything had to align perfectly to guarantee submissions would all be accurately accounted for. There were a variety of parameters to take into account, from people paying in one lump sum, to monthly payment plans. Discounts for those who only used the service once and additional charges for those who continually needed to change or update their profiles.

  Craig had never seen Jeff take any job this seriously. He hated to admit that what he thought was only a pipe dream was about to become reality, for the most part due to Jeff’s determination and dedication to their project. When had Jeff become the mature one in their friendship, or was it more than friendship?

  “You know, if you keep staring at me, it makes it hard to focus on my work.”

  Blinking, Craig smiled. “I thought you’d gone mute on me. I don’t think we’ve ever been together this long without you talking.”

  “Sometimes talk gets in the way.”

  “I’m beginning to realize that, but I have to ask you a question.”

  “Fire away. I’m almost done here.” Jeff still hadn’t turned to look directly at Craig, and it was unsettling.

  “Did last night, well, actually early this morning, really happen? Are we?”

  “Yes, it happened.” Jeff finally gazed into Craig’s eyes. “And in answer to your second question, I’m not sure. Do you think we can be together, truly together, without killing each other or, at the very least, driving each other crazy? I’ve heard that getting too close can ruin a good friendship, and I’d hate to see that happen to us.”

  Shrugging, Craig wasn’t sure how to answer without his disappointment spilling out all around them.

  “Let me finish a few more things, and then I can input the final payment codes. After that, we’ll talk.” Jeff bit his lip and returned to his paperwork.

  Knowing Jeff would be getting on the computer again, Craig had a thought, but he had to act quickly. He started keyboarding so rapidly his fingertips started to redden from the ongoing activity.

  “What are you typing over there?”

  “Nothing. Answering some emails.”

  “Must be some pretty intense answers. What the hell are your friends asking you?”

  “Forget about me and my emails. Just finish what you’re doing and come over here.” Craig returned to his special project, hammering away at the keys until he was done. Finally, after about thirty minutes, he made his final keystroke and waited, watching the screen as if it would give him the secret to eternal youth, wealth, and beauty.

  “Done! I’m ready to finally get all this on the computer, and we can go into business. Then the promotion phase for The Male Room can begin.” Jeff waved his arm in the air. He was such a flamboyant character, and Craig realized, for the first time, just how endearing that quality could be.

  “You’ll have to wait a minute. I’m waiting for the results.”

  “What are you talking about? What results?” Jeff furrowed his brow, clearly not catching on.

  “Yes! There it is. The first completed match.”

  “We don’t have any clients yet, so how can we possibly have a match?” Jeff put his palm aga
inst Craig’s forehead. “Are you running a fever? You sound delirious.”

  “Let’s just say I was testing a theory.”

  Jeff tilted his head.

  “Skipping the payment section, I completed two profiles as accurately and honestly as possible to see what our program would come up with.”

  A small grin started to appear on Jeff’s face. “I think I’m beginning to see now. So what are the results?”

  “Check it out for yourself.” Craig surrendered his seat to Jeff, who read the detailed profile comparison between the two candidates.

  “It would seem this couple has a ninety-five percent compatibility score. It looks like one is more into sports, and the other is more introverted.” Jeff stood up and faced Craig, brushing his hand against Craig’s cheek.

  Leaning into the touch, Craig let his eyelids fall shut. “Such an incredible match. Wonder if those two will ever get together and make a go of it.”

  “I think it’s time to find out.” Jeff took Craig’s hand and the pair walked in silence to Craig’s bedroom.

  The bed was still unmade from the night before.

  Jeff touched his fingertips to Craig’s lips. Without missing a beat, Craig’s tongue darted out, licking and drawing them in, sucking, wanting more. Reluctantly releasing Jeff’s fingers from his mouth, Craig began to pull his T-shirt off. Jeff shook his head, stilling Craig’s hands. “My turn. Let me.”

  “Jeff.” Craig shivered, surrendering control, as Jeff slowly drew the shirt up and over his head and arms. Jeff followed the act by quickly ridding himself of his own shirt, both pieces of clothing tossed haphazardly on the floor.

  Unable and unwilling to turn away, Craig watched as Jeff slowly worked his own sweatpants and briefs off together.

  “God, you’re so beautiful. How did I miss this? Why didn’t I see?”

  “Shhh. No looking back now.” When did Jeff become so mature and smart? Craig realized he probably always had been. Craig was the child. It was time to catch up to his friend, to grow up. It was time to become his lover, the partner he should have been for a long time.

  Jeff’s lips planted moist dots over Craig’s chest. He paid special attention to each delicate nub, nipping and biting until Craig’s moans filled the room. He would have been happy to move quickly to the bed, but this was Jeff’s show. He was in charge.

  The touching of Jeff’s fingers, tongue, teeth, lips was becoming too much. “More,” Craig begged. Lacing his fingers in Jeff’s soft, red waves, he pushed him lower.

  Kneeling, Jeff gently removed Craig’s pants and underwear together, helping him step out of them and tossing the garments off to the side. “I’ve wanted to suck you for so long.” Without further hesitation, Jeff’s full lips surrounded Craig, drawing him slowly further and further in, until the tip hit the back of Jeff’s warm throat.

  “Oh fuck!” The heat, the moisture, that tongue. Craig felt himself getting close far faster than he wanted. Tangling his fingers in Jeff’s hair, he pulled him off.

  “Is something wrong?” Jeff’s eyes were wide and his brow furrowed. He truly didn’t know just how much his touch affected Craig.

  “Too soon. Want to be inside, if you’ll have me, if you’ll let me.” Craig nudged Jeff’s shoulder, wordlessly asking him to stand. Wrapping his arms around the amazing man before him, Craig held Jeff close as he crashed their lips together. This time he wouldn’t run. This time he knew it was right, the way it should be.

  “Craig.” It was barely a whisper, and Jeff returned with another kiss filled with the hungry need building between the two. Tongues sharing their taste, discovering one another, Jeff soon stepped back. “I do want you inside me. Please. I’ve waited for what seems like forever.”

  Carefully moving backward, Jeff inched his way onto the bed holding Craig’s hand the entire way. Neither man wanted to separate as Jeff silently shared control. They would go into this as a team, a couple.

  Completely covering Jeff with his own body, Craig moved up and down, feeling and watching as small beads of glistening moisture formed between them, sweat and pre-come combined. It was the perfect blend.

  Tugging at his nightstand drawer, Craig reached inside for a condom and a tube of lube. Squeezing a substantial dollop on his fingers, Craig kneeled between Jeff’s now-spread legs. It was a sight Craig knew he’d never forget—Jeff, open and waiting, wantonly giving himself over to Craig. Pressing one finger in, he swallowed the lump in his throat as he watched Jeff’s back arch in response. Craig quickly followed it with a second. Jeff’s head rolled back and forth on the pillow. “Craig. Ahhh, Craig.” The words, filled with lust and something else, something new to Craig, went right to his cock, as it bounced free, long and hard.

  Jeff’s breathing became heavier and his moans louder, deeper. Craig knew he’d nudged Jeff’s prostate with his knuckle. He rubbed again and the reaction was breathtaking.

  “Oh God. Please. You, want you, need you.” Jeff’s long, toned body writhed uncontrollably.

  Watching the moisture building at the tip of Jeff’s cock was captivating. Craig couldn’t take his eyes off the thick, stiff dick.

  Grabbing his arm, Jeff stilled Craig’s motions. “Please, want you inside, not just fingers. Make me yours.”

  Choked with emotion at Jeff’s words of desire and… yes, love, that’s what it was, Craig removed his fingers from Jeff’s warmth, wiping them on the sheet.

  Before he had a chance to search for it, Jeff had the condom and was rolling it on Craig. Shuddering, Craig inhaled and exhaled slowly to regain composure. Retrieving the tube, Jeff squeezed lube onto his fingers, coating the latex thoroughly, his eyes completely focused on Craig’s. Just the touch of Jeff’s fingers ministering to him nearly put him over the edge, and he quickly removed them, not wanting this to end before it started.

  As Jeff started to roll onto his stomach, Craig shook his head. “No. I want to see you, know you’re mine. I want you to know that I’m yours too.”

  Nodding, Jeff lifted his legs onto Craig’s broad shoulders. It had been years since Craig’d had, or wanted, face-to-face sex with anyone, but even when he had, it had never felt like this. Looking at Jeff, he could see, shining in his eyes, the same love and passion that Craig felt for the man beneath him. This was more than sex. This was a commitment.

  Pressing against Jeff’s hole, Craig pushed inside.

  “Oh God!” Jeff arched his back, his hands fisting the sheets.

  Stilling, Craig waited, watching for the moment Jeff was ready for more. This wasn’t about release or satisfaction; this had to be about pleasure for both of them.

  Taking a deep breath, Jeff’s features softened as a smile crossed his face.

  Continuing on their journey, Craig carefully moved further and further into the warmth, until he could go no further. He was completely inside, finally home. “Jeff.”

  As he began to thrust in and out, Craig could see that neither one of them would have the ability to last long. Even if it was going to be quick, Craig wanted it to be memorable. He made sure to nudge Jeff’s prostate on every inward movement. The sounds, the moans beneath him escalated, urging him on.

  Jeff’s writhing became out of control, and as Craig continued to relentlessly move, it kept them both on the edge. Craig embraced his lover, kissed him hard and messy, swallowing the incredible sounds he was making along with those he was sure were coming from deep within himself as well.

  Entangled with each other, creating a heated, intense rhythm, Craig felt Jeff release between them, as he bit down on Craig’s lower lip. The stab of pain, combined with the pleasure he felt as he thrust in again, took Craig over the edge. As Jeff’s spasms milked Craig completely, filling the condom, Craig collapsed, spent, still holding on tightly to the man beneath him.

  Craig attempted to pull out, but Jeff’s arms circled him tightly, fingers digging into his back, trapping him in their combined bliss. “Don’t go. Can’t let you go.”

  Smiling into t
he crook of Jeff’s neck, Craig whispered, “I’m never going anywhere ever again.” It was a declaration Craig never expected to make but knew was true.

  He let himself slowly slip from his partner’s body, holding the condom in place so he could remove it carefully and toss it to the side.

  Holding Jeff, as if he were a cocoon with something precious inside, Craig had no interest in letting go. “You’re mine now. No one else’s ever again.”

  “And you?” Jeff’s unsure whisper touched something deep inside as Craig continued his protective embrace.

  “Same for me. The games are over, should have been a long time ago. You’re it.”

  Moving his head slightly, he watched Jeff close his eyes and turn away. “What about love? Do you feel it?”

  “Do you?”

  Jeff’s voice hitched. “God, yes. I do love you.” Craig felt Jeff shiver beneath him.

  “Good. Then that makes two of us, because this has got to be love. There’s no other explanation for how I feel about you.” Cupping Jeff’s chin, Craig made sure they made eye contact. Gazing into Jeff’s eyes, Craig felt a serenity overtake him. “I love you in every way humanly possible. Believe me, it’s true.” Craig licked his lower lip, feeling the sting from the earlier bite. “You’re it for me.” He grinned, knowing he’d never uttered words like this to anyone before. “The next time we go to the Music Box, it’ll be to dance only.”

  “Unless I want to show off my boyfriend in the backroom.”

  “Okay. But let’s call it partner—you’re far more than a boyfriend.”

  Jeff clung to Craig as if the words would be absorbed better through their skin-to-skin connection. Craig didn’t mind one bit.

  Chapter 11

  “I HOPE all the promotion work we’ve been doing does the trick.”

  “What do you mean we? Was that you visiting the gay and lesbian organizations of every damn college in Boston? Do you realize how many damn universities there are in this city?” Craig sat in front of his computer, the screen dark as he hadn’t logged on yet. “Oh yeah, and was that you trekking into every community center, clinic, office building, and, let’s not forget, mall, in the area?”