The Perfect Mess

by K. Sterling

  Don’t do this to yourself, he warned. He reminded himself that there were millions of variables within the space of nine weeks. Not to mention, what might have been perfect after eight or so shots of whiskey and a dimly lit bar might not be perfect after a strong cup of coffee and a dose of reality. Ben nodded as he reached for two mugs. Maybe you won’t want him to stay after he wakes up and you have to face him in the morning light, he thought and rolled his eyes. He’d had a really good look at Landon before he got out of bed. Maybe he won’t want to stay. He might make a run for it as soon as he realizes where he is, Ben frowned as he reached into the fridge for the milk. He took a deep breath and ignored the whispers of doubt and regret that tickled the back of his brain as he poured two cups of coffee.

  “You, naked and making coffee might be the most perfect thing I’ve ever seen in my life.” It was a low, rich murmur against the back of Ben’s neck as arms slid around his waist and hard heat wrapped around him. Ben hummed in delight and his eyelids fell as Landon pressed kisses to his shoulder.

  “I’m sorry if the coffee grinder woke you,” Ben said as his hand glided over the arm around his waist. Landon chuckled as he nudged his cock into the cleft of Ben’s ass.

  “This woke me. And I missed you,” he breathed as his teeth grazed Ben’s shoulder. Ben bit his lip as his erection became very insistent. Ben reached behind him and grabbed a handful of Landon’s ass through his boxers.

  “I didn’t think you’d be ready for that again,” he mumbled and Landon’s lips left his skin.

  “Umm… I was thinking that maybe I might see if I could convince you to let me have a turn,” he said as he ground against Ben. Ben grimaced as he grabbed their mugs and turned in Landon’s arms. Landon leaned back and raised a brow as he accepted his mug and Ben winced.

  “I don’t know if you could be that convincing,” he said and Landon’s eyes twinkled as his lips twisted.

  “Are you challenging me?” He asked as he raised his mug. Ben shook his head.

  “No. I’m just being honest. I wouldn’t want you to have any expectations and then disappoint you,” Ben explained and Landon shrugged.

  “As long as I get to try and you’re openminded, I won’t be disappointed,” he said and took another sip. “If I can’t convince you, I’ll still have fun and there are plenty of other ways to get off,” Landon added and Ben managed to nod thoughtfully and not drop his mug and maul Landon. He shrugged and took a drink.

  “If I’m honest, I’m looking forward to you trying to convince me,” Ben said and Landon’s eyes flashed. He set his mug on the counter and stepped closer.

  “Should I try here, in the kitchen, or should we go back to the bedroom?” Landon asked as his hands slid up Ben’s chest and over his shoulders as Landon leaned close. He growled softly as he pecked at Ben’s lips.

  “I was thinking we might take a shower first, we got pretty messy last night,” he mumbled as Landon sucked on his lower lip. Landon laughed as his hand closed around Ben’s shaft.

  “I don’t mind, we’re about to get messy again,” he warned and Ben groaned into Landon’s mouth. He wrapped his hands around Landon’s face as his tongue slid between Landon’s lips.

  The front door flew open and Ben’s eyes flared as Landon’s head jerked to the left. Michelle rushed in and skidded to a halt and tripped out of one of her flip-flops when she spotted them.

  “Damn it, Michelle!” Ben yelled as he snatched a pot holder off the counter and covered his groin. Her eyes were wide as she stared at them. Then, her lips curved into a large grin and she placed her hands on her hips.

  “Goooood morning!” She said cheerfully and Ben rolled his eyes.

  “You lost one of your flip-flops,” he grumbled and she hopped and slid her foot into the straps. “I see you went for one of your more casual flip-flops,” Ben stated and Michelle shrugged as she leaned against the counter.

  “And you should have gone for something bigger than that pot holder,” she said and Ben swore as he turned away. Landon choked as he tried to contain his laugh and Ben glared as he shook out a tea towel and draped it over himself before he turned. Michelle nodded in approval before she smiled brightly at Landon.

  “You must be Landon!” She said as she offered her hand and blatantly took her time inspecting him from head to toe. She mouthed “Wow!” over his shoulder as Landon reached for her hand. He shook his head slowly.

  “No…” He said as he took her hand and looked back at Ben. Michelle snatched her hand back and gasped before she covered her mouth.

  “Oh, my God!” She said loudly and blushed as her eyes swung to Ben’s. They were wide as she waved her hands nervously. “I just assumed… I thought that…” She started to back away and Landon laughed as he grabbed her hand.

  “I’m kidding. It’s nice to finally meet you,” he said warmly and her cheeks puffed out as she exhaled loudly. She punched his arm and gave him a pointed look.

  “That was terrible! I almost peed my pants, I was so embarrassed,” she complained and Ben nodded.

  “She does that a lot,” he said and she jumped and crossed her arms over her chest.

  “I do not!” She argued. “Why would you say that?” Michelle hissed at Ben. He shrugged.

  “You set yourself up for it, really,” he explained and Michelle’s lips pulled tight.

  “Great, Ben. Now he thinks that his friend is dating a girl that can’t control her bladder,” she grumbled and Landon raised his hands.

  “I try not to judge, if that’s what Jason’s into,” he said and Michelle’s eyes narrowed.

  “Is that what Jason’s into?” She asked and Landon shook his head as he backed away.

  “Nope. I’m not saying anything else. I promise, you’d know more about that than I would,” he said before he turned to Ben. “I assume she came to talk to you, so I’m going to go ahead and use your shower,” Landon said. He offered Ben a wink as he passed. Ben turned and his eyes locked on Landon’s ass until he turned into the hall. He sighed heavily. Landon’s ass looked very nice in nothing but boxers and the morning light. When he turned back to Michelle her head was tilted and she was still staring at the hall.

  “Mmm…mmm…mmm…” She hummed before she shook her head to clear it. Ben gave her a stern look then gestured for her to get on with whatever it was that brought her crashing through his door at 8:07 on a Saturday morning. Michelle rushed across the kitchen and swatted Ben’s arm excitedly. “He’s gorgeous!” She whispered loudly. “I came over to see how last night went but I can tell it went really well,” Michelle said and Ben snorted as he reached for his mug.

  “Liar. You came over to see if you could catch me,” he said and she waved dismissively.

  “Maybe a little,” she lied. “But I’m more interested in how this happened,” she stated as she waved in the direction of the bathroom. “Last night must have been really good if he’s still here,” Michelle said and Ben shrugged.

  “It wasn’t the worst first date ever,” he mumbled before he drained his mug and she rolled her eyes.

  “It looks like it’s not over,” she said and he nodded as he set his mug in the sink.

  “So you aren’t completely dense,” he announced as he grabbed her arm and turned her toward the door. She gasped as she looked up at him.

  “Rude!” She declared as he released her and yanked the door open. He pointed across the hall at her door.

  “Do you know what’s rude? I have the perfect man, naked and in my shower, waiting to do some very filthy things to my body and I’m out here discussing manners with you,” he explained and Michelle’s hand clapped over her mouth and she squealed.

  “Like, how filthy?” She asked as she bounced on her toes. Ben stared and blinked for several seconds before he slammed the door shut. Then, locked it.

  Chapter 8

  Hermes Santal Massoïa. Landon smiled as he set the shower gel back on the shelf and turned on the water.
He pushed his boxers down over this hips and stepped out of them as the bathroom filled with steam.

  “Sorry about her.” Ben’s lips rubbed against Landon’s ear as Ben’s hands slid around his sides and pushed up his chest. Landon chuckled as he leaned back. His lips found Ben’s cheek and he purred as he felt Ben’s cock, hard and hot against the cleft of his ass.

  “She was lovely and I don’t embarrass easily,” Landon said as he stepped into the shower, towing Ben with him.

  Landon turned in Ben’s arms and they leaned against the tile. It was so easy to relax as Landon absorbed the heat of the water and Ben’s body. He sighed happily as his tongue swept into Ben’s mouth and swirled lazily. Landon reached for the shower gel and Ben’s head lolled against the tile as Landon massaged fragrant bubbles all over his shoulders, chest and stomach. Landon was very thorough as he stroked the gel over Ben’s erection and sack before he turned Ben. Ben let out a ragged moan as Landon’s fingers dug into the long muscles of his back. Then, he tensed as Landon’s hands slid over the cheeks of his ass. Ben rose on his toes when Landon’s soap-slick fingers slipped into the cleft. Landon pressed his chest to Ben’s back and made a soft shushing sound in Ben’s ear as his finger gently caressed the tight bud of Ben’s ass.

  “Relax,” Landon commanded as he continued to tease Ben’s puckered flesh. “I’m not going to try to convince you if you’re not ready. I just want to feel you and taste you,” he soothed and Ben nodded as his body became less taut. Landon’s eyes went to the shower’s bench and his cock throbbed. He pulled Ben away from the wall and guided him to the bench. “Get on your knees,” he instructed. Once Ben was positioned, his chest and hands pressed against the tile and his ass open and waiting, Landon lowered to the shower floor. His mouth watered as his hands glided over Ben’s thighs and the firm, round globes of his ass. His thumbs slid into the deep valley and Ben moaned softly. “Do you like that?” Landon asked and Ben nodded quickly. Landon grinned wickedly as he leaned forward. “What about this?” He asked as his face pressed between Ben’s cheeks. He stretched his tongue past his lips and dragged it over Ben’s tender flesh. There was a loud hiss and Landon loved it. He circled Ben’s entrance and felt Ben jerk.

  “Yeah. That’s really good,” he gasped and Landon growled as he grabbed handfuls of Ben’s ass and lapped greedily. It was really, really good. Ben was sweet with a hint of something softly spicy and warm, like cinnamon. Landon sucked at the tender skin, making Ben curse and pant. When his tongue drilled and thrust Ben arched as his hand wrapped around Landon’s head. Ben’s fingers twisted in wet strands of hair as he pushed Landon’s face against his ass and writhed. “Holy shit!” Ben whimpered. “I’m so close, Landon!” He said and Landon’s eyes flared as heat and pressure gripped his sack.

  Landon pushed off the bench and jumped to his feet as he reached for Ben. Landon wrapped his arms around Ben and felt his body jump as Landon’s shaft settled into the cleft of Ben’s ass. Ben looked over his shoulder and Landon’s mouth covered his before he could protest as he thrust and his cock slid smoothy between Ben’s cheeks. Landon wrapped his hand around Ben’s erection and began to stroke as he rocked his hips, sliding his length along the cleft of Ben’s ass. Ben moaned Landon’s name as his head fell back onto Landon’s shoulder.

  “Oh, fuck. That’s so hot,” Ben whispered shakily and Landon could only nod as he ground against Ben’s hard ass, crushing his balls against firm, flickering flesh with each thrust. The heat, pressure and a heavy, swelling pleasure was rising up his shaft, he was just about there. Landon found Ben’s nipple and rolled it between his fingers as his body began to shake. “Landon!” Ben gasped as he bucked and his fingers clawed at the tile. Landon’s teeth dug into Ben’s neck and his eyes rolled as his nerves exploded and come spilled from the end of his cock in pulsing spurts between the cheeks of Ben’s ass. He found Ben’s hole with the head and shuddered as he smeared the last weak bursts against his tight heat. Ben hissed and writhed and his body became stiff in Landon’s arms. Landon felt Ben’s erection swell and constrict before molten wet come coated Ben’s shaft and Landon’s hand as he stroked. “Oooohhhh, my Gooooood.” Ben melted against the tile and Landon laughed deliriously as he sagged against Ben’s back and pressed his hands against the wall outside of Ben’s shoulders.

  “I love your ass,” Landon declared breathlessly as he sucked the water off of Ben’s neck.

  “Literally,” Ben agreed then groaned. “I have to get off my knees,” he mumbled and Landon sighed as he pushed away from the wall and stepped back under the water. Landon grunted as he was pushed against the glass and Ben’s large hands wrapped around his face. “Why do you have to be so fucking perfect?” Ben complained as his lips washed over Landon’s.

  “I promise, I’m not,” he said as he nibbled and sucked. He didn’t know what would happen when they parted but he knew he’d dream of those lips. As if Ben could feel Landon’s mood shift, he sighed heavily as he released Landon and reached for the shower gel.

  “Want me to wash you?” He asked and Landon shook his head gently.

  “We’ll never get out of this shower,” he said as he took the bottle from Ben. Ben offered a playful pout but it didn’t reach his eyes as he shifted past Landon and got under the water.

  Ben rinsed and his hands lingered on Landon’s ass as he pressed a quick kiss to Landon’s shoulder before he stepped out of the shower. Landon tried not to stare as Ben toweled off while he finished washing his body. Ben handed Landon a towel and pecked at his lips briefly before he pulled on a robe and walked into the bedroom. Landon dried off and tied the towel around his waist. He found his clothes folded and waiting for him on the bed. His limbs felt heavy and his stomach was cold and clenched as he dressed. When Landon walked into the living room he found Ben leaning against the window clutching another mug of coffee as he stared out. This is impossible, Landon thought as he curled his hands around Ben’s biceps and rubbed his cheek against his shoulder.

  “I should go, Keith’s probably worried,” Landon murmured and he felt Ben nod.

  “I was going to ask if you wanted to stay for breakfast but it’s kind of late,” he said and Landon exhaled loudly.

  “If you feed me, you’ll never get rid of me,” he joked and Ben snorted.

  “Don’t tempt me,” he said as he stared into his mug. Landon forced a wide grin as he turned Ben.

  “But I enjoy it!” He said as he pressed a quick kiss to Ben’s lips. “I better go or else your sister will think I moved in. I’ll call you later,” Landon announced as he stepped back. Ben offered a flat smile and nodded.

  “I’ll talk to you later, then,” he said as he walked Landon to the door. He reached for the handle and Landon’s hand closed over Ben’s before he realized he’d done it. Ben took a deep breath before he looked at Landon.

  “Last night was…” Landon couldn’t find an adequate word. It was magical and almost spiritual, the pleasure he’d experienced. But it was also heartbreaking and confusing. He’d never felt so connected to and aroused by someone as he did with Ben. Landon knew that if he wasn’t leaving in a few months, he would have stayed for breakfast. He would have stayed until Ben kicked him out. Ben’s hand curved around Landon’s jaw and his thumb traced his lower lip.

  “I know,” he whispered and Landon moaned in frustration as he grabbed the lapels of Ben’s robe and pulled him close.

  Landon’s lips crashed into Ben’s and his body ached to get closer, to feel Ben’s pressed against his. Ben’s tongue slipped between Landon’s lips and reverently swept through Landon’s mouth. It felt like goodbye and please don’t go. Landon shut his eyes as he angled his head and took the kiss deeper. For just a moment, he stopped thinking and reveled in the warmth and peace. It could have felt like home if things were different. Landon stifled the longing and disappointment as he sucked on Ben’s lower lip. When he opened his eyes Ben’s were dark and heavy as they poured into Landon’s.

&nbs
p; “I’ll talk to you later.” It was a little more than a whisper as Landon’s voice wavered and Ben nodded. Landon stepped back and didn’t stop Ben as he pulled the door open.

  “Later.” Ben’s eyes dropped and he stared at his hand as it rested on the handle.

  Landon shoved his hands in his pockets as he walked swiftly toward the elevator and didn’t look back as he pushed the button. He heard Ben’s door close as the elevator doors opened. Landon was sure the doors were going to close before he got in, his feet felt as if they’d been bolted to the floor. Every cell in his body demanded he go back and beg Ben to let him back in. You can’t do this to him. He’s not a fling and you can’t give him what he’s looking for. Landon clenched his jaw and forced his body forward. The doors shut behind him and Landon quickly pushed the button for the lobby. His heart and stomach lurched as the elevator dropped.

  “God damn it!” Landon whispered as he fisted his hands in his hair and fell back against the wall.

  The elevator opened and his eyes went to the button for the eighth floor. It wasn’t until his eyes became dry and burned before Landon shook his head and stepped out. He blinked rapidly at the afternoon sun when he walked out onto the sidewalk and turned in the direction of his building. Every step felt like a mistake and he ducked his head as he passed Frampton’s and wondered if he’d ever want to go back. When Landon walked into his building he noted that it was only about a fifteen minute walk between his and Ben’s building. Ten or less if you run, he thought as he stepped into his elevator.

  Chapter 9

  “You knew?” Michelle yelled as she turned to Jason. He groaned and took a few steps back.

  “He mentioned it yesterday but I didn’t think it was that big of a deal,” he said as he held up his hands defensively as Michelle tried to punch his arm.