by J. S. Finley
“I thought we could do the full tour of Daytona Speedway on Tuesday.” Thomas liked the guys’ reactions. This was going to be a great vacation.
“Cool.” Lane winked before he took a sip from his mug then turned to face Thomas. “We’re going out on your boat later, right?”
“Yeah, tomorrow.”
“Awesome.” Lane reached out and patted Thomas on the shoulder. “I really do like him.” Lane nodded toward Clay who was chatting with Jake.
Thomas’ stomach twisted, and he drew in a slow breath. “I do too.” It was reassuring to have Lane approve of Clay. They were buddies and knew each other, but being in a relationship with Clay changed everything. Lane liking Clay made him feel good.
The day started over coffee and a lazy breakfast of bacon, eggs, biscuits, and gravy, along with chocolate chip pancakes made by Lane. Mike helped him put together lunch to take out on the beach. After getting dressed in swimsuits, and putting on a huge amount of sunscreen, they left the house in two cars.
The guys were impressed with the primo spot they picked on the beach. They set up close to the lighthouse in an area with few other people. He brought out his beach tent and chairs so they could relax in the shade or spend time in the sun.
It was the perfect fun-filled day on the beach playing ball, tossing the Frisbee, and talking about life. The water temperature was perfect, and everyone seemed to have a great time.
It was late in the afternoon by the time they made it back to the house. The whole crew seemed tired, and after showers, they ate dinner, prepared by Jake and Brent. They relaxed and watched a movie, sipping beer and tequila. He and Clay were in bed by ten, snuggled close as they drifted off to sleep.
The next morning, they were up early to head out on the water. Though it was his friends out with him on his boat, Thomas still felt like he was in work mode. The day started off a little cool, but after an hour on the water, it was warm.
Anxious about his friends not liking the trip, Thomas tried to find the perfect spot. At one point, Clay came over and hugged him.
“You’re doing great.” Clay’s voice had a calming effect like no other. His worry faded. Clay kissed his cheek again before joining the other guys.
With people he didn’t know, it was different. He didn’t care as deeply. But these guys were his buddies. He glanced to the front of the boat where the guys were hanging out, drinking beer, and pointing out stuff in the water. His heart filled with joy. They really were the best group of guys in the world.
“Do you think they’re having fun?” Thomas asked.
“Yes, I know they are. Look at them.”
Thomas knew Clay was telling the truth. They did seem to be having a good time. He set the line for Mike and was glad to hear the guys cheer when Mike hooked a fish not long after he took a seat. Two hours later, after they’d caught a few fish and drank a lot of beer, he felt like the guys were happy. They weren’t just telling him they were having a good time; he could see it in their eyes and their smiles. When it was Lane’s turn, pride surged through him as his friend reeled in a fish. Everyone seemed to be having a great time.
It was one of the best days in his life on the boat, even though no one caught anything big, and none of the guys caught anything unique. Having his friends with him made all the difference in the world.
After they finished on the water, they headed back to the dock. When they docked, each one of his friends came up to him and shook his hand, thanking him for the wonderful day. They helped him clean the boat, making sure he was set for the next day of business before they headed back to the rental house.
The afternoon was spent at the pool in the back yard, talking about life and practicing cannonballs, trying to make the biggest splash. This was the perfect week. Tennessee had been wonderful, but this was awesome too.
The house they were staying in had a huge outside table where they consumed the fish they’d caught and grilled. It was perfect, and he sighed as he stared up at the stars while he listened to his friends rehash their fishing stories. He laughed when Lane talked about how big his fish was, then he stared at Clay as he relayed his story.
The night was warm, so after eating, they abandoned their clothes and dipped into the pool, laughing and joking as they splashed around, having a good time. Eventually, after the moon had risen high in the sky, Thomas led Clay to their bedroom and pressed him up against the door, holding him in place. He ran his nose over the side of Clay’s cheek to his neck and shoulder, drinking in the essence of his lover. Clay moaned and arched against him.
“You’re amazing,” Thomas said between kisses.
“No babe, you’re the one who is amazing. Those guys loved today.”
He nodded then licked up Clay’s neck to his ear before he bit down on the fleshy part. Clay moaned and rocked his hips.
“I think they liked it.”
Clay clutched him tighter. “Oh they did, and so did I.”
Thomas nipped at Clay’s neck, sinking his teeth in a little more than he usually would. Clay jumped against him, then reached around, grabbed his ass cheeks, and squeezed.
“Wanna get dirty?” Thomas asked.
“Oh yeah.”
Clay rocked his hips, dancing against Thomas as he lifted his arms then lowered them, doing some wild moves, taking Thomas higher. Thomas dropped his head back, relaxing as he let Clay take over. Clay was the perfect amount of sexy and action.
Clay lined up their cocks and pressed their bodies together. He was rocking his hips, and the pressure of Clay’s belly and his cock felt amazing. Their gazes met, and Clay stilled. His eyes went wide, and he pulled Thomas close, giving him an open mouth kiss, which felt like he was drinking love from him instead of only kissing.
During the lip lock, Clay had walked him backward, and he was now pressed up against the mattress.
“Lay across the bed with your head on that side,” Clay whispered.
“What are we going to do?”
“You’ll see.”
Thomas stretched out across the bed, and his gaze strayed to Clay’s stiff cock and his balls. He’d never wanted another guy’s cock and balls before, but his tongue curled at the thought of wrapping his lips around his man.
Clay turned, and his knees were close to Thomas’ head. He was about to say something when Clay licked his cock. Thomas gasped then reached for Clay’s cock, adjusting so he could lick and suck. It was awkward until Clay lowered, and he could get more of his cock in his mouth.
They were moaning and sucking, licking and tasting. Clay did something amazing to his balls, and he almost screamed. His body felt on fire as Clay took him to levels he’d never experienced. He was in love. His body heated to near boiling. He never wanted his man to leave because he would never find another person like Clay.
Thomas gasped when Clay slid his fingers over his crack. His balls churned hard. He was going to come. There was no stopping it. He pulled his head back, and Clay’s cock popped out of his mouth as he stiffened and came, shooting his load down Clay’s throat.
Clay moaned and reached down, taking his cock and rubbing it over Thomas’ lips. He opened his mouth as Clay lost his control and came. Some of Clay’s cum leaked out of the corner of his mouth, and he felt it run down his cheek. He liked being covered in Clay’s cum. He didn’t think he would ever do this for any other man, but being with Clay like this was amazing.
They lay together, both panting, him stroking Clay’s legs as they recovered. Clay sat up and then Thomas did too. Their gazes connected, and he knew he was lost to love. His lover was the perfect person for him. They had a soul deep connection and gender didn’t matter. Nothing mattered other than being with Clay.
“You feel it too, don’t you?” Clay asked.
“What?”
“The tug, the pressure. We’re supposed to be together.”
He nodded. “Yeah, I feel it. I know you’re mine, and I’m yours.”
Clay moved so he was kneeling in front of
Thomas. “What are we going to do?”
Thomas shook his head. “I’ve got no clue, but I love you.”
“I love you too.”
“I think I always knew I would fall for you. Back in the Marines, I knew I should be with you. You’re the perfect guy for me. I don’t know why it took me so long to see it, maybe because I didn’t really think being with a guy was a possibility.”
Clay cupped his cheek. “Give yourself a break. We both were messed up back then. I don’t think I had a clue at the time, and we were told we couldn’t be gay. You know, don’t ask don’t tell crap.”
Thomas nodded and turned to kiss Clay’s wrist.
“I know I had no idea you felt this way about me.”
“Clay,”—he cupped Clay’s cheek and shook his head—“what am I going to do?”
Clay’s brows pinched together, and his lips quivered. “I don’t know.”
Thomas bit his lower lip as worry spun through him. Could he ask? What would Clay say? What if he was being too presumptuous and ruined it all? His heart sped up because he knew he couldn’t stay silent. “Wo-would it be too much for me to say I want you here with me?”
“Maybe. I don’t know.” Clay closed his eyes, and his face scrunched up.
Pain knifed Thomas. Had he spoken too soon? Had he ruined whatever chance he had at happiness? “Okay, then I won’t say it. But you need to know I want you.”
Clay met his gaze and nodded. “I do, but I don’t know how to make this work. I’m not ever going to say we shouldn’t have gotten together, but this is tough.”
His heart felt like it had shattered into a million pieces. He didn’t want to lose Clay, but he felt like he was slipping away. Every time it felt like he had a better grasp on Clay, the man got a little more away from him.
Thomas met Clay’s eyes. “I’m sorry if I’m making it too tough on you. I want this to work for us, and I don’t know what to do.”
Clay’s lips thinned, and he shook his head. “I don’t know either.”
They hugged, their bodies pressed together, though he’d never felt so far from Clay as he did now. Thomas worried he’d pressed too hard too soon. He should have kept his mouth shut; now, it sounded like Clay was ready to end their relationship when their vacation ended.
10
Clay didn’t sleep well. He tossed and turned, wishing life were easier. Close to one, he got up and stumbled into the bathroom. He didn’t want to wake Thomas, so he sat on the edge of the tub and checked his email on his phone. Another note had come through, this one from his boss. It wasn’t good. Word had gotten around that he’d screwed up on an arrest. But he hadn’t. His heart sped up as panic filled him. How could he set things right while he was on vacation? Now he knew he never should have said anything to anyone about his suspicions. If he’d kept his mouth closed, none of this would be happening. But staying quiet meant the deaths of those two men would go unpunished.
After checking the rest of his email and finding nothing, he shut off his phone and lay down in the bed. His brain buzzed with worry. What if he was found guilty of misconduct?
He sighed heavily and turned to face Thomas. Being close to his man helped. And listening to Thomas snore beside him made his heart squeeze. His friend meant so much to him, and he would never be able to walk away. Somehow, he had to figure out a way to move and be with Thomas.
The next morning, he woke and found the bed empty. The guys were gathered in the kitchen and gave him hell for sleeping late when he came down. Thomas pulled him close and kissed him lightly before moving to the coffee pot to get him some of the smooth, dark brew.
“Thanks,” Clay said when he handed the coffee to him.
“You’re welcome. You ready to head out in about twenty minutes?”
“Sure. I’ll take a quick shower.”
Lane chuckled, “You going to join him?”
“I may,” Thomas replied.
Lane rolled his eyes and slapped Mike on the shoulder. “Can you believe those two?”
Mike shook his head. “Maybe you should be happy for them.”
“I am. I’m thrilled. Come on Mike, you know I’m happy.”
“Sure, then show it,” Mike said.
Thomas went to Lane and patted him on the shoulder. “Dude, you’re jealous.”
“What? I’m not jealous.”
Thomas chuckled and moved back to Clay’s side. “Sure you are. I’m headed upstairs to shower with Clay, and then we’ll leave.” Thomas wrapped his arm over Clay’s shoulder and led him upstairs.
Being with Thomas felt right, and Clay fought hard to push the depression away. He wanted every minute to be special and being upset about leaving wouldn’t make their lives better. Though he wanted to linger with Thomas in the shower, his man was quick, getting him cleaned before taking care of his wood with speed and efficiency.
They were on their way to the Speedway in less than thirty minutes. The day was hot, but it was cool to see the inner workings of the famous racetrack. There were other people on the tour with them, so he and Thomas didn’t hug, hold hands, or kiss, but it was nice to spend the day with the man he loved and his friends.
After lunch at the house, they spent the afternoon swimming and having fun, drinking a little too much and lazing around. Having Thomas so close in his swimsuit was making Clay hard. The material proved to be constricting, and he needed to get some relief.
Thomas must have seen something in Clay’s expression, because he was tugged close for a deep kiss, which left his head spinning. Thomas didn’t let up as he led him up to the bedroom and tugged off both of their swimsuits. He was on his back, Thomas stretched out on top of him as they rocked and ground together.
“Clay, I need you.”
“I’m yours.”
“Really be mine. Don’t go out with anyone else when you leave here.”
Clay grunted and dug his fingers into Thomas’ back. “You’re mine. All mine.”
They were breathing hard, their bodies plastered together, sweat slicking their skin. He wasn’t going to last long; then Thomas lifted Clay’s leg, and his cock grazed over Clay’s pucker. They both stilled, their gazes meeting.
“I always use a condom,” Thomas said.
“Lube.”
Thomas reached over and opened the nightstand drawer, pulling out a tube. His gaze went to the lube then back to Clay. “Lane gave it to me earlier.”
“He did?”
“Yeah, he said he was happy for me.”
Clay chuckled, then Thomas dipped low and delivered a feral kiss. He sat up, his eyes dark with lust.
“I swear I’ve never had sex without a condom. I’ve been checked, and I’m good. I want to feel you, not some piece of rubber.”
“I want you.”
Thomas gave him a wobbly smile and lowered, cupping Clay’s cheeks. “Are you sure about this?”
“Yes. I want you, all of you.”
Thomas brushed his lips over Clay’s, before he sat up and popped open the lube. He drizzled some on his dick, spreading the slick before lining up. Clay was nervous and wasn’t sure he could go through with it until the moment Thomas’ cock popped in. He gasped as pain flashed through him.
“Oh God,” Clay cried out.
Thomas stilled. “Clay?”
“Don’t pull out. Give me a moment.”
“Is it bad?”
He gulped in a breath as he tried to stabilize. “I’m fine. Just—” Clay blew out a breath and then drew in air slowly. “I’m good. Ease in slowly.”
Thomas slid in, and Clay tried to relax as Thomas went deeper. His mouth hung open; his head was thrown back. Pain zipped through him like lightning. Then everything got better. Thomas adjusted, and Clay felt like he was being rolled inside out. Another shock of energy shot through him, leaving him gasping for breath. Thomas stilled again.
“Babe?”
“So. Fucking. Good.” Clay ground out.
“You like it?”
“Go
d, yes. Fuck me, please.”
Thomas didn’t stop, and Clay held on, trying to stay sane as his best friend and lover brought him so much pleasure, he wasn’t sure he was still himself. Thomas lifted up on his hands and stared down at Clay as he rocked in. Their gazes met, and he knew he would never be the same.
Thomas stroked in slowly, his length grazing over Clay’s gland. It felt magical as they rocked together. His fingers traced over Thomas’ pecs and lower to his stomach then around to his ass. He held on as Thomas drove him crazy with need.
Thomas wasn’t just his friend; he was his everything. They were meant to be, and no one could ever convince Clay otherwise.
“I want you to remember how much I love you. God, Clay, I’m going to—” Thomas threw his head back, his mouth hung open as he grunted. It was the most beautiful sight Clay had ever witnessed. Thomas jerked, and his head dipped before he groaned.
They were both falling over the edge into oblivion where they became one, melded together in passion and love. There was no Thomas and no Clay, just the two of them, holding on tight to something as intangible as hope, but it felt so real, he wondered if the sweat coating his skin had words of love inscribed in it.
Loving came easy as Thomas eased him back to earth. His body would recover from the pain, but his heart and head would never be the same. They’d shared something so special, he didn’t know what to call it other than pure love.
Thomas pulled out, and Clay missed the connection immediately. He wanted the fullness back, the pain, the stretching, and the pleasure. He’d felt alive when Thomas had been inside of him.
“Clay, you’re amazing. You felt so good.”
Clay opened his mouth to speak, but his words were caught up, twisted with his emotions. He cleared his throat and tried again. “So did you. I loved it.”
Thomas ran his fingers through Clay’s hair. “Was it too painful?”