Waiting For Mr. Ashwell

by K. Sterling

  There was a very good chance that Ned had changed his mind and decided it wasn’t worth it an hour later. He had pitched forward and put his head between his knees, trying to fight off the nausea and swore before he started pounding on the roof. As soon as the coach stopped he jumped out and stumbled into the woods. Ash frowned as he grabbed the umbrella and went after him. Ned tried to wave Ash off as he leaned against a tree and heaved.

  “I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve seen you cast up your accounts.” Ash said as he kicked Ned in the ass. He scowled over his shoulder. Ash shrugged. “Stop being a ninny.” He held the umbrella over them and stared at the coach while Ned made miserable sounds.

  “You’re the worst, do you know?” Ned complained after he spit several times. Ash handed him some water so he could rinse. “I can’t believe you called me a ninny.” Ned wobbled as he turned. Ash put Ned’s arm over his shoulder and helped him to the coach. Once they were both settled and back on their way, Ash tried rubbing Ned’s shoulders again.

  “You need to take a hot bath as soon as you get to Danvers House.” Ash ordered. Ned shrugged.

  “If I’m not too tired.” He pouted as he rested his head against the side of the coach.

  “Ned.” Ash warned. Ned said something under his breath. Ash sighed as he kneaded the muscles of Ned’s neck, careful to keep from tickling him. “It’s just a few nights and we can spend our days together and we won’t have to part until late.”

  “I still think we could have found a reason for us to stay together.” Ned mumbled.

  “As we are both wealthy men with large homes in London, there is literally no reason for us to stay together. In the future, I can justify staying with you as I’ll have my house closed and wouldn’t see the need to open it for a short period of time. But, for now, we have to sleep in separate houses.” They had gone round and round about where they would stay. Ash was fully expecting Ned to complain every chance he could.

  “I could set Danvers House on fire.” Ned joked. Ash was glad that he felt well enough to do so.

  “It’s better than me being in London and you being at Elston.” Ash reminded. Ned snorted.

  “I don’t know why you keep expecting me to be reasonable. You should know better by now.” He replied. Ash rolled his eyes.

  “I would never expect you to be reasonable, Ned.” Ash pulled Ned close, pressing Ned's head against his shoulder. He wrapped his arms around Ned and set his lips against his temple. “Try to sleep.” Ash whispered. Ned nodded and sighed. Ash tracked Ned’s breathing and the relaxing of his body until he knew Ned was asleep. Relieved and content, Ash smiled softly as he reached for his book.

  The journey had been better than Ash expected. Ned only needed to stop four more times to cast up his accounts and he was only mildly petulant the rest of the day. Ned almost wept with relief when they finally stopped in front of Ash’s home. Unfortunately, it was late in the evening by the time they arrived.

  “Blydon, could you please prepare a tea tray for his lordship? He’s not feeling well from the journey and I’d like him to rest and put something in his stomach before we send him on his way.” Ash requested as he removed his outerwear and handed it to the butler.

  “Certainly, sir. I’ll bring that to the library shortly.” Blydon said before he took himself off.

  “God bless, Blydon.” Ned slurred as he trudged into the library.

  Ned was pale and exhausted. It broke Ash’s heart to have to send him home soon. Ned fell onto the sofa and moaned in delight as he shut his eyes. Ash went to the sideboard and poured himself a scotch then took the seat by the sofa.

  “I’ll be busy here all day tomorrow. What do you plan to do?” Ash asked as he reclined and unbuttoned his coat. Ned raised his head and frowned.

  “I had thought to come for breakfast and just stay here all day.” He mumbled. Ash shrugged.

  “You’re welcome to but I don't want you to feel neglected. Come for breakfast then go and visit your mother and sister when you get bored.” Ash looked up as Blydon entered with the tray. Ned sat up as the butler poured their cups. “Thank you, Blydon. That will be all.” Ash said and the butler bowed as he left the room. After a moment, Ash stood and quietly shut the library door. He sat next to Ned on the sofa and prepared their tea. Ned shut his eyes and sighed as he sipped. Ash relaxed next to Ned and watched him over the rim of his cup as he drank. Ned smiled drowsily.

  “I could never be bored if I’m with you.” Ned said as he scooted close and settled against Ash’s chest. Ash pressed a kiss to Ned’s brow. “I will stop in and see them though. They’ll expect you to as well.” Ash nodded.

  “Of course.” He mumbled. Ash loved Ned’s mother and sister. They had always treated him like a member of the family and made him feel welcomed at any of their homes. But after all the recent developments, he was afraid of what could occur. If Ash’s family had seen it and all the Elston staff had seen it, he expected Ned’s family would have as well. As much as he would prefer to let Ned face what would probably be an awkward conversation alone, Ash felt obligated to be there as well. “Actually, I think I’ll go with you to see them. I can get away for lunch or tea.”

  “Brilliant! I’ll let them know to expect us.” Ned said as he reached for a biscuit.

  Ash remained quiet and watched Ned eat and drink. After a few cups of tea and a dozen biscuits, Ned’s color had returned and he was in a much better mood.

  “Time for me to kick you out, Ned.” Ash declared as he rose to his feet. Ned pushed his lip out as he stood. “You need to go take a hot bath and try to get some sleep.” Ash gathered Ned’s face in his hands and pressed his lips to his. Ned groaned as he lifted his head.

  “I’ll miss you.” He complained. Ash brushed his lips against Ned’s cheek and inhaled. Even after the day he had, Ned still smelled amazing.

  “I’ll miss you too.” Ash whispered. “I love you.” He pulled Ned close and did his best to not become aroused.

  “I love you too.” Ned whispered the words against Ash’s neck. Ash sighed as he set Ned away from him.

  “Go. I’ll see you in the morning.” He said as he went to open the door. Ned smiled as Ash jumped and gasped when Ned grabbed his cock through his breeches as he brushed past him.

  “Have a good night.” Ned called over his shoulder.

  “Brat.” Ash grumbled as he went to the stairs.

  Chapter 22

  Breakfast was a very rushed affair. Ash had watched the door over his news sheet until Ned arrived. Both began the meal relaxed, chatting casually as they ate. Then, Ash’s eyes lingered at Ned’s lips for too long. Shortly after, Ash caught Ned staring at his lips. The pace of their eating quickened until it looked like they were racing to clean their plates. They both sprang to their feet at the same time and strode quickly to the library.

  Ash locked the door behind them and rushed across the room to Ned. Their bodies collided and Ned’s hands were everywhere, pulling and pushing at Ash’s clothes. Ash was trying to taste every inch of Ned’s face and neck as they fell onto the sofa. Ned quickly had both of their cocks freed and Ash groaned in relief as he thrust against Ned, letting their erections rub against each other.

  “I need to taste you.” Ash growled against Ned’s neck before he started moving down his body. “It feels like it’s been an eternity.” He whispered as he used his teeth to tug Ned’s trousers lower. Ned groaned as he raised his hips.

  “Fine. But I need to feel you inside of me.” Ned whispered urgently. Ash nodded as he lowered his head. He inhaled and moaned rapturously as the scent of Ned’s arousal made his cock turn to lead. Ash became impatient and ravenous as he wrapped his lips around Ned and started sucking greedily. Ned threw his arm over his eyes and his hand closed around Ash’s head gently. “I missed you so much last night. I think it was the longest night of my life!” Ned complained breathlessly as his hips started rocking toward Ash’s mouth.

  Ash g
rowled in approval as he took Ned deep into his throat. Ned hissed in delight. Ash reached into his pocket and removed his flask. He got his hand slick and started massaging the area beneath Ned’s sack as he hungrily sucked and licked. Ned’s long legs shifted and stretched restlessly as he gasped and groaned. Ash waited until he begged before he let his fingers drift lower. He swirled them around the tight bud of Ned’s ass until he felt it quiver. Ash’s finger slid in slowly and he gently probed until Ned begged for more. The second finger slipped in and Ned’s cock jumped and became harder.

  Despite the way his erection throbbed angrily, Ash took his time. He savored the taste of Ned as his cock dripped in anticipation. Ash used his tongue to tease the slit at the head, searching for more of the sweet nectar and Ned sobbed softly.

  “I need to come, Ash!” Ned gasped. Ash knew what Ned needed. He sat back on his heels and stroked Ned firmly as he flicked the fingers inside of him. A few minutes later, Ned’s head came of the sofa and his hands gripped the seat and the back as his breath hissed in and out. Ash waited until he started to shake before he closed his lips around the head of Ned’s cock and sucked. Ned’s sweet, tangy release flooded Ash’s mouth and he shut his eyes in bliss as he drank. Ash lingered, causing Ned to convulse as he became sensitive. “Ash!” Ned gasped.

  Ash chuckled softly as he poured a thin drizzle of oil on his very hard and urgent erection and stroked as he stood. He shifted his hips as he pushed his trousers down and let them fall around knees. With Ned still in breeches and boots, there were few options.

  “Roll over.” Ash whispered as he looked down at him. Ned smiled drunkenly before he turned his body and pressed his face against the seat. Ned raised his ass and wiggled his hips teasingly. Ash let his head fall to the side as he enjoyed the sight. He lowered his head and bit the cheek of Ned’s ass playfully and Ned laughed. “I’m happy, Ned.” Ash whispered as he leaned back.

  “Mmm… Show me.” Ned said softly.

  “God, I love you!” Ash gasped. Then, he took his time showing Ned just how happy he made him.

  Chapter 23

  “Oh, Ash! Look at you!” Miranda’s eyes sparkled as they searched Ash’s face. “You look so well!” She declared as she threw her arms around him. Ash laughed softly as he hugged Ned’s mother. She had always been so perceptive, it was why he was suddenly nervous. But she was also warm and generous. He was genuinely happy to see her.

  “You look lovely as always, Miranda.” Ash mumbled as he stepped away. Caroline crashed into him.

  “Ash! It’s been too long. I swear, I was starting to think you were avoiding us. It’s like we’re always just missing you.” She complained as she squeezed him tight. He pressed a kiss to her forehead.

  “I’ve missed you too, Caroline! I promise I’ll do better.” Ash said as his eyes met Ned’s. Ned winked over his mother’s shoulder.

  “I’m here too, not that anyone seems to notice…” Ned pouted. Caroline rolled her eyes as she swatted him.

  “We just saw you. We never see Ash.” She said as she hugged her brother. Then, Miranda took Ned’s face in her hands and laughed.

  “Somehow, you look even more handsome and happier than usual.” Miranda announced before she kissed him. Ned hugged his mother and grinned.

  “Brilliant!” He said as he released her. He did look brilliant, Ash decided. It was Ned’s favorite word and it suited him.

  “Come and sit with me until lunch is served.” Miranda said as she took Ash’s arm and led him to the sitting room. Caroline and Ned followed. Ash joined Miranda on the lounge and Ned and Caroline took the seats opposite. “So, you’re closing your house?” Miranda asked as she patted Ash’s leg affectionately. Ash nodded as he reclined.

  “Wonderful!” Caroline said as she curled her feet under her. “Are you finally going to move into Elston with Ned?” She asked as she rested her head in her hand.

  Ash felt his heart start to race and his eyes met Ned’s. They were as wide as his and Ned looked slightly panicked. Ned blinked several times before he nodded weakly. Ash cleared his throat.

  “Yes.” Ash said as he held his breath. He felt Miranda squeeze his arm.

  “That’s terrific news! No wonder you both look so happy.” She said as she beamed at Ned. Caroline nodded emphatically.

  “I swear, I think Ash has smiled more in the last ten minutes than I have ever seen in the entire twenty years I’ve known him.” She said cheekily. Caroline was so like Ned, it was no wonder Ash loved her so much. Both he and Ned were still reeling when Miranda leaned affectionately against Ash.

  “Does your family know?” She asked softly. Ash nodded. He looked cautiously at Ned, who nodded as well.

  “Yes.” Ash said. “It was Henry’s idea, actually. We’re telling everyone that I’m living at Hendrick Hall.” Ash slid his finger beneath his cravat and loosened it a little.

  “How clever of him! Why didn’t anyone think of that sooner?” Miranda mused. Ned made a choking sound and everyone looked at him.

  “Because we didn’t even know!” He gasped as he threw his hands up. Caroline and Miranda laughed.

  “You poor things!” Caroline teased. “You’ve been so adorable together for so long.” She giggled and Miranda nodded.

  “You’ll have to move Ash out of that guest room and give him one of the larger rooms at Elston.” Miranda said to Ned. “He’s been in that same room since he was a boy, I’m sure he’s outgrown it.” Ash frowned.

  “I liked my old room.” He grumbled. Ned laughed.

  “Fenworth already took care of that.” He said and then recounted the mysterious events that led to Ash’s relocation. Ash was the only one that didn’t find the story very humorous, apparently.

  “How is your family?” Miranda asked as her giggling subsided. Ash shrugged.

  “They’re all doing well. Rebecca is pregnant again.” He said. Miranda gasped.

  “That’s four now!” She stared at Caroline pointedly. Caroline scowled back.

  “Goodness, mother! Give me some time. I’m not a barn cat.” She complained. That, Ash found humorous. He laughed. Miranda clapped her hand over her mouth and Caroline’s eyes got wide. “I didn’t even know you could do that!” She gasped.

  “Nonsense.” Ash rumbled. Ned grinned.

  “I’ve been teaching him.” He said as he winked at Ash. Miranda caught it.

  “Oh, this is so lovely!” She sighed. Ash shook his head in disbelief. Caroline poked Ned.

  “How was your drive from Elston? Did you go all green and cast up your accounts a dozen times?” She asked expectantly. Ned pulled a face.

  “Don’t be gruesome.” He said as he swatted her. “It went better than usual.”

  “By better, he means we only stopped five times and he only complained a lot.” Ash announced. Miranda looked at Ned pityingly and Caroline snorted.

  “I’m so glad I don’t have to travel with him anymore. It always took forever to get anywhere.” She sighed dramatically. “I don’t envy you, Ash. You should be knighted for putting up with him.” She winked at Ash and he smiled. Ganging up on Ned had always been their favorite activity. Ned scowled at them.

  “You should pity me! He kicked me in the ass and called me a ninny.” He pouted. He looked to his mother for support but she just laughed.

  “I’m sure you deserved it.” She said as she smiled at him lovingly. Caroline was lost. She hugged her middle and howled with laughter.

  “That’s excellent! I do love you, Ash!” She gasped as she tried to catch her breath.

  Lunch was announced and the meal was as comfortable and joyous as they always were with Ned’s family. Ash couldn’t help but feel grateful as he watched Ned and Caroline tease each other and Miranda try to maintain order. He loved them as much as his own family and he felt blessed that they were so excited and happy for Ned and him. They were incredibly lucky. All the stories he had ever heard of men that had been discovered or revealed the
mselves hadn’t ended well. They were usually outcasts and shunned by their families. Some had even been put in prison, if they were caught in particularly compromising positions. Ash shook his head again in disbelief. All the fear, self loathing and years of hiding were quickly fading away and he was starting to expect that he would have to get used to Happiness being his permanent state. Just as the thought came, a doubt creeped in and he felt a frown tug at his lips.

  His eyes settled on Ned and he wondered if he’d be able to keep him happy. Ned was brilliant. He was always laughing and teasing, always telling Ash that he was an old man and stuffy. What if Ned got bored? Ash scolded himself. If Ned wasn’t bored after twenty years, he probably wouldn’t be any time soon.

  “I need to have a word with you before you go, Ned.” Caroline said softly as the last of the plates were being removed. Ash grimaced.

  “I need to get back. I have a lot to do and we’re only staying for a few days.” He announced as they rose from the table. Miranda frowned as she took his arm.

  “It’s so cruel of the two of you to leave so soon!” She said as they entered the hall. “You’ll have to come for dinner before you leave.” Ash nodded in agreement.

  “The next time you visit, I’ll be at Elston.” He promised. Miranda brightened.

  “Then I’ll definitely visit more often!” She giggled and Ned made a disgusted sound before Caroline pulled him into the sitting room. Ash narrowed his eyes. Whatever they were up to, he probably wouldn’t like it.

  Chapter 24

  “Good afternoon, my lord.” Ned nodded to Ash’s butler as he passed his hat and cane. “Mr. Ashwell is in his library.” Blydon gestured down the hall.

  “Thank you, Blydon.” Ned said absently as he stared at the library. He straightened his spine and gathered his courage.

  Ned wasn’t sure that Ash was completely over the shock of the Room Debacle at Elston, it was a bit soon to be pushing him. It wasn’t going to help that he had slept so late and was just arriving. Ned cringed as he carefully leaned into the doorway. He spotted Ash leaning against a shelf by the window, completely absorbed in the book in his hands. Ned rested against the doorframe, content to watch Ash. He looked so warm as the sun clung to his face and shoulders. Ash’s eyes flicked quickly down the page and Ned smiled softly. He looks like he’s in a good mood, Ned thought. He sighed dramatically and Ash’s head snapped up. His eyes focused and held Ned’s briefly before he turned his attention back to the book. Ash pushed away from the shelf and slowly crossed the room. Ned shut the door behind him and went to Ash.