by K. Sterling
“Would your parents have a problem with that? With us?” His stomach squeezed at the thought but stopped when Carter shook his head wildly.
“No! Not at all!” He promised and Reid looked at Carter expectantly.
“Then, what’s the problem?” Reid asked. Carter cringed.
“It’s my parents.” He stated and Reid became more confused. Carter sighed and pushed his hands through his hair. “You’d meet my parents and we’ve only just started…” He floundered and Reid laughed.
“Dating.” He said and Carter shook his head again.
“No. We’re not dating.” He argued. Reid rolled his eyes and rose on his knees and swung a leg over Carter’s thighs and straddled him.
“We went on an actual date. We’re having sleepovers and really hot sex. You love my dog and my dog loves you. We’re dating, Carter.” Reid insisted as he fisted his hands in Carter’s hair and pulled his head back so he could stare into his eyes. “I want to know more about you. I want to see where you grew up. It sounds like you spent a lot of time in your parents’ store and that seems like a good place to start.” He said as he brushed his lips back and forth across Carter’s. Reid could feel Carter’s hard-on through his jeans and he wanted it.
“I spent all my time there.” Carter murmured as his hands skimmed down Reid’s back and closed around his ass. Reid ground his hips against Carter, trying to find relief.
“Then, let me come with you. Let me meet your parents.” Reid demanded as he traced Carter’s lips with his tongue. Carter growled softly as his fingers slid into the cleft of Reid’s ass.
“I don’t know if I’m ready for that.” He whispered and Reid felt Carter’s heart hammering against his chest. Reid made a shushing sound as he reached between them.
“It feels like you’re ready. Do we have time?” He asked as his hand cupped Carter through his jeans. He nodded.
“If we hurry.” Carter breathed as his hands closed around Reid’s face. His tongue surged into Reid’s mouth and Carter kissed Reid urgently before he tilted back and pulled his shirt over his head. Reid snatched a condom off the table and passed it to Carter then stretched for the bottle of lube. Carter ripped the wrapper open and leaned back as he unbuttoned his jeans. “How do you want it?” He asked as he rolled the condom down over his cock. Reid bit back a groan at the sight. The only thing sexier would have been if Carter’s thick, throbbing length had been bare. They were going to have a talk about that one day.
“Just like this. I want to ride you.” Reid’s voice shook with anticipation and need as he pumped lube onto the head of Carter’s erection. Carter hissed as Reid’s hand began to stroke, working the lube down his shaft.
“Do you need…” His voice was strained and Reid shook his head.
“No, I’m ready.” Reid panted as he rose on his knees.
He was expecting it to hurt a little and it was definitely going to take a few minutes but a little bit of pain would heighten everything. Reid guided the head of Carter’s cock to his entrance and bared down until the head slipped in. There was a sharp flash, a burning sting and Reid gasped as he tightened around Carter. Reid clenched his jaw and his head fell forward onto Carter’s shoulder. Carter’s hands rubbed soothingly over Reid’s back and Reid took a deep breath then exhaled. The muscles squeezing around Carter relaxed and Reid slowly lowered himself. There was pressure and mild, stinging pain pushed into Reid’s passage but he continued to fill himself with Carter’s hard, hot length. Reid felt Carter’s lips slide along his shoulder as he murmured soothing words to Reid, gently urging him on. Reid groaned when his ass finally rested on Carter’s thighs. He squeezed, savoring the incredible fullness and fading pain and Carter gasped.
“Fuck, Reid! You’re so tight.” He pulled Reid’s mouth to his and his lips and tongue were demanding as he claimed Reid’s mouth. Reid rose slowly, reveling in the easing of the pressure and the warm current that shot from his groin, down his legs. Carter pulled his head back and panted. “That’s it, ride me.” He begged as he leaned back on his hands so he could watch.
Reid gave Carter a cocky grin as he grabbed his shoulders and began to slide back down Carter’s cock. Oh, it was so good. Every nerve in Reid’s body lit up as Carter’s thickness caressed everywhere within him. He rolled his hips, taking Carter deeper on every downstroke as he started to ride faster, smoother. Carter’s hands glided over Reid’s chest and stomach as his eyes clung drowsily to Reid’s. His thumb flicked Reid’s nipple and electricity skated down his spine to the base of his cock making Reid hiss. Carter growled as he sat up and pulled Reid’s chest against his mouth. His lips latched onto Reid’s nipple and he sucked hard. Reid yelped and fisted his hands in Reid’s hair as he pressed his chest harder against Carter’s mouth. Carter bit down and Reid screamed as pleasure and pressure coiled in his groin and his sack pulled tight.
“I’m so close, Carter.” He whispered urgently. “Stroke my cock.” Reid begged as he rocked fast and hard on Carter’s erection. He moaned when Carter’s hand wrapped around his shaft and began to twist and pull. Reid swore and Carter raised his head and lapped at Reid’s lips as they danced against his tongue while he rode him harder.
“Holy shit, you feel so incredible.” Carter moaned. “You’re going make me come soon. I want you to come for me. Let me see you come while you ride my cock.” He commanded as he stroked Reid’s erection. Reid nodded drunkenly as hips slammed down on Carter’s lap with every fall.
“Ooooh, I’m going to come so hard.” Reid’s eyes tried to roll back into his head as bright, throbbing pleasure surged from his balls and bloomed in the base of his shaft. “Your cock feels so perfect in my ass.” He said as Carter worked his length faster.
“Christ, Reid!” His voice was strained as he pulled Reid’s lips to his. “No one’s ever fucked themselves on my cock like this. You’re so good.” Carter breathed the words into Reid’s mouth as he squeezed the base of Reid’s cock. “Come for me now.” He said as his hand tightened ruthlessly around Reid’s shaft.
Reid’s eyes flared as the pressure became vibrant and intense. Carter relaxed his grip and his hand slid up and Reid’s world exploded as heat and pressure surged up his length and come burst from the head in a thick, searing stream. It hit Carter in the chest and spilled down his hand as Reid’s body began to shake and buck. Carter gasped Reid’s name as his head fell back and his chest locked before he twisted and arched away from Reid as his body began to jump and twitch. They clawed at each other’s bodies until they stopped writhing and shivering as they fought to catch their breath. Carter fell back onto the bed, pulling Reid on top of him and he laughed softly.
“That was unbelievable.” Carter announced as he wrapped his arms tight around Reid.
“Seriously.” Reid agreed as he nuzzled Carter’s neck. It was slick and hot and tasted salty as Reid’s tongue washed against Carter’s skin.
“Let’s take a shower together here. We can stop by your place on the way and you can change.” Reid said as he pushed off the bed and stared down at Carter. He was frowning, probably about the whole “I don’t know if I’m ready for that” nonsense. “Hey. Stop overthinking.” Reid dropped a kiss on the tip of Carter’s nose. “This feels really good, just go with it.” Reid ordered and Carter sighed as he slapped Reid on the ass. Reid jumped and bit Carter’s lip. “Don’t start something we don’t have time for.” He warned and Carter laughed as he pressed a kiss to Reid’s lips.
“Fine. Let’s get moving.” He relented and Reid smiled as he jumped from the bed and ran into the bathroom to start the shower.
Chapter 9
Reid had driven through Northlake’s historic district a few times but never took the time to stop and explore. It was charming. Brick sidewalks, street lamps with hanging baskets of flowers, awnings, lots of benches for people watching… It was the sort of place Reid would bring his mom and sister if he had to entertain them for the day. The hardware shop looked like
something from a movie set. There were flower boxes in the windows and displays of fishing rods and lures were neatly arranged behind the glass. There was even an antique Bait sign hanging above the door. Carter paused in front of the window and Reid could see his lips pulled tight in the reflection.
“What is it?” Reid asked as he stared at Carter through the glass. Carter shook his head.
“This could be weird.” He mumbled as he turned to Reid.
“Why? You already called and told them you were bringing me and it sounded like they were looking forward to it.” Reid argued. Carter nodded vaguely as he scanned the storefront.
“I’ve never introduced anyone to my parents.” His eyes drifted to Reid’s and they were turbulent. “I know they're going to love you and then I’ll have to hear about it when things don't work out.” Carter explained. Reid rolled his eyes and grabbed Carter by the shoulders and shook him.
“Would you stop worrying? Let’s go!” He said as he turned Carter toward the door. Carter’s shoulders sagged as he pulled it open and Reid rubbed his back reassuringly.
A bell rang and Reid’s eyes darted about the long, narrow store. It was more like a general store than the hardware stores he was familiar with. One long wall was lined with countless bins of screws, bolts, washers, knobs, nails… There was an aisle of tools as well but the rest of the store was a random yet organized collection of fishing and other outdoor sporting goods, some rustic Americana themed home decor, gardening supplies and racks of seeds, greeting cards and a decent looking selection of small brand, high end pet foods. There were several bins of old fashioned candies and baskets of dog treats- pig ears, snouts, bones and rawhides. Reid was going to stock up for Sadie. He even spied her dry food on one of the shelves. Which was perfect, it was on his to-do list for the day.
“There you are!” A woman squealed as she rushed from the back. She was tall and striking. Her hair was silver despite her looking very young for her age and cut in a chic bob. This was Carter’s mother. He had her eyes and Reid loved her right away.
“Hey, mom.” Carter said as he pulled her into a hug. She kissed him on the cheek before she turned her gaze to Reid.
“You must be Reid!” She said as she offered her hand. He flashed a bright smile as he took her hand.
“It’s nice to meet you, ma’am.” He said and she swatted his arm.
“Don’t you dare! You call me May!” She insisted as she shot Carter a sly grin before a tall, broad shouldered man came up behind her. Reid’s eyes widened for a moment. Carter may have gotten his eyes from his mother but everything else was his father. He was nearly a clone. Carter’s father had that old Hollywood look and swagger and his eyes twinkled with mischief as he patted Carter on the back.
“You’re late. I thought you decided to sleep in.” He teased and May elbowed him.
“Stop! Reid, this is my husband, Jim.” She said and Carter’s dad flashed that same grin that Reid had come to associate with the fluttering in his stomach. He shook his head softly, in disbelief as he reached for his hand.
“It’s good to meet you, sir.” Reid said as he looked over at Carter. It was uncanny. And a little exciting, getting to see a glimpse of Carter, thirty or so years in the future.
“So, Reid, are you from the Chicago area?” Jim asked and Reid shook his head.
“I moved here a little over four months ago.” He said as he watched Carter, watching the exchange closely. “I’m from upstate New York, just outside of Syracuse.” Reid explained and Jim nodded.
“What brought you out here?” He asked as he leaned against the counter. Carter shoved his hands in his pockets as he grinned at Reid.
“He's a surgeon. He works at the hospital.” Carter explained and May’s eyes lit up.
“A doctor! And so young!” She exclaimed.
“What kind of doctor?” Jim asked as he patted May’s arm, trying to reign in her excitement. Reid winked at May and she blushed.
“I’m a neurosurgeon. I accepted a position as an attending physician after I was recruited at a conference last fall.” He jerked his head down the aisles and smiled sheepishly. “I hope I can be useful around here.” Reid said and Jim laughed as he clapped a hand on Reid’s shoulder.
“I’m sure you won’t have any trouble.” He stated as he went around the counter. “You two go next door and grab some breakfast.” Jim said as he pulled a crate of glass Coca-Cola bottles from underneath and stocked a vintage refrigerator by the register. May nodded and hooked her arm in Carter’s.
“Go say hi to Dana and have a nice breakfast.” She insisted before she squeezed Carter’s arm and giggled. “He’s so handsome! And a doctor! I love him, sweetheart.” May whispered, loudly and Reid pretended not to hear as he scanned the shelves as they moved toward a large doorway in the middle of the far wall.
Reid grinned as they stepped into the pharmacy next door. It was very retro and had an old fashioned soda fountain counter. May beamed as she led them to two stools at the end and a skinny, yet sturdy woman rushed from the other end. Carter rose and leaned over the counter as she approached.
“Carter!” She offered her cheek and he kissed it dutifully before he sat and gestured toward Reid.
“Dana, this is Reid. Reid, this is Dana.” He waved between them and her lips curved as she studied Reid. “Dana’s family has run the pharmacy since Northlake became Northlake. Her great, great something or other was one of the first to settle here.” Carter explained. Dana waved dismissively.
“No one wants to hear about that! Tell me about your friend.” She insisted and Reid bit his lip and tried not to blush as her eyes traveled over his upper body. Carter gave her a stern look.
“Behave, Aunt Dana.” He warned and she pouted.
“Reid’s a neurosurgeon!” May declared and Dana’s lips pulled into an O and Carter laughed.
“Don’t get any ideas. We’re dating, I guess.” Carter mumbled the last part and three sets of eyes focused on him. Reid stared impatiently at Carter. Why is he having such a hard time with that? He wondered and Dana sighed in mock exasperation.
“It’s bad enough that you wouldn't marry Melissa. Now, you show up with a gorgeous doctor and I can’t bully him into dating her either.” She teased as she passed Reid a menu. Carter chuckled as he reached over the counter and grabbed two coffee mugs.
“I think we would have been spectacularly unhappy.” Carter said as he passed Reid a napkin wrapped bundle of silverware. “I’ll have my usual.” He said and Dana nodded.
“Two eggs, over easy with hotcakes and bacon.” Dana yelled and a bent coat hanger of a man nodded as he started to move at the griddle. Dane smiled as she looked at Reid. “Do you need a few minutes?” She asked. Reid shook his head.
“I’ll have the same.” He said as he passed the menu back and Dana nodded before she turned.
“Make that two.” She called as she poured their coffee. “Anything else?” She asked as her eyes swung back and forth between them. Reid shook his head and Carter agreed. “Just let me know.” Dana said before she took herself off to take care of an elderly couple at the other end of the counter. May kissed Carter on the forehead before she went back to the store.
“This place is great!” Reid said as he looked around. It was like stepping back in time. The walls were lined with vintage ads and black and white photos of Old Northlake. Carter nodded as he lifted his mug to his lips.
“Yeah. I used to have the run of Main Street as a kid but I spent most of my time running around the pharmacy and the store with Melissa. She should be here soon.” Carter took a long sip of his coffee before he set it down and fidgeted with his silverware. Reid leaned close and Carter angled his head toward Reid’s in anticipation and Reid let his lips brush Carter’s ear before he whispered.
“So, you were supposed to marry Melissa?” He asked and Carter chuckled softly but his eyes were on Dana as he leaned closer.
“I don’t think an
yone actually thought that would ever happen. Dana always joked about it when we were children but Melissa was more like a sister. She fell in love in high school and got married pretty young. Her husband went into the Army and they moved around a lot until he was killed by a suicide bomber in Iraq.” Carter kept his voice low and Reid nodded in understanding as he looked over at Dana. “It’s been three years and Dana has been on Melissa to start dating again but she’s just not ready. And she has her hands full.” Carter added. Reid was about to ask what Carter meant when Dana came back with biscuit's, butter and assorted jellies.
“Cal should have everything up in a few minutes.” She said as she leaned on the counter. “Melissa should be here soon with Max. Do me a favor, have a word with him. He’s not doing his homework and he’s falling behind in reading. He’s been giving Melissa a hard time and she’s at her wit’s end with him being difficult after school.” Dana’s eyes were pleading as they stared up at Carter. “He always listens to you.” She said as she wrapped her hands around Carter’s and squeezed. Carter nodded and pulled his lips tight, considering.
“Of course. I think I know how to motivate him.” Carter winked and Dana looked relieved.
“God bless you, Carter Whitney!” She sighed as she went to get their plates. Reid gave Carter an expectant stare and he just shrugged.
“Max is a great kid. He’s seven and lives with his mom and grandma so he’s a little spoiled and high strung. And he’s seven.” Carter said as he unrolled his silverware. Reid’s eyes widened when Dana began setting plates in front of them.
“Dear, God! You know that it’s just the two of us, right?” He asked as he stared at the large stack of pancakes, two eggs, a mountain of hash browns and six strips of bacon in front of him. He looked at Carter’s identical portions and the plate of biscuit's and shook his head in disbelief. “Are the portions always this big?” He asked under his breath as he leaned close to Carter.