Shelton reached out and cupped the back of Nevil's head, pulling him closer for a kiss. So delicious. He never tired of the taste of this man in his arms. Nevil pressed against him, and the heat of his body ignited Shelton, the scent of Nevil's skin filling him with the longing to run his tongue over every inch of him.
Nevil groaned low in his throat and reluctantly pulled away. "Let's go inside," he said unsteadily.
"Absolutely."
They left the car and Nevil squeezed his hand, Shelton's heart pounding with excitement as they climbed onto the wide porch surrounding the house. Nevil fished the keys from a pocket and opened the door. He waved Shelton in and barely let the door close behind them before pulling Shelton tight against his body.
The dark head bent to him. "I love you," Nevil told him and captured Shelton's lips before he could reply. He opened to Nevil's tender assault, tasting him, their tongues twining in their own erotic dance. A flutter began in Shelton's stomach and quickly descended to his groin. He recalled those same fantastic lips there, and his body burst to life. He hardened as Nevil plundered his mouth with kisses that scorched his blood.
He groped for the zipper of Nevil's trousers, but Nevil broke off their kiss and caught his wrist. Shelton waited, aroused and aching, as Nevil pulled a slip of black silk from a pocket.
"Close your eyes."
Shelton obediently shut his eyes, and Nevil deftly tied the cloth around him, shutting out all light. He shivered, feeling Nevil's warm breath on his cheek. He turned his head and licked the heated, salty skin of Nevil's neck. Putting his mouth on the hot pulse beating there, he felt the rush of blood beneath the skin.
Nevil slipped an arm around Shelton's waist and guided him across the smooth floor. A door flung open, and then Shelton felt the thick carpet of another room under his feet as he was led forward.
Nevil stopped again, and Shelton waited, keen for him to break the tension humming along his nerves. He jumped slightly when his lips were licked and Nevil teased his mouth open. Nevil kissed him lazily, tantalizing him, drawing out Shelton's expectancy to a fine point.
"Please," he panted when he thought his nerves would shatter. Nevil laughed, sounding pleased as he began to undress Shelton. Shelton's body screamed for Nevil to grab his cock, but he kept silent, knowing their lovemaking was better when he allowed Nevil to have his way.
He moaned when fingers brushed along his straining length and tickled his sac, and then light exploded in his head as Nevil began to roll his balls in his hand. Nevil kissed him, and Shelton hungrily pulled him closer but felt Nevil ease away.
"None of that. In fact..." Nevil put a hand on his chest and gently pushed back. "On the bed, love."
Shelton felt the edge of the bed against his knees and sat down. The sheets were slick and cool against his skin, and he lay back, finding the pillows. Goose bumps covered his body when Nevil joined him, and his pulse raced, the anticipation driving him to distraction.
Nevil placed Shelton's arms over his head and Shelton scrunched his face in a frown when he wound a second cloth around his wrists. "I don't think—"
"I won't hurt you," Nevil assured him as he secured Shelton's wrists to the headboard. "Quite the opposite, in fact."
What is he planning? Shelton felt vulnerable, even more so when Nevil slipped the pillow from under his head and nudged it under his lower back, lifting his butt off the mattress.
"What's that?" he asked sharply when a soft burr filled the room and then bit his lip. He knew that sound. He'd been mesmerized the times he'd watched Nevil use one. He'd even participated a time or two, holding Nevil's shuddering body in his arms as Nevil came with a shout of abandoned pleasure.
He'd been hesitant to try it himself, though. He sighed, embarrassed by his timidity. Nevil caressed his hot face and leaned close for a sweet kiss.
"You're such a delight to make love to," Nevil murmured as if reading his thoughts. "Trust me. This'll blow your mind."
Shelton drew in a lungful of air and let it out slowly, relaxing his muscles. He heard a click, and the humming of the vibrator stopped. Nevil's quick breathing filled the room, and Shelton smiled at the sound of his excitement.
"Now where did I put the lube...? Oh, yes."
Nevil moved on the bed, and Shelton heard him fumble with the nightstand. The mattress sagged again, and Shelton held his breath while Nevil blew cool air over his cock, hard and ready for their games.
"God, Nevil," he groaned as Nevil continued to tease him, flicking his tongue along his aching shaft. He cried out in surprise when Nevil licked the tip. Slippery fingers pushed against his hole and slid inside him. Shelton winced slightly at the initial pain, then squirmed when Nevil stroked the sensitive tissue, sure he would like what was coming.
The fingers withdrew, and Shelton caught his bottom lip with his teeth as he felt a strange pressure against his hole—not unpleasant, just different. Nevil must have used plenty of lubricant, because there was little resistance as he carefully inserted the head. A tingle spread through him as Nevil pushed the vibrator in deeper, slowly stretching him, creating little ripples of pleasure.
Nevil slid the device in and out several times then rotated it. God! "Nevil! I can't..."
"I think we found the spot," Nevil murmured gleefully. "Do you like it there?"
"I don't..." Shelton groaned loudly, arching his back. Nevil had nudged the vibrator in farther then turned it on. Intense pleasure swamped Shelton's senses.
"A little faster?" Nevil urged, his voice sounding thick.
Shelton helplessly tossed his head. "I don't know."
Nevil did something, and a feeling bordering on ecstasy burst in Shelton's brain. He couldn't think as waves of bliss danced along his nerves.
"Nevil," he whimpered as his balls tightened, the pressure building toward climax. His body twitched, and he pushed his hips downward against the vibrator. He cried out, on the verge of coming, the exquisite pleasure of the vibrator almost painful against his prostate.
Then Nevil's hot mouth engulfed his dick in wet heat, and it was all over. Shelton came in one quick thrust, his hips rising off the pillow. The orgasm went on and on, shattering him. He panicked slightly as a buzzing grew in his head. His lips tingled then went numb.
"Take a breath, dear."
Shelton let go of a held breath and drew delicious air into his lungs. He grinned as Nevil slipped the vibrator out and untied his hands. He felt amazing and settled into the mattress with a sigh, his body twitching slightly as it recovered from the intense orgasm.
Nevil laughed and slipped the scarf from Shelton's eyes. Shelton caught his breath at the fire in the turquoise gaze, knowing Nevil wanted him more than ever. He hooked an arm around Nevil's neck and kissed him lovingly.
"Thank you," he murmured.
A wicked smile touched Nevil's lips. "There's a way you can thank me." He smirked and guided Shelton's hand to his sleek erection. Shelton took hold of it and saw the flush of desire that crossed Nevil's face. They kissed, then Nevil drew back and asked teasingly, "Can I get inside you now, or was your new friend enough?"
In answer, Shelton pushed him onto his back and straddled him, elated they'd forgone condoms long ago. Nevil's cock slid in easily, and Shelton groaned, more sensitive than ever. Nevil sat up, going deeper into Shelton's body. Shelton wrapped his arms around Nevil as they rocked together, the familiar joy of their lovemaking building inside him. The vibrator had been incredible but nothing like this living, flesh-and-blood man in his arms inside him, filling him with love.
Chapter Two
Shelton lingered in the shower after Nevil had climbed out, enjoying the hot spray. He sighed as his muscles relaxed, easing the soreness of his ass from their games. When the water cooled, he turned off the faucet and went in search of clothing. Nevil had packed a suitcase for them, and Shelton found a pair of worn, comfortable shorts. After slipping them on, he made his way through the house to the kitchen, admiring the contrast of dark wood floors a
nd cream-colored walls. The modern decor went well with the understated luxury of the floor plan.
The brown-and-blue kitchen tiles felt cool against his feet as he crossed to the glass doors leading to the deck. Nevil stood over a smoking barbecue grill and waved the spatula at him.
"Smells good," Shelton said. They dallied over a kiss, and then Nevil motioned across the deck.
"Sit in the hot tub, if you want. The chicken needs a few more minutes."
Shelton eyed the sparkling water with interest. "Did you bring swimming trunks?"
"Go naked. I won't peek," Nevil teased when Shelton hesitated. Shelton playfully turned his back and slipped off his shorts, swaying his hips on the walk across the cedar decking to the hot tub. He enjoyed Nevil's admiring whistle as he climbed the few steps and eased into the deliciously hot water. His dick bobbed a second on top before sinking, and Shelton felt a twinge of regret. Nevil made it clear that the unsightly scars and dark patches of skin on Shelton's cock didn't bother him, but in moments like this, Shelton wished he was beautiful.
He laid his head back on the edge of the tub and let the jets of water massage his body. Pine trees grew at the edge of the deck, spicing the air, and the evening sun glittered on the lake. Shelton drew a contented breath and threw off his worries. He didn't want to be anywhere else in the world.
Nevil came over and sat beside him on the decking, handing him a bottle of beer.
"This is ideal, Nevil. Thank you." Shelton took a swallow of the amber liquid and handed the bottle back. Nevil put it down and slipped his feet into the water. They sat in companionable silence, Nevil twining his fingers in Shelton's curls.
He tugged gently and gave Shelton a light kiss when he looked up. "I thought you'd like this. In fact, I've been thinking of buying some property along the lake for us."
Panic churned suddenly in Shelton's stomach. It was time to tell Nevil his plans. He'd wanted to wait for the right moment. Damn it.
Nevil narrowed his eyes. "You look extremely serious all of a sudden. What is it?"
Shelton was saved from answering when the timer Nevil had set beside the grill went off. Nevil climbed to his feet and held out a hand. "Let's eat. I'm starving."
While Shelton dried off and slipped back into his shorts, Nevil flipped the chicken breasts one more time and placed them on the patio table he'd set earlier, then fetched salad and a bottle of wine from a nearby cooler and sat down. Shelton took the chair opposite him and stared at the golden chicken on his plate. He'd lost his appetite, knowing he couldn't put off telling Nevil the truth any longer.
Nevil put his fork down. "Something's bothering you. Tell me."
Where to begin? Shelton ran a hand through his hair as he struggled for the words. He wanted this to go right. "I was offered a promotion."
"That's great. But...?" Nevil prompted when Shelton looked anything but happy.
"It's for the branch office in Denver. I'd be a level three administrative assistant."
For a second, fear showed in the beautiful eyes fixed on him. Then Nevil blinked, and the emotion disappeared. "Colorado?"
"At the newly opened bank. They need help getting started."
"How long would you be gone? A month? Six?"
"The contract is for three years with a hefty salary increase. Nevil, come with me. With that kind of money, it wouldn't be long before you could start your own business."
Nevil shifted in his chair and crossed his arms over his chest. "It's not that simple. Do you know how many years it took us to make the connections we have here? If I left the firm, I'd have to start from scratch, attach myself to another architectural company and begin all over again."
Shelton opened his mouth then shut it with a click of his teeth. He hadn't thought of connections. Nevil had only ever spoken of the lack of funds that kept him from opening a private business.
"I want you to come anyway," he said when he realized he had no arguments with which to persuade Nevil.
"And I think you should stay here with me, where you belong."
"If I don't take the position, they'll pass me over for Andrew Blake. If they do that, I can kiss any hope of advancement good-bye."
"Stay anyway. Let that bastard Andrew take the job. His enormous ego needs the stroking. We'd get by."
A band of steel tightened around Shelton's chest, making it painful to breathe. He shivered, not wanting to speak his next words. This wasn't how he'd planned things at all. He'd thought Nevil would be happy for him and excited to go to Denver. He bit hard on his lip, the pain easing the pressure around his heart. "I've already given them a tentative yes. I want to go."
Nevil looked stunned. "Without talking to me first? Don't I—" He stopped, and Shelton saw him swallow convulsively. "When would you leave?"
"Not until September. They won't be set up until then."
Nevil nodded and turned his head toward the water, but not before Shelton saw a gleam of tears in his eyes.
"Nevil..."
Nevil held up his hand, stopping Shelton's words. "If you've decided to go, I can't stop you. I'm disappointed that you didn't discuss it with me first before giving your answer."
Shelton sprang out of his chair and knelt beside Nevil's chair. He put a hand on Nevil's thigh, needing to touch him. "I can still tell them I changed my mind, if you're really set against this. But it's only for three years. Can't you—"
"Barker's retiring in a couple years and I'll be made a full partner with his son. I can't leave."
Shelton looked at his hand on Nevil's bare leg, feeling the warmth of his skin. He knew its taste and how the fine hairs tickled his tongue. His enticing scent filled Shelton with sorrow, and he pushed his burning eyes against Nevil's hip. He wanted to start the day over. He wished he'd never been offered the job tempting him away from everything he loved.
Nevil tangled his fingers in Shelton's curls, emphasizing all he would lose. "What would happen if you told them no thank you?"
Shelton shrugged despondently. "I could, but like I said, it would ruin my chances for any future promotions at the bank. And if I left the company, who'd hire me after that?"
"Fuck."
Shelton lifted his head, but Nevil was looking across the lake and Shelton couldn't see his expression. He climbed to his feet and returned to his chair. "I've worked hard for this, Nevil. You know that. I would like to go."
"And I'm staying. Looks like we've hit an impasse."
"Can't we find a way to make this work?"
Nevil remained silent, and Shelton ate his tasteless meal with a tight throat, giving Nevil the space he obviously needed.
*~*~*
The evening was strained between them, with Nevil drinking more than his share of the wine and answering Shelton's attempts at conversation with one-syllable replies. He'd gone inside as soon as it was dark, not even saying good night.
Shelton followed him and stood beside the bed, chewing his lips when Nevil crawled under the sheets and lay staring at the ceiling. Shelton sighed, took off his clothes, and climbed in beside him.
He stroked Nevil's arm in the faint light from the clock on the nightstand. The muscles were as tight as granite. "Can't we talk about this?"
"We did talk about it. You want to leave. The end."
Shelton slid his hand over Nevil's chest, aching to be pulled into those strong arms and comforted. "We can—"
Nevil caught his wrist in a painful grip. "What, Shelton? Fuck? Would that make everything better? Fine." He gave Shelton a hard kiss, then flipped him to his stomach without warning and pinned him.
"Is this what you want?" Nevil growled in his ear. Shelton nodded, his heart racing, hoping the intimacy would cool Nevil's temper.
Nevil grabbed up the lubricant and entered him with the minimal of preparation, and Shelton pushed his face into the pillows, Nevil's lovemaking hard and quick, having nothing to do with love and everything to do with anger. He circled Shelton's nipples with his fingers, pinching roughly, plucking hi
s nerves. The rough fingers stroked down his ribs and rolled his aching balls.
Shelton leaked precum when Nevil palmed his dick, but concentrated to stop the orgasm. Apparently, Nevil wasn't ready to forgive him, and he didn't want to come when his heart was hurting. He winced and blinked away a few scalding tears when Nevil laughed harshly. Nevil quickened his movements, his jabbing shaft plunging deeper with each stroke until Shelton's control snapped. With a cry, he came in Nevil's hand. Nevil's triumphant groan heralded his own release as he pumped his semen into Shelton's body.
When Nevil's movements slowed, Shelton eased into the mattress, lonely and missing Nevil's words of love in his ear. He jumped violently when the strident notes of a synthpop song shattered the silence. Withdrawing from him, Nevil reached for his cell phone on the nightstand as the ringtone played again. "What?" he asked impatiently.
Shelton rolled over and stared at the ceiling while Nevil continued to listen to whoever was on the other end of the conversation. He glanced over when Nevil made a sputtering sound. Even in the dim light, Shelton could see the anger on his face.
Nevil yelled an obscenity into the phone and hurtled it across the room and Shelton put a hand on his thigh. "What is it?"
Nevil growled in his throat and shoved Shelton's hand away. "That was Ted Pringle from your office. Apparently, your phone's off. Seems they need you at work early tomorrow. Change of plans. You leave for Colorado next weekend."
"Nevil—"
"Go to sleep," Nevil snapped. He climbed under the blankets and, for the first time, turned his back on Shelton. Shelton lay in the darkness, hurting. Although Nevil was there beside him, he already felt the hundreds of miles between them.
Chapter Three
Nevil continued to ignore him on the drive to the bank the next morning, and Shelton took a frustrated breath. Damn. Nevil hadn't spoken to him during breakfast either. Shelton wanted to know his plans. Nevil had left his clothes at the lake house, so apparently he wouldn't be coming home any time soon.
He chewed his lips as Nevil stopped the Prius in front of the bank. There had to be something he could say to make things right between them.
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