Shelton in Love

by Dianne Hartsock

  Shelton's gasp was lost in a torrid kiss. Nevil nibbled his lips and sucked his tongue and Shelton's body ached with longing for his sure touch, his mind whirling from the erotic play.

  "Please," he murmured, not sure if he begged Nevil to end the sweet torture or to continue forever. Nevil's answer was to slip his hand into Shelton's pants and grip his cock. Shelton moaned into Nevil's mouth, fighting for breath while Nevil kissed, stroked, and squeezed him. Shelton became lightheaded with intense pleasure and lack of air, and it took a minute to recall what he wanted to do.

  "Wait." He put a little space between their heated bodies and grabbed Nevil's wrist as Nevil continued to fondle him. He'd had five days of loneliness to make up for and wanted this to last. "I want to go first."

  Nevil grinned, and a wicked light sprang into his eyes. "Anything you say." He gave Shelton's hard dick one last promising squeeze then stepped back from him.

  Shelton's gaze traveled over Nevil, and he trembled in anticipation of loving that gorgeous body. "Take off your shirt," he commanded and smiled to hear Nevil's delighted laugh at his stern tone. Nevil went to the couch and put the chain holding his ring on the coffee table and then lifted his shirt. Shelton lost his breath in a surge of pure lust as Nevil pulled it over his head. Nevil ran every morning, and his sculpted chest was golden from the sun. Neither he nor Shelton had much hair, but a smattering of dark curls started at Nevil's navel and flowed in a tantalizing line downward, ending in a silken nest that always teased and tickled Shelton's skin.

  Shelton wanted to lick his way down the dark line and bury his face in the heated tangle of curls, rich with Nevil's heady scent. He wanted to press kisses on the delicious cock nestled there before taking it into his mouth.

  "Undo your pants. I want to see you."

  Nevil chuckled. "Someone's being naughty."

  Heat flushed through Shelton at the glee in Nevil's voice, and he watched, captivated, as Nevil undid the button and zipper of his pants. He nudged them down his hips, slowly revealing the black briefs beneath with its definite bulge. Shelton moistened his lips, then quickly grabbed Nevil's wrist, stopping him from lowering the clothing further. Obediently Nevil put his hands behind his back.

  Shelton stroked Nevil's erection through the soft fabric of the briefs and then slid the waistband down to reveal the glistening tip. He was unable to resist the temptation and knelt to lick at the precum, loving the tang of it on his tongue. He stood and kissed Nevil's dark nipples, careful not to touch him in any other way. He grazed one hardening bud with his teeth, shivering pleasantly at the moan it drew from Nevil. He looked up into his turquoise eyes and kissed his parted mouth, savoring its sweetness.

  He drew back and relished the flush of passion on Nevil's face and the gleam in his eyes, tracing the full bottom lip with his thumb. Nevil nipped at him and Shelton flamed to life at the pain, his erection hard and straining against his zipper.

  "Take them off and kneel on the couch, facing the wall," Shelton said, voice rough with desire.

  "As you wish," Nevil said with a slight bow and stripped off his pants and briefs. He climbed onto the couch, legs spread, presenting his tight ass. Shelton moved behind him, ran a finger down his crack, and teased his hole before slipping his hand under to hold the heavy balls.

  He almost changed his mind, wanting suddenly to have Nevil's beautiful cock thrusting inside him. He was rarely the man on top, preferring to have Nevil buried deep inside him when he came. He'd been lonely, though. He wanted the added closeness, that feeling of being one with Nevil, this time.

  He patted the pretty butt and nibbled on Nevil's ear. "I'll be right back."

  "Hurry."

  Shelton trotted to their room and retrieved the bottle of lube and a towel from the bathroom. He stopped in the archway to the living room on the way back and drank in the sight of Nevil's tanned and lithe muscled body kneeling on the couch. His head was tilted toward the framed Monet print on the wall just in front of him as he absently fondled himself. Shelton grinned, his body tingling with excitement as he returned to Nevil and handed him the towel.

  "What, no toys?"

  Shelton paused with his scarred penis in his hand. He thrust off his doubts. Nevil had never made him feel unwanted. He leaned on Nevil's sleek back and worked lubed fingers into him.

  "Only me today, dear," he said and pressed the tip of his erection against Nevil's puckered hole.

  "Fantastic," Nevil said, and his deep groan of pleasure as Shelton pushed into him dissolved Shelton's lingering insecurities. He'd wanted to tease a little and quickly pull out, but Nevil pushed back against him, driving Shelton deeper into the tight heat of his body.

  "You like that?" Shelton whispered hoarsely between breaths, desperate not to come too quickly as pleasure radiated from his balls.

  Nevil gripped the back of the couch. "Harder," he demanded.

  Shelton slid his hands down Nevil's tense, sweaty back and then slipped a hand around to rub the hard balls. He trailed a finger along Nevil's tight shaft.

  Nevil whimpered. "Shelton."

  Shelton's restraint broke at the pleading note. He gripped Nevil's hips and thrust deep. Spurred on by Nevil's shout, he plunged again into the yielding body and Nevil met him with equal enthusiasm.

  At last, unable to hold back the ecstasy boiling in his sac, Shelton reached around and stroked Nevil's rock-hard cock in time with his thrusts.

  Nevil's joyous cry rang in the room. "Now!"

  He jerked in Shelton's hand, and Shelton came. He lost track of Nevil, the world narrowing to the pleasure surging from his cock into Nevil's body.

  It took a moment to come back to himself, aware of his arms wrapped around Nevil's waist, his cheek pressed to Nevil's warm back. He tasted sweat on his lips, and he inhaled the delicious scent of their lovemaking.

  Tears scalded his eyes. He didn't want to leave. How would he bear being away from this man who was everything to him? He listened to Nevil's heartbeat slow under his ear and eased out of him.

  Nevil glanced over his shoulder, and his lovely eyes widened. He quickly wadded up the towel and tossed it on the floor and then pulled Shelton into his arms and petted and kissed him. His gentleness eased the pain in Shelton's chest.

  "Better?"

  Shelton nodded and wiped at his eyes. Nevil caught his hand and kissed the tears one by one from his face with soft, butterfly kisses. He nuzzled Shelton's ear. "What's wrong?"

  Shelton drew a deep breath. "I'm the biggest fool, Nevil. Will you see me on weekends if I come home?"

  "You won't have to come back that often. I—"

  Shelton's heart thumped painfully, but he told it to be still. "If that's what you want—" he started to say over Nevil's words, not wanting to hear the reasons.

  Nevil cupped his chin and made him look into his eyes. "I'm coming with you."

  Shelton blinked, afraid of the joy that sprang inside him. What if he misunderstood? "What?"

  "I'm going with you. There's no way in hell I'm going to risk losing you to some gorgeous ski bunny in Colorado." He pulled Shelton against his shoulder and absently played with his curls. "I went straight to Mr. Barker after leaving here Friday, told him I needed to speak with his cousin about a job. Randal's company has branched out to most of the Midwest states and they have an office in Denver. I flew out to meet with him and he offered me the job as their architectural design consultant."

  Shelton laced his fingers with Nevil's and brought their hands to his lips, his throat too tight to speak.

  "It's only for one week a month, and then I spend the other three here. And I don't know how long this job in Denver will last," Nevil cautioned.

  "Nevil, I'll do everything possible to make this work. I know you want to stay here. If things get too complicated, I'll quit. I'd rather serve coffee in some bistro than lose you."

  Nevil pulled him into his arms. "Deal," he said and kissed Shelton's trembling lips. Shelton swore when his phone rang, this time playing
the song he'd chosen for Tera.

  "My sister's timing is as bad as ever," Nevil grumbled, sitting up.

  "I forgot. I'm supposed to meet her at the studio to retake some pictures."

  "You'd better go, then. She owes me for this, though. I'll give you a ride and pick up some dinner."

  "Something spicy," Shelton suggested. He dialed Tera's number as he followed Nevil to the bedroom for a shower.

  Chapter Five

  Nevil drove Shelton to Tera's studio downtown but put a hand on Shelton's knee before he could leave the car. "I'll pick up Thai food around the corner and be right back."

  Shelton looked at him curiously when Nevil continued to hold him in place. Nevil leaned across the seat and kissed him. "What are you modeling?"

  "The gray suit. Tera didn't like the lighting on it."

  Nevil's gaze traveled over him and then back up to meet his eyes. "Delicious."

  Shelton's face heated at the open admiration. "I love you. See you in a minute," he told Nevil and climbed from the car. He took a breath of cool evening air as Nevil drove off. A smattering of stars twinkled overhead, and he dreamily made a wish on one of them. He failed to see the hooded figure that stepped out of the alley until it was too late to call Nevil back.

  "Hi, Shelton."

  Shelton warily eyed the man. "Andrew," he said, his heart pounding. A current of fear stole his breath when he saw Andrew's clenched hands. Andrew was a large man and could probably kick his ass. He wondered if he could talk his way out of this.

  Andrew jerked his head. "In the alley."

  "But..."

  He winced when Andrew grabbed his arm. "You made me look like a fool at the bank. Now, we can talk back there, or I can simply punch you in the throat."

  Shelton was acutely aware of their seclusion on the street, quiet at that time of night. Without waiting for an answer, Andrew dragged him into the shadows between the buildings and shoved him into a brick wall, jarring his back.

  Andrew pressed the length of his body against him. Shelton could smell tequila on his breath. He'd probably been at the bar up the street and ducked into the alley to relieve himself. Shelton wrinkled his nose at the thought.

  Andrew nipped Shelton's earlobe. "I see the boyfriend's back in the picture. Did you fuck him?"

  Shelton's mind raced. There had to be a way out of this dreadful situation. There was a mad gleam in Andrew's eyes that frightened him. He turned his face when Andrew tried to kiss him, and shuddered as he licked Shelton's cheek. Andrew kissed him, biting Shelton's lip, and Shelton tasted blood mixed with the alcohol on his tongue. Andrew slid his free hand down Shelton's body and gripped him through his pants. Shelton shuddered again and wondered how far he'd get if he kneed Andrew in the groin and ran for the street.

  Andrew dropped his head, sucked on Shelton's neck, and bit none too gently. "You've snubbed me for years. There's nothing to stop me from taking your ass right here and now."

  "Except me."

  They both looked up in surprise at the intrusion, and Shelton lurched back as Nevil swung his arm, the brick in his hand connecting with the side of Andrew's head. He dropped to a knee with a guttural cry of pain. Andrew clutched at the gash on his forehead and then staggered to his feet, fury mottling the part of his face not covered with dripping blood. Nevil faced him coolly, hefting the brick in his palm.

  Shelton gave a nervous laugh. The whole situation was intolerable. "Andrew," he said, pulling his phone from a pocket and showing it to him. "You have three seconds to leave before I call the police."

  Andrew's gaze darted between the two of them. "This isn't over, Shelton," he swore, though there was a note of uncertainty in his voice.

  Damn it. Shelton wasn't going to feel sorry for him, even if he did seem drunk off his ass. But there was no excuse for what he'd tried to do.

  Nevil stepped between them. "It is over, asshole. If you come anywhere near Shelton again, I swear to God I'll make you sorry for it."

  Shelton shivered a little at the cold certainty in Nevil's voice. Andrew seemed to believe it too. With a last desperate look at Shelton, he jogged down the alley and disappeared around the corner of the building. Shelton watched him go and hugged his arms to his chest when he started to shake. He was grateful when Nevil pulled him close, warming him.

  Nevil searched Shelton's face and cursed under his breath. "Let's get you inside and take a look at that cut lip," he said with stifled anger.

  Shelton met his eyes. "I'm fine, Nevil. Really. Though I'm very glad you came when you did."

  "I was coming back to see what kind of sauce you wanted with dinner when Andrew dragged you in here. God, I've never been so furious in my life."

  "Never mind. It's over. Let's see if Tera will make us a cup of tea. I'm not hungry anymore."

  "All right." Nevil took his arm protectively as they walked to the studio. Shelton braced himself as they rang the bell. Sure enough, Tera took one look at him and pulled him into the studio, asking a million questions as she led him to the small kitchen area in the back. The room contained a microwave, a small refrigerator, and a sink, plus a table and two chairs. Shelton and Nevil took the chairs while Tera wet a soft cloth and pressed it to Shelton's still bleeding lip.

  "Really, I'm fine," Shelton reiterated after Nevil retold the story of what had happened.

  Nevil pushed back his chair and paced the small area. "I could kill that bastard."

  "Did you call the police?" Tera asked. Shelton shook his head. Tera was as beautiful as her twin and just as angry, but if they didn't change the subject, he was going to scream.

  "Can we drop it? It's over, and I'd rather forget it ever happened. If Andrew tries anything more, I promise I'll report him."

  Nevil gave him a tight smile. "Sorry, darling. I want to find Andrew and beat the life out of him."

  Shelton let out an exasperated breath, and Tera patted his hand. "It's okay. We're just concerned for you. What a horrible experience."

  "Can I change now?" Shelton asked impatiently. "I'd like to get the pictures done and go home."

  "Oh, of course." Tera sent her brother an uncertain look. "The suit is in the closet there. I'll set up the lighting."

  Shelton watched Nevil pace after Tera had left the room and felt the first, delicious stirrings of passion. He'd never seen Nevil do anything more violent than kill a spider in the bathtub. He was a little embarrassed to find that Nevil's aggression on his behalf aroused him.

  "Nevil," he called in a soft tone.

  Nevil stopped, looked at him, and quickly came to his side. "What is it?"

  Shelton remained seated, gazing up into the beautiful eyes full of concern. A smile spread on his face. "My hero," he drawled. "I think I have a fangirl crush on you."

  Nevil blinked several times, and then a dark flush rose in his face. He pulled Shelton up into his arms. "I'm sorry this happened," he murmured and put a soft kiss on the bruises peppering Shelton's neck.

  "Me too." Shelton gave him a fierce hug and then took a step back, turning his face to the light. "How does it look?"

  "It's only a nick and not bleeding anymore, though your lip's a little puffy. Goddammit. What about the pictures?"

  "Tera can photograph my left profile. It's my best side, anyway."

  "If you say so. You better dress," Nevil said as Tera called from the other room.

  "Only if you help me."

  "Of course." Nevil closed the kitchen door.

  *~*~*

  Shelton lay awake that night in the cool darkness of the bedroom, illuminated by the faint glow of the digital clock. What a terrible day. At least they'd be moving on the weekend, and he could put it all behind him.

  "Are you awake?"

  Shelton groped for Nevil's hand. There'd been a note of anxiousness in the beloved voice that touched his heart. "What's wrong, sweetheart?"

  "I don't know. I can't seem to catch my breath."

  Shelton rolled to his side and put a hand on Nevil's chest. Sur
e enough, his heart was racing under his palm. He could hear Nevil's panting breath in the semidarkness, though he could barely make out Nevil's features. The skin was hot when he placed the back of his hand against his cheek.

  "Do you feel sick?"

  Nevil sighed. "No, but it feels like my heart keeps skipping a beat. Do you think I might be having a stroke?"

  Shelton hugged Nevil close. He knew what this was. Nevil was strong in so many other ways, but there were times when his own body frightened him.

  "Would you feel better if we checked your symptoms online?"

  Nevil let out a worried breath. "Would you mind? I'm sorry. I just feel..."

  Shelton found Nevil's mouth with his and gave him a gentle kiss. "I don't mind at all. You know that. Come on."

  He took Nevil by the hand and climbed out of bed and then padded on bare feet into the hallway. Nevil snatched up their bathrobes on the way out and put one around Shelton's shoulders as he opened the laptop on the desk in the living room.

  Nevil pulled up a chair next to him, and Shelton squeezed his knee. "What are your complaints again?"

  Shelton scrolled through the charts referring to Nevil's symptoms, finding the answer after several minutes of searching.

  Nevil sputtered at the result. "Anxiety? You mean my chest feels like it's going to seize up because I'm anxious?"

  "It's been a hard week, ending with that frightening scene in the alley." Shelton cupped Nevil's scowling face. "This is my fault. I'm sorry."

  Nevil looked away from him, but Shelton saw the red in his cheeks. He put his arms loosely around Nevil's shoulders. "Don't be embarrassed. I'm glad you found out what's wrong rather than wait until you make yourself sick with worry. Do you want to stay up and talk for a while?"

  Nevil shrugged and Shelton rose to his feet and tugged on his robe. "Come to bed. Let me hold you. We can talk or not, and you can have a good run in the morning. That usually helps you feel better." He turned off the computer and put an arm around Nevil's waist, drawing him to the bedroom and into his arms under the covers.

  "Try to sleep," he murmured and tucked his head into Nevil's shoulder. Nevil held him tightly but didn't speak, and Shelton was content to simply be there for him. He listened to Nevil's heartbeat until it slowed and his breathing grew even. Then Shelton rolled to his back and stared at the darkness over the bed.