He laughed a little at his fancy and tugged on Nevil's hand. "Come on, hon; let's go home."
Shelton took delight in dressing Nevil despite his darling's grumbles and then threw on his own clothes while Nevil unlocked the door. They walked with clasped hands from the building, oblivious to the stares from the few pedestrians they passed on the sidewalk. Shelton started in surprise when his phone buzzed in his pocket.
He pulled Nevil to a stop when he saw who had called. "Just a second. I need to hear this." A frown grew between his brows as he listened to the voice message. Glancing at his watch, he turned in a panic to Nevil when it was done. "I have to get you home! I have an appointment with the bank's district manager in less than an hour."
Nevil glowered. "An interview?"
Shelton winced, though he deserved the suspicion. He picked up Nevil's hand again and played with his fingers. "I was going to discuss it with you this time. I don't want to be apart from you any longer. Enough is enough. I'm seeing what the bank can do for me out here. I'm not going back to Colorado, even if it means finding a job with someone else. If you'd like that," he amended.
He kept his gaze on Nevil's face and his heart tripped with uncertainty when Nevil chewed on his kiss-swollen bottom lip. Nevil leaned close and put his mouth against Shelton's ear. "Good. I fucking hate sleeping without you."
Shelton let out his held breath in a relieved sigh. "I was hoping you'd say that. Let's go. I need to change out of these jeans."
"The car's this way," Nevil said and led him to the nearby parking garage. It was a quick drive home, beating the afternoon traffic. Shelton settled Nevil in bed for a nap and then dressed and returned to the Prius. He preferred to take the light rail into town but time was pressing. He maneuvered the car onto the street, trying to ignore the knot of worry in his stomach as he crossed the city to learn his future.
Chapter Four
Shelton was struck at once by a gust of wind and rain as he stepped outside the glass doors of the office building. He made a conscious effort not to worry his already abused bottom lip with his teeth, setting his briefcase down to pull a cap out of his coat pocket. That's that.
"Damn," he muttered, irritated when the breeze lifted his curls and sent raindrops down the back of his neck. He wished he'd been more prepared for the meeting with Mark Baker. As it was, he hadn't stayed professionally aloof. He'd fallen into the quicksand and made a personal plea, doomed to fail.
He crammed the hat on his head and trotted across the plaza to the coffee shop on the corner. He was cold and wet and needed something to brace against the discouragement that weighed on his shoulders. The shop was comfortable, warm, and smelled of fresh coffee and cinnamon. He ordered an espresso and took a small table at the window.
Chin on his hand, Shelton watched the rain slide down the glass. I should have expected it. Baker had gone over some paperwork with him when he'd first entered the district manager's office and had thrown him for a loop when he asked Shelton if he was single or married.
"Just filling in the blanks." Baker showed him the section he'd overlooked. Shelton had blinked at him. Boyfriend… partner… what the hell was Nevil? At last he mumbled that he was single, and felt miserable about it afterwards.
The interview had gone downhill from there. Mark had been polite and sympathetic, but in the end had to disappoint Shelton.
"The only opening we have in the area is in Gresham in the Loan Department. I realize that's going backwards for you but…"
Of course Shelton had taken the position. Damn it. Back to square one with no prospects for the future. He smiled when the Barista set the espresso at his elbow, though his thoughts ran in circles. Wistful, he stared into the black liquid in the small cup as he thought of Nevil and the question on the application. Another dream out of reach.
This one hurt though. Sure, he was Nevil's boyfriend, but Nevil had dated lots of men. He'd even lived with a few of them once upon a time. But, none of them had ever had the right to call him husband. Hot blood flooded his face. God, he wanted that. He wanted the privilege to call Nevil his husband.
His hand shook when he drank the double shot he'd ordered. With care, he set the cup down, opened his briefcase, and took out his laptop. Speaking of weddings, he'd better book their flight and hotel for Albany, New York if they were to leave at a decent hour tomorrow.
The irony wasn't lost on him. "I'll probably feel better when this weekend is over," he muttered as the computer booted up. His phone buzzed and he glanced at the text message, a smile tugging his lips. It was a note from Paul Benson, a friend from the bank in Colorado, asking how the interview went. Having his own challenges with his youthful boyfriend, Paul and he had spent many an evening commiserating over their complicated relationships.
Shelton sighed and put the phone back in his pocket. He'd send a message when his mood improved. It didn't take long to make the reservations he needed and then log off. Gathering his things, he turned up the collar of his coat against the rain and made his way to the parking garage to retrieve the Prius. He was anxious to get home and see how Nevil was.
*~*~*
Shelton's spirits rose on the short ride home. He had good news for Nevil. Even if the job at the bank wasn't what he'd hoped for, at least he wouldn't have to return to Denver except to pack. As he turned the Prius into the driveway and shut off the engine, he wondered if Nevil would feel up to a celebration.
Shelton was quiet as he entered the brownstone and then smiled and tossed his coat and keys on the side table by the door when he spotted Nevil on the living room couch. He didn't wear the sling for his arm; it must feel better. Shelton walked across the room and looked down at him. "Hey, baby."
"Hi." Nevil glanced at the wall clock. "That didn't take long."
"No, but I have good news." Shelton sat close to him, making sure his thigh brushed against Nevil's. "Looks like you're going to have a roommate again."
All of Shelton's doubts dissolved at the delighted smile that covered Nevil's face. "They're transferring you?"
"Not exactly… I get my old position back at a different branch of the bank. But it's better than being out of a job."
Shelton made sure to smile when Nevil studied his face. Nevil cupped his cheek with a warm palm and kissed him. "I'm sorry. I know you wanted that promotion."
Shelton shrugged. "I did want it, but the price is too high. These last seven months have been hell, and now that you're no longer doing any consulting work in Colorado, it's been even worse. I want to come home."
"Thank God," Nevil said fervently. He kissed him, a gentle caress that lingered and expressed his love and joy more than words. He shifted on the couch and deepened the kiss. Shelton pulled him gently into his arms.
They both swore when the doorbell rang, shattering the moment.
"Tell whoever it is to go the fuck away," Nevil called after him when Shelton crossed the room to answer it. Shelton was still laughing when he opened the door and saw Tera's smile. She held two zippered cases in her arms, which he took as she stepped into the foyer out of the rain.
"Hi again," she said cheerfully and kissed his cheek.
"Hi, yourself. What's all this?"
"Percy stopped by the shop and picked out Nevil's tuxedo for the wedding," she explained as she removed her coat and joined her brother in the living room. She returned her twin's scowl with a syrupy smile as she sat beside him. "I thought he should try it on in case I need to alter the length or make another adjustment."
Nevil eyed the bags in Shelton's arms with interest. "Which one did he chose?"
"He and Brandon are wearing white and picked out the pearl grey for you."
"Oh, I love that one." Nevil stood and took the bag with his name on it from Shelton.
Shelton held up the other one with curiosity. "And this?"
Tera smiled. "I chose a suit for you, if you don't mind. The charcoal gray one we shot pictures of last month."
Nevil looked outraged. "You mean
the one that brings out the green in his eyes and makes them seem enormous? That's way too sexy for that crowd. No way am I letting him loose in a room full of hot young blades while I'm stuck at Percy's side."
Shelton laughed, though he tingled with pleasure at the compliment. "I promise I won't flirt with anyone at the wedding but you."
Nevil looked ready to argue and then shrugged. "Give me a minute to try this on," he muttered and left the room with a sniff.
Shelton smiled after him, and then laid his own suit over the arm of a chair and sat beside Tera on the couch. "Were you able to get tickets for the same flight as ours?"
"Yes, but not in first class. We're somewhere back by the bathrooms."
"Oh, that's tough. Maybe we can switch off with you and Robert for part of the flight."
"Deal."
They both looked up when Nevil walked into the room, and Shelton hoped Tera hadn't heard his sharp breath. Nevil always looked good in a suit. The soft material of the grey slacks caressed his muscular thighs as he approached them and drew Shelton's eyes upwards to the deliciously full groin area.
Nevil had left the pristine white dress shirt unbuttoned and Shelton's gaze continued its journey. He adored the sparse curls on Nevil's sculpted stomach and chest. Nevil's honey colored tan looked incredible against the light material. Shelton ached to lick his way from Nevil's navel to his chin; to linger on the dark buds that peeked on the edges of the dress shirt.
Nevil winked at him, and Shelton felt the heat of a blush in his face and furtively rearranged his cock when Tera rose to her feet.
She ran a critical gaze over Nevil. "The pants seem long. Shelton, would you mind folding the cuffs under for me?"
Shelton knelt at Nevil's feet and rolled a cuff higher. Tera chewed her lips. "No, I think they're good the way they are. Thank you, Shelton."
"Anytime." Shelton sat back on his heels. His heated gaze traveled up Nevil's leg and lingered on the bulge at the zipper. Nevil coughed and Shelton raised his eyes. His lips parted at the desire in the blue-green depths that looked down at him.
Tera's indulgent laugh recalled him, and Shelton scrambled to his feet as she crossed the room and picked up her purse from the side table. She grinned at him over her shoulder. "I can see I'm no longer needed here. Goodnight, darlings. I'll see you at the airport—nine sharp."
"Goodnight, dear." Shelton followed her to the door and kissed her cheek, making sure she got in her car safely and drove away before he locked the door behind her. He grunted in surprise when Nevil shoved him from behind and pinned him against the door with his body. He nuzzled Shelton's neck and moved his head to nibble at an earlobe.
Shelton lifted his shoulder. "That tickles! How are you feeling?" That was a stupid question with Nevil's thick length pushing against his ass. Nevil's chuckle vibrated along his nerves, and Shelton's semi-erect dick twitched in response, eager to swell.
"What do you think?" Nevil murmured and guided Shelton's hand between them. His fingers brushed against Nevil's cock, and he squeezed the exciting thickness. He stroked the warm shaft and enjoyed the silky glide of fabric over its hardness. Nevil's sharp breath and moan in his ear sent Shelton's pulse racing.
Nevil's skillful fingers loosened Shelton's tie and undid buttons in a flash to bare his chest. Shelton jumped when Nevil tweaked his nipples on their way lower. He leaned back in Nevil's arms and cupped his heavy balls, distracted as his own belt and zipper were undone. Nevil dipped a hand into Shelton's boxers, and he moaned when Nevil fished out his erect cock.
He leaned his head back and twisted to meet Nevil's greedy kiss. Nevil stroked and squeezed Shelton's cock and pleasure burst through him, Nevil thumbing the head of his dick on each pass. Nevil murmured something he didn't catch, and Shelton staggered when Nevil stepped back from him.
"Sorry, love," Nevil apologized with a laugh in his voice. "I need the room."
Shelton thrilled at the joy in Nevil's voice. God, they were good together! With a quick tug, Nevil whisked off Shelton's pants, boxers, and slipped off his shirt.
"Leave the tie," he said as he batted Shelton's hands away. In a playful gesture, he slapped his ass. "Spread 'em, hon."
Shelton swallowed as a jolt of lust left his mouth dry. He loved it when Nevil took control. It left him free to enjoy whatever pleasures his nimble mind came up with. He turned and placed his hands over his head against the door, feet apart.
Nevil's hands rested lightly on Shelton's hips, and he felt a warm breath and soft caress on his neck. He shivered, goose bumps breaking out over his flesh as Nevil gave a long, slow lick down his back. His lips lingered at the small of Shelton's back, little kisses sending sparks of flame over his nerves. Nevil's tongue darted in and out of the start of his crack and drove him crazy with anticipation.
Shelton bit his lip in frustration when Nevil raised his head and moved back from him again. Missing the warmth of Nevil's body, he glanced over his shoulder. Nevil had removed his dress shirt and Shelton saw him wince and rub his left elbow before hanging it over the back of the chair at the side table.
Shelton left his position when Nevil fumbled one-handed with his belt. "Let me help you," he said. He ignored Nevil's protest and slipped his arms around Nevil's waist, cupping his muscular ass.
"You were supposed to stay at the door," Nevil chided, and then he groaned when Shelton nipped a dark bud on his chest. Shelton soothed it with his tongue and drew another moan from his darling when he rubbed it between his lips.
"I got lonely," he said and kissed his way up Nevil's delicious skin to the warm soft spot under his jaw. His dick throbbed, and with a sudden worry he might stain the light material he rubbed against, he undid Nevil's belt and lowered his slacks.
"Good idea. At least one of us is thinking," Nevil said and held onto Shelton's shoulder as he knelt and helped him out of his pants and the dark briefs he favored. Shelton thrust the pants into Nevil's hands, distracted by the freed cock at his eye level. Nevil's dick curved upwards toward his stomach; his balls were heavy and tight beneath. Shelton pushed his nose against Nevil's sac and breathed deeply of the musky skin.
He licked the seam between Nevil's balls and nearly bit Nevil's finger when it slipped under his chin and forced him to look up. Nevil's turquoise eyes gleamed with passion and laughter, and he raked his fingers through Shelton's curls.
"Can I fuck you now?" he asked and lifted a dark brow.
"Just getting you ready, dear." Shelton dropped his gaze back to Nevil's gorgeous dick. He smiled at the soft chuckle he heard.
Shelton licked the glistening head of Nevil's cock, loving how it jumped. He captured it with his lips and groaned along with Nevil as he sucked it in and the head slid along the roof of his mouth to fill him. Nevil tried to draw back, but Shelton grabbed his ass. He relaxed his throat and nudged Nevil in further and swallowed around the head. He swallowed again; he wanted to swallow Nevil whole, but he needed to breathe.
Irritation flashed through him when Nevil took advantage of his loosened hold and pulled out and then tugged on Shelton's hair to get him to stand. Nevil rested his forehead against Shelton's and breathed just as hard, his face flushed and eyes wild with desire. He nipped Shelton's lower lip. "I want to come in your ass, not down your throat," he pleaded.
A thrill of power shivered along Shelton's spine at the insistent note in Nevil's voice. Nevil seldom begged. A sure sign he hovered on the edge of control.
"Whatever you say," Shelton teased. He reached around Nevil for the drawer in the side table by the front door. Where was… He frowned at the almost empty tube he found under some papers and then shrugged, squeezing what remained of the lubricant into his hand. It was enough for what he had in mind. He grinned at Nevil's impatient hiss.
"Ready?" he mocked, and smoothed the gel over Nevil's rigid cock, enjoying the glide of the thick shaft in his slick palm. He glanced up at Nevil's murmurs of pleasure. Nevil's intent gaze followed his hand and Shelton moved closer and rubbed the
ir cocks together. He slid his hand over his own dick and thrilled at Nevil's quickly drawn breath. When he met Nevil's heated glance, he enjoyed a few more strokes and then reached around and slid his fingers down the crack of his own ass.
He dipped a slippery finger into his hole. Damn, that feels good. Shelton closed his eyes and wondered if Nevil knew how ready he was to be fucked. He shoved a second finger in, impatient as he reached for that one spot…
He moaned aloud as lips closed around the head of his dick and he was sucked into the liquid fire of Nevil's mouth. Fuck! It was too good. Pleasure radiated from his expertly played cock as Nevil sucked and licked and swallowed him down. Frantic, Shelton shoved his fingers in and out of his hole as pressure built in his balls. Then Nevil slid an unexpected finger inside him as well, pushing him to the edge as he massaged the tight ring of muscles that guarded Shelton's passage.
Nevil's throat constricted around the head of his cock and Shelton whimpered at the bliss that spiraled down his nerves. Nevil's free hand fondled his swollen balls, and Shelton lost control and cried out as pleasure surged from his dick down Nevil's throat.
"Stop," he begged as Nevil continued to suckle him. Every nerve twitched at the pull on his sensitive cock. At last, Nevil released him and withdrew his finger from Shelton's ass. He stood and pushed Shelton back towards the front door.
Shelton was lightheaded, and his nerves tingled when he turned and braced his arms against the solid wood. Nevil lined up and shoved into him with little resistance. This is what he lived for! His moans echoed Nevil's, and he gasped for air as he drowned in the incredible sensation of Nevil's cock thrusting deep inside him. Tears stung his eyes, and love swelled in his chest to tangle with his lust.
He shouted in surprised ecstasy when Nevil shifted position and hit his prostate.
"There we are," Nevil murmured, voice thick, and leaned over him. He braced an arm on the wall next to Shelton's head and proceeded to drive him crazy with each slide of his dick over his sensitive spot.
Shelton in Love Page 12