Shelton in Love

by Dianne Hartsock

  "Mine," he growled and took over to stroke the thick member in time with his thrusts. Shelton's quick laugh and gasp of bliss undid him. Nevil bucked as his orgasm emptied into Shelton's ass in a few hot bursts while his mind whirled into ecstasy.

  Shelton shuddered under him while hot semen spilled through Nevil's fingers, and Nevil bit his shoulder when Shelton's muscles convulsed around his sensitive prick. Shelton sank onto the mattress and Nevil went with him, spooning as they caught their breath.

  Nevil brushed Shelton's damp curls aside to kiss his neck. Shelton turned in his arms, and Nevil's heart swelled at the expression in the wide, vulnerable eyes that showed a depth of love that shook him.

  "Darling," he murmured in a broken breath and gave Shelton long, languid kisses straight from his full heart. Shelton was the first to stir, but Nevil knew their time was up and reluctantly released him.

  They showered and dressed for the evening. Shelton leaned over Nevil's shoulder as he fixed his red tie in the mirror and loosened it, then undid the top two buttons of his white dress shirt. He met Nevil's eyes in the mirror. "Definitely sexy," he explained.

  Nevil smiled when Shelton stepped back from him and tried to flatten his curls with his hands but gave up with a sigh. "I should have had the barber cut them off last time."

  "If you do I'll never have sex with you again," Nevil told him as he stood. He looked at Shelton's reflection; he was dressed casual, in jeans and a beige polo shirt. The chestnut curls fell in soft tendrils around his pretty face and lovely hazel eyes. Delicious.

  "I could eat you alive," he said. He smacked Shelton's ass as he passed him on the way to the door and laughed under his breath at Shelton's sputtered indignation. They held hands in the elevator, and Nevil grinned when Shelton gave his fingers a squeeze. His heart expanded. He was the one who'd put that contented, happy expression on Shelton's face.

  They shared a few discreet kisses in the backseat of the taxi, but Nevil sobered when they arrived and stepped onto the sidewalk in front of the renovated gothic church where the ceremony would take place. He shot a glance at Shelton, who looked just as serious. Shit. He hoped the rehearsal would go smoothly so they could get past it and on to the dinner.

  Tera met them inside the door. "They're ready for you," she told Nevil. She took Shelton's hand. Nevil snorted. As if Shelton might run away. They passed up the center aisle between the ornate, carved pews. Tera's heels clicked on the tiled floor. Percy and Brandon stood at the altar railing with another man. Nevil walked straight up to his old friend and pulled him into a tight hug.

  "So, you're really going through with it," he teased and thrust out his hand to Brandon when Percy grinned. He admired the young man's slight build and the serious expression on his attractive face. Percy had done well. "I don't know if you remember me."

  "Of course, thank you for coming. These are my friends, Beth and George." Brandon introduced the couple who came over from admiring the stained glass windows. "Oh, and Reverend Louis is kind enough to officiate for us," he continued as he indicated the casually dressed man with them.

  Nevil shook the man's hand, but his gaze slid to Shelton standing behind them with Tera. Brandon's face brightened when he saw him, and after hellos were exchanged, he drew Shelton aside for a whispered conversation. What was that about?

  "Shall we take our places?" the reverend invited in a pleasant tone. Nevil stood beside Percy, but stopped Shelton when he and Brandon returned and Shelton made to join the others.

  "Girl talk," Shelton said at his curious look. He laughed when Nevil frowned and leaned to whisper in his ear. "He wanted advice on how to deal with such a distinctly dominant male."

  Delight flared through Nevil. "Do I dominate you, love?" he asked in his most seductive voice.

  Shelton's grin widened. "When I let you, dear," he quipped, and bit Nevil's lower lip before he dodged out of reach. His laughter floated back to Nevil as he took a seat beside Tera and Robert in the front pew.

  It was a simple ceremony that spoke of love and commitment. Nevil didn't quite listen to the words; he was more interested in the expressions that crossed Brandon's face. The young man's entire focus seemed to be on Percy. He spoke when he needed to but never took his eyes off the other man. When they reached the exchange of vows, Nevil unconsciously tongued the swollen part of his lip where Shelton had bit him. He didn't see anything magical…

  Then he did see it. His heart lurched at the love and joy that animated Brandon's face as he pretended to slip a gold band on Percy's finger. Even though the official ceremony wasn't until tomorrow, Nevil knew Brandon had just given himself—heart and soul—to his lover.

  The same intense happiness suffused Percy's face as he turned to Nevil to imitate the retrieval of his ring for Brandon. Dear Lord. This is what he denied Shelton. All of a sudden, Nevil wanted with all his heart to bring that look of elation to Shelton's eyes.

  He glanced at the pews to share his discovery with Shelton and found the spot next to Tera empty. Tera's eyes widened and she nodded to the side door. Without a word, she urged him to go.

  Chapter Seven

  Shelton took several deep breaths as he watched the water cascade into the fountain in the tiny garden behind the church. His heart raced despite his effort to calm it. Oh, shit! Nevil had been right. They shouldn't have come. It had been a tender ceremony, beautiful and yet painful. But it just reinforced his desire for something he'd never have.

  He rubbed a hand over his face, smearing a few tears. What made him so stupid about this? It had to be the months they were separated. He just needed time to regain his confidence where Nevil was concerned. Nevil didn't need to be his husband for that.

  A small pain stabbed his heart, but he ignored it. He had to pull himself together before Nevil came to look for him. He jumped when arms slid unexpectedly around his waist and then leaned back with a sigh against Nevil's hard chest. He laughed when Nevil nuzzled his neck, his lips tickling his skin.

  "What are you doing out here?" Nevil asked, his breath warm on Shelton's cheek.

  "Jet lag, I guess," Shelton said. He latched onto the first excuse that sprang to mind.

  Nevil muttered something unintelligible and planted kisses along Shelton's jaw line. He turned Shelton in his arms and kissed him with a passion he seldom displayed in public. Shelton's hands slid into Nevil's hair and held him in place as he returned the kiss with all the love in his heart.

  They were both breathing hard when they separated. A small grin slipped onto Nevil's face and he touched Shelton's bruised mouth with a gentle hand. "Sorry, didn't mean to do that. But you're so damned delicious."

  "You too…"

  Heat spread through Shelton as a wicked light appeared in Nevil's beautiful eyes. He pressed Shelton back against the fountain's rim, ground their stiffening cocks together, and laughed when Shelton darted a look over his shoulder. "We still have a few minutes."

  Nevil chewed his lips and Shelton wondered at the excitement on his face as Nevil took his hands. "I should go on my knees for this, but that would put me on level with your tempting dick and I'd forget what I was going to say."

  "Nevil!"

  Nevil chuckled and then turned Shelton's hands, pressing a kiss to the center of each. He raised his gaze and Shelton's heart thumped at the emotion that shimmered in the turquoise depths of his eyes. "I love you, Shelton," Nevil told him. He cleared his throat when his voice broke. "Will you marry me?"

  Shelton opened his mouth and then closed it. He swallowed and searched Nevil's sober expression. "You're serious…"

  "Never more so, love."

  "I thought—"

  "So did I! But, seeing Percy and Brandon just now… Marriage isn't just about you and me. It's sharing our commitment to each other with the world. I like that idea." He pulled Shelton into his arms. "Then everyone will know you're off the market for good."

  For an instant, Shelton couldn't speak. He searched his mind, anxious for something to say to lig
hten the mood while tears filled his eyes. He leaned to whisper in Nevil's ear, "Does that mean I get to call you my wife?"

  Nevil shouted and there was laughter in his voice when he spoke, "Don't you dare! Husband is just fine." His face softened. "Husband… Yeah, I can do that," he murmured. He gave Shelton a kiss of love and joy that sealed the bargain.

  The door to the church opened behind them and Shelton pushed Nevil back with a breathless laugh, heart pounding when the marriage party emerged into the garden. Curious looks were cast their way and Tera broke off from the group, coming toward them.

  "Oh." Shelton swallowed the lump in his throat but couldn't control the wide grin on his face while happiness spilled from his heart.

  Nevil squeezed his hand. "Can I tell them?"

  Was he kidding? "Absolutely," he said fervently, keeping hold of Nevil's hand as they went to meet their friends.

  Merry Christmas, Shelton

  Chapter One

  Shelton snuggled into the soft quilts, safe and warm while the wind howled against the thick walls of the cabin. A stray gust blew down the chimney, causing the flames to dance and crackle behind the screen. Firelight flickered on the ceiling, and Shelton watched it mingle with the blue and green reflections from the Christmas tree in the corner.

  The clock on the mantle chimed midnight and he smiled. Christmas Eve. Nevil snorted and moved restlessly. Shelton rolled to his side, spooning up against the sleek body that, even after two and a half years together, could drive him crazy with need. Nevil sighed and settled back into sleep, and Shelton nuzzled his neck, pleasantly sore and sated from their earlier lovemaking.

  His face heated as he recalled the things Nevil had done with him. Shelton pressed his forehead into Nevil's shoulder blade, slightly embarrassed even though Nevil slept and didn't see him. They'd spent the day cross-country skiing and then returned to the cabin and warmed up in the shower. Afterward, they sat naked in front of the fireplace and sipped a bottle of wine.

  Nevil had stolen a candy cane from the tree. "Dessert," he explained, settling into the quilts with an arm across Shelton's bare shoulders. Shelton watched the red and white stripes disappear between Nevil's perfect lips and his dick thickened. Nevil caught his rapt gaze, leaned over, and gave him a peppermint kiss.

  "Taste?" he asked and held the candy to Shelton's lips. Shelton caught the cane between his teeth and Nevil gasped slightly as he sucked with purpose on the sweet end. "Oh, lord," Nevil said, sounding breathless, and pushed Shelton down and straddled him. His hard cock pushed against Shelton's stomach when he stretched across him and licked at the cane still caught in his lips.

  Removing the candy, Nevil gave him a deep, lingering kiss and then pulled back, a gleam of mischief in his eyes. "I know somewhere else I'd like to stick this," he confessed and gave the candy a provocative lick.

  Shelton blinked, though he shouldn't have been surprised by anything Nevil's wicked imagination suggested. "I'm not sure..."

  Nevil chuckled, but his voice was a caress when he bent to Shelton's ear and whispered, "Let me pleasure you, love."

  Shelton met his hot gaze and a shiver of anticipation burned through him. At his nod, Nevil rolled him over and had him kneel with his face pressed into the pillows.

  He kneaded Shelton's muscular ass. "So sweet," he murmured and spread Shelton open.

  Shelton shivered, moaning as Nevil's warm tongue slid over his sensitive hole and made little darts inside. Shelton's dick lengthened and he rocked gently, rubbing it against his thighs as Nevil continued to suck at him. Nevil's wet tongue loosened him up, and suddenly the slim, hard candy was pushed against his hole and nudged into the tight opening. Shelton pictured how it looked sticking out of his ass and wasn't sure whether he felt aroused or wanted to burst out laughing. "Nevil?"

  "Sweets for my sweet," Nevil replied, his voice thick as he slid the candy cane back and forth into him. Nevil licked at the puckered skin clenching the candy and Shelton trembled, his senses whirling into lust. He wanted to scream for Nevil to fuck him already and slid a hand down to pull at his balls.

  "That's it, baby," Nevil said, his voice slurred with need. The candy was plucked from him and Shelton waited in agony while Nevil reached for the lube on the coffee table. At last, Nevil's thick, amazing cock slid home and filled Shelton's world with ecstasy.

  Shelton groaned with the erotic memory and bit his lip, cock stirring. If he wasn't half asleep he'd wake Nevil up for another round. As it was, he'd begun to doze off when Nevil's body jerked in his arms. "What is it, honey?"

  Nevil rolled to face him. The fire had died down to coals, but the Christmas lights were enough to see the pain creasing Nevil's forehead. "I don't feel right," he murmured and put his hands on his flat stomach. "I feel achy..." His turquoise eyes widened in the half light. "I think Tera might be having her baby."

  Shelton's heart jumped. Stay calm. The car was surely snowed in, and if he panicked, Nevil would have them in their snow shoes, hiking to the main lodge over two miles away. Wind shook the windows, reinforcing the need to keep his partner thinking clearly even if it meant playing down the strong bond he knew was between the siblings. "Honey, I know Tera is your twin and all," he said levelly. "But sympathetic labor pains? Really?"

  Nevil frowned, but then a sheepish smile spread over his face. "You're probably right. I just wish we had phone service so I could check on her."

  "The people at the lodge said they'd send someone if we got a message. And besides, it was snowing when we got in, and by the sound of that wind, I don't think it's stopped."

  "Yeah." Nevil sighed, sounding discouraged.

  "Tell you what." Shelton pulled him tight against his side, wishing he could do more. "We'll ski down to the lodge in the morning and call Tera to see what's going on. Deal?"

  "I suppose." Nevil didn't sound convinced, but he relaxed into Shelton's arms as another gust of wind swept against the cabin. "Maybe we should have stayed home..."

  "Nevil! Tera's the one who sent us away. She's not due for another week and didn't want us hovering."

  "True." Nevil gave in and then surprised Shelton by reaching for his left hand. "You're an amazing boyfriend," he said, kissing the fourth finger where a ring should have been this weekend. "You haven't said a word about me postponing our wedding so I could be assessable if Tera needs me."

  "That's because I understand. You're going to be an uncle! It's amazing. And Tera's your sister. Of course you should be here instead of off on our honeymoon, wherever that's going to be. Besides, I'm excited to see you hold that little person for the first time. It will be incredible."

  Nevil turned Shelton's hand and kissed his palm. "I love you," he said and met Shelton's lips in a kiss.

  They nestled into the warm quilts and lingered over gentle caresses until Nevil slept again. Shelton watched his face as it relaxed. So beautiful. His heart swelled in his chest; he loved this man so much. He'd panicked a little when Nevil said he wanted to postpone their wedding without setting a future date. At twenty-seven, Nevil was more beautiful than ever with a confidence that drew eyes wherever they went.

  Shelton sighed. Nevil had recently been made a partner in his very successful architectural firm, in demand by a more upscale clientele than in the past, while Shelton had once again been passed over for promotion. What did this successful, lovely man need him for? Shelton closed his eyes, hating the jealousy that stung him at times. He wished he had a switch to that particular emotion he could shut off for good. He didn't like that part of himself.

  He burrowed against Nevil's warmth, breathed in his scent, and finally slept.

  *~*~*

  Shelton woke from a sound sleep, disoriented by a pounding on the door. Untangling from Nevil, he sat up, heart racing. A glance at the clock showed it was barely five o'clock in the morning. What the hell? The pounding resumed and he scrambled to his feet, taking a second to slip on sweat pants before unlocking the door. The wind had died down and Shelton blinked at the
snow piled up against the cabin walls. A slight figure huddled on the step, illuminated by the porch light, and without hesitation, Shelton drew him into the warmth of the room, closing the door on the bitter night.

  "What's happened?"

  Shelton jumped a little at Nevil's voice and blinked in the light that went on overhead. There was a gasp from the bundle under his hand and he searched the pale face the young man raised. The pretty blue eyes weren't looking at him, and he followed his gaze to where Nevil stood in all his naked splendor. Nevil scowled at their interest and pulled on the cotton pajama bottoms he'd picked up.

  Shelton gave the boy a slight shake, knocking snow off his jacket and cap. "God, you're soaked through. You need to get out of those clothes. Nevil, can you stir up the fire?"

  "Of course."

  As if knowing the danger, the young man stripped off his coat and sopping shirt while Shelton unlaced his boots and carefully slipped them off, leaving the socks for now. Ski pants and under armor were lowered and the man leaned a hand on Shelton's shoulder as he stepped out of them. Shelton glanced up and found himself on eye level with a pair of dark boxers that did little to cover the treasures beneath. His gaze swept up a tight stomach and muscular chest and clashed with laughing eyes. Trouble!

  He cleared his throat. "Come to the fire and I'll check for frostbite."

  The newcomer followed him, lifting the cap off a shock of copper hair. He sat on the quilts and Nevil draped one over his shoulders while Shelton knelt beside him. "Hands first," he said and slid the wet gloves by careful inches off his hands. The skin felt cold and white, but the fingertips weren't blue. "Can you move them?"

  He looked up when the young man didn't answer and met his puzzled gaze. "You're really concerned, aren't you?"

  The guy sounded slightly amused and Shelton felt the blush in his cheeks as he answered, "Yes. I saw a boy with frostbite last winter, in Colorado. It was... painful to witness. Let's check those toes."