He removed the damp socks with the same care as the gloves and sighed in relief when the man wiggled each toe.
Nevil snorted from where he leaned against the mantle watching the proceedings. "Now that we know nothing is going to fall off, can you tell us what the hell you're doing here?"
"Tera Shaw left a message for you at the lodge." He smirked when Nevil straightened, tense. "I volunteered to bring it. She says she's fine, but that they're admitting her to the hospital in the morning. She'd like you to be there as soon as you can."
"I'll go immediately."
"No, sir. The snow's not too bad at the lodge, but worse up here. We'll have to wait for the snowplow to get your car out."
Nevil paced the room, cursing under his breath. Shelton heard the young man's breath quicken as he watched the lithe movements of the sleek body and frowned. "What's your name?" he asked as a distraction.
"Tommy Stephens."
Of course it was. A cute name for a pretty face and sexy, youthful body. Damn.
"Well, Tommy, thanks for risking your neck for us. Why don't you get some sleep here by the fire?" Shelton climbed stiffly to his feet and went to Nevil's side. "Come to bed, honey." Nevil grunted and Shelton slid an arm around his waist. "Try to sleep, at least a little. It's going to be a long day tomorrow."
Nevil relaxed against him. "You're right." He allowed Shelton to lead him to their room and paused in the doorway to glance back at Tommy. "Thanks, man."
"My pleasure," Tommy said with a purr.
Shelton's lips thinned at the interest in the young man's gaze and tugged Nevil into the room, purposefully closing the door. He pushed Nevil onto the bed, cuddled up to him under the blankets, and held him close until they slept.
Chapter Two
Shelton woke and stared groggily at the dim sunlight peeking through the curtains. His gaze flicked to the clock. Seven? God, he'd hoped to sleep longer. He eased out from under Nevil and slipped quietly from the room. A heap in the quilts by the fire assured him that Tommy still slept, and he wrinkled his brow as he headed for the bathroom. It had been brave of the young man to bring them Tera's message. He hoped the snow plow came early so Nevil wouldn't spend the day worrying.
The spray of the shower felt wonderful on his neck and shoulders, and Shelton caught himself dozing off. Wouldn't do to use all the hot water. He soaped up and began to rinse when he heard the bathroom door creak open and then close. His heart pounded. Nevil! Maybe it was a weakness, but he'd become a slave to Nevil's desires and a very willing one at that. He took a minute to enjoy the slide of soap over his growing dick and then washed the suds off his balls and turned off the water.
Smiling with anticipation, he slid open the shower door and blinked at the redhead standing naked by the sink. It took a second for his numbed brain to react. "Oh, sorry. I thought..." Shelton reached for the towel on the hook, his heart pounding as he tried to keep his eyes from Tommy's sleek, hard erection arching toward him.
Tommy's affectionate laugh made him shiver. The young man stepped closer, his pretty, blue eyes raking over Shelton. They widened when they reached his scarred dick. "Oh, God," he murmured and touched Shelton, making him jump as his thumb grazed over the rough skin. "I'd love to have this rammed up inside me. Will you fuck me, hon?"
Shelton flushed with heat but controlled his reactions to the blatant invitation. "What are you doing?"
He saw confusion in the lovely eyes, and then Tommy gave him a searching look. A blush stained his white skin and he stepped back. "Um... sorry. Hands off, huh?"
"Yes, now if you'll get out..."
Tommy threw his hands in the air. "Don't have to ask twice. Really, I'm sorry, man. Thought we could have a little fun. Guess I read you wrong."
Shelton choked on a burst of lust Tommy's words set off and couldn't answer. Instead, he threw the towel over his head and rubbed his wet hair. He sagged against the wall when the door clicked shut. Jesus fuck! That had been harder to do than it should have been. But Tommy had been so vibrant, alive, and hard. He groaned and reached for his aching cock.
Keeping his mind blank, Shelton concentrated on the feel of his hand sliding over skin, squeezing and kneading. Making little grunts of pleasure, he reached lower and rolled his balls together, tugging gently, then rougher. Heat pooled in his stomach and he returned to his dick. Tingles of bliss raced along his nerves, scorching his blood as he stroked his hard member. So close.
He nearly screamed when the door suddenly flung open with a bang, and he let go of his cock with a frustrated moan. Nevil's laugh sent his pulse soaring. "Shelton! You should have woken me up, silly man."
Before Shelton could reply, warm, familiar lips wrapped around his dick and sucked him into the heat he lived for. He didn't even try to hold back as he slid to the back of Nevil's throat and Nevil swallowed him down. Two, three seconds, and he came with a cry of joy. This is where he belonged.
Nevil licked him clean and then rose to his feet and lifted the towel from Shelton's head. Shelton blinked at his dazzling smile and then grabbed the back of his head and kissed him with all the passion in his heart.
Nevil eased him back. "What is it, love?"
Shelton shook his head. "Doesn't matter. I love you."
"I love you, too." Nevil touched Shelton's wet curls. "I'm taking the snow shoes and hiking back to the lodge with Tommy. Will you wait for the snow plow and bring the car down when the road's clear? I'd like to start home as soon as possible."
"Of course. Be careful, okay?"
Nevil gave him a fond look. "Always! See you soon."
Shelton gazed thoughtfully at the closed door after Nevil left him with one last kiss. He wasn't surprised Nevil wanted to go. He was an experienced hiker; Shelton wasn't worried about his safety. He just wished he wasn't traveling with that cute, red-headed devil. He smiled wryly. Nevil could hold his own with anyone, Shelton had no doubt about that. He trusted Nevil and his little prick of jealousy could go fuck itself.
He pulled on his clothes, went into the main part of the cabin, and smiled in surprise. Expecting a mess, it was nice to find the quilts folded into a neat pile and the washed dishes drying on the counter. Maybe the imp wasn't such a bad guy after all. With his mood lightened, Shelton whistled as he set about packing his and Nevil's suitcases and emptying the refrigerator into the cooler. He straightened the cabin, saving the Christmas tree for last.
Shelton sighed a little as he knelt by the tree and gathered the tiny, brightly wrapped boxes together, hoping to God everything was all right with Nevil's delightful twin. He couldn't help wishing he was the one at Nevil's side right now, trudging through the snow instead of being left behind with the packing. It was frustrating when he wanted to be with the ones he loved, doing something.
A rumble disturbed the silence of the cabin and Shelton went to the door in time to see the snow plow clear the road and start back downhill. Perfect! Now to dig out the car...
It took little over an hour to clear the drift of snow from the Prius so he could back it into the road. He packed the trunk and backseat with their belongings and then locked up the cabin and started down the mountainside in low gear. They'd put chains on the tires yesterday, but Shelton still slid a few times on hidden ice before the rustic building came into view.
It was hard to find an open spot in the crowded lot of the ski lodge, but finally Shelton parked and hurried inside. He'd hoped to find Nevil in the lobby. When there was no sign of him or the beautiful redhead, he went to the information counter and introduced himself. "Is there a message for me?"
"Let me check. Shelton, is it? Yes, here you go, sir."
Shelton smiled as the young woman handed him an envelope with a flourish. He always found the staff at Sugarpine Lodge to be amazingly friendly and helpful. It was why he and Nevil skied there rather than other popular resorts.
His hands shook as he opened the note and his smile dimmed while he read Nevil's scrawled message. "You left without me?" he whisper
ed, slightly hurt, though not surprised. He'd suspected Nevil wouldn't lose a minute getting to Tera's side. But to accept the offer of a lift from Tommy? Damn. Shelton hoped he wouldn't have to slap that pretty redhead's face when they met again. If Nevil hadn't smacked him first. Nevil's patience only stretched so far.
He bought coffee and a sandwich for the road and then returned to the car and started down the mountain. His knuckled whitened on the slippery road over the pass, but once on the other side, the road cleared of any lingering ice and he could settle into the two hour drive to Portland.
Shelton ate his sandwich, sipped his coffee, and hummed along to his music to pass the time. Worry crept into his thoughts as he neared the busy downtown area of the city. God, he hoped he found everything okay with Tera. Rain pounded against the hood of the Prius. Once at the hospital, Shelton parked in the first lot he came to and dashed for the nearest entrance to the birthing center.
Collecting Tera's room number at the front counter, he hurried to the elevators. The ride up seemed interminable, and Shelton's pulse quickened as he followed the long hallway to Tera's room. Robert rose from a chair by the bed as he entered, putting a finger to his lips for silence. "Tera's finally asleep," he whispered.
"Still pregnant?" Shelton asked, peering around Tera's husband to see her.
"The baby's in a little distress so they're keeping Tera here overnight. If things don't improve they'll do a C-section in the morning."
Shelton gnawed a lip. "Is there any danger?"
"No more than usual with this procedure. We just want Tera and the baby to be healthy."
"Of course." Shelton gripped Robert's hand. "This is good news. Nevil was worried sick. Um… where is he?"
"He said something about getting a drink at that Irish pub down the street and waiting for you before going home. There shouldn't be any excitement around here until tomorrow."
Shelton nodded and then gestured toward the bed, tiptoeing over when Robert smiled. Tera looked tired but beautiful against the white pillowcases. Delight filled Shelton, knowing she was in good hands and that they should be holding her baby this time tomorrow.
"Make sure to call us if there's any change," he told Robert as he made to leave.
"Will do. Make sure Nevil sleeps. He looked pretty done in when I saw him."
"Thanks, Robert. We'll see you in the morning." Shelton waved and then made his way back through the labyrinth of hallways and outside to gather the car and find Nevil.
Chapter Three
Nevil stared into the amber liquid of his drink and then took a sip of the warm beer and made a face. He glanced at his watch for the hundredth time. Where the hell was Shelton? And goddamn! He wished that woman would quit screeching. Her singing was like a banshee with a toothache.
He straightened on the stool. Okay, he was tired and pissy. Tommy squirmed on the barstool next to him and Nevil glowered. That little piece of candy fluff hadn't helped his mood, either. Sure, he at least owed him a meal for the ride down, but he wished the guy would finish and go.
They'd stopped at a gas station at the bottom of the mountain and Nevil had gone into the lavatory to wash the tiredness from his face. He'd smiled as he fished his dick out at the urinal, remembering walking in on Shelton that morning. Fuck! That had been hot. Shelton standing, knees slightly bent, towel draped over his head so only his lower half showed as his hand pumped that amazing cock of his.
Nevil had moaned, his dick thickening as he recalled Shelton's rough shaft sliding between his lips to lodge in his throat. Hot, tangy cum filled his mouth, coating his throat so he had to swallow or choke. Moving his hips, Nevil lazily fucked his fist as he imagined bending Shelton over the sink and driving into his sweet ass. He didn't realize he wasn't alone until a body plastered against his back and a hand reached round to close over his. "Need help?"
Tommy's thick cock nudged against his ass while talented fingers ran over his hardness. Shit! That felt good. A few years ago, he would have had a divine ten minutes with this sexy little prick. But all he could think of now was the hurt it would bring to Shelton's eyes, and he wasn't about to do that.
"Do you mind?" he snarled and shoved his shoulder against Tommy.
Tommy grunted and stumbled back, sounding surprised. "Okay! Sorry. Thought you could use a little fun."
"Not with you." Nevil was purposefully blunt as he buttoned his fly and stomped from the dank room.
Tommy's offer had been more tempting than he cared to admit. They hardly spoke for the rest of the drive into Portland, and Nevil was beginning to wish he'd waited for Shelton at the lodge after all as Tommy ate his hamburger with agonizing slowness.
Something made Nevil glance across the pub, and he spotted Shelton hesitating in the doorway. He took a deep breath, his worries melting away when Shelton saw him and grinned. The smile slipped as Shelton's gaze shifted to Tommy. A strange expression flickered across his face, but it disappeared as he crossed the room and walked straight into Nevil's open arms.
They didn't speak for a moment and then Shelton stepped back, a blush on his face. Adorable. Nevil touched his hot cheek and played with a chestnut curl brushing his chin. "I see you made it off the mountain safely."
"You too. Thanks, Tommy."
The redhead flicked him a glance and winked. "No problem. Anytime."
Shelton raised a brow when he turned abruptly back to his plate, but Nevil shook his head. "Never mind him. Come on." He took Shelton's elbow and guided him from the noisy pub.
"The car's this way." Shelton motioned up the street when Nevil started in the opposite direction.
"I want to do something first," he said enigmatically and chuckled under his breath when Shelton looked ready to rebel. "It'll only take a minute. Promise."
He took Shelton's hand as they walked along the sidewalk and then pulled him into the gay bar on the corner. The club had begun to fill for happy hour, but Nevil found a secluded corner and took Shelton in his arms. Slow, sultry music played over the speakers. Nevil's hands slid down Shelton's back to his ass and nudged him closer. Shelton resisted and then sighed and relaxed into Nevil's embrace. Being slightly shorter, his cock and balls fit deliciously against Nevil's. Perfect.
Shelton's arms slid around his neck and Nevil held him close as they swayed in time to the music. He couldn't remember the last time they had danced together, and Nevil took full advantage of it as he breathed in Shelton's subtle cologne and hint of sweat. He gloried in the feel of Shelton's strong body pressed against his, their cocks crushed together. Nevil ground against him, and he heard Shelton's soft moan and felt the tremor that ran through him.
Sliding a finger under his chin, he tilted Shelton's face up and gasped at the love and desire warming his hazel eyes.
"I love you," he murmured and grazed Shelton's lips with his own. He caught Shelton's groan in a kiss, plundering his sweet mouth until his head reeled. He forgot where he was and slid his hand down the back of Shelton's jeans, stroking the crack of his delectable ass.
"Take me home?"
Nevil gloried at the pleading note in Shelton's voice. God, he loved this man!
"If you want," he teased and blinked in surprise at the dark flush that swept Shelton's face. "What is it?"
Shelton avoided his gaze. "Nothing. Let's go."
"Not until you tell me what's wrong." He watched with some concern as emotions chased across his features. "Shelton?"
"Fuck, Nevil. I didn't want to have to tell you. It's so stupid."
"Tell me anyway."
Shelton moved back from him, looking miserable. "I was jealous when I saw Tommy with you at the pub. And now you don't seem to want to take me..."
Nevil stopped his words with a hard kiss and shook him slightly. "Don't be absurd. How could that little prick mean anything to me?"
"I know! But there's this niggling voice in my head that I don't know how to shut up. And it has a point, Nevil. I bet every man in this room wishes he was with you."
Nevil chuckled, amused, though also flattered that Shelton would think so. "There's only one problem with that thought, love," he whispered in Shelton's ear. "They're not looking at me. They're looking at you."
"Ha!"
Nevil took Shelton's shoulders and turned him to face the room. He delighted in Shelton's snort and the laughter in his voice. "They don't count. Jesus, Nevil."
Shelton left his arms and Nevil followed him toward the boisterous group at the bar, admiring his casual sexiness in loose jeans and sweater. If nothing else, his man knew how to dress.
The nearest man stood and pulled Shelton against his side. "There's our pretty boy. Wondered if you two would stop molesting each other and come say hi."
Nevil grunted. Leave it to Michael Barns to get his pets in first. He stood back while Shelton got a round of kisses from everyone and raised a hand to the lovely brunet on the end. "Hey, Brandon. Where's Percy?"
"Kicked me out of the house. Not like that!" he rushed to say at a united gasp. "He hinted he has something special planned for Christmas Eve and I can't come home until seven. So, are you an uncle yet?"
"Not yet." He tugged Shelton out of reach of Michael's wandering fingers and placed a hand firmly on the small of his back before continuing. "But I will be this time tomorrow, one way or another."
"Oh, that's great! Congratulations. Give Tera and Robert a hug from us."
"Definitely."
He glanced over as the door to the club opened with a gust of cool air, and an imp of mischief took hold of him when he heard Michael's indrawn breath behind him. Tommy Stephen's ginger locks fairly glowed in the pulsing light of the bar, bewitching around his pale features.
"Hey, Tommy!" Nevil waved him over.
Tommy looked startled, and then a smile touched his full lips and he swayed as he approached the group of men. Nevil chuckled and Shelton flashed him a look, his own eyes dancing with laughter. Their friends wouldn't know what hit them!
Shelton in Love Page 15