Shelton in Love

by Dianne Hartsock

  "I meant for dinner, sweetheart," Nevil told him and ran a finger down Shelton's chest where the robe had parted. "But if you want something else…"

  Shelton's stomach took that moment to rumble loudly and they both laughed. Shelton gave Nevil what he hoped was a lurid wink. "Maybe dinner first, then… um… dessert?"

  Nevil's gaze smoldered. "Count on it."

  Shelton climbed from the couch, holding out a hand to help Nevil to his feet. They lingered over a kiss and then dressed and made their way to the cellar bar, a more intimate area than the formal dining room on the second level of the lodge. Finding a table tucked in the corner, they ordered beer and pizza, chatting pleasantly about anything other than the coming wedding day. Nevil's overt flirting kept Shelton on the edge of arousal, and at one point Nevil picked up his hand and kissed his knuckles.

  "Eat your fill," he warned Shelton, turning his hand and placing a heated kiss in the center of his palm. "I'm not letting you out of our room again tonight."

  Shelton shivered deliciously and finished the slice of pizza he'd been nibbling, anxious to return to their room and the joy of Nevil's arms.

  *~*~*

  Shelton blinked his eyes open and lay a moment listening to Nevil breathing beside him, body warm against his back. Nevil's arm possessively draped his hip and Shelton let out a contented sigh, stretching slowly, deliciously sore in all the right places from last night's lovemaking.

  Nevil murmured something into Shelton's neck, the hand on his hip reaching down to brush against his cock. He laughed, rolling over to face him. Nevil smiled into his eyes and kissed him, pulling Shelton closer, and he groaned when their cocks slid together perfectly.

  "I can never get enough of you," he confessed, rocking against Nevil.

  "You're not alone." Nevil nibbled his collarbone, making him shiver. "But we'd better hit the shower if we want to meet the others for breakfast."

  "True," Shelton said and slid his hand between them, holding them together. "Wouldn't do to be late… oh…" His thoughts unraveled as Nevil shoved into his hand, the friction of his cock against Shelton's sending off sparks behind his eyes. His pleasure mounted in leaps and he went with it, letting Nevil lead him to the edge and over, into bliss.

  The shower afterwards was just as pleasurable, though he did nothing but soap Nevil's body, his hands gliding over toned muscles, strong thighs, and a muscular ass. He loved the feel of the fine hair on Nevil's chest under his slick palms, and he took a moment to lightly pinch the tight nubs between his fingers, grinning at Nevil's sharp gasp.

  Nevil retaliated by biting Shelton's lower lip and sucking in into his mouth. He grabbed Shelton's wrists when he slid his hands down Nevil's body. "Stop, love! I need to reserve something for our wedding night."

  Shelton laughed, thrilled to the core at Nevil's words. Nevil had set up their wedding plans, reserving several weeks at the lodge, and hiring the minister. But these teasing words made it all real for Shelton.

  "I love you," he said against Nevil's mouth and kissed him as tenderly and thoroughly as he knew how. They rinsed off, and Shelton handed Nevil a towel when they climbed from the shower. Their room held the warmth from last night's fire and they dressed leisurely, Nevil stealing kisses every few minutes until Shelton's head swam and he wanted nothing more than to grab Nevil by his chic tie, shove him on the couch, and remove every stitch of clothing he'd just put on.

  The thought must have shown on his face. A wicked gleam entered Nevil's turquoise eyes, but he touched Shelton's elbow, guiding him toward the door. "Breakfast?"

  "You'll pay for this," Shelton assured him, grinning at Nevil's delighted chuckle as they stepped into the hallway. The main dining room was a floor below theirs, serving breakfast until eleven, and Shelton's mouth watered as they entered the second level and warmth from the fireplace and the smell of pancakes and coffee enveloped them.

  "Shelton! Nevil!" a merry voice called and Shelton looked across the room to find Tera waving from the dining room entrance. Robert stood beside her, and Shelton smiled to see baby Sarah looking at them from his arms with wide blue eyes under silky dark hair. At six months old, she was becoming an adorable little person, and Shelton hurried to take her from her doting father.

  "Hi Sarah. Are you ready for an exciting day?" he asked, laughing when she gurgled and smiled at him. She wiggled until he put her up to his shoulder, where she immediately grabbed a handful of his curls. He bit back a painful hiss and Nevil came to his rescue.

  "It's okay, baby girl," Nevil told Sarah as he unwound the chestnut strands from her little fingers. 'I can't resist them either."

  Nevil cocked his head, his gaze turning speculative as he studied them, and Shelton squirmed under his gaze. "What?"

  "You look good with a baby in your arms. We may have to do this one day."

  For a second, Shelton lost his breath. They'd never discussed having children. He'd never thought Nevil would be interested. A fond smile touched Nevil's lips and he leaned close and kissed the corner of Shelton's mouth. "Not too soon, love," he murmured. "I want to keep you to myself for a while longer. But one day… maybe."

  Shelton's heart stumbled and he blinked at a few tears. "Deal," he managed through a tight throat, wanting to drag Nevil somewhere private and thank him thoroughly. Delight sparkled in Nevil's eyes as he easily read his mind. Nevil glanced over Shelton's shoulder and those same gorgeous eyes flashed. A wry grin tugged his lips.

  Shelton swiveled his gaze. A young man approached them, ridiculously attractive in a bulky sweater and skinny jeans, red hair partially hidden under a black beanie. Mischief danced on his face and, catching Shelton's stare, he purposefully moistened full lips made for naughty things…

  Nevil's soft chuckle in his ear pulled Shelton's attention back to him. "That boy's trouble," Shelton confessed, heat flushing his neck and cheeks.

  "I'll protect you," Nevil promised dryly, stepping forward. "Hey, Tommy…"

  Tommy Stephens nodded to him, but came right up to Shelton, his grin widening. "Who's this little cutie?" he asked, smiling at Sarah who returned his look with solemn eyes.

  "This is Nevil's niece. Sarah Marie, this it Tommy. You're never to speak to boys like him."

  Tommy laughed and looked into his face, and Shelton caught his breath at the open approval and invitation in his pretty eyes. Heat swept him and his body stirred, and then Shelton laughed at his own foolishness. Sure, Tommy was attractive: sweet dessert and temptation. Yet easily put aside in the face of everything he had with Nevil.

  As if sensing his answer, Tommy smiled ruefully and handed Shelton the letter he carried. "This just arrived for you."

  "Thanks. Are you working today, then?"

  "I'm going to ski for a couple hours and then work this afternoon. In fact, I'll be working your reception."

  Shelton wasn't sure what to say. "Oh."

  Tommy winked. "Maybe I'll get to dance with the groom?" he asked slyly.

  "Maybe…" Shelton let his words trail off. Tommy chuckled and walked away, waving over his shoulder.

  Nevil looked after him, thinning his lips. "I'll break his legs if he tries to dance with you," he said conversationally.

  "Nevil! He's only flirting. You know he can't help it."

  "You're defending him?" Robert asked unexpectedly. Shelton shot him a glance and realized he was teasing. Tera's fond laugh sent hot blood stinging his cheeks.

  "Don't mind us, Shelton," she said, taking Sarah back, pausing while Nevil once again untangled Shelton's curls from her little fingers. "We can't help teasing you. You're adorable when you blush."

  Shelton blinked after her while the family moved into the dining room. Nevil's hand warmed the small of his back. "Who's the letter from?"

  Shelton looked at the return address and his heart sank, though the missive hadn't been unexpected. He'd set up his mail to be forwarded just for this reason. "It's from my parents," he said, opening the reply card sent with the wedding invitations. "They
won't make it, but hope we'll be happy."

  "At least that's something." Nevil slipped his arms around Shelton, pulling him close. "I'm sorry they've let you down."

  Shelton shrugged off his disappointment. "It's not the first time, though waiting to send the card at the last minute is a bit much. Anyway, let's eat. I'm starving."

  Nevil tightened his hold for a second and then led Shelton into the dining room. Shelton came to a stop halfway across the room, awe sweeping him. "For us?" he asked, wonder in his voice. Sunlight streamed in the windows, highlighting the table reserved in the corner. Candles flickered between attractive bowls of fruit and pastry while fresh coffee waited in china cups at each plate. Gold and silver streamers and tiny bells hung from the ceiling over the table, adding to the delightful scene.

  Shelton turned to Nevil, his heart in his eyes. "You did this for me?"

  Nevil picked up his left hand, pressing a kiss to his ring finger. "I love you, Shelton, and can't wait to make you my husband. You have my heart, darling."

  "Me too," Shelton choked out, wiping at his eyes as he hurried to the chair Tera pulled out for him. Nevil took the seat beside him and proceeded to steal kisses while they ate. By the second cup of coffee, Shelton had regained his composure, though he wasn't sure his heart could hold any more joy. He glanced up, idly curious, when a couple entered the dining room. He rose to his feet, a grin spreading on his face. Nevil looked up at him.

  "It's Paul and Eran. They made it." Shelton hurried around the table, hand outstretched.

  Paul ignored his hand, pulling Shelton into a tight hug. "Congratulations! I couldn't be happier for you. What a great day."

  "It is," Shelton agreed, stepping back.

  Eran gave him a shy smile and hugged Shelton as well. "Congratulations." He flicked Paul a playful look. "We flew into Portland last night and Paul insisted on sightseeing…"

  Paul threw his hands in the air. "Yes, it's my fault we're getting here so late. But there's a lot to do in Portland on a Friday night, and I lost track of the time. We ended up sleeping in later than I'd planned."

  Nevil came up to them. "You didn't miss the wedding. That's the main thing. Thanks again for keeping an eye on Shelton in Colorado for me," Nevil told Paul as they shook hands.

  "And I made sure to have his favorite drinks ready," Eran put in with a laugh. He was the barista at the coffee shop Shelton and Paul favored after work.

  "Thank you so much for coming. I know it means a lot to Shelton," Nevil told them warmly "Are you staying in Portland for a few days?"

  "For the week," Eran said. "Paul has a list of places for us to visit."

  Nevil nodded. "Excellent. Maybe we can meet for dinner one night."

  "Wouldn't want to intrude on the honeymoon." Paul quirked a brow at Shelton, who felt the warmth of a blush in his face.

  Nevil chuckled at his discomfiture. "Don't worry. We're staying here a couple of weeks, but we're also taking time off this summer to honeymoon right. We're going on one of those cruises to the Mediterranean."

  "Sounds fabulous," Eran said. "I'm jealous."

  "I'm counting the days." Nevil slid his gaze over Shelton. "I can't wait to see my husband all golden-skinned from the sun."

  Shelton swallowed, the heat in his face travelling lower. Paul's knowing laugh did nothing to help.

  "Bastard," he said in an aside to Nevil, who was leering at him, and motioned to the table. "Come and have something to eat. They've given us enough food for an army."

  "This is lovely," Eran observed, taking the chair Paul pulled out for him.

  "Isn't it? Nevil did this for me. I'm totally being spoiled."

  "You deserve it," Tera said from across the table. Shelton introduced her and Robert to his friends and then sat back in his chair as they gushed over the baby, his heart swelling once again. Maybe his parents and brother had chosen not to share the day with him, but these were the people who mattered.

  Nevil met his gaze and picked up his hand, leaning over to give him a deep kiss while the others were preoccupied. "Happy?"

  "Yes," Shelton said, kissing him back.

  *~*~*

  After breakfast, they separated at the dining room entrance, going to their separate rooms while Paul and Eran took a tour of the lodge. They would dress in Tera's room when it was time for the wedding. As Shelton's best man, Paul had a tux stashed in the rental car. Eran assured them he'd dress appropriately. Paul's gaze heated as he looked at the dark beauty at his side, and Shelton exchanged a glance with Nevil, wondering if another wedding was on the horizon. Nevil grinned and took his elbow, leading him toward the stairs.

  "Don't start making plans for our friends, love," Nevil teased as they climbed the stairs and followed the hallway to their room. He let them in with his key and then leaned with his back to the closed door, pulling Shelton's unresisting body into his arms.

  "I love you," Nevil confessed and kissed him over and over until he was breathless.

  Shelton pushed away from him with a laugh. "We'd better dress. The wedding's at one and it's already passed noon."

  "Afraid they'll start without us?" Nevil stalked him across the room, pressing up against Shelton when he stopped at the closet door. His hard cock pushed against Shelton's ass and he turned in Nevil's arms, meeting his descending lips.

  "God, I love this," Nevil groaned against Shelton's neck, grinding against his hip. "I can't wait to fuck my husband for the first time."

  Fire surged through Shelton at his words. "I want that too," he assured Nevil, placing hot kisses along his shaven jawline, nibbling at his lips until they opened. Delicious! Warm and wet and tasting of Nevil. Shelton could kiss him for hours and not get enough of him. Nevil shifted and a groan burst from Shelton as their cocks ground together. Nevil put a hand behind Shelton's head, holding him in place as he deepened their kiss. Shelton's head reeled and he forgot everything but Nevil's taste and touch and the scent of his heated skin.

  Nevil suddenly pulled away from him and Shelton blinked, momentarily confused. Nevil touched his mouth with an unsteady thumb. "You are such a temptation, love," he said raggedly. "We'd better dress before I can't stop myself and make us very late for the wedding."

  It took a moment for Nevil's words to penetrate the haze of lust Shelton had fallen into. "Oh. Okay," he murmured, making Nevil chuckle. He grinned sheepishly, adjusting his cramped dick. "Promise me we'll pick up where we left off?"

  Nevil's gaze had followed Shelton's hands. "Count on it," he said, sounding strangled. Joy bubbled up in Shelton and he laughed to ease the tightness in his chest.

  It took only moments for them to strip out of their clothes, and they dressed in their separate tuxedoes, Nevil devastating in black with a charcoal shirt. Shelton wore pristine white with a charcoal tie that brought out the green in his hazel eyes. Nervous, he had trouble with the tie and met Nevil's gaze in the mirror when he came up behind him. Shelton caught his breath, heart leaping at the love and naked desire in Nevil's expression. Nevil turned him, and Shelton felt the tremble in his fingers as he knotted his tie.

  "Hey you," he whispered. Nevil looked up and Shelton's heart lurched at the gleam of tears in his eyes. He tenderly cupped Nevil's face. "Is this what you want, honey? We can still call it off and just have a party."

  "Absolutely not. With how gorgeous you look right now, no way are we stepping outside this lodge without my ring on your finger."

  Shelton snorted, though warmth spread through him at Nevil's words. They left the room, and Nevil's hand on the small of his back as they took the hallway and stairs to the second floor helped steady Shelton's nerves. They passed other guests staying at the lodge, many who offered them congratulations. Shelton hardly noticed them as they crossed the second floor, skirted the central fireplace, and took the small hallway in the back.

  His heart hammered with nerves and anticipation as they climbed the stairs to the Eagle's Nest at the top of the lodge. Sunlight spilled through the open doorway, and She
lton paused at the threshold, losing his breath in awe. Sunlight flooded the space through the floor to ceiling windows looking out over the mountains at either end of the room, the bright rays gleaming off the oak floors and walls. White linen and silver candles and flowers adorned the tables in the back of the hall, while chairs in front held their friends. An archway of gardenia and pink cabbage roses stood in the far window where the minister waited with Tera and Paul.

  Catching sight of them, the violinist switched to the song they'd chosen, and Nevil tugged Shelton's hand, leading him to the back of the room. Their friends stood, turning to them, and Shelton wondered if his pounding heart would burst out of his chest.

  Nevil's hand found his, warm and sure. "Ready, love?"

  Shelton looked at him and saw his own love reflected in Nevil's warm gaze. "Yes," he said, gripping Nevil's hand as they walked toward their friends and the start of their new life together.

  FIN

  About the Author

  Dianne lives in the beautiful Willamette Valley of Oregon with her incredibly patient husband, who puts up with the endless hours she spends hunched over the keyboard letting her characters play. She says Oregon’s raindrops are the perfect setting in which to write. There’s something about being cooped up in the house with a fire crackling on the hearth and a cup of hot coffee warming her hands, which kindles her imagination.

  Currently, Dianne works as a floral designer in a locally-owned gift shop, which is the perfect job for her. When not writing, she can express herself through the rich colors and textures of flowers and foliage.

  Blog: http://diannehartsock.wordpress.com/

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