Where There's Smoke

by B L Morticia

  “Sure man. Don’t come calling if he knocks your ass to the floor,” Garrett chuckled and patted Myles on the shoulder before walking out.

  I harrumphed and leaned against his desk, waiting for him to come closer.

  Myles appeared pissed by Garrett’s comment. I would be too, especially since the douche called himself a friend.

  “Why are you here?”

  “To apologize.”

  “For what?” Myles growled at me. His green eyes blazed in my direction, throwing daggers. If they were literal, I’d be a dead man.

  “For punching you.”

  “You already did that.” Myles stalked towards me until he was less than ten feet away.

  When he did, I caught a whiff of his cologne and inhaled deeply. I loved the strong scent. It made my dick hard. And if we weren’t in his office, I’d toss him over his own desk and fuck him silly.

  “Yeah, but, things are different now. You kept saying you and I couldn’t be friends because I decked you. So, I had to make my point clear that I was sorry.”

  “And reinforce that Santiago wants a threesome with me?”

  “No. I want to be friends, Myles. It’s too hard for Santiago to be here, so I’m taking his place.”

  Myles smiled wryly, appearing surprised by what I’d said. “Oh, really? So there isn’t an ulterior motive behind your impromptu visit?”

  “Just to be here for you. We got something in common. I was grieving for my mom right before I met Santiago. I watched her die. I… I saw her take her last breath. Fucking lung cancer.” Tears welled up in my eyes and I sniffed. I braced myself so they wouldn’t fall because I refused to let Myles see me cry.

  “Damn cigarettes took away the most important person in my life. I know you feel the same way about what’s happening to your mom. I came to offer my support.”

  Myles’s smile went away, and he dropped his head. He exhaled, then looked back up at me with an angry expression. “I’m sorry about your loss, but do you really think I believe what you’re saying? About support?”

  I cleared my throat. “Why shouldn’t you?”

  “Support so I can let my guard down and somehow fall for these tricks to be with you and Santiago. No, Jonas. I’m not doing it.”

  “Myles, whether that’s true or not, you need someone −,”

  “I don’t need anything but to live, pay taxes, take care of Macy, and die,” he snapped, cutting me off. Myles’s eyes became watery before me and he looked conflicted over the whole thing.

  “I will not do this.”

  “Don’t think about anything now. Let me help.”

  “Help… hmph. I’d rather you punch me. And actually, I came here just so we could settle this… fight. I believe I owe you a beating.”

  I eyed the ceiling a minute then turned my attention back to him. This man was turning me on and annoying the hell out of me at the same time.

  “Myles, we don’t have to.”

  “We do. I owe you a few punches. More than, but I don’t want to destroy my office.”

  “Myles… we−,”

  Before I knew what was happening, Myles threw a left hook my way, and I reacted fast, catching his fist before it connected with my face. I held on tight while making sure I didn’t break his hand. I really could, considering I’d taken martial arts as a teen.

  “Argh. Jonas, let go of me.” Myles grimaced and struggled to get his hand away.

  I didn’t. Instead, with little effort, I yanked Myles into me. Using my strength, I caught his arms at his sides so he wouldn’t try punching me again.

  The look in his eyes said it all. Denial. Shock. Hatred. And despite all of it, I craved his thick lips underneath mine. Wanted to devour them like there was no tomorrow.

  “Jo −”

  Before he could get the rest of my name out, I lunged at him and caught his lips in between mine. I sucked on his bottom lip and nibbled, enjoying our mouths being plastered together. Instantly, my erection spurted in my slacks and I groaned into his mouth, tasting him. A mix of coffee, spearmint gum, mints, or mouthwash tickled my taste buds and aroused me. Whatever it was, it caused a serious disruption in my groin. I didn’t want to let go.

  Myles didn’t either. His body fell limp in my embrace and he allowed me to take control of the kiss. Since I’d trapped him, Myles couldn’t move his hands around. He pushed his body into mine enough for me to feel his cock against my thigh.

  While we kissed, all kinds of thoughts ran through my head. I was attracted to this man and suddenly I wanted more than the physical. And even though Santiago encouraged me to romance Myles, my conscience told me to stop this immediately.

  Despite that, I continued to dart my tongue in and out of his mouth, fighting with his for prominence. I won every time and Myles didn’t seem upset by it. He only tried over and over again to see if he could get the upper hand.

  To gain control, I pulled away a moment and stared at him. Like a lover, I put both hands on either side of his face and wiped the tears away with my thumbs.

  “We could be civil to one another and I can help you through this.”

  The confusion was written all over his face like a teacher’s notes on a chalkboard. The expression was softer than before. I could see the wheels turning in his head.

  “I… Jonas, why did you−,”

  “Because I wanna be here for you. You need someone to get you through. I had nobody. I’d just come out. I barely had friends. I mean, you’ve got Garrett, I think, but more importantly, you’ve got Santiago and me. We can help you through this. Let me start by standing by you.”

  “My friend doesn’t kiss me,” Myles said. He looked too drained, but his tired gaze never left mine.

  “This one does.”

  “Cause you want me.”

  “Perhaps, but that can wait.” I tilted my head and rubbed the moisture from under his eyes again.

  “What if I don’t want to? What if I want to be kissed again?” Myles asked.

  “Do you?” I asked him.

  “Yes. I do.”

  “Promise not to punch me?”

  “I can’t promise anything. You’ll just have to trust me,” Myles replied.

  “I don’t, but I wanna repeat,” I responded to him in a desperate tone.

  “Then shut the fuck up!” Myles yelled, cutting me off as I was about to rebut. He feverishly attacked my lips as if he were on auto mode. He backed me up against his desk and pressed his hard frame against mine while he wrapped both arms around my shoulders.

  When we connected again, my brain shorted and the rush of energy flowed through my body as if it were a bad drug. Everything in me tingled from head to toe, bursting with adrenaline I couldn’t control.

  Really, I didn’t want to.

  Although my primary focus was to get on his good side, I hoped we’d have more of this before I returned to Cobalt.

  “So, Myles and… oh my God!”

  Garrett’s voice sounded in the background and with my lips still attached to Myles’s, I opened one eye then closed it the moment the door slammed.

  Myles didn’t flinch with that noise. Instead, he kissed me harder, running both hands through my hair while he humped me through my clothes. Ready to fuck, my dick stood up at attention, while my nipples hardened under my shirt. I’d totally ruined these boxers with the overflow of pre-cum weeping from my cock. I couldn’t catch my breath due to the passionate kiss we’d shared and the brutal pressing he’d done with our bodies so close. So damn close, I could barely move.

  Trying to get air, I reluctantly moved back from him.

  “You want me, Myles,” I huffed.

  Myles did the same, still looking at me dumbfounded.

  “I do, but I’ve got to get back to the hospital. Will you…”

  “Yes. If you’re saying come to the hospital with me.”

  “I am. Fuck, I’m such a fool. I’ll have my fun now, but once Mother dies, it’s all over.”

  “I told you
don’t worry about anything now. None of that matters. Only you, saying goodbye to her.” I pressed a light kiss to his forehead and held him close.

  “I won’t worry, because it isn’t important. I’m just letting you know to make sure you enjoy this little time between us. That’s all.”

  When he went back in for another kiss, I pushed him backwards.

  “I told you not to think of that shit now. Keep talking and I will deck you again, you hear? Now, let’s get going, okay? I got a feeling you don’t feel like explaining anything to Garrett about what he saw and in all honesty, neither do I.”

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Myles

  Although making out with Jonas was indeed a pleasant experience, I couldn’t help but be mad at myself for falling for his charms.

  Or I should say his lips.

  Jonas’s claim to want to be my friend was endearing.

  Sweet.

  What could I say?

  Even me, this old bitter fag was quite impressed by the big lug’s heart. Still, the regular emotions for Jonas remained. I didn’t hate him, but I wasn’t too fond of Santiago’s boyfriend. How cocky of him to come all the way up here from his hick town and pretty much con me into kissing him.

  All right, not con, because I could’ve pushed him away, but I didn’t. Everything in my body responded to Jonas. His big guns wrapped around my waist. His perfect mouth crushed against mine while his tongue teased and tortured me at the same time.

  I didn’t like him.

  I didn’t like that he’d convinced me to allow him to be a temporary friend and confidante.

  I didn’t like that he’d weaseled his way into my life when I didn’t want him here.

  And most of all, I didn’t like that he, a country bumpkin, was beating me, Myles Greyson at this weird chess game.

  I’d always done whatever I could to get the upper hand in a situation, whether it was my professional or private life. However, Jonas was winning this and killing me with kindness.

  Nevermind that I wanted to force him to pull the car over and fuck him senseless.

  Nevermind that I longed for his lips to be wrapped around my cock, sucking on my balls, and tongue fucking my ass in the back seat.

  Jonas had indeed made a mark on my life when I didn’t want it. Despite Garrett’s mean looks when we’d left the office about an hour ago, I didn’t have any remorse.

  My only regret was staying away from Mother too long because this had been the first time in days I’d left her alone in her room. I’d been sleeping on the couch or in the chair next to her bed, just to see if anything would change.

  Nothing had, but I still felt the pang of guilt. Other than Garrett or Sherri, I was the only one who’d visited her in the hospital.

  Now though, I was bringing a complete stranger into my mother’s room with me. Only because I craved that closeness that support he promised he could provide. And for some stupid fucking reason, I felt having Jonas close was almost as good as having Santiago there.

  My real man.

  The only other man I’d loved besides Pierre.

  Although Jonas had made a place for himself now, it wasn’t permanent. I’d appreciated it, yes, but I wouldn’t get used to having him close because he wasn’t my man and I had no desire for him to be.

  After grabbing a quick meal, we made it back to the hospice center. Since I had a pass, I had no reason to stop at security, but with Jonas along, I’d have to.

  “Mr. Greyson. Is this a friend?”

  “Um, yes. It is Jonas…”

  “Sandbauck.” Jonas spelled his name aloud.

  Whoa.

  When he finished, I cleared my throat because I was sure the security person wanted to question why I couldn’t say my friend’s last name. More than that, I had to gather myself because the lug truly had a way of turning someone on without even trying.

  Sandbauck.

  I had no idea what nationality that belonged to, but with a look like his, I’d supposed he was European of some sort. In actuality, his family was, because his small-town country accent could only come from a Midwesterner. Still, it sounded rough and powerful.

  Like a damn gladiator!

  It totally fit him which had me thinking how hot he’d look gearing up for a fight even when I was his target.

  When Jonas received his pass, I led the way to the corridor in the back. I made two turns and before I knew it, we were back in the right unit.

  “Mr. Greyson. Oh, you brought company.” The nurse smiled at me.

  “Yes, he is…”

  “A good friend? Boyfriend?” She cocked an eyebrow.

  “Yes, a very good friend,” Jonas said while patting me on my shoulder. “I would’ve come sooner but I could only get time away from work now.”

  To avert any undue attention, I only kept my eyes on the nurse who appeared interested. Again, I cleared my throat.

  “Um, nurse, has anything changed?”

  “No sir. I’m sorry. Would you like me to set up an extra chair by the bed for your friend?”

  “Yes, that would be wonderful. Thank you.”

  “All right, I’ll do that. The doctor is making his prognosis now. Why don’t the two of you sit in the waiting room?”

  “All right, thanks again.”

  I turned on my heel, then walked away from the desk, towards the family lounge area. For now, it was empty, something I was very thankful for since I had to give Jonas a piece of my mind.

  The moment I stepped inside, I turned to face Jonas.

  “Can you shut the door?”

  Jonas smiled at me and did as I asked.

  I sighed, dropping my gaze because the more I stared the more I wanted to continue what we’d done in my office.

  “What was that about?” I asked him.

  “What?” Jonas answered as if he had no clue what he’d done.

  “Why did you tell the nurse anything?”

  “Just in case she caught us kissing or hugging, she wouldn’t be questioning it too much. What do you want me to tell her? I’m your ex-boyfriend’s, boyfriend?”

  I sighed, knowing he had a point.

  “Aw, c’mon Myles. You like that.” He winked one of those gorgeous azure eyes I could get lost in.

  “No, you do!” I said angrily.

  Perturbed, I turned away from him and crossed my arms. To go along with this charade just to have some human contact was the biggest mistake I could’ve made.

  “Myles, you’re getting all uptight for nothing.”

  “Nothing? I told you, I’m not playing these games with you or Santiago.”

  “And I told you don’t worry about that now.”

  I dropped my head and shook it from left to right. Before I could argue, warm hands settled on my stomach, while big arms circled my waist, wrapping me tight.

  “Umph.” The air left my lungs when I was yanked into the hard chest behind me. I closed my eyes, taking pleasure in being held so close by Santiago’s man.

  Despite my conscience saying to get away, I didn’t want to. Truthfully, I loved feeling Jonas’s body against mine. His hard body was clothed in black jeans with what appeared to be a fireman’s polo shirt reading Cobalt 5. The aroma of Obsession for Men filled the air around me and I drank it in, wanting to remember the scent for the rest of my existence.

  I gulped hard. “We both know you’re here to convince me of Santiago’s insane plan. No matter how nice you are, it isn’t going to work.

  “Didn’t I tell you to stop talking about that?” Jonas growled in a low voice.

  “I can’t help it. You’ve got your hands on me, you’re being nice. You’re tapping into my softer side. I don’t show anyone that except Santiago.”

  Jonas chuckled. “So, are you saying you’re an asshole most of the time?” He breathed into my ear.

  “That, I am, and I like it that way. It’s how I stay sane and on top of my game.”

  “That asshole exterior won’t help you right no
w. And from my vantage point, you aren’t at the top right now,” Jonas whispered and subsequently licked my ear.

  Maybe now I’m not, but I will be.

  The thought to answer him crossed my mind, but I decided against it. When he repeated his last action, my cock jolted in my pants, dampening my silk boxer briefs. I released a ragged breath and opened my eyes, looking out the window at the courtyard and its magnificent greenery. Anything to distract me from Jonas using his power of seduction. He was quickly wearing down my resolve with all the sweet gestures he could muster.

  Asshole.

  Despite having blue balls, now wasn’t the time to be concerned with getting my rocks off. Perhaps later, when things were final, we could revisit our mutual attraction, if only for a short while.

  “Fuck, Jonas.” I turned my head so he couldn’t nibble on my ear any longer. If he did, I would tear his clothes off and fuck him in this waiting room.

  I couldn’t have that. Not here. Not when I was ready to tell the doctors to take Mother off oxygen.

  I needed to be focused and strong, for Momma. For myself, because the days ahead would be rough knowing that once they pulled the plug on the tank, it would be time to say my final goodbyes.

  * * * *

  Jonas

  I continued to hold onto Myles as if my arms could protect him from the pain. When he moved his head away, I caressed his shoulders, making him relax against my body. Eventually he gave in and leaned against me as he wanted, putting his ear right in the pathway of my mouth and tongue. Immediately, I took advantage, licking his earlobe and sucking it while I dragged one of my hands down to his crotch.

  I had to admit, when Santiago gave me the go ahead, I took some liberties. I was supposed to be a friend first, but after seeing Myles, I couldn’t help myself.

  “You need me…” I whispered to him, blowing on his skin and nibbling for extra effect. I’d fucking failed this challenge of keeping my hands and mouth off him because Goddamnit, it felt good to break him down.

  To put him down a notch as Garrett said.

  To throw him off his high horse and his game.

  I could tell this alpha hated to lose, but he was no match for me. I was winning. In fact, I’d say I was really close to finishing it without giving up a point.