Laura didn’t look so sure. She edged through the doorway and shut the door with a firm click. “I…um…just came to…um…”
“I was kissing Gavin,” Charlie snapped. “Get over it.” He dragged his chair back to his desk and dropped into it, the chair squeaking as his weight settled.
“I didn’t know…” Laura trailed off, her gaze jumping to him before settling back on Charlie. “I didn’t know you were gay.” Her blue eyes narrowed to slits. “I’d better not catch you eying up Jonno.”
Charlie chortled, the bark of sound unexpected in the taut silence. “Jonno? I don’t think so. The man is infatuated with you. Besides, I have my own mate.” He pulled back his shirt collar to reveal a scar on the fleshy part between shoulder and neck. “I’m not interested in Jonno.”
“Who?” Laura turned her attention on Gavin. “You’re mates? You’re both gay?”
“Neither of us is gay,” Charlie said. “If you want to assign labels, we’re bisexual.” He glared. “I don’t like labels.”
Her nose wrinkled, and Gavin could practically hear her thoughts. They sure looked gay to her—two men kissing with obvious passion. “Okay. Right. Um…if you’re gonna um…kiss and stuff, you’d better lock the door next time.”
Charlie’s brows rose. “Like you do, Laura?”
Gavin bit back a laugh, enjoying the bluster between the two cops.
Laura glared at him before turning back to Charlie. “All right. All right. You’ve made your point. Rules. We’ll have rules.”
“No hanky-panky in the police station? That sounds rough,” Gavin said. “We could hang a pair of handcuffs on the doorknob to signify action inside.”
“Shut up,” Charlie growled.
“Shut up,” Laura snapped at the same time.
“Wow, they agree.” Gavin sauntered over to Charlie and bent over to brush a kiss against his mate’s lips, despite the audience. Charlie made a soft growling sound but didn’t avoid him, merely accepting the kiss. “See you later at my place.”
“Later,” Charlie acknowledged, his voice husky.
Gavin nodded and after a quick wave at Laura, he strode from the station and down the steps to his dusty SUV.
The main street of Middlemarch bustled with after-school traffic. Parents stood in groups while waiting for children to join them. A cream-and-maroon bus sat outside the school, the driver waiting for children on the school run to board. Gavin waved at several parents and climbed into his SUV, doing a U-turn, heading for his house and Leticia. Somehow, he had to make this work.
Charlie watched Gavin until the man disappeared from sight. His butt actually. The man had a fine rear end, and he couldn’t wait to get his hands on it again. Yeah, despite the awkward kink in his new relationship. He had said nothing to Gavin because he wanted to be sure. He experienced the same attraction to Leticia he did to Gavin. Last night it had confused him. Today it still bewildered him. He tore his gaze away from the door to find Laura staring at him, her eyes full of curiosity.
“Men and women? How does that work?”
A chuckle burst free and Charlie relaxed, lighter despite the potential problems in his future. Gavin made him happy. Satisfied. “Use your imagination or ask Jonno when he arrives to file his report about that idiot driving through his fence.”
“See that’s where I’m having problems. You’re gonna have to fill in the dots or connect them or something.”
“Ask Jonno.”
“Two at the same time?”
Charlie rolled his eyes. “I liked you better at the start when we didn’t know personal stuff about each other.”
“But two at the same time.”
“Ask Jonno.” A ménage a trois. Something to keep in mind if Leticia—no, when she improved.
The door flew open. “Ask Jonno what?”
“She wants to talk about sex,” Charlie muttered.
“I walked in on him and Gavin kissing.” Laura grinned at her mate. “He said he’s not gay. Gavin said the same thing.”
“You swing both ways?” Jonno asked, his brows cocking with distinct interest. “That’s more exciting than the insurance claim for my fence.”
“Do we have to discuss my personal life?” Charlie wondered if he should do a coffee run. Right now something stronger wouldn’t go amiss.
“He’s mated with Gavin.”
“That was quick,” Jonno said in clear surprise.
“Too quick?” That was what worried Charlie most. The invisible ties. What if Gavin had made a mistake? He knew Jonno hadn’t marked Laura when they’d first hooked up together. The marking had come later.
Jonno sat on the corner of Laura’s desk. “I knew Laura was my mate as soon as I met her. Gavin would’ve experienced the same with you. I suppose I moved quickly once I met Laura.”
Charlie nodded, relieved by Jonno’s words. Good to know. But what happened if Leticia died? Where did that leave him? Part of him wanted to ask questions. He held back, deciding he’d wait. Gavin would know more soon. He could ask questions later if he still needed answers. “That’s what Gavin said.”
“You okay with it?” Jonno studied him, his manner thoughtful, piercing the outer layers, as if he wanted to make sure Charlie understood the implications.
They shared a long look before Charlie nodded again. “Yeah.”
“If you have questions, you can ask me or go to Saber.”
“Thanks,” Charlie said. “I appreciate the offer.” He pulled a folder from the pile on the corner of his desk in a silent hint he’d finished discussing personal stuff. The phone rang, and he reached for it, taking the call from the local school principal about an upcoming road safety talk. Jonno completed his paperwork for the insurance company and left while Laura dealt with a complaint about tourists riding their bikes on private property instead of the rail trail. An hour and a half later Charlie stood.
“I’m off for the day.” He checked for his cell phone and made a note to charge it before he drove around to Gavin’s. “Do you want me to switch over the phones to my cell now?”
“Switch it over to mine if you like,” Laura said. “I know what it’s like at first. The out-of-control sensation, I mean.”
“No, it’s my turn. The phone probably won’t even ring.”
“If you’re sure.”
“I’m sure,” Charlie said. “Thanks.”
After switching over the phones, he grabbed his car keys and drove to his house. Once inside, he stripped off his uniform and jumped in the shower, both nerves and anticipation zinging the length of his body. He pulled the shower curtain into place, enclosing him in the steamy warmth of the cubicle. His cock filled as soon as he thought about Gavin, about the coming evening.
Groaning, Charlie wrapped his fingers around his shaft and flexed his hips. The surge of pleasure slid another groan up his throat. His body still hungered after their aborted kiss at the police station. Charlie barked a laugh. Just as well Laura had turned up then because no telling what she might have seen a mere five minutes later. Water poured over his head, flattening his short hair to his scalp.
He pumped his hand once before releasing his dick and grabbing the soap. Temptation nipped at him. No, he decided. Not now. Later with Gavin. The anticipation would make it all the sweeter. Unbidden, the fingers of one hand rubbed across the scar on his shoulder. The mark abraded the pads of his fingers, slightly raised to the touch but healed. And tender. The whisper of touch sent lust surging through him. His knees buckled and with a loud groan, he leaned against the cool tile wall of the shower, panting, his dick jutting outward.
“Damn.” The hoarse whisper made him realize he wouldn’t be going anywhere unless he jerked off first. Not with any comfort that was for sure. He grasped his cock with one hand and let his mind wander to Gavin, the abrasive skim of his lover’s hands as they’d stroked over his shoulders and pulled him closer. The searing heat of Gavin’s mouth when it surrounded the head of his cock. The pull of his lips, the lap of
his tongue delicately prodding his slit. His hand tightened, gripping almost brutally as he pumped faster, sliding his fist over the crown and across the sensitive underside. His breath came in pants, almost louder than the splatter of water from overhead. With his mouth dry, heart thudding and body on fire he continued to fist his cock. A shudder worked through him when the pressure in his balls intensified and they drew up close to his body.
“Gavin,” he muttered seconds before his orgasm ripped through him like a flash flood, swift and violent. Semen spurted against the cream tiles, and he shook so much he was glad no one was present to witness his weakness.
The water ran cold by the time he pushed away from the wall and grabbed the soap. With brisk movements, he spread lather across his chest, cleansed under his arms and his groin. Even brushing his cock started a low-level hum of pleasure. Damn, he had it bad. Charlie acknowledged in that moment that no matter what happened with Leticia, there was no way he could turn his back and walk away. Despite the rapid events, he wanted Gavin, even if it meant possible flak and adversity from others.
After grabbing more clothes plus his shaving gear, Charlie drove to Gavin’s. He tapped his knuckles on the door once before opening it and stepping inside. Soft voices came from the kitchen along with a meaty scent. His stomach grumbled, and he realized how hungry he was.
He stepped into the kitchen, expecting Gavin. The smile on his face died when he found Saul and Lucas. “Is Gavin not home yet?” Damn, this was awkward.
“He’s with Leticia,” Lucas said, his voice not much more than a growl. Civilization at its lowest form.
Charlie hovered in the doorway, instinct telling him to flee. Instead, he drew himself up tall and pretended nonchalance. “Are you staying for dinner?”
Saul smirked, seeming to read his unease without effort. “Yeah. That a problem?”
“Of course it’s a problem.” Lucas scowled and gestured at him impatiently. “Come in. We don’t bite.”
“Not true,” Charlie said, not moving. “I know you guys bite.”
Saul snorted, his grin flashing to show a healthy set of teeth. Sharp teeth. “That’s true.” He slid a glance at Lucas before continuing. “Biting can be very sensual.”
An arm slid around Charlie’s shoulders, making him start. He’d concentrated on Saul and Lucas so hard he hadn’t heard Gavin walking up behind him.
“Steady.” Gavin nuzzled his neck and brushed a quick kiss over his mouth before stepping past him. “Stop trying to frighten Charlie. They’re both leaving after dinner. Unfortunately we’ll see quite a bit of them since they’ll come back to visit Leticia.”
Charlie couldn’t get over the casual way Gavin touched him. He didn’t seem to worry about the other two men seeing their kiss. That sort of openness with his friends and family back in Wellington sent shudders of horror through him. Not gonna happen.
“They were telling me about biting,” Charlie said. No point pussyfooting around. Huh! Amusement curled his lips. Good cat analogy. “Said it’s sensual.”
Gavin’s eyes twinkled, the jewel-green color snaring Charlie and drawing him in like a patch of catnip. “And what do you think about biting?” Gavin purred. Heat seeped through Charlie’s clothes and raced from the point of contact to the tips of his toes. Places in between tingled with distinct interest.
“Don’t look, Lucas,” Saul said, stepping up beside the big man and covering his eyes. “It’s sex rearin’ out of the closet.”
“Quit foolin’ around,” Lucas growled, batting Saul’s hands away. His lips curled up into a snarl, and Charlie got a good look at his teeth too. Then the man grinned—a full-out smile that smoked Charlie’s insides. Suddenly he could see the attraction even though he didn’t want it for himself. Not when he had Gavin.
“Enough about biting,” Gavin said. “How long is dinner? I’m starving.”
“About half an hour,” Lucas said. “Is Leticia coming down?”
Gavin shook his head. “She woke up for a while but drifted off again. At this stage she’s better catching up on her rest. She said she hadn’t slept well for weeks.”
“Damn, I wish she’d said something.” Lucas turned back to stir something in a pot on top of the stove, but Charlie could see his distress.
“She’s scared, Lucas,” Gavin said. “Not thinking clearly. Now that I know there’s a problem I can monitor her closer. I can’t tell you she’ll be okay, but I’ll do my best.”
The empathy and sorrow in Gavin’s voice tore at Charlie, hitting him in the gut. A flicker of jealousy layered on top. Gavin seemed to sense Charlie’s disquiet because he moved close and gave him a partial hug. Charlie took solace from the touch, and feeling shitty about his envy when Leticia was so sick, he attempted to tamp down his resentment.
Gavin had marked him and he knew feline shifters didn’t take marking lightly. When they marked their mate, they were in the relationship for life. He had to remember that. The jealousy was his problem. He’d have to work on it because the felines seemed to have good instincts, sensing things he or other humans didn’t. Yeah, he’d shove the animosity aside because he wanted to make the relationship a success.
“Can I do anything to help with dinner?” Gavin gave his arm a final squeeze before walking over to the table.
Charlie couldn’t help but follow with his gaze, his body tightening to the point of pain. Like all the shifters, the male had a great physique, and Charlie’s hands trembled with the need to touch. When he looked up he saw Lucas watching him, and he flushed, breaking the contact almost immediately. He didn’t need that man knowing what he was thinking. Not that it would be difficult for Lucas to guess his mind dwelled in the bedroom. His bloody cock had become like an unruly teenager, rising to the occasion with little stimulus.
“Grab us a beer, will ya?” Gavin said.
Pleased to have something to do, Charlie strode around the table, covered with a black-and-white-check cloth, and opened the fridge. “You guys want a beer?” he asked Saul and Lucas.
“I put a bottle of wine in there earlier,” Saul said. “Take that out and open it as well.”
Dinner turned out better than Charlie thought it would. Saul seemed to act as a calming influence on Lucas and Charlie relaxed, the concern that Lucas would jump him fading under the effect of a full stomach and a few drinks.
“I’ll check in every day,” Lucas said.
“No problem,” Gavin answered. “And you’re both welcome to visit any time. Leticia isn’t under house arrest.”
Saul stood and removed all the dirty dishes from the table. “Should she be sleeping for so long?”
“I’ll keep a close eye on her. If she’s still sleeping tomorrow morning, I’ll start worrying.” Gavin picked up his wineglass and an empty beer can. “I’ll check on her now.”
Lucas sighed, concern flickering in his expression. Charlie watched him as he stood, noting the anxiety on the shifter’s face. “I’ll come up with you. Saul and I need to get home to Alexandra. Our farmhands are good but they need supervision.”
Saul cleaned up and Charlie stood to help. They worked in silence for a while before Saul glanced at him. “You’re good for Gavin.”
“Yeah?”
“He seems more settled and determined. I know it was difficult when Leticia rejected him. It was a blessing we decided to move to Alexandra instead of buying a farm closer to Middlemarch where they would meet all the time. It was a fresh start for all of us and better work prospects for Leticia. The council okayed us staying, but I thought a bit of distance from my father was best.” Saul pulled the plug and the water gurgled out of the sink. “Hell, if Lucas had rejected me, I don’t know what I’d have done. He tried to push me away when I found out about the FIV because that’s what all their friends and family did. It took a while to persuade him that it made no difference to me. Leticia is great. She’s like the sister I never had.”
“Gavin pushed none of you away.” Charlie knew it without asking.
/> “No, he didn’t, and he and Saber spoke up on our behalf. The shifter community is lucky to have Gavin, and he’s a damn fine vet.”
“This has all happened so fast,” Charlie said. It was a relief to talk to someone who had gone through the mating process and understood the compulsion to touch, to have sex. “Does the need fade?”
“Nope,” Saul said cheerfully. “The sex is bloody good, and the desire to fuck doesn’t recede with time.”
“I guess that’s okay.”
They smirked at each other before finishing up and taking a seat to wait for Gavin and Lucas.
“Of course it’s not going to be easy for you, not with Gavin and Leticia having a link. If you need to talk, ring me.”
“Thanks.” Charlie liked the other man. In fact, he liked all the shifters he’d met in Middlemarch.
Lucas and Gavin arrived in the kitchen, putting a halt to the conversation. Lucas and Saul left soon after that and the tension in the room ramped upward.
“Fancy an early night?” Gavin’s husky voice right next to his ear made his pulse leap. Good idea.
Charlie turned to face Gavin. “I’m guessing there won’t be much sleeping.”
“Is that a problem?”
“Hell no.” Charlie headed for the bedroom but Gavin stopped him before he opened the door.
“Leticia’s in there, and I don’t want to wake her. We’ll sleep in the spare room. I cleared it out and made the bed earlier.”
Charlie pushed open the door to the spare bedroom and snapped on the light. He came to an abrupt halt. “A single bed?”
“It’s not as if we’re gonna sleep much,” Gavin said. “And we’re not arguing, so up close and personal isn’t a problem.” He yanked off his socks and unbuttoned his shirt without taking his gaze off Charlie. The dark green shirt slipped off his shoulders and dropped to the floor. Gavin’s eyes glowed and held a hint of challenge.
“Don’t let me stop you,” Charlie said, his gaze skimming across Gavin’s chest. The shifter was a man comfortable in his own skin, a man who knew what he wanted, and it was an incredible turn-on. Even now, Charlie’s skin tingled beneath his clothing and his cock pulsed, pushing against his jeans. “Carry on with the striptease.”
My Second Chance Page 7