by Andria Large
I nod slowly, not sure what to make of her reaction.
“How long?”
“About five months now.”
“And… and you guys are happy together?” she whispers brokenly.
I can’t help the small smile that curls one side of my mouth. “Very.”
Well, that must have been the magic word. The dam breaks, and she bursts into full-blown tears. She covers her face with her hands as she bawls her eyes out. I pull her into my arms and hug her to my chest. She keeps insisting it’s the hormones, and I can’t help but laugh. She’s probably right because I don’t remember her ever crying this often. When she finally gets herself under control and dries her face with some tissues, she looks up at me.
“I was so afraid you would never find someone else with everything you’ve been through.” She sniffs.
“You and me both,” I snort.
“How did this happen? I mean, I thought you were straight?”
“Yeah, I don’t really have an explanation for that. After Zara died, I didn’t think I’d ever want anyone else, but this thing with Tucker just kind of happened. I don’t know. It’s working out well.” I shrug.
“So you’ve never been with a guy before Tucker?”
“Nope, never even crossed my mind.”
“And what about him? Has he ever been with a guy before?”
I shake my head. “No.”
“Wow. Okay.” She blinks.
“You’re okay with this, right?”
She gives me an incredulous look. “Don’t ask me stupid questions like that, Denny. You know I’m okay with this. Shit, you could be in a relationship with a lamp, for all I care, as long as you’re happy.”
I bark out a laugh and pull her back in for another hug. She giggles too.
“So Tucker is your boyfriend, then?” she asks when we separate.
I grin stupidly. “Yeah.” Just the sound of his name always brings a smile to my face.
“Aw, that’s so sweet,” Lizette gushes.
Heat crawls up my cheeks. Lizette’s eyes search mine, a soft smile on her pretty face.
“Do you love him?”
“Of course I do. He’s my best friend,” I reply, hoping she accepts that answer.
But of course, she doesn’t. She gives me a bored look. “Let me rephrase. Are you in love with him?”
I swallow hard and rake a hand through my hair. I’ve barely admitted to myself that I’m in love with him, and here Lizette is, asking me to say it out loud.
“Yes,” I whisper.
“Let me guess, you haven’t told him, have you?” she mutters dryly.
“Jesus, Lizzie, relax. It’s only been five months. We’re not in a rush here,” I huff.
“You’re afraid.” She eyes me knowingly.
I squeeze my eyes shut against her shrewd gaze. Damn her and her stupid intuition.
“I’m not afraid…. I’m fucking terrified. The last person I fell in love with is dead. I can’t handle that again. If something were to happen to him… I just… I can’t….”
“But not telling him doesn’t solve that issue. Don’t you want him to know how you feel about him?”
“What if he doesn’t feel the same?” I say, voicing my other fear.
“Please, he adores you. There is no way he doesn’t feel the same way,” she says with unwavering certainty.
“I just don’t want to rush things, okay? We’re happy right now,” I tell her, wanting to end this conversation.
“Okay. Fine,” she huffs after a few seconds of deliberation.
“Thank you.”
“So which one of you bottoms?” she asks with an evil grin.
“No! Not going there with you, definitely not!” I exclaim and shoot to my feet.
I head into the kitchen with Lizette hot on my heels.
“Oh come on! We’re adults. We can talk about sex!”
“You’re my sister! I don’t want to know any details about your sex life, and you do not need to know mine,” I tell her, opening the fridge to get a bottle of water.
I turn to face her, and she’s watching me, her eyes narrowed in thought. I give her my best bored look and take a sip of my water.
“I bet Tucker bottoms,” she states.
I choke on my water, having to rush over to the sink as it painfully comes up my nose. I can hear her cackling behind me as I cough and sputter. I dry my face with a paper towel and groan. I’m never going to hear the end of this.
“I knew it!”
I glance over my shoulder at her. “Bitch,” I say with a sneer.
She just bursts out laughing all over again.
TUCKER
I GET home from work at my normal time of 5:30 p.m. I walk in the door to see Dennis and Lizette sitting on the couch talking. Both their heads turn toward me, and I give them a nod as I drop my keys on the table next to the door and loosen my tie.
Dennis gives me a soft smile, the corners of his eyes crinkling. Lizette, on the other hand, gives me a huge, beaming grin. I narrow my eyes at her. “What’s with that look?”
“What? Can’t smile at my brother’s boyfriend?” she teases.
Dennis closes his eyes and sighs while I gape at her. Okay, apparently they have been doing a lot of talking. My face heats up, and I have to undo the collar of my shirt, which is suddenly choking me. Someone knows about us! She’s obviously not upset or disgusted, but it’s crazy that someone actually knows. Well, besides Duke, of course.
“You two are so cute when you blush.” She chuckles and stands. She leans down and gives Dennis a kiss on the cheek. “I’m gonna go.”
Dennis stands too and follows her as she starts in my direction. She gives me a big hug and a kiss on the cheek. When she pulls back, she stares at me and points her finger in my face.
“You hurt him and I will hunt you down, cut off your balls, and make you eat them,” she threatens seriously before her smile returns. “I’ve always wanted to threaten my brother’s significant other.” She laughs.
Dennis and I both laugh as we say our good-byes and she leaves. He shuts the door and locks it before turning back to me. “I hope you don’t mind that I told her.”
I shake my head. “It’s fine.”
“She started asking about your ‘girlfriend,’ and I just couldn’t lie to her again.”
I smile. “I understand. It’s okay. She seems okay with it.”
Dennis smiles warmly. “Yes, she is.”
A weight I didn’t even know was there lifts off my shoulders. I hold my hand out for Dennis. He smirks and takes it. I pull him into me and hug him. I feel him sigh as he wraps his arms around me. I’m sure he’s relieved his sister took the news of us being a couple as well as she did, but I really never expected her to not be okay with it. Lizette loves her brother to death, would do anything and everything for him. They have a special bond, one I don’t have with my brother. Yeah, we’re close, but not like Denny and Lizette.
“I’m glad she finally knows, actually,” I murmur as we separate.
Dennis nods. “Me too.”
I motion for Dennis to follow me as I walk down the hall to my bedroom to get changed. Once in my room, Dennis sits on the edge of the bed while I undress. I undo my tie and hang it up in my closet. I turn back to him as I unbutton my shirt.
“So I stopped by the ENT’s office on my lunch break today and made an appointment,” I say, keeping my eyes on Dennis for when he responds.
He seems to stop breathing as he stares at me in shock. “You… you did?” he asks. I would bet anything he sounds completely flabbergasted.
“I told you I was going to get my hearing fixed.”
I take off my shirt and toss it aside.
“No, you said you were thinking about it. You never said you made the decision.”
Undershirt is next to go.
“Well, I need to see the doctor before I make any final decisions. I want to see what he has to say about it, if it’s even still doabl
e.”
Dennis nods fervently. “Yeah, okay. Sounds like a plan. When is the appointment?”
“Next month.”
“Great. Good. Okay.”
The look on Dennis’s face is one of barely contained excitement. I can’t help but laugh at him.
“You can be excited, babe. It’s okay.”
Dennis’s face splits into a wide grin. “I can’t believe you actually did it. I was afraid it was just talk.”
I shake my head. “No, I’m serious about this.”
Dennis jumps up from the bed and closes the distance between us with a couple of steps. He cups my face and kisses me tenderly. I wrap my arms loosely around his waist and let him kiss me however he wants. Words are not necessary; I understand this is his way of saying thank you.
Dennis turns us and walks me backward while still kissing me. When the backs of my legs hit the bed, he pushes me onto it. I smile up at him. He gives me a seductive smile as he reaches down and takes off my slacks.
“I would suck your dick, but I can’t breathe too well out of my nose.”
I laugh. “Not a problem.”
“Am I still desirable with my face like this?” Dennis teases, with an exaggerated pout.
I glance down my body at the straining erection trying to burst out of my gray briefs before looking back up at him and raising an eyebrow. “What do you think?”
He smirks and rubs me through my briefs. I hum my approval and thrust up against his palm. I love when he touches me. It feels so good, every damn time. Dennis removes my underwear and leans over, leaving hot, wet kisses up the underside of my cock. I let out a breathy moan and close my eyes. Dennis’s large hands slowly glide up the tops of my thighs until he comes to my hips, where he digs his fingers in for a second before continuing on his path up my side to my chest.
His mouth finds mine, giving me slow, languid kisses. None of them deep enough to involve tongue, but they are just as arousing. I slip my hands up under his T-shirt, letting my fingers smooth over the ridges of his abs up to his chest, which vibrates against my hands. A flutter of excitement shoots through me. Hopefully, very soon, I will be able to actually hear Dennis moan, instead of merely feeling it. I tug his shirt over his head, being careful not to catch his nose with it.
Dennis reaches over to the nightstand and grabs the lube out of the drawer. He then quickly shucks his pants and underwear. I lie there, admiring his body. He’s so damn sexy with his defined chest and cut abs. His cock is long and thick and juts straight out, curving up slightly.
He pours some lube in his hand before fisting my cock. He gives it a few good tugs, then adds more lube to his fingers. I grab the backs of my knees and pull my legs up to give him better access. His eyes darken and his lips part. His slick fingers find my hole, massaging around it before pushing in. My eyes slip closed and a low moan escapes me. Dennis moves his finger slowly, as if he’s got all the time in the world.
“Come on,” I urge breathily.
I need more. I need him inside me. Dennis complies. He removes his finger and replaces it with his cock. He covers me with his body as he pushes forward. His mouth hovers over mine as he breaches the tight muscles. I cry out when he’s finally fully sheathed. Dennis buries his face gently against my neck as he starts to thrust.
DENNIS
TUCKER FEELS so incredible. I take my time, just enjoying the feel of him and the sound of his gasp whenever I push in deeper. He tangles his fingers in the back of my hair while his other hand claws at my asscheek. One of these days, I’ll have to bottom, because he really seems to enjoy it, so it can’t be all that bad.
There is something different going on between us this time. We’re being more tender, more loving. We’re usually rougher, manhandling each other, taking things hard and fast. This time I have no desire for that, and I don’t think Tucker does either. He hooks his legs around the backs of my thighs and rolls his hips in time with my thrusts. Our bodies are plastered together, Tucker’s cock sandwiched between our stomachs.
I lift my face from his neck and look down at him. His crystal-blue eyes stare into mine. So many different emotions are swimming in their depths.
Tell him you love him.
Lizette’s words from earlier come back to haunt me. “Don’t you want him to know how you feel about him?”
Damn Lizette.
If something were to happen to him and I never got the chance to tell him I’m in love with him, I would regret it for the rest of my life. Decision made.
“Babe,” I murmur, brushing his hair back from his forehead and making sure I’m far enough away for him to see my mouth.
“Hmm?” he hums, and then gasps when I hit his prostate.
His eyes flutter shut as he moans. I cup his face with one hand, my thumb stroking his stubbled cheek. I wait until he opens his eyes again and looks up at me with his passion-filled gaze.
“Baby, I’m so in love with you,” I whisper, even though it doesn’t matter how loud or soft my voice is.
Tucker blinks up at me, his eyes widening slightly. “Really?” he croaks.
I nod.
Tucker closes his eyes in what seems like relief before he yanks my head down and crushes his lips to mine, still being conscious of my nose. The kiss is passionate and speaks volumes without actual words. My orgasm builds, so I pick up the pace.
Tucker grabs my head and pushes me back enough so we can look into each other’s eyes. “I’m in love with you too, Denny,” he says roughly before pulling me back into a fierce kiss, again being careful not to hit my nose.
I moan into his mouth, my heart leaping up and fist pumping the air. Lizette was right. He does love me! A minute later, Tucker tears his mouth away from mine as he cries out. He orgasms hard, the warm jets of his come slicking our stomachs. He pulses around my cock, squeezing me tight. It only takes a few more thrusts before I come too. I shove myself in to the hilt and groan loudly as I explode inside him.
I collapse on top of him, laying my head on his shoulder, careful not to bump my nose. Tucker wraps his arms around me and holds me while we recoup. Once we’re somewhat recovered, we separate and clean up.
I meet Tucker out in the kitchen, where he’s getting a drink of water. I go to him, a smile on my face. He smiles brightly at me. I lean down and kiss him tenderly on the lips. This is so right. I feel like I can breathe easier now he knows I love him and he loves me in return. I finally feel truly content with how my life is turning out. The man in my arms deserves most of the credit for that. I think Zara would be very happy for me right now, and knowing that has helped heal my broken and shattered heart.
TUCKER
MY KNEE bounces nervously as I wait for the doctor to come into the room. Dennis is sitting on the extra chair in the corner, his ankle resting on his knee, his foot jiggling. He’s obviously nervous too. The last time I went to the doctor for my ears, it was shortly after getting home from Iraq. When I refused to let them do any kind of surgery, they warned me that the longer I waited, the less likely it would be that they would be able to fix it in the future because of the buildup of scar tissue. It didn’t matter at the time because I never thought I’d change my mind.
The door opens and in walks the doctor. He gives me a smile and shakes my hand. He turns toward Dennis and introduces himself. He says something to Dennis, and Dennis replies with “He can read lips.” So I guess the doctor asked if he would be translating for me. The doctor turns back to me.
“Tucker, I’m Dr. Hudson.”
“Hey,” I reply with a tight smile.
“Okay, I have your previous records, so just to clarify, you lost your hearing immediately after an explosion you were close to?”
“That’s correct.”
“Tucker, you have what we call severe cochlear damage. This kind of damage is technically irreversible.”
Well, shit. My heart drops. I glance quickly at Dennis, who looks resigned.
“So there’s nothing that can be done?�
� I ask.
Crushed. That’s how I feel right now. Completely crushed.
Dr. Hudson holds up a finger. “I didn’t say that. What I meant is that you can’t naturally regain your hearing without help. Normally I would suggest cochlear implants, which can definitely help, but you would have the device attached to your head behind your ear. Now, the leading hospital for all things ear-related is Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, Maryland. They are actually trying something new when it comes to the type of hearing loss you have. It’s in the experimental stages, but they’re looking for candidates willing to give it a try.”
I see Dennis perk up out of the corner of my eye.
“How risky is it?” I ask.
“Considering you have no hearing to lose, I’d say not risky at all. But the chances of it working are still iffy. It’s about a 40 percent chance it will actually give you back your hearing.”
My heart flutters.
“I’ll take that chance,” I say.
“Are you sure? Would you like some time to think it over?”
I shake my head. “That’s a no-brainer, 40 percent is better than 0 percent, and if it works, I’ll be able to hear again. If it doesn’t work, then I can still get the cochlear implants, right?”
Dr. Hudson nods. “Yes. Absolutely. Okay, I’ll make a few calls. I’m sure you’re going to need additional testing done to make certain you are indeed a good candidate for the surgery, and you will have to travel to Baltimore to have it done.”
“Not a problem,” I reply.
“I’ll send you a text message as soon as I get in touch with Johns Hopkins Hospital,” Dr. Hudson says as he stands.
I thank him, and we shake hands before he leaves the room. I’m in shock. There is hope. Dennis jumps up from his seat, comes and grabs me by my biceps, and shakes me. I blink up at him. He’s beaming at me.
“You’re going to be able to hear again, Tuck.”
A slow smile curls my lips. “I’m going to hear again,” I repeat.
I spring to my feet and pull Dennis into a crushing hug. When we separate, he gives me a quick kiss on the lips and grabs my hand as we walk out of the room and down the hall to the exit. Ever since Dennis first told me last month that he was in love with me, he’s been much more open about PDA. He holds my hand everywhere we go, and to me, it’s so sweet. I love that he does it.