In the Dark

by G. A. Hauser

Kent leaned against him purring, “You look damn sexy.”

  Brad licked his cheek in appreciation. “Come to my place. We can shower and have breakfast.”

  “I need to change my clothes. I’m not wearing this uniform all day.”

  “Where do you live? I’ll follow you.”

  “Cool.”

  Before they left the men’s room, Brad held Kent back. “It was a really great night, all things considered.”

  “It was.” Kent set his toolbox down and embraced Brad, rocking him gently.

  “I mean it. I’m thrilled we met.”

  Checking behind him quickly, Kent drew Brad to his lips. Brad moaned in pleasure knowing that even in the light of day, Kent was still interested. How cool was that?

  When they parted mouths, Kent whispered, “Let me just grab a pair of jeans and a shirt at my place so we can get to your place and have a nice day together.”

  “Perfect.” Brad waited as Kent picked up his toolbox.

  “Oh. Hang on.”

  Brad paused.

  Opening the box, Kent gingerly removed the spent condom and tossed it in the trash.

  At the expression of revulsion on Kent’s face, Brad began laughing.

  “Yeah, ha ha. It should have been in your briefcase on your paperwork.” Kent rinsed his hands.

  “Spunk on your hammer. I love it.”

  Kent nudged him playfully. “Get going before I make you suck my hammer.”

  “Mm!” Brad lit up.

  “Go. You’re bad. Very bad. You look normal but you’re not are you?”

  “No. I’m a sexual deviant. Just ask my parents.”

  “Let’s not go there.” Kent opened the door for him.

  “Good idea. Where are you parked?”

  “Out front.”

  They exited the building and paused looking at the damage that was all around them.

  “Oh, my God.” Brad gasped at the downed trees and missing roof tiles.

  “I had no idea it was this bad.” Kent walked slowly to his pickup truck. It was covered in leaves and debris.

  “I think some of the power is still out. Look.” Brad pointed. “That traffic light isn’t working.”

  In the brilliant sunlight, Kent narrowed his gaze to where he was gesturing. “Just take your time. I’ll wait for you to pull your car around.”

  “Okay.” Brad pecked his cheek.

  Kent smiled sweetly at him.

  * * * *

  When Brad walked back through the lobby to get to the parking garage, Kent set his toolbox in his truck and began brushing off the palm fronds and litter from his hood. A few cars were on the road but not many. Mostly police and cleanup crews. “Wow.” Kent took his phone out of his pocket and dialed.

  “Hello?”

  “Hey, Mom. It’s me.”

  “Kent! I was worried sick.”

  “I got stuck in an elevator all night.”

  “How horrible.”

  Kent smiled. “No. It wasn’t. It was awesome.”

  “Do I want to hear this story?”

  “No. You don’t. I just wanted to let you know I’m okay.”

  “Thank you, sweetheart.”

  “Any damage to your home?’

  “No. We did fine. How about you?”

  “I’m just headed back to my apartment now. I’ll let you know.”

  “Okay. I’m glad you’re okay, Kent. Thanks for the call.”

  “No problem, Mom.” He hung up and climbed into his truck. When he started it, he noticed a car slowing down near him. Seeing Brad behind the wheel, he pulled onto the roadway and made his way cautiously to his apartment. As he drove, he kept muttering under his breath in awe at how bad everything looked. Damage was everywhere. “My God. What a fucking night.”

  In a few minutes he was parked in his apartment building lot and climbing out of the truck. Seeing Brad still in his business suit made Kent smile. Blue collar mixing with white? Would that work? Time would tell.

  “Hey.” Brad met him at the door to his modest abode.

  “It’s not much. Don’t have high expectations.” Kent pushed back the door.

  “I’m not your judge. Why should I care?”

  Kent tried a light switch. “Still out.”

  “I hope mine is back.”

  “Let me just get out of these work clothes.”

  “Take a few things you’ll need to spend the weekend. I have no intention of letting you out of my sight.”

  Kent grinned at him wickedly. “What’s your place like?”

  “Decent. You’ll like it.”

  Having a feeling Brad was being very modest, Kent nodded and hurried to grab a handful of overnight items.

  * * * *

  Though Brad had the urge to follow Kent into his bedroom and get down and dirty, he knew once they had showered and had a bite to eat they would feel much more inclined to love making.

  Looking around the small one bedroom unit, Brad smiled wistfully and admired a few things Kent had set around the room: family photos and some sports memorabilia.

  In a short time Kent returned wearing tight faded blue denim and a t-shirt.

  “I can drive.” Brad twirled his key.

  “Fine.”

  They locked up the apartment and walked to Brad’s car. “Is this weird? Us two meeting this way?”

  Once Kent had climbed into the passenger’s seat, he set his backpack down on the floor and answered, “Yes. Very weird.”

  Brad waited for Kent to fasten his seatbelt. “Good. I think it’s cool.”

  Kent laughed softly.

  As he made his way through the fallen trees, downed power lines and black traffic lights, Brad wondered what Kent would think of his home. He was about to find out.

  He pulled into the driveway of his four bedroom house in Sherman Oaks.

  “Fuck!”

  Brad smiled. He assumed that meant Kent was impressed.

  “Man, what do you want with me?”

  “Everything.” Brad shut off the car and said, “Come on. Let’s see if my power is on.”

  They headed to the front door, unlocked it and pushed it back. Brad tried a light switch. “Yea!” he cheered. “Hot coffee and a good breakfast it is!”

  “Perfect. Wow. What a fucking place.”

  “Thanks. Come on. We both need a shower and shave.”

  Brad led him to his master bedroom, undressing as he went. Once down to his briefs, he gestured to the bathroom and made sure he had plenty of towels.

  “Brad…” Kent took off his clothing.

  “Yes?” Brad turned on the shower, heating up the water.

  “It’s okay.”

  “What’s okay?”

  “It’s okay if it was just a storm thing.”

  Brad tilted his head in confusion. “Storm thing?”

  Suddenly Kent looked shy and averted his gaze.

  “Come on. Let’s wash.” Brad slipped his briefs off and reached out his hand. He escorted Kent into the marble tiled stall and they alternated wetting and scrubbing.

  “Are you okay?” Brad thought Kent had become very quiet.

  Kent glanced only quickly at him but didn’t answer.

  Brad embraced him, pulling him to rest against his body under the shower spray. “I don’t care how much money you make. I don’t give a crap what you do for a living.”

  “Come on,” Kent replied sarcastically. “Everyone does.”

  “No. Not me.” He hugged Kent tight, moaning at his feel as they connected under the hot spraying water. “I think you’re wonderful.”

  “I’m not. I’m just a cable guy.”

  “Hopefully ‘my’ cable guy.”

  Kent leaned back to stare into Brad’s eyes as if judging his sincerity.

  “Are you done?”

  “Yes.”

  Brad shut the taps and pushed back the sliding doors. After drying off, they stood side by side at twin basins, shaving and brushing their teeth. Once that was done, though Brad
knew they were both dying for a cup of coffee and some food, he picked Kent up into his arms and awkwardly carried him to his bed, tossing him on it.

  Kent laughed in amusement as he spun around to look at him. “Heavier than I look huh?”

  “No. I’m weaker than I look.” Brad shook his head. “I tried to impress you with my brute strength.”

  “Uh, try your good looks next time.”

  Enjoying Kent’s humor, Brad pinned him to the bed and made sure they were connecting everywhere. “I want us to give this a try.”

  “It’s useless, isn’t it? We come from different backgrounds.”

  “Opposites attract.”

  “Bull shit.”

  “Kent!” Brad was stunned at the negativity.

  “How can it work?” Kent began to battle for release. “I’ll always envy what you have, your income, your house.”

  A squeezing sensation from his emotions filled Brad’s throat. “So? That’s it? We come from different backgrounds and you made the decision it can’t happen?”

  Kent covered his face in humiliation.

  Feeling sick over Kent’s admission, Brad dug his arms under Kent’s body and held onto him. To him it wasn’t just one crazy night stuck in an elevator. It was the beginning of something special.

  Resting his cheek on Kent’s chest to hear his heartbeat, Brad closed his eyes, wanting this man, unhappy Kent wasn’t willing to even try.

  After a few minutes Brad felt Kent’s arms settle down to rest around his back. Inhaling and exhaling a deep sigh, Brad allowed them to just lie naked on each other, and he savored it wondering if it would ever happen again.

  Finally Brad leaned up on his elbows look at Kent. “No matter what you decide, Kent, I still think you are an amazing man.”

  A smile flickered on Kent’s face, and vanished.

  Pouting, Brad echoed softly, “An amazing man.”

  “I want you, Brad. Don’t think I don’t.”

  “The what the fuck’s the problem? Seriously. What I own I’ll share with you and visa versa.”

  “Yeah, I’ll bet you were just salivating over a chance to hang out on my used furniture.”

  “Stop it.” Brad covered Kent’s mouth. “Don’t put barriers up between us already. Do you have any idea how hard it is to find a compatible partner around here? One that you desire, crave? And one that craves you back?” Brad paused to see if his words had any effect. “If you begin placing economic walls between people, don’t you narrow our choices down substantially?”

  “And you’re too smart for me.”

  “Kent!” Brad breathed in exasperation. “All I’m asking is for a test run. Okay? A week? A day at a time? Is that such a difficult thing to do?”

  Kent’s expression softened.

  Kissing his chin, his cheek, his ear, Brad breathed into Kent’s ear, “Try. Please.”

  “You really like me that much?”

  Brad shook his head in amazement. “Yes. I do. You’re beautiful inside and out.”

  “You got that from one wicked night in an elevator?”

  “Didn’t you?” Brad gaped at him. “Didn’t you feel something intense in there? And I don’t mean just from the power outage.”

  A long moment past. They just stared into each other’s eyes. Finally Kent whispered, “Yes.”

  Brad crushed him in an embrace and feathered kisses all over his face. The amount he wanted Kent was already strong. Overpowering. He didn’t want to let him go to get a cup of coffee, he certainly had no intention of having him walk out of his life for all the wrong reasons.

  “Come get it, top man.” Brad wriggled on him seductively. He was glad it made Kent laugh.

  As Kent’s smile faded, he cupped Brad’s jaw and drew him to his lips. On contact, Brad combusted. Kent tasted so good, felt so right. “Take me,” he hissed against Kent’s lips. “Take what I have and make it yours.”

  “Wow!” Kent shivered visibly.

  “I mean it.”

  “I’m astounded.”

  “Why?” Brad reached into his nightstand and found what they needed. “Why are you astounded I find you desirable? Delicious? Incredible? Why are you surprised I want you in my bed, in my life?”

  “I…I…” Kent shook his head, his eyes wide.

  “You what?” Brad sat back and stroked Kent between his legs. “You want in? Huh?” he teased. “Give me a good fucking?”

  A light shone in Kent’s blue eyes. He lunged at Brad and muscled him down under him.

  “That’s better!” Brad was thrilled.

  “Give me that thing.” Kent reached for a condom.

  Excited, Brad touched Kent all over as Kent rolled the rubber on his cock.

  “Roll over,” Kent purred wickedly.

  “Yes!” Brad ignited and spun around so he was face down on the bed, his ass up in the air in invitation. As Kent’s warm hands tugged at his balls, rubbed lube in all the right places, Brad crushed his face into his pillows and moaned.

  “You ready, lover?”

  “I’m ready, babe.” Brad smiled. Heat filled him. He inhaled a hiss of air and shivered at the penetration. “So nice. Kent, so very nice.”

  “Jesus, you feel good.”

  Once Kent sank in deep, he held Brad’s cock and worked him in time with his gentle thrusting. Brad wanted him. He had no doubt this man was perfect for him. “That’s it, baby. Take what’s yours. You own it.”

  His words obviously setting Kent alight, Brad felt him increase his speed and depth, grunting as he neared his peak.

  And with it, Kent’s hand quickened on Brad’s length. As they both soared into the stratosphere of a strong climax, Brad lavished in the throbbing and heat that fulfilled him.

  Kent attempted to cup the sperm as it pumped out of Brad’s body, trying to keep the sheets clean under them. Brad had to smile at the consideration.

  A moment to pant and sweat together past before Kent separated their connection and said, “I’ll be right back.”

  Rolling over to his side, Brad smiled adoringly at him. “Hurry.”

  Kent winked and jumped into the air as he sprinted to the bathroom.

  Feeling an enormous amount of affection towards Kent already, Brad was hoping Kent at least would give them the opportunity to try.

  * * * *

  Once he cleaned up, Kent smiled at his reflection in the mirror. “Yeah. Why not?” He shut off the light, bounded out of the bathroom to leap on the bed, pinning Brad under him. “Okay.”

  “Okay?” Brad laughed.

  “I’m game.”

  “I’m so glad.”

  Warm kisses covered his face and neck. Kent hummed contentedly. Why not? Anything is possible. Even finding true love in a power outage.

  Surveillance

  Both men were dozing in their chairs when the lights blinked on in the office. Billy sputtered awake and sat up. Next to him, Ted did the same.

  “Power’s back.”

  “Yup. Come on. Let’s see how those guys in the elevator are doing.”

  Nodding, rubbing his rough face to wake up, Bill followed Ted down the hall and through another corridor to the front lobby. When they emerged into the wide light space, two other security men were there, just coming in.

  “Hello, Ted, Bill.”

  “Bout time!” Ted laughed, shaking his head. “I’m exhausted.”

  “It’s hell out there at the moment. Most streets are either blocked by trees or emergency crews. Sorry it took so long to get you relief.”

  “It’s all right, John, Al.” Bill tried to smile. It was more than all right in his opinion.

  The elevator door opened and two very frazzled-looking men stepped out. Bill knew they had screwed all night but kept his face a mask.

  “Are you guys all right?” John asked them.

  “Yes. Just a little dazed,” the man in the blue uniform replied, rubbing his face.

  “Either of you need any medical care?”

  “No.” The
man in the suit shook his head. “We’re fine. Just exhausted from being in that thing all night.”

  Bill noticed the businessman and Ted exchange curious glances. He knew what Ted was thinking. Then wondered if the men realized there was a security camera in that elevator.

  John informed the two exhausted men, “The doors are open. Just let us know if there’s anything you need after your ordeal.”

  Laughing, the uniformed man with the toolbox answered, “A shower, a piss, a shave, and a cup of coffee.”

  “Not necessarily in that order!” the man in the suit laughed heartily.

  “Toilet is that way,” John said as he pointed.

  When the two men walked towards it, Ted smiled knowingly at Bill.

  At the tender look, Bill’s chest burned with adoration for him.

  “Go home.” John waved at them. “You’re off until Monday. Get some rest.”

  “Thanks, John.” Ted patted his back.

  Bill waved at the men and walked with Ted to where they had parked their cars on the street. They were silent as they went. Bill wished he had the guts to say something. It would be great to see Ted socially, outside work. And they had two days off in a row now to play. He just had to get up the nerve to open his mouth.

  Ted took out his car keys and spun around. “Have a nice weekend, Billy.”

  “You too.” About to walk away, Bill called out, “Ted?”

  Ted paused, waiting.

  Trying to find some courage, Bill closed the gap between them. “So? That’s it? Just a no strings attached sex thing?”

  “I don’t know. Can we take some time to just think about it? I’m not so sure I want a full-fledged romance at the moment, Billy.”

  “No. And not with another guy. I get it.” Bill laughed but he felt crushed.

  “That’s not the issue.”

  It took a second but Bill caught the comment. “Really? Being with a man isn’t the issue?”

  Ted took a glance around the area before he whispered, “I had a male partner when I was in the police.”

  Bill shrugged, “So?”

  “A male sexual partner,” Ted clarified.

  Bill choked in surprise. He had no idea Ted had been with a man before their own encounter and was stunned.

  “So, let me think about it over the weekend. Okay, Billy?”