Next Best Thing

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Next Best Thing Page 4

by Charity Parkerson


  He dove for the box of condoms and lube he had brought with him to hand out as promotional items. Tucker was thankful he had them. If he missed this, it would kill him. He handed the condom to Orion while he ripped open the packet of lube. Clear liquid went everywhere in his impatience. Orion’s mouth came down on his before Tucker could do anything else. His bottom lip stung as Orion’s teeth sank into it. A moan vibrated through him. His thoughts scattered.

  “I want you on your stomach. You have no idea how much I love your sexy back. I want to bite it while I fuck you.”

  Jesus. Tucker couldn’t catch his breath. He had always known Orion was sexy and straightforward, but he had been unprepared for this dominant confidence. Tucker immediately rolled. He would do anything.

  “Goddamn. Look at you,” Orion said, running his hands down Tucker’s back until he could squeeze his ass. His thumbs traced Tucker’s crack, massaging, and teasing. “You’re even sexier than I ever imagined, and I’ve done a lot of fantasizing. Do you? Have you jacked off with my name on your lips?”

  Tucker moaned. He couldn’t hold back the sound. “Yes. Always.”

  Orion’s hands disappeared. Tucker whimpered and they were back. Wet fingers found his asshole. Tucker humped the bed like a wanton. Orion teased. He fingered the spot between Tucker’s balls and hole and circled his asshole with no penetration. Tucker bit the sheets in his frustration.

  “You have no idea how beautiful you are to me,” Orion said, nearly whispering. “I know you’re gorgeous and that you know it, but to me, you’re absolutely perfect. Flawless.” His fingertip slipped inside Tucker. “You’re like a book. A fantasy.” He urged Tucker’s knees apart. “Except you’re real, and you’re mine right now.” Orion’s crown brushed his asshole. Tucker fought the urge to beg. Then, Orion began pushing inside. Tucker scratched at the sheets. He was wide, stretching Tucker to the point he almost backed down. Without warning, Orion thrust. His hips slammed against Tucker’s ass. Tucker saw stars. Orion rocked at the perfect angle, hitting the internal button that had pre-cum soaking the mattress beneath him.

  “Oh my god. Oh, fuck.”

  Orion rocked again, slowly massaging the perfect spot.

  Tucker writhed, fucking the bed, and uncaring if he looked every bit as desperate as he felt. “Please?” The harsh whisper sounded like Tucker was on the verge of tears. He thought he might be. Tucker had never wanted anything more in his life than he wanted Orion’s dick.

  Orion growled. Tucker’s stomach muscles clenched at the sound. That was all the warning he got before Orion fucked him. There was no other description for the bruising thrusts that had his ass leaving the bed or the solid pounding against his prostate. Tucker held the sheets in an iron grip while cries ripped from his throat. Orion’s short nails and teeth tore at his skin while he completely destroyed Tucker’s asshole. Tucker fucked the mattress like a horny teenage boy, uncaring of what he screwed as long as he got that orgasm. Ecstasy owned him—like its bitch. He pleaded and cried, begging for more and swearing his life to Orion. Tucker would be on his knees every night, worshipping Orion. He would fall on this altar forever for more of this.

  “Goddamn.” Pressure built to the point of madness. Tucker openly rocked against the mattress, needing release.

  Orion hit a steady pace right where Tucker needed him. “Come. Now,” Orion demanded.

  Tucker focused everything on his needs. An explosion of pure bliss moved Tucker’s soul. Every thought floated away as he stayed suspended in a moment of unadulterated pleasure. Waves of ecstasy poured from his cock. His entire body jerked uncontrollably.

  A loud cry sounded against his skin as Orion took his pleasure from Tucker. In that moment, Tucker was complete in a way he had never experienced. Orion had rocked him to his core.

  The moment Orion collapsed beside him in a panting mess, Tucker struck. Air meant nothing. He needed Orion’s kiss to survive. The moment their tongues met, Orion buried his fingers in Tucker’s hair, and Tucker softened.

  “I love you,” Tucker whispered between kisses. Even to his ears he sounded winded and moved. “Not just as a friend. I’m in love with you. Always have been.”

  Orion nodded and massaged his scalp. “I love you too. I’m sorry we fought. You mean everything to me. I don’t ever want to lose you.”

  “You can’t,” Tucker swore, going back for more kisses. Orion was an addiction that kept Tucker high and coming back. He was a sticky mess and the bed was soaked. As much as he didn’t care, he needed Orion to be comfortable so maybe he would stay. “Let’s fix the bed. I want to hold you for a little while.”

  With a nod, Orion rolled from the bed. He headed for the bathroom to get rid of the condom. While he was gone, Tucker did the best he could with the bed, covering the wet sheet with a blanket before finding another blanket in the closet. Orion came back with a wet washcloth. Tucker held still while Orion cleaned his skin. He was still semi hard and working on another erection with Orion touching him.

  Orion tossed the washcloth aside and met his stare. He looked as blown away as Tucker felt. “I missed you this morning.” He visibly swallowed. “I didn’t realize how bad it would hurt, having you ignore my texts.”

  Tucker swept Orion off his feet and into the bed. He crawled in beside him and settled down before pulling Orion into his arms. “I’m an idiot. It was like ripping my heart out when I didn’t respond. I think we’ve established we’re pretty necessary to each other. Let’s not do that again.”

  With a nod, they fell silent. For a long while, they quietly enjoyed each other, stealing kisses and touches. They reveled in their new dynamic. This was the real version of them—together as one. Their love had always been there, waiting.

  Orion flattened his palm against Tucker’s, as if measuring the difference in size. “You know what’s odd to me? I don’t understand why you kept the T.J. Brown thing a secret. That’s literally the reason we met. The night Tanner came to my house, he picked up one of your books, and said, ‘I’ve read this one. It’s good.’ He didn’t say his brother wrote it, which might have worked as an awesome pickup line with someone like me. He just said he’d read it. But still, that’s the only reason I showed up the next day. He had chosen one of my favorite books, out of all the books in my den, to say he liked. After four months of knowing each other, and you giving me a personalized copy of one of your books for my birthday, you still never said a word. It’s like you’re ashamed. And when do you even have time to write? You’re always with me or doing something with Cubs for Rent.”

  Tucker stared at the ceiling while toying with Orion’s fingers. He trusted Orion. With everything. “I write during the day while you’re at work,” he said, tackling the last part first. That was the least complicated part. The rest started and ended where everything did—with his childhood in hell. “I always wanted to be a writer. Even before I was old enough to write, I would draw pictures, staple them together, sit in my mom’s lap, and tell her the story that went along with each page.” He smiled at the memory. Tucker had so few good ones. “When people ask me what I do, there’s a part of me that wants to brag. My books have done amazing. I never thought anyone would buy them. But those books are also my soul exposed for the world. They were cathartic.” Tucker swallowed hard. He was in love with Orion. The guy should know what he was getting. “And my Decade in Hell series is almost completely true. I just changed enough details that no one would know they were my brothers and my story. But I think, if people knew I’d written them, they might wonder if they’re true. I don’t want that.”

  Orion was so still, Tucker wondered if he had stopped breathing. After a moment, he took a ragged sounding breath. “But the dad in that story...”

  “Yeah.” Even Tucker heard the discomfort in his voice. He never talked about that part of his life. The years when his dad had gone crazy, taken his children into the woods for over ten years, and hidden them from the world. His dad had been a famous baseball player. When he had
retired, he had hit the drugs hard and his kids even harder. He had cheated on his wife with everything and anything moving until Tucker’s mom had died to get away from him. Then, the real hell had started.

  “I found my parents dead of a drug overdose when I was twelve,” Orion said, surprising Tucker. He had never asked about Orion’s family. Not because he didn’t care, but because Tucker didn’t even think about it. Sometimes, he simply forgot other people might have normal people they saw on the holidays. Orion had never mentioned a family, so Tucker hadn’t asked. Plus, he didn’t want to talk about his. So, it was a topic best avoided on all fronts. He didn’t press now either. Tucker waited. Orion took another strained sounding breath. “They never hurt me. It was more like I wasn’t there. I guess I wasn’t, to them. They were in whatever world their high created. Meanwhile, I was in the background lonely, starving, and barely hanging on. My only saving grace was that we lived in this tiny-ass hotel room right down the road from the library. Every day I would go there and read until they threw me out at closing time. I found them dead on a Sunday. The only day the library was closed.” Orion paused, as if lost in thought, before sighing. “I suppose I should be grateful they died and no one else wanted me. Being an orphan in a group home who made straight A’s landed me enough scholarships to get my engineering degree. So, there’s that.”

  Tucker brought Orion’s hand to his mouth and kissed his fingertips. “You know, when we first met, I would’ve sworn you were no more than eighteen. You looked so young and fragile until I looked into your eyes.”

  Orion chuckled. “Then you saw all the rage of a twenty-seven-year-old man.”

  “No,” Tucker said, tracing his lips with Orion’s fingers. “I saw fire and hoped you were a grown man because I knew I had to have you.” He turned his head and met Orion’s stare. “I knew I wouldn’t stop until you were mine. You know I’m not the least bit sane, right? I’m extremely needy.”

  Orion didn’t as much as blink. “Good.”

  “You’ll never have any peace again.”

  One side of Orion’s lips lifted in a half smile. It was sexy as fuck. “I’m looking forward to it.”

  “I’m also a jealous mess.”

  Orion pushed up onto his elbow and leaned Tucker’s way. “That’s sexy.” He kissed Tucker before he could say more. Tucker knew Orion might think it was sexy now, but he had never seen Tucker come unglued. Everything he had said was the truth. When Tucker melted down, it was ugly as hell. He hoped Orion truly understood. They were together now. He would destroy anything or anyone who tried to come between them, even if it was himself.

  Six

  Watching Tucker sign books while people fawned over him was hot as hell. Still, anytime Tucker had a moment when he wasn’t talking or smiling, his jaw wouldn’t stop flexing like he ground his teeth. The second they were alone, Orion broke.

  “The muscle in your cheek is jumping. The way it always does when you’re impatient to be done with something.”

  Tucker flashed him a smile. “I’m ready to be alone with you.”

  Orion bit his lip and dropped his gaze to the floor. He knew his smile was out of control. A sexy chuckle rumbling from Tucker had his chin lifting once more.

  “Your embarrassment is sexy. Before today, I don’t think I’ve ever seen you blush.”

  Heat exploded through Orion’s face, as if his body was set to prove Tucker right. “I feel like everyone is staring at me, wondering why I’m sitting here with you.”

  Even though the crowd had finally died down and no one was at Tucker’s table, Tucker grabbed a copy of his book and started writing inside. “You’re working as my assistant. If anyone is staring at you, it’s because you’re sexy.” He closed the book and held it out to Orion. “I know that’s why I keep catching Mister Haven watching you. For you,” he added when Orion didn’t immediately take the book. His eyes flashed with wicked intent. “I hope you enjoy Ryan and Trevor’s love story. It was a lot of fun for me to write.”

  Orion took the book with raised eyebrows. “Did you write us a love story?”

  Tucker’s smile was evil to say the least. He shrugged. “I guess you’ll have to read it to find out.”

  Orion shook his head and flipped open the book. The author note at the beginning stared up at him.

  I don’t believe in Heaven, because I can’t see it, and no god has ever tried to save me. I believe in Orion, though. Now, that’s true beauty. A real hero. The next best thing to Heaven.

  His throat swelled as his eyes dropped to what Tucker had written below the passage.

  For Orion, the love of my life. The family I chose—T.J. Brown

  Orion had to clear his throat before meeting Tucker’s stare again. “This is awesome. I love you.”

  The way Tucker stared back at him with his heart in his eyes and pride in his smile, Orion was moved. He needed to find something to do besides staring at Tucker like a lovesick fool. “Can I get you something to drink? I have a couple of books I want to buy before everyone packs up.”

  “I’m good. Just kiss me before you go, so Mister knows his place before you buy his book.”

  Orion couldn’t stop smiling. “Admit it. You know you want me to buy his kinkiest BDSM book.”

  “Oh, I absolutely do,” Tucker said without missing a beat. “I just want you to kiss me first.”

  A snort of laughter escaped Orion as he stood. He brushed a quick kiss across Tucker’s lips before Tucker could press for more. The way Tucker’s eyes flashed with humor, let Orion know he was right to move fast. Orion held tightly to his book as he headed out. He didn’t want to risk anyone getting his copy. Orion was ridiculously happy. He didn’t know if it would last or if he could withstand the crushing blow if it didn’t. But Orion knew he had to try to make a go of this, because he was in love with Tucker. He probably had always been.

  Mister’s smile grew as Orion approached his table. “I see you got to meet T.J.”

  Orion fought a blush. “Actually, it turns out I already knew him. That’s why I was so shocked when he walked through the door yesterday. Sorry about running out on you and for missing your demo last night. I still fully intend to buy a book though.” He eyed Mister’s table. It seemed he had several books. Orion didn’t know where to start. He wasn’t really the BDSM sort, but he wasn’t opposed to trying a few things. “Which do you recommend?”

  At his question, Mister sat forward. A wicked smile stretched his lips. At that moment, Orion could absolutely see Mister bringing someone to their knees. He could picture Mister making someone crawl. “Take this one,” Mister said, grabbing a book and scrawling a few words inside before handing it over.

  Orion absently flipped it open. “How much do I owe you?”

  “It’s on me.”

  “Awww, thank you.” He read what Mister wrote inside. Orion, check out the chapter on orgasm denial. I think you would be great at making men beg—Mister Haven. Orion smiled. “I imagine you’re used to hearing men beg.” No one was more surprised than Orion over his words. He wasn’t one to say every thought in his head.

  To his surprise, Mister’s smile turned sad. “No. Not anymore. Nowadays, I only do demos at conventions and write books. I no longer play for personal pleasure.”

  “Why?” The question popped out without permission. Orion scrambled after it. “If you don’t mind me asking, that is.”

  Mister sat back, visibly relaxing. It was obvious he was unbothered by Orion’s nosiness. He brushed his bottom lip with his fingertips in an absent motion, seeming to turn inward. “I had the perfect sub once. Seriously, he was... flawless.” Mister’s eyes cleared. He focused on Orion. “I fucked up and lost him. Now, I only do this for money. No sex involved.”

  A thought hit Orion. He set his books aside and dug out his wallet, finding a card. He explained as he went. “There’s a company in Austin—Cubs for Rent. They are quickly becoming the biggest provider of different escort services in this area.” He handed Mister th
e card. “If you’re ever looking for extra work, you should give them a call. They might be interested in listing your services on their site. I could see a bunch of rich people hosting parties where you do the demos and they drink too much. It could be a lucrative deal for you. Rich people love throwing scandalous parties.”

  A playful glint entered Mister’s eyes as he accepted the card. “Are you listed on their site?”

  Orion rolled his eyes. “I’m friends with the owners. No one would pay to date me.”

  “I would pay to do a lot with you.” His gaze slid past Orion before slipping back his way. “I don’t think I’m the only one. May I give you a bit of unsolicited advice?” He didn’t wait for Orion to agree. “You only get one great passion. People can fall in love with countless people throughout their lives, but you only get one all-consuming connection. Don’t let yours slip away.” He surreptitiously nodded Tucker’s way. “He wants to rip out my spine, because you’ve stood here too long, and he knows I want you. Don’t let that get away.”

  Orion had no intentions of letting go. When he had climbed Tucker like a tree yesterday, Orion was making a conscious choice. He would hold on to this thing with Tucker with both hands until Tucker ripped away his love. Orion fully intended to jump in with both feet and give this everything. He had to. Orion had already found out he couldn’t live without Tucker. If he hoped to survive losing him, Orion had to know that he had done everything humanly possible to keep him. He had to know it wasn’t his fault if Tucker left.

  In all the time Tucker had known Orion, he had never seen the man more relaxed. He smiled and chatted with Mister like they were old friends. Mister visibly ate up every second of Orion’s undivided attention. Tucker wanted to believe he was the reason Orion looked so soft and happy. The possessive beast inside him wanted to rip off Mister’s arms and beat him to death with them. He had his dad’s temper. Sometimes, he had to remind himself of that.

  With a final wave, Orion turned away from Mister and headed in Tucker’s direction. He held up the book he had gotten on the sly and waggled his eyebrows. The growling and snapping of teeth inside his head became a satisfied purr as Orion closed the distance between them. No one else existed for Tucker. They may as well have been alone.

 

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