by J. S. Finley
Jake held onto Brent, praying the man wouldn’t walk away. He had no clue how they got to this point, both naked in bed together, but he didn’t want it to end. Before, when he came in from the hot tub, he thought he’d blown it, but now, he had exactly what he wanted.
Brent’s fingers roamed, running over his chest to his hips then back up again. Slowly the kiss ended and Brent leaned back, something sweet shining in his eyes.
Fear over how Brent would play this had Jake holding on to the man. He’d found the best thing in the world, and he couldn’t let it go. Brent didn’t get up or walk away; instead, he dropped his head to the pillow and pulled the covers up high. Their gazes stayed connected as Brent continued to explore Jake’s body, his fingers grazing over Jake’s chest, his sides, over his hips then back to his shoulders.
Emotions churned and his thoughts bounced all over the place. He needed his friend to stay in his life and for more than friendship. Maybe they wouldn’t have anything after this weekend, but it would kill him if Brent walked away without even looking back.
Jake moved his arm and slid his fingers over Brent’s neck then up to his face, loving the rough feel of his stubble, which had grown in since he’d last shaved. Brent sucked in a breath and moved in close for another kiss, this one less intense but still amazing.
He’d never thought much about sex with another guy, and though he had been hanging out with Will and Chris, he’d never really considered what it would be like to be pressed up against a naked man. This was much more exciting than being with a woman. Maybe it was the taboo, or the dry spell he’d been going through which made him feel more emotion.
Brent ended the kiss and sighed. Jake watched as he closed his eyes, his face relaxing. He drew in a slow breath, testing his feelings. There was no doubt he wanted Brent, but would Brent want him? His buddy hadn’t said anything for a while and was possibly asleep.
Fear pulsed through him. Would Brent be mad in the morning when he woke and found Jake in the bed with him? Maybe he should leave. Jake rolled away and Brent’s hand tightened on his arm.
“Don’t go.”
Jake paused and looked back at Brent, seeing clear desperation in his eyes. His heart softened and he leaned over, brushing his lips against Brent’s.
“I’m not. I need to use the restroom and clean up.”
Brent nodded and let go, allowing Jake to leave the bed. He glanced out the window on his way to the bathroom. It had stopped snowing. There was enough moonlight to wash the landscape in light, and the view was amazing. His heart swelled as he glanced back at Brent. He was in deep, no doubt.
Once in the bathroom he closed the door and flipped on the lights. His reflection in the mirror caught his attention, and he moved closer. He was still the same guy; nothing much had changed though his world had shifted.
Sex with Brent had blown his mind. The guy had given him the best orgasm he’d ever experienced, which had to mean something. What if it was a one-time thing? What if next time he tried to kiss Brent it didn’t work? He blew out a breath and shook his head. He was getting too wrapped up in this. They’d had sex, not committed to anything. Brent might not want him for more than a few minutes. The rejection would hurt, but he could live through it.
Why was he worrying so much? Maybe it was because this actually meant something.
After pissing, he washed the drying cum from his chest and tossed the rag to the floor. He was going to switch off the light and go back to bed when thick emotions hit him. He’d had sex with Brent. It would change everything. They weren’t strangers, they were friends who’d known each other for a long time and now their relationship had changed.
Hot, fat tears burned his eyes and he swiped them away. How had he let this happen? He stepped out into the bedroom and was relieved to hear Brent’s soft snores. Jake feared Brent leaving, walking away after the single most devastating and beautiful experience he’d ever had in his life.
Jake approached the bed and stopped before dropping to the mattress. Brent seemed almost magical, like a dream, in the soft light of the moon. If he spoke too loud or clapped three times, would this disappear? His heart swelled with regrets. Years had been wasted, and he wasn’t sure how they could be together now.
Once again, he was getting ahead of himself. Maybe Brent didn’t want him. Should he walk away before he was drawn in deeper? Losing his mind and his heart along with his soul to Brent would crush him if Brent didn’t give anything in return.
Jake moved to the window and stared out at the icy wonderland. It was beautiful, but cold. He turned back to the bed, watching Brent sleep. He’d not been prepared for the strong emotions. Though he’d wanted Brent for a long time, the depths of his feelings surprised him.
Jake moved to the bed and slid between the sheets. Brent mumbled something and reached for him, his hand landing in the middle of Jake’s chest. For now, he would be happy with whatever Brent threw his way. If they could make more of this, find something to build a relationship on, he would figure out a way to be with Brent.
10
Brent felt the body next to his and wondered who the hell he’d asked to come home with him. It wasn’t like him to bring guys to his place. He didn’t want the commitment, and he didn’t want to spend the energy getting them to leave.
He shifted and opened his mouth, wishing he hadn’t drunk so much. His tongue was stuck to the roof of his mouth, and it felt as though he had to pry it loose. Memories of the night before fought through the tequila haze, teasing his mind. Jake. He cracked open his lids then slammed his eyes closed immediately as pain blasted through his brain.
He’d had too much to drink and so had Jake. They’d had sex. Glorious sex, which had left him feeling like he’d won the lottery. Fuck, he’d probably ruined their friendship again. Maybe he could play it off, blaming the alcohol so Jake didn’t hate him.
Somehow he managed to get out from under Jake’s arm and slide out of bed. He grabbed his clothes but the underwear in his pile of things wasn’t his. His underwear was beside the bed. He picked up the pair, wondering how it had gotten all the way over there.
Jake snorted and rolled away from him. Brent’s heart squeezed as guilt filled him. How had he allowed himself to take advantage of Jake? Not only had he fucked up the last time, he’d screwed everything up this time.
Brent stopped by the bathroom to dress before he headed downstairs to start the coffee. His stomach wasn’t too happy with him, but he needed to eat something. Before leaving home, he’d packed a few necessities like oatmeal. He made himself a bowl and settled in front of the window with his coffee mug and bowl of warm food. He already had his first bite loaded on his spoon when Jake came downstairs wearing the same clothes he’d been in the day before.
Brent set the spoon in the bowl and stood. Worry filled him, and he had a hard time meeting Jake’s gaze. When Jake had been touching him, he’d known what would happen.
“Listen, I—”
Jake moved quickly and wrapped his hand behind his neck, holding him still. Their gazes met and Brent sucked in a breath. Passion shone in Jake’s depths. His friend closed the distance between them, their lips smashing together.
Brent let go a shuddering breath then put one hand on Jake’s hip, too afraid to put his other hand on the man. Jake stepped even closer, his arms wrapping tighter around him.
The kiss ended, and Jake didn’t step away. He rested his forehead against Brent’s and sighed. Brent’s emotions were all over the place. Hope had caught fire and was burning hot, but he didn’t want to get too excited.
“Thank you,” Jake whispered.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean—”
Jake placed his fingers on Brent’s lips. “Don’t apologize for what we did. It was wonderful.”
He couldn’t believe the words he was hearing. The bubble of excitement inside grew bigger. “Are you sure?”
“Yeah, I’m sure. It was perfect.”
He shivered and drew Jake closer
. “I’ve wanted you for so long.”
“Why didn’t you say anything before?” Jake took a step back and Brent wanted to follow after him.
“You’re straight and don’t ask don’t tell was in full swing when we were together. Then you…” He didn’t want to say it again, didn’t want to blame Jake.
Jake nodded and rolled his eyes. “Yeah, that sucked.”
He ran his hand over Jake’s chest up to his neck. “Was this a one-time thing for you?”
Jake shook his head. “No, it wasn’t. I know it seems strange, but I want to be in a relationship with you.”
Jake stepped away and headed to the coffee pot. Brent watched as he poured a mug, wondering if he was hearing things right. Jake moved closer and took a seat at the table, staring at him. Everything he’d ever wanted was being offered. He settled in his seat though he felt a little self-conscious under Jake’s gaze.
Brent took a bite of his oatmeal then looked up. Jake was still staring at him like he was a predator and Brent was prey. His cock started to fill out as he took another bite of food.
“You’re fucking sexy,” Jake said.
Brent chuckled. “So are you.”
Jake leaned forward, placing his coffee mug on the table, draping his hands around the ceramic. He stared down into the mug, and Brent watched him, memorizing the curve of his cheeks and the way his eyes crinkled when he smiled.
“I’m sorry we fought,” Brent said.
“Yeah, it was dumb. I should have been dragging you out the back door of the bar.”
Brent took a sip of his coffee. “It would have been hot.”
Jake met his gaze and his lips turned up into a cocky grin. “Fuck, you’ve always been sexy.”
Brent laughed and shook his head. “Not always.”
“To me, you have. You know, you’re the best-looking guy I’ve ever met.”
His cheeks were hot and he knew Jake was probably poking fun at him. “Stop it; I’m not good looking.”
“Oh, but you are. I think you are.”
Brent met Jake’s gaze and nodded. “Okay, you can think I’m sexy if you must.”
Jake stood and shot him a wicked grin. “We should shower.”
He sucked in a breath and his dick got even harder. “Together?”
“Yeah, together because I want to touch all of you.”
Brent stood and took his bowl and mug to the sink. He turned and saw Jake staring at him, lust filling his gaze. “Fuck, you’re blowing my mind.”
“Blowing you is next on my list.” Jake moved closer, stopping about a foot away.
Brent closed the distance and wonder filled Jake’s eyes. Their connection was so easy. He’d never experienced anything like this with any other guy he’d dated.
“You know it’s going to hurt like hell the first time,” Brent said.
Jake nodded and looked down before he lifted his gaze slowly. “Yeah, but that’s why I want it with you. I want to know how it feels, and I trust you.”
Brent ran his thumb over Jake’s lower lip then moved in close, sucking on the place where his thumb had been. He slid his lips over Jake’s, his tongue pressing in. The kiss was hot, leaving him breathless. Every second with Jake was amazing. When they separated, he gulped in air and palmed his hard cock. He needed Jake’s touch.
Jake tugged him closer and he melted against him. He’d wanted this for so long it actually hurt now that he had Jake. His heart grew bigger and his throat closed with emotions.
Jake ended the kiss and stepped away. “Shower. Now.”
The smile came quickly to Brent, and he nodded, taking Jake’s hand, leading him upstairs. They stepped into the bedroom, and Jake shut the door before he helped him out of his clothes. Brent undressed Jake, enjoying tugging off his shirt and pants. The man was so freaking sexy, and Brent couldn’t get enough of him. With the floor heater and towel warmer on, they stepped into the glass shower cube and stayed scrunched in the corner while cold water sprayed out of the showerhead. Brent laughed when Jake splashed him and returned the favor before tugging Jake close. It only took a few more seconds for the water to turn warm, and they both stepped under the spray.
Jake washed Brent’s body, touching and running his hands over Brent’s flesh. The contact felt amazing. He loved the way Jake caressed his muscles and how he stared at his chest and licked his lips like he wanted a taste. Brent’s cock was hard, and he was breathing hard by the time Jake finished washing him.
Longing for something more, he pressed Jake up against the wall before taking both of their cocks in his hand. Jake grunted, and the sound shot all the way to Brent’s balls. His chest expanded with lust and a boatload of feelings. This wasn’t some trick, some guy he could walk away from; this was Jake, the man he’d wanted since forever. He stroked down Jake’s dick then back up, watching the way Jake’s lips curled and his brows bunched.
He placed one hand on the wall, bracing far enough away from Jake he could watch as passion rolled between them. The excitement from Jake was almost enough to make him come. He lifted his gaze, seeking out Jake’s eyes. The intensity formed a bond, drawing them even closer. Jake started rocking his hips, fucking Brent’s hand like he meant it. It was marvelous to watch Jake as he came closer to orgasm. He couldn’t believe he was finally touching the man he’d fantasized about for so long, and he was about to come.
The rub of Jake’s cock against his had him edging his own orgasm. His brain was going to explode. He’d had sex with more than a few guys, but being with Jake made him feel more than he had ever before. Sex with him could go on forever. The feel of Jake up against him had his heart pounding and his mind spinning.
“So fucking good.” Jake groaned as his head dropped to Brent’s shoulder. “Oh God, I’m gonna come.”
“Don’t hold back. Come for me. Let me feel you pulsing.”
Jake’s fingers dug into Brent’s shoulders as he let loose a loud roar. Brent didn’t hold back and came too, riding the wave of passion with Jake. Their grunting filled the space. Their noise died off, leaving only the sound of their breathing as water pounded down on them.
Being with Jake was beyond beautiful. His heart swelled as he placed his hand on the center of Jake’s chest. He loved the feel of his strong heartbeat. Having Jake close felt like life surrounded him. Brent never wanted this to end.
He rinsed the cum from his hand and Jake’s belly before moving Jake under the spray and washing him. The water wasn’t going to stay warm forever; they needed to finish.
He smiled to himself as he realized Jake couldn’t keep his hands off him. They kissed, their tongues twining as they held onto each other. He never wanted to be without Jake. Somehow, he would find a way to make this real.
After a few more minutes, Brent shut off the water and grabbed a towel, drying Jake first. Once out of the shower, they stepped into the bedroom. Brent glanced around, seeing their clothes in a pile together. Worry filled him. What if Jake couldn’t take the pressure of the other guys knowing?
“They’re going to notice,” Brent said.
“How much hell do you think we’ll get?” Jake asked.
“None. It means there are five other beds and only four other guys. Only two people will have to share a room. They’ll be thanking us.”
“You don’t think anyone will freak out?” Jake looked worried, and Brent totally understood. He’d learned long ago not to assume who would accept him. Just because someone seemed to be open and caring didn’t mean they were.
Brent moved closer, touching Jake’s arm, caressing his skin. He could easily get lost in Jake. “They won’t care. The guys are good. They aren’t assholes. And if they do take issue with us, I’ll make them see the error of their thinking.”
“So you’d stand up for me?” Jake asked.
“No question, I’d walk through fire for you.”
Jake’s lips twitched. “You’ve already done that.”
“True, and I’d do it again.”
&nbs
p; Jake brushed his lips over Brent’s, sending a wave of excitement through him.
“I wonder when they’ll get here. Have you gotten any texts?” Jake asked.
Brent moved to the pile of clothes and pulled out his phone. “Not yet. I bet they’re still asleep.”
Jake chuckled. “You did roll out of bed before six.”
Brent nodded as he sorted through their clothes, handing Jake his. “I couldn’t sleep.”
“Why?”
Brent had brought his luggage up to the hall and headed out there, grabbing his bag and tossing it on the bed. “I was afraid you would be pissed once you woke up.”
Jake didn’t blink and stepped closer. “I’m not.”
Brent turned to face his friend, and Jake closed the distance. It felt good when Jake ran his hand down his arm then wove their fingers together.
“You’re really okay with what happened?” Brent asked.
“Yeah, I am. I’m getting hot thinking about what we did.”
Brent squeezed Jake’s hand. “Even if you don’t want to continue with this, I want to be your friend. I can’t go back to not talking.”
Jake shook his head. “Don’t worry, I can’t go back to not talking either. But—” Jake ducked his head and Brent’s heart squeezed. He placed his hand under Jake’s chin and lifted so their eyes met.
“But what?” Brent whispered.
“What if we—you—us… What if there was an us?”
A thrill snaked through Brent’s body. He wanted a relationship with Jake but he didn’t dare hope for something more than what he would get this week. “I’d like it if we stayed together.”
Jake’s smile warmed him. He leaned in and brushed his lips over Jake’s, his fingers playing with the fine hair at the back of Jake’s neck. They stepped closer, and skin met skin. Jake’s moan vibrated through Brent.