by J. S. Finley
His phone beeped and Jake ended the kiss but didn’t pull back. Need and want made Brent’s skin tingle.
“We should probably check our messages,” Jake said.
“Yeah,” Brent whispered.
Jake grabbed his phone and turned it on, reading the text. “It’s Lane, says he and Mike will drive in once the roads are clear.”
“So we have some time.” Brent pulled Jake close, kissing his lips as he reached around and squeezed his bare ass. “I want more.”
Jake stepped closer again; his lips at Brent’s ear. “I want more too.”
“Do you now?”
Jake nodded. “Yes, I want it all.”
“It’s going to hurt.”
Jake chuckled and moved in close, his teeth sinking into the flesh of Brent’s earlobe. He tugged, sending a hot spike of desire straight to Brent’s balls. It would be hard to say no to Jake, but he didn’t think they should get into it with the possibility of the guys showing up. He wanted to make sure Jake really did want this before they did more.
“We’ll get there, but not yet. There’s so much more we can do that doesn’t need to be rushed.”
Jake’s brows scrunched up. “Rushed?”
“We still haven’t heard from Clay and Thomas. Lane and Mike could be closer than we think.”
“Ugh, I want to see them, but I really want to spend time with you.”
Brent chuckled. “We need to get dressed. We could go for a walk, hang out, talk and get to know each other again. We have plenty of time for sex.”
Jake sighed. “Okay, I know you’re right, I’m just so—”
“Horny?”
“No, into you.”
Brent sucked in a slow breath and shook his head. “You sure know how to say the right things to make a guy feel good.”
“It’s the truth.”
He pulled Jake into a tight hug. He would fight hard to never let this man go. He’d lived for too long not having anyone, and Jake was a part of him. He hoped they could stay together. Having Jake by his side was amazing. If they were together, it would be the life he really wanted. Living in Tampa near the beach was good, but he would live in the middle of Nebraska if it meant he would be close to Jake.
11
Jake reached down and grabbed a fist full of snow, packing it in his hands before tossing it at Brent, hitting him square in the back. Brent yelled then turned around, stomping his feet.
“You hit me.”
Jake’s lips curled into a smile. “I sure did.”
“You want a snowball fight?” Brent bent and picked up some snow and tossed it, sending Jake diving for cover. Brent’s laughter warmed him, and he picked up more snow, packing it in a ball.
They were running around in what could best be described as the front yard of the cabin. After eating a hearty breakfast, they’d come out to look around the place. The snowstorm had been a freak happenstance, and already the air was warming. The snow had started to melt off the hood of his truck, which meant it would be melting from the road eventually.
There was no car noise, no other people out; it was only the two of them running around, tossing snowballs. His heart felt lighter than it had in ages.
Brent bent to pick up another snowball, and Jake rushed him, tackling him to the fresh powder. They both sunk into the fluffy substance, and he tried to hold himself up above Brent, but he kept sinking into the soft powder. They were both laughing, and Jake decided to start tickling Brent but was flipped quickly and held down.
“You dare tickle me?” Brent asked. “Oh, my love, I’m going to get you.”
The words echoed through his brain and he felt like he’d been put on a cloud and was floating. He drew in a slow breath but yelped when Brent squeezed his hip. They wrestled around a little more, both of them rolling in the snow. Then Brent squealed when Jake got him under his arm. He laughed and sat up, staring down into his eyes. Brent grew serious and he lowered, brushing their lips together.
He jumped up, and Brent followed, chasing him across the lawn. Brent caught him and pulled him into a crushing hug. He couldn’t keep his hands off Brent. The man was amazing, and he was going to find a way for them to stay together.
Brent tackled him when he bent to pack more snow for a snowball. They were stretched out together, their hands roaming, mouths kissing, bodies heating up the space when he heard a car approach. Brent sat up, his eyes wide. Jake was smiling then his heart lurched at the look in Brent’s eyes.
“What’s up?” Jake asked.
Brent scrambled to stand. “We don’t know who is driving.”
“So?”
“Jake, I’m proud of who I am, but you’ve never had to deal with someone threatening to end your life because of who you kiss. Get up. I don’t think anyone saw us, but we can’t roll around like this when we could be seen. People won’t think it’s cute.”
Jake stood and swiped at his pants, wiping away the snow. “I don’t get it. We weren’t doing anything wrong.”
Brent faced him, his brows pinched together, a frown on his face. “It sucks. This is the real world, and we have to acknowledge there is hate here. There is hate everywhere so we have to be smart.”
Jake swiped at another clump of snow and shook his head. “I don’t like it.”
“Neither do I. Know that upstairs in the privacy of our room, I’m yours to touch, hold, suck, and kiss, but please follow my lead on this.”
Jake nodded but hated not being able to hold hands. What business was it of anyone else’s if he fucked Brent or took his cock? No one should have that much power over a stranger.
A truck came into view, and Jake’s stomach twisted until he saw it was Clay and Thomas. They waved and Brent and Jake headed to the house, running after the vehicle through the thick snow. Some of the excitement had faded. Brent’s words were still twisting through him.
“Hey, before they get out of the truck, are you okay letting them know?” Brent asked.
He nodded and shot Brent a cocky smile. “Yeah, I think it’s going to be obvious tonight when I suck your cock and you scream my name.”
Brent rolled his eyes and shook his head. “You can try to get me to scream your name.”
“Oh, I’ll make it happen, just you wait.”
Brent’s lips curved into a smile, and he winked. “Challenge accepted.”
They both laughed and Brent scrubbed at Jake’s hair before moving faster to catch up to the guys. Clay opened the truck door and stepped out, lifting his hands to the sky.
“Motherfuckers, get over here,” Clay yelled.
Thomas stepped out of the truck and gave a loud whoop. “Oh my God, I can’t believe we finally made it.”
Jake followed behind Brent, feeling like he was on top of the world. This week was back on and it was going to be epic. Clay and Thomas hugged Brent then him.
“You two look like you’ve been rolling around in the snow,” Clay said.
Jake chuckled and Brent rolled his eyes. “Smart ass got into a snowball fight with me.”
Thomas laughed. “Who won?”
“Both of us,” Brent said.
“Let’s get your stuff inside. We had breakfast. Are you guys hungry?” Jake asked.
“I’m good. I could use a beer after the drive though.” Thomas called out over his shoulder.
“We’ve got beer,” Jake said.
“I brought some too. You can never have too much beer,” Clay said.
“We may be snowed in, but we’ll have beer.” Jake opened the door of the house and let the rest of the guys in.
“Oh my God, this place is awesome,” Clay called out as he dashed in and looked around.
“Very nice,” Thomas said.
Clay raced over to the far window then turned to face them. “Holy shit, this place has a hot tub. Did you two know there was a hot tub?”
Jake’s face heated and he nodded. Brent winked at him then pulled a beer from the fridge, handing one to Thomas.
“Whoa, what was that look about?” Thomas asked. His gaze flew from Jake to Brent then back to Jake.
“What look?” Jake asked.
“Hmm.” Thomas popped the top on his beer, his gaze steady on Jake. He wasn’t going to shrink away. Thomas could narrow his gaze and furrow his brow, but Jake was proud of his relationship with Brent.
“What’s going on?” Clay came over and grabbed beer from the refrigerator.
“They’re acting funny.” Thomas pointed at Jake then Brent.
“Funny?” Jake lifted his brows trying to look innocent. He wasn’t going to cower, but he sure as heck was going to have fun with this.
“Yeah, funny. He asked if you knew there was a hot tub and both of you smiled like you had a secret.” Thomas narrowed his eyes even more then took another sip of beer. “We’re going to play a game and guess your secret. Clay, you go first.”
“You didn’t know there was a hot tub,” Clay said.
“We knew,” Jake answered.
“You used the hot tub but one of you peed in it last night,” Thomas said.
Brent laughed and shook his head. “Neither one of us would piss in a hot tub, come on.”
Clay took another swig of beer and shrugged. “Well we know you didn’t have sex in the hot tub.”
Jake had just taken a sip of beer but blew it out all over the counter top. He’d almost choked and was still coughing as Brent popped him on the back.
“That’s ridiculous there aren’t any women out—” Thomas stopped talking and pointed at Brent then Jake. “Holy shit.”
“What?” Clay asked.
“Holy shit, you two had sex together. Oh my God, I thought Lane and Clay would be the first to have sex, but you two did it.”
Clay set his beer on the counter and crossed his arms over his chest. “Hey, I’m not gay. And why would I have sex with Lane? I’m not even attracted to Lane. I mean, he’s good looking, but come on. I have better taste than what Lane has to offer.”
“Whatever, Clay. I still say you and Lane would be the first to have sex,” Thomas said.
Clay rolled his eyes and moved to stand in front of Jake. His eyes narrowed and his lips twisted into a grimace. “You two had sex in the hot tub?”
“Not in the hot tub, in one of the rooms. Do you have a problem with that? Jake asked. A little sliver of fear had worked its way into his mind, and he worried about being so open with the sex stuff.
“Well, I’m sure as hell not taking that room. You fuck in the bed, you sleep there.” Clay took another swig of his beer and moved to look out the window again before turning back to Thomas. “Why do you think me and Lane would have had sex?”
“I was joking with you. Have another beer and lighten up,” Thomas said.
Clay’s phone rang and he grabbed it from his pocket. “It’s Mike,” he called out with excitement as he answered. “Hey, where are you guys?”
Jake’s gaze sought out Brent’s, searching for some clue that telling everyone wasn’t going to be a bad thing. Brent’s lips curved up making Jake’s heart beat faster. He took a step closer to Brent, only half listening to what Clay said.
“You okay?” Brent asked.
Jake nodded. “Yeah, it’s weird.”
“What?”
“Them knowing.” Jake slipped his arm around Brent’s waist as Clay hung up.
“They’re about an hour out. Says there are a few wrecks and they’re taking it slow.” Clay pocketed his phone and moved to stand in front of Thomas. “Do you really think Lane and I would have had sex?”
Thomas rolled his eyes. “Jesus, Clay, give it up. I was mouthing off.”
Clay shook his head then turned to Jake and Brent. “Give us the grand tour. I want to see the place.”
Emptiness hit Jake as Brent removed his arm and headed to the stairs. “Come on up. You’ll love the view.”
Thomas followed Clay up the stairs, and he went up after Thomas. It was weird being back with these guys. They should have kept in touch better, and they damn sure should have visited before now. Maybe this week could heal the time apart.
“Oh my God, look at the view,” Clay said.
Brent cleared his throat. “This room is taken.”
Clay turned around and stared open mouthed at Jake then Brent and then looked at the bed. “So this is the room?”
When he stepped into the room Thomas was smiling wide. Their gazes met and Thomas winked.
“I want the room next door so I can hear Jake moaning as you fuck him.” Thomas roared with laughter and moved close, pulling Jake into a hug. His lips were near Jake’s ear when he whispered. “Hey, I’m happy for you, really, I am.”
Jake leaned back, searching his buddy’s face. “Are you?”
“Very. You two deserve to be happy, and I like you. I don’t think I could have stood any other man Brent hooked up with. At least you two guys will have decent partners and it won’t make the holidays awkward.”
Brent put his arm over Jake’s shoulder. “I’ve had a thing for him for a while.”
Thomas laughed. “I knew back in the day. It was so obvious.”
“It was?” Confusion filled Jake. “You thought he liked me back then?”
“Yeah, didn’t everybody?” Thomas’ gaze swung to Clay who shrugged.
“I had no clue,” Clay said.
Brent chuckled, his hold on Jake getting tighter. “I wasn’t very good at hiding my feelings for you.”
“To me you did a bang-up job.” Jake shook his head and pushed away, moving to stare out the window. Anger swirled inside and his heart hurt.
Brent came up behind him and wrapped his arms tight, resting his chin on Jake’s shoulder. “Are you mad?”
“Yes, we could have been together the whole time.”
Brent sighed and kissed his neck, making some of the anger fade.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t know how to tell you.”
“Are you two going to have sex right now?” Clay asked.
Brent chuckled and pulled Jake tighter. “What’s up Clay? Wanna watch?”
Thomas burst out laughing, the roar filling the room. “Oh God Clay, you might get an education.”
The vibration against his back from Brent laughing felt amazing. His heart lightened and his brain calmed. Without a doubt, he knew he was supposed to be with Brent. Before, he hadn’t realized how desperately he needed Brent; now, he couldn’t let him go.
“Let’s move on to the next room. I really want to get into my swimsuit and relax in the hot tub,” Thomas said.
“Sure, next room coming up.” Brent stepped away, and Jake missed him instantly. He wanted to hold on tight to his man.
The room next to theirs had two double beds and Clay said he and Lane would take it. Thomas claimed the room down the hall and across from the game room.
“Nice pool table,” Thomas said.
Clay clapped him on the back. “I’ll challenge you to a game.”
Thomas grabbed Clay’s hand and pulled him in close to mess with his hair, before letting go. “You’re on. We’ll have a tournament later in the week.”
Their antics made Jake smile. He felt complete. So far, neither Clay nor Thomas had any issues with them being a couple. It was flowing too easily and fear something would go wrong tugged at the back of his mind. Lane and Mike still had to get here and approve of their relationship. Maybe approve was the wrong word. They had to find some degree of acceptance, because there was no way he would break up with Brent.
Thomas grabbed his bag and took it up to his room. Clay changed into his swimsuit while Thomas was changing into his. Jake stepped into the room they’d shared the night before and Brent came up behind him, tugging him close.
“Want to try the hot tub again?”
Jake moaned, thinking about the night before. “Are you up for it?”
“Oh yeah.” Brent kissed his back then trailed little kisses over his shoulders.
The snow-covered hills looked amazing. For a second
he wished it was the two of them here all week. He wanted to see the guys, but he didn’t want to face any hate for being with Brent. “They aren’t angry we’re a couple.”
Brent turned him around, his eyebrows pinched together. “Did you think they would be?”
“I don’t know. I mean, this is all so new to me. I have these feelings for you and I’ve never felt this way about a guy before. And these men are our friends, but we’ve grown apart, and now I’m introducing you as my boyfriend, not a guy I served in the Marines with.”
Brent cupped his cheek. “It will be okay.”
Jake bit his lower lip. “Are you sure?”
He nodded and leaned in close, his breath on Jake’s cheeks. “Yeah, we’ll be okay.”
“You know we don’t live in the same state.” Panic filled Jake and he clutched Brent’s arm. “You’re not already dating someone?”
“No, I’m not, and I was thinking of moving anyway. I like the idea of living near the beach, but I’m not on it. We could—” Brent’s cheeks turned pink and he shook his head. “Sorry, it’s too early for that.”
“What? Moving in together.”
Brent sighed. “You’re my best friend. But this thing between us, it’s more than friendship. I want to give us time to grow, to become a couple who won’t break up because there is week-old milk in the refrigerator and no one will do anything about it.”
Jake nodded and leaned in, brushing his lips over Brent’s. He heard a noise at the door and turned. Thomas was standing there with his arms crossed over his chest.
“You two go on; it’s kind of sexy seeing you together.”
Brent laughed and stepped away from him. Jake wanted to pull him back. “Get on downstairs, we’ll be there in a few. I need to pull on my suit.”
Thomas chuckled. “You two could come naked. I wouldn’t mind a show.”
“Wait, aren’t you straight?” Jake asked.
Thomas waggled his brows. “I’m human, and I like sex.”
Brent held onto the door but didn’t close it. “Have you ever had sex with a guy?”
“No, but it doesn’t mean I wouldn’t.”
Clay raced out of his room and headed toward the stairs. “Come on, let’s go. I need some hot tub time to get out the kinks from having to ride with you.”