First

by K. C. Wells

  Mike could have sworn that every head in the place turned in Tommy’s direction. Not that he blamed them one little bit. The kid was sex on a stick. It was like everything was happening in slow motion: the way Tommy moved, slow and graceful; the slow roll of his hips as he walked; his arms swinging at his sides, hand holding a bunch of flowers….

  Wait—flowers?

  Tommy perched on his stool and looked Mike in the eye. “Hey.”

  There was that gorgeous shy smile.

  Kevin gave Mike a hard shove and propelled him forward. Mike glared at him and then walked slowly across to where Tommy sat.

  “Hey.” Fuck, he looks amazing. Mike was trying not to stare, but dear God, Tommy was just stunning.

  Tommy placed the flowers on the bar. “The usual, please, Mike.”

  He nodded and picked up a glass. “You eating?”

  Tommy shook his head. “That’s kinda why I’m here.” He inclined his head toward the flowers. He swallowed and then lifted his chin to meet Mike’s eyes. “Those are for you.”

  “Me?”

  TOMMY LIKED that dazed look on Mike. Damned if Bethany hadn’t been right; the flowers had been a good idea. Mike picked up the bunch of mixed flowers, gazing at the red roses, pink carnations, white chrysanthemums, huckleberry, and lemon leaf.

  “I can’t recall the last time someone gave me flowers,” Mike admitted, smiling. He glanced once more at the bouquet, fingering the silky rose petals. “These are beautiful. Thank you.” He lifted his chin and regarded Tommy. “To what do I owe the pleasure?” He grinned, his eyes traveling up and down Tommy’s body. “’Cause I have to say here, looking at you surely is a pleasure.” His lips parted, and those blue eyes locked on to Tommy’s.

  Oh hell. That sent a tingle down his spine.

  Tommy breathed deeply. “I wanted to ask if you’d like to have breakfast with me when you’re done here.”

  Mike’s smile sent warmth spreading throughout his body.

  “I’d like that. I’ll be through here about one, one thirty. That all right?”

  Tommy nodded, trying not to let his relief show. “That’s fine. I’ll just be right here, drinkin’ my Cherry Coke.” He grinned. Now that part was over with, he could relax a little.

  Until breakfast time at least.

  “Well, if that’s all, I’d better get on with my work before Kevin starts bitching.” Mike winked. He picked up the flowers. “I’ll stick these somewhere safe ’til I’m finished.” Mike gave Tommy one last lingering glance and then went to serve some customers.

  Tommy spent the rest of the night sipping Coke and watching Mike, who in turn was watching him. Tommy’d have that prickly feeling at the back of his neck, and when he looked up, sure enough, there was Mike, serving customers, chatting with Kevin or doing whatever, his eyes fixed on Tommy or sneaking a glance in his direction.

  And he wasn’t the only one. Guys all over the bar kept staring at him, some smiling, others leering. It was downright creepy. He tried to ignore them and kept his focus on Mike. He loved watching those muscles in Mike’s arms bulge when he strained them. He loved listening to him chat with the customers, laughing and joking around with them. But most of all? He loved it when Mike would turn and look at him, that measured gaze taking Tommy in from head to foot.

  Part of him was relieved his change of clothes had had the desired effect, but that careful scrutiny was having another effect entirely.

  It made his heart race faster and his breathing more rapid.

  It made Tommy’s dick hard as nails.

  By two fifteen they were sitting in the American Diner, having just finished eating. Mike had been very complimentary about Tommy’s clothes, and Tommy had shared the whole shopping experience with him.

  “Danny sounds like he’s a hoot,” Mike said, chuckling. “He didn’t really ask to watch you try on underwear, did he?”

  Tommy nodded slowly. “An’ I swear, he’d have gone into that changin’ room with me at Atlanta Leather if Bethany hadn’t said somethin’ to her mom.” He snickered. “You shoulda seen the look she gave him.” He pushed his empty plate to one side and finished his coffee.

  “You about done?” Mike asked him.

  Tommy dipped his chin. Now that the meal was over, it was crunch time. Just the thought of what he was about to lay on Mike had his belly flip-flopping again. He’d rehearsed the words in his head over and over, but now that the moment had actually arrived, damn it, he had butterflies.

  He watched Mike pull out his wallet and stopped him. “This was my idea, remember? You’re my guest.”

  “You sure?”

  “Uh-huh.” Tommy took out enough bills to cover everything and then rose to his feet. He couldn’t do it in the diner. There were far too many people around, for one thing, and for another, heads kept turning in his direction—male and female. It was driving him crazy. “Let’s get outta here, okay?” He led the way out onto Cheshire Bridge, the customary persistent hum of traffic still in evidence. Mike followed him, putting on his own leather jacket over his black wifebeater and jeans.

  Tommy got as far as his truck and then turned around to face Mike, almost stumbling into him, he was walking so close behind.

  “That was nice,” Mike said in a low voice. “But I’ve been wondering if maybe you had an ulterior motive for asking me to breakfast.” He grinned. “Not that I’m complaining. I had a great view while I ate.” His eyes shone, the streetlights catching in them.

  Tommy’s heart was pounding in his ears, loud and strong. “Actually, there was. I… I had somethin’ I wanted to ask you.”

  “Oh?” Mike arched his eyebrows. “Now you got me all curious.”

  He fell silent, clearly waiting for Tommy to speak, except Tommy’s throat had seized up. All the muscles in his belly were twitching, and his mouth was dry as a bone. Mike’s expression grew sympathetic.

  “Hey,” he said softly. “Whatever it is, it can’t be all that bad. Just spit it out.”

  Tell him. Just… tell him.

  “I….” Tommy swallowed. “I want you to….”

  Mike stared at him, head cocked slightly.

  “I want you to….”

  Mike placed his hand on Tommy’s shoulder, the weight of it both comforting and yet not, all at the same time. “Tommy, it’s okay. Just say it.”

  His voice had a gentle quality to it that soothed Tommy’s nerves.

  Tommy drew in a deep breath and met Mike’s gaze head on.

  “I want you to be my first.”

  Chapter Twelve

  I SURE didn’t see that coming.

  Mike stared at Tommy’s earnest expression, those green eyes focused on him. He did his best not to let his own feelings of surprise show through. This was obviously important to Tommy.

  “Wow,” he said at last. “I don’t know what to say. I mean, I’m flattered, but….”

  Tommy’s face fell. “You don’t want me.” His chin trembled.

  Fuck.

  “Wait,” Mike said quickly, “let me finish, okay?” Christ, I’m fucking this up again.

  Tommy stilled, his chest rising and falling rapidly, his gaze unfaltering.

  Mike took a second or two to collect his thoughts. Sure, he was flattered, but at the back of his mind was this niggling little voice that wouldn’t be silenced. He hoped to God it was wrong.

  “Are you sure you shouldn’t be looking for someone who’s nearer to your age?”

  Tommy’s eyes widened. “No, that’s not what I want.” He swallowed. “I want you.”

  There was nothing for it but to ask. “Why me, Tommy?” Mike awaited his response, his stomach roiling. He had a sinking feeling he knew what lay behind the unusual request. He’s seen me. He knows I do porn. Why else would he be asking me? The number of times he’d seen comments on his Facebook posts: I want u to fuck me; Want that cock; Want you; Can we fuck? It was all part and parcel of the industry, of course, but for some reason he hadn’t expected something like th
at from Tommy. There was an innocent air about him, that vulnerability Mike had noted before.

  Tommy seemed genuinely surprised. “Have you looked in a mirror lately, Mike? You’re sexier ’n hell.”

  “Well, when you put it like that,” Mike joked. He was relieved when Tommy laughed.

  “Yeah, but that’s not the only reason.”

  That earnest expression was back. Tommy’s blush did little to alleviate Mike’s fears.

  “If I’m bein’ honest? I trust you… I trust you to make it good for me.”

  Mike was stunned into silence.

  Tommy plunged forward. “See, I feel safe with you. I know you’d take care of me, that you’d….” The blush deepened. “Hell, I’m sayin’ this all wrong.”

  “No.” Mike squeezed his shoulder. “Those are good reasons.” Probably the best reasons Tommy could’ve given. And now that his panic had subsided, Mike let himself think about the situation. A gorgeous young man was offering Mike his virginity. A gorgeous young man that Mike had fantasized about, for God’s sake.

  A gorgeous young man who had to be at least twenty years his junior.

  That made him stop in his tracks. This was no model on a shoot. This was a beautiful young guy who wanted his first sexual experience to be with someone who wouldn’t rush him, wouldn’t hurt him…. For all his years in the industry, Mike had never had a virgin before, and he wasn’t sure how he felt about that. Apprehension and excitement warred within him.

  Tommy was still standing there, watching him… waiting.

  “Can I think about it?” When Tommy drew in a deep breath, Mike moved that little bit closer. “I’m not saying no, Tommy, okay? I really want to think about this.”

  Tommy nodded slowly. “That’s okay, I guess.” A hesitant smile curved his lips, and he breathed more easily. “Sure. Take your time. It’s not like I’m goin’ anywhere.”

  Mike smiled and impulsively drew him into a hug. Tommy stiffened for a second and then relaxed into it, his arms coming up around Mike’s back. Mike moved his head, and suddenly Tommy’s sweet face was right there. He could feel Tommy’s breath fanning his cheek.

  And Mike couldn’t resist. Slowly he brought his mouth to Tommy’s and kissed him, just the lightest brush of lips, before he brought his hands up to cup Tommy’s head and deepened the kiss, keeping it chaste. Two mouths met fully, lips pressed together. Tommy’s eyes were closed, and from behind those soft lips came the faintest whimper.

  Then Mike released him and stepped back, his heartbeat racing. Tommy slowly opened his eyes and stared at Mike.

  Mike grinned. “Now you’ve been kissed.”

  Tommy looked plain dazed. “Wow.” He touched his lips with his fingertips and smiled. “I sure have.”

  “Now go home and get some sleep. You have school this week, right?”

  Tommy nodded.

  “Okay, then I’ll talk to you in a few days. Don’t be thinking about this all the time, y’hear? You need to concentrate on your studies.”

  “Okay, Mike.” Tommy straightened, pushing his shoulders back. “An’ thank you.”

  “For what?”

  Tommy smiled once more. “For not givin’ me the brush-off right away. For takin’ me seriously.”

  Mike couldn’t help himself. He leaned forward and kissed Tommy’s cheek. “I meant every word. I will think about it.” Then he grinned, grabbed Tommy by the arms, and spun him around to face his truck. “Now git.” He swatted Tommy on that firm ass.

  Tommy’s laughter rang out as he got into his truck. He started the engine and pulled out of the lot, giving Mike a wave of his hand when he passed him. For the second time in a week, Mike watched him disappear from view. He got into his own truck and sat there for a moment, hands resting on the steering wheel.

  I need some advice here.

  MIKE WAITED until it was just the three of them. Don and Mitch had already gone, as they’d arrived first that Sunday afternoon, leaving him, Kevin, and Patrick to clear up once the last customers had departed. Patrick shut and bolted the door while Kevin did a last minute wipe down of the bar and tables.

  “Can we talk?” he asked them. He’d spent all day thinking about Tommy’s request, and yet he was no nearer to knowing what to do about it.

  Kevin threw the cloth into the sink. “Sure. I was gonna talk to you anyway. You’ve been a bit distracted tonight.” He came around the bar and sat on a stool. Mike joined him, Patrick not far behind.

  Mike came straight to the point and told them about the conversation at the diner. They listened in silence until he was finished. Before he could ask their opinion, Kevin grinned. “You lucky dog. Talk about being handed it on a plate.”

  “This doesn’t make you uncomfortable?” Mike frowned. Is it just me?

  “No, but clearly something about it makes you feel that way,” Patrick said, folding his arms across his broad chest. “Wanna share?”

  Mike sighed. “I must be the same age or near enough to Tommy’s dad. Don’t you think it’s odd him asking an older guy to fuck him for the first time?”

  Patrick shook his head, smiling. “Mikey, this has been happening since ancient Greece. Y’know, older guys showing the younger ones the ropes? Tommy is probably just thinking that you’re experienced. From what you’ve said, he has no idea you do porn, so he has no way of knowing you’re the perfect person for this.” He arched his eyebrows. “After all, if anyone knows what he’s doing, it’s you.”

  Kevin nodded in agreement. “Patrick’s right. I wish I’d had an older guy for my first time.” He grimaced. “It was painful, messy, and a helluva disappointment. Not to mention rushed.” There was a distant look in his eyes.

  “You can make it really good for Tommy. Just make sure you take your time,” Patrick advised.

  Mike considered their words. He couldn’t deny they made a lot of sense, but as for taking his time, the situation wasn’t ideal. Tommy was at school during the week, and he worked the three weekend nights.

  Kevin gave him a wide smile. “How about next Saturday, we get someone in to cover for you? We do it when you’re filming somewhere, so it’s not like it’s an unheard-of occurrence.”

  “Yeah, I like it.” Patrick was nodding enthusiastically. “That way, you can plan something nice. Y’know, get Tommy ’round to your place, make him some dinner….” His eyes gleamed mischievously. “Of course we’d want to hear all the gory details on Sunday.”

  Kevin licked his lips. “What he said.”

  Mike snorted. “I thought there’d have to be a catch somewhere.” He shook his head, chuckling. “Well, you can both fuck off. Whatever happens, it’s staying between me and Tommy.”

  Kevin stared at Patrick, eyes wide in mock horror. “And after we offer to give him a day off too.” He sighed heavily but then nodded at Mike. “Seriously, though, I think it’s a great idea. Think of it like you’re planning one of your scenes.”

  Mike liked that idea, liked it a lot. He thought back to his first sexual experiences. Yeah, there was a lot to be said for being with someone who knew what they were doing. And now he’d had a chance to think about it, the idea of being Tommy’s first was turning him on.

  “Thanks, guys,” he said sincerely. “Think I’ll do just that.”

  He was going to make Tommy’s first time with a guy as pleasurable as he could.

  TOMMY READ through the information on his laptop screen and made some notes. The notion of studying veterinary science was looking more and more promising. He wouldn’t have to change the subjects he was already studying for his bachelor’s. The only one he might need to take on was physics. But so far, the list of things in his favor was looking good. His GPA was more than adequate. The College of Veterinary Medicine required letters of recommendation, but that was doable. His farm experience would certainly help him get through the selection process. The only thing that made him stop for a moment was the need to have 250 hours of veterinary experience. His work on the farm only counted as ani
mal experience. For it to count, he’d have needed to be working under a veterinarian. Then he thought about it some more.

  How many years have I been workin’ the farm and helped out Doc Lewis when he’s attended foalings, problems with the cattle, pigs, dogs…? That sure would add up to a helluva lot of hours. And Doc Lewis might be prepared to write him a letter too.

  He couldn’t help the rush of excitement that coursed through him. It would mean more years of studying, but he was prepared for that, especially if it meant he got to do something he really wanted.

  “You look happier.” Ben came into his room and handed him a mug of coffee. “I figured you needed a break. You’ve been working since you got back from your last class.”

  Tommy took the coffee with a grateful smile. “Yeah, well, workin’ keeps my mind off stuff.” He’d spent the last three evenings with his nose buried in his books.

  Ben’s expression was sympathetic. “I s’pose. You’ve not had a great time of it lately, what with your parents being such assholes.”

  A hot flush of guilt crept up his neck and stole over his cheeks. While it was true he still couldn’t believe his family could act like that, it wasn’t what was at the forefront of his mind. That position was reserved for Mike. He tried not to keep looking at his phone, willing it to ring, but it was tough. He wanted to know what Mike was thinking. If he was thinking.

  “I take it Mike hasn’t called yet.” Ben was watching him, leaning against the wall, coffee mug in hand.

  “Not yet, no.” He hadn’t wanted to tell Ben what he’d asked of Mike, but it seemed mean considering all the trouble Caroline, Bethany, and Ben had gone to. And besides, he might need Ben’s help if Mike….

  His phone rang. Tommy peered at the screen and caught his breath. Mike.

  “Well, answer it,” Ben said with a smirk.

  Tommy glanced up at him. “Can… can I have some privacy, please?”

  Ben’s eyes widened. “It’s him, isn’t it?” When Tommy nodded, Ben grinned. “I’ll be in my room. Come find me when you’re done. I wanna hear all about it.” And with that he hurriedly left the room, closing the door behind him.