Smoldering Desires

by C. E. Knipes

  Drake laughed as he placed six more quarters on the table.

  I racked and Sebastian broke. He sank two solids. He sank two more before it was my turn. I had just taken my shot when Brent placed six quarters in a stack on our table. He didn’t return to his seat, though. Instead, he stood watching us play. It was clear his intention was to get close to Sebastian.

  I was no slouch at pool. But Sebastian was very quickly sinking the eight ball. He gave me a congratulatory kiss.

  “Brent’s up next. This isn’t going to be pretty. If you haven’t noticed, he’s quite drunk.”

  “Yes, I noticed. Good luck.”

  He gave me another kiss.

  Everyone noticed the difficult time Brent was having getting his quarters in the slots. Drake finally had to do it for him.

  “Are you sure you’re up for a game, Brent?”

  “I’m sure.”

  However, Drake had to help him rack.

  Sebastian made short work of Brent. Calvin was up next while Drake played against Jessica. Brent went to the bar and returned with two shots, both of which he did. He took his seat again and watched us sullenly. He didn’t place any more quarters on the table.

  As we played a half dozen more games, the beer continued to flow. As did the shots of tequila. On top of the margaritas with dinner, I was getting good and drunk. If I was drunk, Brett was more so. By now he was very unsteady on his feet. He was also slurring his words. He was becoming argumentative with Drake as well. I was certain trouble was coming.

  Sebastian was just getting ready to take his eight ball shot against Calvin when Brent came and stood by their table. He had to lean against the table for support. He placed six quarters on the table ahead of mine. After Sebastian sank the eight ball, I bent down to put my quarters in the slots.

  “Back off, asshole! You just played a game.”

  “That was several games ago, Brent.”

  Before I realized what was happening, he had shoved me to the floor. As I stood up, he punched me in the right eye. I fell backward onto the table where he and Drake had been sitting. Glasses toppled, spilling beer and tequila. After that everything happened pretty quickly. Sebastian quickly came to my defense. He punched Brent in the face with a hard right, knocking him to the floor. When Brent tried to get up, Sebastian hit him twice more. Sebastian turned to me, and that’s when Brent got up and punched him in the side of the head. Sebastian retaliated with a series of blows; once more, Brent was on the floor.

  I turned around to see Drake heading toward me. I thought he was going to hit me. Apparently, so did Calvin. He stepped in front of me, as if by magic. He knocked Drake over backward with one punch. Drake stood and raised his hands in the air. Blood was running from his right nostril.

  “Time out. I’m not sure what just happened here. But I think we’ve all had too much to drink. Brent, it’s time for us to leave.”

  He helped Brent to his feet. Brent’s lip was bleeding, and his right cheek was starting to swell and discolor. We were quickly surrounded by three tall, burly bouncers.

  “You guys need to leave now, or we’ll toss you out. You’re all barred for a month!”

  We didn’t argue, but left as two groups, Drake and Brent in front. Outside the bar, they turned right and started walking down the sidewalk.

  “Hold on, Evan. I want to speak to Drake.”

  I watched him run after the duo.

  “Drake, hold up.”

  He and Brent turned. Jessica touched my arm.

  “Let’s go, Evan. He can meet you back at your room. You need to get some ice on that eye.”

  Reluctantly, I headed home with Jessica and Calvin. They wanted to walk me up to my room, but I insisted I was okay.

  “I’ll call you in the morning, Evan.”

  “Okay. Good night. Good night, Calvin. It was nice meeting you.”

  “Nice to meet you as well, Evan. So sorry it turned into a barroom brawl.”

  Sebastian texted me right as I entered my room.

  “Where’d u go? I turned around and u were gone.”

  “I’m in my room. Sorry, I need 2 take some aspirin and lie down.”

  “Okay, I’ll b right there.”

  I quickly brushed my teeth and washed my face. My right eye was already swollen and turning black-and-blue. When I returned to my room, I took three aspirin. I grabbed a washcloth and filled it with ice cubes. I stripped down to my underwear and crawled beneath the sheets. I held the washcloth to my eye. I left the nightstand light on. Sebastian arrived minutes later.

  “Are you okay?”

  “For the most part. I’m going to have a nice shiner in the morning.”

  I watched as he undressed and slid in beside me. His warmth was instantly comforting. He wrapped his arms around me and held me tight. I loved the feel of his chest hair against my skin. He kissed me softly on the cheek.

  “Why did you leave? Are you mad at me?”

  “Not at you. Honestly, I’d had my fill of Brent for the evening. And forever, truth be told.”

  “I know, Evan. I’m so sorry I’ve brought him into your life.”

  “What did you tell Drake?”

  “I told him my history with Brent, the shortened version. I’m not sure he believed me though. Brent ran off as soon as he saw me coming. Drake was more concerned about Brent, so didn’t want to hear any more. At least he now has a better idea of who he’s dealing with. If he believes me.”

  “Hopefully, he will come to his senses. I need to get some sleep. I’ll see you in the morning.”

  When I turned on my side, Sebastian once again pulled me tight to him, spoon style. I felt the head of his cock pressing against my right ass cheek. I began rubbing it, and Sebastian began playfully biting my ear. I reached behind me into his briefs and grabbed his cock. It was long, warm, and thick. Just as I’d pictured it. I began stroking it slowly. He gasped in my ear. He pulled his briefs down to give me better access. He began thrusting into my hand. I quickened my strokes.

  “Slow down, tiger, you’re going to make me come.”

  “We can cheat a little, can’t we? We’ll save the big stuff for Saturday.”

  In response, he grabbed my cock in his left hand and began stroking it. It was pitch-black in the room. The only sounds were our busy hands and our ragged breathing.

  “I’m going to come,” he whispered hoarsely.

  I felt his fluid filling my hand. I disposed of it readily, its strong odor filling my nostrils.

  “I’m almost there, Sebastian.”

  On his next stroke, I exploded onto the sheets. He held me tightly as my body convulsed. He didn’t release my cock till I was soft. I cleaned up my mess and rejoined Sebastian beneath the covers. I could smell his sweat as well as our mutual seed. He wrapped his arms around me again, and I was soon fast asleep.

  When I woke the next morning, it was almost nine. I had forgotten to set my alarm. My right eye hurt like hell. Sebastian was beside me, snoring softly. The covers were thrown from him. I gazed lovingly at his hairy chest and stomach. His erection was forming a tent pole in his briefs. I resisted the urge to free it. His right eye was swollen. That was where Brent had sucker-punched him. My head was pounding from the margaritas, beer, and tequila. In addition to Brent’s fist.

  I pulled on a pair of sweats and a T-shirt. I had to piss like the proverbial racehorse. When I had finished, I braved a look in the bathroom mirror. My right cheek was swollen and purple, as well as my entire eye. When I got back to my room, I took some ibuprofen and slid back in bed beside Sebastian. I laid my head on his chest. The next thing I knew, he was shaking me gently awake.

  “Good morning. How’s my little scrapper this morning?”

  “My head still aches. I’m a little groggy.”

  “My poor baby. Let’s not go to any classes today. We’ll spend the day in bed and I’ll take care of you.”

  “That sounds good to me. Thanks, Sebastian.”

  “Do you feel like ea
ting yet?”

  “Not just yet. I’d like to sleep another hour or two.”

  “Okay. I’m going to grab a shower.”

  Sebastian kissed me on my good cheek and got out of bed. I got a full view of his beautiful ass as he dropped his briefs. He grabbed a towel from my closet and, turning to me, wrapped it around his waist. It was the first good view I’d had of his dick. It was impressive. That’s the last thing I remember till I woke at noon. Sebastian was standing beside the bed, fully dressed.

  “I just picked up some subs from DiMarco’s. Maybe you’ll feel better if you take a shower.”

  “I’ll do that.”

  I slid off my briefs, giving Sebastian a full view of the goods. He made no bones about checking out my junk. I wrapped a towel around my waist and headed for the shower. The hot water felt good on my aching muscles. And on my face. When I got back to the room, Sebastian had laid a towel on the bed. The subs were spread out on it. They were accompanied by bottles of water, an ice bag, ice, a large bag of peanut M&M’s, and a dozen red roses. They were already arranged in a beautiful vase.

  “I picked up a few things to make you feel better.”

  “Sebastian, you’re so sweet. They’re beautiful. Flowers and my favorite candy.”

  “Don’t forget the ice bag. I’ll fill it while you unwrap the subs.”

  I joined him on the bed and kissed him deeply. He slid his hand beneath my towel and grabbed my cock.

  “I bet this would be sweet as well.”

  I reluctantly pushed his hand away.

  “You got everything you’re getting last night. You have to wait till Saturday to sample the rest of the goodies.”

  “You’re such a tease, Evan McGarrity.”

  I dressed in another T-shirt and pair of sweats. I checked my phone, only to discover it was turned off. I didn’t remember doing so. When I turned it back on, I had three texts from Jessica. Each asked how I was doing. The third one also asked if we’d like to meet for dinner. I responded that we were both sore and taking it easy. I would let her know about dinner.

  We sat on the bed and devoured our lunch. I ate several handfuls of the M&M’s, along with a glass of milk. When I was full, I was sleepy again. I had just spread full length beneath the covers when my phone rang. It was my brother Brandon.

  “It’s my brother Brandon. I should answer it.”

  “Hello.”

  “Hey there, little brother. How’s it going?”

  “I’m good. How are you? How are things in Lancaster?”

  “Oh, I can’t complain.”

  “I’m guessing you’ve spoken to Mom. You want all the details on Sebastian.”

  “Only if you want to share them.”

  Of course he knew I would. Brandon was two years older than me. He and I had always been close. He had been there for me when I came out to my family. He and my mother.

  As with my mom, I gave Brandon full details on Sebastian. From our meeting in the library to last night’s brawl.

  “This Brent sounds like a real loose cannon. Do you think he’s actually dangerous? Maybe I should come down for a visit and have a chat with him.”

  It made me feel good to hear Brandon say this. Big brother to the rescue. But I knew he would not hesitate to confront Brent. Most likely making things worse.

  “Thanks for the offer, Brandon. I think we’re okay for now. We’re going to go to the police station tomorrow and file a report. Just so that there’s something on the books in case Brent goes over the legal line.”

  “Okay. Please keep me posted, and let me know if I can help in any way. So, Mom says we will meet Sebastian at Thanksgiving?”

  “Well, you know how Mom likes to exaggerate. I told her I was planning to ask Sebastian to join us for Thanksgiving. It’s not set in stone.”

  Sebastian smiled when he heard this last scrap of conversation.

  “Yes, I know our mother. Have fun at the formal. I look forward to meeting Sebastian. Love you.”

  “Love you too, Brandon. Take care.”

  When I set my phone down, Sebastian was grinning from ear to ear.

  “You didn’t tell me I was invited to Thanksgiving dinner.”

  “Well, you haven’t been yet. Not officially. I forgot to tell you I talked to my mother yesterday before we went to Buffalo. I told her all about you. She is very happy for me and so excited to meet you.”

  “I’d like to meet her as well. In addition to Brandon and the rest of your family.”

  “Okay. On behalf of Mary and Shaun McGarrity, I’m officially inviting you to Thanksgiving.”

  “I humbly accept. Just so you know, I told my parents about you as well. Last week. I didn’t want to say anything. I was afraid it was too soon for the ‘meet the parents’ talk. If we go to your house for Thanksgiving, maybe we could go to my house for Christmas.”

  “I would love that. Now, Mr. Tantalos, I think it’s time for another nap.”

  “I’m down with that. Have you heard from Jessica?”

  “Yes. She texted to see how we were. She wants to meet for dinner.”

  “That sounds good. If you’re up for it that is.”

  “Let’s see how we feel when the time comes.”

  “Okay.”

  I crawled beneath the covers once more. Sebastian had just joined me when his phone beeped. He had received a text.

  He got out of bed and grabbed his phone from my desk.

  “Christ, it’s Drake. He wants to meet and talk about last night. Brent is considering pressing charges against me. Both he and Drake want an apology from each of us.”

  Chapter Five

  “I’m not going anywhere. I’ll meet him out in the small lounge. Is that okay with you?”

  “That’s fine.”

  There was a small lounge outside my room that was open to my three adjoining roommates as well. It contained a couch and two loveseats.

  My mind raced as Sebastian responded to Drake. Was there going to be more to this than we were thinking? What lies had Brent been telling since the fight last night? Only time would tell now.

  “He’s on his way over. He’ll text me when he’s in the main lounge.”

  Within minutes, Drake texted he was there. Sebastian left the room, closing the door behind him. Shortly, I heard their voices in the lounge. I crept to the door and listened intently. I could hear perfectly.

  “Brent told me a different version of the story you told me last night, Sebastian. He said you were never that serious. He tried to break it off with you several times. You pursued him relentlessly.”

  I could not believe my ears. Brent had completely lied to Drake, turning the situation around. I was surprised Sebastian kept his cool.

  “Well, Drake, that’s not how it happened.”

  As I listened, Sebastian outlined the entire relationship to Drake. He must have talked for at least twenty minutes nonstop. He closed with a statement that made me love him all the more.

  “If anyone will be pressing charges, it will be Evan. Brent threw the first punch at him. I know enough about the law from dealing with Brent on numerous previous occasions. I strongly advise you to keep Brent away from us. If Brent agrees not to press charges against me, I won’t press them against him. Also, I’ll have my lawyer send me a copy of the restraining order for proof. I’ll bring it to our next soccer practice. Which, by the way, I won’t be attending. I’m quitting the team. I don’t want to play for a captain who exhibits such poor judgement. Now, we’re done here. Get out!”

  Drake started to say something, but Sebastian cut him off.

  “I said we’re done!”

  He came back into the room, shutting the door hard behind him. I hadn’t seen him this angry in all the time I’d known him. I hugged him fiercely.

  “You were magnificent.”

  “I think if I saw Brent right now I could strangle him. The nerve of that man. I curse the day I ever laid eyes on him. Okay, I’m done talking about him for now. Let’
s get comfortable and watch a movie.”

  I grabbed The Untouchables and popped it in my laptop. It was one of my favorites. Kevin Costner could always cheer me up. I think I made it for about thirty minutes before I was fast asleep. I woke to my phone buzzing. It was Jessica.

  “R u guys up 4 dinner in the cafeteria?”

  “I think we’ll pass tonight, Jess. Let’s meet 4 breakfast in the morning.”

  “Sounds like a plan. Have a good night.”

  “If you’re not up for going out, I’ll run and get some Chinese food. I’ll be back shortly.”

  “Thanks, Sebastian.”

  I took some more ibuprofen after he left and napped till he returned. My right eye was almost swollen shut. He had purchased several of my favorites. We ate while we finished The Untouchables. When it was over, we brushed our teeth and went to bed.

  I woke early Wednesday morning. Today was the day we picked up our tuxes. I was eager for the day to be done so we could head to Buffalo. My head had stopped aching, though my eye still looked terrible. We showered and met Jessica and Calvin in the cafeteria for breakfast. Of course the main topic of conversation was the fight on Monday night. Both Jessica and Calvin were incredulous when I shared Sebastian’s meeting with Drake.

  “Christ, Evan, it sounds like it’s best to avoid Brent at all costs. What a head case.”

  “For sure, Jess. Unfortunately, both of us have classes with him. Now he’s dating the captain of Sebastian’s soccer team.”

  “How insidious. It’s as if you have to constantly be looking over your shoulder. Sebastian, did you get in touch with your lawyer?”

  “Yes, I called him yesterday when Evan was napping. He is sending a copy of the restraining order.”

  “Any chance the restraining order can be reinstated?”

  “Unfortunately, these things are very tricky. Brent hasn’t yet done anything illegal.”

  “Well, I certainly hope that if and when he does, it’s not too late.”

  On that somber note, we finished breakfast. We parted ways outside the cafeteria. I walked Sebastian to his class before heading to mine. However, I was unable to concentrate the entire class. When I walked into Leadership and Organizational Behavior, Sebastian was already seated. He confided he’d had a bad first class as well.