Help Line (Siren Publishing Ménage Amour ManLove)

by H. D. Nels

  * * * *

  They were stretched out in bed, naked. Brody had his head on Ian’s shoulder with his arm stretched across his chest. He was idly playing with the hair on Ian’s forearm. “Did Janet speak to you tonight? We had a brief chat at the bar.”

  Ian sighed. “It wasn’t brief, babe. She abandoned me for quite a while. I was hit on by a few men—almost left with one or two before I remembered both you and her were there. I know now why she was hitting the booze so hard. Plus, those things she said she wanted us to do while she watched. I told her, as a boss I’d be sorry to lose her talent, but as I friend I was happy for her. She’s going to help me find a replacement.” He turned to kiss his man’s sandy hair. “She said you gave her the sense to be frank with me. She also said she’d convinced herself that watching two guys get it on was something she wanted to see. It wouldn’t be the two of us, however, because she felt that would be weird.”

  Brody gave a tired chuckle. “I met a bi guy at the bar who thought she was hot. Maybe the two of them could get another man to join them. We could arrange it as a going away fling.” He sighed and snuggled closer to Ian. “I love you, handsome. You make me feel things I’ve never felt with anyone before.”

  Ian turned to face Brody. They were both semi-hard but neither had to energy to pursue another serious fuck session. It seemed that they drifted off to sleep when the alarm woke them from pleasant dreams.

  Ian kissed Brody and slipped out of bed. “Go back to sleep. I’ll put on coffee and make breakfast. I’ll be back to wake you later.” He waggled his eyebrows and cupped his junk.

  Brody sighed and snuggled into the warmth on Ian’s side of the bed. He soon drifted off again.

  Ian padded to the kitchen and set the coffee maker to brew a carafe. The only thing he disliked about the machine was the limited selection of pods, none of which were his preferred blend. He sat and contemplated breakfast. His mind quickly flipped to contemplating Brody. He sipped his coffee and wondered if it was too soon to ask the guy to move in. Brody had an apartment while Ian owned his home. He didn’t have much left on his mortgage and there was plenty of room for guests, with three spare bedrooms and an office that could be converted if needed. He heard a yawn and turned to see Brody stretch and scratch his manly parts in a rather butch way. Pity he’s wearing those baggy sleep pants. He stood and strutted over to the handsome man, giving him a second good morning kiss.

  “Grab a seat and I’ll pour your coffee. We’re going quick and easy for breakfast this morning.” He poured a mug and set it in front of Brody.

  Brody snorted. “I had you for a bedtime snack. I get you for breakfast, too? You are quick and definitely easy.”

  Ian mock-glared. “I am most definitely not quick. And compared to some people in the kitchen, whose names will not be mentioned, Brody, I am not easy either.” He put two slices of multigrain bread in the toaster, cut several slices off a fresh tomato, tossed two slices of sandwich ham into the frying pan and got two eggs from the fridge. Once the ham was heated, he cracked each egg into the frying pan, breaking the yolks. He pressed the lever to start the toast and flipped the eggs. He put a slice of ham on each, followed by a slice of tomato, and covered it with a slice of Swiss cheese. The cheese began to melt when the toast popped. He set the plates on the table. “Voila, a meal fit for a stud.”

  Brody was impressed. The whole thing was quick and easy, which brought a snicker as he thought back to the recent conversation. Ian narrowed his eyes so Brody kept quiet while he enjoyed the meal.

  “Brody, we’ve been together in one way or another for a while now.” Ian shifted nervously in his chair. “It feels right when I wake with you in the morning and cuddle at night. If it isn’t too soon, why don’t you leave a few things here?”

  Brody smiled. “Any suggestions as to the few things I should bring?”

  “Well, I was thinking your furniture, all your personal possessions, and maybe a few clothes. Perhaps anything else that I might have forgotten.” He was looking into his coffee cup as he spoke.

  “Hmmm, I’d need my towels and bath toiletries. I’ve got a few paintings and etchings, too. Then there are my place settings and cutlery and a few Christmas decorations.” He reached over and raised Ian’s chin so they looked into each other’s eyes. “Do you think there’s room for all that?”

  Ian stood and spread his arms like Julie Andrews in the Sound of Music. “I’m sure there is, but if not, we’ll make room.” His eyes sparkled. “Are you seriously thinking about it?”

  Brody stood, as well. “Nope.” He saw Ian’s smile fade. “Nothing to think about, I say let’s do it. I may as well rent a truck and hire a few hands to help. When were you thinking?”

  Ian walked to the counter, left his plate and mug and then returned to the table. He handed Brody a key. “Rene came by while I was out. He took the rest of his things, and half the refrigerator contents, so I had the locks changed. Here’s your key, baby. I have Help Line tonight, but I’ll help out when I can.” He walked over and wrapped Brody in a tight hug that led to inevitable foreplay and serious flip-fucking in their bedroom. Janet would be so impressed.

  * * * *

  Ian was still glowing when he pulled into the parking lot. Delores was sitting in her car, but got out as soon as Ian did. She had been a serious flirt with both he and David. She had a wide predatory smile as she waved and scurried over to him.

  “Oh my, aren’t you looking handsome tonight. I love working with you and David.” She lowered her voice even though there was nobody else around. “I know he’s younger, but do you think he’d be ready to learn a few things from an older lady? I’d hate to have people think of me as a cougar, which I’m not, though you’d be next on my list. I could show him so much.”

  Ian almost choked on his tongue. With the very skimpy and revealing clothes she wore, there wasn’t much left to see. He chose to keep that thought to himself. “I suppose you could suggest it to him, but don’t push the issue. As for me being next on your list, I don’t think that’s such a good idea. We do volunteer together and I’d hate for things to get awkward.” He increased his pace to get inside.

  She paused for a moment, trying to decide whether to pursue the victim in her sight or wait for the babe to arrive.

  Ian got to his desk and started his logbook. He noticed an envelope sticking out from under the keyboard. He opened it to find a card with a flower on the front. Inside was blank except for a handwritten poem. Violets are blue, Roses are red. Who needs flowers, when a couple’s in bed? It wasn’t signed. He noticed David hurry in, frowning. He got to his desk and pulled a similar envelope from it, opened it and his frown deepened. He made a show of holding it up and tearing it to pieces. Benny made a note in his logbook.

  “Help Line, this is Benny.” Ian sat back expecting a pause. He was surprised at the sudden outrush of words.

  “Oh my God, Benny, I so need your help. There is this absolutely gorgeous guy who started work at the office. He’s perfect for me. For the past few days, I wore my best clothes, lots of the best scent, even Giovanni, but he doesn’t seem to notice me.” Her voice cracked and Benny could almost picture her lower lip trembling.

  “Tell me, what makes you think he’s perfect for you? If he’s new and you don’t know him, I’d like to understand why you think he’s so right.”

  She huffed, “Well, for starters he’s gorgeous. He’s the classic tall, dark and handsome. His clothes look like they’re painted on him.” She giggled. “He’s got a pretty impressive package in there.”

  “Okay, you find the guy physically attractive. Before we get too far along, you know I’m Benny. Are you comfortable giving me a name so it seems like a more personal conversation?”

  “Millie, and he’s more than physically attractive, Benny. He’s gorgeous. He’s got sandy brown hair, stands about six feet and has the dreamiest bedroom eyes—they sparkle when he talks. Um, they’d be on the blue side of hazel.” She sighed. “His voice is s
o smooth and sort of deep and I melt when I hear him speak. Benny, I need to make this man see me, and then he’ll be mine.”

  Benny said, “I can hear in your expression how attractive the man is to you, but you know absolutely nothing else about him. He may be married or in a relationship. I’m worried that you’re losing a sense of perspective. I understand how it must feel to be so attracted to someone by looks alone, but that is only the tip of the iceberg. Do you work in the same department?”

  Another big sigh. “No. He’s only been there a few days and I see him in the break room. Mr. Langdon can’t be married or have someone else. He’s got to be there for me.” She lowered her voice. “I had my fortune told a week before he started, and she said there would be a man coming into my life real soon. He would be the one for me.”

  Benny pieced together a few parts of a puzzle that didn’t seem to fit. She spoke of his sandy hair and hazel eyes after saying he was tall, dark and handsome. But she also referred to him as Mr. Langdon. Brody wasn’t working anywhere else. So what the fuck?

  “Millie, how can I help you? You’ve fallen for a man you don’t know a thing about, based on looks and a psychic’s cards. Sit back for a moment and think. Then tell me why this is so important to you? Not wanting someone in your life, but why it has to be this particular someone.”

  Millie began sobbing. “Benny, I’ve been so alone, spending all my time waiting for the right man to come my way. I need to believe that he’s the one. I don’t know how else to meet people—men, who might be interested in me.”

  Benny smiled as he understood her dilemma. “Millie, what do you like to do? What are your passions or hobbies, or things that you do for fun?”

  “I pretty much keep to myself. I’m an online video gamer and I’d like to do things like karaoke, but I don’t drink and haven’t got the guts to put it out there otherwise. Even playing board games and things like that would be fun. Why do you ask?”

  “I was thinking that the way to find like-minded people is to get involved in things you enjoy, outside your work or home.” Ian grabbed his smartphone and quickly did an online search. “Go online and look for cosplay and anime conventions. I know of one on the east coast. You’d likely find people who not only fit your image of what the ideal partner should look like, but would have the same interests as yourself.”

  Millie sighed again, much louder. “But Benny, Mr. Langdon is absolutely gorgeous. I melt when I see him.”

  Benny chuckled out loud. “I probably would too if he’s as good as you describe. Then there would be two of us using the poor man as an object without him even knowing.” And if he’s my Brody, you’d never stand a chance against my seduction techniques.

  The remainder of the shift was made up of calls from regulars with ongoing flirtation from Helen between.

  Both Benny and Bruce made hasty exits when the shift ended and the handover was complete. Neither wanted to face Helen, but Ian sure did want to ask his Brody about a few things.

  Chapter Seven

  True to her word, Janet found a suitable replacement. Ian pretended to be reluctant at first to hire another woman in order to tease Janet. It turned out that Liisa Parnell was not only completely efficient with lots of wonderful ideas, but she was also fully committed to her wife. When she first introduced herself, she made it a point to stress that her name was Liisa, with two Is. Ian didn’t catch it at first but quickly understood.

  Brody managed to hook Janet up with a bi guy from Chaps and his boyfriend. She’d finally got to experience her fantasy up front and personal.

  Both Ian and Brody refused to listen to the steamy details at her farewell party. Janet quietly reminded Brody that Ian’s birthday was a few weeks away and she planned to come back to party with them in style. She hoped her two new gentlemen friends would be at her sides.

  Ian had always taken extra care not to talk about anything from callers to the Help Line with anyone outside the place. After his conversation with Millie, he’d tried to find an appropriate way to ask Brody about anything new. Finally, he gave up in frustration. Brody brought up the topic during the ride home from the party.

  “Hey, lover. I’d like to bounce a few things off you—and that amazingly tight ass of yours—but I digress. I love my job at the bar, and I’m good at it. But I don’t like spending evenings there while you’re home. And while you’re at work during the day, I’m there alone. It isn’t all about me, by the way. I’d like to spend more time with you.” He looked his man in the eye searching for a reaction. Ian nodded and smiled.

  “I was looking for a job and did a few short shifts working in a customer service role with a residential housing developer. Those were the times I told you I’d taken off shifts from the bar. I wasn’t trying to keep it from you. I only wanted to make sure it would work first. The pay was good and the prospects for growth in the company were positive. I lasted a week. I enjoyed the work but a lady co-worker seemed to be in my space constantly.”

  Ian chuckled when Brody shuddered. “She seemed to be everywhere I went. I was afraid to even go for a piss. The point is, if we’re living together, I want us to be more than roommates. I’ll keep looking for another opportunity.”

  They pulled into the driveway. Ian hurried to unlock the door and bowed as he swept his arm, indicating Brody should enter. Once inside, Ian reached out and took Brody into his arms. “We’ll figure it out. Would something part time work for you so you could continue working at Chaps? I mean, if the patrons learned you left because of me, I can imagine angry townsfolk with torches and pitchforks descending on the house. Maybe you could speak with the HR director at that job and explain the harassment. They must have policies in place, and if you like the job perhaps they’d let you ease into it, starting as a part-timer.” He leaned forward to nibble Brody’s earlobe and whispered, “I have another suggestion for later that involves nudity and potential carpet burns.” He stood straight and waggled his eyebrows.

  Brody watched his lean hunk as he walked to the kitchen. He felt as if they’d known each other forever. He thought again about the job and the obsessed lady stalker. He agreed with Ian’s suggestion that he speak with the HR director and ask if he might start out part time. He made a call to his shift manager to see about reducing his time at the bar each week.

  Jase gave him an exaggerated sigh but said he’d speak with the owner. He didn’t foresee a problem because they’d keep their star waiter on staff, even if it was only occasionally.

  Brody quietly undressed and eased into bed, gently spooning his lover. He kissed his cheek while Ian mumbled his pleasure even while falling asleep.

  * * * *

  Ian hung his jacket, made a bee-line to the coffee and settled into Benny mode. He totally enjoyed his time at Help Line, other than Delores’s determination to get into his pants—and David’s, as well. He’d passed the milestone of completing his court-ordered community service. His work was thriving and Brody made a comfortable addition to his home and heart. With a full mug and wide smile, Benny strolled to his desk. As soon as he spotted the basket there he stopped.

  “Fuck it, not again.” His voice was barely audible. He turned when he heard the giggle from Helen, Delores’s alter-ego.

  Helen was dolled up to the point of absurdity. She fluttered her fingers in a little wave and blew. “Happy Birthday, sweetie. Enjoy your presents—I can help you with that.”

  Inside the basket was a banana strategically placed, with a kiwi fruit on either side at its base. There was no mistaking the arrangement to represent an erect penis and two hairy balls. Assorted condoms in various shades of passion and a tube of Wet brand lube were nestled near it. The basket also held a jar of bath salts, some votive candles, and a half-liter bottle of wine.

  “Ian, may I speak with you in my office?” There was no mistaking the sharp tone from the director, nor was it missed on anyone that she hadn’t used Ian’s line name.

  Grabbing the basket, Ian followed Sheila to her off
ice.

  “Close the door please, and have a seat. I assume since you brought the basket along you have an idea of what the conversation is about.”

  “Actually, I don’t, Sheila. I only wanted this thing out of my sight. What’s on your mind?”

  Sheila folded her hands on her desk. “I’ve noticed shortly after you started here small things—notes on your keyboard, cards, condoms and the like. Our agency is run in a manner similar to any business. Our mandate is to provide assistance to anyone who reaches out. This type of behavior is not appropriate.”

  Ian nodded, his lips pursed tightly as he fought to contain a surge of anger. He took a deep breath through his nose and exhaled. “May I ask what I’ve done that you deem to be inappropriate?”

  Sheila nodded at the basket. “That’s the last straw. You’ve been getting this attention but haven’t put an end to it. Am I to assume you’re enjoying it? If you don’t, then why are you ignoring sexual harassment?”

  Ian stood, too angry to have this conversation at the moment. “Shall I finish my last shift or would you prefer I leave immediately? I’d like to think I’ve helped some of our callers, despite the distraction.”

  “You’ve helped many callers. I’ve had good feedback about you from your fellow volunteers. Please finish tonight’s shift, and I’d like to make time later in the week to speak with you again.”

  Ian turned to go back to his desk, then stopped and faced Sheila once again. “I’ll finish this shift but I don’t see any sense in rehashing the topic. Frankly, I’m tired of it and I don’t appreciate the context of our conversation. I’ve been in a successful management position for a considerable amount of time. I know how to recognize sexual harassment. Those few times I saw the signs, I didn’t make the women feel that they were at fault. You might consider that the next time.” He returned to his desk.