by Sunny Day
“You took only one room?”
“There are two beds.”
Glancing at them, Leslie threw his bag carelessly at one of them. His heated gaze found Ash. “Come here.”
He didn’t wait to see if Ash was going to obey him. Instead, he dumped the bag’s contents on the bed, rifling through them until he found the lube. When he turned, Ash was standing in front of the other bed, his hands on his hips. Their eyes met.
Without warning, Leslie grabbed him and pushed him back.
“Missed you,” he said, running his hands over Ash’s body. He leaned in for a hungry kiss. Their tongues met, Leslie swallowing Ash’s first moan eagerly. He tugged impatiently at Ash’s shirt and his jeans. Ash tried to do the same to him, didn’t make it easy. He was undulating under Leslie, rubbing purposefully against him, feeding his already pent-up desire. Finally, finally, Leslie divested them both of their clothing, gasping as Ash’s mouth nipped punishingly at his shoulder.
“I hated seeing you with that guy,” Ash said in a choked tone. His hands fisted Leslie’s blond hair, forcing Leslie to look at him. “You don’t get to do that again.”
“Only with you,” Leslie promised, ignoring his aching scalp. His cock was throbbing urgently against Ash’s thigh. Ash’s grip slackened. Leslie moved, settling himself between Ash’s legs. Obediently Ash spread them, offering himself silently. Leslie saw him reach with both arms for the headboard.
Ash groaned as Leslie slid into him, throwing his head back. Above him, Leslie froze. “Ash?” Ash didn’t answer, but his body was taut and unyielding.
“Sorry.” Dark-blue eyes found him. “It’s just…it’s been a long time.”
Leslie cursed his own impatience. He hadn’t even thought of preparing Ash, his slick heat too tempting. Sweat dripped down his neck. Ash’s body was gripping him, holding him deliciously tight. Taking a deep breath, Leslie slowly, regretfully pulled back. Alarm flashed in Ash’s eyes. “Don’t stop.” Ash caught his hip. “I just…I need more time.”
“Okay, okay, calm down,” Leslie promised, “just let me…I can make it good for you.” He pulled back slowly, and then pushed in even slower. Ash expelled a long breath as his body adjusted to the intrusion somewhat. He shifted his hips experimentally, locking both legs behind Leslie’s back.
“There, that’s better,” Leslie soothed, starting to move again. Ash let out a breathless little moan, turning his head restlessly. A damp lock of hair fell into his eyes. Leslie leaned in to kiss it, bracing on both arms to increase his control.
“You are tight, like you were the first time,” Leslie panted. He wanted to pound into Ash mercilessly, mark him as his. His balls tightened. Sparks of pleasure raced across his body. He gritted his teeth, forcing himself to a torturous, slow space.
“There hasn’t been anyone…since you,” Ash answered.
A twinge of guilt twisted his gut. He hadn’t been faithful.
Ash touched his shoulder. “I haven’t asked for it, Leslie.”
“I know. Still…” He continued to rock slowly, making sure Ash enjoyed this. Ash sighed contentedly. Leslie felt the moment that the long body uncurled, welcoming his own. Bracing himself on one arm, he leaned down until his lips grazed the line of Ash’s throat. Ash shivered under him, a gasp escaping his parted lips. Leslie mouthed the delectable curve of his neck, reaching to grip Ash’s hip, subtly shifting their position. Ash’s cock jerked against his belly, hardening again. Leslie smiled against Ash’s skin. He hadn’t forgotten how to make Ash crazy. He sped up his thrusts, making sure to brush against Ash’s prostrate each time. Ash’s moans grew louder. His hips jerked under Leslie. His cock was now leaking profusely. Wild-eyed, he gripped Leslie’s head, brought his mouth up in a crushing kiss. Leslie swallowed his scream, relishing the feel of hot wetness spilling between them. He groaned as his own body demanded release. His balls tightened as he pushed into Ash one last time. His orgasm thundered through him, his body growing slack on top of Ash. “Mmm.” He nuzzled Ash’s neck as he relaxed against him. Ash’s arms tightened around him.
“Stay,” Ash whispered.
“Always,” Leslie answered before falling asleep.
Chapter 3
“Calvin!” Leslie said in a surprised voice when he noticed Calvin entering his room. The older man nodded, putting a bag on Leslie’s bed.
“Thought I’d drop by,” he said, settling into a plastic chair. Leslie poked the bag.
“You brought me food. Thanks.” He shuddered as he remembered his lunch today. If he wasn’t already sick, the hospital food would’ve made him so.
“They’re letting you out this week?” Calvin inquired, sweeping Leslie with his gaze. Leslie ran a hand over his head self-consciously. They had to shave his head. His hair was just starting to grow again.
“They should.”
“You’re looking better,” Calvin allowed, watching Leslie wolf down the sandwich. Leslie picked up the crumbs and stuffed them together with used napkins into the bag.
“I feel better.” He leaned back on the pillows with a self-contented sigh.
“Can you come to pick me up?”
Calvin hesitated. He shifted uneasily in his chair. Alarm bells rang in Leslie’s head.
“What?” he asked in a sharper tone than he meant to. Calvin looked uncomfortable.
“Foster said he was going to.”
“Ash?” Leslie frowned, trying to remember if his lover had said something to that effect. Ash had returned to Fourteen F once Leslie had woken. He had spent the previous two weeks in a hotel near the hospital. He was still visiting at least every other day.
“He did, did he?” he asked in what he hoped was a neutral tone.
Calvin frowned. “I didn’t know it was a problem. Sure I can pick you up, I just assumed—”
Leslie raised his hand to stall his protest. “No, it’s all right. I just didn’t know, that’s all.” He raised one shoulder negligently. “Besides, it’s easier this way. You would lose at least half a day coming to get me, and you probably need the truck on the ranch.”
It was their only truck now. Leslie would have to look into it as soon as he came home.
“True,” Calvin allowed. He still didn’t look convinced. Leslie started asking questions about the ranch to distract him. When Calvin left, he settled down into bed, pulling the covers tightly around himself.
Once Leslie’s condition had stabilized, Zack left, admonishing Leslie to keep in touch. Leslie planned on doing so. He’d almost had a fight with Ash about Zack, and he was still not clear on how that happened.
It was the day he’d undergone several testing procedures. After the day of being poked and prodded, he was relieved to find himself back in his room. The doctors were satisfied with his progress. His body was healing nicely. The only problem that persisted was his memory loss. Leslie still couldn’t remember the accident, not that he had any wish to do so. As far as he was concerned, it could very well stay that way. He’d had vague and unsettling dreams sometimes, but chalked that up to the stress.
“I thought Calvin was your next of kin,” Ash said suddenly. Leslie, his mind fuzzy, glanced up at him. Ash was staring at the window, so he could only see his profile. He tried to gather his scattered thoughts. He couldn’t read Ash very well this way, and his tone was peculiar.
“Calvin? No.”
“You put Zack instead.”
“That was years ago. We traveled together more often than not. We both competed in the rodeo. If one of us was hurt, chances were the other would be there. It was the sensible thing to do. Zack didn’t want to worry his parents needlessly, and it wasn’t like there was anyone else for me.”
Ash gave him an unfriendly stare.
“I didn’t know the two of you were still in contact.”
“We hear from each other occasionally. Why?”
Ash didn’t answer. His stiff posture spoke volumes. Was Ash jealous? Leslie had never regretted affairs he’d had while the two of t
hem were broken up, but he regretted the pain they caused Ash. He’d once tried to talk to Ash, to explain that none of them ever meant anything to him. Ash had shushed him immediately and walked out of the room. It was Leslie’s first signal to how deeply his lover resented those men.
“Zack and I were never involved.”
“You said that already.”
Leslie rubbed his forehead in annoyance. He was unsure whether to push Ash more or give it up. In some ways it felt like his relationship with Ash was a minefield. He had to tread carefully, hoping to avoid all mines. If he stepped on one accidentally, he hoped for the best.
He was starting to get a headache. He’d had a full and stressful day. He ached all over. The nurse took out the IV before taking him away for testing, but now his arm hurt. He was in the hospital. He’d had an accident and an operation. He had crashed his truck.
“Where is my truck?” His voice came out suspiciously like a whine. Ash glanced at him in surprise, then came to sit on Leslie’s bed. He gently caught Leslie’s hand, careful not to touch the still-bandaged wrist.
“I don’t know. I guess the sheriff has it. Why?”
“I want it back. I have only two.”
“Christ, Leslie. I’ll buy you another truck.”
“I don’t want a new truck. I want my truck.”
He heard Ash sigh. “Go to sleep, Leslie.”
He was surprised how tired being out of bed made him. The adulation from being released from hospital didn’t help. He leaned heavily on Ash’s truck. He was out of breath. Ash steered him inside and then carefully fastened his seat belt. Leslie sank gratefully into his seat, letting his head rest against the back of the seat. Ash touched his shoulder briefly before starting the engine. The truck smelled like Ash, a familiar and comforting scent. Leslie took in a deep breath and closed his eyes. He dozed off, the sense of security and Ash’s presence blanketing him.
He jerked awake when Ash made a turn. His eyes flew open. Glancing through the window, he saw they were just passing Sam’s feed store. “Wait!” He grabbed Ash’s arm. Surprised, Ash braked sharply.
“Leslie? Something wrong?”
“I’m hungry. Can we go to dinner? Please?”
Ash appeared to think it over.
“It’s not five yet,” Leslie cajoled. “We could eat and still arrive on Midnight Stars before dark.” He held his breath.
“I guess. We could go to Blackbird Inn.”
Leslie winced and hoped Ash didn’t see it. The Blackbird Inn, a renovated townhouse two centuries old, was an exclusive location. Leslie had been there twice. Both the service and the food were outstanding, just not to his taste. He shook his head. “No, I want to eat here, at Martha’s Cafe.”
It was a small diner in the town square. Most locals frequented it regularly. Leslie usually dropped by at least twice a month.
Ash shrugged. “Fine by me.”
The parking lot in front of the diner was almost deserted. Ash parked the car, and Leslie hurried to get out before Ash tried to help him. It wasn’t the best idea he ever had, because he suddenly grew dizzy and almost fell.
“Whoa, easy.” Ash was suddenly next to him, his shoulder bumping Leslie’s, wrapping an arm around him. Leslie’s world spun. He had to close his eyes and lean heavily on Ash. “It’s okay, I’ve got you,” he whispered, lips touching Leslie’s earlobe briefly. Leslie shivered, pulling back.
“I’m fine,” he said resolutely, heading toward the door. He saw Ash shake his head.
To his relief, he made it inside without any embarrassing relapse.
“Leslie!” The owner, Martha Keynes, greeted him warmly. She was about the same age as Leslie, with brown eyes and sharply cut, dark hair. “I thought it was you. They released you out of the hospital?”
“They did, and I want something resembling real food.” Leslie limped to the empty booth.
“We can take care of that. I know what you like.” Martha laughed. She ruffled Leslie’s hair playfully. “Love the new look.”
“Don’t remind me,” Leslie grumbled.
“I’m bringing the food now,” she said. She almost bumped into Ash. “Oh, hello, Asher. You want the same?”
“Fine by me.” Ash sat next to him, pulling his hat off and depositing it on the bench.
He waited until she left before saying, “I need to talk to you.”
“What about?”
“I—” Ash shut up when Vernon, Leslie’s neighbor, approached the table. “Kilmer. I see you’re back.”
“I am,” Leslie answered, shaking the offered hand. He’d to lean over Ash to do it.
“Heard that accident was pretty serious,” Vernon said with a meaningful glance.
“It happens,” Leslie answered easily. “Luckily, there will be no lasting damage.”
“Good to know. Foster.” With a nod, Vernon left them. Martha reappeared, bearing food. The plates were still steaming.
“Here you go,” she said, depositing them deftly on the table. “Call me if you need something else.”
“Thanks.” Leslie eyed the food with undisguised enthusiasm. He dug in. Ash tapped the table impatiently. Leslie sighed, swallowing. “What is it?”
“I need you to sign this.” Ash pushed papers across the table. Leslie blinked at him in surprise. He hadn’t noticed Ash carrying them.
“What’s that?” he asked, shuffling them over. As soon as his gaze fell on the first page, he stiffened. He recognized those forms. He’d done similar ones for Zack, years ago.
“My lawyer prepared them,” Ash said, misreading Leslie’s reaction. “You just need to sign them.” Leslie speared a piece of meat with his fork viciously. He ignored the papers and focused on the food again.
“You want me to make you my medical power of attorney,” he said in a flat tone.
“Yes.” Ash shifted in his seat, and his eyes got a faraway look. “I went to see you as soon as I heard.” His voice was hollow. “The doctors…they didn’t want to tell me anything, not even if you were alive. They said it was confidential information and they couldn’t release it.”
“Zack must have filled you in as soon as he got there.”
“He did.” Ash’s voice was sharp.
And Zack, Leslie realized, would’ve kept information out from Ash’s hands purely because he realized that would annoy him. His lips twitched. Zack had obviously drawn his own conclusions about their relationship based on the fact that he and not Ash was still Leslie’s emergency contact. He was trying to do Leslie a favor. Maybe he ought to go and visit him. Them, he corrected.
“I don’t plan on ending up in the hospital anytime soon.” Leslie resumed eating. He stole a fry from Ash’s plate. “I missed this.”
“Leslie.”
There was a wealth of meaning in Ash’s tone.
Leslie sighed. “I don’t want to talk about it.” He’d just left the hospital. He wanted to relax, not argue with Ash.
“The papers are already done.”
“I know. I don’t want to sign them. Martha? Can you come here a sec?” He felt Ash freeze next to him, but he ignored it. Martha approached them.
“You wanted something, Leslie?”
“Cake,” Leslie informed her.
“Sure, I’ll bring it right over.” She glanced at their table. “Asher? Is something wrong with the food?”
“No,” Leslie said, stealing another fry.
Ash smiled at her. Leslie, who knew him well, recognized it as his fake smile. “No, Martha, the food is fine.”
“Okay. I’ll be right back.”
“You did that on purpose,” Ash said when she left.
Leslie made a noncommittal noise. He eyed Ash’s almost-full plate. Deciding he could eat some more without having to give up dessert, he took a small piece of steak.
“What’s the problem, Leslie? I’m your lover. It’s not like—”
That did it. Leslie dropped his fork.
“Ash,” he said in a furious tone, forc
ing himself to keep his voice level, “you are not my lover. You are a person I occasionally sleep with. If I was your lover, you wouldn’t be afraid that someone would see us together, or what your family would say. I’m not giving you the power over my life when you can’t control your own. Now drop it.” He picked up the fork again.
He saw Ash’s eyes darken with pain. He opened his mouth to speak, but had to pause before starting again.
“You never said you minded it.”
“I don’t. You are the one who wants to complicate things.” Leslie refused to look at him. Martha reappeared with their order again. She put a piece of cheesecake in front of Leslie, and a chocolate one in front of Ash. She knew them both well, Leslie realized. Ash was always partial to chocolate.
He relaxed marginally when Ash started eating.
Leslie stumbled into the house, barely able to keep himself upright. His eyes seemed to close from their own volition.
“Come on, Leslie. The bedroom is here,” Ash coaxed him, leading him gently to the bedroom. Leslie sighed happily once they were inside.
“God, I’ve missed my bed.” He climbed onto the bed and dropped his head on his pillow. “I’m going to sleep until tomorrow,” he mumbled into the pillow.
He heard Ash snort. He patted Leslie’s thighs. “Roll over so I can take off your boots at least.” Leslie grumbled. He didn’t want to move an inch. He flipped onto his back and cracked one eye open to see Ash leaning over him. He tugged first one then the other boot off.
“Come on, sit up.”
Leslie did so, watching as Ash started to unbutton his shirt. “Ash?” he asked in a quiet voice. “Are you staying?”
He saw Ash give him a surprised glance. “You don’t want me to?”
“I always want you, Asher.” Leslie lay back on the bed to allow Ash to pull his jeans off, too. He sighed when the covers settled over him. He heard Ash move in the room. The lights went off. Then the bed dipped as Ash settled on it, leaning against the headboard. Leslie let out a small sound and crawled into his lap.