Haunt Me Then: A Ghost Story

by Adam Charles

  Malcolm chuckled. I won’t allow that.

  Heath smiled. “You won’t, huh?” Even though they’d talked about Malcolm possessing Heath, in the end, Malcolm had entered James again the last time they made love. “Plan on making me enjoy myself?”

  Oh yes.

  The phone rang, and Heath grabbed it off his desk. “Hey, you,” he said.

  “Ah, saved my number in your phone already?” James said.

  “I did. Soon as you left. Gave me something to while I waited to stop blushing in front of your brother after I kissed you.”

  James laughed. “You weren’t blushing. You had a nice, healthy glow. You looked happy. Honestly, I hated to leave. How’s Malcolm? I didn’t get to say much of a good-bye.”

  “He’s fine. We both miss you. He hasn’t been too chatty.”

  “I miss you both. I don’t want to go back to work in the morning, but I’m kind of excited to tell some of my friends that I met someone.”

  “Really?” Heath asked.

  “Yeah. As much as I hated leaving, I’m still excited. I’ve already decided I’m definitely coming back this weekend.”

  “I’m looking forward to it. Your car do okay on the way home?”

  “Yeah, it’s fine. But I am gonna start shopping for a new one. It’ll have to be a used one, but I can’t keep fixing this one. It’s just too old.”

  Tell him to be careful.

  Heath cleared his throat. “Malcolm said he wants you to be careful.”

  “I will, I promise. I’m finally happy for once in a relationship, though if I’d known what I was going to find on this trip, I might’ve been scared out of my mind.” He sighed and added, “You know, I hope he won’t mind, but I did look Malcolm up. Found those articles you talked about. And the library here had some cross referencing in the computer. There were some pics of him at local fundraisers and social events.”

  “You’ll have to make copies.”

  “Already did. Scanned and sent them to your email just before I called you.”

  Heath sat down. “Gonna look right now.”

  “He said anything?” James asked.

  “Nope. Not a peep, but I feel him here.”

  Heath opened his email and downloaded the attachments James had sent him. Most showed Malcolm in various suits talking with other people, but one was a poolside event. Malcolm wore a bathing suit and nothing else. It was a conservative 1950s bathing suit, but still. Heath stared at the image, unable to look away. Malcolm’s body had been amazing, incredibly muscular and toned. The picture was in black and white like all the others, but Malcolm looked right at the camera, smiling with his companions for the photographer. He’d been a hairy man, which Heath didn’t usually go for, but on Malcolm it was incredibly masculine and so sexy. He stared into the image’s eyes so long he forgot he was on the phone.

  “James? I’m sorry. I was distracted.”

  James laughed. “Don’t blame you. You tell Malcolm those are going in my spank bank. Especially the bathing suit one.”

  Spank bank?

  “Yes, Malcolm, spank bank. James is going to stroke that sweet cock of his while he stares at your killer body.”

  James laughed even louder. “God, I’m not gonna be able to do this for long. I’ve got to find a job near you. Think my boss would let me telecommute or whatever they call it now?”

  “Ask. We’d love it. I know it was just a few days, but it was great having you around. It’s like you said. Tell me about this a week ago and I’d have been skeptical, but now? I feel like you get me. And you accept Malcolm. I’m,” he paused and took a deep breath, “I’m happy, too, James. About us. All of it.”

  “I’m glad. Look, I’m gonna go so I can review some work email and then get to bed early. I wanna go in first thing and get to work. Make a good showing the rest of the week so I can be in good standing when I approach my boss. I think I’ve heard some people say they’ve worked from home. Like when babies were born or a spouse was sick. It might not be too hard to convince them I can do it. And driving in for meetings wouldn’t be that hard every now and then.”

  “Do what you have to. You have our support.”

  “Okay. Take care. Give Malcolm some love for me and keep a little for yourself.”

  “Just a little?”

  James chuckled low in his throat, the sound so sexy. “You’ll get plenty soon enough.”

  “I better.”

  “Bye, Heath.”

  “Bye, baby.”

  James gave a little laugh at the endearment and hung up. Heath sat there grinning, and then he set his phone down and looked at the pictures again. He saved them all in a folder and made a cropped version of the bathing suit one his wallpaper.

  I’m flattered, my love. I’d give anything to have known you when I had that body.

  Heath licked his lips and adjusted his pants. The pictures plus talking to James and hearing Malcolm’s voice so low and sexy in his head had him anxious. “Malcolm, do you want to possess me? Or would that be strange?”

  I’d love to. It’s just like being in your head, except I can feel things.

  “Like me touching myself? You’d feel my pleasure, but you’d also feel it separately?”

  Yes. I’d feel like you were stroking my cock. I can always enjoy your pleasure, but it would be far more intense with me inside you.

  “I want you inside me.”

  Say that again.

  Heath smiled, gripping his cock, which was now very hard. “I want you inside me, Malcolm.” He stood up and moved to his bedroom. “Come on.”

  You don’t want to stay where you can see my picture?

  “I just need you, Malcolm.” He began to strip and throw his clothes down. “You were handsome. Fabulous body, don’t get me wrong. But it’s you I want.”

  Then get ready for me.

  Heath moved onto the bed, and he felt a warmth envelop him. His skin tingled a bit, and he almost felt as if someone held him. That sensation faded, and he reclined, trying to relax.

  Lie back. Let me have control.

  Heath swallowed and nodded slightly, Malcolm’s voice still in his head and yet sounding different. He lay back and relaxed his limbs. He tensed a bit when his arms moved, but then he took several deep breaths. His hands roamed up and down his chest, caressing gently. He spread his legs as his hands moved lower, one gripping his sac while the other stroked his shaft.

  Heath closed his eyes as he pictured Malcolm there on the bed with him, touching him and kissing him. The pleasure engulfed him as he heard Malcolm whispering endearments to him. He licked his fingers and slid two over his pucker before pushing in. His balls ached as the pleasure built, and the hand on his cock moved faster.

  I’ll relax in a moment. Bring yourself to completion.

  Heath bit his lower lip and whimpered as he bent forward and pushed his fingers deeper as he pumped his cock. The cum that spilled onto his stomach was hot and thick, and when he was done he rubbed it into his skin. He lay there panting, sweat and the cum cooling on his body.

  “I love you, Malcolm.”

  And I love you.

  Heath shuddered as he felt Malcolm leaving, but then he felt the energy building. Two fingers caressed his cheek, and he swore he felt lips brush his neck. Heath drew a pillow close and squeezed it, wishing he could hold James in his arms yet still feeling content being engulfed in Malcolm’s love.

  * * *

  As he turned the corner in the grocery store, Heath heard someone call his name. He stopped and saw Alan coming toward him. Heath moved his cart off to the side and smiled at him. “Hey, how’s it going?”

  Alan smiled as if he had a secret, almost like a little kid would. “Oh, it’s going. Quite well, I think.” He continued grinning at Heath.

  “Good news?”

  Alana nodded slowly. “Yep. My mom called.”

  Heath didn’t know anything about Alan and James’s parents except that they were still married and liked to travel. �
��Something good, I’m assuming?”

  “Oh yes.” He glanced around and then said, “Apparently my little brother is in love. He called my parents and had them go on speaker phone so he could tell them.”

  Heath felt as if everyone in the grocery store was looking at him even though he knew no one actually was. “He told them that?” He didn’t know what to think. At least Alan seemed happy. He and James had seen each other every weekend for the past month, but there hadn’t been any more talk about love since they’d both initially said they thought they could love each other.

  “Yeah. And my mom thinks the Wuthering Heights thing is the most romantic thing she’s ever heard. Be prepared for her to call you by your full name literally all the time.”

  Heath laughed. “That’s fine. My mom calls me Heathcliff, too.” He rolled his cart back and forth for a second before asking, “So they checking up on me?”

  “Just telling me the news really, but they did ask if you and I were good friends. I said we were getting to be with James coming up so often. I gave my general seal of approval, so they’re happy. They’re very easy going. Nosy simply because they want to be involved but they don’t interfere.”

  They moved down the aisle a bit to let an employee with a box walk by. Heath said, “Hmmm. Sounds like I might be meeting the folks soon.”

  “Probably, especially if he really pulls the trigger with work. His landlord is reaching out to some people who might sublet in order to get his apartment. He could be free and clear soon.”

  “You okay with him living next door?”

  “Sure. I don’t know if he’s told you much, but his last two boyfriends were awful. The cheater had a ton of other issues, and the guy before was emotional abusive. At least, that’s my opinion. James’s touchy about it being brought up, so I’ve let it drop. Just glad the guy’s out of his life.” Alan smiled. “He needs a nice guy like you. Someone who’ll take care of him and really want a relationship. That’s all James really wants. To be loved and feel like he belongs.”

  A woman with a baby bouncing in the cart seat and shaking a toy around scooted past them, and Heath laughed and waved as the baby cooed at them. “Deep conversation for the grocery store.”

  Alan shrugged. “Just wanted to let you know. He coming up on Friday?”

  “Yeah. We did one weekend at his place, but we prefer him coming here.” Heath couldn’t explain that, but Alan nodded anyway, coming to his own conclusions about Heath’s statement.

  “Yeah, his apartment has a great layout, but nothing beats the woods and the quiet and fresh air. He’s going to love it once he moves out here, and I am so going to tease him about how he said he’d never leave the city.”

  Heath, of course, had meant they’d missed Malcolm being a part of their lovemaking, but he couldn’t exactly share that. Sharing the secret of Malcolm’s presence with James had changed everything for Heath. He felt more grounded, as if he wasn’t losing his mind and imagining things or losing touch with reality.

  “We talked about that. He’s definitely come to like the peace and quiet out here.”

  Alan looked at his phone. “I better head on. Just let me know if you guys want to do anything this weekend. And if he has good news about moving, you know I’ll come help.”

  “Thanks. See ya.”

  Alan waved and turned the corner.

  Heath stood there gazing down into his cart. He and Malcolm said they loved each other all the time, but Malcolm hadn’t said it through or around James lately. Was he doing it to avoid confusion? Or was he trying to keep James from feeling left out? Heath hurriedly grabbed the few things he still needed and headed home.

  He put away the groceries, trying to figure out what to say. Malcolm’s presence warmed the room a bit, and eventually Heath heated up some leftover coffee and went to sit in his study.

  You’re thinking something over, but you don’t seem worried.

  Heath smiled at Malcolm’s words. “I think we might be getting a declaration this weekend.”

  A declaration?

  “James told his parents he’s in love. I saw his brother today. Their mom called him.”

  I could’ve told you that, but it seemed inappropriate to deny him the right to tell you himself.

  Heath stared down into his coffee. “He loves me?”

  Yes, he does. He was crazy about you from day one, but it’s most certainly love now.

  “But you just know because you can tap into his thoughts and feelings, right? He hasn’t talked with you about it?”

  No, he hasn’t flat out told me he loves you, but we do talk about you. All good, though I suppose we have one or two little private jokes.

  “Private jokes?”

  Your snoring, my love. And the way you think you aren’t any good at rimming. Malcolm sighed. Just to be clear, you’re superb.

  “Hmmm. If you say so. I was thinking maybe you could possess me this weekend. I know he loves having you inside him, but I’d like to make love to him with you. Let you experience how good it feels to fuck him.”

  I’d love that.

  “If he tells me he loves me, I’m going to say it back. Because I think I do love him.”

  My darling Heathcliff, you do love him. I can tell. I’d like for you two to tell each other. I can even leave you alone if you want me to.

  “No. I want you there, and I think he does as well.”

  He has gotten rather attached to me. A little thrill goes through him now when I enter him.

  Heath bit his bottom lip. “Don’t start. You make me so damn horny these days.”

  I’ve always done that.

  “I know,” Heath said softly. He glanced over the fireplace, where he’d hung Malcolm’s portrait in order to surprise James this coming weekend. “You think he’ll like it?”

  I think so.

  “Do you love him, too?”

  It’s not the same as what I feel for you, but yes, I do. I’d be devastated if he left us.

  “He won’t. He cares for you, too. His face always lights up when he hears your voice.”

  Malcolm chuckled. Nice to have that effect on men again.

  “It’s all really going to be okay? Him living here?”

  As much as I wish I could lie in that bed with the two of you, my jealousy will never harm you. Or him. You’re stronger than he is. He needs your strength and love.

  “His brother said his last two boyfriends weren’t good guys.”

  Yes, I get some memories from him now and then. There’s one man I’d eviscerate if it were possible. He was cruel and constantly tried to keep James down. Make James dependent on him in order to keep him.

  “Then I’ll give him all the strength and love he needs. Both of us will.”

  Heath sipped his coffee as Malcolm went quiet. He glanced up at the portrait and smiled at the crazy yet wonderful turn his life had taken.

  Chapter Seven

  Heath had just taken the steaks off the grill when James pulled up. They smiled at each other as James got out of the car, and James walked over and kissed him before opening the door for him.

  “Those look great,” James said as he followed Heath in and closed the door.

  “I thought it would be nice at the end of a long week,” Heath said. He set the platter down and pulled the baked potatoes out of the oven.

  “Sounds perfect to me.”

  While Heath got butter and sour cream out, James picked up the bottle of wine on the table and uncorked it. After he’d poured them each a glass, he said, “You gonna say hello, Malcolm?”

  “I was admiring you and saving my energy,” Malcolm said, his voice echoing through the room.

  “Just making sure you were here. I know it’s draining for you to talk out loud.” James sat down and folded his hands in his lap as he waited for Heath to finish buzzing around the kitchen.

  Heath still felt as if he’d forgotten something. Finally, he sat down and speared one of the steaks for himself, then began butt
ering his potato. “How are things going at work?”

  “I think I’m gonna go for it. My landlord found someone to sublet, and I’ll leave some of the furniture. It’s mostly cheap stuff I got at second hand places. I’ll store anything we don’t have room for.” He took a sip of his wine. “And then we’ll be all set.”

  Heath put his utensils down and reached across the table. James slipped his hand into Heath’s, and Heath gave it a squeeze. “That sounds wonderful. We’re both excited.”

  James smiled and looked around a moment before gazing into Heath’s eyes. “I am, too.”

  Once they’d cut into the steaks, there wasn’t much talking. Heath had been running around the house cleaning all day, wanting everything to be perfect tonight. He hadn’t stopped to eat lunch at all, and he finished off his steak and potato in no time. Sitting back, he sipped his wine as James finished eating.

  “I think you need me around to make you stop for lunch,” James said, obviously having noted Heath’s appetite. “You’re always forgetting to eat.”

  “Another reason I need you around. Malcolm wouldn’t notice until I fell over.”

  “Food never interested me that much when I was alive. It’s one thing I don’t really miss,” Malcolm said.

  Once James was done, Heath stood and refilled his wine glass. He picked it up and extended his hand to James. “I wanna show you something.”

  James picked up his own wine glass and took Heath’s hand. “All right,” he said softly.

  Heath led him into the study and didn’t say anything. James eyed him for a few seconds before looking around. His eyes went wide, a grin spreading over his face, when he spotted Malcolm’s portrait. “I love it,” he said, taking a few steps closer.

  Heath came up behind him and slid one arm around his waist as they both looked up at Malcolm. He kissed James’s neck and then clinked their glasses together. “To us,” he whispered, nibbling at James’s earlobe. “All of us.”

  James rubbed his ass against Heath’s groin as he sipped his wine, and then he took Heath’s glass and set both of them down. He drew Heath into his arms and pulled him in until their lips were only inches apart. “I have something to tell you. Both of you.” He reached one hand up and cupped Heath’s face. “I love you, Heath. I’ve been waiting, but I just can’t anymore.” He stroked Heath’s cheek with his thumb and looked up at the portrait as he said, “And I love you, Malcolm.”