Wild Trail

by A. M. Arthur

  “Feels so good,” Wes said. “Fuck.”

  “You don’t speed up soon, this bronco is gonna buck you off and take over.”

  Wes leaned forward, putting more weight on his knees, and kissed Mack, stroking that stud against Mack’s tongue. The position took pressure off Mack’s hips, giving him room to thrust up. Wes moaned into his mouth, but Mack wanted to hear it. He needed to hear it, because it had been too long since the last time. After this, even a day apart would be torture.

  Mack cupped Wes’s cheeks and pushed his face back, basking in the sight of Wes’s red cheeks and panting mouth. Mack thrust faster. Wes gasped and groaned, making the loud noises Mack couldn’t get enough of. He didn’t give a shit if the whole apartment building heard them, because he needed Wes to fall apart. Needed to know he’d given Wes that.

  Mack alternated fast and slow, taking his time until his abs burned from the strain of the position, but he needed more. Needed to show Wes how much this meant to him, how much Wes meant to him. He lifted Wes up and off, put Wes’s hands on the headboard, and then pushed back inside. Wes’s head dropped back, exposing the long column of his neck. Mack draped himself over Wes so he could lick and bite that pale skin as he fucked him, desperate to mark him. Claim this man he cared about so much. Wes didn’t censor himself, and neither did Mack. Their noises combined with the hard smack of skin on skin, and the occasional bang of the headboard.

  “So good,” Wes panted. “Don’t stop.”

  “Could do this all day.” Mack punctuated each word with a sharp thrust of his hips, then slowed. Changed the angle so he could scrape Wes’s prostate.

  “Fuck!”

  Mack reached around Wes’s waist to fist his leaking cock, using the fluid to ease his strokes. “You close, boss?”

  “Yes. Oh fuck.”

  “Good.” Mack was close, too, but he needed to get Wes off first. Needed to feel him come. He sealed his mouth to the side of Wes’s neck and sucked a new mark, branding him as Mack’s. Then he rubbed his beard over the sensitive spot, and Wes bucked.

  Wes tightened around Mack’s dick as he came, shooting over Mack’s fist and the pillows. His body trembled as he came down, panting. Mack wrapped his arms around Wes’s waist and tugged him backward until he sat on Mack’s lap, still impaled by his cock. Wes’s belly contracted once.

  Mack turned his head to kiss him, to show Wes how beautiful he was, how much Mack loved making him come.

  “So good,” Wes whispered. “Fuck, Mack.”

  “Hmm.”

  “How do you want to finish? You can keep fucking me.”

  As appealing as that was, Mack needed something else this morning. To mark Wes again, in a different way. To make his fear over their future together go away for a little while. He gently helped Wes rise up and off his dick. “Turn onto your back.”

  Wes flopped over, the very picture of a well-fucked man with his flushed cheeks and hazy eyes. Mack knelt over his knees, stripped off the condom, and used some residual lube to jack himself. It didn’t take long, not with the way Wes was watching him, so intent and satisfied and...not in love, but very definitely in lust.

  Can’t be love yet. Can it?

  Mack hadn’t thought his heart could feel that sort of love again, but maybe...?

  I could love this man. I really could.

  The thought pushed him over the edge. Fireworks spun out, racing up and down his spine, as he shot over Wes’s belly. Semen splattered his smooth skin, some even hitting his chin, and Mack let out a self-satisfied moan, stroking himself through it until he came down.

  He draped himself over Wes, smothering the smaller man into the bed, smearing his release against both of their chests. Licked the drops off Wes’s chin, then kissed him hard. Wes wrapped himself up in Mack, arms around his back, legs curled over Mack’s thighs, pressing their groins together.

  So perfect. And so fucking fragile.

  * * *

  Wes hummed softly, so stupidly content in this moment that he almost couldn’t stand it. His last twelve hours had been amazing, from Mack surprising him at work, to the incredible sex they’d just had. He wanted to stay in bed forever, surrounded by Mack’s heavy, sweaty body, coarse hair grinding against his skin, waking his nerve endings up for a possible round two.

  He rutted up against Mack, their spent cocks rubbing together.

  Mack nibbled on his earlobe. “Trying to set a record for refraction time?”

  “Love feeling you against me.”

  “Same.”

  Mack lifted his head so their eyes met. Dark brown eyes that shined with so many unspoken things. Wes’s throat closed, holding back words he’d almost released earlier. Words he felt but wasn’t sure he was ready to say out loud yet. Mack opened his mouth, then shut it. Paused.

  “Not sure I can get it up again so soon,” Mack finally said. “But my dick sure is making a mighty effort.”

  Wes snorted. “Mine, too.”

  Mack slid halfway off Wes, so they were cuddling more than playing human blanket. Wes angled toward him, loving these quiet moments when they didn’t have to do anything more taxing than exist together.

  “You really were incredible last night,” Mack said softly. “Tell me more about why you love acting.”

  “I’m not totally sure,” Wes replied. “Ever since I was a kid, I’ve loved being the center of attention. I’d pretend to be other people. I’d memorize lines from re-watching my favorite movies over and over, and I’d perform them at dinner for my parents. When I was six, I did my first dual performance with Sophie as my co-star. She was only two, of course, and she flubbed her lines, but it was so much fun. Our parents recorded it.”

  “Now that’s a home video I’d pay money to see.”

  Wes laughed, even as the idea of introducing Mack to his parents left his insides squirrelly. “They have a ton of home videos of me, everything from acting at Christmas family gatherings, to the high school plays I performed in. It’s just...something I have to do. It’s hard to explain. When something’s a calling you just...you feel it in your bones. Did you ever feel that way about being a cop?”

  “Sometimes. Being a cop wasn’t a future I questioned, ever. Probably because everyone else in the family was in law enforcement, but I wanted to do something different. Be better, so it mattered less that I was gay. I loved being a regular cop, but going into SWAT was more me proving something to myself and my family.”

  “That a big, butch SWAT officer could still be gay?”

  “Pretty much.”

  Wes twirled his fingers in Mack’s damp chest hair. “I can’t imagine being that brave. Putting myself in harm’s way to save other people’s lives.”

  “It’s damned scary, but there’s also an adrenaline rush that happens. Sharpens your focus, keeps you in the moment. I miss it sometimes, but I get a similar rush when I’m out galloping in the fields with Tude. There’s this huge animal allowing me to ride her, and she could change her mind at any time, but she doesn’t.”

  “That makes sense.”

  Mack was silent for a moment, but Wes could see the questions in his eyes.

  “You can ask me anything,” Wes said.

  “Do you ever think you’ll go back to Los Angeles? Or New York? Try your hand at a more successful career? I mean, San Francisco isn’t exactly the Mecca of modern film and television.”

  Guilt bubbled like acid in Wes’s gut. He should have told Mack about the audition sooner, and now he would sound like he was only confessing because of a direct question. Wes sat up, feeling way too naked for some reason. He pulled the sheet around his waist. Mack sat up, too, his expression openly worried.

  “I totally meant to tell you this sooner, but I really wanted to tell you in person, and this is the first real chance I’ve had,” Wes said, knowing he was babbling a bit. He explained Tracey’s
unexpected phone call last week, the script, and the audition she’d set up for him. “I fly in and out of LAX Tuesday, round trip. I’m in the city long enough to meet the producer and do an on-tape audition, and that’s it.”

  Mack blinked hard several times. “That’s it.”

  “I mean, that’s not it, like it’s a small thing, but that’s why I wanted to explain it all in person, instead of over Skype.”

  “But you saw me last Tuesday.”

  “Tuesday wasn’t about me, though, it was about you and the mega-bomb that Colt had dropped into your life. Maybe I should have told you then, but you had enough stress happening with that, and then getting the restoration off the ground.”

  Mack’s face scrunched up. “So you thought keeping an audition for a four-month shoot in Georgia a secret was a better idea than being honest with me?”

  Okay, it sounds way worse when he says it.

  “I only got the audition details on Friday.”

  “You’ve had the script for over a week, Wes.” Mack’s tone was more sad than upset, which was super confusing. “You need to trust me with the important things in your life, and a chance like this is huge.”

  Wes released the tight grip he’d had on the sheet. “You’re not mad about the audition?”

  “I’m frustrated that you didn’t tell me sooner, but why would I be mad? You’re obviously talented, and this producer sought you out. That’s a big fucking deal.”

  “But what if I get the part?”

  “Then we talk about it again, and we see what we both want. I admit, the idea of you being across the country for four months isn’t exactly appealing, but this is...our relationship is still forming, and I don’t ever want to be the reason you don’t reach for your dreams.”

  Wes’s eyes prickled. “Really?”

  “Of course.” Mack pulled one of Wes’s hands into his lap and squeezed. “You know, maybe you waiting to tell me was even a good thing. I got to see for myself last night how amazing you are. It’s easy to see why the producer wants you in his movie.”

  Wes’s entire body flushed from the compliment. “I don’t want to leave you, either, but this is such a great opportunity. And hell, I might not even get the part and we’re both stressing over nothing.”

  Mack’s smile didn’t quite reach his eyes. Wes gripped his hand harder. “What is it?” Wes asked.

  “It’s stupid.”

  “If it’s something you think or feel, it’s not stupid. Tell me. Please?”

  “I guess I had this dumb idea of maybe asking you to work at the ghost town when it opens,” Mack told his lap. “I want to do reenactments and stuff, and since you’re an actor...but you’re way better than a dinky tourist attraction. I see that now.”

  Wes’s heart gave a funny little trill. “I think that’s the nicest compliment you’ve ever given me, Mack. I mean it.” He could see himself doing that, play-acting for tourists at Mack’s attraction.

  But he could also see himself fighting zombies and getting the guy.

  Why did my life have to get so complicated so fast?

  “Like I said,” Wes added, “I might not get the part. We don’t have to worry about the future yet. We can enjoy the time we have together now.”

  “Yeah.”

  “How about a shower? I’m all sticky, and so are you.”

  That finally got a genuine smile out of Mack. “Sounds like a plan, boss.”

  * * *

  Wes trudged back into the apartment hours later, after walking Mack and Reyes to their truck. He’d wanted every possible moment with Mack, after the amazing morning they’d had. Fooling around in the shower had led to swapping blow jobs. After finally drying and dressing, they’d joined Miles and Reyes for a late breakfast of waffles and bacon. They’d arranged for Quentin and Slater to do the guest pickup, but Reyes still had to be back at the ranch by noon.

  Miles was watching TV in the living room when Wes returned. He flopped down next to his roommate and stared at the flat-screen. Some kind of cooking show. Miles said they taught him new techniques or some shit like that. They mostly bored Wes, but Miles had to leave for work soon, so Wes let Miles watch whatever. Wes had the whole rest of the afternoon free.

  “For someone who could be heard moaning through the walls,” Miles said, “you look pretty grumpy.”

  “I told Mack about the audition.”

  “Oh. How did he take it?”

  Wes blew a breath upward, fanning his bangs. “He was hurt I didn’t trust him with something so big, but then said he was glad I waited, so he could see me act and realize how good I am. I think he’s rooting for me to get the part, but I’m not sure.”

  “It’s natural for him to be conflicted about something like this. You guys have only been dating a few weeks, and being gone for four months would strain any new relationship.”

  “What if that’s not it. What if Mack is trying to push me away, and this is his subtle way of doing it?”

  “Not a chance.” Miles muted the TV and angled to face him. “I saw the way he watched you onstage last night. Every time he looks at you, it’s obvious how he feels. Mack won’t give up on you unless you give him a reason to.”

  “I’m not going to do that. I lo—like Mack too much to sabotage this.”

  Miles smirked; he’d noticed the l-word slip.

  “Mack told me that he was going to ask me to work at the ghost town, acting in their reenactments,” Wes said. “But then he said it was a stupid idea, because I was so much better. But it was the biggest compliment of my career, Miles. He wanted me to work for him without even an audition. He believes in me that much.”

  “Then trust that. If he believes in you, he’ll want you to have your career, not give it up for him. And if you guys are meant to be, you’ll work it out.” Miles’s phone chimed. He glanced at the screen, then put it down with a grimace. “Dallas again. Christ, every time I tell him I need space, he takes it as a sign to bug me more.”

  Wes didn’t know the entire history of Miles’s on-again/off-again relationship with his best friend Dallas. They’d met in college. Fucked around on occasion. Lived together post-graduation. The whole reason Wes had gotten an apartment with Miles last year was because Miles had declared his friendship with Dallas over, and he’d needed to get away from him for a while.

  Dallas had shown up last month at the club where Wes and Sophie had taken Miles for his twenty-fifth birthday, and they’d gone off together. Miles hadn’t discussed what was said between them with Wes, and Wes had given the guy his privacy. But Wes had disliked Dallas instantly. He seemed weirdly possessive of Miles, and that turned Wes off.

  “Have you told Dallas to fuck off?” Wes asked, glad to be talking about someone else’s problems, even if it was about Miles’s creepy ex.

  “Repeatedly,” Miles replied. “With him, it’s easier to ignore than engage.”

  “I figured you guys hashed things out on your birthday.”

  Miles stiffened. “I have to get ready for work.” He started to stand.

  “Dude, I’m sorry, I wasn’t prying,” Wes said, hurrying to stand, too. Worried he’d offended Miles somehow and a little anxious over why Miles refused to discuss his birthday.

  “It’s fine. Listen, Mack seems like a reasonable guy, okay? And the ghost town might not even be able to open until next spring, depending on the weather this winter. Maybe you’ll be able to do the movie and still work with Mack. Just...trust him, okay? And trust yourself. Not all of us have the same good instincts you have.”

  Well, that wasn’t a strange thing to say, or anything.

  Wes watched Miles disappear into the bathroom, wishing like hell he knew how to engage Miles. Make him talk about whatever was bothering him. But the guy was not only secretive, he was stubborn as hell. Wes eyeballed Miles’s phone, which he’d left on the couch, the
n tried to turn it on. Password protected.

  I am a shitty friend, prying like this.

  If Miles wanted Wes to know what was going on with Dallas, he’d tell Wes. For now, Wes had to trust that. And he had to trust Mack. Trust himself. Trust that this would all work out exactly as it was supposed to.

  * * *

  Never. Again.

  Wes had flown out of San Francisco at eight in the morning, so he arrived at LAX by nine, to be picked up by a driver and taken across town to the audition, which was scheduled for ten, only to be shuttled back to the airport to make a one o’clock board time home so he wasn’t late for work at the restaurant. Nope. Never again.

  Even though he’d spent most of that block of time sitting on his ass, he got back to the apartment exhausted. He’d texted Mack frequently throughout the day, mostly to keep him apprised of Wes’s location, and he’d sent the last after flopping into the taxi that drove him home.

  He had an hour before he needed to be at work, so Wes sank into the couch and chanced giving Mack a call. He hadn’t returned many of Wes’s texts, which was fine, because he had to work, too.

  The phone only rang three times before Mack picked up. “Hey, you. How did it go today?”

  “I think it went well,” Wes replied, grinning like a fool just hearing Mack’s voice. And he tried not to gush, his conversation with Mack yesterday morning fresh in his mind. “The producer is super chill, and I met my potential costar, John, and we had good chemistry.”

  He’s hot and kind and we hit it off so well, and I really want to do this movie.

  He kept that to himself.

  “That’s great,” Mack said, sounding totally genuine. “How about the actual audition?”

  “I nailed it. They were totally impressed I didn’t need the sides to do the scene.”

  Mack chuckled. “Think that gave you an advantage?”

  “Maybe. Thankfully John didn’t hold it against me, because he needed the sides. They still have a few other actors they’re auditioning, but everyone seemed to really like me. And they all knew my history with Drake, and they didn’t care. John even said if I got the part, I could use any publicity interviews we did to set the record straight on what happened back then.”