“Hi, George, what are you up to?” Kris asked in greeting.
The teen kicked his athletic shoe at a stone on the asphalt before peering up at Kris from under his shaggy bangs. “Jerry’s mom usually drives us to school, but she had to take Jerry to the doctor today.”
The Granite City High School was only one block off of the route Kris took to the shop. He had to smile at the humorous thought that if he opened the shop a little late he could yell at himself since he was the owner and boss.
“Hop in. I can drop you off,” he said.
George’s smile lit up his whole face, showing Kris what a handsome man he would be one day. “You’re the best, Mr. Winters.”
It didn’t take long before Kris was dropping George off in front of the high school. During the ride, neither of them said anything. Just before the teen shut the door, he leaned into the car and said, “It was awesome spending time with you.”
Surprised, Kris managed to respond, “Have a great day, George.”
George gave a little wave and slammed the door before disappearing into the crowd heading into the brick building.
* * * *
Plastic gloves covered Corey’s hands and ran up his arms, ending above his elbows. He had only a few more days to go before the stitches would come out, and he would be independent again. Yesterday Storm’s friend MD had stopped by and replaced the heavy wraps that encased his hands with lighter bandages, allowing him some mobility.
To say he was frustrated with his painful, useless hands was an understatement. Corey wanted to touch every hill and valley of Storm’s hard body. He wanted to sift his fingers through Kris’s short hair and make his lover forget the attack and let Corey show him again how good love could be.
Instead, Corey’s body ached with need, and because of his hands, he still hadn’t found any relief. The only bright spot was he could wash his hair normally. Corey’s aftercare instructions for his head wound stated that he could resume normal hygiene habits after forty-eight hours. He just couldn’t submerge the staples in water. That was okay, as he didn’t plan on going swimming anytime soon.
“Storm, can you help me?” he called through the open bathroom door. They needed to get going. Corey knew he was fine, but since the attack, Kris being at the shop alone made him nervous.
“What do you need, honey?” Storm walked into the bathroom wearing nothing but the tight pair of dark blue boxer-briefs he slept in. Corey had many needs at this moment. The problem was, which one should he have Storm help him with first?
Pulling his thoughts out of the gutter, Corey answered, “Could you put those rubber bands lying on the counter around the tops of the gloves? That’ll keep most of the water from soaking the bandages.”
“No problem,” Storm answered. Soon Storm had the rubber bands on. “You know, you should have taken your T-shirt off before putting the gloves on. That way they won’t get caught up in the material.”
“I couldn’t get it off. I was hoping you would help me,” Corey said. When Storm chuckled, Corey knew he hadn’t pulled off the innocent act he was trying for.
Storm stood at Corey’s side. Strong fingers became gentle as they took off his shirt, being careful of his plastic-encased hands. Corey stopped breathing when a finger traced a path from Corey’s shoulder to the tip of his nipple.
“You have a fine little body, honey,” Storm murmured.
“As big as you are, I think everyone seems small to you,” Corey teased. He froze in place when Storm’s finger drew a line down the center of his belly until it reached the band of his sleep pants.
Storm’s lips brushed against Corey’s neck before they latched onto his earlobe. Corey arched his neck, giving Storm more access. It had been far too long since lips and hands have given him pleasure. Storm’s warm, rough palm slid into Corey’s pants and splayed wide, touching sensitive skin as it made its way down his lower belly until it cupped his cock.
Goose bumps broke out. Blood rushed straight down and filled Corey’s dick until his cockhead throbbed in arousal. Corey thrust his hips forward, searching for more friction.
“Storm… please…. I need so bad.” Corey opened eyes he hadn’t realized he’d closed and looked at Storm.
The gaze looking back at Corey blazed with desire. With a flick of Storm’s hand, Corey’s pants lay in a pool of green material on the white tile floor.
“Get in the shower, honey. Let me take care of you,” Storm commanded.
Corey managed to nudge the water lever with one finger to the desired temperature and scramble into the shower. Corey loved the master bathroom with its separate deep white porcelain claw tub and glass walk-in shower. Many times he took advantage of the shower’s bench, sitting on it while the water cascaded over and around him.
Shivers raced over his skin when Storm’s naked body pressed against him from behind. Warm water flowed over Corey, plastering his hair against his face.
“Raise your hands. We don’t want to get those bandages wet,” Storm said, pushing Corey’s hair out of his eyes.
Corey placed his hands flat against the glass above his head. Purposely, he widened his stance and tilted his hips.
Rough, callused hands encircled Corey’s wrists before sweeping down his arms to his shoulders, leaving more goosebumps in their wake. Corey’s skin became so sensitive and tight that his muscles jumped under Storm’s explorations.
Pain radiated from his nipples when Storm pinched them, and Corey’s body swayed with pleasure. He loved nipple play.
“Is this a hole, honey?” Storm flicked his finger over the hard nub.
“I usually wear a barbell in it, but they took that and my earring out in the hospital,” Corey said, panting when Storm pinched and twisted his nipple again.
“After we’re finished getting you showered, I’ll help you put them back in,” Storm said and twisted Corey’s other nipple.
“Ah…” Corey cried out. “Storm…please,” he begged.
Storm spread Corey’s ass cheeks, and a slick finger rubbed his sphincter. Storm’s sure, firm fingers kept rubbing until the muscle loosened. By now Corey was practically dancing with need.
“For heaven’s sakes, put it in,” he begged.
Without warning, one wide digit pushed into his body. Desire stole Corey’s breath away as Storm’s finger gave him no time to adjust and started thrusting in and circling around, loosening his muscles. A second finger joined the first, and it became too much. Corey arched his back and screamed as cum exploded out of his dick, painting the glass with white streaks.
Storm’s muscled arm caught Corey around the waist, preventing him from slumping onto the floor. “Oh no, you don’t, honey. Keep those hands on that glass. We aren’t done yet.”
Corey gritted his teeth when Storm put fingers three and four inside him. His dick refilled so fast it brushed against his belly. The man was playing him like a violin.
“No, don’t leave,” he protested when those knowledgeable fingers raked over the sensitive nerves of his hole as they pulled out.
“I’ve got something better to fill you up.” Storm’s mouth latched onto Corey’s neck, sucking hard.
An open condom wrapper landing on the bench caught Corey’s eye. The next instance Storm’s arm was wrapped tightly around his body.
“Take a deep breath and let me in,” Storm ordered.
Corey felt his eyes bug out. Never before had his hole been stretched that wide. He wanted to turn around and look at the weapon Storm was packing, but the big man’s hold wasn’t letting him go anywhere.
“Holy fuck, Storm,” Corey said.
“That’s what we’re going to do, honey. Now push out.”
Corey followed orders, and the head of Storm’s cock slid inside. Thank goodness Storm paused and let Corey adjust. Storm spent the next few minutes easing into Corey’s body. At one point, Corey heard the snick of a plastic cap and cool slickness coated his burning opening.
By the time Storm’s balls to
uched Corey’s ass, he was struggling to catch his breath from all the sensations bombarding his body.
“Let’s dance together, honey,” Storm whispered in Corey’s ear.
Corey danced with Storm. He pushed back against every steady thrust and pulled away, letting his ass muscles hug Storm’s cock on the way out. This was a magical true dance with Storm’s strong hands guiding him every step of the way.
Storm’s hips stuttered, and Storm’s expanding cock stretched Corey’s hole wider. Corey arched back and laid his head on Storm’s chest.
“Storm.”
“It’s time to come, honey. Let’s come together,” Storm whispered before twisting Corey’s nipple and trapping his dick in a firm hold.
Corey luxuriated in the sensations of thrusting his engorged dick through the tight tunnel of Storm’s hand and impaling his ass on the man’s huge cock. All the while delicious pressure built at the base of his spine.
“Storm,” he shouted before cum erupted from his dick. In his ass, he felt the powerful jets of cum through the latex of the condom. Corey shuddered, shook, and writhed through his orgasm.
Corey wanted to collapse onto the floor of the shower, but Storm had other ideas. After the big man had taken care of the condom, he proceeded to wash Corey from head to toe. By the time he finished, Corey thought another round of sex was a great idea.
Again Storm had other ideas and reminded Corey that Kris was waiting at the shop. That’s all it took to hurry both men through the rest of their shower and make their way out of the house to Kris.
* * * *
Kris watched a laughing and smiling Corey and Storm walk into the shop. The aroma of hot coffee and fresh-baked muffins overtook the usual flower smells. Large Styrofoam cups and a box were set on the counter. Both men walked over, and Storm took Kris into his arms. Firm lips covered his, and Storm kissed Kris until his toes curled. Corey budged in between, and with Storm’s arms around them both, he kissed Kris until he melted against both men.
“Wow,” Kris said. The protection of the arms encasing him eased some of the constant edges of fear he carried inside from the attack.
“Hi,” Corey said, smiling.
Kris studied Corey. Something was different about him. His gaze caught sight of Corey’s thick gold earring. Corey hadn’t worn that since being trapped in the burning house. Kris looked down at Corey’s chest. Lifting his hand, he placed a finger against Corey’s left nipple. The hard round barbell moved under it.
Corey’s body stiffened. Kris looked at his face and saw desire burning in his eyes.
“The fire captain called. In a little while I need to go over and talk to him,” Storm said.
Warmth filled Kris. The day before Kris had spent a few hours helping Storm get his resume together and emailing it to the Granite County fire station, hoping they would consider him for one of the open positions.
Kris turned to Storm and grabbed the lapels of his sports jacket. “Did they call? Oh, that was quick. You look so handsome in this jacket. I love that dress shirt. It must be tough finding clothes that fit. Those jeans look good too. I had no choice but to throw out those dress pants you had on in the hospital. Saving Corey in the fire ruined them.” A hand landed on Kris’s shoulder, getting his attention.
“Calm down. I’ve never seen you like this,” Corey said.
Storm laughed and gathered Kris close. “I like it when you get all excited about something, sugar.” Kris let his body melt against all of Storm’s hard muscles. It was exquisite, and Storm calling him sugar made it all the better.
Tender lips brushed Kris’s cheek, and he looked up into Corey’s hazel eyes. Kris knew it was time to let down some of the walls he had erected between them. A look of understanding crossed Corey’s face, telling Kris things were going to get better.
The next half-hour was spent sitting on stools around the work table while eating fresh blueberry muffins and drinking rich, steaming coffee. Kris had an idea and wondered if Storm would go for it.
“If you get the job at the firehouse, do you think I could bring Ralph here while I work?” he asked. “I could set up something for him to hide in and feel safe if he needs a break. And there’s room for the litter box in the utility room by the bathroom.”
Storm’s blue eyes sparkled, and his face lit up with a beautiful smile. The big man didn’t realize it, but at that moment, Kris fell in love with him.
“Are you trying to steal my bunny’s heart, sugar?” Storm teased.
“I think there’s enough room in Ralph’s heart for all of us. In fact I think he needs a bunny companion,” Kris said.
Storm’s blue eyes widened before his lids lowered in a slow blink. Kris chuckled. He had thrown the big guy off kilter with that one.
“Well, um…” Storm’s gaze darted around the room before coming back to rest on Kris. “Do you really think Ralph needs a companion?”
Kris smiled. “Every Ralph needs his Alice,” he said, referring to the old television show, The Honeymooners.
Storm leaned over the corner of the table and dropped a kiss on Kris’s mouth. “I think Ralph would love to come here with you. As for a companion, I’ll think about it.”
Corey was given a kiss before Storm stood up. “I have to go. I’ll be back after the interview. If you want, I can bring lunch, or we can go somewhere, whatever you two chose.”
“Have we progressed from going steady to dating, Storm?” Kris asked.
Storm’s gaze bore into Kris before looking at Corey. “Yes, and soon we are going to progress to serious dating.”
Kris shivered at the possessive look on Storm’s face. On the other side of the table, Corey shuddered.
After kissing him and Corey one more time, Storm left for his interview.
The second the shop door shut, Kris turned toward Corey.
“Did you and Storm have sex?”
Chapter Twelve
Fire Captain Dominic Naess sat behind the large desk made of dark wood and scanned the white paper sheets of Storm’s resume. After a moment, he settled back into his chair and an intense green-eyed gaze studied Storm.
They had spent the last forty-five minutes going over the department’s procedures, followed by questions and answers. Now they were getting down to the nitty-gritty of whether Storm would be joining this fire department or not.
“Here’s the thing,” he began. “Even though it’s cryptic on your resume, I can read between the lines. Your time in the armed forces is impressive and more secret than my sister’s diary. That tells me you work hard, have major skills, and are loyal. I put a call into the fire chief in the Twin Cities. He had nothing but praises about your abilities and dedication.” Captain Naess lifted a blue pen off the desk while his eyes scanned Storm’s resume again. “Your rescue the other day at the burning house was great work. Your refusal to go to the hospital was not.” The captain looked Storm right in the eye. “Can you follow an order without question, Mr. Donahue?”
“Yes, sir,” Storm answered immediately.
“If you become injured during a fire, I expect you to go to the hospital without any arguments if you need medical attention,” the captain said.
“No problem, sir,” Storm said. He made a mental note that the captain said if he needed medical attention. That left a loophole on who decided he needed to go to the hospital. If it was Storm’s decision, it wasn’t happening. Storm’s heart sank with the captain’s next words.
“If whoever is in charge of our company or I decide you need to go to the hospital, I expect complete cooperation. Are we clear on this?”
“Yes, sir.” This answer wasn’t as firm as the others.
Captain Naess chuckled. “It’s okay, Storm. We run a pretty tight ship here. There are some injuries, but they are usually few and far between.”
Storm nodded and waited. This was it. Did he have the job of his dreams in the place he wanted to stay? Was he going to be able to build a life he had envisioned with the men his heart
wanted?
“Our schedule at the fire station runs twenty-four hours on, followed by forty-eight hours off. It averages about two weekends off a month. Because of employment laws, you will also have one more day off during the month. It usually falls on a Monday or Friday unless you request a different day.” The captain looked at Storm. “That is if you accept a firefighting position with Granite City Fire Department.”
Storm didn’t hesitate. “I accept.”
Smiling, the captain held out his hand. “Welcome aboard, Storm.”
“Thank you, sir,” Storm said, shaking his new boss’s hand.
“Today is Wednesday. Would starting right away Monday morning work with your schedule? The shift starts at six a.m. and ends the following day at six a.m.”
“Sounds great,” Storm answered. Storm had a question nagging at him and decided to ask the captain outright. “When I pulled Corey out of that house the other day, I noticed a distinctive chemical smell next to the interior door of the room on fire. Was the accelerant ever identified?”
“The fire inspector concluded it was gasoline. We’ve had a string of Class B fires around the city over the last month. The house fire you were involved with was one of the bigger fires, along with an empty warehouse in the industrial park that used to be an illegal drug lab. We were called out to that one last night.” The captain sighed. “Each M.O. is the same, and I’m becoming concerned that it seems to be escalating.”
“Let’s hope the cops can find whoever is doing this,” Storm said.
“The sheriff has his men investigating every lead. It just takes one mistake, and they’ll catch him,” the captain said.
“Let’s hope so,” Storm said. He stood when the captain did, sensing the interview was over.
“Thanks for coming in. I think you will be a great addition to the company,” the captain said, indicating that Storm precede him to the door.
Progressing with Storm [Granite County 5] (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting ManLove) Page 8