Love in the Clouds

by Sarah Hadley Brook

  Raf stroked Dustin’s arms and kissed his way across Dustin’s face, then down his neck. Dustin arched his head to the side, giving Raf more access. “We’re idiots.”

  Raf pulled away, but held Dustin’s hips and glanced at him, brow scrunched and face flushed. Dustin couldn’t believe how striking he looked. His caramel skin, the facial stubble, dark chocolate brown eyes, and lips that made Dustin want to kiss him all the time.

  “I just mean, if we’d figured this out a long time ago, we could have been having the best sex of our lives way before now.”

  Raf gave a rakish grin. “Are you saying I’m the best you’ve ever had?”

  Dustin rolled his eyes. “Oh, God, did I just inflate your ego?”

  “Being with you is the best, too. Watching you come is…fucking beautiful.”

  Dustin’s belly flipped and he shivered. He’d never dated a man who’d said anything even close to being as fantastic as those words. He stroked Raf’s cheek as an urgent desire to be with the man washed over him, and he didn’t care how that made him sound. “I need you, Raf. Right now. Here. Any way you want it as long as you’re inside of me soon.”

  The air fairly crackled and Raf’s eyes flashed dark. “Lube? Condoms?”

  “In my room.”

  “Go get them and meet me in the living room.”

  Dustin shuddered at the heat in Raf’s words. He appreciated a man who took control. And this was Raf, making it all the more perfect.

  He restrained himself from running, even though he felt like a walking hormone and his cock was already so hard it hurt. Dustin didn’t want to look foolish in front of Raf, but the need to be fucked by him was almost primal. Something out of his control. And shit, he wanted it. Wanted it dirty. He secretly wanted Raf to make him beg. Down deep in his core, in that hidden part of himself, he loved the way it made him feel to beg.

  He grabbed the items from his nightstand and went to the living room to find Raf shirtless, the top button on his jeans undone, and shoes set to the side. He stood with hands on hips, looking at Dustin like a starving man stares at the lobster in those restaurant tanks. He crooked his finger, and Dustin stopped just inches from him.

  Raf took the supplies and tossed them on the sofa.

  “You need to catch up.” Raf pointed at Dustin’s shirt.

  He pulled his shirt off in seconds. Raf curled his fingers under Dustin’s waistband, undid the button, then slowly unzipped him and stepped back.

  “Take them off. I want to see you. All of you.”

  The desire in his voice made Dustin move quickly, stripping out of his jeans and boxer briefs until he stood naked. He wrapped his hand around his hard shaft and pumped, rolling his hand over the engorged head and slicking it up. Raf watched, rapt, as the bulge in his own jeans grew more prominent.

  “You going to join me, Raf? You going to bend me over this sofa? Fill me again?” Dustin let his hand glide over his abs, over his pecs, and pinched his nipples.

  Raf got naked and sat on the sofa, stroking himself while he watched Dustin.

  Dustin dropped to his knees, eager to taste Raf. He licked along the inside of his thigh, then nuzzled his balls. Raf’s sharp intake of breath told Dustin he enjoyed the attention. He wrapped his fingers around the base of Raf’s dick and brushed the head across his lips, then licked at the liquid.

  He moaned at the headiness of tasting Raf. It drove him on and he slipped the head between his lips. Raf gripped Dustin’s hair, letting out his own guttural moan.

  Dustin tasted and swirled with this tongue. He tried to push the cock into his throat, but gagged and tried again.

  “Don’t hurt yourself,” Raf murmured.

  “Just hold my head. Like you’re…in control.”

  Raf’s eyes widened, desire flashing in them. “Does that get you off?”

  “God, yes.” He trembled with his admission. Would Raf think less of him? He wasn’t submissive in his daily life by a long shot and he wasn’t always into the dominant thing, but sometimes the need to let go and relinquish control overwhelmed him. And today, like the previous evening, he wanted it badly. Allowing himself to share this part with Raf—show the man even more than he had last night—felt freeing.

  Something visibly shifted in Raf as he stared down at Dustin. “Suck my cock,” he commanded, low and rough.

  A thrill rippled through Dustin as he took him in deep. Raf gripped his head again, guiding him, and he moaned as Dustin rolled the balls in his free hand.

  “Fuck, Dusty. Your mouth. So hot.”

  Raf thrust forward, meeting Dustin’s mouth as he slid him in and out. When he pulled him out again and looked up at Raf, he saw a man on the brink of losing control.

  “What would you do if I ordered you onto the floor on all fours?” Raf asked, his dark eyes staring down at him.

  Dustin’s heart hammered in his ears, lust coursing through him creating goosebumps on his skin. Explode. Beg. “Obey.”

  Raf rose from the sofa, towering over Dustin, who sat back on his heels, maintaining eye contact. The man oozed power, a quiet strength that existed just under the surface, carefully controlled until summoned. If it had been anyone but Raf, Dustin might have been wary, but this was his best friend. And Dustin trusted him in every way.

  “On your knees, Dusty. Head on the ground, arms stretched above your head.”

  His tone left no room for argument. This was a command. And Dustin moved so fast he nearly tripped over Raf’s foot. In seconds, he knelt in the exact position Raf had demanded.

  Raf dropped to his knees, nudging Dustin’s legs farther apart. Cold air blew against his hole, and he shuddered. Raf gripped his ass and he waited. Knowing Raf was in the driver’s seat made Dustin ache to be fucked.

  Raf’s hands slid up his back and curled around his shoulders, his body leaning across Dustin’s. Raf placed soft, wet kisses on his shoulders, then stroked his back, his sides, and continued kissing him until Dustin shivered and felt like he was melting.

  Soon, when Raf licked over his hole, Dustin nearly came off the carpet. But Raf’s strong hand held him in place.

  Raf leaned forward, forcing several of his fingers into Dustin’s mouth. “Suck.”

  Dusty sucked them greedily, knowing what Raf had planned.

  Finally, Raf used those slick fingers on Dustin’s crack. “You’re so sexy, Dusty. God, I could play with your ass all day. You’re so tight and hot. I want to bury my cock in you until I’m balls deep again. Do you want to feel my balls slapping against you?”

  Dustin let out a strangled moan. “Fuck, yes.”

  “Do you like it dirty, Sunshine?”

  “Yes. Fuck, yes, Raf.” Dustin glance back at him. “Please…”

  Raf’s lips curved into a wolfish smile. “Say please again.”

  “Please,” he begged, pleasure at letting go rolling through him. “Please, Raf.”

  Raf continued his gentle stroking, his fingers tracing Dustin’s hole, teasing, pushing gently, then teasing again. Then Raf’s finger slipped inside. “Fuck, Dusty. So hot. Your ass is so greedy for my fingers. You want it so badly, don’t you?”

  Dustin could only moan an answer, too focused on the sensation of Raf’s finger sliding deeper. Raf twisted and stretched him. But it wasn’t enough. Dustin needed more. He wanted that fullness his body craved.

  “Another,” he pleaded, needing the burn.

  Raf chuckled. “God, look at you, Dusty. Your gorgeous ass in the air, offered to me. Begging me to stretch you and get you ready for my cock. Hotter than any fantasy I’ve ever had about you.” He pushed into Dustin again, this time using two fingers.

  “Yes,” he hissed, the burn he needed finally coming. “That feels so good.”

  “That’s it, Dusty. Take my fingers like you need them. Oh, yeah, you want it so badly.”

  Shit. He did. He wanted it more than he wanted to breathe. Wanted nothing more than Raf’s cock to fill him.

  When Raf added a third finger
and brushed against that secret spot, white hot bolts of lightning zinged through Dusty. “Need you. Please. Fuck me. Fill me. Make me yours, please, Raf.”

  In seconds, Raf had rolled the condom on and slicked Dustin’s hole with lube. Dustin braced himself, his body shuddering with desire. Soon, the tip of Raf’s cock slid over his opening.

  “Tell me again, Dusty. Tell me you want me to make you mine.”

  “Make me yours, Raf. Please,” he whimpered, so coiled up with the urgent need to feel Raf inside, he could barely see straight.

  With that, Raf entered him, gliding deep in one swift thrust.

  “Yes,” Dustin cried. With the burn came pure bliss.

  Raf stroked him everywhere, holding back until Dustin’s body grew accustomed to the cock. Emotions rushed through Dustin. This man cared for him, put his pleasure above his own. He turned to meet Raf’s gaze, and this time he saw more than lust. No matter how dirty or hot it became, Raf was offering Dustin his heart. He blinked back tears, a rush of additional emotions overcoming him.

  “I’m ready,” Dustin whispered, hoping Raf knew he meant more than just being ready for him to move. He was ready for anything and everything with Raf.

  Raf pulled back, inch by inch, their gazes never wavering, until he plunged in hard. Raf pounded him, fucking so hard and fast Dustin couldn’t stop moaning. It felt so damn good. And that fueled Raf even more.

  His best friend held him in place. “Fuck, Dusty. So good. Feels so good.”

  Dustin became too lost to sensations to focus on the words, but the grunts, the sound of their sweat-slicked bodies slapping together, Raf’s hips slamming against Dustin’s ass filled his mind.

  “Are you mine, Dusty?”

  Raf’s words filtered through the haze of pleasure. “Yes…yes, I am.”

  Raf leaned forward and kissed his shoulder blade, while his hand stroked Dusty’s throbbing cock.

  “Are you mine?” Dusty asked, repeating Raf’s words.

  “Oh, Dusty. Don’t you know? I’ve been yours forever. Always,” he said, panting, his voice gravelly with exertion.

  Dustin’s heart swelled. His balls tightened, bliss skittering down his spine and heat uncoiling inside. His release burst through him, shattering him into a million pieces. Raf’s hips stuttered and Dustin felt the warmth jetting out deep inside. He reached back and gripped Raf’s arm, holding on as he fell back to Earth, his body no longer shattered, but still fragile.

  Once Raf pulled out, Dustin stood, his legs shaky, his heart open and vulnerable. Raf guided him onto the sofa, where they lay together. Dustin’s head rested on Raf’s chest, his hand on his lover’s belly, while the man’s arm wrapped around him. They drifted off, legs tangled, fingers stroking skin, hearts beating hard—a perfect way to spend the afternoon. The bookshelf would have to wait.

  Chapter 11

  Rafael

  His phone buzzed, tugging at him in his sleep. Rafael tried to ignore it, but Dustin shifted in his arms, waking up. “Raf.”

  “No.” He kissed the top of Dustin’s head. “I don’t want to get up.”

  The buzzing stopped and he raked his fingers through Dustin’s hair. Dustin kissed his chest and Rafael wondered what time it was, because he felt like he’d slept for hours. A glance at the large living room window didn’t help, as it was covered in teal-and-cream-patterned drapes, blocking out sunlight.

  When his phone went off again, he shook Dustin, since the guy was halfway on top of him.

  “Okay, okay. I’ll get it,” Dustin mumbled, pulling himself up to a sitting position and just stayed there.

  Rafael laughed. “I know you’re hard to wake up, but are you always this dazed after sex? Well, great sex. Phenomenal sex, really.”

  Dustin’s lips curved up in a slow smile. “Definitely phenomenal.” He leaned down to kiss Rafael’s cheek. “I’ll grab your phone.”

  It had stopped buzzing, but Rafael had a feeling it would start again. “It’s in one of the front pockets of my jeans.”

  Dustin stood and stretched his arms, twisting a little, before locating the phone. Rafael couldn’t help whistling—how was he supposed to not whistle at that gorgeous ass?

  Dustin whirled around. “I take it you like what you see?”

  “Oh, yeah.”

  Dustin lay back down on the sofa, handing the phone to him.

  Rafael tensed as soon as he saw who was calling. Now, he rose to a sitting position, pulling Dustin with him.

  “Your mother?”

  “How did you know?”

  “Because the only times you get this tense are when you have to deal with her.”

  He checked the time on his phone: 5:15 P.M. “God, I feel like a terrible son, but I don’t want to call her back. She probably wants money again.”

  Dustin cupped his cheek. “You don’t have to call her back. You are not responsible for her choices.”

  He knew that, but the internal battle was already in full swing. He went through it so much it had become ingrained in him. Call her. Don’t call her. Answer her call. Don’t. Cut ties. She’s your mother. Who else does she have? Rafael’s sister wasn’t speaking to her. It could go on forever. Except that his phone buzzed once more. Her again.

  “I have to answer. It could be an emergency.”

  Dustin nodded, his eyes full of empathy rather than judgment. It felt good to have someone understand what he was going through.

  He answered. “Hi Mom.” His jaw clenched while he waited for her to speak.

  “Hello? Is this Rafael?”

  He straightened, fear gripping him. “Who’s using my mom’s phone?”

  “My name is Joey. I’m a bartender at Lagoon’s Bar.”

  Rafael’s shoulders sagged and he pinched the top of his nose between his thumb and forefinger. He knew what was coming. He’d heard it before.

  “Your mom needs a ride home and she’s refusing to leave. She’s…pretty drunk. She made a scene when I refused to serve her anymore. We’re not going to let her drive and she’s refusing to get into a taxi. My boss wants to call the police, but I’ve seen her in here before and she’s usually well-behaved. She dropped her phone when throwing her purse at me and I found your number. It’s got the word ‘son’ next to your name.”

  “I’ll be there as soon as possible.” He ended the call, letting his head fall onto Dustin’s shoulder. Dustin wrapped him in his arms as Rafael filled him in.

  “I’ll go with you,” Dustin assured him.

  “You’ve never seen her like this. I don’t want to drag you into this mess. She’s fucking drunk on a Sunday afternoon!”

  “If we’re doing this…thing…we’re doing, then you have to let me help. It’s in the boyfriend rule book.”

  Rafael’s heart flipped. “Boyfriend?”

  Dustin blushed. “Oh, I guess…I mean, I was assuming…Shit. Raf, I’m sorry. That was probably jumping the gun.”

  Rafael pressed two fingers to Dustin’s lips. “Hush, Sunshine. Being your boyfriend is all I’ve ever wanted. But as much as I’d rather sit here naked with my boyfriend, I need to pick her up.”

  Dustin’s eyes crinkled as he smiled. “Then let’s get a move on. I’ve got plans for you tonight.”

  The drive had taken only ten minutes, but trying to get his mom to leave would likely take much longer. He found her in rare form.

  “Rafael,” she cried as he entered the hole-in-the-wall bar. The stench of smoke and alcohol nearly bowled him over. Grimy walls, old vinyl barstools, and rickety tables with mismatched chairs filled the small space, while a jukebox that had to be from the 1970s sat in the far corner.

  His mom ran to him, hugging him, but he gripped her shoulders, pushing her away. Black lines of mascara had dried on her pale face and her too-bright pink lipstick blurred into the skin around her mouth. She scrunched her face when she noticed Dustin. “Who are you?” she slurred.

  “You’ve met Dustin, Mom.” He held himself back from rolling his eyes at the dru
nken disaster. “He was with me when I got the call to pick you up.”

  “I don’t need to go home. I want a beer and then I’ll head home. I’m not even tipsy.”

  He wondered how many drunks told themselves that very same thing to justify going out on the road and killing someone. He held her elbow and glanced around. The place was pretty empty, but a couple of people watched the show. He sighed and turned to Dustin. “I’m so sorry.”

  “Boyfriend rule book, remember?” he whispered and smiled.

  God, it felt good to have Dustin by his side.

  Spying movement out of the side of his eyes, Rafael saw a cute blond sweeping up glass with a broom. He glanced at Dustin, who nodded, indicating he’d keep an eye on Rafael’s mom.

  Rafael strode over and offered his hand. “Are you the one that called me?”

  “Yeah. I’m sorry about that. But I also grew up with a mom like that and I know how bad it gets when they’re arrested. The…guilt.”

  He gestured to the glass. “Did she do this?”

  “She grabbed a couple of people’s beers and threw them to the ground.”

  Un-fucking-believable. “I’m really sorry.” He pulled out his wallet and paid for the beers. “Thank you for calling. Really.”

  “I’ve got her purse and phone behind the bar. Hang on a second.”

  Rafael turned to find Dustin talking with his mom, but she seemed confused.

  Once he had her purse and phone—and had thanked the bartender again—he grabbed his mom’s elbow and steered her outside, ignoring her protests. He could see the inevitable drowsiness hitting her. Soon, she would be nearly comatose. He just needed to get her back to her house.

  “Do you want me to follow in her car?” Dustin asked. “That way you don’t have to come back tomorrow.”

  Rafael nearly cried at that. Too many times he’d had to return to wherever she’d left her car when she got too drunk. Knowing someone had his back was something he hadn’t ever considered. They’d been friends a long time and Rafael had always known Dustin would be there for him if he’d asked, but he hadn’t wanted to show him the awful reality that was Jennifer Patino. The walking, talking, drunk woman that had raised him. But sharing his heart with Dustin had already changed something deep inside him. He welcomed the help. Too choked up to say anything, he nodded.