by Elise Whyles
Watching Luke roll the thin layer of protection on, Sean shivered. He gasped at the feel of the icy lubrication, his heart racing in anticipation.
He cried out at the first hint of pressure on his rosette, the flesh giving way beneath the touch. His hips lurched upward off the bed before slamming back, impaling himself again and again. Rolling, pitching, his fingers flexing into the sheets, Luke tossed about on the bed.
“Now, please. God, now! More. I don’t care. Just need you, need to feel you.” He panted, spreading himself obscenely. He whined in protest when Sean’s touch slipped away before he sighed. The hot, hard push of something bigger easing the longing.
Tasting Sean’s breath, feeling the hot wash of it on his face, Luke lifted his legs, moving with Sean’s body as he spread him wide. Sean sank deep into him with one solid thrust, and Luke garbled a scream.
Without wasting a beat, Sean withdrew and then slammed into him again and again. The sound of flesh slapping flesh and the whimpers and whines of totally abandoned lovemaking filled the room. The bed creaked and groaned beneath their weight, the headboard pounding against the wall with every thrust.
Luke forced his eyes open, focusing with difficulty on the man above him. Sweat beaded his forehead, and his hand clung to Luke’s skin. A fine hue of pink darkened his skin. Lips parted, Sean huffed with each movement of his hips.
“Please.” Sean thrust deep. “I want you. Need you.” He bent his head, nuzzling into Luke’s throat.
Luke didn’t remember moving his arm until he felt the glide of hair over his fingers. Tightening them in Sean’s hair, he pulled. Looking into his eyes, Luke smiled, as Sean’s ankles crossed behind his back. “Anything, babe, anything you want.”
Sean lunged forward to kiss him, careful of Luke’s injured arm. His tongue slammed into his mouth, twisting, dancing with Luke’s, leaving both of them panting. Breaking away, Sean shifted, lifting Luke’s willing body until he was almost bent in half.
The slapping of his balls against Luke’s ass was music to Luke’s ears as he grabbed his cock. Jacking off in time with Sean’s thrusts, Luke stared at his lover. The desperation, the need in his face, only added to his pleasure. For the first time in his life, Luke knew what it meant to have a lover who wanted him, wanted more than just the satisfaction of a good fuck.
Screaming as his orgasm hit, Luke felt the hot splash of thick white streams against his chest. He clung to Sean, the condom swelling with each jet of his orgasm. Panting, his body weakened, Luke whined as Sean slipped from him. He lay a breathless, boneless mess as Sean hurried from the room to dispose of the condom. A moment later, towel in hand, he returned to the bedroom.
Luke watched him tend to the mess he’d made before tossing the towel aside and snuggling against him. Too exhausted to move, Luke wiggled into Sean’s body, pulling the sheet up over them.
“Stay.”
“Always.” The heat of Sean pressing a kiss to his temple was the last thing Luke felt as sleep claimed him.
Chapter 25
“What the…” Luke bolted upright in bed. Beside him, Sean snuffled in his sleep, snuggling deeper into the pillows. A lock of hair had fallen across his forehead, and Luke smiled. The urge to move it was too much, and he smoothed it back before glancing around. Sunlight had spread across the room, casting it in a creamy glow. A layer of heat swelled in the room, an indication he’d forgotten to turn the air conditioner on.
“Luke? Where the hell are you?” Jack’s strident tone drew his attention.
Tossing back the covers, he grabbed for something to cover his ass with even as he heard the unmistakable sound of booted feet in his hallway. “Oh fuck.”
“What’s the matter?” Sean groaned from the bed.
“Company.” Luke struggled to get the sweats up over his cock without using his bad arm. He glanced at the bed, freezing at the look of pain in Sean’s gaze before it was carefully masked. When Sean took the sheet with him when he stood, Luke swallowed, the fight with his clothes long forgotten. “Sean?”
“I guess I’d better get dressed then.” Mono-toned, his voice betrayed nothing, but it didn’t fool Luke.
“Like hell.” Scrambling across the bed, Luke grabbed Sean’s wrist and tugged. “This is your bed as much as it is mine. If they have an issue with you in it, that’s on them.”
“Luke!” Jack’s voice preceded the pounding on the bedroom door mere seconds before it swung open to reveal a concerned man dressed in the familiar blue of a uniform.
“What?” Luke gulped, tightening his fingers on Sean’s wrist when Sean moved to pull away.
“I’ve been calling you for the last half hour.” Jack shook his head, his gaze darting to where Sean stood. “I see why you didn’t answer my call. Hi, Sean.”
“Uh, yeah, I was a bit busy.” Luke flashed a grin. “What can I say, you snooze you lose, and when you’ve got a man as hot as mine, you don’t wait around for your best friend to call. What did you want?” He pressed a kiss to Sean’s tense shoulder, his good arm snaking out to wrap around his waist.
“I told you Gillian and I were stopping by.”
“In your uniform?” Luke stared at him. “Okay, so what’s up? You can’t have come over here just to see if I was okay.”
“I did. Sean, good to see you again.” Jack offered a quick smile. “I’ll put coffee on if you two would like to get dressed. Luke, got a favor to ask of you when you’re decent.”
“Him, decent?” Sean snickered. “Doesn’t know the meaning of the word.”
“Smartass.” Luke chuckled as Jack closed the door. He turned to Sean, tugging him around to face him. “No matter who comes to the door, babe, you belong here. I’m not going to let anyone or anything stand in the way of us. Not even my pride.”
“Why?” Sean glanced away for a second. “We both know you could do better than me. Don’t get me wrong, I want to be with you, but why would you want the small-dicked, insecure virgin who can’t even tell his dad he’s gay.”
“Who said you were small-dicked?” Luke frowned, his gaze slanting down as he tugged away the sheet. “You’re built to satisfy me. Anyone who said different is an idiot. And you’re not a virgin anymore. I know we’ve got a long way to go, babe, but don’t let anyone or anything stand in the way of what you want. If you want me … you got me.”
“Even if it means my father’s gunning for your head?”
“Let him try. The man doesn’t know we have friends in high places. Come on, let’s get something on and head out to grab a coffee. Don’t want to embarrass Gillian; the woman’s likely to have a heart attack if we go out parading in our briefs.” Luke chuckled at the stirring of a memory of the first time he’d met the young woman his best friend was head over heels for.
Sean nodded with a slight grin. He pulled on his jeans and buttoned them quickly. After a quick kiss, he tugged up Luke’s sweats and followed him from the room. Hand in hand, they hurried into the kitchen where Jack hovered next to Gillian.
“Hi.” Gillian flushed slightly when she spotted them but offered a warm smile. “Coffee was still hot so we didn’t make a new pot.”
“So what’s up?” Luke settled on a tall stool, wrapping his good arm around Sean’s waist. “You said you had something to ask me.”
“Yeah, we’re going to hold our engagement party at Don’s in a couple of weeks. Was wondering if you could help out,” Jack explained. “Don’s already agreed to let us have the bar for the party, for a small fee, of course.”
“Of course. So you want me to what, decorate?”
“While you’d be the optimal choice, no. Gillian doesn’t have a lot of family, so we’re sort of counting on this as being a get-to-know-you event as well. You know us both, so maybe you could help us with the guest list and such.” Jack squeezed Gillian’s shoulder, a look of utter adoration on his face.
“What do you think?” Sean nudged Luke. “You could help out with ease.”
“Sure, you can help me.”<
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“I don’t…” Sean swallowed, something flashing in his eyes.
“We’d love to have you, Sean. Anyone who’s man enough to put up with Luke is more than welcome.” Gillian winked. “Especially considering he’s not exactly the easiest guy to understand at times. What sane man, gay or straight, sleeps on the floor to keep his best friend from making love?”
Sean laughed. “I suppose we could help out. If you’re sure.”
“We are.” Gillian reached over to pat his arm. “It’s nice to see Luke smile again, and you’re the reason for that.”
“When is it?”
“On the fifteenth.”
“It’s doable.” Luke smiled at Sean who drew circles along his side with his fingers. He snuggled against him, listening with only half an ear as Gillian spoke to Sean. Knowing Jack like he did, he had an idea for the perfect gift … one he would certainly get a kick out of.
“Luke.” Jack nudged him. “Luke, we have to run. I have to get Gillian to the shop. We’re going to open the doors in a couple of months.”
“Shop?” Luke frowned. “You don’t mean your fire safety store.”
“Yes.”
“I thought you said it would take years to get it up and going. The bank turned you down.”
“The bank did, but Gillian didn’t.” Jack grinned. “Gillian was kind enough to invest in the store.”
“They released your inheritance?”
“Yes, or at least a portion of it. I managed to get what was in Mother’s bank account.” Gillian sipped at her coffee.
“What happened?” Sean leaned toward Luke, a frown tugging his brows down.
“My mother embezzled thousands of dollars from me,” Gillian explained with a pained smile. “Her and my ex-boyfriend plotted to steal my inheritance.”
“Did they sentence her yet?”
“No. The lawyer said it could take months between the trial and sentencing. She won’t be getting out any time soon, though, so I’m content. You weren’t here for the trial.”
“Yeah, sorry about that. If I had of been…”
“It’s not important.” Gillian smiled. “She’s where she needs to be, and I’m happy. I have a man who loves me, a life I’m proud of, and a chance to have what I’ve always wanted. What more does a girl need?”
Luke nodded. Gillian was stronger than she looked, and he was proud of her. “Okay, we won’t keep you. So I’ll get to work on planning a get-together at Don’s. You two just get happy.”
Laughing, Jack and Gillian headed for the front door. “We’ll see you over for dinner before the party.” Jack stared at Luke, a familiar glare on his face before he ushered Gillian outside.
“What was that look for?” Sean nodded to the closed door.
“It's his behave yourself and don't be an ass look,” Luke explained.
“Ah. He does know you.” Sean smiled and pressed a quick kiss to his lips.
“Yes, he does. Well, damn.” Luke huffed. “I guess this means you’re helping me plan an engagement party.”
“You sure? I’m not exactly the kinda guy one would think of as a planner for something…”
“Babe, I have faith in you.” Luke nipped at his lip. “So, what do you say to breakfast … err, rather, lunch. Then we can go get your things.”
Sean froze, his gaze locking on Luke’s. Uncertainty tangled with hope in his green eyes. “You sure about that?”
“Yes.” Luke smiled. He was certain. He wanted Sean, not just for the moment but forever. “I meant it. Anything, anywhere, anytime … if you want it or need something from me, just say so. I’m here for you. No matter what, I’m going to be sure you understand I want you. Doesn’t matter how or why, just that you know I do.” Luke sighed. He wasn’t a fool. He had to prove it to Sean; words wouldn’t be enough. Not after throwing him aside like he had, but he had to at least offer some form of reassurance. Pushing past his maudlin thoughts, he kissed Sean and stood. “Come on handsome, let’s get a move on. We have to go to work tomorrow.”
Sean nodded, stepping back to let Luke stand. Hand in hand, they headed for the bedroom. It wouldn’t take long to get what little he had in his rented room back to the house. Luke, however, wasn’t about to allow Sean any time to get doubts.
* * * *
“You seem pensive.” Sean jumped when Rick nudged his shoulder. He glanced at Rick and shrugged before refocusing on Luke who stood talking to some guy he’d never met. He still hadn’t met all of Luke’s friends, and he didn’t think he would. The man had more friends than he’d ever guessed.
“Pensive?”
“Yeah, Jack told me you and Luke were back together.” Rick offered him a treat from the open bag in his hand.
Sean refused with a wave of his hand. Doubts floated like clouds in his head. They kept him awake at night. The past seven days had been ideal, filled with laughter and hot sex … but what was going to happen when he did something Luke didn’t agree with? What would he do if Luke decided he wanted a more self-assured lover? Not one with hang-ups that rivaled the size of Banff. “Kinda hard not to be.”
“You two work it out?” Rick popped a Cheezy into his mouth and wiped his fingers on his pants leg. “Seems to me you took him back with a minimal of fuss. I heard Jack found the two of you in bed.”
“Sleeping.” Sean ducked his head to hide the wave of heat crawling up his neck. “If he’d been twenty minutes earlier, he’d have something to be embarrassed about.”
“It’s not the sex I’m worried about, Sean. We’re friends. Friends help each other out. I can see there’s trouble in paradise. You may be in his bed, but your heart’s hanging on the edge of the fall.”
“Nothing saying I can’t protect myself. I think we both know how this is going to end. Badly.” Sean sighed and leaned forward to brace his elbows on his knees. “Luke doesn’t understand there are some things in this world you can’t change. I’m not some sophisticated lover like he’s had in the past.”
“I think that’s why you’re so special, why he wants you so much.” Rick popped another cheesy treat into his mouth and chewed. “What about you? How are you going to handle it? Don’t you think you should be honest with him? If you’re not in it for the long haul, he’s going to be hurt.”
“I have no intention of hurting Luke.” Sean twisted his neck to stare at Rick. “I promised to give him another shot, and I will. I’m just not going to jump into the deep end without knowing what’s under the surface.”
Rick nodded. “Something tells me what’s under the surface may just shock you. You going to Jack and Gilli’s engagement party?”
Sean breathed a sigh of relief at the sudden change of topic. He had his own worries and fears in regard to his relationship with Luke. There were some things he still had doubts about, things he still had to face, and he wasn’t sure Luke could or would accept them. “Yes, I’m going shopping for a gift for them. Not sure what to get them, though.”
“I know Jack, so whatever you get him put a bit of a kink to it. Man’s pretty adventurous in bed.”
“Uh, that’s fine but what about her?” Sean grinned. “She doesn’t strike me as a whips and chains kinda gal.”
Rick chuckled, a flash of something in his eyes that set Sean’s curiosity on high. “Don’t let her appearance fool you. Gillian is a woman unlike any you’ve ever met. I’ve got to run, have a shift in a few hours. See you at the party.”
“Yeah, see you then.” Sean watched him disappear and grinned. He liked Rick, he was a no nonsense kinda guy, and his friendship had made dealing with Luke’s initial hospitalization easier.
“You look lost in thought.” Luke snuggled against him, one hand moving to rub Sean’s back.
“Just wondering if anyone would notice if I ravished you here and now.” Sean laughed at Luke’s stunned expression. “Naw, Rick was giving me some tips on what to get Jack and Gillian for their engagement.”
“Hmm, yeah, we should head over and get something.” L
uke pressed a quick kiss to Sean’s neck and tugged him off the bench. Leaving his confusion behind, Sean followed with a quick grin. One day at a time.
Chapter 26
The loud throb of the jukebox spilled out into the parking lot as Luke led Sean into Don’s Pub. Hands locked, he smiled at a couple of regulars at the bar. He caught sight of Gillian by the pool tables.
“I see Gillian.” Luke leaned closer and nudged Sean to look toward the back. “She’s studying the pool tables again.”
“Why?”
“Jack’s been trying to teach her how to play. Gillian’s what you could call a genius, but she’s not a strategist. Jack keeps saying they have a lot of fun playing pool, but something tells me it has nothing to do with the game.”
“This from the guy who bought them rope?” Sean laughed. “You know it’s code for something other than a game of pool. If it gets them hot, all the better.” Sean leaned into Luke. “If I remember correctly, those tables are excellent for more than just playing with balls.”
Luke laughed and nudged past two burly men dressed in jeans and T-shirts. “You’re right. I’m gonna grab a drink. What do you want, babe?”
“Ugh, I’ll have a Coke.” Sean squeezed his hand before heading for a table. Settling against the leather of the bench, he tapped his toe to the beat from the jukebox as he watched Luke sidle up to the bar. Dressed in tight black jeans and a white shirt, Luke looked like sex poured into denim. He lounged against the bar, talking to the old bartender.
Winking at Luke who blew him a kiss, Sean braced an ankle on his opposite knee and watched the crowd. Jack and Gillian were locked together dancing to the music. The upbeat music wasn’t meant for slow dancing, but they were certainly making it work. He flushed when he caught Jack’s hands groping Gillian’s ass.
“Well, they certainly aren’t shy.” Luke set their drinks on the table before he scooted into the booth, pressing against him from hip to knee.