Best Man

by Shelley Munro

  “You’re gay,” she spat. “You’re half a man.”

  “No, I’m not gay,” Jesse lied, an amused smile on his lips. “You can insult me all you like. I don’t care. If you lifted the chip off your shoulder and stopped your childish behavior, people might like you more.” He stood before she had a chance to reply and made his way over to Cassie’s mother. “Would you like to dance, Mrs. Pendergrast?”

  Cassie’s mother stood. “I’d love to.”

  “Oh dang,” the elderly woman sitting beside her said. “I thought he was going to ask me.”

  “Hush, Mother,” Cassie’s mother said. “I’m sure he’ll let you have the next dance.”

  Jesse laughed aloud, the acceptance of the Pendergrast family making him humble. “It would be my pleasure.”

  Jesse lost count of the number of women, the number of dances. He no sooner finished one than someone else whisked him off for the next. Gradually the family members and guests started to depart. He walked across the floor to where Nolan, Cassie and Grayson stood chatting.

  “I thought the bride and groom were meant to leave first?” Jesse winked at Grayson.

  Nolan took Cassie’s hand and placed a kiss on the back of it. “We only have to walk upstairs tonight. We figured we’d celebrate to the last.”

  The band announced the final dance—the last waltz.

  Cassie gave a mischievous grin. “I dare you and Grayson to dance together.”

  “That’s not a good idea,” Nolan said with a furtive glance around him to see who remained in the ballroom.

  “’Course it is,” Grayson said. “We’ll act like it’s a joke. It will give credence to our just-friends-fooling-around story. Besides, Jesse has danced with just about everyone else tonight. I’m feeling a bit left out.”

  “Aw, Grayson. I’m sorry, mate. Would you like this dance?” Jesse’s heart pounded at the idea of touching Grayson again and the thought of doing it in public made it even more special. His lover looked striking in his dark suit and dazzling white shirt. Hot, even though clothes covered his sexy body.

  “Why, Jesse, I’m so glad you asked. I’ll lead.”

  “No,” Jesse said firmly. “I’ll lead.”

  Cassie giggled and the four moved onto the dance floor.

  The male singer sang the last waltz. Jesse grinned at his lover while they spun around the floor.

  Grayson smirked back. “I love to touch you, but I like it better when you’re naked.”

  Jesse’s cock reared at the words. Afraid of creating a scene, he purposely stood on Grayson’s foot.

  “Ow, watch it!” Grayson howled.

  Jesse sniggered and came to a stop on the edge of the dance floor near the main exit. “You shouldn’t make suggestive comments like that. It mucked up my concentration.”

  “You like dirty talk.”

  “True, but not in places where I can’t respond.”

  Cassie and Nolan joined them. “Are you leaving?” Cassie asked just as the final notes of the song played.

  “Yeah, I think so.” Jesse’s brows arched in silent query when he checked for Grayson’s reaction.

  “Good, we’ll walk out with you,” Nolan said.

  Grayson’s entire body trembled with need and the cooler air outside the ballroom did nothing to quell the urgent heat. He’d spent the entire night watching Jesse on the dance floor. The man moved well and dressed in the dark suit, he looked hot. Hell yeah, they were heading for their room. If Jesse suggested stopping for a drink on the way, he’d hit him. Among other things.

  “We’ll see you in the morning,” Cassie said.

  “You gonna tell us where you’re going for a honeymoon?” Jesse asked.

  “Not likely,” Nolan said.

  A snort escaped Grayson. “At least you know we wouldn’t blab to the press.”

  “True, but I’m still not telling.”

  “Cassie, good night.” Jesse bent to kiss her cheek. “If Nolan doesn’t look after you, come and tell me. I’ll sort him out.”

  Nolan said a rude word and made them all laugh.

  Grayson kissed her too. “Same goes. Jesse and I can take care of Nolan.”

  Nolan said another rude word and clapped Grayson over the head.

  They parted ways and to Grayson’s relief, Jesse headed straight to the bungalow without stops on the way. Grayson unlocked the door and stepped inside, relocking it before he turned to his lover.

  “Are you worried about the photo appearing in the paper tomorrow?”

  “A bit,” Jesse conceded. “I thought about it a lot tonight before I decided I couldn’t do much. Besides, the photo is very grainy. I intend to lie through my teeth and deny everything.”

  “That’s pretty much my feeling although I thought when you told Neal’s friend to call you Mr. Powder Puff it might cause red flags.”

  “Look. We’re rugby players. We’ve never done anything wrong to attract public attention. All we need to do is play out of our skins to make the All Blacks and keep our heads down.”

  Fear kicked Grayson in the gut. “Are you saying we shouldn’t see each other again? Shouldn’t be together?”

  “Hell no. We just need to act discreetly and watch our behavior in public. I want you, Gray. Make no mistake about that.”

  Grayson let out a breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding. “Good. Yeah, I agree. This is one case where denial is the best way to go, even though it goes against gut instinct to lie. Nolan and Cassie will stand by us.”

  “The Pendergrasts too. Cassie’s father shouted at Serena,” Jesse said. “Cassie’s grandmother told me so just before she pinched my arse. Damn, she was quick. I couldn’t move fast enough.”

  Grayson walked toward him, his lips twitching while he surveyed Jesse closely. “Maybe you should let a few forwards tackle you on the rugby field then you wouldn’t look quite so pretty. A kink in that nose might help.” He reached past Jesse to switch on the radio, his smile turning to a full-out smirk when he heard his lover’s curse. He fiddled with the dial until a slow Rod Stewart song poured through the speakers. “Ya wanna dance?”

  “Dance?”

  “Think of it as foreplay,” Grayson whispered.

  Jesse’s eyes darkened with interest. “Oh well, in that case.”

  “I’m leading.” Grayson thought he’d get that in first.

  A shrug lifted Jesse’s shoulders. “As long as you eventually lead to the nearest bed, you can do what you want.”

  “Done deal.” Grayson wrapped his arms around his lover. Their bodies moved together, brushing with each step. It was slow. Sexy. Arousing. Yet he didn’t push the pace, content to let their desire build. Their groins brushed, the sensation electrifying, and it sent hunger writhing through him. Bugger slow. That wasn’t a good idea after all. Time to move this seduction along. His head dipped a fraction to kiss Jesse. Their lips met in a soft kiss that gradually deepened in intensity. Tongues explored and licked while lips mated with warm, wet suction.

  Jesse pulled away breathing hard. “Is it hot in here or is it just me?”

  Grayson chuckled. “I can help with your heat problem.” Slowly, he stripped the black jacket from broad shoulders and tossed it aside. He unfastened the black bow tie and threw it on top of the jacket. Jesse’s chest rose in a deep inhalation. Grayson decided his own clothes stood in the way of progress. He toed off his shoes and tugged off his socks before rapidly removing the rest of his clothing.

  “I thought we were at foreplay.”

  “Fuck foreplay.”

  Jesse stared at Grayson’s erection for an instant before nodding. “Okay.” He started to remove his clothes but Grayson stopped him with a snarl. He had to control the touching or he’d self-combust.

  “I’ll do that.”

  “Huh?”

  “Mine,” Grayson said softly.

  Their gazes caught and held.

  “Yeah,” Jesse said finally. “I am yours.”

  Damn straight. They migh
t have only come together this weekend but Grayson intended to make things work between them. He was already halfway in love with the other man. “No matter what the future brings.”

  Jesse paused again. “Yeah.”

  “A man of many words,” Grayson mocked.

  “Hell, you’re yapping enough for both of us. How about some action?”

  Grayson nodded and took Jesse’s hand to lead him into the bedroom. There were condoms on the wooden bedside cabinet and the lube was probably still in the en suite. Better grab that now. He returned to find Jesse still stood where he’d left him but saw he’d removed his shoes and socks. Good thinking. After setting the lube down beside the condoms, Grayson prowled up to his lover and kissed him again, holding the other man’s head to control the depth and intensity of the kiss.

  Jesse wrapped his arms around Grayson’s naked back and gave a little shimmy of his hips. The air hissed past Grayson’s lips and he had to break off the kiss to breathe. He glared at Jesse.

  “What?” The innocence in his tone told Grayson he’d meant to tease.

  Two could play at that game. He skimmed his hand over Jesse’s erection, gave him a trace of stimulation, enough to drag a groan from his lover.

  “Please hurry,” Jesse gritted out.

  Grayson wanted to go slow yet contrarily he wanted instant gratification. “Damn.” He unfastened the pearl buttons on the crisp white shirt, bending his head to lick a flat nipple. Jesse cupped his head, entwining fingers in his hair and held him close. The faint taste of salt danced across his taste buds while the citrus tang of Jesse’s aftershave filled his lungs. Grayson dragged the shirt down his lover’s arms and managed to tangle Jesse instead of releasing him.

  “What are ya doing?” Jesse attempted to free his arms. “Undo the cufflinks.”

  “I knew they were a bad idea when I had to fasten them earlier.” Grayson struggled with the onyx links and let out a grunt of satisfaction when the shirt finally slid free. He trailed his hand over Jesse’s flat stomach and flipped open the clip fastening his fly. The zipper whispered when he maneuvered it down. Grayson tugged both briefs and trousers down, savoring Jesse’s gasp when his cock slid free. He knelt in front of Jesse, the other man using Grayson’s shoulder for balance when he stepped free of his clothing.

  Grayson cupped his lover’s arse and leaned forward to breathe in his scent. He licked a path along his dick before nuzzling balls. Under Grayson’s ministrations, they tightened and his cock thickened. He ran his fingers over Jesse’s firm butt, drawing one finger down the crack between. Jesse widened his stance to allow Grayson easier access. He ran his finger back and forward across his entrance until Jesse quivered.

  Even though he wanted to take Jesse’s cock in his mouth, he stood and led his lover over to the closest bed.

  “Lube. Now,” Jesse said in a firm, no-nonsense voice.

  Grayson had thought about playing for a bit longer but Jesse’s order brought relief. With an inward smile, he picked up the lube and squeezed a dollop into the palm of his hand, warming it a fraction after setting the bottle aside.

  Jesse crawled up the bed and pressed up until he was on hands and knees, his arse pointing in Grayson’s direction. “From behind. Hard. I need it hard, Gray.”

  Grayson dragged in an unsteady breath, inhaling the scent of aroused male. A slight tremor racked his body when he moved behind Jesse. Part of him found the idea of being with Jesse in this way hard to believe and he took a few seconds to admire the scenery. The firm butt, slim hips and muscular legs were all slimmer than his own more bulky physique. He took pleasure in the warmth of Jesse’s skin before applying the lube, reassuring himself this was happening. Grayson smoothed his hand over Jesse’s ass and dipped between the smooth globes to circle the puckered hole with his finger. He pushed a fingertip inside, withdrew and surged into Jesse again.

  “Oh yeah. Just like that,” Jesse said in a strained voice. “But more.”

  “Damn, I’m running this play,” Grayson protested with a half laugh. “I know what I’m doing.” He pushed his finger deeper, angling it to massage Jesse’s gland. Jesse’s entire body jerked and Grayson couldn’t help a broad grin. “How’s that?”

  “Better.” Jesse pushed back to ride Grayson’s finger.

  “Told you I knew what I was doing.” Although his own cock ached, the pleasure he received from Jesse’s unrestrained reactions made up for the delay in gratification. “I’m the best man for the job.”

  “Humph.”

  Out of Jesse’s sight, Grayson grinned hugely while he added another finger and teased his prostate. Jesse pressed back to impale himself and jerked each time Grayson stroked his gland. Damn, he liked this man. He’d liked him as a friend and now as a lover. He pulled away from Jesse to grab a condom. After rolling it on and adding more lube, he lined up and pushed slowly inside.

  “Harder, dammit,” Jesse muttered. “I won’t break.”

  “I might,” Grayson retorted. “You’re so tight.” He gritted his teeth and paused fully seated when Jesse pulsed around his cock. Grayson reached for his lover’s cock and wrapped his fist around it. He pumped slowly, the ooze of pre-cum easing the slide of his hand. A rough growl vibrated in Jesse’s chest when Grayson gave a forceful thrust into his channel.

  Somehow, he managed to set a rhythm to please them both. Difficult when the pleasure threatened to drive every thought from his head. Heat punched through him. Grayson sucked in a breath and released it on a long moan when the prickle of orgasm started. He wanted to delay, to hold on to the sensation, to wait for the pleasure but Jesse groaned without warning. Hot semen spilled over his hand and the firm, pulsing sensation on his dick shoved him into climax. Pleasure, hot and wild, swamped Grayson and he leaned over Jesse to press against his sweaty back. He ran his lips over his lover’s shoulder, savoring the salty tang.

  Finally, he pulled out of Jesse. He chucked the condom in the bin. “You wanna clean up?”

  “Just a sec. I don’t want to move yet.”

  Grayson smirked. “Did I wear you out?”

  “Made me feel good.” Jesse rolled over, his blue eyes still full of sleepy pleasure. “You made me feel very good.”

  Yeah. Grayson knew the feeling. His body still pulsed with enjoyment. “I told you I was the man.”

  Jesse snorted but a lazy grin curled across his sexy lips. “The very best man,” he agreed. “The best man for me.”

  Grayson tugged Jesse into an embrace, his heart full. He’d taken a chance with Jesse, and no matter what happened in their public future, he’d discovered a friend, a lover who understood his drive and passion for rugby, one who was willing to sprint at his side.

  He was a lucky man.

  Thank you for reading Best Man. Did you enjoy Jesse’s and Grayson’s romance? If so, please consider leaving a review at your favorite online bookstore or at Goodreads. A review would make my day!

  Please turn the page for an excerpt from No Defense, another sports romance featuring rugby.

  And if you’d like to keep up with my releases, check out my newsletter or follow me on Bookbub.

  Happy reading

  Shelley

  Excerpt – No Defense

  Copyright 2014 Shelley Munro

  “The guy’s a fuckin’ queer. We don’t need him here.”

  Ty Hamlin attempted to tune out his teammates and pulled on a pair of socks before lacing up his rugby boots. Same tired conversation he’d heard all week. Ever since club management announced the signing of Darcy Nichols, he’d listened to variations of the topic. He wished they’d give it a rest.

  Silence fell in the changing rooms, and Ty glanced up from his boots. His breath caught in his throat.

  Darcy Nichols. Tall—over six feet—he personified bad boy with his bald head, mischievous blue eyes, stubble framing his jaw and upper lip. A mouth made for kissing. Well-developed chest and biceps. Tight butt. The perfect rugby body. Strong but not too bulky. An ache in Ty’s chest re
minded him to breathe, to stop staring. His teammates would notice his fascination if he wasn’t careful. Christ, the man pushed his buttons in a big way. Sexy. Tempting. If things were different, Ty might actually make a move on him.

  “Hey, guys.” Darcy sauntered to a clear spot not far from Ty and dropped his gear bag on the bench.

  Hostile silence met his greeting, and Ty felt bad for him. The snub didn’t seem to worry Darcy. The zipper of his bag was loud in the strained hush, the clack of sprigs against the concrete floor of the changing room floor like a hammer blow when he dropped his rugby boots on the ground. Darcy’s tuneful whistle cut through the quiet as he let his coat slide down his arms and yanked off his leather boots.

  Rapid footsteps approaching the changing room broke the spell and the other players started to chatter amongst themselves.

  The coach appeared in the doorway. “Ladies,” he said in a sarcastic tone. “What the hell is the holdup? We don’t have time for you to catch up on gossip.”

  His words galvanized the players, and they sprang into action, the clatter of boots as they hurried out to start training a discordant cacophony of sound.

  Ty finished lacing his boots and stood. Unable to resist, he shot a glance at the new guy. Darcy caught him in the act and winked. “Ty Hamlin, isn’t it?”

  Ty nodded, the lump inhabiting his throat robbing him of speech. A surge of heat filled his face and he cursed inwardly. Way to go. Darcy probably thought he lacked brain cells. Too many hard tackles on the rugby field would do that to a man.

  “You scored a great try last week against Nelson. You showed good strength to push through their big forwards.”

  “Thanks.” Ty’s voice emerged a pitch higher than normal. So much for acting casual.

  Darcy jerked his chin at the dressing room exit. “We’d better go before the coach screams at us again.”

  Ty gave a swift nod and led the way out to join the rest of the team, fully conscious of Darcy at his back. God, this had to stop. Rugby was his future. The dream he’d chased since he was old enough to toss a rugby ball. Hell, rugby was his father’s dream too. He wanted his son to make the All Blacks, and Ty couldn’t do that if he didn’t keep his eye on the ball.