Straight Up

by K. Evan Coles

  * * * *

  “I’m glad you and Malcolm were able to work things out,” Cam said several hours later. He draped an arm around Stuart’s shoulders. “He seems so much happier with you.”

  “Thanks.” Stuart managed a smile. Nearly every one of the guys had commented on his relationship with Malcolm in some way or another and it was starting to make him uncomfortable.

  “You’re kind of an enigma,” Jesse said. “We’d all like to get to know you better. A lot better.”

  Stuart raised an eyebrow at him.

  “Not like that!” Jesse waved his hand vaguely. “Being turned down more than once is bad for a man’s ego and we all know you’re Malcolm’s and that neither of you share. I just meant we don’t really know you yet. And I’m sorry, dude, but if you’re going to hang around with us, you’re going to have to open up.”

  Stuart sipped his drink. “I’m not used to big groups of friends like this. I had a lone-wolf thing going before I met Malcolm and I didn’t realize he came as a package deal.” Jesse frowned and Stuart was quick to amend his words. “Not that I’m complaining. You’re all great. I just need time to adjust, okay?”

  “Sure thing,” Jesse said with an easy smile. “We’ll be here whenever you’re ready.”

  Stuart sighed as Jesse slipped an arm around Cam’s waist and guided him toward the dance floor. Several people had left but Malcolm was happily dancing in the middle of a small crowd, so Stuart took the opportunity to slip into the much quieter house. It was late. The dancing had been going on for hours and even the kids had lost steam and allowed their mother to tuck them into bed upstairs.

  The quiet stillness of the house was a relief. Stuart was used to the chaos of a kitchen but not to being a guest at this kind of event. Especially with a group as enthusiastic as the speakeasy crew.

  Slowly, he walked up the stairs to the bedroom he and Malcolm had been sharing, intent on relaxing for a while before he headed downstairs again. Stuart could hear the muffled sound of music playing as he walked through the door, and he turned on the bedside lamps and plugged in his phone. He was debating stretching out on the bed when he heard a familiar voice.

  “Hey there.”

  Stuart looked up and found Malcolm leaning in the doorway. He’d come in so quietly Stuart hadn’t heard him open the door. “Hey.”

  “You okay?” Malcolm’s brow furrowed with concern.

  “Yeah.” Stuart offered him a reassuring smile. “It was just…a lot. I needed to sneak away for a bit. I hope you don’t mind.”

  “No, I understand. When these guys get together, it can be a lot. I came up to make sure everything was all right.”

  “Thanks for checking on me. I’m good. You can go back down if you’d like. I don’t want to hold you back from enjoying the rest of the evening with your friends.”

  “Nah, I think it’s winding down. I’m partied out, too.” Malcolm pushed off the doorframe and walked over to Stuart. “I hope you had a good time.”

  “I did. I promise.” When Malcolm slid his arms around Stuart, Stuart pulled him closer. “Um, can I be honest?”

  “Of course. I always want you to be honest.”

  “Sometimes your friends are… a little overwhelming.”

  Malcolm gave him a lopsided smile. “I get that.”

  “Jesse called me out earlier. He said none of them felt like they knew me very well.”

  “I think David and Cam and Luka almost immediately fell in step with everyone, so they didn’t expect it to take a while longer for you. Maybe they should have. It took Will time, too. I guess we all chalked it up to his lingering feelings for Riley.”

  “There’s nothing wrong with how close you all are. I’m just not used to it,” Stuart said. “I agree, though—I think they expected to pull me in right away.”

  “And you’re not there yet?”

  “I’m not.” Stuart was relieved that Malcolm seemed to understand. “That doesn’t mean I don’t want to get to know them, but this feels like too much too soon.” He grimaced. “That sounds awful. And I don’t want to offend them.”

  “I can let them know they need to slow their roll. They won’t be offended,” Malcolm said. “These guys are big-hearted and can come across as pushy. They are respectful of boundaries if you make them clear, however.”

  “Thank you,” Stuart said. He could do that himself, but it would be easier coming from Malcolm. He would know how to word things without accidentally causing offense.

  Stuart rested his forehead against Malcolm’s. “I really did have a good time tonight.”

  “I’m glad.” Malcolm cupped his cheek and pressed his lips to Stuart’s. Stuart let out a little groan as he kissed Malcolm back before pulling away.

  “Did you have fun?”

  A grin lit up Malcolm’s face. “I did. I had a wonderful time. I’m glad you came with me. Tonight was even nicer with you here.”

  “Did you ever miss having someone?” A puzzled look crossed Malcolm’s face and Stuart hastened to explain. “You’re surrounded by couples. Did being the only un-partnered person ever get old?”

  Malcolm shrugged. “No. Although I always enjoy it when I have one-on-one time with Carter. Or with Kyle when we go to yoga classes together.”

  “You didn’t mind being the single person in the group?”

  “No.” Malcolm’s expression turned thoughtful. “I never felt like I was lacking before. I did like having you here by my side tonight. It was a nice addition. Why do you ask?”

  “I was just curious.” For a while after his divorce, Stuart had felt lonely at times. Although his marriage to Becky had been lacking, he’d sometimes missed having that person to lean on. Being rejected for his kink had also led to periods of loneliness. In Malcolm’s shoes, being constantly surrounded by couples would have been challenging. Malcolm had never felt that. Perhaps because he’d never experienced being in a serious relationship with someone before. Or maybe that was just Malcolm. “I’m glad to be a nice addition to your life.”

  “You are.” Malcolm fitted himself closer to Stuart, sliding his hands along Stuart’s waist until their bodies were flush against each other.

  “I hope the photographer got some good pictures today,” Stuart said.

  Malcolm tilted his head. “What made you think of that?”

  “I was thinking how gorgeous you look in that suit. It’d be nice to see some good photos of us together. Maybe get a copy.”

  “You’re surprisingly sentimental.”

  “Sometimes.” Perhaps all this wedding stuff was getting to Stuart’s brain. He wanted to scoff, but truthfully, he’d always been rather sentimental. He’d simply buried that side of himself for a long time. Stuart didn’t want to make Malcolm uncomfortable, so he changed the subject. “As gorgeous as you are in that suit, I know you look great out of it, too. How would you feel if I helped you out of it now?”

  Malcolm smiled. “I’d be good with that.”

  “Mmm. Glad to hear it.” Stuart loosened Malcolm’s tie and slipped it from the collar. After placing it on the dresser, he worked each tiny button loose on Malcolm’s shirt. When it hung open, he slipped his hands underneath. Rather than push the fabric off Malcolm’s shoulders, he ran his hands across the undershirt Malcolm wore. Malcolm’s skin was warm under Stuart’s palms and Malcolm closed his eyes, letting out a hum of pleasure.

  Stuart eased the shirt off Malcolm’s broad shoulders and blindly tossed it on the nearby chair. After lifting his arms, Malcolm stood still as Stuart eased off the undershirt, leaving him naked from the waist up. Stuart took his time exploring Malcolm’s shoulders and chest before he dragged a hand down Malcolm’s smooth, firm abs. He was lean and defined. Malcolm let out a shaky breath as Stuart reached the waistband of his suit pants and teased along the edge of the fabric.

  “Can I take these off you?” Stuart whispered.

  “Yes.”

  Stuart went down on his knees and helped Malcolm step out of his t
rousers and underwear. After, Stuart pressed a kiss to Malcolm’s thigh, feeling him shiver. When he stood, he held out a hand and tugged Malcolm over to the bed. He looked a little wide-eyed but there was no tension in his body as he stretched out on the sheets.

  After Stuart undressed to his underwear, he settled next to Malcolm on the bed. He curled a hand around the back of Malcolm’s neck before pressing their lips together. Malcolm’s quiet moan encouraged him and as they kissed, their bodies twined together.

  Stuart drew back, then brushed his thumb across Malcolm’s cheekbone, staring into his eyes. “Now that we’re back on solid footing, how do you feel about picking things up again? I’d like to keep exploring if you’re feeling ready.”

  “I’d like that.” Malcolm leaned in to kiss him. There was no mistaking the hunger in the kiss.

  Stuart spent time finding the spots on Malcolm’s neck and shoulders that made him squirm before he moved down to lap at Malcolm’s nipple. He reached down and stroked Malcolm’s cock. The skin was hot in his hand and Malcolm let out a breathless gasp when Stuart tightened his grip. Stuart slid up Malcolm’s body and nuzzled his ear.

  “How do you feel about me using my mouth on your cock?” he rasped. “No pressure to reciprocate, I’m just dying to taste you if you’re ready for that.”

  “Okay.” Malcolm’s voice shook. Stuart wasn’t sure if it was excitement or nerves.

  Moving slowly, Stuart worked his way down again, leisurely exploring the flat plane of skin below Malcolm’s navel and dragging his tongue along the crest of his hip bones. He teased Malcolm’s thighs, gently biting at the muscles there until Malcolm writhed beneath him. His breathing was light and ragged as Stuart grasped his cock, and when Stuart looked up to check in with Malcolm, he was staring at Stuart, his eyes brilliantly blue and full of need, even in the low light of the room.

  “If you want me to stop at any time, let me know,” Stuart said.

  Malcolm nodded. A flutter of nerves in his own stomach, Stuart lowered his mouth over Malcolm’s cock. He took it slow, teasing him with his tongue before he engulfed Malcolm with his mouth. The low, broken moan that escaped Malcolm when he bottomed out made Stuart so hard he ached. He had to change course before they both totally lost control. Sliding his mouth off Malcolm’s cock, he moved lower and dragged his tongue across Malcolm’s balls. Pleasure surged through Stuart as Malcolm’s whole body quivered. He really wanted to rim Malcolm but that might be a step too far tonight. There was one other thing he’d been dying to do.

  “Can I use a finger in you?”

  “I—yeah.” Malcolm’s voice was breathless.

  “I’m going to grab some lube.” As Stuart rummaged through his bag to find it, he sent out a little thanks to himself for having had the foresight to pack some. He’d been hopeful.

  Turning back to the bed, he stumbled at the sight of Malcolm watching him intently. His expression was heated and needy and it didn’t escape Stuart’s attention that Malcolm’s gaze landed on the length between his legs. That look made Stuart’s cock throb. He slid into bed beside Malcolm and settled between his thighs again.

  “Open up wider for me,” Stuart coaxed.

  Malcolm spread his legs more, a flush staining his cheeks and chest.

  “You have nothing to be embarrassed about,” Stuart reassured him. “You are so incredibly hot right now.” He propped himself up one elbow and kissed Malcolm’s inner thigh. “So sexy.”

  He kept talking as he slicked his finger with lube and circled Malcolm’s opening, just teasing the outside. “I love seeing you naked in front of me like this, trusting me to make you feel good.”

  Malcolm’s breath hitched as Stuart applied gentle pressure and circled his hole again. “I’m going to use my mouth on you again and if you want to stop at any time, tell me, okay?”

  “Okay.” Malcolm’s voice was reedy and when Stuart glanced up at his face, his pupils were blown wide.

  Stuart dipped his head and ran his tongue along Malcolm’s shaft. He worked his way down to lap at Malcolm’s balls and when Malcolm let out a strained moan, Stuart gently pushed the finger forward.

  Malcolm tensed around him and Stuart froze. Rubbing Malcolm’s thigh, he gave him a moment to adjust to the feeling of fullness. Soon, Malcolm had relaxed and Stuart refocused his attention on Malcolm’s cock. When Malcolm began to shift underneath him again, Stuart slid his finger back, then pushed inside again. This time, Malcolm didn’t tighten up. In fact, he let his thighs fall open wider, and as Stuart slowly fucked him with one finger, Malcolm began to move his hips in time with the thrusts.

  His hands landed on Stuart’s head, holding tightly for several seconds before his grip relaxed. “I’m sorry—”

  “No, I liked that,” Stuart said. His voice was low and gravely from arousal and he couldn’t remember the last time he’d been this turned on. “Guide my head if you want.” He lowered his mouth down over Malcolm’s cock again.

  Malcolm threaded his fingers through Stuart’s hair. While he didn’t push Stuart down on his cock, he did guide him and the little tugs on Stuart’s hair sent pleasure zinging through his body. Stuart took Malcolm deep and curled his finger.

  Malcolm’s grip tightened on Stuart’s head and he let out a strangled gasp. “Stuart, I’m going to…”

  Stuart sucked harder and gave another short, shallow thrust into Malcolm’s hole. With a soft cry, Malcolm pulsed in his mouth. Stuart swallowed and Malcolm was still shaking as he eased his mouth off Malcolm’s cock. Stuart’s own orgasm had snuck up on him. The sheets were wet underneath and his cock was sensitive from where it had been rubbing against them.

  Malcolm’s willingness to let Stuart guide him to try new things made Stuart feel incredible. He pressed a kiss to Malcolm’s thigh. The muscle there was still quivering and Stuart soothed it with his thumb as he gently worked his finger out from Malcolm’s body.

  As Stuart slid up his body and wrapped his arms around Malcolm, Malcolm let out a long sigh.

  “Can I make you feel good?” he asked.

  Stuart grinned. “You already did.”

  Malcolm tilted his head and gave Stuart a quizzical look. “I did?”

  “Mmhmm. I got off on you enjoying yourself.” Stuart sat up so Malcolm could see the wet spot on his boxer briefs.

  Malcolm stared as Stuart settled back against the pillows. “Does that happen a lot?”

  “Coming unassisted?”

  “Well, yeah.”

  “To me, or men in general?”

  “Both I guess.”

  “I don’t think it’s terribly common in general. It doesn’t happen all the time for me. The connection we have is a lot deeper than I’m used to.”

  “For me, too, obviously.” Malcolm gave him a sleepy smile.

  For a few minutes, they just lay there, breathing. When Malcolm’s body softened, Stuart gently shook him. “We should clean up.”

  “Mmhmm.”

  He chuckled. “Before you fall asleep. C’mon.” Stuart climbed out of bed and held out a hand to Malcolm, who got up with a groan.

  When they were under the warm, running water, Malcolm sighed and pressed close to Stuart.

  “I’m glad you invited me this weekend.” Stuart pulled their bodies more tightly together and brushed his lips across Malcolm’s. He was falling hard for Malcolm and this weekend had been a big leap forward for both of them.

  “I’m glad I did, too.” Malcolm kissed him back. “Very, very glad.”

  Chapter Seventeen

  “Hey, guys.” Malcolm smiled down at his manager and Carter, who’d been seated beside her at Tara’s workstation for most of the morning.

  “Hey, Mal. What’s up?” Carter briefly crossed his eyes then shook his head like he was clearing it. “Besides my retinas spontaneously detaching, I mean. Jeez.”

  “I’m headed to the printer to check on the merch order we placed last week, then downtown for a lunch thing.” Malcom’s stomach fluttered a bit at his own
words, but Tara’s sigh as she sat back in her chair caught his attention. “Everything okay?”

  “Meh. I think my brain is broken.” Tara and Carter had been reviewing reams of CEC membership data for hours and her dark eyes were bleary. “I’m not sure I even remember the last set of names we covered.”

  Malcolm frowned. “Do you need help? I can cancel my lunch if—”

  “Don’t even think it.” Tara got to her feet. “Go, eat tasty food, and don’t bother coming back to the office afterward, okay? Between last weekend and this week, you’ve worked a sick number of hours and I don’t want you getting burnt out.”

  “Agreed,” Carter said before Malcolm could protest. “The rest of us can hold down the fort.” He glanced up at Tara from his chair. “But we should eat because, I swear, I just heard your stomach growl.” Carter smiled at her laughter, and after she’d walked off, he turned back to Malcolm. “You’re meeting your mom for lunch, right?”

  “Yup.” Malcolm hitched his bag higher onto his shoulder and grimaced. “It’s been two weeks since Jackson sat her and my dad down to talk through the money problems. Feels like I’ve been waiting forever for the other shoe to drop.”

  Carter made a thoughtful sound. “She hasn’t mentioned it at all?”

  “Nope. We’ve talked on the phone a few times, but it’s like the conversation with my brother never happened. I’d started to wonder if maybe she wasn’t just blowing the whole thing off but she asked me to lunch and picked a place here instead of Staten Island,” Malcolm said with a frown. “So now I have to assume she wanted to talk face-to-face. What if I’m wrong, though?” He sighed. “I hardly know what to say to her.”

  “Then maybe let your mom do the talking.” Carter stood and gave Malcolm’s shoulder a squeeze. “Give her a chance and see where she leads. That’s all you can do, right?”

  “You make a good point.”