Starting Over in Cedarwood

by Megan Slayer

  “On it.” Kevin turned off the burner, then placed the colander in the sink. “Watch out.” He carried the pot to the sink and drained the water. Steam billowed. “Whew.”

  “While this melts, add the sauce and put the pot on the remaining heat.” Shaun pushed the pan into the oven. “Won’t be long now.”

  “Nope.” Kevin did as told and mixed the pasta and sauce. “You must be a good influence. I’m never this slick in the kitchen. I make more of a mess than food actually cooked.”

  “It happens,” Shaun said. “I didn’t bring wine, so we’ll need something else to drink.”

  “Water works.” Kevin poured two glasses of water, then added a bit of food to Leo’s bowl. He retrieved two plates, napkins and silverware. “We can eat at the coffee table again. It’s sort of our spot.”

  “It is.”

  Kevin left Shaun in the kitchen and set the coffee table. He arranged the silver and napkins, then carried out the water glasses.

  “Potholder?” Shaun opened the oven a crack. “It’s melted.”

  Kevin stole a piece of cheese and popped it into his mouth. The creamy goodness slid over his tongue and down his throat. He offered the potholder to Shaun.

  “Thank you.” Shaun withdrew the pan from the oven and turned it off. “This is ready.”

  “Smells fantastic.”

  “I should’ve seasoned the chicken more.” Shaun frowned. “I didn’t add anything beyond salt and pepper.”

  “You’ve got the pasta and cheese. It’ll be fine.” Kevin plated the pasta and arranged the chicken on top. “Here.” He hand shredded cheese on top of each piece of chicken.

  “Nice touch.” Shaun carried his plate to the coffee table.

  Kevin followed, then turned on the music. “I know it’s not only Mozart, but this channel has some pretty dinner music.”

  Shaun beamed. “You remembered?”

  “I listened to you.” Kevin sat beside him on the floor and leaned on the sofa. “If this tastes half as good as it smells, then it’ll be delish.”

  “I hope so.” Shaun sighed. “This is how I want to end my day. Good food, great environment, a cat staring at us while we eat, and you.” He kissed Kevin’s cheek. “Thanks for bringing me lunch, but does he always stare at you while you eat?”

  “Always. Usually he paws at me, too.” He’d gotten so used to the cat staring at him that he didn’t notice. “As for lunch, you looked like you needed a break.” Kevin ate his dinner. The mozzarella melted in his mouth. The chicken was tender and juicy. “This is good.”

  Shaun smiled. “I didn’t burn it, so there’s that.”

  “It’s wonderful.” Kevin ate in relative silence and stole glances at Shaun. Even Leo didn’t interrupt dinner. He stared at them, but didn’t try to walk on the table. Kevin had to agree with Shaun—this was the best way to end his day. He had his boyfriend beside him, the cat and the perfect atmosphere.

  How can one man get so lucky?

  Chapter Six

  After dinner, Shaun helped clean up and wash the dishes. He liked the companionship he’d built with Kevin. They were a team already, pleasant and easy. Sure, he and Kevin would probably fight—he’d never asked Kevin about his political views or if he liked rave music—but did those things matter? They could agree to disagree. He wasn’t one for rave music, but so what if Kevin did? They didn’t have to love every single thing together. He wanted Kevin to have his own things and for them to have a difference of opinion.

  “Do you see your folks often?” Kevin asked. He draped the soggy dishtowel over the oven handle. “I don’t get to see mine much. Mom’s still a nurse and working. Dad retired from the glass factory and putters in his garage.”

  “I call my mom every month, but not as much as I’d like. My parents split and I don’t have any contact with my dad since he remarried.” Shaun shrugged. He didn’t like his father’s wife, but she was only a few years older than Shaun. He couldn’t see how she and his father had much in common.

  “I’m sorry to hear that.” Kevin wandered out to the sofa. “Want to watch a movie?”

  “Got any suggestions? I’m game.” Shaun sat beside him.

  “How about an old Cary Grant flick?” Kevin opened his laptop and tapped the internet icon. He placed the device on the coffee table.

  “Sure.” There was so much he didn’t know about Kevin, but a ton he did know. Kevin was a romantic, a sweet guy, caring and had a big heart.

  Leo strolled into the room and jumped into Kevin’s lap. “And someone wants attention.”

  “He’s fine.” Shaun scratched Leo behind the ears. “We have to share, though.”

  Leo blinked and didn’t otherwise move.

  “He’s settled in.” Kevin pointed to the laptop. “If you tap Start and join me, he’ll snuggle up on the couch with us.”

  “I heard he’s a tough customer, but he seems to like me—okay, he tolerates me.” Shaun tapped the icon and started the movie, then stretched out on his side lengthwise on the sofa.

  Kevin lay with him, his back to Shaun’s belly. Leo climbed on top of Kevin’s side, resting on his hip.

  Shaun draped his arm around Kevin. He liked the idea of them being one happy family. Sure, they could use a bigger place with a yard, but they’d get there. This moment was the best. He paid little attention to the movie. Cary Grant was dashing, but Kevin was better.

  Leo hopped off Kevin and disappeared into the other room. Shaun stretched. “How long until he returns?” Shaun asked. “Or did I offend him?”

  “Potty break.” Kevin rolled onto his back. “Let me guess. Your friend thinks we’re moving too fast. Is that the gist of her call? It’s been bugging me all through dinner and the movie. I hate letting people down.”

  “She said that, but her beef is with me. I tend to lead with my heart, not my head.” He smoothed the wrinkles in Kevin’s shirt. “Why would it bother you? Don’t let her mess with you.”

  “It got me to thinking about what Nedra said. She and I work together and she said the same thing. She likes you, but wants me to be careful after Kyle.” Kevin laced his fingers with Shaun’s, then tugged him on top. “I don’t think it’s been that fast.”

  “No?” He agreed, but Kevin had caught him off-guard with his line of discussion.

  “I think we need to rev it up.”

  “You do?” Shaun grinded on Kevin. Blood rushed to his dick and his entire being sizzled. He’d bet the sparks were visible. “What do you want to do?”

  Kevin’s eyes flashed. “You, then you do me.”

  “Yes.” He kissed Kevin and cupped his jaw in his hand as he straddled Kevin’s legs. He rubbed his groin on Kevin’s. His need reached a fever pitch in seconds. He’d waited so long for this moment.

  Kevin opened to him and sucked on Shaun’s tongue. Shaun groaned. His boyfriend tasted good. Hot and decadent. He bumped noses with him a few times and couldn’t get enough. He needed to be closer to Kevin. The scent of him curled around Shaun’s nose.

  Kevin broke the kiss. “Fuck me.”

  “Soon.” He inched down Kevin’s body until he settled between his legs. “Shirt. Off.”

  Kevin sat up long enough to remove the garment. Shaun gazed at his prize. A tad thin and only a little body hair, but sculpted and sexy. Kevin even had a dusting of freckles on his chest. His nipples beaded.

  “Am I good enough?” Kevin asked.

  “Always.” He nudged Kevin to the cushions and licked his nipples.

  “Oh. Wow.” Kevin forked his fingers into Shaun’s hair. He writhed beneath Shaun. “That feels good.”

  Going to get better, too. He sucked one nipple into his mouth and pinched the other nipple.

  Kevin groaned.

  God, he was glad he’d waited for this, but wished they hadn’t waited so long. He slipped one hand to Kevin’s fly and popped the button. In seconds, he had his lover’s pants open. He stuffed his fingers beneath the waistband of his shorts and found his prize. He stroke
d Kevin’s shaft, eliciting another groan.

  “Shaun.” Kevin tugged harder. He bucked against Shaun’s hand. “Oh my God.”

  Shaun switched his attention to Kevin’s other nipple and flicked his tongue in time with his strokes. He wanted Kevin right on the edge. He was too caught up on Kevin and couldn’t think straight himself. The passion swarmed around him. He dragged his nose along Kevin’s sternum, then down to his navel.

  Kevin spread his legs, giving Shaun more access.

  Shaun stopped touching Kevin long enough to leave the couch. “Supplies? Plus, I want you naked.”

  “Drawer.” Kevin scrambled out of his shorts and boxers. He reclined on the sofa, his cock bobbing and pointing to the ceiling as he moved.

  Such a sexy man. Long and lean with the perfect runner’s shape. Kevin had just enough curls at the base of his cock to be rugged. His ribs showed when he flexed, and he mesmerized Shaun.

  “Getting supplies? Or am I getting them for you?” Kevin stroked his dick.

  “Yeah.” Duh. He’d forgotten he’d planned to grab a rubber and lube. He checked the drawer. Just as Kevin had said, the items were there. “Do you always keep these here? Aren’t you worried someone might find them on accident?”

  “No, because I planned ahead.” Kevin grinned. “Call it hope.”

  “I’m glad you did.”

  “But I don’t keep them there all the time. You’re special.” The light in Kevin’s eyes flashed. He splayed his legs. “Can’t blame a guy for hoping.”

  “No, I can’t.” He left the couch and placed the condom and lube on the floor, then knelt next to the sofa. “I’ve been thinking about this all day.” He stroked Kevin’s dick. The feel of him turned Shaun on. He blew along his lover’s shaft, then flicked his tongue across the blunt head of Kevin’s cock. The taste of precum slid over his tongue. Salty. He swallowed Kevin deep. When Kevin groaned, Shaun hummed around him.

  Kevin threaded his fingers into Shaun’s hair. The bit of pain added to Shaun’s pleasure. He met Kevin’s gaze as he bobbed his head.

  Kevin moaned and pulled harder. “Yes.”

  He reached up along Kevin’s torso to pinch his lover’s nipple.

  “Holy fuck.” Kevin pushed on Shaun’s head, guiding him. He moved his hips, jamming his dick in and out of Shaun’s mouth.

  Shaun hummed again. He loved being dominated, even if just in small ways. He swallowed his lover, then flattened his tongue and laved along the underside of Kevin’s shaft. He fondled his boyfriend’s sac.

  “Shaun.” Kevin writhed beneath him. “You’re making me crazy.”

  Shaun lost himself in the thrill of licking Kevin. He learned every ripple and nuance of him—from the thatch of dark curls at the base of his erection to the sprinkling of freckles on his hip. When Kevin moaned, Shaun eased his hand between Kevin’s ass cheeks and fondled his hole.

  “Oh damn.” Kevin tensed. “Yes, more.”

  Shaun swatted at the floor for the lube. He wanted Kevin nice and open for him. He popped the lid on the bottle, then dribbled the fluid onto his fingers. Once they were nice and slick, he pushed his middle finger into Kevin’s tight hole.

  Kevin trembled. He held on to the cushion with one hand and tugged on Shaun’s hair with the other.

  Shaun drew circles around Kevin’s asshole, toying with him before he pushed into his body again. He memorized the delicate ripple of Kevin’s tender skin, the taste of him on his tongue and the tickle of his curls against Shaun’s nose. He slid his tongue along Kevin’s slit.

  Each groan and whimper coming from Kevin spurred Shaun on. He eased his finger back into Kevin. So tight. God, he loved this. He worked his digit in and out, prepping Kevin.

  “Shaun.” Kevin arched his back more and his nipples beaded. His chest flushed and he panted.

  Shaun moved his finger in time with his licking. He needed Kevin to come apart. Needed him to crave him. When Kevin bore down on him, Shaun added another finger.

  “God, I love the burn.” Kevin writhed more. He bucked his hips. “Shaun.”

  He didn’t have Kevin quite there yet. He pumped faster, then licked his way to Kevin’s balls. He sucked one testicle into his mouth. So good. He buried his nose against Kevin’s shaft.

  “Shaun.” His legs wobbled and planted his foot on the cushion. “I’m so there.”

  Almost ready. Shaun let go of Kevin’s testicle with a pop, then returned his attention to Kevin’s dick. He lapped the pre-cum. “Come for me,” Shaun murmured. “Do it.” He resumed sucking on his boyfriend.

  Kevin trembled and bucked. He tipped his head back. “Shaun.” Shaun’s name sounded so brittle when Kevin spoke. Kevin jerked into Shaun’s mouth, pushing himself to the back of Shaun’s throat. A strangled cry emanated from Kevin.

  Shaun lapped at him, accepted everything. Sticky, salty and perfect. He kept working his finger in and out of Kevin, slower, but rhythmic as Kevin relaxed around him.

  “Oh, my God.” Kevin sagged on the cushion. “Shaun.” He panted. “I can’t think straight.”

  Good. Shaun licked his lips and sat back on his heels. “Do you want me?”

  Kevin opened his legs. “More than my next breath. Fuck me.”

  Shaun withdrew his finger, then stood. He stripped in record time, not caring where he discarded his clothes. He opened the condom wrapper. Christ, he was already hard. He wouldn’t need long before he came. He stroked himself, then donned the rubber.

  Kevin reached for him. “Come here.” Love shimmered in his eyes and warmth filled his smile.

  “Ready?” Shaun added more lube, coating his dick. He dribbled the slippery fluid over Kevin’s hole.

  Another groan erupted from Kevin. He held his knees to his chest and sighed. “Going to be good.”

  “Yeah?” He lined his dick up with Kevin’s hole. In one thrust, he pushed past the tight ring of muscle and penetrated Kevin to the hilt. So snug. Shaun met Kevin’s gaze. The reassurance in his eyes helped—Kevin was with him.

  Kevin whimpered. “So good.”

  He agreed. Shaun braced his knees on the couch and one hand on the back of the sofa as he began to thrust. He moved in and out, slowly to start, then he built into a steady cadence. The sound of skin on skin seemed so loud in the air.

  Kevin let go of his left leg and grasped Shaun’s arm. He bucked, welcoming Shaun deeper into him.

  Heat started low in Shaun’s belly. His limbs tingled and his thoughts blurred. The only thing that mattered right now was this moment. Kevin was the center of his universe.

  A shudder rocked Kevin. He gritted his teeth. “Uh…” He dug his blunt nails into Shaun’s arm.

  “Fuck, come with me.” Shaun trembled. It wasn’t like he could hold back—not now. He increased the speed of his thrust and lost himself in the excitement of fucking Kevin. His movements turned feral. He curled over Kevin and kissed him. “Come for me.”

  Kevin let go of Shaun’s arm and toyed with his balls. Pink infused his cheeks and he whimpered.

  “Let go,” Shaun murmured against Kevin’s mouth. “Do it.” He couldn’t hold back.

  Kevin gasped and stroked hard on his cock. “Shaun.”

  Feeling Kevin tighten around him again and seeing the pure bliss in his face pushed Shaun over the edge. He surged into him, fucking Kevin hard and fast. His resistance shredded and the orgasm washed over him. His entire body seemed to float. He sank into Kevin and kissed him hard.

  “Wow.” Kevin let go of his leg and embraced Shaun. “Mind. Blown.”

  Shaun slowed, then pulled out and stretched on top of him. Kevin’s breath warmed his skin. “You said it.”

  Kevin panted. “Holy shit.”

  Shaun pressed his face to Kevin’s throat. “Uh-huh.” He still couldn’t think straight. Instead, he seemed to be floating—or at least it felt true.

  “You’re staying over tonight, yes?” Kevin petted Shaun’s hair. “I want you to stay.”

  “Yes.” He couldn’t go if h
e tried.” Take me to bed.”

  “We had sex.” Kevin chuckled. “And you’re holding me down.”

  “Sorry,” Shaun said. “You’re so perfect to hold.” He climbed off him and strode to the kitchen to remove the condom.

  Kevin stood and held out his hand when Shaun returned. Once Shaun twined their fingers, Kevin directed him to the bedroom.

  Shaun collapsed on the bed. His muscle ached and his bell was full, but his heart was light. He had Kevin. He couldn’t ask for more.

  * * * *

  Kevin hurried around the apartment, picking up the clothes and ensuring the door was locked. He checked to be sure he had his keys, wallet and phone accounted for, then turned off the lights and carried the clothes to the bedroom.

  “You’re such a neat freak.” Shaun propped himself up on his elbow. “Nerdy, too, but I like it. I need someone to encourage me to clean up after myself.”

  He tossed the clothes onto the chair, then slid into bed. “Just remember, I will clean the toilet, but it’s not my favorite chore.”

  Shaun reclined on the bed. “Ah, you get to be the housekeeping.” He waited until Kevin was in bed with him and tangled in his embrace before he spoke. “I’m all for sharing the chores, so I’m fine with cleaning the toilet.”

  “Good.” Kevin twined their legs, then sighed. “Bet you never thought you’d share your bed with me and my cat.”

  “I sort of had a feeling it’d happen.” Shaun kissed Kevin’s knuckles. “I don’t mind. He’s part of your family and he doesn’t understand he’s being pushy. As far as he’s concerned, he belongs here.”

  “It’s his bed when I’m at work.”

  “See?” Shaun petted Leo. “I hope he likes me.”

  “He does. If he didn’t, he would’ve bitten you by now, and he hasn’t.’” Kevin admired how Leo and Shaun got on together. They were like a little family.

  “Why did you and Kyle split up? Really?” Shaun asked. “You’re a good guy.”

  “He’s not?” God. He’d known he’d be asked this, but that didn’t make the confessional any easier.

  “Seriously? I don’t want to make mistakes,” Shaun said. “I don’t want to mess this up.”