by Jen Davis
Oh yeah. The year before the old lady died, Patty’s mom had invited her over for a Christmas lunch. She hadn’t wanted her to be alone for the holiday. Her son had surprised them all by showing up, hung over and in last night’s clothes.
“We got to talking my first day there, about his mom and about art. I did a few sketches for him, and he asked me to bring in my portfolio.” She ducked her head as she took another bite and swallowed. “Long story short, he’s letting me do an apprenticeship with him now.”
From the wonder on her face, apparently, she considered it a good thing, but… “I thought you told me he was kind of a screw-up, the cat lady’s son. Didn’t he have…” Should he say it? “Um, a drug problem?”
“Yeah. But he’s been clean a few years now.” She tossed the peel into the trash can, then rubbed her hands over her jeans-covered thighs. “Andrew—the one with the messed-up shoulder—he helped Steve get straight. Let him apprentice at the shop, and now they’re partners, in the business, not like they’re a couple. Steve wants to pay it forward, help me get my foot in the door. It’s really kind of a competitive field.”
The idea of Patty, focused on her future, with a good job, a career—it felt fantastic. “Sounds amazing.”
“I haven’t been so excited about anything in a long time. I want this, Matty. For me. For Jimmy. I’m not going to blow this opportunity.” The resolve in her voice reinforced her words.
He scooped their son into his arms. “You have no idea how much I hope this works out for you. If there’s anything I can do to help, just ask.”
“I will. And maybe we can find a solution to this custody thing.” She slung her purse over her forearm and rifled through it until she found her keys. “Time to go.” On her way out, she stopped at the door. “It’s good to have something to look forward to for a change.”
No kidding. He had plenty to look forward to tonight.
The day with Jimmy passed quickly in a blur of building blocks, tummy tickles, and cartoons, making Matt grateful they hadn’t needed him at the bar today. Even basking in the joy of toddler kisses and nonsense words, his thoughts kept drifting to what might happen next with Robby, especially after he got the text midafternoon, inviting him over after dinner.
His mom was all-too-happy to babysit, so after a quick shower and shave he found himself on Robby’s doorstep, heart beating wildly in his chest. Just as a mild panic climbed toward his stomach, the door swung open and Robby tugged him inside.
Robby gripped his fingers in a firm hold and didn’t release them as they settled on the sofa. “I did something important today.” Pride shone in those milk chocolate eyes.
“You were going to volunteer, right?” He should’ve paid closer attention when Robby had told him last night, but those kisses had obliterated any chance of higher brain function.
Those kisses. He shifted on the cushion as the memories cascaded over his body.
“—met the most amazing people.”
Crap. He forced himself to focus.
“I really feel like I could make a difference there.” Robby squeezed his hand before letting it go.
“Yeah?”
Robby hopped up and loped toward the kitchen. “This kid, Vin, he’s in foster care. The parents are garbage.” He paused as he rifled through the refrigerator, then popped up with a glass pitcher filled with burgundy liquid. “But he is so talented.”
Gripping the handle in his right hand, Robby balanced the base of the pitcher with his left as he carried it back toward Matt and set it on the coffee table. “He’s an artist. You wouldn’t believe the things he can draw freehand. Brady too.”
Matt tried to find the right level of encouragement. “Sounds…cool.”
Robby swept back to the kitchen and returned with two glasses. “But Vin’s real passion is graphic design. I want to help him. Make sure he graduates. Gets some training. Talent like his shouldn’t go to waste.”
Reaching for the pitcher, Matt made a small noise of agreement.
Robby put a hand on his arm. “You should come.”
“What?”
“To the Q-Center. You should come. Meet everyone.”
The idea of meeting new people never sounded exciting. More like nerve wracking. “I’m not great with people, Rob.”
“I know you feel that way.” Robby’s hand slid back and forth over his forearm. “For what it’s worth, you’re great with me.”
Not so great Robby felt comfortable enough to tell his whole story.
Stop looking for trouble. You’re letting your own insecurities play with your head.
He shook it off. “It’s different with you.” Was it too soon to start kissing again? He eyed Robby’s bottom lip.
“Hey.” Robby snapped his fingers. “Eyes up here.” He gestured to his own eyes. “I’m serious. These kids—well, they’re not all kids. Some of them are maybe, nineteen or twenty. But they need people who they can trust. People who don’t want anything from them. We can change their lives.”
Matt returned his attention to the pitcher and filled the glasses. He sniffed his drink. “What’s in here?”
“Fruit punch. My own recipe. Sugar free, but it tastes delicious.” Robby tipped his glass back and took a healthy sip.
Okay. Matt sipped from his own glass and let the flavors roll over his tongue. Fruity, he could parcel out some orange juice in there and, for sure, some cherries. “Not bad.”
Robby beamed. “I feel so good right now. Like I found what I’m supposed to be doing. I’ve got so many ideas. And Paul, the guy who runs the place, says my only limit is my imagination.” Taking another gulp, Robby drained his glass and set it down before scooting closer. “Tell me you’ll come with me tomorrow.”
No way did he want to take the hopeful look off Robby’s face. “I have to work at the bar tomorrow, and I have Jimmy this week, but if the offer still stands, I can come by next weekend.”
He wouldn’t have thought Robby’s smile could grow any wider, but somehow, it did.
“Thank you.”
“Sure.” He sipped the punch and let the liquid roll down his throat.
Robby’s hand wrapped around his and guided his drink to the table.
Matt balled his fists into his lap. “I—I’m not sure what I’m supposed to do.” He whispered, “I don’t want to mess this up.”
Gently, Robby lifted his right hand and pried his fist open before kissing his palm. “You’re not going to mess it up.”
The kiss, chaste as it was, sent his internal temperature skyrocketing. “You don’t know that. I don’t either. Last night, I almost sent you running for the hills.”
“It wasn’t you.” Robby kissed the tip of his thumb, then did the same with every finger on his hand. “My past is complicated.”
Shut down again. He wanted to press for more, learn how to avoid a repeat of last night’s mistake. But he liked Robby’s mouth on him, and with conversation, especially serious conversation, the kissing might stop. The man’s lips had moved up over his hand to the inside of his wrist, obliterating coherent thought.
“Tell me you want this,” Robby murmured against his skin.
He could only nod. Plead with his eyes.
“You want me to take the lead?” Robby’s eyes darkened as Matt nodded again. “You want me to go slow?”
Definitely not. He punctuated his grunt with a short shake of his head, and Robby flashed a knowing smile.
“You got it. Just tell me when it’s too much.”
Too much? Right now, nothing would be enough.
His frustrated groan must’ve pushed Robby’s buttons, because in an instant, his slow kisses, his languid exploration, gave way to insistent demand. Robby surged closer, putting them chest to chest as he rained fiery kisses over his neck.
Unsure where to put his hands, Matt held them inches away from the other man. Until Robby’s attention moved to his mouth.
Then, he didn’t have to wonder what to do. Instinct guided
one hand to Robby’s waist, while the other gripped his neck. Their tongues met in a tangle of wet heat. The taste of their sweet drinks gave way to something bolder, headier.
True to his promise, Robby took the lead, questing a hand down over Matt’s collarbone. Squeezing his left pec. Kneading him through the fabric of his shirt.
“Take it off.” Robby’s voice came out an octave lower as he untucked the T-shirt from Matt’s pants.
Holy shit. The gruff sound wrapped around his dick like a caress, coaxing it harder.
Robby tugged again. “Off.”
He scrambled to pull it over his head, and his nipples pebbled against the cool air.
“Lean back against the side of the sofa,” Robby purred, then knelt on the floor. “Stretch out. Let me see you.”
Yes. Yes. Yes.
He did it in a heartbeat. Who knew a demanding lover could be so damn sexy?
For a moment, Robby didn’t move. But his gaze traveled from the top of Matt’s head, down his bare torso, then rested on the erection bulging in his pants.
Matt knew it wasn’t possible, but he would’ve sworn the man’s stare held a weight so heavy, he could actually feel it. Just the idea of a touch on his rock-hard cock forced out a moan.
The sound snapped Robby’s attention back to his face. “Put your hands over your head. Hold onto the arm of the sofa.” He moved closer. “Don’t let go until I say so.”
Just as his hands gripped the furniture, Robby settled on top of him, their bodies flush against each other. And for a glorious moment, the length of his erection pressed against Matt’s own before he slid downward.
Despite the kisses Robby trailed down his neck, he couldn’t hold back a whimper when the pressure disappeared from his dick.
“Trust me,” Robby crooned. “I’ll make it good for you.” He followed his words with a slow lick over one nipple, then the other. His tongue swirled around the peak. Once. Twice.
What he wouldn’t give to tangle his hands in those thick brown curls. But he dug his fingers deeper into the sofa instead, holding himself rigid and tight.
His reward came in the hot slide of Robby’s tongue down his abs, teasing him just above the button of his fly.
“Do you know how many times I’ve thought about your body?” Robby’s finger roved over the skin just above his waistband. “Fantasized about what you have hiding behind all your buttoned-up clothes?”
He lifted his hips. An invitation. Soon he might beg.
“I want to unwrap you.”
Goddamn. The husky note in Robby’s voice was going to make him come in his pants. “Do it,” he ground out.
And the plea was all Robby needed. Unbuttoning the khakis, tugging them down and completely off—he did it in seconds. Robby licked his lips, his gaze devouring the straining erection in front of him. Then he wrapped his hand around the base and squeezed.
“Your cock is so fucking perfect.”
“Oh, God.” He’d never heard Robby swear. Ever.
“You like that.” Robby ran his hand up to the head and back down again. “Dirty talk.”
He nodded hard and fast. He’d never been so turned on in his life.
“I’m going to take you in my mouth. Lick you. Suck you.” Another pump up, then down his length. “You want me to suck you, Matt?” He didn’t wait for an answer. Instead, he held firm at the base, then licked up the side of his dick.
Matt’s hands and feet planted firmly, the rest of his body arched up. Breaths escaped his parted lips in quick, panting gasps for air.
“You taste so good, baby.” Robby’s tongue circled the tip. “Yes, give me a little bit of your come. Let’s see if you can give me more.” It was the only warning before he took Matt’s dick to the back of his throat.
Nothing he’d ever experienced in his entire life had felt so good. The welcoming heat of Robby’s mouth enveloped him with pleasure. The suction started slow and gentle but ramped up quickly, growing urgent and demanding.
No longer able to talk dirty, Robby’s mouth now made wet, sucking sounds as he bobbed his head. His hand followed in a slippery slide, working in tandem with his lips and tongue. Then, he took him all the way down…and swallowed.
The working muscles of Robby’s throat massaged the head with exquisite pressure. And Matt’s hips surged up, seeking more. Robby hummed against his dick as he pumped into his mouth. His balls pulled up tight as he thrust and thrust toward the most perfect fucking feeling.
And when his orgasm finally ripped through him, he shouted Robby’s name loud enough to leave the neighbors no doubt what was happening here tonight.
Robby waited, letting him savor the moment, before releasing his softening length and crawling on top of him. “That was even better than I imagined it would be.”
He finally released the side of the sofa and wrapped his arms around the man who’d just utterly blown his mind. “Better for who? I think I got the sweet end of the deal.” For crying out loud, Robby was still completely dressed.
Here he was, naked as the day he was born, spent and satisfied. All Robby had gotten out of it was a mouthful of jizz. “Tell me what I can do for you.”
Robby looked up, a satisfied smile on his lips. “You let me do what I wanted to do. You trusted me. And everything about it was real. It’s hard to explain. But I promise, it was good for me. We’ve got all the time in the world to trade places. To go further.”
Matt tensed. Amazing as what they’d just shared had been, the idea of going further kind of freaked him out.
“Or not,” Robby soothed. “We don’t have to do anything you’re not comfortable with. I’m just happy to be with you.”
“This. Tonight. You—were amazing. I have never felt anything like it before. I’ve never wanted anyone or anything so much before. There’s still some stuff I need to figure out. But how you made me feel tonight? I don’t have any questions about that.”
Anxious or not, he’d do whatever it took to hold on to this feeling. And this man. Robby was damn near perfect. Sweet. Giving. Responsible. He could trust him while he worked it through in his head.
“I’m glad.” Robby kissed his chest and lay his head back down. “We’ll figure the rest out together.”
Chapter NINETEEN
Robby
Robby ran his hand over the top of his head, still in shock at how short the barber had cut his hair. True, the man only did what he asked, but he couldn’t remember the last time he’d worn it so short.
One thing’s for sure. I don’t look like a kid.
He’d hidden behind those long, wavy locks in more ways than one. They’d covered his eyes when he didn’t want to see or be seen. But they’d also kept him soft-looking, disguised the harder parts tucked away underneath. Without them, he looked his age, if not a year or two older.
He’d also traded his ill-fitting khakis for a pair of bootcut dark jeans, a thick white cotton long sleeve T-shirt, and a casual blue tailored jacket from H&M. To top it all off, he’d only shaved under his jaw this morning, leaving a dusting of stubble on his cheeks.
The pretty blond barista flashed him a saucy smile as she handed him his coffee. “I don’t think I’ve seen you here before. My name’s Kelly.”
Chuckling, he returned the grin without engaging her. He’d been buying his coffee at this little donut shop at least once a week for nearly a year, though usually in the morning. It was pushing two o’clock in the afternoon now. With his impromptu trip to the mall, his day had been too busy to get here sooner. And he still had his visit to the Q-Center to go to next.
Kane waved him over from the booth where he sat with Brick. “Holy shit, brother. I almost didn’t recognize you.”
He lifted his shoulder before sliding in on the vinyl seat beside Brick. “I figured it was time to stop hiding behind my hair. I guess you could probably relate.”
Kane’s hair used to hang down to the middle of his back, but he’d chopped it down to a more traditional length just before
he got married.
The ex-biker barked out a laugh around the beignet he was chewing. “Baby’s got bite! New look and a new attitude to match.”
“I like it,” Brick rumbled. “You look—confident. It agrees with you.”
Yes. Confident. Last night had been a revelation.
A first for him in as many ways as it had been for Matt. Because in all the years he’d had relationships with other men—all the times he’d had sex, and there had been a lot—he’d never been the one in control.
He’d played at it. John loved dominance games and every so often he’d pull Robby’s strings to act out some tableau. But there’d been no doubt, John called the shots. So had any other man who’d taken care of him, which was the trade-off. He was meek, pretty, young, and most of all, malleable.
But last night, Matt belonged to him. Not in some kind of power play, but because he trusted him to guide their course. Even better, Matt wanted Robby the man, not the kid.
“It was long overdue.” Robby sipped his coffee.
Another great thing? He had no doubt whatsoever the guys at this table would be happy he’d figured all this out. They had his back in every way. Which was why he’d called them here.
“Kane, do you think you could set up a meeting for me with Amanda?”
“Mandy?” Powdered sugar clung to his five o’clock shadow. “You don’t need an appointment. Just come over to the apartment.”
Robby straightened his spine, drawing his shoulders back a fraction. “I have a business proposition to discuss with her. I didn’t think it would be right to trade on our friendship and spring it on her out of nowhere.”
Brick wiped at his own chin with his thumb in an exaggerated motion, but either Kane didn’t see it or he didn’t get the message.
“You’re family, Robby. You don’t have to worry about shit like that. Our door is always open to you.” Kane bobbed his head from side to side. “If you don’t mind dealing with some pregnancy hormones.”