Chapter 6
6
T he first few weeks of our new “arrangement” went fairly as expected. Peter traveled a lot so we saw each other maybe once a week outside of the office. It was sex only, just as we said it would be. Amazing, crazy, wild, passionate sex. But just sex.
We usually communicated day and time via voice message, and we met at my place. It was closer to the office than Peter’s, and it was a known quantity. Peter hadn’t asked me over to his house yet, and I didn’t want to rock the boat. We were both taking what we wanted from the other, no strings attached. And no overnighters.
“I’m flying in tonight, but it looks like my flight is scheduled to arrive around nine. Uh… I want to see you, Jay, um….” I stared at my phone amused at the idea of him rubbing his neck thoughtfully while he spoke. “I know it’s Friday and it’s late, but if you don’t have any plans, just let me know if… call me.”
I returned his call and left a message for him.
“Come on over. I’ll be home.”
I sat back in my office chair and swiveled to look out of my window. I felt my cock twitch in anticipation at the very thought of a night with Peter. A Friday night rendezvous was a new one. We didn’t usually spend weekend evenings together. It hadn’t come up so far. I had been busy with family obligations, hanging out with my friends, or catching up on work I wasn’t able to get to during the week.
I honestly hadn’t thought to suggest we get together on a Friday or Saturday night. I had wondered on occasion what Peter was up to, but so far, I’d gone with the flow. It wasn’t my natural proclivity to not have a plan, but I didn’t want to mess with… whatever this was… by making any demands on his time unless he offered first.
I was home by eight that night. Aaron met me for a quick drink after work. He was going dancing with Katie and some other friends, and he looked a little concerned when I told him I wouldn’t be joining them. I hadn’t told him what was going on between Peter and me. I wasn’t ashamed, but I didn’t know how to explain it.
No matter how I turned the words in my head, it still sounded a tad sleazy. Aaron would worry, and I was enjoying myself too much to stop and analyze. However, the look he gave me told me a confrontation was imminent.
I showered, put on some lightweight striped pajama bottoms and a snug T-shirt, and settled myself in front of my big-screen television to catch up on a couple of episodes of Scrubs . I made it through one episode before I succumbed to sleep. I drifted off for a short time, jerking awake when my cell phone rang.
“I’m here.”
I didn’t speak. I simply got up and opened my front door. Peter was standing there with an overnight bag, looking positively delicious. And exhausted.
“Hey.”
“Hey yourself. Come in.”
“It’s late. I should have….” He let the words float in the air.
“Come.” I finished for him. “I’m glad you’re here.”
And I was. It was nearly eleven, and we were both clearly tired, but I was happy to see him.
“I came straight from the airport.” He lifted his overnight bag awkwardly. “I didn’t have a chance to go home first. It was….” He looked into my eyes as though he were seeing me for the first time. “I just wanted to see you.”
I swallowed hard and nodded. There really was nothing to say. I locked the door behind him and turned to head up the stairs to my bedroom, leaving him to follow. I heard his heavy tread behind me and felt comforted by his presence, as though everything was better now that he was here with me.
I pulled back the covers of my bed and lay back on my pillow with my arms folded behind my head to watch Peter undress. I would have seriously thought I was too tired to do anything remotely physical, but my cock thought otherwise.
Peter took off his suit coat and slowly unbuttoned his oxford shirt before tackling his belt and toeing off his shoes. He must have sensed my gaze because he stopped with his hand on his zipper and smiled at me meaningfully.
“Take off yours too, baby.”
I gulped at the sexy tone in his voice, too turned on to admonish him for calling me “baby.” I slipped my fingers under the elastic of my pj bottoms and swiftly lifted my ass off the bed, freeing my rock hard cock in the process. I sat up for a second to lose my T-shirt too and then quickly lay back to attend to my aching member. Precum was pooling at my slit, and I was reeling from the sensation of going from zero to sixty in seconds flat.
My whole body was practically vibrating with desire for this half-dressed, sexy man. Peter rubbed his prick through his suit pants, clearly showing me that he was equally affected by the ever present electric current humming between us.
Peter made his way over to my side of the bed, unzipped his pants, and pulled out his rigid member. He wrapped his right hand hard around the base of his dick and used his left hand to guide my head where he wanted me. The push was firm but not forceful. I took my time, smelling the musky male scent of his sex, licking at the skin around his pelvis, and for the time being, ignoring the drooling cock in my face.
I stroked my own cock while I teased my lover. I was hornier than I would have thought possible so the torment was necessarily brief. I gave in and swallowed him whole, nearly choking on his girth. Peter cried out somewhere above me as I tightened my mouth around him and sucked him in earnest. I felt him lean over me and finger my entrance lightly, not penetrating, just touching. I heard myself whimper when he pulled away to shuck off his trousers and finish undressing.
He chuckled lightly. Then he swung his body over mine so that we were in the perfect position to pleasure each other simultaneously. I gasped as Peter licked my balls, pulling each one into his mouth before transferring his attention to my thick cock. Peter used momentum to shift us onto our sides; then he slapped my ass once hard as if to say “get to it.” I didn’t need to be told twice.
I focused all my attention back to my lover’s waiting cock, sucking, licking, and stroking. The combined sensation of having him do the same to me ensured I wouldn’t last long. I felt my balls pull up as Peter gently set his thumb on my hole creating just the right amount of pressure to throw me over the edge.
My mouth was full of his cock, so I didn’t warn him like I usually would. He had never pulled away before, and he didn’t disappoint. He sucked me through wave after wave of pleasure until I felt dizzy. Somewhere in the back of my head I knew he hadn’t come yet and I needed to refocus for him. I did the first thing I could think of, the one thing that obviously gets me every time. I licked my finger and did exactly what he’d done to me.
Peter moaned loudly, his reaction instantaneous. I swallowed every drop as he convulsed around me. The moment I’d released his softened cock from my lips, he turned his body around and sealed his mouth over mine. His tongue probed my mouth as we shared our essence. I could taste both of us on his tongue. It was so incredibly sexy.
Peter pulled away from me slightly and stared intensely into my eyes as though he were looking for something. I smiled, satiated and tired. He was here and this felt so damn good. He lay down on his back and brought my body along with his, tucking me securely into his side with my head resting on his chest.
I remembered thinking how well we fit together and immediately hoping I hadn’t spoken that sentiment aloud. I didn’t want to scare him away. I wanted at least a little more time before he headed back out into the night to his own bed.
When I woke the next morning, the sun was making a valiant effort to pierce through my bedroom blinds. I could hear the sounds of my neighbors beginning their day. I stretched my arms above me and was instantly aware of an unfamiliar sound. Soft snoring. I wasn’t alone.
Peter was still in bed beside me sleeping peacefully. I watched him warily for a few minutes. This was a new one. He’d never spent the night before. He had obviously been exhausted and needed the rest. I certainly didn’t mind, but I wondered how he would react.
Peter opened one eye and caught me staring at him. He blinked a couple times before rolling onto his back. I let him shake the last vestiges of sleep in silence, wondering who would be the first to question what our overnighter meant. Or if it meant anything at all.
I could feel the wheels in my brain start to churn. Panic was slowly beginning to seep in, making me edgy and nervous. Not a good combination before coffee.
“Um. I’ll go make some coff?—”
“Shh. Come here.” He pulled me back over to his side and forced my head to rest against his chest. My eyes were wide open, and I was fairly simmering with energy now. I had to get up.
“I’ll bring you some.” I planted a chaste kiss on his mouth and made a beeline for the door before he could stop me.
I took a deep breath when I got downstairs. I hadn’t woken up to a man in my bed since Ricky had left. It was weird. I wanted to say it was a good change, but I wasn’t sure. I was dangerous without coffee first thing in the morning. The last thing I needed to do was overthink Peter’s presence. Go with the flow, I reminded myself.
The sun streaked golden rays of light across the dark hardwood floor in my kitchen. I loved my kitchen. My townhouse wasn’t particularly large but the kitchen was one of the largest rooms. It was an entertaining space with state-of-the-art appliances and a granite island that invited company to sit and visit with me while I cooked.
The living area adjacent was tiny by comparison, but there was a large-screen television situated for optimal viewing while I cooked. There were plenty of windows letting in natural light, and the ceiling was a little higher than normal, which made the space seem much bigger than it actually was.
I enjoyed cooking. I wasn’t as good at it as Aaron, but I could happily chop vegetables all day if I knew something wondrous would come of the effort. My Achilles’ heel was my coffee. I wasn’t proud to admit it, but the truth was that I bought my nectar of the gods from my favorite coffee shop every day.
I owned a coffeemaker, but I rarely used it. It wasn’t that I didn’t know how to make my favorite beverage. I did. It just never seemed as good as anyone else’s. And trust me, everyone agreed. Today I vowed to make my first cup of really good coffee.
I had moved on to making eggs and bacon when I heard a shuffling noise behind me. I smiled a tentative greeting as Peter took a seat at the island. His wavy hair was mussed from sleep, and his eyes looked heavy as though he really wasn’t quite awake yet. I set a cup of coffee in front of him, which earned me a grateful grunt. Turning my attention back to my eggs, I jumped when he started coughing.
“You okay?”
Peter’s eyes were watering, but he was nodding his head yes as he struggled for composure. I bit the inside of my mouth nervously. I hoped he’d say the coffee was a touch too warm, but I had a bad feeling that wasn’t the problem.
“Uh… well.”
“I know. I’m sorry. It’s bad, isn’t it? I haven’t even tried it yet. I was too nervous. I hoped you’d say ‘gee, this is good’ or better yet just not say anything and….” I stopped and crossed my arms over my chest when I realized my companion was laughing at me. He had that funny laugh going where it’s almost silent and you aren’t sure if they’re okay or not.
“I’m ss-sorry, but damn….” He was off again. Finally, the need to breathe encouraged him to gather his self-control. He smiled widely at me, his eyes sparkling with humor as he regarded me over his coffee cup. Then he did the unthinkable and lifted his cup to take another sip. I watched as he unsuccessfully attempted to drink without shivering in disgust.
“Okay, okay. You’ve had your laugh.” I grabbed the cup before he could protest and gave him my best evil eye.
“Oh man. I’m sorry, but… wow.” He chuckled lightly. I shook my head in mock anger, though in truth I loved the sound of his laughter. He looked relaxed and carefree. His morning stubble, boxers, and tight-fitted T-shirt gave him a sexy air he seemed unaware he possessed.
“Eat something first, and then we can go out and grab a cup of coffee. I apologize that my brew isn’t up to your rather high standards.”
“High standards? That stuff isn’t up to anybody’s low standard! Are the eggs safe?” he teased.
“Hardy har har. Take your chances. I dare you.” I set a hot plate piled high with eggs and bacon in front of him, giving him a playful swat at the side of his head for making fun of me.
Peter smiled and gamely picked up his fork.
“Mmm. Not bad.” He stopped suddenly, set his fork aside, and threw his hands up to his throat and gasped as though he were about to start a whole new round of choking. I set my hands on my hips and watched his theatrics with a scowl firmly in place. Again, I was charmed. Who knew Peter Morgan had a playful side?
I smacked him again and scurried to the other side of the island when he stood abruptly as though he were going to return the gesture. He sat back down and dramatically rubbed the side of his head instead.
“Baby,” I admonished, tucking into my own breakfast.
“Hey. I thought that word was off limits! No ‘baby’ or ‘babe’ if I’m remembering correctly.”
“Well, in this case, it was a direct insult and not a term of endearment. So it’s permissible.”
“Hmph.”
We ate in companionable silence for a while. It felt… nice. Homey even. I wondered if this would get awkward at some point or if Peter really was okay with waking up in my bed on a Saturday morning.
“So what are your plans this weekend?” He tried to make the question sound innocuous, but I caught the slightest note of vulnerability in his tone. Interesting.
“Well, after you buy me a proper cup of coffee, I don’t know… gym probably, catch up with laundry, groceries. Boring stuff.” I shrugged my shoulders absently, as though it was no big deal that I’d basically outlined how unexciting my life was.
“Well, how about after I buy you a proper cup of coffee, which needs to happen sooner rather than later….” He stopped and looked around him absently as though looking for something that should have been at his fingertips. “What did I do with my phone?”
“Upstairs?” I offered with a shrug. I wanted to get him back on track, though. “You said, ‘How about after I buy you….’”
He cleared his throat suddenly looking a little self-conscious.
“I’m supposed to go kayaking this afternoon with some friends. I was… um well, would you like to join me?” He looked at me with an expression I couldn’t quite read before adding, “As friends, of course.”
“Of course.” I mulled over the invitation, wondering if it was a bad idea or if I should just consider it the same way I would an invite from any other friend. Did I want to go kayaking on a beautiful day in mid-May? Yeah. It sounded like fun. Way more fun than laundry.
“Where? And who are your friends?” I couldn’t help myself. I was detail-oriented in strange ways. I wanted to get a feel for what I was about to agree to.
Peter flashed me one of his heart-stopping smiles before answering me.
“On the Potomac. We start in Georgetown near the Key Bridge. And my friends are Kelly and her husband Kevin. You in?”
I didn’t answer right away, although I was sure I wasn’t fooling either of us.
“Sure.”
Peter stood and brought his empty plate to the sink before standing behind me and wrapping me in a tight embrace around my middle. He nuzzled my neck with his nose, the scratchy morning abrasion from both of us sent a wave of desire through me as I turned in his arms and slung my arms over his shoulders. We kissed deeply. There was no urgency, just a sweet, passionate joining. A promise of good things to come.
“I’ll need to stop by my place first. We can leave from there.” He kissed my forehead and stepped aside. “But coffee first, babe.”
“Don’t call me babe,” I called after him as he headed back up the stairs. It was a weak protest at best. I loved it when he called me babe. The problem was that I was pretty sure he knew it.
Peter lived in Adams Morgan, a small bedroom community just a short five-minute drive north of my gayborhood in Dupont Circle. I was curious to see how and where he lived and even more curious to meet his friend Kelly and her husband. It did not escape my attention that this was the first time I was getting a glimpse into Peter’s private life. I felt a shift in our “friendship,” but I wasn’t sure what any of it meant.
We stopped in front of a large brick townhouse on a quiet tree-lined street. It was a peaceful residential area that brought to mind wholesome family sitcoms. Or maybe that was just me. I pegged Peter for a contemporary, modern city-living type, so I was intrigued and more than a little interested to see what the inside of his home was like. Was he really more of a “Leave It To Beaver” type?
Peter pulled his overnight bag and briefcase from the back of his SUV. His snug T-shirt showed off his toned abdomen to perfection. I turned to face his townhouse in an effort to get my overactive libido under control. It looked like a row house from the turn of the last century that had been converted back to a single-family residence. The homes on his street were attached but each had its own unique look.
Peter’s was a red brick Federal-style home with black shutters flanking the generous windows. His next-door neighbors had siding, but similar shutters at their windows. It was very… traditional.
I followed my host, offering to hold his briefcase while he opened his front door. He wordlessly handed me his bag and opened the door with a flourish.
“Welcome.” He arched his brow and held a hand out indicating I should enter first.
Wow. Now this was more or less the kind of place I imagined Peter living in. The narrow foyer led into a living area with high ceilings, an enormous brick fireplace, and old, wide plank wood floors. Very traditional elements. However, the space was decorated for someone with modern taste.
The furnishings were streamlined and sparse. A sleek black leather sofa was up against an exposed brick wall with a huge, colorful contemporary painting hanging over it. Two barcelona chairs sat opposite, and a geometric area rug anchored the sophisticated space.
“This is a very nice,” I gushed. I immediately thought of Aaron admonishing my uninspired adjective choice and tried to think of another. “Elegant.”
“Thanks.” Peter smiled. “I like it. I’ll go get dressed quickly. I told Kel we’d be there by noon. You can go on through to the kitchen and explore if you feel like it. I’ll be back in a minute.”
He bounded up the narrow staircase before I had a chance to respond. I decided to take him up on his offer and explore the downstairs. In true row-house fashion, the house was narrow but deep. A spacious dining room was just off of the living area. It featured a steel-and-glass table surrounded by leather-backed chairs. A gorgeous crystal chandelier hung high above the table. But the room beyond was the pièce de résistance.
The kitchen was sublime. It was enormous… twice the size of mine. It was a state-of-the-art contemporary space with modern lighting, sleek cabinetry, and a beautiful island topped in a gorgeous dark wood. It was in flawless juxtaposition to the large Federal-style windows, overlooking a pretty garden, and the exposed brick along the far wall where a large-screen television claimed a fair amount of space. In short, it was my idea of perfection.
“Hey, you ready?”
I turned at the sound of Peter’s deep voice. He was dressed similar to me in tight black leggings and a lightweight navy pullover. I noticed that his hair had grown a little in the last few weeks since we’d started seeing one another as… well, whatever we were. I liked it. I felt a sudden impulse to reach out and touch him.
“I love your house. As in love it! Not one thing I don’t love… except maybe that it’s not in Dupont, but I love it!” I was gushing, but I couldn’t help myself.
Peter chuckled and thanked me a little shyly.
“It’s actually a great location for me. Far enough from work and pleasure, but close enough too. Make sense? Walk while you talk. We need to get moving.”
He clasped hold of my hand and led me back toward the front door and outside to his SUV.
“Sure. That makes sense. I just always wanted to be in a gay-friendly area.”
“This area is very diverse and gay-friendly. Plus it’s quieter. I can go to the action when I choose to. Visit the club or go to other bars and restaurants. But there are a lot of great spots here too.”
“I never really asked before but why do you own that club?”
“It’s complicated.” He sighed heavily, his eyes trained on the traffic.
“Hmm.”
“I’m a part owner, and I’m actually thinking of selling soon, but it’s been a connection for me. I’m…. I’m not like you, Jay. I’m not as free in a way.” He shrugged as if to say he didn’t have any other explanation. Again, I sensed a bigger story, but I didn’t want to push. Peter Morgan was a complex man.
“Who do you own it with?”
“Kelly and her husband, Kev, and her brother.” He spared me a quick glance.
“Why are you going to sell it? Do they want to also?”
“We remodeled it recently and from an investment standpoint it’s a good time to sell. You know, before the economy tanks. But for me personally… it’s time to move on. It was part of my past. I don’t need it anymore. Besides I’m too busy now.”
“Hmm.” Part of his past.
We cut through Georgetown, and Peter parked as close to the boathouse as he could. Since it was a Saturday and a gorgeous spring day, we weren’t the only ones inspired to get out and enjoy the fine weather. As we walked the block or two toward the water’s edge, Peter answered my barrage of questions about his friend Kelly and her husband.
“How long have they been married? Do they have children? Where do they live? Why did a straight couple go in on a gay nightclub with you?” You know, the usual.
“They’ve been married for about two years. No kids yet, and they live in Arlington. They went in on the business as an investment. And before you ask… no, I have never slept with her. We are and always have been just friends.”
He stopped walking and looked me over once. I looked down to see what was out of place. As far as I could tell, we were dressed nearly identically.
“You look great. Amazing actually.” I felt my cheeks go warm at the compliment. “I was going to ask if you’d ever gone kayaking on the Potomac.”
“No. I’m a landlubber, captain. Don’t get me wrong, I can swim like a fish, but I don’t know anything about boats of any sort. Anything special I need to know?”
“Not particularly. Because we’re renting, they’ll require us to wear safety gear. I’ll sit behind you so I can guide the boat if you get tired or feel like checking out the scenery. Deal? There they are. Let’s go.”
He didn’t wait to see my response at his insinuation that I would get tired and need a rest from rowing. Pu-leeze. I’d show him.
I turned to follow Peter and for the second time saw him with his arms wrapped around the beautiful raven-haired Kelly. I couldn’t help the flash of jealousy that spiked, so I checked out the man standing next to them in the hopes that I would move away from senseless feelings. Must be her husband , I mused. He was… ordinary.
Kevin was of average height, probably no taller than five foot eleven, with mousy brown hair and nondescript features. He wasn’t ugly by any means, just nothing special. My eye wandered back toward Kelly and Peter. They, on the other hand, looked stunning together. I recalled Peter telling me his mother didn’t believe he was gay, and I wondered absentmindedly if she had hoped that he and Kelly would marry one day. Their children would have been outrageously attractive.
Peter beckoned me forward, shaking me from my reverie to introduce me to his friends.
“Kel, this is my friend, Jay. Jay, these are my friends, Kelly and Kevin.”
We exchanged greetings but didn’t linger. Kelly ushered our small group into the boathouse to meet our reservation time. There was a crowd gathering for standby, and she didn’t want us to lose our slot. A guide outfitted us with life vests and offered a quick warning that the currents were strong that day. Not strong enough to warrant closing operations for the day, but he advised us all to pay close attention. Since I was the novice in our group, I was probably the only one who was made slightly nervous by the cautioning word.
“Don’t worry, babe. It’s just part of his spiel. The river’s current is always strong. You’re with me. You’ll be fine.” His eyes were twinkling at his statement, inviting me to laugh at his overconfident manner. I rolled my eyes and donned my safety gear.
The kayaks were built for two adults and were fairly large, which was a good thing as both of us were well over six feet tall. Kelly and Kevin waved to us as they began to pull away from the dock.
“Are they going to wait for us? We need to catch up.”
“Don’t worry, Padawan. I got this.”
We had pulled out into the river and were making our way toward Peter’s friends. I laughed at his Star Wars reference and turned on my narrow perch to give him a piece of my mind.
“Hey there! Face forward, babe. You’ll send us into the river if you don’t keep your eyes glued ahead,” he scolded.
“Babe? Padawan? You’re gonna get it, Mr. Morgan,” I singsonged.
“I’m scared, but like I said, eyes ahead and start an even stroke first to the right, then the left. I’m right behind you.” I thought I heard him mutter something about liking to be behind me, but I obeyed him and kept focused.
It was a beautiful day. Heavenly blue skies made the trees and the grassy banks on the riverside look impossibly lush. There seemed to be a slight wind picking up, but I trusted Peter to guide us if we needed to adjust course or anything. Kelly and Kevin rowed to our left.
We pointed out sights and made general observances along the way. At one point we engaged in a small race. It was all good-natured fun. I felt myself relax in the warm sun and friendly company. The one thing I noticed was how at ease Peter was. He was definitely in his element out on the water with old friends taking in a little outdoor exercise and fun.
Maybe this carefree version was the real Peter Morgan. I was intrigued.
The wind picked up just as we neared our turning point. Peter issued instructions for me to dig in and lean in to the turn. I yelled an “Aye-aye, Captain” and did as he said. My paddle slipped in my hand as I was about to pull my arm up. I felt nothing but air and then a “thump” sound. I had no idea what I’d hit until I heard Peter swearing behind me.
“Fuck! Jay, paddle down!”
I turned in the kayak, alarmed at his tone and worried that I’d hurt him. My sudden movement caused the small craft to teeter. I panicked and tried to right the momentum while still conscious of Peter’s swift barrage of sharp-toned commands.
“Steady, Jay! Just face forward. It’s okay.”
It was too late. My maneuver to correct the sudden sway was overplayed, causing the whole boat to topple over onto its side. We were thrown into the ice-cold water of the Potomac like a couple of rag dolls. I sputtered as I reemerged and struggled to get my bearings. Peter popped up next to me.
He appeared to be a strong swimmer, so once we each saw that the other was physically all right and able to tread water, we looked around for our kayak. It had gone renegade. I saw it drifting upside down about fifty feet or so from where we had gone overboard. Kelly and Kevin were chasing after it in their own craft.
“You okay?” Peter shouted as he swam closer to me.
“Yeah. Fine. I’m sorry. I didn’t….”
“Not now. We’re fine. Let’s go get the boat. I remember you said you swim like a fish. Time to show me, babe.”
“Don’t call me that,” I said weakly as he swam away. I thought I heard him chuckle but that seriously had to be my imagination. This was a disaster, and it was all my fault.
Peter reached the kayak before me. His friends couldn’t do much to help without getting in the water too, so they struggled to keep their boat near us until we could right ourselves.
“You take that end, and I’ll take the back. Ready?”
I nodded at Peter’s instructions and pushed when he signaled. The kayak was back in business, but now we had to get on board. Not an easy feat while treading water in the frigid Potomac. Peter tried a couple of times, but it kept tipping. He looked exasperated, frustrated, and for the first time I noted the red bump on his forehead. Oh shit. Did I do that?
“Can we guide it to the shore?” I called out to him.
“Guess we’ll have to. You take that side.”
We were about thirty feet out, which isn’t too far except for the fact that the current was definitely not working in our favor. It was a major struggle to get to the grassy beach area. Once we made it, we pulled the kayak out and flopped down next to each other beside it. Peter signaled to his friends to continue and tried to yell out that we’d meet them at the boathouse.
We were both out of breath from our surprise swim in the river. Peter looked over at me and shook his head in an “I cannot believe that just happened” manner when I caught sight again of the angry red mark on his forehead. I reached up instinctively and brushed his wet hair out of the way.
We stared at each other for a long minute before Peter’s entire face lit up with humor. He lifted his hand to my cold, wet cheek and still smiling widely, planted a firm kiss on my blue lips.
“You are a fucking menace.”
Since he was laughing, I figured he might just forgive me for smacking him with the paddle and then flipping our kayak over. I shook my head wordlessly, because really, what could I possibly say? I was a fucking menace. I tried for a conciliatory expression, which only made him laugh harder. Peter kissed me again and ruffled my hair as he stood.
“Come on, babe. We’ve got some catching up to do. And I don’t know about you, but I’m fucking freezing.”
I unfolded my sore limbs and gingerly stood, grabbing Peter’s ass before I bent to lift my side of the kayak.
“What are you waiting for, baby?” I was taunting him and loving the fact that he could laugh at the ridiculous situation I’d set into play rather than be pissed. Peter smiled indulgently, but there was something mischievous in his gaze that told me he was planning retribution of some kind. I just hoped it didn’t involve another swim in icy water.
Kelly and Kevin were waiting for us back at the boathouse. They looked anxious, and I admit I was more than a little embarrassed at what had transpired. Great first impression , I mused. They must have thought I was a complete moron.
The plan had originally been to go out for a quick bite to eat after our adventure, but Peter and I obviously needed to shower and get into some dry clothes. Plus I doubted they’d be excited for the afternoon to go on. They had probably been planning their exit strategy while they waited for us to return.
“Oh my gosh! Pete, are you boys okay?” Kelly hurried over to us and gave us both a worried-looking once over, biting her pretty, full lips.
“We’re fine. Wet and cold, but fine. Right, ba—?” He caught himself, but I had a feeling that was more for Kelly’s sake than mine. She gave him a sharp look before turning back to her husband.
“Hon, it looks like you were right. They’re fi….” I heard a faint snickering sound, which quickly morphed into a full-on belly laugh. Kevin joined in, leaving Peter and I staring at the two of them as they surrendered to a bout of hysteria.
“Well, it’s good to know we’ve amused you idiots.” Peter scowled.
They quieted for a second before taking in his bedraggled state and bursting into another round. They held onto each other, wiping away tears of mirth. I couldn’t help but join in. Peter shook his head at the three of us.
“When you three are finished cackling, can we please get a move on? I’m soaked to the bone, I’m cold, and my head fuckin’ hurts!”
We all quieted as Kelly went over to inspect the boo-boo on Peter’s forehead. Then she doubled over again, shrieking in laughter.
“You should have seen yourselves! That had to be the funniest damn thing I have seen in a good long time!”
“Yeah, yeah. That was the entertainment for the afternoon. Glad you enjoyed it. We’re going back to my house to change. You guys coming? We can either go out to eat from there or bring something in. Come on, baby. You are shakin’ like a leaf.”
I noticed two things as I followed my lover back to his truck. His southern accent made a strong appearance when he got flustered, particularly around his friends. And he’d called me baby in front of them twice. Well, technically one-and-a-half times. And yes, I was counting.
When we got back to Peter’s house, he directed me upstairs to his master bathroom. I couldn’t wait to get my nasty river-slimed clothing off and jump into a steaming hot shower. He left me in his huge modern bathroom while he went to let his friends in. I was luxuriating under the scalding hot spray when he joined me a few minutes later. A naked Peter Morgan was a thing of beauty. I couldn’t help my body’s instantaneous reaction to his muscled perfection.
He smiled at me sweetly as he nudged me aside and kissed my lips softly in greeting. The water sluicing between us made the moment seem sexier than it really was. He kissed my nose and picked up the soap.
“No more. We can’t play while they’re downstairs waiting for us.”
“Do they know about us? I mean, you know….”
“I haven’t said anything one way or another. They’re old friends, though, Jay. They’ve probably figured us out by now.”
I wasn’t sure what that meant other than maybe they knew we were sleeping together, but I wondered if Peter made a habit of having “friends with benefits” and I was the next in a long line. It wasn’t a pleasant line of thought, so I filed it away in my mental spam box and stepped out of the shower to dry off and properly meet Kelly and Kevin.
Our impromptu change of venue from a café to Peter’s place turned out to be a good thing. And falling into the Potomac was an inspired, though unintentional icebreaker. Once we were all in warm, dry clothes with full stomachs, we kicked back in Peter’s kitchen with a couple of beers, laughing easily at the calamity of our kayaking adventure.
“You’re a good sport, Jay,” Kelly commented, her beautiful dark eyes twinkling with merriment.
“If you don’t laugh you cry.” I shrugged.
“So true.” She raised her beer bottle in a toast and cuddled into her husband’s side on the small loveseat in the living space off of the kitchen.
On the big-screen television, there was a baseball game on mute that captured Kevin and Peter’s attention every once in a while. But for the most part, we chatted about jobs, hobbies, and life in the big city. I liked Peter’s friends. They were warm and welcoming. I enjoyed our afternoon together.
“We need to get a move on, honey. Jack and Shane are having that barbecue later tonight. Are you coming, Pete?” Kelly poked at her husband’s side playfully as she stood to leave.
“No. Say hi for me.” Peter’s tone was firm. It didn’t brook room for cajoling, that’s for sure.
Kelly simply nodded, but I thought I saw a meaningful look pass between them. Aaron and I did it all the time. I wondered what they were secretly saying with their eyes. And then I got it. Jack. The old boyfriend. Geez, I felt like a private eye, so close to solving a mystery. Except, I had no idea if there really was a mystery or if it was just a simple case of having other plans and not being able to attend. Somehow I didn’t think so.
“It was great to meet you, Jay. I seriously haven’t laughed that hard in… I don’t know. That was fun. Are you game to try it again sometime? Maybe without the swim?” Kelly’s teasing tone let me know she was playing with me.
“Let me get a little practice in first. Maybe in a swimming pool rather than the river next time.”
The minute the door was closed Peter turned toward me. He was wearing a pair of gray sweats that hung low on his hips and a T-shirt that hugged his body just so. His feet were bare and his hair was still slightly damp from our shower earlier. I licked my upper lip, then bit my lower one thoughtfully.
Suddenly he was on me, all over me. His hands were in my hair, his mouth was at my neck, then over my jaw before he bit my lips and forced his tongue in my mouth. It was an assault to my body and to my senses. I marveled again at his ability to go from us standing across the room to glued to one another and practically having sex within a minute.
For that matter, I was surprised by my body’s burning response to him. Peter was magnetic. I couldn’t deny him what we both craved.
We made love on the small sofa in the living area. I say “made love” because that’s how it felt. As hungry as our joining started, by the time we were naked and ready to go, Peter slowed the tempo. He entered me slowly, staring deeply into my eyes. When he rocked his hips into me, moving within my body, he kept his gaze fixed on mine. He was speaking to me through this physical act. It was sublime and almost magical.
I fell asleep in his arms and woke up with my sweaty head plastered to his chest a short while later. He looked down at me and kissed my forehead, brushing my hair out of the way.
“How are you, baby? It’s been a rough day.” He grinned and gave me a small wink.
“A bit rougher for you by the looks of that bruise on your forehead.” I traced my fingers gently over the slightly raised bump above his left eye. “I’m really sorry about that and the tipping the kayak part too.”
Peter’s smile was wide as he hugged my body tightly to his and kissed my head again.
“Don’t be. Kelly’s right. It was fun.”
“You don’t think they’re worried about me being a total dweeb, then?”
Peter chuckled softly.
“No. They liked you.”
“Cool. I liked them too.” I shifted my weight off of his chest and looked for the sweat pants he’d given me to borrow. I made a show of getting redressed when I asked my next question.
“So you have plans tonight?” I asked as nonchalantly as possible.
Silence.
Inwardly I rolled my eyes. The guy was a tad high-maintenance. I looked over my shoulder at him and caught his smile. He was sprawled out naked on the loveseat with his flaccid penis lying gracefully between his legs. Fuck, he was insanely hot.
“No. Do you?” He finally answered.
“What?”
“Have plans?”
“Oh right. Um. Nothing set. I haven’t checked my phone but… why aren’t you going to your friend’s barbecue tonight, then?”
Peter tilted his head to the side as though thinking about how to answer my nosey question. He didn’t look bothered one way or another.
“I just don’t feel like it.”
“Is it ‘complicated’?” I teased. I tried to go for lighthearted, but I knew I was crossing a line by asking in a way.
“Not really. The truth is… I’d rather be with you.”
I gulped audibly and bit at the inside of my cheek. No words were necessary. It’s what I wanted too.