Find Me in July (Mesa Boys)

Chapter 18

eighteen

T roy opened the door to his cabin, Jessie close behind him, and stepped inside. His gaze snagged on his mother at the kitchen sink. His heart lurched. What was she thinking about all of this?

She washed a plate in the sink. “There are fixings for sandwiches on the table if you’re hungry.”

“Thanks.” Troy walked to the table, keeping his focus on her. She wasn’t looking at him. Was she disgusted by him? He winced, then sat at the table.

Jessie sat beside him, then leaned close. In a whisper, he said, “Do you think she’s all right?”

“No idea.” Troy made himself a ham and cheese sandwich, then poured some milk into a glass from a pitcher on the table. This was weird. He had no idea how to handle it. Where was his dad? He searched the room but didn’t see him.

Donna waltzed out from the bedroom hallway. “Oh, you’re back. Everything okay with Nate and Mark?” She took a seat across from them.

Troy glared at her. Did she have to be so loud? Mom could hear. “Yeah, it’s fine.”

“So, what are the plans? Is Jessie staying with us for a few days, or are you two going home today?” She twirled a piece of her long, blonde hair in her finger.

Troy peeked at Jessie. “We’re going home today.” He glanced at his mother.

She turned from the sink, pinching her mouth, then went back to washing dishes.

“And Jessie’s moving in with you, right?” Donna grinned. “This is sort of exciting. You two will be living like an old married couple.” She snorted.

“Stop it, Donna.” Troy bit into his sandwich.

Jessie smirked. “She’s right.” He made a sandwich for himself.

Pointing from Jessie to Troy, she said, “So, which one is the wife?” She sniggered.

Troy dropped his mouth open. “Neither one of us.” What was wrong with her?

“Troy. Troy’s the wife.” Jessie nodded and chuckled, then ate his sandwich.

Troy glared at him. “Why do you say that?”

Jessie shrugged, swallowing a bite of sandwich, then waggled his brows. “You know why.”

Troy widened his eyes. “Shut. Up.” He slapped Jessie’s arm. Getting fucked in the ass did not make him the wife. He shook his head and chuckled. “You’re a real fucker sometimes.”

“Language.” Mrs. Larson walked to them.

As Troy focused on his mother, his smile waned. “Mom...”

She approached the table, then stopped, drawing a deep breath. “I want you both to know that even though I might not condone your lifestyle choice , you’re still my son, Troy. And Jessie, I’ll do my best to treat you the same as I always have. You’re still welcome in my home.” She tensed her mouth, then walked to the sink, stopping to grip the edge.

Troy rose and went to her, wrapping his arms around her from behind. “Thanks, Mom. I know it’s got to be hard for you.”

She turned in his arms, then held him out in front of her. “There was no chapter in my parenting books on how to raise a son who likes boys. I don’t know what I’m doing.”

“So far, you’re doing okay. I’m sure things will work themselves out in time.” Troy offered her a smile. At least she was trying.

“Well, you have your sister to thank for calming me down.” His mother tipped her head at Donna.

Donna beamed and waved at Troy.

Tears glistened in his mother’s eyes. “Troy and Jessie. You two have a hard road ahead of you. I hope you can handle it, and I hope it doesn’t break you. This is not something I want for either of you. But we’ll be here when you need us. Okay?”

Troy pressed his lips together, his vision clouding. “Thanks, Mom.” He wrapped her up in a tight embrace, then released her, swiping his eyes. “Damn...” He stepped to the table and sat next to Jessie.

Jessie gave him a side-hug, dropping his head to his shoulder for a moment. “We’ll be okay.”

“Oh!” Donna jerked in her seat, rounding her eyes. “I get it now.” She tapped her fingers to her lips.

“What?” Did he really want to know? Probably not. Troy scoffed and brought his sandwich to his mouth.

“Troy’s the wife because he’s the catcher.” She squealed.

“Donna Marie Larson.” Her mother glared at her, wagging a finger. “Honestly. What is wrong with you?”

Jessie burst out in a belly laugh. “Holy crap.” He glanced at Troy, giggling.

“Ha, ha.” Troy shook his head. The sooner they could get out of there, the better.

Troy stuffed the last of his clothing into his suitcase, sitting on the bed. “Almost ready to go.”

Jessie wound his arms around him from behind, resting his chin on his shoulder. “It’s not a lifestyle choice.”

“I know.” Troy placed his hands on Jessie’s at his waist. “My mom doesn’t know any better. Let’s leave it for now. I think she’s been through enough today.”

“Yeah, she did see us both naked.” Jessie chuckled.

Troy turned in his arms, grabbed the back of his neck, and planted a long kiss on his mouth. “I can’t believe she saw that. I can’t believe we fell asleep in the van.” He smirked. “But I’m glad it happened. It forced us to come out to our families.” And for you to stay with me.

Jessie freed a thick sigh. “Yeah.”

“I’m sorry about what happened with your family, and especially your dad.” Troy creased his brows. If only they’d been more understanding.

“It’s okay. I’m getting over it. I just wish I could talk to my mom and see what’s going on. She looked so sad.” Jessie rested his forehead on Troy’s.

“Maybe we should try and see her before we leave?” Troy rubbed Jessie’s sides with his thumbs.

“No, let’s just go. Maybe I can see her while Dad is at work when we get back or something.” As Jessie cleared his throat, he released him. “Let’s go.”

Troy zipped his suitcase, then picked it up off the bed and followed him out the bedroom door and into the main room. He looked up. Everyone was there to see them off, standing around the kitchen island.

Mr. Larson hugged Jessie, slapping him on the back. “Take of yourself, son. I’m here if you need me.”

Jessie made a hard swallow. “Thank you.”

Mrs. Larson gave Jessie a quick embrace. “Drive safe.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Jessie offered her a fast grin, then went down the line, hugging Donna, Mark, and Nate.

“I’ll come see you when we get back.” Nate smiled at Jessie.

“I’d like that.” Jessie strode to the door and glanced at Troy. “I’ll wait at the car.” He left.

“Sure.” Troy set his suitcase down and hugged his father. “Dad, I’m so glad you didn’t handle this the way Mr. Smith did.”

“So am I.” His father released him, grabbing his hands. “We all love you, son.”

Troy flashed a grin at him. “I know.” He might have the best father in the world, and apparently, they were more similar than he thought. He stepped to his mother.

“Oh, Troy.” She hooked her arms around his shoulders. “You really got me good this time.”

He chuckled, wrapping his arms around her waist. “I know, Mom. It’ll be okay. You’ll see.” He freed her.

Tears welled up in her eyes and she wiped them away.

“Don’t cry, Mom. I’m only going back to my apartment. I’ll be around.” He smiled at her. If only there were something he could say to make her not worry so much.

“I know, it just feels different.” She sniffled.

“Yeah.” Things were different. He was different. Troy moved and gave quick hugs to Donna, then Mark and Nate. “So, I’ll see you all down there. Maybe we can get together for dinner and some truth or dare.” He laughed. Definitely not Monopoly. But now there were no secrets between them, and a game of truth or dare might actually be fun.

“Sure. Maybe when Jake comes down, we’ll drop by.” Donna smirked.

“Did you tell him?” Troy lifted his brows. Did the whole world know already?

“Not yet, but I will. If he’s not okay with it, then too bad.” She chuckled.

“Okay, well, keep me posted.” Troy picked up his suitcase, walked to the door and waved. “Bye.” He left, his family shouting their goodbyes, and stepped to the Trans Am.

Jessie leaned on the hood, looking toward his cabin.

Troy strode to him. “Ready?” What was he looking at? He peered at the cabin.

Mrs. Smith stood in the window over the kitchen sink, watching them, swiping at her cheeks every few moments.

“Do you want to go talk to her?” Troy set a hand on Jessie’s shoulder.

Jessie rubbed his eyes, frowning, then drew a deep inhale. “No. We better go.” He grabbed Troy’s suitcase from his hand, then stuffed it in the trunk and climbed in the driver’s seat.

Troy stepped into the passenger seat. This was messed up. “You sure you don’t want to talk to her? I mean, at least you could say goodbye.”

Jessie clenched his jaw. “No, I’ll see her when my dad isn’t around.” He started the engine and revved it.

“Okay.” Troy pushed the play button on the cassette deck. “Let’s go.” The car filled with the beginning of REO Speedwagon’s Roll with the Changes . He turned the volume up.

Jessie gunned the engine, spinning the back tires, throwing rocks and dirt behind them. The car fish-tailed, then caught and sped off down the drive.

Troy looked up at a large white and brick two-story bungalow with an expanse of grass in the front yard surrounding a thick oak tree, all sitting under late afternoon sun. “I haven’t been here since you left for college.”

Jessie parked the Trans Am in the driveway and shut the engine off. “Yeah.” He got out and stepped toward a black, double front door.

Troy followed him.

Jessie unlocked the door and went inside, holding the door open for Troy, lowering his head.

Troy came into a wood-floored hallway with stairs lining one wall with green flowered wallpaper. “Hey, you okay?”

Jessie shut the door, then lifted his head, his eyes glistening. “This isn’t my home anymore, Troy.”

“Shit.” Troy wrapped him up in a tight embrace, kissing the side of his head. “No, you have a new home. With me.”

Jessie clung to him. “I’m sorry. I’m trying to stay angry so I don’t get sad, but I can’t.” As he buried his face in his neck, his breath hitched. In a wavering voice, he said, “My dad is such a dick.”

“I know.” Troy brushed his hand down Jessie’s head. “I love you, and we’re starting something here. Just think about that.”

Jessie sniffed and raised his head, releasing him. “Yeah.” He let a quick grin curl his lips and wiped his eyes. “I do have to think more about that.” He breathed in deeply and placed his hands on his hips. “Anyway, my mom keeps some boxes in the basement. I’ll go get them. Why don’t you wait for me up in my room? I mean, my old room.” He sighed, then walked off down the hallway.

Troy stepped up the stairs and came to another hallway in white, a bathroom with green wallpaper and white accents in front of him. He walked down the hallway and into a room at the end, raking a hand through his bangs. He looked at a double bed, centered in the room. He stepped to it and sat on the edge, running his hand over the red and brown plaid bedspread. He and Jessie had lain on this bed talking late into the night the week before he had gone off to start college in New York. How did I really feel back then? He had been sad that night. Really sad. Had it been because he liked him more than a friend even then?

His gaze travelled to a bookshelf lining the wall, and he smirked. Jessie’s Tonka truck was still there, holding up a row of encyclopedias—the truck they’d played with the first time they’d met. He turned on the bed, taking in the posters of rock bands, some with a velvety texture, some that glowed when Jessie turned on his black light. He snickered. Jessie loved sitting in here with the black light on. How much of this would he want to take with him?

Jessie walked into the room, panting, a stack of boxes in one hand and a boxing tape dispenser in the other. “Well?”

“How much do you want to pack?” Troy scanned around him, noting the traditional desk and dresser in dark wood.

“What do we need?” Jessie folded a box, then taped it. “I mean, I don’t want to clutter up your place with my shit.”

Troy rose from the bed and went to him, taking his hand. “It’s not my place anymore. It’s our place.”

Jessie gazed into his eyes. “Our place.” He parted his lips. “What do you want me to take to our place.”

“Whatever you want. I don’t have much, and neither does Sam, my roommate. Bring... whatever makes you happy.” Troy offered him a grin. “Like that Tonka truck you love so much.” He snickered.

Jessie’s face flushed. “You know I only saved that because it reminds me of you.” He draped his arms over Troy’s shoulders.

“You did?” Troy placed his hands on Jessie’s hips.

“Yeah. I’ve always had feelings for you, Troy. Even when we were little. I didn’t understand it, but you were always special to me. Guess I can tell you that now.” He chuckled. “I fought hard not to fall for you when we were teenagers. Going to New York helped a lot. I almost got over it when I dated James.” He glanced toward the truck on the shelf. “I never thought you’d like me back.”

“I don’t like you. I love you.” Troy pressed his lips to Jessie’s, sliding his tongue inside, tangling with Jessie’s.

Jessie freed a soft moan and broke the kiss. “Damn, I love your tongue. Let’s hurry up and take whatever we can fit in the car. I’m sure Nate can bring me the rest later.” He licked his lips. “I can’t wait to get in your bed. This time, I’ll be the wife.” He snickered.

Troy’s cock twitched in his shorts. “What?”

“I want you to do it to me , Troy. You know I dig it, right?” Jessie pressed his erection against Troy’s thigh. “I can’t stop thinking about it.”

“I see.” Troy furrowed his brows. He’d love to, but he wouldn’t know what the hell he was doing. “I don’t want to hurt you, though.”

“You won’t.” Jessie placed a quick kiss on his lips. “If we don’t start packing my room right now, I’m going to throw you on that bed and who knows when we’ll get to our place.” He waggled his brows.

Not a bad idea... Troy smiled. But it might not be good for Jessie to linger here right now. “Okay, let’s pack.” He released Jessie and smacked his ass.

“Hey.” Jessie shook his head.

Troy sat on his double bed, glanced down at the empty paper McDonald’s bags sitting on his blue plaid comforter, then focused on Jessie, hanging a velvety blacklight Led Zeppelin poster on the white wall with thumbtacks. “Is that the last one?” He now had a row of black light posters lining the wall next to his bed.

“Yeah.” Jessie dropped his arms and turned around. “You got all my stuff in the dresser, right?”

Troy peeked at his light wood dresser. It looked more like it belonged in a farmhouse than in a college apartment, but at least it matched the nightstands. Maybe the only things that matched in the whole place. “Yeah, you get the bottom drawers, and I took the top.”

Jessie nodded and stepped back, over a brown oval, braided area rug covering a wood floor, surveying the room. “This isn’t so bad. Where do you want the lava lamp?”

Troy chuckled. “How about you put it on the corner of the dresser?” The thing was bare anyways, and there wasn’t room on the nightstands with the orange ceramic lamps his mother had bought him.

Jessie set up the lava lamp and plugged it in. It glowed in lumps of pinks and reds. “There. Now we just need to turn on the blacklight.”

Troy picked up the bags from the bed. “You do that. I’m throwing these in the trash.” He rose from the bed, bags in hand and strode down a hallway past Sam’s bedroom and into the main room, taking in the tattered, green plaid couch resting against the far wall, with an oval coffee table. When would Sam get home? And how was he going to take this?

He rounded a corner and opened a cabinet under the sink, then tossed their food bags in the trash. As he straightened, he gazed over the kitchen of white appliances and tan laminate counters. Jessie was finally here with him to stay. He spread a wide smile over his face. It seemed too good to be true. But it was true. He jogged to his room and shut the door, then locked it. “Jess.”

Jessie sat on the bed, fidgeting with the black lamp, setting it up in various positions. “What do you think looks best? Here?” He moved it toward the brass headboard of the bed. “Or here?” He positioned it at the end of the bed.

Troy shut the dome light off in the ceiling from a switch on the wall. “I really don’t care. Leave it where it is.” The room was dark except for the glow of the blacklight on the posters, giving everything a purplish hue. He stepped to Jessie’s boom box, resting on the floor by the nightstand and pressed the play button. Boston’s Let Me Take You Home Tonight filled the room. “Perfect.” Troy sang softly to the first verse, fixated on Jessie, crawling over the bed to him.

Jessie widened his eyes and lay back on the bed, his dark hair falling around his head.

Troy continued to sing, then lay over him, chest to chest, hip to hip, their legs tangled, propped on his elbows, gazing down at him. In a soft voice, he said, “I love you.” He claimed his mouth in a heated kiss, sliding his tongue inside, gliding it over Jessie’s, rocking his hardening cock against his thigh. It was time to do what he’d been thinking about all day.

“I love you, Troy.” Jessie kneaded his hands down Troy’s back, then pressed on his ass, bringing their hips closer still.

As friction tingled through Troy’s shaft, he broke the kiss. “I want this to last.”

“Are you talking about us, or this make out session?” Jessie parted his lips, his breath catching.

Troy skimmed his hand down Jessie’s cheek. “Both, I guess.” He nuzzled into his neck, nibbling, and licking the soft flesh. “But I want you so badly right now.” Sensation pulsed through his shaft as desire lit up his spine.

“Just go slow. Let’s make out for a while with our clothes on. We finally have time.” Jessie rocked his hips against him, releasing soft moans, squeezing the muscles of Troy’s ass.

Troy kissed up his chin, then worked his way over his lips, placing wet, open-mouthed kisses over him.

Jessie stayed on him, returning the deep kisses, running his hands up and down his body, touching under his shirt, then finding a nipple and rubbing over it.

A shock of sensation shuddered through Troy’s body. He gasped. “Fuck, take off your clothes.” This making out thing wasn’t working for him. He wanted more, now. He rolled off him and shimmied his shirt off, then skimmed his shorts and underwear down his legs, tossing them to the floor.

Jessie flung the last of his clothes against the closet door and edged into his side, placing his hand on Troy’s cheek. “You’re going to do it, right? You know...” His face flushed.

Troy smirked. “Why are you blushing?” He rubbed his stiff cock over his bare thigh, letting pleasure tingle through him.

“I don’t know. It seems different now. We’re officially living together as a couple.” Jessie let a wide grin creep over his face. “I’m happy and I’m scared and I’m?—”

“You’re mine.” Troy crushed his lips in harsh kisses. No more talking. He rolled over him, gliding his cock against Jessie’s with hard thrusts of his hips, pleasure knotting in his gut.

Jessie panted. “We need something.” He pushed him off, rolled to his side and opened the nightstand drawer, then pulled out the tub of Vaseline.

Troy chuckled. “Where’s the ice cream?”

“We don’t have time for that. Next time.” Jessie lay beside him and lifted his knees, then peeled the lid off the jar. “Here.”

Troy dipped his fingers in, coating them, then placed his fingers at Jessie’s entrance. He was really going to do this. Jessie wanted him to. He slid his fingers around the hole and watched Jessie.

Jessie wrinkled his brows and raked his teeth over his bottom lip, rocking his hips into his fingers. “Fuck... go inside.”

Troy slid a finger inside and kissed his chest, then flicked his tongue over a nipple, keeping his gaze affixed to his face. Last thing he wanted was to hurt him.

Jessie groaned and took heavy breaths. “More, and sort of curl your finger up.” He shifted his hips.

Troy added another finger and curled, sucking on Jessie’s nipple.

Jessie shut his eyes, freeing a sharp moan, arching his head back, his thighs quivering, his cock pulsing. “That’s it. Keep going.” His voice was thick.

Troy’s cock jerked and pre-cum dribbled onto his thigh. “Fuck, that’s a turn-on. Now I know why you didn’t want to have sex the first time you did this to me.”

Jessie opened an eye. “Put it in now, before it’s too late.”

“What?” Troy lifted his head. “B-but...” He didn’t know how to do this.

“Get on top of me.” Jessie shifted himself and put Troy’s hips between his legs. “Come on.” He waved at him and wrapped his legs around Troy’s waist.

Troy hovered over him on straight arms, then gazed down at his cock, now resting at Jessie’s entrance. He forced a swallow and nudged it forward. The heat of Jessie’s hole surrounded the tip. Lust washed over him.

“Go slow.” Jessie squeezed his hips with his legs, prodding his cockhead further into him.

Troy pushed slowly. Tight heat enveloped his cock. Sensation surged and coiled, making his sac taut. “Jess, you feel so damn good.”

“So do you. Keep going.” Jessie pulled on his hips, encouraging him.

Troy pushed all the way in, gasping as his cock jerked with pleasure. He pulled out, then thrust. “Can I go faster?”

“Yes. Do it.” Jessie’s face tensed and he grabbed Troy’s shoulders, bringing his mouth to his own, kissing him with intensity.

Troy surrendered to his kisses, thrusting in and out of him, blinding sensation rushing over him, building to a sweet peak. “Jess, I’m coming.” He groaned and curled his toes, burying his face in his neck, clutching at his sides. “Oh, fuck.”

Jessie snuck his hand between them and pumped his shaft, crying out as cum spurted onto his chest and stomach. As it slowed, his chest heaved with deep breaths. “Holy shit, that was good.”

Troy rested his cheek on his chest. “I think that’s the best I’ve ever had.” He lay there, unable to move.