Icing on the Cake (The Barracudas #1)

Chapter 30

30

ELLIOT

A finger pokes my face, but I don’t open my eyes. I’m nestled under a pile of blankets, enjoying the warmth it provides from the frigid Colorado air seeping in through the open window.

It’s the one thing about Gerard that I still don’t like—sleeping with a window open. Okay, I also don’t like how messy he is or that he farts so damn much. But beggars can’t be choosers, right? No guy is perfect, not even Mr. Hockey Hunk himself.

I get poked again, this time harder. “Hey, Elliot?”

“What, Gerard?”

“Are you awake?”

“No.”

Another poke. “Can I suck you off?”

My eyes fly open. Gerard stares at me with a big grin on his face. “Did I hear you correctly? You want to…suck me off?”

Gerard nods eagerly. My eyes narrow in suspicion. “Why?”

“Well…” He blushes and glances down at the finger that was poking me. “It was really hot when you did it to me, and I want to return the favor. I don’t want you to think that I’m greedy. You’re always jerking me off, but I haven’t done anything to you. For yo u.”

“I don’t mind, Gerard. I enjoy being the one to make you come undone. I don’t need you to return the favor.”

“But it would be nice if I did, right?”

“Of course. But?—”

“Then it’s settled. I’ll suck you off, and I’ll do a bang-up job at it too.”

I laugh. Leave it to Gerard to turn a blow job into a competition.

“But only if you want me to. I don’t want to pressure you into anything?—”

I place my finger on his red lips to shut him up. “Suck me, Gerard. And don’t stop until I come down your throat.”

I don’t have to see it to know that Gerard’s toes are curling from my demand. It’s one of my favorite things that he does. It’s such an expressive tell of how turned on I make him.

Gerard disappears under the covers, his strong hands pulling my boxer briefs down my legs. I hear a surprised gasp, and then his tousled blond head pops back out. His blue eyes are blown wide, and his mouth is slightly agape.

“You’re uncut!” he exclaims in a loud whisper.

I laugh at his dramatic reaction. “Yeah, I am. A lot of Hispanic guys aren’t circumcised.”

“Oh. I’ve never seen one in person before. I mean, I’ve seen pictures and videos, but…” He trails off, staring down at my exposed groin with fascination.

I roll my eyes fondly. “It’s not that different. Don’t overthink it.”

I place my hand on the back of his head and gently but firmly push him back down. He goes willingly, settling between my legs. His warm breath ghosts over my semi-erect cock, making it twitch in anticipation.

“Start by licking around the head,” I instruct. “Get it nice and wet. Then use your tongue to play with the foreskin.”

Gerard does as he’s told. His wet tongue swirls around the head and even dips into the slit. Electric shocks zing through me. He traces the edge of my foreskin before slipping underneath and exploring new territory.

I moan softly. “Yeah, like that. Now take the head into your mouth and suck gently. Use your hand to stroke the shaft.”

His plush lips wrap around my cock head as he starts to suck. His big hand grips the base, and having him hold me in this way is making me see stars.

My fingers thread through his hair, and it’s just what he needs to start bobbing up and down on my cock and stroking me at the same time.

“Fuck, your mouth is incredible.” I’m panting like a dog in heat. I squeeze my eyes shut and let Gerard work me over. “Take more of me. Relax your throat. Breathe through your nose.”

He takes me deeper, and my back arches off the bed. His throat flutters around my sensitive glans, and he gags slightly. While most guys would stop when that happens, Gerard uses it as fuel to try again.

I fight the urge to thrust and instead focus on giving him more instructions. Although I don’t think he needs them. The boy is a natural.

“Use your other hand to massage my balls. Tug on them—but gently. Yeah, fuck, just like that.”

His thick fingers massage my heavy sack as he keeps worshipping my cock. Pleasure builds at the base of my spine, pulling my balls tight. I’m leaking salty precome onto his tongue, and he moans, loving the taste.

Gerard’s other hand kneads my thigh. I never knew I would enjoy such a move, but I do. It only spurs me closer to the point of no return. “Gerard, I’m gonna come. Don’t stop. Swallow it all like a good boy.”

He moans around my thickness, sending delicious vibrations through me, and redoubles his efforts. A few more sucks, and I’m coming with a low cry, spurting hot and hard down his throat. Gerard drinks it down as if he’s dying of thirst .

His head emerges from under the covers when I’m all tapped out. He’s grinning like a fool. “That…was… awesome .”

My release glistens on his red, kiss-swollen lips, and when I point it out, he lazily licks them clean. It’s an erotic sight that makes my spent cock give a valiant twitch.

The morning sun breaks through the window, bathing Gerard in a holy glow. The light catches on his golden hair and caresses his flushed skin. He’s a debauched angel, and I’m struck by how beautiful he is.

My heart swells with an overwhelming rush of emotion. It’s more than lust or gratitude for the mind-blowing orgasm he gave me. It’s a soul-deep connection that I have with this boy. And I know without a doubt that I want to be with him forever.

I want to wake up to his smiling face every morning and fall asleep in his arms every night. I want to celebrate his victories and comfort him in his losses. I want to build a life with him—brick by brick until we have a home filled with laughter, love, and a bunch of adopted dogs.

The realization should terrify me. I’ve always been the cynical one who scoffed at the idea of soulmates and happily ever afters outside of romance novels. I’ve been burned before and built walls around my heart to protect myself from getting hurt again. But with Gerard, those walls are crumbling fast. He’s skated around my defenses and made himself at home in my heart.

And for once, I’m not scared. I’m excited.

Hopeful.

Ready to take a leap of faith and see where this journey takes us.

“What are you thinking about?” Gerard’s voice is husky from sleep and other activities. He lies down beside me and props himself up on his elbow. He looks at me with a soft, fond expression that melts my insides.

“You,” I answer honestly. “And how much I adore you.”

His eyes widen in surprise before crinkling at the corners as a brilliant smile spreads across his face. “I adore you too, Elliot. So much.”

He leans in and kisses me, slow and sweet. I can taste myself on his tongue, and it’s surprisingly intimate. I cup his face in my hands and deepen the kiss, pouring all of my newfound emotions into it.

We make out lazily because there’s no need to rush. We have all the time in the world to explore this thing between us. And I plan to cherish every single second of it.

Eventually, we break apart, breathless and giddy. Gerard rests his forehead against mine and nuzzles my nose with his. “Best Thanksgiving morning ever.”

I’m inclined to agree. Waking up to a blow job from the man of my dreams, followed by the understanding that this relationship may be for life? It doesn’t get much better than that.

My nerves are on high alert, knowing that I’ll be meeting Gerard’s parents for the first time today. I try to focus on the warmth of Gerard’s hand in mine, but it does little to comfort me.

I know I shouldn’t be this nervous. Gerard has repeatedly assured me that his parents are excited to meet me. And if they’re anything like Gerard, they’ll be the most easygoing adults I’ll ever meet. Yet, I can’t shake the nagging fear that they will find me lacking in some way or disapprove of me dating their son.

We enter the arena where Lily’s cheer competition is being held, and I remove my hand from Gerard’s, needing a few moments to myself. “I need to use the restroom.”

“Do you want me to come with you?”

I smirk. “I’ll be fine, Gerard. Find us some seats. I won’t be long.”

He waves, and my heart skips a beat at the gesture. I don’t know how I got so lucky with this boy. I won’t ever take him for granted.

Stepping into the restroom, I’m relieved to find it empty. I head straight for the stall at the end, lock it, and sit on the toilet. I don’t actually need to do anything. I just need to take a few deep breaths without anyone watching me.

I also need some words of reassurance from someone other than Gerard. He’s too close to his parents, and rightfully so. I need input from people who know Gerard’s parents but don’t have an emotional attachment to them.

Retrieving my phone from my jacket pocket, I start a group chat with the three guys who know Gerard and his family best.

Me

Hey. I’m about to meet Gerard’s parents. I’m really fucking nervous.

Any words of advice? Tips on how to make sure they like me?

Things I should know about them before I make an ass of myself?

Oliver

Just be yourself, bud. You’re a great guy. They’ll see that.

Show genuine interest, offer to help out making dinner, and let your natural charm shine through.

Kyle

Listen up, pipsqueak. Compliment his mom’s cooking even if it tastes like sawdust. Laugh at his dad’s lame jokes no matter how painful they are.

And for fuck’s sake, keep the PDA with Gerard to a minimum. No one wants to see you two sucking face at the dinner table.

NO ONE.

Drew

Kitten! You HAVE to check out Mr. G’s ass when you get the chance. That man is packing some serious heat in the rear!

Once you see it, you’ll totally understand the meaning of the apple not falling far from the tree.

Or in the Gunnarson’s case…cantaloupes.

Oliver

Dude, what the hell? Elliot doesn’t need to be thinking about his boyfriend’s dad’s ass right before meeting the man.

Kyle

As much as I hate to say it, I’m kind of with Drew on this one, Ollie. I mean, have you SEEN Mr. G’s ass? That thing should have its own zip code.

You’re a lucky bastard, Elliot. You’re about to be inducted into the Gunnarson family.

Cherish the view, my friend.

Me

Oh my gosh. I’m deleting this conversation.

Oliver

Elliot, all joking aside, you’ve got this.

Be yourself and enjoy getting to know Gerard’s family. They’re really good people.

Good luck. We’re all rooting for you!

Kyle

Pipsqueak. I may give you a hard time, but you know I’ve got your back. You’re going to crush this whole meeting-the-parents thing.

And if things get awkward, just remember that you’ve endured sleeping in the same bed as Gerard and his farts.

Drew

Elliot, my adorable little kitten. I know I can be a bit much sometimes, but in all seriousness, you and Gerard are perfect for each other. In fact, I’m jealous of the connection you two have.

His parents will see exactly what we all see.

After the pep talk from the guys, I feel slightly better. I exit the stall and head over to the sink to wash my hands. I may not have taken a shit, but there are still germs everywhere.

I dry my hands with paper towels and head for the door. As I walk out, I slam into a solid wall of muscle.

The collision knocks the wind out of me, and I stumble backward.

Before my ass can make contact with the grimy bathroom floor, a pair of strong hands grip my shoulders and steady me. “Whoa there, son. You alright?”

I look up at my savior, and my jaw drops. Standing before me is a man who can only be described as a fucking mountain. He’s easily over a foot taller than me, with shoulders as broad as a linebacker’s and a chest that says he could bench-press a car. But it’s not his size that has me frozen.

It’s his face.

His chiseled jawline, his tousled blond hair, his crystal-blue eyes that are the same shade as someone else I know…holy shit. It’s Gerard’s dad.

“You must be Elliot,” he says with a warm smile.

“It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Gunnarson.”

His deep, booming laugh fills the bathroom. “Please, call me Gavin. Mr. Gunnarson is my father. You know, I’d recognize you anywhere from all the pictures Gerard’s sent me.”

“Pictures? What pictures?” I don’t remember Gerard ever taking any photos of me.

He pulls out his phone and starts scrolling through it. “Here, let me show you. The boy is absolutely smitten with you. ”

He tilts the screen toward me, and my eyes widen. There are dozens of candid shots of me taken in the Hockey House. There’s one of me curled up on the couch with my nose buried in a book—no surprise there. Another of me laughing hysterically at something Drew said—he may be crass, but he’s hilarious, too. And one of me sleeping on Gerard’s bed. I grimace at that one. My hair is a wild mess, and my mouth hangs slightly open.

“This one’s my favorite,” Gavin says, stopping on a picture of me and Gerard. We’re sitting at the kitchen table, our heads bent close together as we study. Gerard’s hand rests on my thigh, and I’m leaning into him. I remember that day. Oliver was sitting across from us—that traitor. “You make him unbelievably happy, Elliot. I’ve never seen him smile like he does with you. Thank you for that.”

Gavin’s words hit me right in the feels. I’m not used to people being openly accepting of me, especially not the parents of the guy I’m dating. It’s a new experience and overwhelming in the best possible way.

“Honestly, I was nervous about meeting you and your wife today. I want to make a good impression, but I’m not the most socially graceful person.”

Gavin chuckles and claps me on the back. His hand is large enough that it engulfs my entire shoulder blade. “Son, you have nothing to be nervous about. Gerard has told us so much about you that we feel like we already know you. And from what I can see, you’re a great match for our boy.”

“Really?” Hope blooms in my chest.

“Absolutely. Where do you think Gerard gets his easygoing nature from?” He points to himself. “My wife and I are pretty chill people. So long as you always treat our son right.”

Relief washes over me, and the tension leaves my body. “Thank you, Gavin.”

“You’re welcome. Now, what do you say we head out there and find our seats? I’m sure Gerard is wondering what’s taking you so long.”

I nod, and we head to the bleachers together. We spot Gerard sitting to the left of a stunning woman with auburn hair and bright green eyes. She has to be Anna, Gerard’s mom.

As we approach, Gerard’s face lights up when he sees me. He jumps to his feet and pulls me into a hug, not caring that we’re in public. “There you are! I was starting to think you fell in.”

He kisses my cheek, and I blush. “Sorry, I ran into your dad. We got to talking.”

Gerard’s eyes widen. “Oh no. What did he say? Did he embarrass me?”

I laugh. “No, nothing like that. He was actually really nice.”

Gavin comes up behind me and ruffles Gerard’s hair. “Of course I was nice. I’m always nice.”

Gerard rolls his eyes fondly. “Sure, Dad. Whatever you say.”

Anna stands up and smooths down her skirt. She’s even more beautiful up close, with high cheekbones and a queenly presence that can’t be taught. “Elliot, it’s wonderful to finally meet you.”

She steps forward and embraces me, soothing my nerves with the scent of her perfume—lavender and vanilla. I’m stunned for a moment, unused to such open affection from someone I’ve just met, but her hug is so gentle and motherly that I melt into it.

“It’s great to meet you too, Mrs. Gunnarson.”

“Please, call me Anna,” she insists with a tinkling laugh that reminds me of wind chimes.

I grin. “Anna, it is then.”

As we take our seats, Anna leans in conspiratorially. “Gerard has been very tight-lipped about how you two met. He refuses to give Gavin or me any of the juicy details. Would you mind filling us in? We’re dying of curiosity over here.”

I glance over at Gerard, who has suddenly become interested in his phone. A pink flush creeps up his neck. It’s adorable how flustered he’s getting.

Emboldened by Anna’s easy demeanor, I launch into the tale. “Well, it all started when Gerard lost his hockey stick on the morning of the first game…”

As I recount our meet-cute in the library, Gavin and Anna listen with rapt attention. They “ooh” and “aww” at all the right places and laugh heartily when I describe how much of a shit I was to him.

When I get to the part where Gerard and I kissed at the Hockey House Halloween party, Gerard’s face is beet red, clashing horribly with his blond hair. But I see the small, pleased smile as he relives the memories through my words.

“And the rest, as they say, is history,” I finish with a theatrical flourish. “Your son swept me off my feet, and I’ve been smitten ever since.”

“Oh my goodness, that is the most precious story!” Anna gushes, pressing a hand to her heart. “To think our Gerard is such a romantic. He gets that from Gavin, you know.”

Gavin puffs out his chest proudly. “What can I say? Us Gunnarson men know how to woo our partners. It’s in our genes.”

Gerard groans and covers his face with his hands. “You guys are so embarrassing. This is why I didn’t want to tell you.”

But his demeanor belies his words. He’s happy that his parents approve of me and we’re getting along.

Two down, only one more to go.

Gerard’s face instantly softens at the sight of his little sister running up to him after the cheerleading competition. She was amazing—the whole team was, really. They placed second, and it took me promising to give Gerard another mind-blowing orgasm to keep him from giving the judges hell for their asinine decision.

Judging by the reddened cheeks on Gavin’s face and the knowing smirk on Anna’s, I dare say she promised him the same thing. And I will never tell Gerard .

Lily leaps into Gerard’s outstretched arms. It’s a scene straight out of a movie, the doting big brother and his adoring little sister meeting again after a long time apart, and it makes me smile.

“Hey there, Squirt. You are the best cheerleader in the entire country. You need to teach me how to do that one backflip later.”

Lily giggles, and her nose scrunches up, making her appear even younger than her ten years. “You’re too big to do that move, Gerard.”

Gerard gasps dramatically. “Are you calling me fat, Squirt?”

“Hey, you said it, not me.”

Laughing, Gerard presses a kiss to the top of her head. “I love you too, Squirt.”

He sets her down on the ground, and Lily immediately zeroes in on me. Her blue eyes, so similar to Gerard’s, narrow in suspicion as she takes me in from head to toe. “Who are you, and why are you standing that close to my brother?”

I glance at Gerard, unsure how to respond. We haven’t exactly discussed how to tell his sister about us.

“Lily, this is Elliot. He’s my…special friend.”

Lily’s mouth forms a perfect “O.” “Special friend? What does that mean? Are you like his bestest friend in the whole world?”

I chuckle at her innocence. If only she knew how “special” my friendship with her brother truly is. I crouch down to be at her eye level. “Lily, your brother and I are very close. We care about each other a lot and enjoy spending time together. But it’s different than just being best friends.”

She cocks her head to the side. “Different how? Do you have secret handshakes and stuff?”

I look up at Gerard for guidance, but all he does is shrug. Gee, thanks for the help, dude. “Um, not exactly. Gerard and I have feelings for each other. Romantic feelings. Like the kind your mom and dad have for each other.”

Lily’s eyes light up with understanding. “Oh! So you’re his boyfriend! ”

Leave it to a ten-year-old to cut right to the chase. “Yeah. Is that okay with you?”

Lily purses her lips, mulling it over. I hold my breath, nervous about her reaction. I know how much Gerard adores his little sister; her opinion means the world to him. If she doesn’t approve of me, of us? I don’t even want to think about it.

Thankfully, her face breaks into a wide grin, and she throws her arms around my neck. “Of course it’s okay! If Gerard likes you, then I like you too. But…” She fixes me with a glare eerily reminiscent of a stern woman. “You better be nice to my brother, okay? He’s the bestest brother ever, and I never want to see him sad. So, you have to pinky promise to be good to him and never make him sad.”

She holds out her tiny pinky, her face deadly serious. I love her fierce protectiveness over Gerard, and I’m honored that she’s willing to entrust me with her brother’s heart. I link my pinky with hers, giving it a solemn shake. “I pinky swear, Lily. I promise to be good to Gerard and do my best to make him happy. You have my word.”

Satisfied with my promise, she glances up at Gerard. He’s watching our exchange with a fond expression, but it quickly morphs into surprise when Lily marches over to him, wagging her finger.

“You listen here, mister. Elliot is nice, and I like him a lot. So, you better not be mean to him, or else…” She balls her tiny hand into a fist. “I’ll punch you right in the balls!”

Gerard’s eyes widen, and his hands instinctively move to protect his crotch. I bite my lip to keep from laughing out loud at the sight of this hulking hockey player cowering before his pint-sized sister. It’s beyond cute.

“Whoa, easy there, Squirt. I would never be mean to Elliot. I like him way too much to ever hurt him. And trust me, I’m very fond of my balls, so please don’t do anything to them.”

Hearing him declare his feelings for me in front of his family makes me want to tackle him in a bear hug and never let go .

Lily eyes him suspiciously for a moment before nodding, appeased by his promise. “Good. Because if you make Elliot sad, I’ll be really mad at you. And then I won’t cheer for you when Dad puts your hockey games on the TV anymore.”

Gerard gasps, clutching his chest in mock horror. “You wouldn’t!”

“I would,” Lily says solemnly.

Gavin claps his hands, drawing our attention. “Well, now that the important business is out of the way, what do you say we head home and celebrate Lily’s fantastic performance with some ice cream?—”

“Yay!” Lily squeals, bouncing up and down like a jackhammer.

“—after dinner,” Gavin finishes, giving Lily a stern look.

“What?!” she screeches. “I hate it here!”

She takes off running while the rest of us follow after her, laughing all the way.

Yeah, I think I’ll fit in perfectly fine with the Gunnarson family.