Chapter 22
Hanlon
When I arrive at the gondola, there’s a line, but it’s moving swiftly.
It doesn’t take long for me to find Stone in the small crowd awaiting the return of the structure that’s going to carry them to the top of the mountain for their evening of fun.
As I approach, the lights from the lift house bring Stone’s face into view, and I immediately notice the tightness in his smile, the tension in his posture, and the way he takes a small step toward me.
I want to reach for him and ask what’s upset him, but I know I won’t get the chance for a while.
“Hey, Logan,” I greet, clasping hands with him in a short handshake so as not to be rude, even though I’m pretty sure whatever has Stone responding this way was probably his fault.
“Hanlon. You’re in for a treat tonight,” Logan says with his easy smile in place. “It’s a great time to get to know the other teams better. Oh, and just so you know,” he leans in conspiratorially, “Piper’s single.”
Except for being nervous to come out to my parents, I’ve never been afraid or ashamed to be myself around anyone else, so the words to set the record straight with Logan about why I don’t need to know Piper’s relationship status are on the tip of my tongue.
But confirming that I’m gay just seems like asking for trouble where Logan is concerned.
Especially because he already knows Stone and I are brothers, and he knows Stone was at least curious enough to get on a gay dating app.
The absolute last thing we need is him putting two and two together.
So, I stay silent and just nod my head as he turns his attention back to Stone.
“Are you sure you’re warm enough, Stoney? I can’t believe you’re out here in just your suit jacket, man. Here, take mine,” Logan offers, already shrugging out of his thick coat.
Stone holds his hand up.
“I’m fine, really. The gondola’s almost here. Look,” he says, pointing at the light slowly descending from the mountain.
I step in closer to Stone to offer him what little body heat I have. I had been too busy trying to figure out the reason for his tension to notice that he was missing his thick winter coat.
Thankfully, the gondola arrives a few minutes later, and we begin loading into the car.
It’s standing room only, and bodies are pressed against each other, making me just a touch claustrophobic.
I’m quickly shoved into a corner as more people file in after me.
Stone ensures he’s directly in front of me, facing sideways, so his shoulder is against my chest, and Logan is next to him.
Discreetly turning Stone so his back is to me, I lightly cup his ass. In response, he shifts again, backing further into me, pressing his ass against my dick.
No one is speaking, and the ride is far too quiet for me to allow my moan to escape. As payback, I slip my right hand into his pants pocket and tease him by running a finger along the edge of his cock. Except his swelling dick makes mine do the exact same thing.
Fuck, I wish we were home right now.
Stone and I try to adjust ourselves before exiting the crowded gondola. I’m wearing my ski patrol jacket, so it’s long enough to cover my crotch, and Stone quickly removes his suit coat to hold in front of his.
When we enter the restaurant, we’re greeted by a guy who reminds me a little of myself before finding CrossFit and dialing in my nutrition.
A very slender frame sits about three inches shorter than me.
His hair is a little shaggy, but stylishly so, and his round glasses have thin, wired frames.
He’s wearing a black turtleneck with red-and-black plaid pants, and he’s very, very pretty.
“Good evening,” he says formally, as his stunning blue eyes greet us through his glasses.
“Zeke, are you working?” Stone asks, throwing a sideways glance at the tall guy standing next to the host. “They didn’t even give you the night off to enjoy the party?”
Zeke shrugs. “I don’t mind, Stone. I can still mingle, and I get to eat and drink on the clock tonight,” he says, holding up what looks like a mug of hot chocolate.
“Is Palmer coming?” Stone asks with a bit of an edge to his voice, making me curious.
“No,” Zeke answers quickly.
Stone huffs a humorless laugh, shakes his head, and lowers his voice. “He fucking left you alone for Christmas, didn’t he?”
“He’s traveling to visit family, Addario. He’s really not that bad; you’ve just seen him at a few of his not-so-great moments.”
“Those are the only kind of moments he has, Zeke. The guy’s a piece of shit. When are you going to snap out of it?”
Zeke waves behind him with the mug in his hand. “Enjoy the party. Last call is at eleven-thirty. Last gondola trip will be at one a.m. Merry Christmas.”
Zeke dismisses us by looking around us, prepared to greet the next set of guests.
“What was that all about?” I ask, once we’re out of earshot.
I’m talking to Stone, but Logan pipes up from his other side. I’d forgotten he was here.
“Everyone who works here is fiercely protective of Zeke. He’s like a puppy; young, adorable, eager to please, and so full of life if you catch him in an unguarded moment, but his teeth are sharp, and he’s not afraid to use them if you get too close to the truth.
His boyfriend, Derek Palmer, is a total fuckwit, and everyone I know has tried to get Zeke to leave him to no avail.
But enough about that sad story. We’re here to party,” Logan says, clapping Stone on the shoulders, ushering him toward a few familiar faces.
I spot Deacon and Jeremy first. They’re easy to recognize because outside of Logan and Stone, I work with them the most.
Other names and faces are introduced to me, and the group seems shocked and excited that Stone came out tonight.
People keep shoving fresh drinks into his hand and pulling him in for hugs.
My guess is the alcohol has made everyone a little loose, and they’re taking advantage of the cheerful holiday atmosphere to gain the friendly connection to their boss they don’t get on a regular basis.
Meanwhile, I’m barely holding on, but I swear I break a tooth when I look over and see Logan’s hand resting on Stone’s lower back, ever so slowly guiding him toward a dark corner after saying the obligatory hellos and spreading an appropriate amount of holiday cheer.
Oh, fuck no.
I wrap my conversation up and take advantage of the situation when someone I don’t know stops Logan to chat briefly.
Threading my way over to them, I lean into Stone’s side and whisper, “Need you. Now.” Without waiting for a response, I walk toward the stairs by the entrance.
It’s roped off since the party is being held on the main floor, but I remember on my first day here, Stone told me there were bathrooms in the basement.
After doing a quick scan to make sure no one is watching, I hop the rope and disappear down the steps into the darkness.
The windows down here run from the floor to the ceiling, allowing ample moonlight to fill the space.
The hum of background chatter is gone, and I can finally hear myself think for the first time since arriving at the party.
Stepping around a corner, I hear Stone whisper my name.
“Hanlon?”
“Over here.”
As soon as he rounds the corner, I grab his jacket and kiss him as though his mouth is the tap responsible for pouring my next drink.
I try to stay quiet, but the wet kissing sounds echo in the empty space.
I rub my hand over his cock, and I’m so fucking tired of his pants always being in my way.
“I fucking need you. Do you understand?” I force through gritted words. “I’m going crazy up there watching everyone touch you…and Logan’s hand, I swear to God, I’m going to cut it off.” I’m absolutely frantic. Feral. And I haven’t had nearly as much to drink as Stone has.
“What do you want me to do?” Stone asks.
“I want you to let me take your cock out of these stupid pants and suck you off,” I tell him, not mincing my words.
“Here?” he practically yells.
“Shhhh!” I reprimand. “Yes, here. I want you to fuck my face while you stare at the mountain that holds so much power over both of us, knowing you hold just as much power over me.
Stone groans in response, his head falling back against the wooden beam of the column behind him.
“Is that a yes?” I ask, nuzzling into his neck.
“This is such a bad idea, Hanlon.”
“Then you’d better come fast,” I tell him, taking him by the hand and leading him behind the bar. With me on my knees, even if someone were to come around the corner, they won’t see me, and Stone can just pretend he needed a minute to himself. Anyone who knows him will know that’s very probable.
Dropping to my knees, I work the button open on Stone’s trousers in record time, pulling them down, setting his cock free.
With no time to waste, I dive face-first onto his dick, taking him to the back of my throat like a fucking professional. Apparently, when I’m this horny, my gag reflex takes a hike because I don’t make a sound as his cock twitches, cutting off my air supply.
Stone’s hands fly to the back of my head, and I wish I could see his face, but I can’t tilt my head back to look at him.
After a few seconds, I tap his thigh, needing air, and he releases his hold on my head. Strings of saliva connect my mouth to his beautifully rigid cock as I take a few deep breaths.
“That’s so fucking hot,” Stone whispers, looking down at me, swiping his thumb over my lips.
Wanting to give him a show, I hold eye contact this time as I lick a line from his balls to his crown before pulling him back into my mouth, sucking on the head while using my hand to stroke his shaft.
“Oh, fuck, that’s good,” he whimpers above me.