Chapter 6
6
S aturday night didn’t start well. Tom called to let me know he’d been called in for an emergency surgery and would meet me directly at the Kennedy Center. I certainly couldn’t fault his priorities. According to what he’d shared on our previous date, his patients were among DC’s political elite. I had a feeling there was a link between the amount of time he spent at the hospital and his single status. Rather like myself in advertising, I mused as I scanned the busy sidewalk outside the venue.
“Let’s leave his ticket with will-call. He can meet us inside,” Curt advised, checking his watch for the third time. If there was anyone who hated tardiness more than I did, it was Curt.
Jack was our equalizer. While Curt and I radiated tension, Jack was a cool customer. He stood at his boyfriend’s side, rubbing his lower back soothingly with an indulgent, amused expression on his handsome face. “Good suggestion. Your doctor will be here when he can, Paul. No sense sitting out here missing all the action. There’s a jazz horn flute inside waiting for you two.”
“Ha. Ha.” Curt bumped Jack’s side playfully and handed me the extra ticket. “Here, leave this for your beau and we’ll go find our seats. I hate being late.”
“We know,” Jack supplied, entwining his fingers through Curt’s lovingly.
I watched the two men make their way to the grand glass-paned foyer. I loved that they had no qualms publicly showing affection. No doubt that was Jack’s doing. He was too confident in his own skin to let any stuffy jazz fans dictate etiquette. If he felt like holding his man’s hand, he would.
I had one of those strange out-of-body moments where I wondered what the hell I was doing. I was on a double date with a former coffee date turned good friend and his boyfriend while I waited for my online date to make an appearance as I secretly longed to be with my other coffee date. I was a head case, I thought, taking a deep breath.
Tom arrived shortly after the lights went down. He whispered his profuse apologies and squeezed my hand for emphasis. I smiled and returned the gesture before pulling away to give the jazz quartet my full attention. The show was fantastic. The quartet played blues-drenched jazz that was alternately soul-stirring and sensual.
There was no intermission during the ninety-minute performance and by the time it was over, I was buzzing with renewed energy. Jazz did that to me. It always had. It was soulful, sexy and watching a live performance was a particular rush.
When we made our way outside into the balmy June evening, I made a quick round of introductions. As the men said hello, I studied my date. He looked like he’d stepped out of a Brooks Brothers catalog with his navy lightweight linen blend trousers and perfectly tailored blue striped button-down shirt. It was hard to believe the man had been wearing scrubs and covered in—never mind.
Curt and I looked, as usual, like brothers in matching khakis and traditional style Oxford shirts. Jack was by far the hippest of the four of us in his edgier cut, dark blue designer shirt and trim fitted trousers. For now long sleeves covered his tats.
I glanced at the conservative doctor standing next to me, then at Jack, wondering what he’d make of Jack’s body ink or if maybe he had some of his own. Jack caught my stare and smiled wickedly. I couldn’t guess what he was thinking. I hadn’t been joking when I told Seth that Jack was a mystery to me. We had nothing in common but Curt. And looking at the two men, you’d doubt they were a couple. At least until you spent time with them and realized they were a study in complementing contrasts that oddly enough made perfect sense.
“I’m not sure what the plans are, but I’d love to buy you all a drink. There’s a great spot in Dupont with live music. They usually play blues. You may know it. It’s on R Street near that leather bar…. Jack’s.” Tom’s smile was firmly in place, though his tone dripped with disdain, making it clear he didn’t care for leather bars or Jack’s in particular. “The Pelican Club. They serve light pub food too. How does that sound?”
My face heated with embarrassment. I turned to apologize to my friends and find a tactful way to let my date know he’d just asked the owner of said leather bar for a drink. But Jack stopped me, shaking his head ever so slightly to signal I should leave it alone. Curt didn’t say a word, but I knew the doctor had taken a serious fall in his esteem. I gulped, madly trying to find a diplomatic segue while my pulse rushed at the mention of the name of the bar Seth was playing at tonight. I had a feeling a nightmarish episode was about to unfold if I didn’t speak up quickly.
“The Pelican Club is a great suggestion. We’ll meet you there. C’mon babe.” Jack gripped Curt’s upper arm before he could refuse and steered him toward the parking lot.
He released his hold when they’d moved a few feet away and freed his hands to light a cigarette. I watched them for a moment, wondering what if anything to say to my date. When I turned to face him, I saw a telltale sign of disapproval in his gaze as though he wanted to admonish or give a friendly professional health warning on the dangers of smoking.
This wasn’t going to work, I mused. How was I going to get rid of this guy? I couldn’t deal with a pompous, know-it-all who—fuck, that wasn’t me, was it?
I had a sudden fear I’d been given a glimpse into how others saw me, and I didn’t care for it at all. I wasn’t judgmental or snobbish. Not really. All right fine, I could be a snob on occasion, but not in an erudite sense. At least, I didn’t think so. I didn’t like what standing next to this man said about me.
“Your friends didn’t valet?” Tom asked as he handed the valet his ticket. Perhaps I was sensitive to it now, but I swore I heard an offhand note of judgment in his tone.
I pasted a chilly grin on my face and handed my ticket over too. “No. It’s a lovely night, so I’m sure they brought Jack’s Harley.”
“Harley? Whoa. Interesting.” As in… not at all. I wanted to slug him.
“To be honest with you, Tom, I’m only?—”
“Shoot. Sorry.” He pulled out his cell and checked a message before giving me an apologetic sideways glance. “The surgery went well, but I’m concerned about this patient. He’s a decorated war vet and a former governor. I’ve asked the hospital to keep me posted. There’s a slim chance they may call me in again. I hope not… but?—”
“I understand. One drink.”
His smile was overly bright as he stepped toward a newer model Mercedes Benz. “Fantastic. See you there.”
I swiped my hand over my jaw in frustration as he pulled away from the curb. I felt a flash of longing for Seth and instantly knew this wasn’t going to end well.
Curt met me outside the Pelican Club fifteen minutes later.
“Jack’s at the bar ordering some drinks. He’s buddies with the owner. They set up a table for us up front. That way we can keep conversation to a minimum and concentrate on the music,” Curt said with an eye roll.
I grabbed his elbow before he headed inside to join his partner. “I’m very sorry. I didn’t realize he’d be so….”
Curt waved his hand dismissively. “Don’t worry about it. I have to ask you, though… where did you meet him? There’s no way Aaron introduced you to that guy.”
“Online. Per your suggestion.”
“Ouch. You mean this is my fault?”
“I have a bigger problem than having an idiot date. Seth is playing with the band tonight.”
“Huh?” Curt gave me a searching stare and looked a little taken aback by the panic in my voice. “Your model? You don’t look so good.”
“He’s not my model, but yes…. Seth. Spiral is his friend’s band and—bloody hell… a front row seat?” I closed my eyes briefly and swallowed hard.
“Wow. Well, this night just got a little more interesting. I better make sure Jack orders you a double.” He winked and pointed to someone behind me. “Looks like your online Romeo is here. I’ll meet you inside.”
The Pelican Club had a 1920s jazz club feel with its dark paneled walls, art deco lighting, and traditional lush tufted round booths along the back walls. The center area was filled with small, square, black-clothed tables facing a relatively large elevated stage. An ample bar was situated opposite. Servers wearing red satin shirts roamed the floor making sure everyone had a drink in hand.
This wasn’t a gay club. It was actually one of those extraordinary places where no one truly gave a shit what you were or what you did for a living. Gay, straight, bi, trans, doctor, lawyer, politician… ad exec. You might see a straight couple making out next to a gay couple doing the same and no one batted an eye or cared if you were running for Congress next election. This place was all about the music.
I had liked Spiral’s show in Baltimore, but I also remembered them being more of a rock band with some blues influence. The Pelican usually featured bands or performers with a rhythm and blues or jazz sound, but not rock. I was interested to see if they would adjust their playlist to please the crowd, or do their own thing.
And yes, because I was a fool, the mere thought of seeing Seth back on stage with his red guitar strapped over his shoulder as he swayed his hips in time with the beat was enough to make my dick swell in my khakis. However, sitting next to a man I should have been interested in but wasn’t while watching the man I wanted but shouldn’t was enough to keep my libido under control. I was jumpy and uncomfortable.
One drink, I promised myself. Then I’d make an excuse and get the hell out.
Jack must have been very good friends with the owner. He and Curt were seated at a table for four centered directly in front of the stage. Tom remarked on the impressive table as he flagged down a waiter to place his drink order. I noted his flirtatious smile with the young man and met Curt’s eye roll with one of my own.
“So, what do you gentlemen do for a living?” Tom asked conversationally. His tone was stiff, but I didn’t get the impression he was being purposefully rude. I had a feeling his imperious tone was ingrained. He probably had no idea he made even the simplest inquiry sound like a chore, a nicety he recognized as being polite though he really didn’t give a shit.
“I’m a lawyer and Jack is?—”
“I’m a mechanic. I work on motorcycles. Harleys, Ducatis… you name it, I can fix it. You ride?” Jack asked with a mischievous grin as he picked up his glass with his left hand.
He’d rolled his sleeves back so his tattoos were now on proud display. I chuckled at his not so obvious “fuck you if you’ve got a problem with me” nonchalance. I understood he downplayed being a successful business owner because he didn’t care to impress my date one way or the other.
Tom’s gaze was drawn to the colorful ink. He gave Jack a wan smile, then flashed a brilliant one a moment later when the waiter set his drink at his elbow.
“Uh, no. I’ve never ridden a motorcycle and I don’t think I ever will.”
“Tsk tsk… never say never,” Jack admonished with a feral grin. “There’s nothing like the feel of straddling a big Harley and feelin’ that motor hum between your thighs. Right, baby?”
Jack caressed Curt’s ear and massaged his shoulder lovingly. When Curt purred as he leaned into Jack’s side, I almost choked on my martini. My friends were not given to overly demonstrative displays of affection. They’d obviously reached their limit of patience with the doctor.
“Yeah. I love it. I didn’t think I would at first, but fuck, it’s hot.” Curt’s tone was breathy. He actually didn’t sound like himself at all. Not to mention he was lying through his teeth. I knew he rode on the back of Jack’s bike occasionally, but he never rode on his own. He’d tell anyone who asked he was happy to wrap his arms around his man, but scared shitless to do it himself.
“Uh… that’s interesting,” Tom replied woodenly with a fake grin.
Curt nudged my leg hard and gave me a comic wide-eyed “what the fuck?” look. I shrugged and leaned toward him when the lights went down. I was very aware of my accelerated pulse as someone grabbed a microphone to introduce the evening’s entertainment.
“One drink and I’ll drag him out,” I said.
“Good.” Curt clapped his hands as the musicians filed on stage. “Which one is Seth?”
I gulped and glanced up. I recognized his best friend Rand, the lead singer, and the bassist and drummer, but not the guitarist. Seth wasn’t there. The man taking his place was a tall, skeletally thin young man with chopped white blond hair that eerily matched the pallor of his pasty skin.
From a purely superficial standpoint, he was a poor substitute for the beautiful man who’d taken his place in Baltimore. However, if Rand was really as driven as Seth claimed he was, there was no way he’d allow a drugged out guitarist to ruin his plans to conquer the music world. The man must be good.
“He’s not there.” My tone was distracted. I stole a furious glance around me, but it was no use. It was too dark in the club to see.
“Are you looking for someone?” Tom asked, breathing into my ear.
I started to deny it, but thought better of it. What difference did it make? I’d never see him again after tonight. I hoped.
“I’ve actually seen them perform once before with a different guitarist. I was wond?—”
“Yes, I know who you’re talking about. He’s pretty unforgettable,” he chuckled in a lascivious tone. “I’ve seen them a few times myself. I prefer when he’s playing guitar, but God, it’s hard to look away from the lead singer too.”
His low whistle of approval sealed his fate in my mind as a creep. I also had a hard time shaking the notion it seemed highly improbable the man who’d proven to be a judgmental prick would be the type to follow a band like Spiral. They struck me as hip and edgy while Tom seemed… well, the complete opposite. I picked up my glass and took a long drink.
Spiral turned out to be a very diverse band who knew their audience. Tonight they played covers of Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, and even the Rolling Stones. Rand’s vocals were genius. The man oozed sex appeal and moved like liquid fire. He had the doctor’s rapt attention from the first song. When they paused for a quick break, I decided it was the perfect time to cut ties with Tom. I’d nursed my one drink over six songs, and though I could have happily ordered another, I was ready to end this date.
“Tom, I’m afraid I need to get going. Don’t leave on my account, but—” Curt kicked me hard under the table. I winced as I stood, turning to give my friend a look I hope said “ouch” and “don’t worry, I’ve got this.”
“Right. I’m ready too. Nice to meet you gentlemen. We’ll have to do this again some time.” Tom bent to shake hands with my friends. He reminded me of a politician doing a meet and greet with the masses. I wondered uncharitably how long it would take him to pull out a travel-sized bottle of hand sanitizer.
We pushed through the thick crowd of patrons. It was particularly gummed up near the exit. Tom stopped in his tracks and pointed toward the restroom.
“I’ll be right back. Do you mind waiting? Maybe we can go to another bar.”
“Um… I’ll be here.” I pointed to the short wall separating the restroom from the lobby area. Fuck. Stupid, stupid, stupid. I had to get out of here. It wasn’t my style to just walk out the door but—my cell phone vibrated in my pocket.
Two messages lit up my screen. The first was from Curt.
Your date stuck us with the bill. He’s a creep, Paul. We’ll find u someone better
The second was from Seth.
I c u
I looked around the crowded area, craning my neck in vain to catch a glimpse of him. I couldn’t spot him. There were too many people. A veritable sea of bodies. I backed up against the wall and typed a quick message.
Where?
“Here.”
He appeared out of nowhere, as though my constant thoughts of him had brought him magically to me. I noted he was wearing haute couture from a Japanese designer who favored an irregular cut in his form fitted lux fabrics. I only knew this because he was a client. I wouldn’t dare wear anything quite so… cool. But God, Seth looked amazing.
I licked my lips nervously and slipped my phone into my pocket. “Hello.”
His brilliant grin lit his gorgeous face to perfection. He stepped into my space and reached out to trace my cheek and my jaw.
“I hoped you’d come.”
“I… I thought you were playing tonight.”
“Perry returned from the land of the dead and insisted he was good to go. I told Rand I’d hang around just in case. He didn’t sound half bad actually.”
“Not as good as you.”
“Not as good as me.”
We spoke in unison, then chuckled at our timing and stared at each other. Seth’s eyes were lit with humor and… desire. I gulped feeling that familiar magnetic pull. I couldn’t for the life of me recall why I thought he was a bad idea. Or why I’d imagined anyone else—oh shit.
“I’m with someone tonight. It’s not a… thing. He’s actually leaving now and?—”
“Not a thing, huh?” he gave a funny half laugh as he moved closer slipping his knee in between mine. “I know. I’ve been watching you. You looked kinda miserable, and I’m feeling kinda nice so I’m gonna help you out. Follow my lead.”
“What are you about? What do you?—”
Seth flattened me against the wall and stuck his tongue down my throat in a move so fast I almost teetered over from the assault. I palmed his head to steady myself and allowed him to deepen the kiss.
God, he tasted amazing. This couldn’t be bad. It felt too damn good.
“Mmm, Daddy, that’s so nice. Take me home now….”
I pushed his shoulders and gave him a puzzled look just as someone cleared his throat next to me. “What?—”
“Uh, I’m leaving now, Paul. Take care.” Tom wore a quizzical expression laced with distaste he didn’t bother hiding this time.
I watched him weave his way to the exit before I addressed Seth, who wearing a smug Cheshire cat grin.
“Daddy?”
“Mmm hmm. What’s the matter? Was that over the top? In poor taste? Taking things a step too far?”
“Yes. Actually….”
“I did you a favor. You didn’t like him anyway.”
“What if I said I did?” I pulled him toward me and ran my fingers through his hair impulsively. He looked surprised by the gesture. Maybe I was too, but I was through with fighting this feeling. Whatever it was.
“I’d call bullshit. Then again….” He snaked his arms around my waist and molded his chest against mine, then bit my chin lightly before continuing. “If I was wrong, then I was very naughty and I deserve to be punished. Are you gonna spank me?”
I moaned as I yanked his hips forward and ground my achingly hard cock into him. My errant mind conjured an erotic vision of him draped over my knee with his jeans around his ankles, and my red handprint on his lovely golden globes. Seth chuckled maniacally and licked my neck like a cat.
“You like that, don’t you? Maybe I’m not the only naughty one. Fuck, if I’d known all I had to do was offer you my ass, maybe I would?—”
I sealed my mouth over his to stop his speech. I was having a hard time focusing. My vision was clouded with lust. I was reeling from the barrage of unexpected events. I’d spent the better part of my evening with a man I hoped never to see again and somehow found myself with a different man I’d said the same thing about a month ago. But I was where I wanted to be. My head wasn’t sure that was true, but the overpowering feeling of equanimity told me to trust my instincts.
“Come home with me.”
Seth’s smile was roguish and reckless. “Okay. Meet me up front. I need to tell Rand he’s on his own.”
I stopped him when he pulled out of my arms, dragging him forward to crash my lips against his one more time. “Hurry.”
“Or?” He bit his lip and made a funny face.
“Uh….”
Seth cocked his head and rolled his eyes before leaning forward to whisper in my ear. “We’re play acting, Paul. This is where you add something like, ‘I’m going to pull down your pants, put you over my knee and?—’”
I slapped one hand over his mouth and quickly replaced it with my tongue. He groaned and deepened the kiss, softening his lips before he pulled away.
“Mmm. That’s it.” He flashed a wicked grin. “I’ll hurry. Actually, come with me. This will only take a sec. I don’t want to have to find you again in this crowd.”
He pulled at my hand and drew me through the masses to a narrow hallway that led to a back room behind the stage area. Someone called his name just as Seth reached for the door. It was the lead singer—his friend Rand.
A couple of things struck me immediately. First of all Rand was an extraordinarily good-looking man. He and Seth looked nothing alike, though they shared a few similarities. They were both tall and lean with longish dark brown hair. But Seth was built like a swimmer and had angular, interesting features that made him an ideal male model while Rand looked like a rock star.
He was slightly taller than me, but there was something in the way he stood eyeing me with a combination of curiosity and warning that made him seem much taller and rather imposing. His black T-shirt clung to his biceps. I noted his arms were covered in tattoos, but I couldn’t decipher the design without getting close and his body language wasn’t inviting.
Rand emanated a natural charisma most mortals simply didn’t possess no matter how confident they were. If he ever made it big, the man was destined for superstardom.
He pushed his damp hair back and shot an unfriendly glance at me before putting a proprietary arm over Seth’s shoulders. “Where are you going? I need you. Perry is?—”
“He’s doing fine. I’m out. By the way, this is Paul. Paul, this is my sometime friend Rand.”
“What he means is I’m his world, right baby?” Rand squeezed Seth to him and planted a sloppy kiss on his cheek.
“Pleased to meet you. You sounded terrific tonight.” I offered him my hand and made myself keep it hanging in midair until he grudgingly took it.
Rand looked from Seth to me and back again with a sardonic expression on his handsome face. Seth shook his head meaningfully. “Don’t start.”
Rand sighed dramatically and glanced at his watch. “I won’t. Only because I don’t have time. He looks a little uptight, but he’s hot. Why British dudes, though? What is the matter with you?”
I opened my mouth to defend myself and my heritage, I supposed, but Seth beat me to it. “I like him. Be nice, Rand.” He leaned in to kiss his friend’s cheek before turning to me. “Let’s go.”
“Hey, wait.” Rand stepped into my space with steely eyes and a somewhat menacing expression. At the last second, he smiled. I couldn’t tell if he was testing me or if he was quirky like Seth and intent on keeping me guessing. “Just because he says you’re nice doesn’t mean I believe it. Be good to him… or else.”
He was gone before I could respond, and Seth was pulling me in the opposite direction.
The early summer evening was comfortable and balmy when we stepped outside, but I was burning up. We waited for the valet to bring my car around, standing inches apart, connected by a buzzing energy. The air practically sizzled between us, heightening my senses drastically. The neon lights on the street seemed brighter, the traffic was louder than normal, and the musky smell of Seth’s cologne took on an intoxicating quality that made me feel light-headed.
I smiled wanly at him when the car arrived. The grin he gave me in return made the blood rush straight to my cock. I gulped audibly as I handed the attendant a tip and sat behind the wheel.
It was eerily quiet in the car as we crossed into Georgetown. Seth asked if I minded music as he reached over to fumble with the audio system. A moment later Etta James’s soulful version of “At Last” flooded the luxurious interior. I closed my eyes for a brief second at the first stoplight and cursed under my breath.
I misjudged the strength of my yearning. I’d never wanted anyone the way I wanted Seth. I’d been with plenty of other men and had experienced intense sexual connections, but nothing compared to this suffocating sensual haze. And we were still completely clothed, for God’s sake.
“Hey.” His voice sounded rough with potent desire.
I didn’t trust myself to speak over the haunting strings of the violin. I slowed down as we approached the shops and restaurants lining M Street in Georgetown, but didn’t glance at him until I reached the first stop sign.
Seth leaned over the armrest and licked my jaw before biting my earlobe.
“Let me undo your belt and unzip your pants, Paul. There’s no one behind us. No one on the street is paying attention.”
“Wha—”
“Shh. Relax. I’ll do all the work,” he whispered as he fumbled with my belt.
I heard the telltale sound of a zipper, and then his warm hands covered my stiff member through my briefs. I groaned at the sublime sensation and licked my lips as I attempted to steady my breathing. Headlights blinding me from behind warned me to keep moving and to keep my eyes on the road.
“Does this feel good? Do you like getting jacked off while you’re driving? Or should I suck you instead? Hmm?”
I grabbed his right hand in a steely grip. “No. Don’t get ahead of yourself. This time we’re doing things my way.”
Seth bit my earlobe again and hummed a needy sound that reverberated through the car and settled in my groin. “Damn, that sounds really fuckin’ sexy. Like I’m riding with James Bond in some ultraslick car and I got this good feeling he wants to take me home and fuck me.”
“No. I—I’m not James Bond, but yes… you’re correct about the rest.”
“Which part? Taking me home or fucking me or?—”
I gritted my teeth and let out a loud growl, surprising us both. “No more. If you must open your mouth, be useful about it.”
“Are you telling me to suck your cock?”
“Seth….” I pitched my tone low with warning.
“Shh. I got this.” He nuzzled his nose against my cheek as he slipped his hand inside my briefs and stroked my painfully hard dick.
“Wait. Don—oh fuck.”
His head was in my lap a second later. I started to pull at his hair, but the first touch of his tongue on the head of my cock nearly made me run the car off the road. I swerved slightly before correcting my course. Seth chuckled, sending a tingle of pleasure up my spine when his stubbled chin brushed against my shaft.
“Seth. We’re almost there. You shouldn’t—” I let out a gasp as he devoured me in one fell swoop.
My vision blurred dangerously. It was the oddest sensation. M Street wasn’t overly crowded, but this was a Saturday night in a town that catered to tourists and college kids, so there were still people about. Any one of them could have looked over to see… well, not much since my windows were tinted. But that wasn’t the point.
It was still unsafe and my attention was torn between keeping my hands on the wheel with my eyes focused on the road and the blissful distraction of Seth’s talented mouth sucking my cock like a bloody hoover. He licked me from base to tip and back before taking me fully in his mouth again. I wanted to stare at his head bobbing in my lap but I had to content myself with the peripheral view for now. One more block, I thought as I lifted my hips slightly to meet the incredible suction.
Seth sat up when I stopped the car in front of my house and waited for the garage door to open. He stroked me slowly while he palmed his erection through his jeans with the other. The streetlight shone dimly into the car’s interior, shedding enough light for me to see the carnal desire in his eyes. He looked as strung out and edgy as I felt. Somehow, knowing we were both suffering made the torment tolerable.
I pulled into the garage, turned off the engine, and pressed the button to immediately close the door. I waited until it was halfway down before reaching for Seth and crashing my mouth over his. He groaned wantonly as I feverishly devoured him, loving the taste of myself on his tongue. He pushed me away to take a deep breath and rested his forehead against mine.
“Come inside.”
He squeezed my cock and dipped his fingers lower to fondle my balls before finally releasing me. He eyed me intently as he unlatched his seat belt and opened the car door.
“Lead the way.”
I swallowed hard and closed my eyes for a brief second in the hopes of summoning a modicum of control. Because yes… I wanted to fuck him in my car, next to my car, on top of—I wanted him with a touch of insanity that urged me to take without thought. But I also wanted this to be more than a quick fuck in the dark or an illicit one-off between two men who might not be sure about each other, but were honest enough to acknowledge an intense physical attraction. I licked my lips nervously and rezipped my trousers before I opened my door to join him.
A faint light coming from the living area left the kitchen awash in romantic shadows. Seth pushed his hair behind his ears and grinned. So beautiful. I kissed him swiftly, then led him through the kitchen and living room toward the staircase. I felt his presence behind me, but we didn’t touch again until I grasped his fingers and pulled him down the short hallway into the master bedroom. I hit a button on the side panel. A soft light illuminated the tasteful crisp white linens on the king-sized bed and sent the rest of the large space into shadow. The only piece of furniture visible in the dim lighting was the enormous bed. Seth chuckled as he curled one arm around my waist and splayed the other over my chest.
“My, what a big bed you have,” he teased as he unbuttoned my shirt and ground his pelvis into my side like a pole dancer.
“All the better to fuck you in, darling.” I reached for his belt loop and pulled him, with more force than I intended, to stand in front of me.
He shuddered dramatically and began working the intricate buttons of his own shirt. “God, I love it when you say nasty things. Do it again. Tell me what you’re going to do to me, Paul.”
“Take your shirt off,” I commanded, purposefully ignoring him. I wouldn’t last if I let him take over now. He was pure sex. From the way his fingers flew over his buttons and peeled back his shirt to expose his gorgeous toned chest, to the suggestive sway of his hips as he unbuckled his belt and slowly unzipped. Seth had been trained to move and pose for the runway. He knew how to use his body and he was very comfortable in his skin… with or without clothes.
“Tell me you’re?—”
“No.”
I lunged for him the second his jeans hit the floor and molded him against me, dipping my hand inside his briefs to grab his ass. He gasped in surprised when I smacked one cheek and then the other.
“Fuck, that’s hot.”
I kneaded his flesh, then pulled it apart as I drew him in. He writhed against me, sliding his erection alongside mine through the thin barrier of fabric. I moaned as I held him around his slim waist and yanked him by the hair to expose his neck. So beautiful. Gorgeous lines and sharp angles. I licked a path up his throat and bit his chin lightly before capturing his mouth in a searing kiss.
Seth returned the kiss with wild abandon. He clutched at my hair, then moved his hands over my shoulders and under my shirt. He scratched and clawed at my back before inching back far enough to work on removing my khakis. He slipped his fingers under the elastic of my briefs and pushed the fabric aside.
I kept my lips glued to his as I did the same until we were standing with our mouths fused and our discarded clothing pooled at our feet. The sheer bliss of holding his naked body again was better than I’d remembered. Our drunken groping in a hotel room had been fun and sexy, but it was nothing compared to this.
“I’m so fucking horny. I could cum from rubbing against your stomach right now. Bed. Please.”
I nodded and reluctantly released him to shrug my shirt from my shoulders and remove my shoes and socks. Seth did the same, then stood next to me, stroking his impossibly hard dick with a devilish smirk as he watched me haphazardly toss decorative pillows from the bed to push the duvet aside. I gave him a playful shove and quickly climbed over him when he landed on his back with an oomph of surprise.
Seth stared up at me with a beguiling expression of humor laced with lust. His dark hair against the white linen was a breathtaking contrast. He could have been a painting, I mused. Someone should paint him so other mere mortals could know true beauty. The unconventional kind that combined self-awareness with sharp wit and a bright mind. The man beneath me was much more than a lovely face attached to a sinfully sexy body.
My hands trembled slightly as I traced the contours of his toned chest. I grazed my thumbs over his nipples then pinched the sensitive nubs until he closed his eyes and shifted his hips upward, looking for friction. I knelt over him, allowing our throbbing cocks only the barest amount of contact as I ran my hands along his lean torso. I was mesmerized by the sight of our rigid cocks leaking precum on Seth’s golden skin.
Without thinking, I wrapped my hands around our flesh in a tight hold and squeezed. We both groaned. I stroked us languidly, purposefully keeping a slow, steady tempo as I smeared the moisture with a twist of my wrist.
“Oh fuck! Paul, I’m too?—”
I covered his mouth and flattened myself over his body in a fluid motion meant to catch him by surprise and hopefully shut him up. He gave me a wide-eyed, playful look. I rolled my eyes, but kept my hand in place and donned a serious expression as I leaned in to whisper in his ear.
“Patience. Roll over on your stomach. Ass in the air. Understood?”
I waited for him to nod his exaggerated acquiescence with twinkling eyes before shifting on my knees to grab a condom and lube from the side table.
“Quit wiggling and shift back. More.”
I knelt between his legs and uncapped the lube with one hand while I ran a soothing hand along his spine. I loved my view of his broad, toned back, tapered waist, and gorgeous round ass.
“On your knees.”
Miraculously, he complied without uttering a word. I poured a generous amount of lube in my right hand and let the smallest bit trickle over his exposed hole. Seth fell forward on his elbows with a curse and reached for his dick.
“No. Let me.”
I swatted his hand away and grasped hold of him from between his spread thighs with a lube-slicked palm. He backed up enough to give me better access, writhing shamelessly beneath me. But the moment I touched his entrance with just the tip of my finger, he went still. His muscles visibly tensed. He propped himself up on his hands and took a deep breath as though readying himself for an assault.
“Seth?”
“Hmm. I’m ready. Just go easy, okay?”
The resolve in his voice was odd. And alarming. There was no way I was remotely interested in a pity fuck. But it didn’t make sense. Less than ten seconds ago, he was begging for it.
“Turn over. On your back.”
“Huh?”
I nudged him gently and waited for him to comply. Part of me hoped the position had been wrong for him and he’d be more relaxed on his back. Alas, it was wishful thinking. He opened his legs wide in invitation, but ruined the effect by covering his eyes with his forearm.
“Seth. What’s wrong?”
His hand immediately flew from his face. He stared up at me in confusion. “Nothing. Don’t you want?—”
I gave a pained half chuckle as I reached for my stiff member and tapped it against his inner thigh. “Yes, but you’re… tense. Too tense.”
He licked his upper lip and gulped before attempting a smile that didn’t quite make his eyes. “I haven’t bottomed in a long time. That’s all. And the last time I did wasn’t the greatest experience. But I want to, Paul. For you.”
“I don’t need you to do me a fav?—”
“Hey!” Seth scrambled to sit up with his thighs resting on top of mine. He ran his fingers through my hair as he pulled me in for a fierce kiss. “No favors. I want you.”
“I don’t mind if?—”
“Paul. I want your dick in my ass. Better?” he asked, managing to sound thoroughly exasperated.
I leaned in to kiss him before pushing him flat on his back. “Much. Relax, all right?”
He nodded vehemently, but sat up on his elbows and gave me an inscrutable look. “Just go slow.”
“I will. I promise.”
I relubed my fingers before inching closer to lift his right leg over my shoulder. He gave me a shy smile of encouragement that made me laugh. I’d done this more times than I could count, but for some reason, I was bloody nervous. I tentatively rubbed the sensitive skin under his balls as I stroked his shaft. When his hips rose to meet my touch, I let a single digit graze his hole. He stilled for a beat and set his hand on my wrist. When he let go, I pushed my finger inside.
“Oh fuck.”
“Good?”
“Yeah. Good.”
I probed a little further in a quick in-and-out motion until he hooked his hands under his knees and told me he wanted more. I added lube, then very gently pushed a second finger into his hot channel.
“That feels… so—Paul, I’m ready. Do it. Fuck me.”
“Not so fast. Relax.”
Seth grabbed his cock in a punishing grip as he rocked his hips up and down. All his early inhibitions were long gone. He was pure energy again, sure and confident. When I pushed the tip of a third finger inside, he went crazy. He undulated wildly, growling as he moved in a frenzy. The sight was enough to make me lose it. Reluctantly I removed my hand, knowing I needed both to deal with a condom in my shaky state. He chuckled at my fumbling, but stilled when I crawled back between his thighs.
“Are you okay?”
“Yeah. I am.” This time his smile lit his face, making his eyes sparkle with an enticing mixture of passion and humor.
I lifted Seth’s hips off the mattress, set my sheathed cock at his entrance, and gently pushed. Very slowly I pressed forward, stopping frequently to let him adjust and to catch my own breath. Being inside Seth was more incredible than I imagined. He was tight and so hot. I felt consumed by him. It didn’t matter who was on top… he was always the one in control. When I was balls deep, I lifted myself to get a good look at him.
“You gotta move. I’m dying here.”
I inclined my head, knowing I couldn’t speak, before rocking my hips forward. Slowly, gently. I set a leisurely tempo that nearly killed me when everything in me demanded me to drive and plunder. Seth clutched at my shoulders and wrapped his legs high around my waist, angling his pelvis so I hit his prostate at each languid pass.
“More.” He tightened his legs around my waist and squeezed.
“You’re sure?”
“Very sure.”
I lowered myself over him, caging his head between my arms, and thrust deeply inside before pulling almost completely out. He gasped in surprise, then clutched at my hips to pull me close again. I threaded my fingers through his lovely hair and bent to kiss his mouth, licking his lips as I plunged forward. Over and over.
Seth was insatiable and demanding. He licked my throat, bit my shoulder, and clawed at my back as he raised his hips to meet mine, urging me on with a constant plea for “harder, faster, fuck me, Paul!” Sweat beaded my forehead as I pistoned into him, giving him everything he asked for.
“I’m close,” he cried, renewing his hold on his cock.
“Let me.” I tried to push his hand aside, but he stopped me.
“Wait. Get behind me again.”
“But—”
He scooted out from under me and flipped over to his hands and knees, putting himself on full display.
“Bloody he?—”
Seth reached back and positioned my prick at his entrance, then pushed back until I was once again buried deep inside him. I felt dizzy, rocked by the onslaught of sensation. A tingle at the base of my spine warned me I was close too. I ran my hands up Seth’s sides and rested them on his shoulders before letting my hips fly. A buzzing hum filled my head, accompanying the rhythmic pounding of flesh, making it difficult to hear his litany of “fuck me, fuck me, fuck me.” But I got the message and obeyed.
“I’m—ahhh, fuck, I’m coming!” Seth roared, shoving his hips back hard.
I held his chest as he shuddered, and I covered his cum-slick cock with my hand. I slowed my pace, but didn’t stop moving. I couldn’t. My control was at a tipping point. I stroked his spent flesh and tried to concentrate on breathing. I was proud of my effort, but knew it was over when he lifted my wet fingers and licked them clean.
“Oh fuck.”
“Yeah. Fuck me. Cum in my ass. Harder. Har?—”
I fell apart, clutching my lover’s body tightly, pumping my hips until I literally had nothing left in me. I was shattered. Completely gone. I shook in the aftermath of what was easily one of the most intense orgasms of my life. My knees trembled and I gasped for breath, panting like I’d run a marathon. I chuckled as I hugged Seth close to me and kissed his shoulder.
“What’s so funny? Are you an after-sex inappropriate giggler?”
I laughed as I gently disengaged and delivered a light smack to his rear end. “Cheeky devil. I’ll be back. Lie down.”
I headed for the master bath to clean up. I returned with a damp cloth a minute later to find Seth sprawled flat on his back with a silly grin on his gorgeous face.
“Did you really call me a cheeky devil?” he asked, lifting his leg when I gestured for him to turn over.
“Yes. Very British. I know. You’re remarkably immodest, aren’t you?” I thickened my accent as I made a show of thoroughly cleaning him.
Seth chortled merrily, yanking me over him hard so I collapsed on his chest. “I’m not modest. I’m a heathen. I’d walk around naked all day and night if I could do it without getting arrested.”
“Then why—” I stopped and rolled over so I faced him, lying on my side. I loved his beautiful smile. I didn’t want to spoil the postorgasmic mood by bringing up something potentially painful. I reached out to trace his jaw and twirled a strand of his hair around my finger. “I love your hair. It’s so?—”
“Hey. I’m sorry I—I haven’t been with anyone I really trusted in a while. That’s all.” He smiled self-consciously as he tucked his arm under his head. The gesture made him seem so damn young. So vulnerable. I felt an almost foreign surge of protectiveness. I reached out to caress his cheek, delighting in his hum of approval. “I almost always top, but I didn’t want to this time. I had this intense feeling I?—”
“What?”
“I needed you inside me. Needed, not wanted. I mean, I wanted you too, but… well, it was bigger than that. I feel safe with you in a weird way.”
His words felt like a gift I wasn’t sure how to unwrap. I swallowed hard as I traced a circular pattern around his nipple.
“Please don’t tell me you really are looking for a daddy,” I joked lamely.
Seth laughed then sidled closer so our flaccid cocks rested against each other. He slid his foot between mine, entangling our legs in a pretzel-like twist.
“No. I’m not. I only said that to scare your date away. He was a tight-ass. You deserve better.”
“Thank you.”
“I like you, Paul. I’m not looking for a boyfriend or a daddy.” He smirked. “But I like you and this… was perfect.”
I smiled and clasped his hand, aware the magnetic pull went beyond the fact we were naked in bed, soaked in each other’s sweat with our hearts still racing. I agreed with everything he said. I liked him too. Why deny or analyze? I could chalk it up to the strange spell he had over me.
The one that had me chasing after him in supermarkets and getting kicked out of museums. But I sensed something deeper. I saw a yearning in his gaze I couldn’t decipher but thought might be the mirror image of what I felt. I wasn’t ready to explore uncharted territory. It was too soon. I couldn’t afford to take improbable risks. And Seth was… improbable, to say the least.