21. Colt
Chapter 21
Colt
“ W hy do you have so much dog-themed stuff in your room?” Colt asked, sitting beside me in bed. We’d both been just scrolling on our phones for a while, happy to just enjoy one another’s company. “You’ve got a dog blanket, a stuffed animal dog, and I’m pretty sure I saw every dog-related movie on your DVD shelf in the closet too.”
Eli chuckled, putting his phone down. “I wanted one really bad growing up. I used to beg my parents every holiday and birthday to get me one.” He looked up at me, his brown eyes aglow with childlike wonder. “I wanted a dalmatian or maybe a labrador. I used to write little essays for Mom and Dad about why a dog would be a good investment.”
I couldn’t help but laugh. “Did you ever get one?”
“Almost,” he sighed, his smile fading. “But that was before Dad started having the really bad night terrors. Once that started… well… we just couldn’t deal with any more stress in the house. And once he had things under control, I was starting high school and didn’t want to stay at home to take care of a dog. So… it just never happened.”
I felt a pang of sympathy for Eli. “That's rough,” I said, reaching out to squeeze his hand. “You never thought about getting one after you moved out?”
Eli shook his head, a wistful smile playing on his lips. “By then, I was too focused on my career. Always traveling, working long hours. Wouldn't have been fair to the dog.”
“And now?” I asked, my heart rate picking up a little. I hadn't planned on having this conversation, but it felt right.
Eli turned to look at me, his eyes searching mine. “Now? Well, I barely just got back in Sagebrush. Things are kinda up in the air right now.”
I swallowed hard, suddenly nervous. “You thinkin’ about leavin’ again?”
There was a flash of something on his face, but only for a second. By the time he began to speak again, I was convinced I’d made it up.
“Not right now,” he said, snaking his arm around my waist. “I’m feeling pretty good where I am right now.”
I felt a warmth spread through my chest at Eli's words. I leaned into his touch, resting my head on his shoulder. The scent of his cologne mixed with the faint smell of hay that seemed to cling to everything in Sagebrush filled my nostrils.
“Well,” I drawled, trying to keep my voice casual, “if you're stickin' around, maybe we could look into gettin' you that dog after all.”
Eli's eyes widened, a boyish grin spreading across his face. “Really? You'd be up for that?”
I shrugged, feigning nonchalance even as my heart raced. “Sure, why not? I've always liked dogs. And there’s that rescue shelter just outside of town. We could go take a look, see if any of 'em catch your eye.”
Eli's smile faltered. “It’s a nice dream,” he said, the joy fading from his face. “But you’re still figuring things out and a dog is a huge step. I know you want to take things slow and honestly… I…”
My brows furrowed. “What is it, Eli?”
He just stared at me, his eyes darting back and forth between my own.
“Whatever it is,” I said softly. “You can tell me.”
“I… I don’t even know what we are, Colt,” he sighed at last. “I’m not trying to make you feel bad or rush you into anything, honest. I know you’re not sure if you want to come out or what kind of effect that would have on your career. But I know I like you and I know it’s fast and I know I’m being stupid and?—”
I lifted a hand, placing it over his lips to quiet him.
“I like you a lot, Eli,” I said, making sure he heard each and every word. “More than I’ve ever liked anyone.”
Eli's eyes widened, a mix of hope and disbelief swirling in their amber depths. I slowly removed my hand from his lips, letting my fingers trail along his jawline.
“I know I've been hesitant,” I continued, my voice low and soft. “But being with you these past couple weeks... it's made me realize some things. About myself, about what I want.”
Eli swallowed hard, his Adam's apple bobbing. “And what is it that you want, Colt?”
I took a deep breath, steeling myself. This was it. No turning back now.
“You,” I said simply. “I want you, Eli. All of you. I want to wake up next to you every morning, I want to watch you play with that dog we're gonna get, I want to build a life with you here in Sagebrush.”
His eyes filled with tears almost instantly as he drew a shuddering breath. “Do you really mean that?”
I cupped Eli's face in my hands, my thumbs brushing away the tears that had started to fall. “Every word,” I said, my voice thick with emotion. “I know it ain't gonna be easy. There's gonna be folks who don't understand, who might even hate us for it. But I'm done hidin' who I am, Eli. I'm done pretending to be someone I'm not.”
Eli's hands came up to cover mine, his fingers trembling slightly. “Colt, are you sure? Your career, the rodeo...”
I shook my head, cutting him off. “None of that matters if I can't be true to myself. And being with you... it feels more right than anything ever has. I can’t go on ignoring that.”
A sob escaped Eli's throat as he surged forward, capturing my lips in a desperate kiss. I returned it with equal fervor, pouring every ounce of love and longing I'd been holding back into it. Our lips moved together in perfect sync, tongues exploring, hands roaming. When we finally broke apart, we were both breathless.
“I love you, Colt Dawson,” Eli whispered, his forehead pressed against mine.
My heart soared at his words. “I love you too, Eli Daniels,” I replied, my voice trembling.
We stayed like that for a while, just holding each other close, basking in the warmth of our newfound love. Eventually, Eli pulled back slightly, a mischievous glint in his eye.
“So,” he said, a grin tugging at the corners of his mouth, “about that dog...”
I couldn't help but laugh, the tension of the moment breaking. “How about we start with breakfast first?” I suggested, planting a quick kiss on Eli's nose.
“You know,” he said coyly, reaching his hand down. “I think I’ve got that all lined up for you already.”
My eyes followed his hand as he grabbed the waistband of his shorts and pushed them down, his already hard cock flopping free. The heavy piercing glinted in the morning sunlight and instinctually licked my lips. Suddenly my hunger was replaced by lust, my cock thickening in my shorts.
“Is this what it’s gonna be like with you?” I asked, pushing myself up.
“You can bet your tight little ass,” he smirked, watching me lower myself between his legs.
“Good,” I nodded, dragging my tongue up the underside of his cock and pulling a moan from his lips. “Because I fuckin’ love it.”
Eli's breath hitched as my tongue swirled around the head of his cock, teasing the sensitive piercing. I loved the way he reacted to my touch, his hands fisting in the sheets as I took him deeper into my mouth.
“Fuck, Colt,” he moaned, his hips bucking slightly. “You're too good at that.”
I hummed in response, the vibrations making him gasp. My hands gripped his thighs, feeling the muscles tense under my fingers. I bobbed my head, taking him as deep as I could, relishing the weight of him on my tongue.
Eli's hand found its way to my hair, fingers tangling in the red strands. He didn't push or pull, just held on as if he needed an anchor. I glanced up, meeting his amber eyes. The raw desire I saw there sent a shiver down my spine. I redoubled my efforts, hollowing my cheeks and sucking harder.
“Oh god, Colt,” Eli groaned, his head falling back against the pillows. “I'm not gonna last long if you keep that up.”
I pulled off with a wet pop, grinning up at him. “That's kinda the point, darlin',” I drawled, before diving back down.
Eli's hips started to move more insistently, fucking up into my mouth. I relaxed my throat, taking him deeper, loving the way he filled me up. His breathing grew ragged, punctuated by soft moans and whispered curses.
“Colt, I'm close,” he panted, tugging gently at my hair in warning.
I just hummed in acknowledgment, redoubling my efforts. I wanted to taste him, to feel him cum down my throat. I gripped his hips tighter, encouraging him to let go.
With a strangled cry, Eli came, his cock pulsing as he spilled into my mouth. I swallowed eagerly, milking him for every drop. His body shuddered beneath me, overwhelmed by the intensity of his orgasm.
When the last aftershocks had passed, I pulled off slowly, placing a gentle kiss on the tip of his softening cock. Eli's chest heaved as he caught his breath, a blissed-out smile on his face.
“Come here,” he murmured, reaching for me.
I crawled up his body, settling into his arms. He kissed me deeply, tasting himself on my tongue. His hand slid down my chest, fingers trailing over my abs before dipping into my shorts.
“Your turn,” he whispered against my lips.
Eli's hand slid into my shorts, wrapping around my aching cock. I gasped at his touch, my hips jerking involuntarily.
“Fuck, Eli,” I breathed, burying my face in his neck.
He stroked me slowly, teasingly, his thumb swiping over the sensitive head. I whimpered, already embarrassingly close just from sucking him off.
“You like that, cowboy?” Eli murmured in my ear, his voice low and commanding.
“Y-yeah,” I stuttered, my breath coming in short pants. “Don't stop.”
Eli chuckled, increasing his pace. His free hand cupped my ass, squeezing firmly. I moaned, pushing back into his touch even as I thrust into his fist.
“That's it,” he encouraged. “Show me what you need.”
I pushed back harder against his hand, his fingers brushing my hole.
“Oh,” he smiled. “I should’ve known.”
He pulled his fingers up to his mouth for a moment, licking and sucking them until they were coated in saliva. Then, with one quick movement, they were back against my needy ass, circling my entrance. He pressed one against my hole, increasing the pressure with each stroke.
I gasped as Eli's finger breached me, my body clenching around the welcome intrusion. He worked it in and out slowly, his other hand still stroking my cock in a steady rhythm.
“More,” I breathed, pushing back against his hand. “Please, Eli.”
He obliged, adding a second finger alongside the first. The stretch burned slightly, but in the best way possible. I rocked between his two hands, lost in the dual sensations of his fingers inside me and his fist around my cock.
“You're so beautiful like this,” Eli murmured, his voice filled with awe. “So needy for me.”
His words sent a shiver down my spine. I'd never let anyone see me like this before, so vulnerable and open. But with Eli, it felt right. It felt safe.
His fingers curled inside me, searching, and suddenly brushed against that spot that made me see stars. I cried out, my whole body jerking.
“There it is,” Eli purred, rubbing insistently against my prostate.
The dual stimulation was overwhelming. I could feel my orgasm building rapidly, coiling tight in my lower belly. My thighs started to tremble as I got closer and closer to the edge.
“Eli,” I gasped, “I'm gonna-”
“Cum for me, cowboy,” he commanded, his fingers working me relentlessly. “Let me see you let go.”
That was all it took. With a strangled cry, I came hard, spilling over Eli's fist and onto my stomach. My body clenched around his fingers as waves of pleasure crashed over me. Eli worked me through it, murmuring words of praise as I shuddered in his arms. When the last aftershocks had subsided, he gently withdrew his fingers and released my softening cock.
I collapsed against his chest, boneless and sated. Eli's arms wrapped around me, holding me close as I caught my breath. His lips pressed soft kisses to my temple, my cheek, the corner of my mouth.
“Well,” Eli said after a few moments. “I guess we should probably eat breakfast now.” He got up from the bed, lifting his hand to his lips and licking my cum from his fingers. “Because I’m still hungry.”
The sight of him doing that made my cock twitch again and begin to lengthen. I glanced down at it, a grin spreading over my face.
“Uh… Eli…”
He just laughed, grabbing me by the hand and hauling me to my feet. “Come on! We can do it again after breakfast!”
And that, I supposed, was a good compromise.