Chapter Thirteen
Dave got into the bed and Jeff covered them with the duvet. He didn’t need the bedside lamp to see Jeff’s features: the moonlight was perfect for the task. He lay on his back, his pulse racing.
Jeff rolled onto his side and propped his head in his hand. “What changed your mind? Not that I’m complaining, you understand. I can’t tell you how long it’s been since a gorgeous man got into my bed.”
Dave sighed. “I was lying in there, thinking about you in here… and I realized I was being stupid. I had nothing to be nervous about.”
Jeff leaned over and kissed him, silencing him. “It’s okay. You don’t have to explain. I know how much you loved him. And I get it. This is scary.”
Dave expelled a breath. “Thank you.”
“For what?”
“Being you.” Dave couldn’t keep his hands to himself any longer. He stroked Jeff’s warm skin: down his arm, across his chest, his back, the two of them shifting closer to each other with every touch.
“I meant what I said.” Jeff’s hand was on his neck, caressing him gently. “We don’t have to do more than kiss.”
“And… if I wanted to do more?” The thought of Jeff’s lips on his shaft made him ache with desire.
“Then… I’d have to be practical for a moment. Because I know I don’t have any condoms with me. I should have bought some, but it felt as if I was assuming a lot. I mean, not all guys like a—”
Dave stopped his words with a fervent kiss.
Then he drew back, aware of a fluttery sensation in his chest and stomach.
“Okay. Let’s be practical.” He moved his hand down Jeff’s torso, sliding it beneath the duvet to encounter a hard, bare dick.
Dave curled his hand around the warm shaft, loving Jeff’s sharp escape of breath.
“I want this inside me. I hope to God you top, because I’ve never topped in my life.
I used to get tested every three months, but I haven’t done that since Matt died.
And I don’t have any condoms either.” He looked Jeff in the eye, slowly sliding his hand up and down Jeff’s rigid cock.
“I… I… Look, it’s really hard to think when you’re doing that.”
Dave chuckled, and a lot of his tension seeped away. “It’s hard, all right.”
Jeff groaned. “I get tested too, even though it’s been ages since I last did this.”
“Then we’re good. Because I trust you.” His breathing quickened. “And about the topping thing?”
Jeff smiled. “Tell me you have lube.”
Dave stared. “Oh shit. Excuse me.” He dived out of the bed and through the door. He could hear Jeff laughing as he rummaged in his bedside table drawer for the lube, then pelted back to Jeff’s bedroom. “Now, where were we?”
Jeff grinned. “Lose the shorts, Dave.”
His heart still quaking, Dave pushed the elasticated waistband over his hips, gratified to hear Jeff’s sigh as his already stiff shaft sprang up. He stepped out of the shorts and climbed back into bed. “I repeat… where were we?”
Hands touched, caressed… worshipped. Lips grazed skin, and tongues flicked and explored, to a sensual soundtrack of whimpers, sighs, whispers and soft moans.
Dave lost himself in Jeff’s smell, his touch, his low noises of pleasure.
Time was theirs, but they ignored its passage.
They found their rhythm, and soon they were moving together as rocking gave way to passionate coupling.
There was no one to hear Dave’s cry as he came, mingled with Jeff’s harsh breaths a moment later, and yet more sighs tumbled from Dave’s lips as he felt that throb inside him.
There was no one to see them, except the moonlight glistening on sweat-slicked skin.
December 23
Jeff woke to sunlight on his face, and a warm man in his arms. He had no idea of the time, and he didn’t care. He’d had little sleep, and he didn’t care about that either.
The only thing that mattered was in his arms, his head on Jeff’s chest.
There’s Chris to think about too.
Dave stirred, craning his neck to look at him. That slow, sleepy smile sent warmth barrelling through him. “Morning.”
Jeff chuckled. “You forgot the ‘good’ part.” Because any morning waking up to this was good.
Dave stretched. “I promised you breakfast, didn’t I?”
“Do you have to make it right now?”
“Did you have something else in mind?” Dave’s eyes twinkled.
“Yes, but probably not what you’re thinking.”
Dave arched his eyebrows. “I’m intrigued.” He lay on his side, facing Jeff. “I’m all ears.”
Jeff rolled onto his side. “When’s Chris due home?”
“Beth said yesterday that she’d have him back here by ten. We’ve got hours yet.”
“And when he does get home, do you want me here?”
Dave widened his eyes. “Of course. Why would I not?”
“Well, that depends on how much you want to share with him.” Jeff cupped Dave’s cheek. “If I’m going to be here a lot—”
“‘If’?” Dave’s eyes gleamed. “I don’t think there’s any question of that, is there?
” He covered Jeff’s hand with his own, and kissed his palm, and the intimate gesture sent a jolt of electricity through him.
“You said it yourself last night. This is serious.” He grinned.
“Especially now I know what you’re like in bed. ”
Jeff returned his grin. “Ditto. But back to what I was saying… If I’m going to be here a lot, then he needs to know what’s going on.”
“I agree. So when he gets home, we’ll sit down—all three of us—and talk.
If it was anyone else but you about to walk into his life, I’d be concerned.
But I think we both know he won’t have all that big a problem with our relationship.
He hasn’t exactly been subtle in his efforts to bring us together.
In fact, he’ll probably think us being together at all is down to his efforts. ”
This was so close to the truth that Jeff had to fight hard not to react.
Dave’s expression sobered. “I know no one will ever replace his Papa, but I hope he’ll come to love you too.” He took a deep breath. “Just like I’m coming to love you.”
Jeff’s heart did a little happy dance. “I was hoping you felt that way. I don’t have a lot to base my feelings on, because I’ve never been down this particular road before, but… it’s starting to feel a lot like love to me too.”
Dave’s mouth claimed his in a long kiss that curled his toes, and told him breakfast might have to wait a while. He snuggled up to Dave, content to lie in his arms. Then a thought occurred to him. “Were there ever any… awkward moments or questions? I mean, did Chris ever walk in on you and Matt?”
Dave shook his head. “He was only seven when Matt died. And there was a reason we chose the downstairs bedroom for him. The same reason why we never carpeted the stairs, but kept them as varnished wood.” He smiled. “It’s a lot easier to hear little feet bounding up the stairs that way.”
“He’s older now. And you know he’ll be curious. Boys usually are.”
“When it’s time to talk about the birds and the bees, we’ll answer any questions. Until then…” Dave sighed. “I’m not ready yet for him to stop being a child.”
Jeff smiled. “So if he’s not here until ten…”
Dave’s breathing hitched. He straddled Jeff’s waist, then bent down to kiss him. “I think a ride before breakfast sounds good.”
“A little cardio to start the day?” Jeff grinned. “Count me in.”
Dave cocked his head toward the window. “We have company.” He didn’t move, however.
The door opened and Chris yelled, “Dad?”
“In here.” Beside him on the couch, Jeff put his phone down and straightened.
Chris dashed into the sitting room, stopping short when he saw Jeff. He beamed. “Hi. I didn’t know you were here.” Then he ran over to Dave, who grabbed him in a tight hug.
“Have you had a good time?”
“It was the best.” Chris’s cheeks glowed. “Can I do it again?”
Before Dave could reply, Beth poked her head around the door. “Okay to come in? Your little whirlwind here didn’t ask me, he was in such a hurry to see you.”
Dave laughed. “Have you got time for a coffee?” Chris was busy taking off his coat.
She smiled. “I’m okay, thanks. I must get back. I’ve left Ethan on clean-up duty.” Then she caught sight of Jeff, and she blinked. “Aren’t you the guy from the fair?”
Jeff nodded. “Good to see you again.”
“You too.” Beth gave Dave an inquiring glance, her eyes twinkling.
He got up from the couch. “Have a good Christmas.”
She bit her lip. “And the same to you. Both of you.”
He showed her to the door. “Thanks again for having him.”
“Anytime. Ethan loved it.” That twinkle was still in evidence. “And if you ever need a babysitter, he’s more than welcome to come stay a night with us.”
“I’ll bear that in mind. Thanks.”
Beth walked toward the gate, and he waved as she closed it behind her. He came back into the sitting room to find Chris beside Jeff on the couch, talking about the zoo visit.
“So what did you see?” Dave asked, joining them.
“There were baby otters! And a lion cub. And the tiger was huge.” Chris grabbed Jeff’s hand. “You and Dad should take me there one day.”
Jeff’s gaze met Dave’s for a moment, then he smiled at Chris. “I like that idea.”
Dave cleared his throat. “Do you want some juice?”
Chris bobbed his head enthusiastically. He returned his attention to Jeff. “Are you spending today with us?”
“I can’t, I’m afraid. I have to be at work later.”
Dave coughed. “But maybe he might come by after work?” He gave Jeff a hopeful glance.
Jeff chuckled. “Maybe.”
Dave went into the kitchen and poured juice into a glass. Then he returned to the couch and handed it to Chris. “I need to talk to you.” He grabbed the padded footstool and placed it in front of them. He sat, his elbows on his knees.
Chris frowned. “Am I in trouble?”
“No, not at all. It’s just… well… I have something to tell you.”
Jeff’s breathing sped up a little.
“Okay.” Chris drank some of his juice.
“You like it when Jeff comes here, don’t you? Or when we go somewhere with him?”
Chris nodded.
“Well… Jeff is going to be coming here more often. Because… he’s my boyfriend.”
Chris stared at him, so still, and for a moment Dave tensed. Then his face broke into a huge smile. “Aw, that’s great. Is he going to live with us? Are you going to get married? Can I have new clothes for the wedding? Is Aunt Janine going to help you have another baby?”
Jeff smirked. “And you were concerned about how he’d take the news?”
Dave ignored him. “Whoa there. Not so fast,” he said, laughing. “So you like the idea?”
Chris hadn’t stopped smiling. “I love it. I like Jeff.” His eyes widened. “Can he come here for Christmas Day?” He turned his head to stare at Jeff. “Please?”
Dave smiled. “We’d love to have you—you and Amy. Janine will be here too.”
Jeff bit back a smile. “You don’t have room for two more.”
Dave wasn’t about to take no for an answer. “Then I guess I’m going shopping today for a bigger dining table. Say yes, please.” He grinned. “You know you’d rather have turkey and all the trimmings, instead of snacks.”
Jeff chuckled. “Let me phone Amy.” He picked his phone up from the arm of the couch, then went into the kitchen to talk.
“Yay!” Chris was bouncing on the seat cushions.
Dave sat next to him. “I’m glad you like Jeff,” he said in a low voice. “I think Papa would have liked him too.”
Chris swallowed. “Papa would be happy that you’re not on your own anymore.” Then he clammed up as Jeff came back to them, smiling.
“It’s official. You have two more guests for Christmas Day.” His eyes gleamed. “I didn’t tell her our news, by the way. That can wait till she gets here. Although I warn you. She’ll probably shriek so loudly she’ll go ultrasonic.”
“Then she can join Janine, who’s probably going to have the same reaction.” When Jeff’s smile faltered, Dave knew what was on his mind. “Go to work. We’ll be here when you’re done. I’ll have dinner ready, and you can stay the night, if you want.”
“I’d like that.” Then Jeff’s breathing hitched as Chris launched himself into his arms, grabbing him in a tight hug. Jeff’s eyes glistened, and he stroked Chris’s mop of hair.
“Let him go to work, Chris. You can have a warm mince pie waiting for him when he gets back.”
Chris released Jeff, his eyes upturned in an adoring gaze.
Dave went into the hallway and took Jeff’s coat from its hook. He helped Jeff into it, then wrapped the scarf around his neck. “I’ll see you later,” he said in a low voice before kissing Jeff on the lips. Then he walked with him to the door.
Jeff looped his arms around Dave’s neck and kissed him. “Thank you for a wonderful night. And the best part is, we get to do it all over again tonight.” His eyes sparkled. “But a little quieter.” Then he let go, and crunched over the gravel to the gate.
Dave watched until he was out of sight, then closed the door.
Chris was still bouncing. “Does Santa have an address?”
Dave laughed. “I thought everyone knew that. He lives at the North Pole with all his elves.”
“Good. Can you find it for me? I need to write a letter to him.”
Dave frowned. “But you saw him, a month ago.”
“Yes, but now I have to thank him. He got me what I asked for, and I got it before Christmas too.”
Dave cocked his head to one side. “Well, if you’ve already got it, can you tell me?”
Chris pursed his lips. “I suppose so. I asked him to find you a boyfriend.” He ran toward his bedroom. “I’m going to find that notebook Papa bought for me,” he yelled. “You know, the one with the Hulk on the cover.”
Dave stared after him, open-mouthed. What the hell?