Unexpected Visitors
UNEXPECTED VISITORS
One week until opening night.
Laurel’s anxiety had diminished as mine grew. As I walked into the auditorium, I considered rifling through a teacher’s desk in search of antacids. After dealing with middle school kids—especially a room full of them—I bet they stocked the lounge with them. Only a few more rehearsals, and then I’d be able to go to sleep at night without thinking about kids suspended from wires.
I stopped. “Something’s wrong.”
The kids were on stage, rehearsing the final rescue from Captain Hook. The sounds of their chatter filled the auditorium. There was no screaming or biting as they moved in slow motion through the sword fight. Yet, it wasn’t the kids that made the hair on my neck stand on end.
“It can’t be.”
Sitting in the middle row, I spotted the back of Laurel’s head as her hands waved about. Beside her, another woman with wild waves of hair flowing in every direction. The fabric of reality seemed to waver as I raced down the aisle.
I reached the row of seats, and my fears were confirmed. “Tessa.”
“Mr. Wilde.”
She wore a black suit, the jacket designed to accentuate her figure. The white dress shirt was unbuttoned just enough to tease but not enough to be unprofessional. Tessa commanded the attention of every room she entered. She claimed innocence, but I knew she used every asset to compete with the old men in the studios.
“What are you doing here?”
“Me?” She turned, carefully crossing her legs as she leaned back in her chair. “I’m watching the stars of tomorrow as they— I think that kid is trying to chop off Peter Pan’s head.”
“Hook!” Laurel yelled. “I’m watching you.”
“I mean… Firefly. What are you doing in Firefly?”
“Three flights. A dreadful layover in Newark. A six-hour drive from Boston. Lost in the middle of nowhere.” She rested her hands on her knee, practicing that neutral face and calm composure that made her so dangerous. “The woman at the coffee shop?—”
“Rita.”
Her eyebrow shot up. “Rita informed me if I wanted to talk with you, I’d have to come to rehearsal.”
“You flew here just to talk?”
“Oh, this is good,” Laurel said. “You make him nervous.”
“Hush,” I said.
“Laurel here, my new bestie, has it right. You should be nervous, Chris. I flew across the country to figure out why you dodged my calls about the chance of a lifetime.”
“You didn’t tell me you got an offer,” Laurel said.
“An offer?” Tessa laughed. Tessa didn’t laugh. Ever. “One movie and Chris would never have to work again. Actors would kill for a payout this large.”
Tessa didn’t lie. If it had been about the money, I’d have sped to Hollywood to sign the contract. I’d make enough money to never work again. The media’s opinion about my last project would drown as they begged for interviews. I’d go from a tabloid spectacle to a golden boy. But this wasn’t about the money.
“I have obligations.”
“They’re cute,” Tessa said. “You know I want what’s best for you. I’ve always got your back, Chris. I can delay the studio, but even I have limits.”
She meant every word. Tessa got paid handsomely to ensure my career didn’t come crashing down. Centurions 2 would open a thousand more doors. I’d have studios chasing me for every blockbuster action project they had.
“Acting is in your blood. It might not be the role you want, but it’ll give you flexibility. Then, you can do all the independent projects you want. Hell, you could direct a few to keep things interesting.”
Tessa’s arrival brought Hollywood crashing through the door, shattering the peaceful tranquility of Firefly. I barely wrapped my head around her sitting in a middle school theater. I didn’t know if she’d survive the small-town experience or if she’d end up in jail when they didn’t make her coffee right.
“You don’t have to decide this moment.” Tessa stood up, fastening the button on her jacket. If I had been a breast man, they’d distract me from a burning building. “But you do have to decide.”
She walked over and… gave me a hug. I expected a punch in the shoulder, but body contact? A consolation hug? It wasn’t like her. Either Firefly worked its magic quickly, or she did it to make me uncomfortable. With a firm pat on the cheek, she turned and walked up the aisle toward the exit, I knew the answer. Tessa had weaponized hugs.
“You’re leaving?”
“Going back to my hotel.”
“You drove all this way for that?”
“Oh, heavens no.” She turned and shot me a wink. “If my biggest client is turning down the chance of a lifetime, I need to scout the new talent.”
I glanced at the stage. “You’re coming to the show?”
“Buy me a ticket. I wouldn’t miss your directorial debut for the world.”
“Do you need a place to stay?”
She laughed. “I’m heading back to a city with a five-star hotel.”
Just like that, the wrecking ball known as my agent exited the theater. She was known for publicity stunts. Hell, half the reason Bobby and I were together stemmed from a white lie she told the tabloids. I didn’t know if I should thank her or fire her. I’d have to debate my options.
“Are you going to do it?”
Laurel’s expression hovered between concern and excitement. It wasn’t much different from the emotions fluttering about in my stomach. If I signed those papers, I’d be able to write my ticket for the rest of my life. It also meant that I might solidify my future, locking in one unfulfilling role after another. This had been easier when it was just about the money.
“Honest answer?” I shrugged. “I don’t know.”
“Think about the money.”
“That’s the only thing I’m not thinking about.”
I slid through the seats and plopped down next to her. I couldn’t put my finger on it, but something didn’t sit right with me. It had continued growing since I arrived in Firefly. Distance from the immediacy of Hollywood gave me time to think clearly for the first time. I had a lot of time to think, but I didn’t feel any closer to an answer.
“You know we’ll support you. You can visit when you have time. Firefly isn’t going anywhere.”
Laurel had forced her way into my life. She begged for a favor and somehow convinced me to get involved with this damned play. It had gone from a reluctant obligation to wanting to see it succeed. Yes, it mattered to Firefly, but as I watched Ollie swinging his sword, I had become invested in its success.
“Great job, Smee.” Ollie stopped mid-thrust to smile and wave at me. This had become about something bigger.
“Thank you,” Laurel said, taking my hand. “Dad told me about your conversation with Rita.” Of course, he did. Secrecy in Firefly didn’t exist. “I appreciate it. They appreciate it.” She pointed to the stage with her chin. “You’re a part of Firefly now, and we take care of our own. Mr. Wilde, we’ve got your back.”
If she only knew, her statement made the decision all the harder. If I accepted the role, it could be a year before I returned. That wouldn’t be so bad, right? I could sneak away for a long weekend here and there. Bobby would make for delicious arm candy on the red carpet. This newly acquired family would make it work.
“Thank you,” I said.
“What for? Convincing you to supervise tiny terrors? Or because I’m on Team Wilde in the Wilde & Wright saga? Or are you talking about the photos I posted of you stripping at a spaghetti dinner?”
I squeezed her hand. “Everything.”
The kids had gone from a disaster of scattered children to an ensemble. It had taken lectures, threats, and more than a little bribery, but we were nearing the finish line. The middle school production of Peter Pan would be magical. When they finished, I couldn’t help but smile as Ollie joined in a group hug with Hook and Peter. It wasn’t just about the show, not entirely. This had been about finding a community. It took a quiet kid learning to be himself for me to figure it out.
Whatever my decision, I had business to finish before I could think about my career. We were going to make a splash. I couldn’t wait for the curtain to fall, and we basked in the applause for a job well done.
“I don’t want to ruin our moment… but about those tickets.”
Moment ruined by reality.
“Are you ready for the big night?”
Ollie’s head bobbed up and down. The rest of the kids had moved to the exit, each of them brimming with confidence. Like most rehearsals, Ollie stayed close. Unlike our first conversation, his demeanor had changed, now bordering on giddy.
“You’re in a good mood.”
He hooked his finger, beckoning me to come closer for a secret. His goofy demeanor always left me smiling. I leaned down as he scanned to make sure nobody was within earshot.
“Toby said he likes me.”
“Hook?” I asked, standing back up to see Ollie grinning from ear to ear. “Do you like him?”
He nodded. “Sorry, I have to go.”
I looked toward the doors, expecting to see his mom waiting. Instead, I saw Hook, still wearing his oversized hat, gesturing for Ollie to join him. When Ollie reached his castmate, I made an audible “aww” as they held hands.
“Look at you playing matchmaker.”
Bobby wrapped an arm around my waist and gave me a quick peck on the cheek. “Once the paint dries, all the sets will be ready. We even got the ship up on wheels. It’ll be easy to bring out now.”
Everything had come together. We had taken care of everything here, and now I just needed to move as many tickets as possible. Laurel wouldn’t be happy until she could declare herself the first director to sell out before the show even started. If I could help give her bragging rights, I’d do just that.
“When I was coming in, I bumped into a friend of yours.”
I gave him a quick glance, worried we were about to have another heart-to-heart. In due time, but right now, I wanted to exist in this happy little bubble.
“Tessa. My agent.”
“Oh, I know,” he said. “When she mumbled about Firefly being ‘sickeningly cute,’ I pegged her for a flatlander. We don’t get many women wearing heels in the spring. I tried not to laugh as she walked to the parking lot, sinking into the grass.”
“I wouldn’t. She’ll find a way to haunt you. Tessa is a city girl through and through. I don’t even think Firefly can win her over.”
He pulled me closer. “Challenge accepted.”
“Are we going to invite her to dinner with Rose and Edward?”
“I don’t think Tessa has seen a carb in years.” He wasn’t wrong. She ate like a rabbit, which didn’t make sense given her spin classes and self-defense training. In another life, I’m sure she’d been a champion boxer.
“Speaking of invites…” Bobby moved in front of me. “It’s almost eight, and the school’s empty. Want a tour?”
“They all look the same. Classrooms lined with desks. I can’t imagine Firefly broke the mold.”
When Bobby smirked, I realized he had ulterior motives. When my eyebrow went up, he gave a slight shrug.
“Even Firefly has a good scandal once in a while.”
“Are you suggesting?—”
“A tour of a fine academic facility created to enrich the minds of children? Yes, I am.” The grin on his face said otherwise. “Follow me.”
“Here we have Mr. Henderson’s classroom.”
Bobby had skipped every other class in the building. His tour consisted of pointing at doors and saying which teachers he went to school with and who had been there long enough to teach his parents. Otherwise, it was just like I assumed—a different layout but similar to every other school in America.
I refrained from asking questions as he opened the door. Inside, the only difference from the other rooms was the number of globes and maps along the wall. Bobby shut the door behind him, leaving us alone in the empty classroom.
“He teaches geography. He went to school with my dad. They never liked each other. Of course, when he found out I was Abraham Wright’s son, he took it out on me.”
“Jerk,” I said.
“He should have been fired a long time ago, but he’s a legacy. He likes bragging about how his family founded Firefly.”
While it was a fascinating history lesson, I couldn’t figure out why Bobby insisted on sharing his childhood trauma. He moved to a desk in the second row back, further from the door.
“This was my desk. He did everything in his power to make my life miserable. If I forgot my homework, he’d let the entire class know. I sat here, silent, plotting my revenge. I didn’t know then, but I’d find a way to get back at him.”
In Firefly, I could only imagine what revenge looked like. It probably included under-baking a cake or switching his coffee to decaf. Maybe even excluding him from a spaghetti dinner.
“It’s time to get my revenge.”
Bobby did everything but add a maniacal laugh. He approached, and I couldn’t fathom what he had in mind. With the swipe of an arm, he sent the papers on his desk flying across the room.
“Disorganization. You’re diabolical.”
He pinned me against the desk, his chest pushed against mine. Oh. That kind of revenge. His smirk gave away a deviousness I didn’t know he had in him. I glanced at the door, noting the thin window running down one side. At this hour, the school would be deserted… or at least I hoped so.
“Ready for a scandal?”
“Here?”
A silent nod. When Bobby’s hand held my neck and pressed his lips against mine, all resolve vanished. If we were going to get revenge on his former teacher, I couldn’t think of any better way. He transformed from a kindhearted man to an animal, determined to get what he wanted, and I wasn’t going to say no.
I reached for his overalls, removing the clasps. I enjoyed a man standing in the buff, following the lines of his silhouette. Seeing him in a flannel shirt with his overalls around his legs, cock standing at attention, Bobby was downright gorgeous. He had an element of eagerness that made me want to keep him dressed… mostly.
I sat on the desk, knocking a stack of papers to the floor. I reached for the buttons on his flannel. He could keep it on, but I wanted to follow the hair along his chest to where it reached his belly. With the last one open, I couldn’t help but let out a low whistle.
“Now that’s a bear of a man.” I scooted back, this time sending a stapler to the floor. “God, you’re beautiful.”
Bobby’s cheeks turned red. Wrapping my fingers around his shaft, his eyes closed as he let out a low growl. I stroked his cock while pulling at his flannel. Our lips touched. He held the back of my neck, holding me in place as his tongue slid into my mouth. His cock pulsed the longer we explored one another.
Bobby pushed until I lay propped up on my elbows. He waged a war against the button on my jeans. He frowned, and I couldn’t help but chuckle. “Next, you’re going to tell me you’re a virgin.” I unsnapped them.
“Hush.” He pulled the zipper down, revealing the bulge in my underwear. Preparing for sex with Bobby was hot on its own. It didn’t compare to his expression as he pulled the elastic of my underwear down. It fell somewhere between fascination and desire. I wanted him to get everything he wanted… in and out of this classroom.
I lifted my ass off the desk, and with a quick jerk, Bobby yanked my jeans down a couple of inches. The waistband of my underwear kept my cock from jumping upright. Bobby pushed my shirt above my belly button and kissed along my stomach. As his beard brushed against my skin, I couldn’t resist laughing. Yes, I wanted him to touch my cock, but more than that, I simply wanted him to touch me .
“Are you sure we won’t get caught?” The last thing I needed was a record for indecent exposure.
“Unless Mr. Henderson swings by… we’re safe.”
Bobby Wright—did he want his arch nemesis to walk in on us rutting on his desk? My country boy had a devious streak. Who was I to deny him a chance at harmless revenge?
His kissing continued down the shaft. My worries vanished under the heat of his breath. Let the whole town walk in. I wouldn’t stop Bobby. His mouth hovered as he slowly pulled my underwear down. My cock sprang upward, and Bobby didn’t hesitate to catch it with his mouth.
“Fuck,” I whispered. Heat. It was the only thing I could think of until he tightened his lips, gripping the head. I let out a contented sigh. My head hung back as he worked his way to the base. When he reached my groin, he held still, swallowing. When I lifted my head, glancing down at my chest, Bobby’s eyes stared back.
He slid a hand up my stomach, along my chest, as he started an up-and-down motion. Bobby had a talent. Or did he learn this? I’d revisit the conversation when he wasn’t sending shivers along my spine. I wanted more of this, of him, and I didn’t see that desire changing any time in the future.
When he stood upright, I wanted to beg him to keep going. It wouldn’t have been long before I flooded his mouth. He had a devious grin on his face, and whatever secret he had hidden away, I’d say yes.
“Want to fuck?”
Three words. Three delicious, enticing, stiffening words. I would have flipped into whatever position he wanted. I had dreamed about this moment. More than once, I’d jerked off lying in bed, imagining him holding my legs against his chest as he…
“Dammit.” I had gone through all that trouble buying condoms and didn’t have any on me. Who would bring condoms to play rehearsal?
Bobby’s eyebrow shot up. “We don’t have to?—”
“Oh no,” I said. “We definitely are. But I forgot to bring condoms.” Could we shuffle out of the school with our pants around our ankles and go back to my house? I groaned, annoyed that I had wasted an opportunity.
“That’s unfortunate.” Bobby bent over, pulling up his overalls. Sure, it sucked, but it didn’t mean we couldn’t come up with another—Bobby reached into his bib pocket, pulling out a metal foil square. “I’m glad one of us came prepared.”
“You planned this?” I had to laugh at the audacity of it all. Bobby had turned into a man on a mission. I wouldn’t object.
“If that’s going in me, I hope you brought lube too.”
He winked. “Next time.”
Oh. Shame on me for assuming my mountain man was all top. This epiphany changed my nighttime fantasies. Bobby wiggled about, kicking off his boots before stepping out of his overalls. He pushed me back on the desk, spinning around, knocking papers everywhere. No objections—they all deserved A’s.
Bobby climbed on top of me, straddling my legs. I had never been more excited than when he tore the wrapper open. Yes. Right now. Let’s pick up the pace. I had turned into a teenage boy the first time somebody offered to touch my penis.
Condoms—the bane of every man’s existence. They never went on quite right, and while worrying about it staying on, I never stayed hard. The necessary evil of having sex without discussing our pasts. We’d have to put that conversation on the docket. Though, when Bobby gripped my cock, he slid it on as if he had spent his nights practicing. Damn, I’d have to ask for pointers.
He crept further along my body, my cock vanishing behind his balls. With a quick lick of his fingers, he reached back, preparing for the final show. If he didn’t take his time, Bobby would turn me into a two-pump chump.
“Ready?” he asked. I nodded like a giddy idiot.
He shifted his hips, and I could feel the pressure against the head of my cock. Bobby’s eyes closed as he slid back. He grunted as he reached the halfway point, but he didn’t stop until he sat firmly in my lap.
Cupcakes. Peter Pan. Firefly. Scripts. I ran through which shirts I packed, anything to distract me. The thought of my cock buried in Bobby had me teetering on the edge of coming. With a man this hot riding me, it required concentration.
“It’s been a while,” he mumbled.
I wrapped my fingers around Bobby’s cock, and his muscles tensed. He gasped before leaning forward until only the head remained. He slid back, and it was my turn to gasp. Leaning forward, he rested his hands on my chest, setting into a rhythm of gyrating his hips.
“You feel so damned good,” he whispered. “I’m not going to last long.”
“Good,” I said. “Me too.”
Every few minutes, he reset, pausing until we caught our breath. Bobby’s cock was leaking a steady stream of precum, which I greedily licked off my fingers. There came a moment when he sat upright, his cock proudly pointing upward as he picked up the pace. He raced to the finish line, and if he kept milking my shaft, I was going to?—
“I’m coming,” I moaned.
Bobby growled, his cock thickening. He continued fucking my hand until ropes of cum shot across my belly. I bit my lip to stop from howling. The last thing we needed was a janitor discovering me, covered in my boyfriend’s load.
Bobby bent down, making a mess of us both. His kissing was just as vigorous as before. Trapped between us, I could still feel his cock pulsing, covering me in cum. He rested his forehead against mine, kissing the tip of my nose. I gasped as my cock slid from his ass.
“Well, that was better than I hoped for,” he said.
“You’re not so shabby yourself.”
I could have laid there the rest of the night, his weight draped across me. We’d need to schedule another sleepover so I could hold Bobby as I drifted off to sleep. For now, we needed to clean up and get the heck out of there.
“Your thirst for revenge satisfied?”
“For now. We might have to do it again someday.”
I kissed him, a promise to be his co-conspirator. “Just say when.”
Bobby rolled off me, his hair matted with cum. We’d both need a shower. I pulled the condom off, dropping it in the trash. We pulled our clothes on, but that didn’t stop the classroom from smelling like a sweaty good time.
As we headed out, I pulled him by the front of his overalls, pinning him against the door to the classroom. I leaned in, kissing him, my tongue flicking against his before it ended with our lips dragging along one another. I wanted nothing more than to continue this night, not letting him out of my sight for a second.
“What was that for?”
I couldn’t help but smile. “For being you.”
Even after a thrilling evening, I wanted more of him. Clothed or not.