Chapter 24
Teague
T he force of the kiss was enough to take my breath away. Or perhaps that was the way Charlie shoved me against the truck, with more strength than I realized he had. Not that I cared, because he could do whatever he wanted to me. I kissed him back with the same level of force and need without taking over. I liked it when he took charge, showed me exactly what he wanted.
When he pulled back so we could both breathe, sucking in a large breath then immediately stretching up to kiss along my jaw, my brain came back online. Just a little. Enough to realize that the forcefulness was a bit out of character, at least for what I knew so far. It was the edge of desperation in his actions, in his body language, that clued me in. This wasn’t so much about passion as it was about release and relief, the high emotions of the day getting channeled through physical affection.
I didn’t have a problem with that whatsoever, but I needed to make sure we were on the same page.
“Charlie,” I managed to get out, my voice more of a gasp than anything else. He bit down gently on my neck and I groaned, loving the sensation. Seconds later, his hands were at my button and zipper, opening my cargo shorts with efficiency.
“Tell me it’s okay. Is it okay? I want…Teague, can I touch you?”
“Yes.” I didn’t even hesitate. Not only was I hard and aching—Charlie’s hands always did that to me—but he could have whatever he wanted, whenever he wanted it. If he wanted to stroke me off in the middle of the night, leaning up against my truck, then I was all for it.
The permission was all he needed and in seconds, he had my shorts open and shoved down, along with my boxers, just enough so that he could get to what he wanted. My cock practically leapt into his hand, and I moaned, long and low, the second he wrapped his hand around me. It was always so much better when a lover did this than when I took myself in hand. He didn’t play or explore, he was too frantic for that, instead rubbing his thumb around the head, smearing precum everywhere. I whined in the back of my throat which made Charlie hum in approval.
I wanted to pull him in closer, reach down and squeeze his perfect ass in my hands, but that was a boundary we hadn’t crossed yet. I kept my hands above his waist, one gripping his arm and the other sliding up to cup the back of his head, keeping his mouth right where it was on my neck. He could chew on me all day if he wanted, the feeling exactly right.
Everything combined to drive me right toward the edge. I would have been embarrassed about how quickly I was ready to come if it was anyone else. But this was Charlie and he just did it for me. And he knew it. I was hard and leaking like a sieve, balls tightening and the tingle starting.
“You’re gonna get me there,” I panted out, forcing the words between breaths. I felt Charlie smile against my skin, then give me a little lick.
“Good.”
It was the satisfaction in his tone that did it for me. Confidence had always been a turn on, and Charlie was that in spades right now, proud of himself. When he added a little twist to his jacking, tightened his hold just a fraction, I was done. I shouted as I came all over myself and Charlie’s hand. He kept going until I shuddered, the touch almost too much. Then he simply held me in a loose grip and kissed my neck with tiny, butterfly kisses, as I came down from the orgasm. It took a couple of minutes before I got my breathing, and brain function, back.
I cradled his face between my palms, just staring at what I could make out of his features in the dim light. Damn, but he was beautiful. And the smug smile was something to see. I decided to kiss it off, and without thinking, I reversed our positions, pushing him against the truck as I devoured his mouth. Charlie stiffened up, but just for a second, before he went pliant and lifted a leg to wrap around my hip. It was all I could do not to grind against him the instant I felt how hard he was.
“I wanna blow you,” I murmured, lifting my mouth just enough to speak against his lips. “I want you in my mouth.”
For a few seconds, he didn’t respond. I pulled back enough to see his face, watched the emotions flash there, and opened my mouth to take it back. But then he smiled, a little tentatively, and said, “Okay.”
I kissed him again, quick and hard. But I had to check. “You sure?”
“Yes.” He sounded sure. Then his grin turned wicked. “Yes, please.”
I would take him at his word. Sliding Charlie to the side, I popped open the driver’s door of the truck, then lifted him up and in so he was sitting on the seat. I could have gone to my knees right there in the dirt, would have in fact, but I wanted him to be comfortable. The overhead light was a bonus, so I could see what I was doing. Knowing Charlie’s issues, I pulled the drawstring on those damn linen pants that drove me wild, and then lowered only the front and tucked that and the waistband of his briefs under his balls. His cock was long and thin, just like him, and so hard it was red and weeping. It made quite a picture, and I sucked in a sharp breath.
“Lookit how perfect you are,” I murmured.
Charlie went still, where a second before he’d been squirming. “Don’t.”
Crap. I realized my misstep and quickly looked up, gauging his reaction. He looked slightly uncomfortable, but still wanting and I figured I hadn’t ruined the mood. I gave a single nod, and Charlie relaxed again, enough so that I knew he was okay.
“You ready?” I asked to check.
Charlie’s tiny whine was music to my ears. “Teague. Please.”
I dove in, ready to give him all the pleasure he’d given me, wanting to make this as good as possible. I hadn’t given a lot of blow jobs in my life, but more than anything, I liked giving my partners pleasure. And in that moment, I wanted nothing more than to feel his hardness on my tongue, have him fill my mouth. I couldn’t take him all, but I sucked in as much as I could before my gag reflex kicked in and went to work. Licking and laving, sucking and nibbling. I heard when Charlie’s hand slapped the seat and tilted my head up enough to see his face. His eyes were closed, mouth open and panting, right hand gripping the steering wheel in a white knuckled grip.
I gave a particularly hard suck just to hear him moan, then grabbed his hand on the wheel and carefully peeled his grip loose. He allowed it, and when I guided his fingers to my hair, he held on. I made an encouraging noise, the hum of it making him shiver, and his grip tightened. Perfect.
I might not have a ton of experience, but I knew what felt good. Charlie really seemed to like when I tongued around the head of his cock and dug the tip of my tongue into his slit. I had to swallow the rush of precum, a little salty and bitter. I wanted more. I wanted it all. I let my saliva run out of my mouth, getting everything slick and wet, and used my other hand to play with his balls. I played a little, trying to figure out what worked, and when I swallowed around him, his sack drew tight.
He pulled on my hair. “T-teague. I’m…I’m gonna—” The rest of his words were cut off by a long, loud moan when I doubled down and he came. I swallowed as fast as I could, but I wasn’t quick enough, and some cum dribbled out the corner of my mouth. I pulled off before he could get too sensitive, and used my thumb to wipe the cum off my cheek before I slipped my thumb in my mouth to suck it off.
Charlie’s eyes were glazed but fixed on me as he slumped sideways against the back of the seat and breathed heavily. I crowded into his space, wanting to gather him up, but waiting for him to make the first move. It took him a few seconds but then he reached a trembling hand out to me. I pulled him into my arms, holding him tightly like I knew he liked.
Eventually, his breathing evened out, and I knew he was okay. Physically at least. I kissed the side of his head and he let out a soft sigh. All good signs. But still, I had to make sure. “You good?”
“So good.” Charlie hummed and hugged me to him. “I want you to stay the night.”
“Okay.”
Charlie laughed, and pulled back, kissing me softly. My lips were definitely swollen and probably red, and I appreciated the care.
“I want you to, but we both know it’s not a good idea tonight. I’ll probably be up a dozen times taking care of the baby.”
I scowled, even though it was mostly for show. “I can help with Salem. I’m his other daddy.”
“And you promised your father you’d be there early to help with the new batch of logs,” he said as if I hadn’t spoken at all. But his soft smile let me know he liked hearing the words. That we were both daddies to the kitten.
“Fine, fine. Be logical,” I grumbled, and then, because I couldn’t help it, I kissed him again.
We spent a good amount of time making out, our dicks still hanging free and with Charlie still sitting in the truck. Eventually, our sticky state of undress broke through the afterglow, and we pulled apart. I refastened my shorts so I could drive home and Charlie pulled up his pants, though he didn’t bother to retie them, holding them with one hand.
“Text me when you get home,” Charlie called as he walked backward toward his cabin.
“Promise. Sleep sweet.”
I waited until Charlie was safely inside before I turned on the truck and drove away. It didn’t take long for me to get home, though I drove on autopilot, reliving the whole thing. Not only had it been amazing, but it felt important. Like we’d turned a corner on the physical side of things. I wasn’t going to assume anything, or violate Charlie’s boundaries or consent, but he’d seemed happy and comfortable, which meant the world to me. Even after I messed things up. He’d been right there in the moment with me and hadn’t retreated into himself. I thought it was progress and I hoped it meant that he trusted me.
When I pulled into my driveway, I sent Charlie a text letting him know I was home safe and sound. The answer was a picture of a tiny black ball of fluff curled up on Cricket’s shaggy white head. I went to sleep that night with a smile on my face.
My mother always said that even if she wasn’t Irish—her parents had brought her and her siblings to the US in the sixties when her father got a teaching position at Cornell—everyone would assume it anyway because of her looks. The pale skin, fiery red hair, and bright blue eyes were, she said, a dead giveaway. And like the hair suggested, my mother was a passionate person. She always wore her feelings on her sleeve, and no one ever had to guess how she felt about something.
Which is how I knew, without a doubt, that she adored my boyfriend.
Mary Mulligan had balked at first about moving the party to Black Dog Inn. She’d been preparing to throw the party at their house. But when I explained that it was what Oakley wanted, and how Charlie would be more comfortable there, she caved pretty easily. After I told my dad about Charlie, I quickly gave the news to my mom. There were no secrets between my parents, and I knew Dad would tell her all about it. I also knew it was news that should come from me, and that she’d be hurt if I didn’t share. Not that I would ever try to keep it from her. I was proud Charlie was mine.
But my mother was a force of nature and could be overwhelming at times, so I clued her into Charlie’s needs. She would never want to hurt him, or anyone for that matter, and so needed details. Mom listened intently, then teared up in that way mothers did before immediately contacting Dana to coordinate the party. I loved her so much.
Now that the party was in full swing, everyone was having a great time. Charlie had found this TikTok account that featured a woman who wore her cat in a baby sling. Thinking this was a great idea, Charlie immediately ran out and got a wrap, which now housed a sleeping kitten. Personally, I thought that meant he’d eventually have a fifteen-pound cat continually strapped to his chest, but Charlie didn’t seem to mind. The dogs were also around, though Cricket kept going in and out, checking on her people, her kitten, and her property. Steve was snoozing in a corner, barely rousing at the noise.
The food, a combination of Dana and Mom’s cooking, had been consumed. Dad had brought a wide selection of beers and Felix had brought wine. Nic was the unofficial bartender, mixing and fetching drinks. Oak had tried the beer, which he didn’t seem to love, but was on his second hard cider. By the redness in his cheeks, it probably should be his last. At least for now.
Charlie never strayed far from my side, though he did occasionally disappear for a few minutes. It was never long, and I think he just wanted to catch his breath. He really seemed to get along with Dad, and listened intently when my father went off on a dissertation about forest conservation. Mom wanted to hug the stuffing out of Charlie, though she somehow restrained herself, and engaged him in conversation when she could.
I couldn’t stop smiling.
“Okay, presents first so we can get to cake,” Regan announced, flourishing a hand toward the cupcake creation they’d brought. It was a masterpiece of confection, the cupcakes stacked in a particular way and decorated as a whole with mounds of colorful frosting so that it worked like a “pull apart” cake.
Cheers went up at Regan’s decree, and Nic practically shoved Oak into a chair next to the present table. I’d attributed Oakley’s red cheeks to the alcohol, but now that blush deepened. I wondered what his past birthdays had been like and if maybe he wasn’t used to all this fuss. Which was a damn shame in my opinion. Birthdays should be a big fucking deal.
The first few gifts were met with joy and more blushes. Books from a series he was reading, some clothes, pride stickers for his new car, and some gift certificates. I’d gotten him a game he’d been wanting to play because even though he didn’t have his own gaming system, he had free use of mine.
And then he got to Charlie’s gift.
Oak opened it with just as much enthusiasm as he’d opened everything else. But when he got the wrapping off, he froze, staring down in shock and not showing it off.
“Charlie, you didn’t.” Oak’s voice was almost devoid of emotion.
Beside me, Charlie went still, and then leaned into me. I had my arm around him already, so I pulled him in even tighter.
“Uh, yes?” Charlie sounded so uncertain. “You said you wanted to learn, so I thought…I’m sorry if—”
“This is awesome!” Oak burst out, holding up whatever was in his hands. I didn’t understand, but Mom laughed. “Grams, you and I have a date.”
Mom grinned even harder. “Of course.”
I bent my head, speaking quietly to Charlie, who had thankfully relaxed again. “What is it?”
“It’s a kit to learn to crochet amigurumi.”
I blinked and watched Oak hop up to show it to Mom. “I don’t know what that means.”
“They’re little stuffed plushie things. Oak saw your mom crocheting and thought it was cool, and he said he wanted to learn how, and to make stuffies. So I found the kit and…”
Charlie trailed off when Oak came around the table. His eyes were a little glassy when he spoke to Charlie.
“Thank you so much. You listened and didn’t judge and…I hadn’t gotten brave enough to look into it yet. But you just took care of it and now I can learn. Grams says she’d be happy to teach me.”
Charlie blinked up at him through his glasses. “Why would I judge?”
Oak cleared his throat. “Because real men don’t crochet.”
“Bullshit.”
We all turned to where Felix sat at the next table. He grinned, and even though I could see the pain lines around his eyes, he looked genuinely happy. “The fiber arts have, as you may know, hundreds of years of tradition. And men have been just as active in it as women. It’s only recent societal standards that have changed that. If you stop by the store, I’ll give you a book about it if you want. I have several.”
Oak nodded, then turned back to Charlie. “Anyway, thanks.”
Charlie stood and, being careful of Salem, pulled Oakley into a hug. I probably wouldn’t have been able to hear Charlie’s murmured words if I hadn’t been sitting right there.
“You’re welcome. And you’re the bravest person I know. Just be you, Oakley. Out and proud of everything you are. Including being a hooker.”
Oakley burst out laughing and squeezed Charlie until Salem gave a little mew of discontent. He pulled back quickly, giving Salem a scratch in apology, his face shining with happiness.
“That’s good. Imma need that on a T-shirt.”
Oak turned to say thank you personally to everyone else, and Charlie sat back down, leaning into me. He absently rubbed Salem’s head, and the kitten closed his eyes. The amount of joy and love I felt as I looked around at all my friends and family nearly brought tears to my eyes. This is what family should be, and I was so glad that Oakley, and Charlie too, had that.
I knew Charlie had his brother, but it wasn’t the same as being surrounded by people who loved and cared about you. And I was going to do everything in my power to make sure Charlie always had it.