Chapter 9
CHAPTER NINE
Noah stared at his phone, opened to the text thread with Luke. He’d drafted and deleted at least six messages, each attempt sounding too casual or too loaded with implications. Around him, his empty classroom held the lingering echo of teenagers discussing Fitzgerald, but his mind drifted to work-roughened hands and quiet laughter.
How did you invite your contractor to dinner when you weren’t sure if you wanted to discuss repairs or…other things? That was a lie. They’d moved beyond talking about repairs, and Luke thought he might have Eli’s bedroom and the upstairs bathroom set to rights by the end of the weekend. And he’d called in a favor from a roofing crew to fix the roof before more damage could be done.
“Still here?” Sarah’s voice made him jump. She leaned against his doorframe, coat already on. “Let me guess—hiding from the hunky contractor again?”
Noah clicked his phone dark. “Just reviewing some estimates.” The lie felt paper-thin, like the walls of his dining room. “Luke sent over some numbers for the electrical work.”
“Interesting.” Sarah’s knowing smile made heat creep up his neck. “And you’re still here at four because…?”
“Because—” Noah stopped, frustrated. Because he couldn’t stop thinking about the way Luke’s shirt had ridden up while he cleared wet plaster, revealing a strip of skin that had no business occupying Noah’s thoughts. Because every time their eyes met across the chaos of repairs, something electric passed between them. Because Jenna’s words about being honest with himself wouldn’t leave him alone.
“Earth to Noah.” Sarah’s voice softened. “Are you sure it’s the house that has you hiding out here?”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“Sure you don’t.” She adjusted her bag. “But hypothetically, if someone wanted to explore certain…possibilities, they might start by doing something simple. Like having dinner. Just to talk.”
Noah’s phone felt heavy in his hand. He groaned, knowing she wasn’t entirely wrong and hating that he was so transparent. “Not you too.”
“Just dinner,” she repeated. “No pressure, no expectations. Just two adults sharing a meal and honest conversation while you don’t have to worry about little eyes and ears.”
“He’s working on my house.”
“Yes, but he won’t be forever, even if it feels like it right now.” Sarah started to leave, then paused. “The only way you’re going to solve anything is if you take a chance.”
She left Noah with the weight of possibilities pressing against his chest. For the thousandth time, Noah found himself wishing Luke hadn’t been so respectful about keeping a professional distance since the morning after that kiss. Dammit, Jenna was right. Noah needed to quit worrying about living up to his parents’ expectations.
His fingers moved before he could second-guess himself.
Free tonight? You’ve been burning the candle at both ends, trying to work and then coming to my place. Dinner? Unless you’re busy.
He hit send before he could delete it, then immediately wanted to throw his phone out the window. God, he was too old to feel like a teenager asking someone to prom. This was ridiculous. He was a grown man with a child and a mortgage and?—
His phone buzzed.
Was just thinking about food. Your place, or do you want to grab something?
Noah’s pulse jumped.
My place? I can cook. Unless you need a break from the disaster that is my house.
It’s not as bad as you think. What time?
Noah had a feeling Luke was only being nice. It was far worse than he’d allowed himself to admit. But he hadn’t said no. Did he realize Noah hoped for more than just two guys sharing a meal?
Does six work for you?
Sounds perfect.
There. That was done. Now, he just had to get through the next couple of hours without chickening out.
“Just dinner,” Noah muttered, echoing Sarah’s words. But his hands shook slightly as he gathered his things. Just dinner, just conversation, just…figuring things out.
The drive home felt surreal like he was watching someone else navigate familiar streets. His phone sat silent in his pocket, but he could feel the weight of those messages. Of possibility. Of change.
Luke’s truck was gone when Noah pulled up, but evidence of his presence remained—sawhorses stored neatly against the house, tarps secured against the threat of more rain, a notepad filled with measurements left on the kitchen table. Noah traced the edge of the paper, recognizing Luke’s precise handwriting. Even his notes showed care and attention to detail.
The house felt different without Eli’s presence. Quieter, lonely. Like the house was holding its breath, waiting. Noah moved through familiar rooms, hyperaware of every repair needed, every patch of water damage, every reason this was a terrible idea.
But his phone buzzed again.
Need me to bring anything?
Noah smiled despite himself.
Just yourself. Ready whenever you are.
And maybe that was the truth of it. Maybe he was ready. Ready to stop pretending he didn’t notice the way Luke’s presence filled spaces. Ready to admit his reaction to their kiss wasn’t just curiosity or confusion. Ready to explore whatever this pull between them meant.
His phone lit up one final time.
Be back in about an hour. Looking forward to dinner without a six-year-old’s commentary on my table manners.
Noah laughed, the sound echoing in his quiet kitchen. The house creaked and settled around him, its familiar noises now holding new meaning. Like it approved of what was coming, the possibilities waiting to unfold within its walls.
“It’s just dinner,” he reminded himself again, but this time, the words held promise instead of denial. He headed upstairs to change, deliberately not thinking about Luke’s appreciation for his cooking or the way his eyes crinkled when he smiled or?—
The stairs creaked under his feet, and Noah smiled. Some things couldn’t be ignored, no matter how hard you tried. Maybe it was time to stop trying.
Noah pulled stuffed chicken breasts from the oven just as Luke’s familiar knock echoed through the house. He wiped his hands on a dish towel, forcing himself to walk—not run—to the door. His entire body thrummed with awareness. Good lord, he was as bad as Eli, getting excited to spend time with Luke.
Luke stood on the porch, changed from his work clothes into dark jeans and a soft gray henley that did nothing to hide the strength in his shoulders. His hair was damp, curling slightly at his temples.
“Hey,” he said, his easy smile not quite masking something tense in his expression. “Brought wine. Seemed more appropriate than my usual six-pack.”
“You didn’t have to—” Noah started, but Luke was already moving past him into the house, close enough that Noah caught the scent of soap and something woodsy. Not his usual mix of sawdust and sweat from working all day.
“Wanted to.” Luke handed him the bottle. “Though I have to admit, it feels weird walking in here without my tools.”
It seemed both of them were on the same page about this not being work-related. Noah’s shoulders relaxed, grateful he didn’t need to call Luke over with a flimsy excuse about helping with the work while Eli was gone.
The image of Luke’s tool belt riding low on his hips flashed through Noah’s mind. He turned quickly toward the kitchen, hoping Luke couldn’t see the heat he felt rising in his face. “I imagine it’s weird not having Eli grilling you about what you’re doing every ten seconds.”
“Yeah.” Luke’s laugh held a note of tension. “It’s almost too quiet in here without him.”
Too quiet. Every small sound seemed amplified—the clink of plates as Noah pulled them from cabinets, the subtle shift of floorboards under their feet, the way their breathing seemed too loud in the charged space.
“Need help with anything?” Luke asked, shoving up his sleeves. The gesture shouldn’t have been distracting—Noah had seen him do it countless times while working. But something about the deliberate way he adjusted the fabric, revealing strong forearms, made Noah’s mouth go dry.
“Everything’s ready,” Noah managed, turning back to the counter. “Though you could open the wine.”
Luke moved around the kitchen with familiar ease, locating glasses and the corkscrew like he belonged there. Like this was something they did regularly, sharing wine and quiet conversation while dinner cooled on the counter. The domesticity of it should have terrified Noah. Instead, it filled his chest with warmth.
“So,” Luke said, pouring them each a generous glass, “this is different.”
Noah accepted his wine, their fingers brushing. Electricity sparked between them, and Noah nearly dropped the glass. It seemed they were finally going to address the elephant in the room. Noah was grateful Luke had broached the subject first. “Different good or different weird?”
“Both?” Luke’s laugh held self-deprecation. “I mean, usually by now, I’m covered in plaster dust, and you’re reminding Eli not to use his map as a placemat.”
“I miss him,” Noah admitted, settling into his usual chair. “But it’s probably good Jenna took him for a few days. Gives us time to deal with the worst of the damage without him trying to help.”
Luke’s expression softened. “He’s a good kid. Smart too. Some of his observations about the house’s quirks are actually useful.”
“He thinks you’re some kind of superhero.” The words slipped out before Noah could stop them. “The way you explain things, make him feel included… It means a lot.”
Something complicated crossed Luke’s features. He took a long sip of wine before responding. “He makes it easy. Most kids that age just want to play with the tools. But Eli actually listens, you know? Asks good questions.”
“Like his disaster map?” Noah couldn’t help smiling at the memory of Eli’s detailed documentation.
“Hey, that map is a work of art.” Luke’s mock offense made them both laugh, easing some of the tension. “Though I must admit, his theory about ghost pirates hiding treasure in the walls might be a stretch.”
They fell into comfortable conversation over dinner, discussing everything except the repairs still needed or the growing attraction between them. Luke praised the food, their hands brushing as Noah passed him the bowl of carrots. Each small touch sent sparks across Noah’s skin, making it harder to maintain any pretense that this was just a friendly dinner.
“This is driving me crazy,” Luke said suddenly, setting down his fork. “All of it. The house falling apart around us, trying to pretend I’m not—” He stopped, running a hand through his hair. “Maybe we should go somewhere else. Somewhere fresh.”
Noah’s pulse jumped. “What did you have in mind?”
“My place?” Luke’s voice held careful neutrality. “I could show you the projects I’m working on. Might help you visualize some of the restoration options.”
They both knew this wasn’t about restoration options. This was about escape, about finding neutral ground where they couldn’t hide behind professional distance or parental responsibilities. Where they’d have to face whatever was growing between them.
“Okay,” Noah heard himself say. “Let me just clean up?—”
“Leave it.” Luke stood, the movement bringing him closer than strictly necessary. “I promise the world won’t collapse if you don’t do the dishes immediately.”
Noah looked up, finding Luke watching him with an intensity that made his breath catch. The air between them felt charged, like the moment before lightning strikes. Like that night in the attic when everything had shifted.
“Yeah,” Noah said softly. He did prefer to clean up as soon as they were done eating, but he knew he was stalling. “You’re probably right.”
Luke’s smile reached his eyes this time, warming them to honey-gold in the kitchen’s soft light. “Come on. I want to show you something.”
As they headed for the door, Noah caught a glimpse of their reflection in the window—two figures moving in sync, drawn together like opposite poles of a magnet.
“This is where the magic happens,” Luke said, but his usual easy confidence held a note of vulnerability. “Where I come when I need to think. Or not think, depending on the day.”
Noah moved through the space slowly, taking in details. A half-finished coffee table occupied the main workbench, its wood gleaming under overhead lights. Sketches for other projects covered one wall, each showing the same attention to detail Luke brought to their house.
“Beautiful,” Noah murmured, running his fingers along the table’s smooth edge. “You did all this by hand?”
“Yeah.” Luke stepped closer, close enough that Noah could feel his warmth. “My dad taught me everything I know about woodworking. It started with me watching him, and then, as I got older, he started teaching me. I thought he was crazy when I was younger, but eventually, I began to understand why he found it so relaxing. He’d get in the groove and start rambling about wood grain and what the distance between rings might have meant for the trees it came from.”
Their hands met on the table’s surface, Luke’s fingers covering Noah’s as he traced the grain pattern. “See how it flows here? That’s years of growth, of becoming. Each ring tells a story about the conditions that shaped it.”
Noah’s breath caught. They weren’t just talking about wood anymore. Luke’s hand was warm against his, calloused in ways that spoke of years of careful work. Of shaping things into their true forms.
“Luke.” Noah’s voice came out rough. He turned, finding Luke watching him with an intensity that made his pulse race. “I think I’m starting to understand some things.”
“Yeah?” Luke didn’t move away. If anything, he shifted closer. “What kinds of things?”
“About growth.” Noah wet his lips, noting how Luke’s eyes tracked the movement. “About…becoming who I’m meant to be. Even if it takes time. Even if it means changing how I see myself.”
Luke’s free hand came up to cup Noah’s jaw, thumb brushing his cheek. “And how do you see yourself, Noah?”
The workshop’s warmth wrapped around them. Tools gleamed on their hooks, projects waited patiently for attention, but all Noah could focus on was the way Luke looked at him—like he was something precious, something worth careful handling.
“I see someone who’s tired of pretending,” Noah whispered. “Someone who wants?—”
Luke’s mouth found his, soft and questioning. Unlike their desperate kiss in the attic, this one held promise instead of panic. Noah leaned into it, hands finding Luke’s shoulders as the kiss deepened. Luke tasted like wine and possibility, like every suppressed want finally breaking free.
They broke apart enough to breathe, foreheads touching. “Noah,” Luke murmured, “if you want to stop?—”
“I don’t.” The words came easily, truth rising to meet need. “I really, really don’t.”
Luke’s smile was brief and brilliant before he kissed Noah again, backing him gently against the workbench. Wood shavings scattered under their feet, and somewhere, a tool clattered to the floor, but Noah couldn’t focus on anything except the way Luke’s hands moved over him—reverent, careful, like he was something worth taking time with.
“Inside,” Luke breathed against his mouth. “Need to?—”
“Yes.” Noah didn’t care that he sounded desperate. He was done pretending this wasn’t exactly what he wanted. What he needed. If Luke gave him time to think, Noah would back away again. He didn’t want that to happen. He was quickly growing addicted to Luke’s kisses, and he was desperate to see what else the man could make him crave.
They stumbled toward Luke’s house, barely breaking apart long enough to navigate the path. The night air cooled their heated skin, but nothing could dampen the fire building between them. Noah had never felt anything like this—this certainty, this rightness, this bone-deep knowing that everything was about to change.
As Luke guided Noah through the house, Noah couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe wash over him. He’d expected a bachelor pad, but Luke had created a welcoming place to come home to. Even the bedroom was put together in a way he wouldn’t have imagined. The simple space was decorated with tasteful artwork and comfortable furniture—a far cry from the spartan decor of his own room. It felt homey in a way Noah had never experienced, like he was truly getting a glimpse into who Luke was as a person.
Luke turned to face him, his lips parted in invitation. With a shaky breath, Noah closed the distance between them, their bodies pressing against each other. This time, their kiss was slow and exploratory, a gentle brushing of lips that deepened as they explored each other’s mouths. Noah could get addicted to kissing him.
“I don’t want to push you to do anything you’re not ready for,” Luke assured him between kisses. The tips of his fingers dug into Noah’s back as he pulled him closer. “You set the pace, okay?”
That was the last thing Noah wanted. He was in completely uncharted waters here and didn’t want to come across as a bumbling idiot. Now that he’d acknowledged desires he’d tried to tamp down his entire life, he wanted everything. They didn’t have the luxury of slowly exploring one another, of taking weeks to tiptoe toward the bed together. In just a few days, Noah’s life as a single father would come crashing against them.
“I want it all,” Noah admitted. “Don’t let me get in my head.”
“I can do that.” One hand slipped around the front of Noah’s waist. He held his breath as Luke’s fingers drifted lower, coming in contact with the ridge of Noah’s erection pressing against his jeans. “You have no idea how many times I’ve imagined feeling you stretch my ass with this. And if I’m walking funny tomorrow, you’ll know it’s all because of you.”
Noah swallowed hard. He’d envisioned seeing Luke naked, thought about what it would feel to put Luke on his knees and feel his plump lips around his cock. But not once had he considered anything beyond that.
“Hey, relax.” Still stroking him, Luke’s other hand drifted up Noah’s back. “If you’re not ready for that, or if you want to feel what it’s like to get fucked instead, that’s what we’ll do.”
“I’m…not sure what I want. I never imagined I’d get even this far.” Noah’s cheeks heated with embarrassment. He couldn’t believe he was in his mid-thirties and this inexperienced. “Can you help me?”
“Whatever you need.” Luke pushed him toward the bed, kissing and nipping his neck the entire way. “Just remember to tell me if I’m going too fast.”
Slowly, they began to strip each other’s clothes off, taking turns revealing skin under the moonlit glow. As badly as Noah wished he could see Luke’s body, doing this in the dark felt easier. Their movements were hesitant at first, but as they peeled away layers, they became more natural, more intimate. Luke’s fingers skimmed Noah’s chest, tracing the lines of muscle until his palms rested flat against Noah’s heated skin. Noah reciprocated the caress, tracing the tattoo running down Luke’s left bicep before pressing a soft kiss to it.
Luke led them toward the bed, and they collapsed onto the navy-blue sheets, tangled in a heap of limbs and desire. Their kisses grew bolder now, more demanding as if they couldn’t get enough of each other. Luke’s hands traced lines along Noah’s jaw and down his neck, his touch reverent and curious.
Luke lay back on the pillows, crossing his arms behind his head. “Do whatever feels right.”
“God, you’re beautiful,” he whispered against Luke’s pecs. He laced his fingers with Luke’s, needing to feel connected to him everywhere. Noah traced Luke’s nipples with his tongue, clocking Luke’s reactions. Luke hissed, arching into the contact, and Noah couldn’t resist taking it into his mouth again, sucking gently. Luke cried out, a soft moan escaping his lips. It was the most erotic sound Noah had ever heard.
Luke returned the favor, running his tongue along Noah’s collarbone. Noah groaned. The moment felt different but not unpleasant. More intense, in a way. Noah’s mind went completely blank as Luke reached between their bodies, curling his fingers around Noah’s shaft. His thumb dragged across the tip, gathering precum. “Fuck, you’re thicker than I imagined. Need to taste you. Roll over.”
Noah lay back, panting heavily as Luke trailed kisses down his torso. Luke shuffled around, settling between Noah’s thighs. When Luke looked up, Noah’s breath caught. Sex had never been like this. He couldn’t look away, couldn’t wait to see and feel what came next. It sure as hell wasn’t the way Luke maintained eye contact as he took the head of Noah’s cock into his mouth. When Noah’s hips arched, Luke pressed him back to the mattress.
“I’m going to take my time with you.” Noah wasn’t sure if Luke’s words were a threat or a promise. “Once you’re so hard you’re begging me to let you come, you’re going to get me ready to take this beast.”
The sensation was unlike anything Noah had ever experienced, and he arched into the touch, unable to contain a moan. Luke took him deep, sliding his mouth up and down until Noah was grasping his hair, urging him on. Noah couldn’t contain the groans tumbling from his lips as Luke took him deeper, his mouth working in rhythm with his hand, his fingers stroking Noah’s leaking shaft. As Luke’s tongue rasped against his sensitive flesh, Noah felt the first stirrings of approaching climax. He’d always been a quick and effective lover with women, enough to get the job done, but it had never felt like this. With Luke, time stood still. He wished he could stay here forever, allowing Luke to pleasure him as the world fell away.
When Luke pulled back, Noah let out a needy whine. He’d been so close. Instead of taking him over the edge, Luke released Noah’s cock with a pop and crawled up his body, their chests touching. Luke’s eyes were dark and hungry, filled with a desire that matched Noah’s. He pushed Noah’s chest lightly until he rolled onto his side, their skin molding together like two puzzle pieces. With a sigh, Luke pressed his lips against Noah’s jaw, his stubble tickling the sensitive skin.
“I want to feel you inside me,” he whispered against Noah’s ear, the words sending shivers down his spine.
Noah’s entire body tensed. The words he knew he had to say got stuck in his throat.
“Hey, I’ll help you. It’s okay,” Luke reassured him. Noah wasn’t sure if that made him feel better or worse. “There’s a bottle of lube and condoms in the nightstand. Grab them.”
Noah almost fell off the bed as he leaned over to get the supplies. He didn’t allow himself to think too hard about the fact that Luke, who didn’t do relationships, had lube and condoms within arms’ reach. His fingers trembled slightly as he handed both to Luke. He felt completely out of his depth here, but he was grateful Luke hadn’t wanted to be the one penetrating him. Noah wasn’t sure whether that was something he’d ever want. “Please, just tell me if I do something wrong.”
Luke’s smile deepened, and he reached out to cup Noah’s jaw with his palm. “You can’t do anything wrong, Noah. Just be with me. We’ll figure it out together.”
Noah’s fingers curled around Luke’s erection, eliciting a soft moan from deep within Luke’s chest. He settled between Luke’s thighs, wondering what in the world he was supposed to do now. He knew it was different from sleeping with a woman, that he needed to stretch Luke’s hole to take him.
“Noah,” Luke breathed, “you have no idea what you do to me. Give me your hand.”
Luke squirted a generous amount of lube onto Noah’s fingers. “Do you want me to roll over?”
“No, I want to see you.” He needed to see Luke’s face to know he was truly enjoying himself. Knowing Luke, he’d try to hide his discomfort to keep Noah from freaking out. “What do I do next?”
“Play with my rim. Get it good and slick, then you can fuck me with your fingers.” He hooked his arms behind his knees, spreading himself wider. “Just remember to go slow at first. Start with one, but then give me more.”
“Okay, I can do that.” He stared at Luke’s puckered hole and swallowed hard. He was really going to do this.
Noah slid a finger inside Luke, feeling the tight heat envelop him. He watched Luke’s face as he began to move, his hips thrusting gently against Noah’s hand. Luke’s eyes were half-closed, his lips parted as soft gasps escaped him. Noah added a second finger, feeling Luke stretch around him.
Luke’s back arched and he moaned. “Fuck yes, that feels good already. Give me another, but take it slow.”
Noah did as he was told. His eyes widened at the pressure around his fingers. If Luke was this tight, how in the world would he be able to take a dick in there?
“Oh god, yes! More. And fuck me deep. I need to feel more of you. Want to feel your cock inside me,” Luke pleaded, his hips moving in sync with Noah’s hand.
Noah withdrew his fingers, slicking himself with more lube after rolling on the condom. He positioned himself at Luke’s entrance, his body trembling with anticipation and nervousness. He met Luke’s gaze, finding strength and reassurance there.
“That’s it,” Luke encouraged him. “Just remember to go slowly at first.”
With a gentle but firm thrust, Noah entered Luke, feeling the initial resistance give way to a welcoming heat. Luke gasped, his hands finding Noah’s shoulders to pull him closer. Noah stilled for a moment, allowing Luke to adjust to the sensation.
“Move, Noah,” Luke whispered, “I need to feel you. Give me a little more.”
Noah began to thrust, his hips pushing against Luke’s in a slow but steady rhythm. Luke moved with him, their bodies meeting in a dance of desire and connection. Noah could feel every movement, every shift in Luke’s body as if it were his own.
The sensation of being inside Luke was unlike anything Noah had ever experienced. It was intimate, raw, and filled with a sense of belonging. With each thrust, Noah felt himself falling deeper into the connection, his heart pounding with excitement and emotional intensity.
“You feel so good,” Noah whispered, his voice rough with emotion. “I never knew it could feel like this.”
“Noah,” Luke breathed, his hands gripping Noah’s shoulders tighter. “Stay with me. Just like this.”
Noah leaned down to capture Luke’s lips in a deep, passionate kiss. Their tongues danced against each other, and Noah could taste the mix of desire and surrender in Luke’s mouth. He continued to move, his thrusts becoming faster and more intense as the pleasure built between them.
“I’m close,” Noah managed, his voice barely more than a rasp. “You feel so amazing.”
Luke wrapped his legs around Noah’s waist, pulling him deeper. “Come for me,” Luke whispered, his voice thick with need. “I want to feel you come inside me.”
The words were Noah’s undoing. With a primal cry, Noah thrust deep, his body shuddering with release. Luke arched against him, his own orgasm following moments later, his muscles clenching around Noah.
Noah collapsed onto Luke’s chest, their bodies still connected, their breathing heavy and synchronized. He could feel Luke’s heart pounding against his own, a steady rhythm that spoke of their shared experience. Noah buried his face in Luke’s neck, his lips pressing soft kisses against the sweat-slicked skin.
“That was…” Noah began, but the words escaped him. He’d never felt such raw emotion or connection before, and for the first time, he knew what it meant to experience true intimacy.
“I know,” Luke murmured, his arms wrapping around Noah, holding him close. “I know.”
Noah felt the warmth of Luke’s body surrounding him, the steady thrum of their combined heartbeats reverberating through him. This was more than just a physical act. It was a milestone, a turning point in both their lives.
“Stay with me,” Luke whispered, his voice soft and filled with a vulnerability that matched Noah’s own. “Stay the night.”
Noah didn’t even hesitate. “Yes,” he said, his voice firm with certainty. “I’ll stay.”