Chapter 15
15
W esley leaned back in a dining chair next to one of the round tables and took in the whole room. It was quiet now, except for the drag band’s crew breaking down and the distant clinking of dishes. There were streamers and confetti everywhere—on every table, covering the dance floor, the crew was even sweeping it off of the drum set.
The aftermath of an excellent party.
He crossed his ankles and took a sip of his gin, feeling smug and tired, and a little bewildered by the fact that no matter how busy he’d been, how hard he was working, or how much he’d been enjoying himself, Zeke had stayed on his mind all day.
He pulled out his phone and took a quick picture of the confetti carnage, texted it to Zeke.
“No champagne?”
He glanced up and smiled at Harper. “I needed something stronger.” He sat up with a tired groan. “Hey, congratulations and thank you for everything.”
“Ditto. This was a rocking success, huh?” She sat down, champagne glass in one hand, bottle in the other.
“We do know how to throw a party. Cheers.” He held up his glass to clink with hers. “The band was amazing. Did you try those little lemon bar things? Oh my god.”
“I didn’t. I’m trying to fit into a dress for my anniversary party. All calories are grapes.”
“Grapes? How… Mediterranean.” He leaned back in his chair again with a sigh.
“You just had a huge success. Why sigh?”
“Oh, it just—” He stared into his drink. “There’s just—someone I wish was here to share it with me.”
Her eyes went wide, leaning forward. “Oh, why didn’t you invite him?”
He glanced at her, wondering how honest he wanted to be. “He lives in Alaska. It’s a little bit of a commute.”
“Oh, man. You met him on your vacation? Really? How romantic!”
She didn’t know the half of it. “Yeah, I did. We really hit it off and I miss him.” That was more honest than he really meant to be, but it was out now.
“What does he do up there? Is he something incredibly Alaskan like a fisherman or a lumberjack?”
His Zeke?
He wasn’t sure his boy knew what to do with an axe…
He laughed. “No. No, he’s a musician. A songwriter. These days, I guess you can do that from anywhere. The world has gotten smaller that way.” It didn’t feel small to him tonight though. Zeke felt very, very far away.
Why hadn’t he picked some kinky resort in upstate New York or Maine or something? No, he had to fall in love in fucking Alaska.
“Oh, that’s neat. Maybe he could come to the city, huh? We need a ton of songwriters.”
He shrugged. He didn’t know what Zeke would say about uprooting himself. Zeke seemed happy where he was. New York wouldn’t offer him the same space, the same quiet. “It’s a lot to ask.”
“I guess Alaska’s a lot different. You’re not moving there, are you? I mean, that’s in the boonies .”
“I don’t… see how I can.” He had to meet with people. Alaska was a long flight for coffee. Alaska was a flight. Period. “Hard to conduct business from there.”
“True that.” She sighed softly and shook her head. “Well, long-distance relationships are a thing, right? People really make them work.”
He shook his head no for just a second, then caught himself. “They are a thing. We’re trying to make it work.”
“Well, good for you. If I can help, let me know. I’m into healthy relationships.” She winked at him.
“Ha.” He had a mentor he could call if he wanted help on that score. “I think I’m just tired. Aren’t you tired? I know there is an afterparty, but I’m not sure I’m up for it. Are you going?”
“Nope. I’m going to sit here with you and bask in our success, as I am meant to.”
“That’s how I feel. Soak this in until they throw me out.” He sipped his drink. He wanted to ask random nosy questions like whether she’d ever been in a long-distance relationship, but he didn’t. “I think their cover of Prince’s “Kiss” was better than the original.”
“You know it. They were amazing, man. I do love a drag queen. Did you know Syd was bi? He is totally crushing on the lead singer.”
He blinked at her, startled at her comments about her husband.
“I didn’t know that, but I get the attraction. She is gorgeous.” Huh. For some reason, he liked Harper even more now. He shot her a teasing grin. “Are you jealous?”
“Nope. I get the attention when I get home, you know? He should admire.”
“If you love someone set them free.” He wasn’t sure he was digging that expression tonight, but it was true nonetheless.
“Nah. If you love someone and they love you, you give each other what you need.”
He nodded and reached over to clink glasses again. “Oh. I like that one so much better.”
He probably should tell Zeke how he felt if he was going to lay claim to advice like that, however.
“Right? You have to work out what works for you both. It’s… It’s necessary.” She leaned back. “Maybe you two can split your time?”
“That would probably be the ideal solution if we can figure it out. The thing is, we spent a week together. Not even a whole week, really. So we’re still getting to know each other.”
“Ah. Yes. That’s hard, but how many people start online now? They can date for years before they meet in person.”
He hadn’t thought about that. “That’s true, isn’t it?” Other people didn’t need to interact the way he and Zeke did though. They kind of needed to be in the same room to?—
Wait. Did they?
Maybe they didn’t.
He glanced at his phone. “Harper, you have been more helpful than you know. Thank you.”
“Any time, man. Seriously.” She smiled at him. “Now I’m going to slip off my shoes and chill the fuck out.”
“I don’t want to leave you alone. Where’s the hubby?”
“Getting me a hot fudge sundae with extra cherries. You want me to get you one too?”
“No, thank you. I think I’m going to head home and make a call.” He winked at her and swallowed the last of his drink. He was a little tipsy, but he had an idea and he wanted to share it with his boy. He texted his driver to meet him out front, then stood up. “Congrats again and thank you. On to the next one, right?”
“Onward and upward, man. We need to give these people somewhere to spend their money.”
“That’s our job.” He bent to give her a quick hug. “Good night. Get some sleep. I’ll call you in a week or so.” He smiled and then headed for his car, texting Zeke on the way.
Wesley
Did you get the picture? Great party
Zeke
YAY! So tickled for u
Wesley
Im kinda buzzed but I had an idea. We can still be D/s long distance with rules and chores and things maybe
Did that make any sense? Jesus, maybe he was more tipsy than he thought.
Zeke
I like buzzy you. I like ideas too. Miss your face
Wesley
I miss you so much. This sucks. I thought about you all night
Whoa. Hello, gin. Not that it wasn’t true.
Zeke
I was thinking about you 2. So glad it was good. I miss you. You heading home??
Wesley
Im in the car
And he wanted out of it. He untied his bowtie and opened his collar.
Zeke
Good deal. Can I call when you’re home or ru 2 tired?
He might fall asleep on the call, but he wanted to hear his boy’s voice.
Wesley
Please
Zeke
Let me know when
Such a sweet boy.
He peered out the window, trying to figure out where he was.
Wesley
Not too long. Tell me about your dinner
Zeke
I haven’t had mine yet. Still early. What did you have?
Was it early? It was nearly midnight New York time. Silly boy.
Wesley
A lot. These little lemon bar things were the best part OMG
Zeke
Ooh. Did you have 30? :D
He could lie, but what fun would that be?
Wesley
I had four!
And that had been plenty, they were so sweet.
Zeke
So. Much. Control. Sir! :D :D :D
Ha! He laughed out loud, not caring if his driver noticed.
Wesley
That’s me. I am aaaaaall about control
Zeke
LOL! Allaaallllallllll?
Oh, he did like playful Zeke. So sweet.
Wesley
I would spank you if I were there you know. Turn that ass of yours bright pink. So pretty
He got a line of twenty pink hearts back in response.
He laughed again, just as the car came to a stop.
“Home, sir.”
“Ah.” He was still giggling as he slid out of the car. “Thank you very much.”
“Good night, sir.”
“Good night, Paul.” He stumbled a little as he moved away but thought he’d covered it well.
Until Paul appeared at his elbow. “Are you all right, sir?”
“Oh, fine. I just tripped over the sidewalk.” But he let Paul escort him to the door.
They said good night again, and he managed to make it all the way to his apartment without tripping again.
He locked the door and pulled off his coat, then texted Zeke.
Wesley
I’m home
It took Zeke a couple of minutes before the phone rang. “Congratulations!”
Zeke sounded happy. That was a good thing. He put Zeke on speaker and went to his bedroom to change. “Thank you very much. It was a fun night, but I wish you’d been here.”
“Oh, me too. So, tell me everything. What was the best part?”
He could hear music in the distance, along with the wind.
“Oh, the band was amazing. We all agreed the lead singer was hot too. They played just about every party or dance song you can think of. And of course we raised a really nice chunk of cash for the queer youth center.”
“Oh, that’s amazing. I love to hear that the band was good. There’s nothing worse than a bad cover band.”
“Speaking of bands, what am I hearing?”
“I’m assuming they’re having a party? I’m on the roof, enjoying the starlight.”
“Oh, Zeke. You should be at the party. You really should.” He knew Zeke didn’t used to go to parties before, but things were different now.
“Oh, no. This is better. I’d much rather talk to you.”
“I can’t argue with that, I guess, but I want you to do things and have some fun. This is hard enough without that.”
“I am! I’ve been working hard.” Zeke chuckled softly. “What are you doing tomorrow? Sleeping?”
“Sleeping. And maybe having a cup of coffee and going back to sleep.” And dreaming about you.
He could end up buying a plane ticket by week’s end, and he wasn’t sure he was going to try to stop himself.
“Oh, that sounds delicious. If I was there, I’d snuggle with you, all night.”
You do, in my dreams. He didn’t how when he’d become so mushy, but what was he going to do? Lie to himself? “Tell me about your stars.”
“Mmm… it’s a clear night, at least right now. It’s going to snow in the next few days, I think. But right now, it’s clear and the stars are bright.”
“Are you all tucked under the blankets?” He pulled off his shoes, then dumped his tie on a chair and started unbuttoning his shirt.
“I am. It’s chilly. Are you glad to be home, love?”
“Yes. I’ve wanted out of this penguin suit for an hour.” He slid out of the stiff shirt and tossed it on his chair too.
“Did you get a picture? I want to see a pic of you all dressed up!”
“There are many.” He picked his phone up, standing there with his belt undone and his fly open and texted Zeke a few of the pictures people had sent to him.
“Aww… you’re gorgeous! This is going to be my splash screen.” That was a damn honest, happy answer.
“I don’t have one of you. How did I leave Alaska without a picture of you?”
“I don’t know! There aren’t a bunch of them out there, I guess.”
“Tomorrow, you can have someone take one and send it to me.” He would feel better with a picture. Why hadn’t he thought of that before?
“I’ll talk to Jamie and ask him if he’ll do it.” Zeke chuckled for him, soft and warm.
“Good. Then I’ll have something to look at any time I want to.” He slipped out of his pants and grabbed his robe. He should take a shower, but he was pretty tired. Maybe that could wait until morning.
“So, what’s next, love? What is the next project for you?”
Love .
Maybe it was time he told Zeke how he felt. Except it wasn’t something he wanted to say on the phone. And he was still hung up on what a short time he’d known Zeke. He didn’t know if he believed it could happen that fast.
He was sobering up a little, but not enough to know what he really believed.
“I don’t know yet. Harper and I have a few things to discuss, but it will be on the West Coast, hopefully San Francisco or Sacramento. Maybe Seattle. But we’ll have to look at our requests and figure out who’s next.”
“That’s sort of exciting, huh? Do you like the West Coast or East better?” He thought he heard a door close.
“Well, I live in New York so in some ways the East Coast is easier, but the West Coast is fun, different. I don’t think I have a favorite as far as work goes.”
The West Coast was closer to Alaska though.
“Well, I can’t wait to see how the process works. It’s all kind of fascinating.”
“I will tell you all about it. And I want to know about your music. I want to celebrate your successes with you.” He stuck Zeke on mute while he used the bathroom. He was so ready to be in bed.
“Oh, I just write a lot of tunes and send them out into the world.”
Oh, just a couple of little songs floating around in the world.
Bullshit.
“It’s more than that. You’re living at an elite resort that I thought had a hefty price tag for a room and you’re in a cabin. Nice try, boy, but I know better.”
“I am. One thousand and thirteen days in too.” Zeke was laughing now, just joyous.
He chuckled, grinning as he headed back into the bedroom. “That’s me, the man that broke the streak at a thousand days.”
“Yep. I blame you, all the way.”
“Me too, I totally blame me. This amazing thing we have is all my fault.” He laughed as he slipped out of his briefs and climbed into bed. “Did you go back inside? The music stopped.”
“I did. I was getting cold, and the clouds were coming in, you know?”
“Mhm. I do remember that cold.” He slipped his hand around his prick and stroked it with a firm hand. “It’s nice and warm here.”
“Is it? Are you all snuggled in bed?” Zeke did have the loveliest voice.
“Hm. Not snuggly exactly, but warm.” He let Zeke hear him breathe, hand moving with the confidence of knowing his own body.
“Mmhmm… perfect way to assure you’ll fall asleep, isn’t it? Being all warm.”
He grunted softly, fingers sliding across the head just right over and over with every stroke. “Thinking about you. About your smile. About your ass.”
“In that order?” Zeke chuckled for him. “I wish I could touch you right now.”
“I’m just going to pretend you are.” But he wasn’t fooled. Zeke’s gentle hands and his hot mouth weren’t like anything else in the world. He groaned though, thinking about them, and his balls were telling him it wouldn’t be too long.
“My soul’s with you. Loving on you. And it’s going to be so good.”
“Better if you were… here… ah.” He sped up, bringing himself right to the edge, then backing off. “Fuck, boy. Miss you.” He didn’t back off this time, shuddering and groaning as he shot over his belly.
“I miss you, Master. You want me to sing you a lullaby?”
“Hm. No.” He cleaned up with a tissue from his nightstand. “No, I want you not to touch yourself until… until I say it’s okay. Maybe next weekend. Except to wash, of course. No masturbating at all.”
He grinned. Long-distance D/s for the win.
Zeke chuckled softly. “So mean.”
“Discipline is important. Yours and mine. Tomorrow, you will text me with your plan for the day, and since I am not working and you are, include a good time to call you. Something during the day, not bedtime. You know I’m going to call you then anyway.” This was feeling good, and Zeke sounded happy.
“My plan? I’m going to write, Sir. That’s it. Ta-da.”
“Mm. that sounds very… unstructured.” Zeke had been a creature of habit. Of routine. The boy should be able to tell him what his breakfast plan was, what time he was taking a walk, when he was having his Cape Cod… Had he ruined that for Zeke?
He needed to make a call to… someone. Someone at the resort.
Carson maybe.
“Just because I’ve been on a roll. I have a lot of words coming out right now, you know?”
Well, that was good, he supposed. “Feeling creative?”
“I guess I must be. I’m on a tear. Strike while the iron is hot, you know?”
“That’s great. I’m really glad for you. Your brain needs protein and fresh things. Fruit and things. Okay? Promise you’ll take a little time and grab something that doesn’t come pre-made in a box tomorrow. One thing. Please?” This was Zeke’s livelihood. If he was on a roll, Wes wouldn’t mess with it.
Not yet.
“I will, Master. I promise. I miss you. So bad.”
“I knew you would. You’re my good boy. I miss you too.” He’d already scootched down in the pillows. “I better hang up. I’m going to fall asleep on you, boy.”
“That’s okay. Take care of you. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”
“Yeah.” He yawned hard. “I love you. Sleep well.”
He ended the call and set his phone on the nightstand and was out like a light.