by Megan Slayer
Josh jumped into the pool first. Water splashed and darkened the concrete. Dolly chased Winston around the yard. Cameron dropped the lube and condoms beside the pool. He loved his life. How could it get better? Being with Josh permanently.
“I won,” Josh said. He shook his head, sending water droplets all over. He wriggled his brows. “Come here.”
Cameron stepped into the water. The temperature change invigorated him. His nipples beaded and his cock hardened. He groaned.
“It’s good,” Josh said. He swam over to Cameron in the shallow end. “Thanks.”
“For what?” He wasn’t sure what he’d done, save for not planning out the dip in the pool.
“For saving me.” Josh kissed him. “I let work and everyone walk on me.” He kissed him again. “But you got pushy.” He wrapped his fingers around Cameron’s cock, through the fabric of his boxer briefs. “I know it’s because you care.”
“I do.” He bit Josh’s bottom lip and stuffed his hands into Josh’s underwear. He curled his fingers around his boyfriend’s shaft. “I need you.”
“I want you.”
Those three words were enough to encourage Cameron. He sank below the water and tugged Josh’s boxer briefs down. He sucked Josh’s cock into his mouth. He’d never done anything so decadent as giving a blow job in the pool. Was he crazy? Or just riding the edge because they could get caught? Maybe a bit of both. He bobbed his head. He needed air but loved the feeling of freedom. He surfaced.
“You stopped.” Josh grinned. He wriggled out of his wet underwear. “I wasn’t done.”
“You stole too much of my breath.” He shoved his damp hair off his forehead. “Stretch out on the steps.”
“I like how you think.” Josh swam over to the stairs. He reclined half in and half out of the water. His body glistened and his cock stood at attention.
Cameron licked his lips. He knelt in front of Josh and resumed sucking his dick. He loved the saltiness. He buried his nose in Josh’s pubic hair.
Josh groaned. He tugged on Cameron’s hair, sending sparks through Cam’s body. “Damn, that’s good.” He pushed Cameron’s head, increasing the pace. “I’m on the edge.”
He wanted to answer, but with a full mouth, he couldn’t. He bobbed faster and caressed Josh’s balls so his boyfriend would to come apart. When he slid one finger between Josh’s ass cheeks and touched his hole, Josh tensed.
“Jesus.” Josh slammed his dick into Cameron’s mouth. “Not…” The rest of his sentence disappeared as he came. He shuddered. Hot cum slid down Cameron’s throat.
So good. He bobbed his head a couple more times, then licked Josh clean. He rose between his lover’s knees and kissed him. “Yum.”
“I loved it.” Josh trailed his fingers over Cameron’s chest. “My turn.”
The lights switched on in the house. Nikki stood in the kitchen. She waved, but not at them. Cameron tensed. If Nik was home, then they weren’t alone. The dogs hadn’t alerted him or Josh to the extra people at the house. He’d guess sleeping was much more important than home safety. He tapped Josh’s arm. “Slip more under the water. I’ll get towels.”
“Under?” Josh glanced over his shoulder. “Shit.”
“Just…” He had to think fast. “I’ll stall her.”
Josh scrambled into the water. “Who’s with her? I’ve seen that guy, but he’s not her boyfriend, is he?”
With her? Cameron locked gazes with Lance. Fuck. The dumbass must’ve been drinking again. Cameron groaned. He wasn’t in the mood to deal with a damn drunk. “What is he doing here?”
“Who?” Josh whispered.
“Lance. My ex-boyfriend.” He snatched a towel from the bin and covered the lube and condoms. He handed a second towel to Josh.
Nikki chased Lance into the backyard. “I told you he’s busy.” She held up her hands. Sorry, she mouthed. She turned on her heel and went inside.
“Yeah.” Lance stopped beside the pool. “Who is this?”
“Lance.” Cameron wished he had clothes on. He wished his sister was there as a witness, too.
“Well?” Lance kneeled next to the water. “I see you’ve got a friend. You’ve never introduced us.”
He hadn’t wanted to.
“Hi.” Josh stuck his hand out. “I’m Josh. You must be Lance. Cam hasn’t mentioned you.”
Lance shook hands with Josh and swept his gaze over him. “You’re handsome. You’ve got a nice grip, too.”
“I try.” Josh let go. “I saw you at the club. You don’t dance.”
“I do.” Lance bobbed his eyebrows and flexed his arms. “I’d dance with you.”
Is he showing off? Cameron groaned. “What are you doing here? We aren’t together and my sister can’t stand you.”
Winston and Dolly trotted behind Nikki, who approached. She tucked two pairs of Cameron’s shorts into the bin. “Lance, you said you had business with Cam and were leaving a note. What’s the message?”
Lance fixed his gaze on Josh. “No message—for Cam. Josh, are you free for the rest of the evening?”
The nerve of the guy… Cameron balled his hands. “Lance.”
“I’m not free,” Josh said. “I’m here with Cam.”
“Dump him.” Lance nodded to the pool. “I can appreciate your…assets…much better.”
“Who says my assets need to be appreciated?” Josh tugged the shorts from the bin. “I feel appreciated already and you haven’t been in the picture until now.”
“Let me show you what you’re missing,” Lance said.
“Enough.” Cameron left the water and draped a towel around his waist. “What do you want besides to hit on my boyfriend?”
“You’re with him?” Lance asked. “Does he realize you’re on a date?”
“You’re gross and out of line,” Cameron snapped.
“It’s perfectly logical.” Lance shrugged. “He might think it’s a one-nighter. Does he even like dogs?”
“I do,” Josh said. He left the water and dripped all over the concrete. “I love dogs. Dolly’s mine.”
“Dolly?” Lance rolled his eyes. “You brought your dog along on a date?”
“You don’t?” Josh stood beside Cameron.
“He hates dogs,” Cameron said. He grasped Josh’s hand, more for support than anything.
“That’s why we split.” Lance rested his hand on his hip. “Leave your dog here and we can find another pool.”
“Yeah, I’m not interested,” Josh replied. “Sorry.”
Cam stared at Lance. “What did you want?”
“You—until I saw him.” Lance offered his free hand to Josh. “Let’s go. You know you want me. He’s old news and a teacher. You can do so much better and I’m ready.”
Cameron gritted his teeth. He trusted Josh, but Lance could be persistent.
“I’m not in the mood to leave.” Josh draped his arm around Cam’s waist. “I’m not fond of guys who step in on other guys’ dates. I don’t do guys who dislike dogs, either. Oh, and I’m not attracted to you.”
“You’re not?” Lance growled. “Are you kidding?”
Yeah, is he kidding? Cameron refused to let go of Josh. He truly liked him.
“I’m not joking.” Josh clicked his tongue. Dolly trotted up to him and growled. “You see,” Josh said. “My dog is a great judge of character. She knew Cam was a good person from the start. She knew before I did. But she’s growling. She must know you’re not the kind of man I want around.”
“She hates me.” Lance didn’t back down, but he didn’t venture closer.
“She doesn’t trust you.” Josh stepped between Cam, Dolly and Lance. “She wants you to go. From the vibe I’m getting, Nikki doesn’t want you around, either. Cam and Winston wanted you to go before you showed up, so it looks like you need to leave.”
“Cam—are you going to let him talk to me this way?” Lance curled his lip in a sneer.
“Yeah, I am.” He never should’ve doubted Josh. “You’re not
wanted here. I don’t know what you have to tell me, but I’m not interested.”
Nikki grabbed Lance’s arm. “Now will you go? Nathan’s on his way home with a pizza and he’ll be pissed if you’re here bothering any of us.”
“Go.” Cam nodded to the gate. “Don’t let the door hit you on the way out.” He followed Lance out of the yard. Good thing the cars were inside the gate and security system or he’d have to worry about Lance doing something stupid. He locked the gate and ensured the security system was on before he walked back to the pool. Nathan knew the combination and could let himself in.
Cameron turned to his sister and Josh. “I’m sorry. He’s been drinking, although that’s no excuse. We’re changing the locks and combinations tomorrow. Are you both okay?”
“I’m fine," Josh said. “That was odd, though.”
“I’m impressed, but I wasn’t scared. I knew what he’d been doing and figured we’d be better off if we didn’t provoke him,” Nikki said. She stared at her brother. “What’s more fascinating is you got rid of him all while wearing wet boxer briefs. At least they were black and you wore a towel.”
“I’m impressed.” Josh wrapped his arms around Cam. “You’re quite striking in those soggy boxers.”
“I try.” He couldn’t hide his embarrassment, but focused on his sister. “You’re home. I thought you would be at the concert for a while longer.”
“I thought you were going to Nathan’s,” Josh said. “Or we’d have kept our antics to the second floor.”
She shrugged. “It’s not the first time one of us caught the other in a compromising position.” Nikki laughed. “Anyway, the audio system at the concert blew, so the venue refunded the tickets and cancelled the concert. We decided to come back here and Nathan opted to get a pizza. We assumed you’d be at the ball for another hour or two. We weren’t planning on sex in the pool, but whatever works. We’ll be in the house. Have fun and come down if you want a slice.” She laughed again and headed inside.
Cameron sighed. “Well, shit.”
Josh held him tighter. He rested his chin on Cameron’s shoulder. “I never expected tonight would go this way.”
“Me neither.” He placed his hands on Josh’s. “Still want to do this?”
“Us?”
“Yeah.”
“Do I want to be with a guy who kind of lives with his sister, has a dog that’s in love with mine, has a pool and a hot ass? Who isn’t afraid of my nerdiness? Who has a slightly off-kilter ex with alcohol issues? Who is okay with me feeling less than confident at work? Who seems to be okay with my hesitancy to trust? Who will stick up for me and is so sexy, I can’t believe he’s mine?” Josh asked. “Um, hell yes.”
“You’re sure? I’m just a teacher and live above my sister. I don’t know about my ass, but I really like yours.” Cameron tipped his head and kissed the side of Josh’s. “A lot.”
“We do this. Us.” Josh kissed him. “If we can weather a date night like this one, then we can handle anything.”
“We can.” Cam held the man who he could see falling for and his future with—Josh. He was glad he’d gone to the dog park and opened his heart. Letting Winston and Dolly matchmake was the best idea ever. He spotted the dogs cuddled up together. Seeing them in a jumble of fur and happiness reminded him of his relationship with Josh. They were all happy and life couldn’t be better.
Want to see more from this author? Here’s a taster for you to enjoy!
Cedarwood Pride: Home to Cedarwood
Megan Slayer
Excerpt
“Hello. Welcome to our single fathers’ group. My name is Colin Baker. I own the Books, Comics, Vintage and Memorabilia Bookstore on Main Street. I’m thirty years old, gay and I have a son. I’ve been single for the last year, and I’m not sure I’m ready to start dating, but I’m positive I’m tired of being alone.” Colin rubbed his hands together and stood behind the podium. He hated being the center of attention. Being terminally shy, he preferred to play the role of the wallflower. Then he and his partner had adopted their son. Everything had changed when they’d welcomed Gage into their lives. He gripped the top of the podium.
“I’m glad you’re all here.” Colin folded his hands to hide the shaking. “I created this group for the single gay parents in the Cedarwood area—especially the guys. As you know, Cedarwood isn’t exactly welcoming to the LGBT community. There aren’t many of us, but I figured we all need a support system. Feel free to add your name to the outreach list and invite anyone you think might like to attend. In this group, we share our stories and support one another. Now I’ll open the floor.”
He stepped away from the mic and made his way down the steps of the stage. Meeting in the basement of the former Reserved Church of the Open-Minded worked better than he’d expected. People knew the building, but no one seemed to care if anyone gathered there—unless the people were gay. The church for anyone who wanted to worship had only lasted long enough for a sign to be erected. Bad for the church members but good for Colin and his people, who now numbered only five. He grabbed one of the chairs and listened to the others share their stories.
He’d been asked once if the group was intended to hook up the single fathers. Colin had smiled at the time, but inwardly seethed. God. Yes, they were single, but not everyone wanted to hook up. Okay, that wasn’t true. He wasn’t interested in a hookup. After Nicolas, he dreaded jumping back into the dating pool. But the loneliness wouldn’t go away.
Two and a half hours later, the meeting broke up. He helped put the chairs away, turn off lights and locked the building. The guys in the group were a good bunch. Everyone seemed interested in the problems of the others. Some of the men were making headway in their love lives. Others weren’t. Some were happy to be in Colin’s not-yet-ready-for-dating camp.
Despite the town’s location outside Cleveland, the population numbered only around six thousand. Most people worked in the bigger city and spent their weekends in Cedarwood. People moved to Cedarwood for the schools and the safe small-town feel. The children tended to live idyllic lives. The kids belonging to gay parents were the subject of bullying more than most of the other children. He knew because he’d heard stories from his son.
Colin drove home to the duplex he shared with his brother, Farin. The light shone in the living room of his half of the building. Farin must’ve brought Gage home for the night. Colin checked his watch. Nine p.m. Shit. He’d stayed out fifteen minutes past his son’s bedtime. He preferred to be home before Gage went to sleep to kiss him good night. He strode into the house and dropped his coat and keys on the chair by the door.
“Heya.” Farin stood. He rolled his shoulders and groaned. “I’ve been on that couch for the better part of forty-five minutes. Gage and I read every book he’s got on every superhero known to mankind.”
“He likes his superheroes.” Colin rubbed his temples. “Police too. I don’t know why. I tried to get him interested in baseball, but that hasn’t worked.”
“It’s a phase. Remember how I used to get silly over fire trucks?” Farin patted his brother’s shoulder. “I was five, but I loved those trucks. But we were talking about Gage. He hit the hay ten minutes ago. He didn’t want to go to bed. When I asked him why, he said there’s a kid at school giving him hell. He didn’t say hell, but you get the idea.”
Colin pointed to the chair. “Sit. He hasn’t said a word of this to me. What’s going on?”
“Okay.” Farin perched on the edge of the armchair. “Some kid in his class—he wouldn’t say who—has been talking crap to him. Saying his dad is gay, so he must be gay. Kids are rough at that age.”
“He’s seven.” A dull ache grew behind his eyes. The next thing he knew, the kid would be teasing Gage because he was adopted, too. His younger brother had definitely inherited the listening gene. Where Colin moved first and thought second, Farin knew how to get people to talk. Apparently, he’d worked his magic on Gage.
Farin rested his elbows on his kn
ees. “Don’t let it bother you. Kids say stupid shit all the time. I talked to Gage, but he wanted me to keep quiet. He just wants to know that Dad has his back, but he’s scared to talk to you because he’s worried you’ll get upset. Let him know you’ll go in and talk to the principal, too, if that’s what needs to be done.”
“You bet your ass I’ll talk to the principal.” Colin bit back his anger. He hated the way the residents of Cedarwood refused to accept the differences in society. So some people are gay. Who cares?
“Calm down before you do or you’ll blow a gasket and get yourself into trouble.” Farin left the chair and headed to the front door. “Give Gage a kiss, tell him it’s cool and you and Uncle Farin love him. If you need help, I’m right over there.” He saluted Colin, then headed out of the door.
Colin jumped up from his seat and ascended the stairs two at a time. When he reached Gage’s bedroom, his son was already asleep. The kid did have a talent for crashing once his head hit the pillow. He kissed Gage on the forehead and whispered, “Love you, big boy.”
Colin crept out of the room and left the door open a bit. He went back downstairs long enough to lock up and turn off the lights. He paused at the picture window. The lights of Cedarwood twinkled against the dark sky. In the silence of the night, the small town was almost pretty. He should’ve been happy to live in the community. The schools were all located in one central campus and the sports programs were highly ranked. The graduating classes featured only around a hundred and twenty-five kids each. A person could still shop in town and get everything needed in one trip down the main drag. The cost of living wasn’t horrible, either. But the cost of living in Cedarwood as a gay man rose by the minute. He managed to fuck himself over doubly by co-owning the lone bookstore in town. The people wanted the books, comics and collectibles he sold, but that didn’t stop them from making derogatory comments.
He raked his fingers through his hair. He wasn’t part of the star baseball team and he wasn’t the naive kid from high school anymore. He had a kid, a business and a life. He’d worry about Gage’s problems at school in the morning. Maybe by then he’d have a fresh perspective or better advice to give his son. Maybe.
