by Andria Large
“Fine! It’s Oliver Payton.”
“Date of birth?” Tripp asked.
The kid told him his birthday and Tripp called it in to see if the kid was telling the truth. It came back that he was, and he was underage. Tripp then did a field sobriety test on him, which he passed by the skin of his teeth. Tripp wrote him a hefty citation and handed that to the kid before sending him back over to his friend’s boat.
“I’m keeping the ID, and Google George Costanza, will ya?” Tripp said in parting.
Jayme then steered the boat away. Tripp stopped next to him, his arms crossed over his chest as he shook his head. “Why are kids so dumb?”
Jayme shrugged.
“George Costanza.” Tripp scoffed.
Jayme finally let out the laugh he’d been holding in. “When you asked about what team he worked for, I nearly lost it.”
Tripp grinned. “Yeah, it was hard keeping a straight face myself.”
They continued on their patrol, stopping a few more boats and jet skis, but no one else gave them a hard time.
Later that evening, they were both exhausted by the time they walked in the front door. They both got showered, then met in the kitchen for something to eat. Tripp made himself a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, while Jayme opted for a can of soup. After they both ate, they went and sat on the couch to watch TV for a little while. He couldn’t help but notice how normal and comfortable it all felt. He’d only been living there for about a week, but he felt right at home, like it was where he was meant to be.
“I have an appointment with a divorce attorney tomorrow morning,” he murmured.
Tripp rolled his head along the back of the couch so he could look at him. “Yeah? Feeling okay?”
“Yeah. I don’t think we’ve been married long enough for her to get alimony. I don’t want to fight with her, she can have the house and whatever is left. I already took what I wanted.”
Tripp hummed.
“You can take the truck in tomorrow. I’m gonna be late.”
“Just let me know when you’re done, and I’ll swing around and pick you up.”
“Okay.”
Tripp smiled at him, those damn dimples punching in deeper. His heart fluttered as they stared at each other. Tripp’s smile faded and his eyes dipped to look at Jayme’s lips. Tripp then cleared his throat and turned back to the TV. Was Tripp thinking about kissing him? He swallowed hard, wondering what it would be like to kiss a man. Was it a lot different than kissing a woman? He mentally shook himself. Why the hell was he thinking about kissing a man? He must be tired. It was a long day on the water with the sun beating down on them.
“I’m going to head to bed,” he said and pushed to his feet.
“Really? It’s only eight-thirty,” Tripp replied with a frown.
“I’m beat.”
“Okay, then. See you in the morning.”
“Night.”
“Goodnight.”
He climbed into bed, his thoughts muddled. He didn’t understand this reaction to Tripp that he was having. It was almost like how he felt when he first met Mallory, and the nervous flutters he got when he was near her. He liked Tripp. He thought that they could become real good friends. Maybe that’s what it was, just the feeling of someone new coming into his life? Whatever it was, he’d deal with it and everything would be fine.
~~~
Jayme
“How are things going with your rookie?” Brendan asked after thanking the bartender for his beer.
Jayme sat next to him with his own beer. It’s been a while since they’ve hung out outside of work. They were waiting for Tripp and Will to arrive. They thought maybe getting together with the rookies would help them bond a little bit. It had been a full month since they’d been re-partnered.
Jayme took a sip of his beer then said, “It’s going good. He’s a good guy, fast learner, knows his shit. He’s got experience in law enforcement, so that helps.”
“And you’re living with him?”
“Yeah, he had an extra room, needed the rent. I needed a place to stay, so...”
“And that’s working out well?” Brendan asked curiously.
“Yeah, we get along pretty well, why?”
“It’s nothing. I just...I heard your boy is gay...”
“Yeah, he is. So?”
“I just didn’t know if that was a problem for you living with the guy.”
Jayme frowned at his friend. “No. Why would it be? My brother Seamus is bi, remember?”
“Oh yeah. I forgot about that.”
“What’s going on?” he asked, knowing there had to be more than Brendan was letting on.
“There’s a rumor going around the station.” Brendan pursed his lips and shook his head slightly. “Saying that you and the new kid are bangin’.”
He barked out a laugh. “Well, that was fast.”
Brendan looked at him. “Are you?” he asked seriously.
Jayme gave him an incredulous look. “Am I? I just filed for divorce from my wife three days ago, and you think I’m fucking around with a guy?”
Brendan shrugged. “I don’t know.”
“I’m not.”
“Okay.”
“How are things with Will?” Jayme asked, needing to change the subject. He couldn’t believe people were saying him and Tripp were fucking around. It wasn't like they were touchy feely or anything. People loved to talk shit.
“Fine. He’s a little dense sometimes, but he’s getting there,” Brendan said.
“That’s good.”
“How long will it take for the divorce to be finalized?”
“Sixty days.”
“Ugh. Seems like forever, huh?”
“Yeah. I’ll be happy when it’s over.”
“It’s gonna be weird being single again.”
“It’s already weird. I know I’m technically still married, but I’m single.”
“Well, if you’re going to pick up any chicks, you might want to get rid of your wedding band.” Brendan offered with a smirk and a pointed look at Jayme’s left hand.
“Oh shit. I forgot I was wearing it.” He slipped the ring from his finger and stuffed it in the front pocket of his jeans. “I’m gonna have to relearn how to flirt. Been outta the game for six years.”
“That’s right, I forgot you guys were together for four years before getting married.”
Jayme nodded then took a swig of beer. Yep, all those years wasted. She lied to him for six years, then thought she could change his mind just because they were married. He shook his head. He should have listened to his mom when she said something wasn’t right. Oh well, he couldn’t change it now. What’s done is done. He had to move forward.
Strong hands clasped his shoulders and squeezed, bringing him out of his thoughts. “Hey, Jayme,” Tripp said from behind him.
Jayme had to fight the urge to moan as Tripp’s thumbs dug into the tense muscles at the base of his neck. He hung his head and let Tripp kneed at the muscles there. “Damn, Dude, you are seriously tense.” Tripp chuckled.
“We were just talking about his divorce.” Brendan offered.
“Ahh, gotcha,” Tripp said as if it all made sense now and continued to rub his shoulders.
Jayme was surprised at how much he enjoyed Tripp’s hands on him. The bartender stopped in front of them and Tripp clapped him on the shoulder, then moved to his left so that he could order a beer. Tripp slipped onto the stool, his knee brushing against Jayme’s. His stomach bottomed out, as if he were on a wooden roller coaster going over those rabbit hills. He glanced to his right to find Brendan watching him with a cocked eyebrow. He rolled his eyes and shook his head. Asshole. There was nothing going on between them. They were just friends. There was nothing sexual about it.
Will showed up a few minutes later and they decided to move to a table. Tripp took the chair to his left again and Brendan sat to his right, which put Will across from him at the four-seater table. They talked, drank, and lau
ghed. Jayme and Brendan recalled a few funny stories from their time as partners that had Tripp and Will laughing hysterically.
Jayme watched Tripp laugh to the point he had tears in his eyes. Now that he was good and drunk, he could admit to himself that he found the man extremely attractive. From the blond hair, the honey colored eyes, to those damn dimples. Not that he was going to do anything about it. First, because he was technically still married, and he could wait the two months for it to be finalized before going and hooking up with someone else. Second, he’d never been attracted to a guy before. He wouldn’t even know where to begin with that.
Tripp bumped Jayme’s knee with his to get his attention. “I see you took your ring off.”
Jayme nodded. “Yeah.”
“You okay?”
Jayme sighed. “I am. It’s a little sad, I guess. I did...do love her.”
Tripp patted his thigh then gave it a squeeze. “You’ll be okay.”
“I know,” he replied with half a smile.
Tripp searched his gaze, a small smile playing across his face. He leaned forward in his chair so that he could get closer to Jayme’s face. He waited, his heart thundering in his chest at the close proximity. What was Tripp doing?
“If you ever want to try something different, let me know,” Tripp whispered in his ear.
He felt his face flush hot. He put his hand to Tripp’s chest and gently shoved him away. “Get outta here, you’re drunk.”
Tripp laughed. “I had two beers in as many hours, I’m not drunk. You’re the one who’s drunk.” Tripp countered.
He shrugged and gave Tripp a crooked grin. He was drunk.
“Where are your keys, Bud? You’re not driving home,” Tripp announced, holding out his hand.
Jayme hummed his acceptance and dug in his pocket for his keys. He handed them over to Tripp, then downed the rest of his beer. “One more, then we’ll hit the road.”
Tripp agreed and flagged down the waitress, he ordered another beer for Jayme and a water for himself.
~~~
Tripp
They would have to stop back at the bar tomorrow and pick up Jayme’s truck. There was no way the guy could drive. Jayme was totally wasted, sitting in Tripp’s passenger seat, humming along to the song playing on the radio. Jayme looked completely relaxed and damn sexy. He had a hard time keeping his eyes off of Jayme tonight.
Jayme was wearing worn jeans that hugged his thighs, and a fitted western style blue plaid button-down shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows; showing off his sinewy forearms. He’d seen Jayme shirtless at home, he knew the guy was built; but something about the way the shirt hugged Jayme’s broad shoulders and chest turned him on.
“What’s it like?” Jayme asked out of nowhere.
“What’s what like?” he replied in confusion.
“Being with a guy?”
He whipped his head around to find Jayme watching him through the dark cab of his truck. He turned back to the road because he had to, otherwise he might have gotten lost in the other man’s gaze.
“I...uh...I don’t really know how to explain it.”
“Have you ever been with a woman?”
“Once.”
“How’s it different?”
“It’s rougher, I guess. And definitely more satisfying. Women just don’t do it for me.”
“Hence the gay part.”
He laughed. “Yeah.”
“My brother is bi.”
“Oh?”
“You think it could run in the family?”
He bit his bottom lip to keep from laughing. “It’s possible, why?”
“No reason,” Jayme murmured.
Jayme was definitely drunk. He couldn’t imagine them having this conversation with sober Jayme.
“Were you serious about what you said earlier?” Jayme asked quietly.
“About what?”
“If I wanted to try something different?”
His heart leapt into his throat. “I was serious. I find you very attractive.”
Jayme hummed. “Is that so?”
He snuck a glance at Jayme and found him grinning like a fool at him. Tripp rolled his eyes. “You’re so drunk. We’re done with this conversation. You wouldn’t be talking like this if you were sober.”
“Talking like what?”
“Like you’re thinking about taking me up on my offer.”
“I am thinking about taking you up on your offer.”
“Only cause your drunk. We’re not doing anything while you’re drunk. I don’t need that kind of shit in the morning.”
“What kind of shit?”
“The ‘I shouldn’t have done what I did’ kind of shit.”
“You think I’d regret it if we hooked up?”
Tripp sent him a sideways glance. “I know you would.”
“Ouch.”
“Call me when you’re sober and we’ll talk then about it.”
“You’re no fun.”
Tripp snorted but didn’t reply. He wasn’t doing shit with Jayme while he was drunk. He knew the guy was having a temporary lapse in judgment and would totally regret it in the morning. Heck, Jayme might even regret the whole conversation.
When they got home, he led the way into the house. Jayme shut the door behind them then leaned against it. He turned to look at him.
“You okay?”
Jayme shoved away from the door and Tripp realized a second too late what was happening. Jayme crashed into him, grabbed his face and kissed him hard. Their lips fused together, and he flailed, his hands finding Jayme’s biceps. Jayme forced his tongue past his lips, moaning as he did. The moan shot a jolt of lust straight to Tripp’s cock.
Tripp didn’t even realize they were moving until his back slammed into the wall next to the stairs. Jayme pressed his body against Tripp’s, his hands roaming down from his face to the hem of his T-shirt. Jayme’s warm hands slipped under the hem and moved up his stomach to Tripp’s chest, all while Jayme’s mouth ravaged his. This had to stop no matter how good, or right, it felt. He wasn’t going to be Jayme’s biggest regret in the morning.
He planted his hands on Jayme’s chest and shoved him back, holding him at an arm’s length. They both panted as they stared at each other. He swallowed hard and fought against what his body wanted him to do, which was to let Jayme continue.
“Tripp--“ Jayme rasped.
“No. No, we’re done here. You need to go to bed.”
“But--“
“Jayme. I can’t let you do this while your drunk. I just can’t.”
“I’m not that drunk.”
“You are. Now, please. Just go upstairs and go to bed.”
“Or we could go upstairs and go to bed,” Jayme replied with a small grin and a suggestive wag of his eyebrows.
“Oh my God. You’re killing me.” He sighed. “This isn’t happening tonight, Jayme. We’ll talk tomorrow when you’re sober.”
“That kiss was fucking hot.” Jayme growled, his green eyes darkening with desire. He leaned into Tripp’s hands which were still on his chest. He reached out and fingered the hem of Tripp’s T-shirt. Tripp shivered as Jayme’s fingers touched his overheated skin.
“Jayme,” Tripp snapped. Jayme’s eyes flipped up to meet his. “I said no.”
The smile fell from Jayme’s face. A muscle ticked in his jaw before he gave Tripp a sharp nod, then headed up the stairs. He sagged against the wall and covered his face with his hands. He made an aggravated noise. What the hell was going to happen in the morning when Jayme realized what he’d done? Maybe Jayme won’t remember, and he can pretend like it didn’t happen.
He waited until he heard Jayme stop moving around in his bedroom before he went upstairs to his. He got undressed and climbed into bed. His mind whirled though, making it impossible to fall asleep. He eventually gave up on trying to sleep and turned on his TV. He kept the volume low, so not to wake Jayme. A couple hours later, his eyes grew heavy and he fell asleep while
watching a movie.
~~~
Jayme
Jayme dragged his eyes open the next morning. His head was pounding. Damn, he drank a lot last night. He hadn’t gotten drunk like that in a while. He stretched, his joints popped as he did. He shucked his covers, and swung his legs over the edge of the bed. He groaned and rubbed his temples with his fingers. He barely remembered getting home. Tripp must have driven him, which means they’re going to have to go pick up his truck.
Thank God he didn’t have work today. He pushed to his feet and went to his dresser to pull on a pair of gym shorts. He then shuffled out of the bedroom and down the hall to the bathroom. After taking a piss, he brushed his teeth and took some Tylenol for his head. He headed downstairs and into the kitchen.
Tripp was sitting at the table, drinking a cup of coffee while he looked through a Men’s Health magazine. Tripp glanced up and last night came rushing back to Jayme. The conversation in the truck on the way home and then Jayme kissing the shit out of Tripp after they walked in the door. His eyes widened and he gasped, pointing at Tripp.
Tripp smiled bitterly. “Just hit you, didn’t it?”
“I kissed you,” he whispered.
Tripp pressed his lips together and nodded. Jayme pinched the bridge of his nose and hung his head, which was still aching. “Shit. I’m sorry. I’m such an asshole.”
“Don’t worry. We’ll just pretend it didn’t happen,” Tripp said. He could tell he was trying to sound nonchalant, but it wasn’t completely working. Tripp was aggravated, if not a little hurt. “I understand that you probably regret it.”
Did he want to pretend that it didn’t happen? No. Did he regret it? Definitely not. From what he remembered the kiss was smoking hot. He even jerked off thinking about it before he fell asleep. He may not understand what the hell was happening with him, why he was all of a sudden attracted to a man, but he didn’t want to pretend nothing happened.
He looked at Tripp, who was back to looking at his magazine, eyebrows drawn together, frown firmly in place. “I don’t regret it, Tripp. Not the kiss anyway. I regret being drunk when I did it. And also, still married. But I don’t regret kissing you.”
