by Thom Collins
“Looks like you passed the test,” Dominic said. “Come on through. Let’s get something to drink. Oh, and mind your head.”
Though the interior of the house had been modernized, several of the doorways were low and Arnie had to stoop to pass through them. It was a typical feature in houses of this age. “You did all the work in here yourself?” Arnie asked, noting how sympathetic the modernization had been to the original building. “It’s beautiful.”
“All but the wiring and some plumbing jobs.”
The kitchen was small, but one wall had been taken out to put in French windows leading onto a patio, bringing in a lot of light and the illusion of space. Satisfied that her master’s visitor posed no threat, Brandy padded onto the patio and flopped, head resting on her paws, to catch the last of the day’s sunshine.
Dominic opened the refrigerator. “I got wine,” he said, brandishing a bottle. “No idea what it is, but the guy in the shop recommended it.” He showed Arnie the label. It was a French chardonnay.
“Looks perfect.”
Dominic picked a wineglass off the draining board. “I had to borrow this from Jacob next door. I don’t own any wineglasses either.”
“You shouldn’t have gone to all this trouble.”
“I’m a beer and whiskey man. That’s all I usually have in.” He filled the glass for Arnie and opened a bottle of beer for himself. “Want to sit outside for a while? The view out back isn’t so good, but it is private. If we go out front, anyone walking by will see you.”
“The back will be fine.” The garden was small, just big enough for the patio and a border, before the rocky edges of South Cliff stretched above them. “Wow,” Arnie said, “this is private.”
A high fence to the right blocked the view of Jacob Chisholm’s garden. Jacob would have to crane his neck from one of the upper windows to see what was happening below. They sat on an L-shaped patio sofa and put their drinks on a low table.
“We’ll lose the sun in half an hour,” Dominic explained. “But I can light the fire pit over there if it gets cold, or we can go inside.”
Arnie raised his glass. “Cheers.”
“Cheers.” Dominic tapped the neck of his bottle against the glass and drank.
The wine was good. Arnie murmured his appreciation.
“It’s perfect up here,” he said. “I mean the house, this garden, how private it is. No wonder you fell in love with the place.”
“I do love it. I like the town, but it’s good to be slightly removed from it. Perched up here with just a handful of neighbours suits me.”
Arnie leaned back into the sofa. “It’s a small town all right, with all the good and bad things that come with it. I haven’t told a soul I was coming here tonight, but when I dropped AJ at my sister’s, she seemed to know all about it. I sometimes think the walls have eyes and ears in this town.”
Dominic turned to look at him, his mouth set in a serious line. “Mmm,” he said. “I wasn’t sure how to approach this. But seeing how you brought it up, now seems as good a time as any. It’s Gabriel.”
“What about him? I haven’t seen him since Sunday. I’ve been meaning to call on him, but with everything else going on and that guy hanging around the house, it slipped my mind.”
Dominic gestured to the wineglass. “You might want to take a drink for this. Gabriel is pissed. Very pissed. If people are gossiping, I’d say it’s likely the stories came from him. I don’t know how well you know him, but it has to be a damn sight better than me. He threatened to go to the press and tell them about us. About you and me.”
Arnie reached for the wine. “You’re right. I do need this. Did he say why?”
“Well, like I said, he’s pissed off. He’s accused me of dropping him in favor of you. Which is bullshit, because there was nothing between me and him to drop. I don’t know if it’s his pride or his ego. Whether he’s even serious about going through with it. Considering you’ve known him all these years, it seems so unlikely. Then again, I never would have expected him to come out with a threat like that. I thought I should warn you first, in case you open the papers one morning and see yourself all over them.”
“Oh bugger,” he sighed. “It’s one thing after another lately.”
“Sorry. It’s the last thing you needed to hear. You’ve got enough on your plate. I’ll talk to him again tomorrow. He should have calmed down. Maybe he’ll see sense.”
“No,” Arnie said. “If he’s pissed at you, it might make things worse. Let me do it. I might be able to talk sense into him. Thirty years of history must count for something, right?”
“I hope so.” Dominic swallowed his beer. “If I’d known you were about to come into my life, I’d never have gotten involved with him. From the way he’s acting, I wish I hadn’t anyway. I hate all this drama. It’s a pointless waste of energy.”
As they spoke, Arnie’s eyes drifted to the open neck of Dominic’s shirt. The top three buttons were undone, revealing plenty of the fur-covered muscle beneath. God, he’s sexy. Arnie couldn’t help himself. But he had to take it slow, not rush things.
It doesn’t have to be complicated, remember. No one said this had to be anything more than it was right now. Two men getting to know one another, having fun along the way. Maybe it would lead to something—most likely it wouldn’t. What harm could there be in finding out?
Dominic asked questions about AJ and seemed to have a genuine interest in the answers. How was he doing at school? What kind of subjects was he interested in? Did he take after his mother or his father?
“It’s obvious he gets his looks from you,” Dominic remarked.
“Thankfully, a lot more than looks. I don’t think I could handle a miniature version of Tara too well. AJ’s a good kid. If he stays on the straight and narrow like his dad, I’ll be very happy.”
“I don’t know. His dad doesn’t seem all that straight to me,” Dominic said, his brown eyes twinkling.
Arnie laughed. “That’s true. AJ can turn out any way he likes, really—I just want him to be happy and stay healthy. His mother is an addict. If he inherits anything from her, I don’t want it to be that aspect of her personality.”
“I’ll drink to that,” Dominic said, raising his glass.
As predicted, the sun moved away from the patio, and with it, so did the evening warmth. It reminded Arnie that they were sitting on a hillside on the North East coast of England, not the south of France. Dominic lit the fire pit and, while waiting for the flames to take hold, he replenished their drinks.
“How about some music?” he asked.
“Perfect.”
He went inside, and after a minute a song began to play through the open doors. Arnie recognized the singer’s voice but not the song. Dominic returned with a couple of takeaway menus. “I can’t cook, so let’s order something to be delivered.”
“What’s the music?” Arnie asked, liking the sound.
“Jack Savoretti,” he answered. “I’m old school. All my music is on CD or vinyl. I don’t do streaming. I like to own something physical.”
“Sounds good to me,” Arnie said.
After browsing the menus, they settled on pizza and garlic bread. Dominic phoned the order in.
“They say it will take at least an hour,” he said, getting off the phone. “It’s a busy night. You’re not hungry, are you? If you are, I can always make a sandwich.”
Arnie looked at him intently. “I’m not hungry for anything except you.”
Dominic grinned. “Is that a corny line from one of your movies?”
Arnie shook his head, getting to his feet. “No, it’s especially for you.”
“Then I hope they take their time with the pizza delivery.”
They came together in the middle of the patio, throwing their arms around each other, their mouths joining. Arnie slid his hands straight beneath Dominic’s linen shirt, getting a feel for his hot, naked skin, desperate to reconnect with him. Wanting to get reacquainted with th
e shape of Dominic’s body, the muscle of his shoulders, the thickness of his waist, the intoxicating smell of him, the insistent push of his erection.
Dominic propelled him toward the patio sofa.
“Hang on,” Arnie said, still holding on to him. “I think we should go inside. It’s bad enough my ex-wife is in all the papers cavorting with her man. I don’t want to join her on the front pages.”
“No one can see us out here. It’s private.”
“I’d rather not take that risk.”
Dominic planted his hand on Arnie’s arse and led him inside. It was over-precautious, Arnie knew it was, but why take the risk? Sex with Dominic would be just as exciting indoors as out. Dominic guided him down the hall, into a living room. Arnie noted another low ceiling, the fireplace and the furniture, before Dominic dropped to his haunches and got to work on his belt and zipper.
Arnie stood still, allowing Dominic to do what he wanted. It was an insane turn-on, seeing a big, beefy guy on his knees, his eyes glazed with passion and hunger, tearing at his trousers with impatience. Dominic yanked Arnie’s underwear and trousers to his knees, freeing his hard and heavy cock. Arnie’s shirt spoiled the view, so he pulled it over his head and tossed it onto the sofa. Now he could see everything.
Dominic took his time. He had both of his hands on Arnie’s thighs. He tilted his head as he gazed at his cock, seeming to admire it from different angles. Arnie pulled up his muscles, causing his cock to jerk just inches from Dominic’s face. Dominic licked his lips.
“Are you trying to tease me?” he asked.
“Just showing off,” Arnie replied, twitching his manhood again.
The anticipation was killing him. His foreskin retracted, revealing the glistening, dark pink head beneath. Dominic moved his hand upward, stroking his inner thighs. His fingertips grazed the underside of Arnie’s balls. Arnie gasped. His scrotum tightened and gooseflesh prickled all over.
Dominic took his balls in a firm grip and moved his face closer to Arnie’s cock. Hot breath seared over the head as he came closer, closer. Arnie held his breath in anticipation. Dominic looked up at him, locking him in a gaze, wordlessly expressing their mutual need and desire. Then his lips brushed against the head.
“Ugh.” Arnie shuddered, his entire body reacting to the touch.
Dominic held Arnie in his mouth. He took his time, and Arnie savored the moment. Arnie widened his stance, giving it up, putting complete trust in the man beneath him. Dominic moved his hands to Arnie’s arse and drew him in. Arnie groaned and ran his fingers through Dominic’s thick brown hair. It was obvious what Dominic wanted and he was happy to oblige. As an actor, he’d lost count of the offers he’d had from strangers who wanted to do exactly this. Arnie rarely took them up for the simple reason that it was never like this. Dominic wasn’t looking for a story to tell his friends, about blowing the film star. They were equals here, connected.
Arnie found it difficult to stop the rise. His breathing became rapid, uneven.
Dominic released him for a moment. “Don’t hold back. I want to taste you. We’ve got all night to take things further.” He took Arnie in his mouth again and resumed sucking.
“Oh God,” Arnie said, losing control. “Do it. Take it out of me.”
Dominic’s head moved faster, smooth and wet, with not a trace of snagging.
Arnie gave a massive roar as he came. His head spun and he felt sure he was about to topple over. He was reduced to a spurting wreck and just about managed to stay upright. Dominic kept him in his mouth all the way, sucking until there was nothing left and Arnie’s cock began to soften.
At last, Dominic sank onto his haunches, a self-satisfied grin written large across his face. “I think you’ve been saving that all week. Just for me?”
Arnie ruffled his hair. “Are you always so knowledgeable? I thought I kept a good secret.”
Dominic licked his lips. “Nobody could ever keep a load like that secret.”
Arnie murmured agreement. “Now get your own pants off. Let’s see what you’ve been saving for me.”
* * * *
Gabriel closed the restaurant at twelve. The bar would remain open until one, but he didn’t need to stay for that. His staff could take care of things. It had been a busy night of service, right up until the cut-off for orders at ten thirty. It was just as well. He’d needed to keep busy. To keep his mind occupied. To stop him thinking about the mess he’d made with Dominic that afternoon.
When he remembered the things he’d said, the spiteful threats he’d made, he cringed.
What an arse.
It was little wonder Dominic had looked so pissed. Almost as pissed as Gabriel was with himself right now. Jesus, you idiot.
He checked on the bar staff, who assured him everything was fine, and said goodnight.
Escaping into the cool night air, he took a deep breath through his mouth. He heard laugher and the thumping bass of music from the direction of the town center, but the marina was all closed, other than his bar. As much as he’d appreciated the hustle of a crowded Friday, it was a relief to embrace the stillness and relative quiet of the night. Even the inky black water in the harbor was still. He turned and sauntered toward the car park.
As he thought about Dominic again, he let out a long groan.
How the hell could he make things right between them?
And Arnie? If Dominic told him a fraction of the things he’d said, it would ruin their friendship.
He hadn’t meant any of it. He’d been angry. An irrational mess, lashing out at an easy target. What for? Because you’re bloody jealous, that’s why.
Gabriel got into his car. The sexy voice of Jack Savoretti came over the sound system as he turned on the engine, and made him think of Dominic again. He’d introduced him to Jack’s music. For a moment he was tempted to turn the car up the hill and head over to Dominic’s. The song only made him want him more. But no. He couldn’t. Not while he had a shred of pride left. What would he say after today? Turning up unannounced would only make him look even more unhinged.
Gabriel headed for home.
Despite his protest this afternoon, he’d known what he was getting into with Dominic. Dominic had been clear from the start that he wasn’t looking for a relationship, only sex. Gabriel had gone along with it, though he’d wanted much more than that. Every time they got together, his attraction for him intensified. Dominic was the ideal man for him. Gabriel had hoped, given time together, Dominic would come to feel the same way.
It didn’t matter what Gabriel said or did—he couldn’t get close to him, not emotionally. Dominic was adamant—he only wanted sex.
Until Arnie had come along.
Now he seemed to want everything.
What did Arnie have that he didn’t? Gabriel stared grimly at the road as he considered the question. He was gorgeous, successful, rich. He still had a full head of hair, which was more than Gabriel did. The widow’s peak he’d developed in the last couple of years was advancing fast. He’d have to consider a hair transplant soon if he was going to halt the course of nature.
There were no such worries for Arnie. He was perfect. He always has been.
Gabriel should know. He’d had a painful, unrequited crush on him the whole time they were growing up. He couldn’t blame Dominic for falling in love with Arnie when he’d been there himself.
He sighed. He could agonize about this for days and weeks to come, or he could get over it and move on.
Let’s see how I feel in the morning.
Emotionally, he was already in a better place than before. A good night’s sleep might resolve everything.
Gabriel parked in front of his house. There were a handful of lights still on in the neighboring houses, but most people would be in bed. Which was exactly where he wanted to be. He’d have one drink just to take the edge of things then head up.
He unlocked the front door and stepped into the hall to switch off the burglar alarm.
As he did, a
dark figure came up so fast behind him that Gabriel did not notice until it was too late.
A knife was thrust into his back. So sharp that at first all he felt was a dull pressure.
It was only when the blade was withdrawn and shoved into him a second time that the pain began.
Chapter Sixteen
Arnie watched Dominic get out of bed and walk to the window, taking pleasure in the bounce of his big arse as he crossed the room. Dominic opened the curtains and drew up the blinds, revealing another perfect summer morning. His powerful, naked body stood bathed in sunlight. As he gazed out of the window, Arnie snuggled into the pillow and enjoyed the view from the bed.
Dominic had all the attributes he found attractive in a man—muscle, strength, body hair. Naturally masculine. And what stamina. They had made love four times during the night and when he woke up, Arnie had still felt the pressure of a solid morning erection against his back.
This was all new. Waking in someone else’s bed. Not a hotel—he was used to those—but somebody’s own bed, in a room full of their personal stuff. There was a leather reading chair in the corner—Dominic had draped his clothes across it when they had come to bed. A tall dresser against the far wall. The floor was dark oak and the ceiling beams had been exposed, treated and varnished in a color to match. There was dark paper on the wall behind the bed, while the other three walls were painted ivory. It was the kind of room an interior designer would charge a fortune for, but Arnie knew without asking that Dominic had done all the work himself. It suited his personality so well.
“What time is it?” Arnie asked, still focused on the high muscular peaks of Dominic’s butt.
“Nearly eight. What time do you have to collect AJ?”
“Not till later. Why, you’re not kicking me out, are you?”
Dominic turned. “As if. I want to keep you here for as long as I can.” He came back to the bed, his semi-hard cock swinging from side to side, before sliding under the covers.
Arnie reached across and slipped his arms around him, needing skin to skin contact.
“This is nice,” he said. “Waking up beside you.” He moved his hand along Dominic’s flank, from his chest all to the way to his waist. After a long night of sex, there was still so much of this body he wanted to explore.
