“I’m going to put it on you.”
“Okay.”
“I like that you’re enthusiastic.” Robert popped open the bottle of lube, drizzled a little on his fingers, then stroked it over Galen’s shaft. When it had a sheen to it, Robert slid the ring over Galen’s cock and nestled it in his pubes. “Feel okay?”
Galen nodded.
“Good. Let’s crank this up.” Robert flicked the switch, filling the room with a soft buzzing.
“Oooh.” Galen’s shoulders lifted off the bed. “God.”
Robert ran a hand over Galen’s stomach. “Feel good?”
“So good.”
Taking the hand with the slick, Robert slid a finger along Galen’s pucker. He slipped it in, spreading the lube. The way Galen’s ass gripped his finger had Robert aching to see what Galen would feel like around his cock. It had been years since his last encounter, and he was afraid he’d shoot as soon as he got inside.
He took his time loosening Galen. He wanted him to be completely relaxed and ready, plus hard and needy. As he continued his probing with one hand, he reached for a condom with the other, then set it on the bed beside him.
After three fingers slid in easily, Robert pulled away and made quick work of the condom wrapper. He rolled the condom down his length, then added more lube to it.
He stroked Galen’s flank. “How do you want to do this?”
“I’m usually on my hands and knees.”
“Why?”
Galen turned his head. “It’s just easier.”
“Easier to avoid bringing feelings into it? Sorry, I want the whole experience with you.” Robert hefted Galen’s legs up once more. “See, I want you to look into my eyes. I don’t want there to be any hiding. Is that okay?”
A quick nod.
“All right. If you need me to stop, say so.” He teased Galen’s hole with the head of his cock for a few moments, then slowly pushed in.
“Aww, shit.”
The sensation of Galen’s channel gripping his cock ripped through Robert. When Galen squeezed the muscles, Robert threw his head back and groaned. “What the hell?”
Galen chuckled. “Told you I had skills.”
When his balls rested on Galen’s ass, Robert had finally found home. The man beneath him was it as far as Robert was concerned. He would live his life doing whatever he could to make Galen happy and content. He didn’t ever want to let him go.
“Move or else I’m going to get my other damned toy out and finish the job myself.”
Robert laughed. “I love you.”
Galen gave him a soft smile. “I love you too.” Then his gaze narrowed. “Now get with the fucking, because my vibrator has five speeds, and you can easily be replaced.”
“You little shit.” Robert withdrew until just the head of his dick remained inside, then thrust forward hard enough to make Galen grunt. “Is that what you want?”
“Is that all you’ve got?”
After that, it was game on. Robert went wild, slamming in, pushing Galen’s head against the wall with a solid thump. The smile on Galen’s face told Robert how much he was enjoying himself, and the steady vibrations coursing through Galen’s body drew all sensations to Robert’s cock. He wasn’t going to be able to hold out, but first he had a promise to fulfill. He wrapped his hand around Galen’s straining cock and jacked it hard and fast.
Galen’s head lashed side to side. “Fuck, I’m gonna come!” Ropes of jism shot from Galen’s dick, splattering his stomach.
When he said it, Galen’s ass clamped down, locking Robert inside him. He thrust two more times, then tumbled over the precipice and blew his load in the condom. He slipped from Galen’s ass and slumped over onto him, licking his neck. God, he’d never had an orgasm like that before.
They lay quietly for a moment before Robert got up and disposed of the condom. He went into the bathroom and got a warm, wet rag, brought it back into the bedroom, and proceeded to wipe Galen clean. When he was satisfied, he got up and stood at the door, gazing down at Galen.
“Are you leaving?”
There was a sadness in Galen’s eyes that tugged at Robert’s heart. There were so many things he had to do tomorrow. He needed to follow up on Galen’s list and contact more people about funding. He had a meeting in the afternoon to discuss a grant. And then there was…. Galen’s lower lip trembled, and Robert wondered how many others Galen had been with who got what they wanted, then left him alone. He strode back over to the bed, lifted the cover, and slid in beside Galen.
“No, I’m happy right where I am.”
Galen’s eyes shone. “Really?”
Robert wrapped an arm around Galen’s waist and pulled him close. They shared soft, languid kisses. This was how every night should end, being beside the person you loved. “Yeah, really.” He reached over and flicked off the light.
“Robert?”
“Yeah?”
Galen snuggled in closer, then sighed. “I love you.”
Yep, he was never going to let this one go.
“Love you too.”
Chapter Twenty-Three
IT WAS still dark when Galen woke up. He was warm, nestled in Robert’s arms like he belonged there. Oh, who was he kidding? He did belong there. Robert had stayed, and that was proof enough of his intentions. Galen wanted to fall back asleep, but he had things he needed to do. He moved at a snail’s pace, extricating himself from Robert’s grip. With one last longing look in the direction of the bed, Galen turned and headed into the shower. As soon as he opened the door, Mouse bolted out of the room, squeaking up a blue streak at him. He bent down and picked her up, and as soon as he hugged her to his chest, everything seemed forgiven. He put a bit of kibble in her bowl, then made his way to the shower.
The water sluicing down his body was amazing. It worked out all the kinks the rough sex had given him. He snickered at kinky and rough sex as he scrubbed himself down. He couldn’t believe how incredible last night had been. Who knew Robert could be something more than sweet and gentle? Of course, Galen did prod him a little, and the results were incredible. He filed that away for later use.
After he finished, he dried off and went back to the bedroom. He grabbed some clothes, then slipped out into the living room. He was shocked to find Andy sitting at the table, enjoying a cup of coffee, Mouse curled on his lap.
“I thought you were gone for the week.”
Andy shrugged. “We had a fight. I told him I never wanted to speak to him again.”
“But…. You’re teasing. Please tell me you’re teasing.” They’d been so happy together, and Galen couldn’t stand the thought that Andy would be alone. When Andy looked up, his eyes were filled with such sadness. Galen rushed over and scooped him into a hug. “Oh, honey. I’m sorry.”
Andy cracked up laughing and pushed Galen away. “No, you doof. They were having storms, and since the cabin is right on the lake, Marco worried the area might flood, so we came back. I was going to stay at his place, but then decided to come home so we could talk.”
“You’re a jerk. I was worried for you.”
“Aw, I’m sorry.” Andy snickered. “Maybe not entirely, though.” He pinned Galen with an intent glare. “Let’s see. You’re up early. You’re walking funny. And you’ve got hickeys all the way down your…. Oh my God! You got laid!”
“Shhh. He’s still sleeping.”
“He? He who?”
Galen frowned. “I know it’s asking for a lot, but try not to be stupid.”
“Finally. I thought you’d go crazy waiting on him.” Andy grabbed Mouse and dropped her on the floor, then clutched Galen’s wrist and dragged him to the couch. “Sit. I want to hear all the details.”
Galen sat, and Andy spun around and put his head in Galen’s lap. Reaching out, Galen stroked his fingers through Andy’s hair. They’d done this a lot for each other over the years. Every time they needed the contact, this had been their way of choice.
“He’s… he’s amazing. Las
t night he held me, and when I woke up this morning, he was still there. No one ever stayed the night before, and it was weird but exciting, you know.”
“So why are you up now?”
“I was going to make him some breakfast and then join him on the way to work.”
Andy cocked his head. “But I thought you didn’t start until next week.”
Galen sighed. “I wasn’t supposed to, but I’ve got nothing else to do right now, and…. Can I tell you a secret? You have to swear you won’t tell anyone.”
“Pinky swear.”
They wrapped their little fingers together. It might be childish, but Galen appreciated that about Andy. He retained an innocence that Galen envied.
“Remember the other day when I called looking for him?”
“Yeah. You called and said he was okay.”
“And he was. Mostly. I didn’t tell you what happened, though. Rachel called and asked me to check on him, so I went to the shelter and found Robert passed out drunk. He was so unhappy, and he said some things that got me wondering. While he slept it off, I went out to the office and met a kid named Brady, who wasn’t afraid of me at all. He seemed to be soft and sweet, but there was an edge there that told me not to fuck with him.” Galen sighed. “Anyway. So I’m looking through the books for the shelter and I see how much work Robert does just trying to find money to help these people. And the more I looked, the worse I started to feel about myself.”
“But why—”
“Because no amount of excuses or finger-pointing will change the fact that I stole money that was going to be used to clothe, feed, and provide wellness for the people I always thought of as a blight. As I worked, Brady brought me some coffee, then went home. I pored over the papers for hours and was thinking about going in and trying to find something in the fridge. From behind me I heard a small voice whispering something. I turned around and there was a young girl there. She was probably eight or so, and she was dressed in tattered jeans that were held up by a cord, shoes that seemed to be a size too small, and a T-shirt that was two sizes too big. I asked her what she’d said, and she told me I looked hungry. Then she reached into the pocket of her pants and pulled out a smashed, half-eaten danish and put it on the desk in front of me before she scampered back to her bed. I sat there, staring at this act of kindness from someone who didn’t know me for the asshole I was, but for the human being she saw, and I cried. It was an epiphany for me in a way that I hadn’t had before. Yes, I felt bad for what I’d done, but until that moment, I retained a disconnect between them and me. I took food from a nebulous them, when what I really did was take food from that girl. It made me realize, there is no them or me—it’s we, and if we don’t help one another, like sharing your meal with a stranger, then I might as well be my father.” He sucked in a deep breath. “I want to work with Robert to make things better for those people, because without you, I would have been one of them.”
“Oh, honey.” Andy sat up and wrapped his arms around Galen. “You’ve grown so much in the last few months, you know that?”
“When did I become such a horrible person? I used to think I was decent, but now I look back and see what I did to Lincoln and Noel, how I treated everyone who worked for me. Olivia says I was a great boss, but was I? I can’t think of a single nice thing I’ve ever done for anyone.”
Andy pulled him closer and kissed him on the forehead. “You can stop beating yourself up. Do you remember the day we met? I do. New kid in school, terrified of everyone because he was small and they were so big and loud. Then, among this sea of unwashed humanity, a white knight pushed through the dark and foreboding mass of bodies and pulled me away from all that. Do you remember that day? I can never forget it. You didn’t have to care, but you did. And you kept on caring. Oh, I know you had this whole thing about keeping me at arm’s length, but you didn’t do it because you didn’t care. You did it because you thought I’d come to resent you for having money or that I’d want something from you. And you know what? I did. I wanted to hold on to the first and only true friend I ever had.”
Galen closed his eyes. How many times had he complained about Andy? He once said Andy was the closest thing he had to a friend, but the truth was, Andy was a friend, while Galen surely hadn’t been. It was amazing how he could look back on himself with such clarity.
“You know I love you, right?”
Andy grinned. “Like the sister you never had.”
“No.” Galen pulled Andy close. “Like the very best friend in the whole world. And you’re someone I don’t deserve.”
“True, but I figure I’ve invested all this time and energy in you, so I should probably keep you.”
They laughed together, and it felt good.
“Come on. Let’s get breakfast together, and then I’m going to bed.” Andy’s cheeks filled with color. “Marco is taking me to a club tonight.”
“Oh?”
“It’s a Chicago club, and it’s kinda….” He murmured something.
“I’m sorry, it’s kinda what?”
Andy drew in a breath. “It’s kind of a BDSM sex club.”
That confused Galen. “You mean you’re going to have sex with other guys?”
“What?” Andy’s eyes went wide and he held up his hands. “Hell, no. He has friends there, and he wants me to meet them. Marco told me if I so much as looked at another man, he’d have to spank me.” He grinned. “I might do it just to see if he follows through.”
“Man, I didn’t know you had a kinky streak.”
“Well, not sure about a streak. A stripe, maybe. But if Marco wants to try different things, I’ll keep an open mind.”
“You two are so perfect together, you know that?”
“Yeah, I do.” Andy got up and headed for the kitchen. “Let’s go, bitch. The quiche isn’t going to make itself.”
Galen chuckled as he got up and went to lend a hand to his best friend, secure for the first time in his life that he was on the path to being a better human being.
ROBERT WOKE to an empty bed. He rolled over and buried his face in Galen’s pillow, delighting in the scent of his lover. God, last night had been more than Robert could have possibly hoped for. He slipped out of bed and put on the clothes he’d strewn on the floor. With every piece he put on, he recalled how amazing it had been to take it off. He couldn’t wait to give Galen a proper good morning. He opened the door and stepped from the room.
He found Galen and Andy snuggling on the couch, Galen’s fingers in Andy’s hair. Robert was surprised how much jealousy he didn’t feel. Andy had helped Robert find his way to Galen, and he would never be able to thank him enough. He also knew the two of them were nothing more than good friends, and he was grateful, because if he had to work, at least Galen would have someone he could talk with.
When they saw him, they both jumped up and pulled Robert to the kitchen, where Andy took a quiche from the oven and served Galen and Robert, before excusing himself and going into his room. Galen and Robert sat at the table, eating quiche, drinking coffee, and enjoying the company. It had a level of domesticity Robert hadn’t experienced since he’d lived at home.
Robert put his fork down and smiled. “I haven’t had quiche in years. This was really good. Thank you both.”
Galen shrugged. “I wish I could take credit for it, but Andy’s the one who can take a moldy tomato, a dried crust of bread, and something green from the back drawer of the refrigerator and turn it into a gourmet meal. Me? Give me something I only need to heat up, and you’re likely to wind up in the ER getting your stomach pumped.”
“Noted for future reference.” He sighed. “I should get going.” Robert drained the rest of his coffee, got up, and took his dishes to the sink. “Will I see you later?”
Galen grinned. “I’m going with you.”
“What? Why?”
“Because a little girl taught me a very valuable lesson the other night, and though I might not be able to solve all her problems, I’m going t
o do my damnedest to make sure she never has to go to bed hungry.” He stepped over to Robert and gave him a peck on the lips. “Give me five minutes to get ready.”
“Okay.”
Galen turned and headed for the bedroom.
“Galen?”
He spun around, a smile on his face. “Yes?”
There were so many things in Robert’s heart that he wanted to say, but all of them paled before one truth. “I love you.”
“I know.” Galen gave a saucy wink. “And I’m kinda stuck on you too.”
As he waited for Galen to change, Robert took a seat on the sofa. The other bedroom door opened, and Andy came out, cradling Mouse in his hands. She was leaning up into his touch, her eyes closed.
“Hey, Andy.”
Andy looked up. “Oh, I thought you left.”
“Galen’s getting dressed, so it’ll be a bit yet.” He reached over and stroked Mouse’s back. “How’s Mouse? You taking care of your Daddy?”
“She’s a good kitty.”
Andy took a seat next to Robert. He turned his head to peer at Galen’s door, then brought his attention back to Robert. “Can I talk to you for a minute?”
“Of course.”
“I’ve known Galen for years, and he’s always been unhappy, even if he wouldn’t admit it. But being with you? He’s smiling, and it’s genuine this time. He’s looking forward to going to work with you, to giving back. And again, that’s on you. I guess what I’m trying to say is thank you for not hurting him.”
Mouse squirmed free and pounced on Robert’s leg. She was still so tiny and helpless-looking but had a fierce determination about her. She was perfect for Galen. Robert reached down and rubbed her between the ears, which set off a round of purring that rattled her tiny frame.
“I’m going to tell you the truth. I once believed I would never fall in love again. I thought I had to choose between the shelter and being with someone else, and I couldn’t walk away from my people. I still won’t leave them in the lurch, but Galen seems to be willing to be at my side, and I’m so damned grateful for that. It will also free up some of my time so I can spend it with him. Now I just need to figure out a way to get him to talk to Noel and Lincoln. He has that cloud hanging over his head, and I don’t think he’ll ever be truly happy until he gets rid of it.”
Galen's Redemption Page 22
