Body Conscious (Body Heat Book 1)

by J. P. Scott

  “Maybe I need those spandex girdle things.” Would Jeremy care? He had done everything he could to prepare for the date. Now he could only hope that Jeremy liked the real things as well as the pictures.

  He checked the time on his cell phone now that he was out of things to do. If Jeremy was an on-time guy, he should be there any minute. Ollie looked around the living room. Everything was tidy, all pillows were fluffed. Nothing was left to target with his nervous energy.

  Then, a knock at the door.

  Jeremy smiled at Ollie’s swift door opening. “Evening, handsome.”

  “Hi. Come in.” Jeremy complied and Ollie looked him up and down. He was also wearing a button-down shirt. The blue captured the color of his eyes. It was untucked and hid his self-described stocky frame. Ollie was disappointed when he saw it also blocked the view of Jeremy’s ass.

  “Nice place.” Jeremy casually looked around, “I wasn’t sure if you lived alone or had a roommate.”

  “It’s just me. I never seem to find a roommate that has the same ideas about keeping things clean.”

  Jeremy laughed, “That’s why I have a cleaning service. My dishes make it to the sink, but I’m just not that into keeping up with my chores.”

  “I imagine we will have fights about how you squeeze your toothpaste from the tube.” Ollie tried to make it sound like he was joking, but it was one of his biggest pet peeves.

  “Already planning our future together?” Jeremy winked and stepped close to Ollie. He was an inch or two shorter and looked up at Ollie, “Do you mind if I kiss you?”

  “Not at all.” Even from a distance, they had already done so much more than kissing.

  Jeremy cupped Ollie’s face and pulled Ollie to him. The kiss was gentle and soft. If this kiss lasted all night, he would not have minded. The tension in his shoulders eased and warmth spread throughout his body. His fingers touched Jeremy’s hips and began to explore.

  “Don’t worry, handsome,” Jeremy pulled back from the kiss, “There’s more where that came from. Let’s make this a real date first.”

  All of this seemed too good to be true. Was a magical night really ahead? Or would it crash and burn like all his other dates? What secret or flaw hovered just below the surface that would rise up during conversation? Was he in trouble with the law? Behind on mortgage payments and about to go into foreclosure? Wanted by the mafia and about to be hunted down by thugs who would shoot up the restaurant?

  Or was he indeed a good guy? Maybe even The One.

  Maybe Jeremy was not the one who had a problem to hide. If Ollie let his own insecurities run wild, he could be the one to run everything. He crossed his fingers and prayed it would go well tonight.

  Fourteen

  “How is the date?” Cam’s text had sat unanswered for a good hour. Ollie had felt the vibration but was having too good of a date to bother looking at it or responding.

  They started with martinis at the bar at Old Town Cafe while they waited for their table. The name of the restaurant implied a simple, cozy restaurant. Instead, the atmosphere was trendy and elegant. The bar was usually packed with people wanting to be seen, and we were excited to be early enough to snag two seats on the corner where we could see each other and talk. It also made for a good perch to watch the crowd if we needed a distraction.

  Jeremy would not stop smiling as they talked. The smile reassured Ollie that Jeremy liked what he saw; he had lived up to expectations. This early in the date, Ollie would usually be wondering if the guy liked him, and if not, what he needed to do to turn the dial. It always led to awkward exchanges that would turn the guy or Ollie off. The best part of Jeremy’s smile was that it was not just his mouth that was wide. The smile included dozens of lights in his eyes that seemed to be emanating from his soul.

  “…and then we tumbled back and fell right into the fountain!” Jeremy was a wealth of stories of misadventures, making a simple story of a selfie gone wrong entertaining with his hand motions and facial expressions. He did not just talk and monopolize the conversation. He would tell a story and then throw a question to Ollie, prompting him to take a turn. As he listened, he leaned forward and rested his chin on his hand. The facial expressions continued as he reacted to Ollie.

  How different this date was than the plethora of failed nights where they either said next to nothing or yammered on, fighting for the air to share their thoughts and stories.

  When their table was ready, they settled into a booth in the back. The section was elevated with a view of the main dining room where every table was filled, a large number with same-sex couple also out on a date.

  At the table Jeremy ordered a bottle of wine after flipping through the large menu and appearing to read instantly, “Ever been to Napa?”

  “I haven’t. I barely get up above the middle shelf of wine at the grocery store.”

  “Well, let’s change that starting with the Cab. It’s amazing.”

  “I’m going to have to trust you on that. From one bottle to the next, I’m not sure I really know the difference in what I’m having.”

  “Sounds like you need to have better wine. We can also do some wine tasting to help you compare and learn more about what you’re drinking.” Jeremy excused himself for a minute.

  Ollie read Cam’s text. How was the date going? By far one of the best dates that he had ever had. Why was this one so different? Was it because they had already been chatting that they already felt comfortable with each other? Or did Jeremy just have a way of putting people at ease?

  So often Ollie’s dates came with the pressure to present the best side of himself to avoid rejection. With the drunken texts, Jeremy had already seen a sloppy side of him. There was also a large amount of judgment on most dates. Did the other party live up to the pictures or had the abs been at a pinnacle of working out several years ago? Or in Ollie’s case, that one moment when he felt skinny and cute because he caught a good angle with the picture.

  I sent Cam a response, “Going so well that I’m turning my phone off. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.” I did not want there to be any other distraction.

  Jeremy slid back into the book winked, “Miss me.”

  “Desperately.” I was sliding my phone into my pocket, “I was just updating my friend Cam on how the date was going.”

  This prompted Jeremy to put on a mock face of seriousness, “And how is it going?”

  “Pretty amazing.”

  “I think so, too.”

  The wine arrived and Jeremy went through the steps to smell the initial pour and taste it. He hummed with pleasure. The waiter filled both of their glasses and then left. Jeremy lifted his glass, “Cheers.” They clinked glasses and Ollie took a drink. It was indeed like nothing he had ever had before.

  “It is a step up from what I usually drink.” Drinking good wine like this could become an expensive habit.

  “So, you never really talk about work. Tell me more about you.”

  Ollie stuck out his tongue, “Ugh. Well, I hate my job. When I’m not there, I definitely prefer not to talk about it. The only thing that brightens the day is my friend Jessica. She’s actually pushing me to apply for a training position that is opening. The guy is retiring.”

  “That sounds like a good move. You don’t seem very excited about, though.”

  “It is a great opportunity. I should be more excited. But instead, it’s giving me a great deal of anxiety.” Being this honest and negative was not something he would usually do on a first date.

  “What do you have to be worried about? Do you think you won’t get it?”

  Ollie could feel his stomach churn at the thought of work and the application process. “I think I have a pretty good shot. I also think it would be a good challenge that I would enjoy tackling. I’ve thought about this for years. I just wonder if I can convince the powers that be that I’m the right person for the job.”

  “You’re charming and smart. They would be crazy not to hire you.”

  �
�Thanks. It’s good to have people in my corner. Jessica is determined to make sure I get it. She’s been retooling my resume and finding interview questions to practice.”

  “At the end of the day, only you know if you want it and can put in the work to make sure it happens. I think you should go for it and promise to help you in any way that I can.”

  Ollie’s stomach still felt uneasy and he felt sweat on his forehead. “I’m going to go splash some cold water on my face.”

  “Are you okay?”

  “Yeah, just need a moment to shake off thoughts about work. Let’s find a more fun topic when I get back.”

  Jeremy laughed and looked around to the other tables, “Like who here would you want to bang?”

  “Sometimes you say things and I suspect you’re my friend Cam in disguise playing an elaborate prank on me. Be right back.” Ollie hurried to the bathroom where he soaked a paper towel and pressed it to his forehead. He looked at himself in the mirror. Get it together, Ollie.

  Fifteen

  Jeremy grabbed Ollie’s hand and held it firm on the drive home. Ollie liked it, but also wanted to break free and grab onto Jeremy’s crotch instead. The entire night had been more than he could have imagined it would be. As they worked through dinner and the rest of the wine, he found himself growing more excited about what would come after.

  “You’re still spending the night, right?” The question garnered him an annoyed look.

  “I can’t believe you have to ask. I was doing my best to not undress you at the table.”

  Ollie directed Jeremy to an open parking spot near his unit. Jeremy grabbed an overnight bag from his trunk. Minutes later, the door clicked closed, and they were alone.

  “I have something for you.” Jeremy pulled out a wrapped gift from the bag. “I guessed at the size.”

  Ollie tore off the paper to reveal a box of designer underwear. “These are cute.”

  “I thought you could wear these tonight. It’s a jock.” He moved in closer to say in a low, sexy growl. “That way, I’ll have nothing in my way when I attack that ass.”

  Ollie clenched at the thought of Jeremy finally getting to rim him…and more. He pulled Jeremy in for a kiss and their tongues danced. They parted and Jeremy slapped his ass.

  “I’m going to go freshen up.” He held up the box, “I’ll be back wearing this. Make yourself at home.”

  With the door closed behind him, Ollie prepped for a quick shower and douche in order to be clean and ready. He toweled off and then grabbed the package. It was black with a soft satin waistband and soft cotton cup and straps. It was definitely made more for the bedroom than for a workout.

  He stood and checked himself out in the mirror. The straps in the back curved his ass nicely. The front held his cock well. Compared to the model on the cover, he looked just okay.

  There was a knock at the door and Ollie let Jeremy in. “Sorry, I hope I wasn’t taking too long.”

  “Was worried you might be hiding from me.” Jeremy stepped in, also wearing just underwear. He had black boxer briefs of the same brand.

  “No, I was just taking a look at myself.” I did a twirl. “I don’t look as good as the guy on the box.”

  “Are you kidding me? You’re fucking hot.”

  Ollie touched his stomach. “I could stand to lose a few pounds.” He looked at himself in the mirror, analyzing and noting the problem areas.

  Jeremy stood behind him and looked in the mirror. “I don’t think we see the same thing. What parts do you think you need to work on?”

  He wanted to say, “All of it.” The truth was he had come a long way and did look good. It just was not the perfect body that he hoped he would achieve. “These love handles could go find another place to be.” He giggled at the thought of sending them off to live on some other body as if banished.

  Jeremy pulled in close behind Ollie. He touched Ollie’s sides. “These? I like these.” The hair of his beard scratched Ollie’s shoulder as he tried to look over Ollie and to the reflection.

  “The gut needs to take a hike as well.”

  “Let me see.” Jeremy turned Ollie until they were face to face. He looked down. “Have you seen mine? I’d kill to look like you.” He took a finger and touched Ollie on the stomach, making circles. “Anything else?”

  “I think my ears look weird.”

  “Now you’re just making things up.” Jeremy leaned in to look at Ollie’s left ear. Ollie could feel his hot breath and swooned. Jeremy took the earlobe into his mouth and sucked gently. Tingles spread through his body. He put his hands on Jeremy’s hips and pulled him closer, leaning against the counter.

  “You don’t know how sexy you are.” Jeremy kissed down Ollie’s next. Ollie could feel his cock swelling in response. Jeremy’s cock pressed into him. “Come on, let’s get in the bedroom.”

  Jeremy followed Ollie into the room. Ollie crawled on the bed, making sure to give Jeremy a good view of his ass in the jock. He flipped over to look at Jeremy who slid his boxer briefs down and stood erect and practically drooling. “It’s better than I imagined.” He approached the bed and grabbed Ollie’s legs, pushing them up. Jeremy stopped his approach once he was near Ollie’s exposed ass. His tongue began to explore.

  Ollie arched his back and grabbed Jeremy’s hair. Their fantasy was now a reality as Jeremy explored Ollie’s hole, his tongue darting in and out and making circles. Ollie gasped at the sensation.

  “Oh, my god, Jeremy. That feels amazing.”

  Jeremy pulled away and growled. “This ass is mine…always.”

  Ollie wanted that, too—to have Jeremy work over his ass again and again until life left them.

  Jeremy slid up Ollie’s body, kissing and caressing as he moved. When he got to Ollie’s mouth, they locked in a passionate kiss. “Ready to lose some sleep tonight?”

  Ollie nodded. The promise of this pleasure lasting more than one round sounded amazing. “Lube’s in the nightstand.”

  Sixteen

  They did lose some sleep, alternating between kissing, touching, sucking, and fucking in various positions and places around Ollie’s apartment. At most, a date or hookup had turned into three rounds of play. With Jeremy, there was a hunger in his eyes, touch, and thrust that set a fire inside Ollie that made him want more. He hoped his looks and grasps showed that same desire.

  Around four, they collapsed beneath tangled sheets and kissed each other once more before closing their eyes. Ollie heard Jeremy’s gentle snores and cuddled in close to him, feeling his warmth and the softness of the fur on his chest and stomach. It all felt good and right to be here together. He did not want to think it and just enjoy the moment for what it was, but he could not resist. Would this last? Or would this just be one more short-lived romance in a long string of attempts? Jeremy did not seem like the rest, but only time would tell. He could wake up tomorrow, stumble through a breakfast together, kiss goodbye, and then grow increasingly distant over the course of the week.

  He tried to shake the thoughts from his brain. Jeremy had proved himself time and again that he was not like other guys. He was direct and honest. He was genuine. Whatever was in store for them in the days and weeks ahead, Ollie was sure that Jeremy’s personality and motivations would be the same. And if they did find they were not right for each other? Jeremy would surprise in some strange way ease the pain and make everything okay.

  When he woke up around ten, he was still in Jeremy’s arms, wrapped up in safety and promise. He had not snuck out in the middle of the night, but continued to slumber in bliss. Ollie slowly extricated himself from Jeremy’s embrace and headed to the bathroom to pee. After washing up, he stepped back and looked in the mirror again like he did last night.

  The flaws he saw last night were still there. He forced himself to look, to really look at himself. Was the body he saw in the mirror actually the same one that everyone else saw? Or did his mind insert images of days past when he was overweight and out of shape? Was he capable of seeing
his real self? Or did he need to practice seeing himself in a different way?

  He touched his sides like Jeremy had last night, “You’re beautiful, Ollie. You’re beautiful.” He repeated those words like a mantra. When he left the bathroom, he did not see himself any differently, but he knew that Jeremy did. That’s what mattered. He knew that if he let Jeremy into his heart, that eventually he would see himself the way that Jeremy saw him. Love could work miracles if you let it.

  Love? Was he ready for that word already? Certainly, that needed more than one date and a good night of play. But there was promise.

  Ollie wiped his eyes. Jesus, why am I crying? He peeked into the bedroom where Jeremy had rolled on his back and continued to sleep. The sheets barely came up to his waist and covered him. Because you found someone who makes you happy. Don’t mess this up.

  Ollie stepped quietly to the bed and gently pulled the sheet back, exposing Jeremy’s flaccid cock plopped to the side as if also sleeping. He climbed on the mattress and bent down, sucking the head in his mouth and using his tongue to lay with the skin. Jeremy shifted in the bed as the sensation started to wake him.

  “I couldn’t ask for a better alarm clock,” Jeremy said as he gently ran fingers through Ollie’s hair.

  Ollie sucked Jeremy until he was swollen and hard. He grabbed some lube, applied it generously, and straddled him. He eased Jeremy inside of him, feeling tender from their night of multiple sessions. He breathed in and out slowly, trying to make himself relax.

  “Have I broken you?”

  “Not yet,” Ollie winked as he began to rock back and forth, his body was growing accustomed to having Jeremy inside of him, “But I like the goal.”

  When they finished, Ollie curled up next to Jeremy, stretching one arm over his chest in a loose hug. “I think you owe me breakfast now.”