by K. C. Wells
They lay together, both trembling, until at last Kel had to move. He propped himself up on his hands and gently eased his softening dick from Luc’s body. Then strong arms grabbed him as Luc flipped him onto his back, before shifting to lie on top of him, a complete reversal of their earlier position.
Luc’s face was inches from Kel’s. “Don’t get too fond of my ass,” he said breathlessly. “Just so we’re clear, this won’t become an everyday occurrence.” His eyes held their usual twinkle, and Kel was thankful to see it.
Kel drew in a deep breath. “I never imagined I’d get to do that at all,” he confessed. He bit his lip. “Although… I could get used to it, with more practice.”
Luc gave an evil laugh. “And I could get used to a lot of things, none of which you’d like very much. The words ‘cock and ball torture’ come to mind.”
Kel winced, and Luc’s demeanor changed instantly. He kissed Kel softly on the lips. “Thank you. I needed you, and you were there for me.”
Kel’s throat didn’t seem to be working properly, and his eyes were getting in on the act too. He blinked back the tears and forced out the word in a croak. “Anytime.” Then he closed his eyes and surrendered to Luc’s gentle, tender kisses, losing himself in the intimacy of the moment, until both their stomachs protested in stereo.
Luc broke the kiss with a sigh. “And back to reality.”
Kel curved his hand around Luc’s cheek. “Trust me. This was real. I’ll take this kind of reality any day.”
Chapter Twenty-Two
“So what do you want for dinner this evening?” Kel called out, his head hidden behind the freezer door. “We’ve got meatloaf, casserole, mac and cheese…”
Luc had something very different in mind. He was just unsure of Kel’s reaction. “I thought we might go out for dinner.”
Kel peered from behind the door. “Go out?”
Luc smirked. “Yeah. You know, we go someplace where someone else does the cooking and we don’t have to do a thing? And they get to wash the dishes after, too.” Except that wasn’t why he’d suggested it, and he knew it. In all the time since Kel had been there, they’d never gone out to eat. Luc liked to cook, and Kel’s culinary skills were developing nicely.
Luc snickered at Kel’s expression of surprise. “Kel? You might want to close the freezer door before everything thaws.”
Kel flushed and closed it. He came over to where Luc sat, his last cup of coffee not quite finished, and sat down, still seemingly stunned by Luc’s announcement.
Luc laughed. “It’s not like we haven’t gone out before.”
“Sure, but that was to a gay bar. Dinner is something completely different.” Kel regarded him thoughtfully. “Is there some special reason for eating out?” he asked slowly. “Because you never do anything without a reason.”
Fuck. Luc shouldn’t have been surprised at Kel’s perceptive question. They’d spent enough time together that he was really starting to get a handle on Luc’s moods and motivation. And as for Kel’s reaction, there was only one way to find out.
“Kind of. I’d like us to go out and enjoy a good meal, with good conversation, where all we have to focus on is each other. How does that sound?” Because the minute he’d thought of it, he knew exactly how it sounded.
Like a date.
Be honest. That’s what it is, right? A date with my boy.
Except Kel didn’t see himself as Luc’s boy. And speaking of Kel…
He was so still that Luc was dying to know what was going on inside his head. Then before he had a chance to speak, Luc added, “Oh, and a movie. We’re going to see a movie too.”
Kel narrowed his gaze. “Who gets to choose the movie?”
“That would be me,” Luc replied promptly. “And all I can tell you is, there are definitely no superheroes in it.”
“Should I be worried here?”
Luc grinned. “Petrified. And seeing as we’re going out, you’d better decide what you’re going to wear. After all, we’ve only got…” He glanced at his watch. “Nine or so hours before we have to leave.” He waited for the explosion.
Kel gaped. “Well, isn’t that a good thing? It’ll take you that long to polish your chrome dome.” Then he lurched out of his chair and sprinted toward the stairs.
Luc was up and after him in a heartbeat. “Looks like today’s the day I spank that sassy ass of yours,” he called out as he gave chase.
“Gotta catch me first,” Kel sang back at him.
Luc knew he wasn’t about to spank that gorgeous ass.
He was going to fuck it until Kel was begging to be allowed to come.
Save the spanking for when he messes up. Because Kel was going to mess up, Luc was certain of that. No boy was perfect.
But Kel came pretty damn close.
Kel sipped his plum wine and gazed at his surroundings with contentment. “This is nice.” Luc hadn’t shared their destination, but when Kel saw the sign for the Red Bowl Asian bistro, he had to admit it was a good choice for them. What the interior lacked in terms of swanky decor, it more than made up for with its menu. His Tom Kha Gai soup, with chicken, sweet coconut milk, peppers, lime leaves, lemon grass and ginger was delicious.
Luc raised his glass. “‘Nice’ seems far too understated. I could eat here for an entire week and never have the same meal twice.” His lips twitched. “I still say you chose Bourbon Chicken for your entree because you thought it had bourbon in it.”
“You can think what you like,” Kel retorted. “It’s gonna be awesome. I love red peppers.”
“I know. You like them raw, stuffed, fried, roasted…”
Kel relaxed into his wooden chair and took in their surroundings. “You know how to tell instantly if an Asian restaurant is any good? Or a Chinese one, for that matter.”
“Do tell.”
Kel smiled. “You look at how many Asian customers eat here. Always a good sign.” And looking at the clientele, he had to assume the Red Bowl had nailed it.
“Can I ask you something?” Luc finished his soup, then wiped his lips with his napkin.
“Sure. You’ve already told me dinner is on you. You can ask anything you want.” Kel was feeling utterly content.
“I know you said your dad wanted you to work with him once you’d finished your MBA, and that you weren’t keen on the idea. Have you given any real thought to what you would like to do?”
Kel had been thinking about it, all right. But every time he investigated companies that were recruiting, he hit the same damn brick wall.
A new career would mean change. And change would mean leaving Luc. Because not one of those companies was anywhere near Elon.
Kel wouldn’t have believed how much difference four months could make. Before that awful day, he’d wanted to take any position that got him away from Elon, even though he knew there was little hope of his parents allowing that to happen. And now?
I don’t wanna leave here.
Correction. He didn’t want to leave Luc.
“Kel?”
He blinked. “Sorry. I zoned out for a sec. Did you say something?”
Luc was smirking. “The nice server would like to put down your entree when you’re ready.” Beside the table, the cute girl dressed in black chuckled.
When she’d deposited his chicken and left them to it, Kel sighed. “As to your question, I haven’t come up with any concrete plans. I was gonna wait until I’d gotten the MBA, then think about it.”
“Well, have you at least thought about where you’d like to work? I shouldn’t think there are all that many great opportunities near here. You’d probably be better looking further afield, maybe even in another State.” He smiled. “The world is your oyster.”
Kel didn’t hear Luc’s encouraging tone, or the positive words. All he heard was. ‘You need to move.’ And that only had one disappointing implication.
Luc doesn’t want me to stay. Luc wants me to leave.
Kel tried a mouthful of chicken, bu
t it tasted like ash. He soldiered on, not wanting to give Luc any indication that he’d just broken Kel’s heart.
I thought I meant something to him. Or am I just another of those guys he used to fuck and leave? Lord, that hurt, because him and Luc? So much more than just sex. Or at least, that was what he’d thought.
They got through the second half of dinner with considerably less conversation than during the first half, but Luc didn’t appear to notice. That only confirmed Kel’s fears. By the time they’d finished their green tea ice cream, and Luc was asking for the check, Kel had come to a decision.
I can’t dwell on this. There’s so little time left before I go back to school. And if I carry on thinking like this, it’s gonna sour everything. He could come right out with it and ask Luc exactly what Kel meant to him, but he was too afraid he’d hate the answer. After all, what do we really have? Fantastic sex, sure, and we get along great, but…
There was only one thing for it. He had to make out like everything was fine.
As they left the bistro, Kel finally spoke up. “You know what? You’re right. I need to find the right company to work for, and if that means leaving this state, then hey, that’s what I’ll do. I mean, this is my career, right? Gotta get it off to a good start.” Then he couldn’t help himself. “As long as we get to stay friends, all right?”
Luc stilled as he went to open the car. “Just you try to get rid of me, that’s all I’m saying.”
That eased the ache in Kel’s heart. Okay, so he doesn’t want rid of me after all. That was something.
Luc couldn’t swallow past the lump in his throat.
Telling Kel to think about opportunities elsewhere was the hardest thing he’d ever had to do. And for a while there, he felt certain Kel didn’t like the idea. He’d been so quiet, as if he’d retreated inwardly. But when he announced his intentions, Luc saw the truth of it.
He was only thinking about the future. About his career. That’s why he was so deep in thought. Luc wasn’t sure what he’d expected. To have Kel’s eyes grow wide as he declared he couldn’t bear to be parted from Luc? To have him confess that all he really wanted was to stay with Luc…
The way Luc wanted him to stay. As his boy. With Luc to take care of him.
At the last, there’d been that glimmer of hope, the spark of something that Luc was going to encourage to blossom and bloom. He wants us to stay friends.
Luc could work with that. He had time. But if anything was to change, it had to come from Kel. Luc wasn’t about to force his hand.
I just need to help him see that he belongs with me.
They walked out of the movie theater in silence. When they got to the car, Luc blurted out, “I can’t stand the suspense a second longer. What did you think of it?”
Kel bit his lip. “Well, you chose it—what did you think? And before you answer, think carefully. Our future friendship is riding on this.”
Luc sighed. “Okay… It wasn’t all that good.” Kel arched his eyebrows, and Luc groaned. “Okay, fine. Maybe it wasn’t the best movie to choose. I only went for it because the book was amazing. Trust Hollywood to take the cheesy route.”
Kel smothered his laughter. “I think it would have been a great choice—if I’d been six years old. I mean, come on. A dog telling the story, with Kevin Costner’s voice? A dog that wants to be a racing driver? And then he dies at the end! Did you deliberately choose a movie to make me cry?”
“Hey, it was a happy ending!” Luc argued. “That kid… the one Denny is going to teach to drive? His name was Enzo.”
“Okay, okay, I get it. The dog came back as the kid. But seriously? That was your best choice?” Kel was enjoying himself.
“Oh, so I should have taken you to the movie all about the music of Bruce Springsteen? I can see that one going down like a lead balloon.”
“Who’s Bruce Springsteen?” Kel asked innocently. That got him an evil stare. Kel couldn’t hold onto his laughter any longer. “Let me guess. You saw it was about a dog and you figured it was a no brainer. I bet you loved Marley & Me too, didn’t you? Now we’re getting down to it. Luc Bryant has a thing about doggie movies.” He let out a gleeful chuckle, his earlier fears forgotten. This was what he loved—the playful banter back-and-forth, the way he could wind Luc up so easily, and the battles that always ensued.
Battles that ended up with both of them hot, sweaty, and sticky with cum.
Luc came around to his side of the car, moving swiftly to pin him against the passenger door. “Then maybe when we get home, I need to find a very special butt plug, just for you.” His eyes gleamed in the streetlights. “The one with a puppy tail. And you know how much I like doggy, don’t you?”
This was going to be one battle Kel was determined to lose.
Then everything changed in one brief moment. Luc’s expression softened, and regardless of the fact that they were in a public place, he caressed Kel’s cheek so tenderly that Kel caught his breath.
“I had a wonderful time this evening. And when we get home to where no one can see us, I’ll show you just how much I enjoyed it. Thank you.”
Luc’s voice rang with so much sincerity that Kel’s earlier assumptions were shattered. There’s something there. I can hear it in his voice.
Kel swallowed. “I loved it too.” He took a breath before adding, “We should do this again.”
“Only next time, you get to choose the movie. I think that’s best, don’t you?” He grinned. “Especially if our future is riding on it.”
Our future.
Maybe there was hope after all.
Chapter Twenty-Three
“So you think you can produce the software to accomplish all that?”
Luc smiled. The guy had gone from initially skeptical to hopeful in the space of fifteen minutes. “No problem. And the time factor won’t be an issue either. I can meet your deadline.” He spoke confidently, knowing that would reassure his new client.
Luc’s tone clearly had the desired effect. The client visibly breathed easier.
When Luc’s phone vibrated in his jacket pocket, he frowned. Damn it. He’d forgotten to divert all calls. “Sorry about this,” he said, removing it. “I have a message.” When he saw it was Kel, his heartbeat raced. Something’s wrong. Kel knew he was in a meeting, and for him to send a message, it had to be urgent.
“Please, answer it. We’re done here anyhow, aren’t we?”
Luc nodded absently, before clicking on the message. A second later, he thanked God for quick reflexes as he hit mute. “You know what? This can wait.” His calm voice belied his internal state. Luc pocketed his phone and got to his feet, extending a hand. “Thank you again for considering me.”
“You came highly recommended.” The client shook Luc’s hand briskly. “I’m glad you can help us.”
Their goodbyes said, Luc left the office and headed for the street below. Once outside, he breathed deeply, forcing himself to remain calm. He strode along the street to the parking lot, his mind already going over what he was going to do to Kel when he laid hands on him. It wasn’t until he was safely in the driving seat that he got his phone out and clicked on the video message again.
Kel’s dick and ass filled the frame as he jerked off, his fingers sliding in and out of his hole. Luc could hear Kel’s harsh breathing, and knew without looking that he was about to come. Seconds later, the screen blurred, accompanied by Kel’s moan of pleasure.
Luc couldn’t help his reaction. He rubbed his thickening cock as he replayed the video a couple of times, after making sure there wasn’t a soul in sight. Swiftly, he unzipped his fly, fished out his hard shaft, and covered the head of his dick with the dark blue handkerchief he usually kept neatly folded in his breast jacket pocket. His cum was a stark white against the dark background, and Luc shuddered as the last drops pulsed from his cock. When he was done, he folded the handkerchief carefully and placed it in the glove box, before tucking his dick back into his pants. He was about to switch off h
is phone when he realized he had a boy to torment.
He typed rapidly, smiling.
I hope you enjoyed it. That’s the last time you get to come without permission. That cock is all mine when I get home. And so is your ass. For effect, he added a peach emoji, followed by a hand emoji, repeating it several times, and ending with a crying face.
Luc snickered. I hope you get the message, boy.
By the time he heard Luc’s car pulling onto the driveway, Kel was a mess. It had seemed a great idea at first, something to raise a smile. Not to mention getting Luc all revved up for when he got home.
Oh, I’ve gotten him all revved up, all right. That text message had left Kel in no doubt as to the consequences of his actions. And he was pretty damn sure Luc had sent that text immediately after seeing the video so Kel would spend the intervening time dwelling on exactly what punishment was coming his way.
That hand was a bit of a giveaway, the peach even more so.
The front door opened, and just like that, Kel’s heartbeat sped up, his palms suddenly clammy. He didn’t move from his bed, rooted to the spot, listening to Luc’s soft footsteps on the stairs.
“Kel? My office, now.”
Shit, he sounds pissed.
Kel took a deep breath, got up from the bed, and walked reluctantly across the upper hallway. The office door was open, and Luc was standing behind his desk, his jacket gone, tie loosened, and his belt unbuckled. He beckoned Kel to approach, his expression impossible to read.
Luc held up his phone. “Know what I did today? I forgot to divert my calls and messages to the house phone. So there I was, in the middle of a very important meeting with a new client, and what should pop up on my phone?”
