It was on the tip of Joseph’s tongue to tell Nesof he was being petty. Then he recalled how the orderly had made it his duty to keep Joseph safe in the center. No doubt this demeaning attitude was simply Nesof’s habitual suspiciousness when it came to the motives of others concerning Joseph.
“We met with some old friends of his last night. It was a fun time. Drinks, fascinating stories, watching the fights…a great time.”
Damn it, he didn’t sound very convincing, not even to himself. Nesof’s gaze narrowed slightly.
Hey, it was an undeniably great experience after we went home. No two ways about that. Buttressed by the memory, Joseph beamed a genuine smile.
“I’m glad no one is holding your past against you, Joseph. At least, not outwardly. I’m confident Almon would take care of anyone who took exception, as so many have.” Nesof cast a guarded stare at the people hurrying past, at those still gathered close to the musicians who continued to play.
“I have complete confidence in Almon. I feel as safe with him as I did with you.”
“Excellent. That’s what’s important.” The orderly’s gaze flickered, and Joseph glanced in that direction.
Almon was stepping out of the store, smiling and searching about for him. Joseph waved to catch his attention.
Nesof said, “I’ve got to go, but it was wonderful to run into you. If the worst should happen, if Almon proves himself less than equal to the task of protecting you, you know how to get in touch with me. You can always count on me, Joseph.” He started to walk away, not acknowledging Almon’s advance. He called over his shoulder, “Oh, and don’t forget to com me to set up lunch. We have a date, remember?”
The next instant, Nesof was lost in the crowd, melting into the dozens of Kalquorian men.
“That was Nobek Nesof.” Almon’s scowl was aimed towards where the orderly had disappeared. “You have a lunch date?”
After the way Almon had behaved toward other men who offered Joseph friendly smiles, the Earther had no illusions about how little his lover cared for the idea. “We were planning to meet after I had a few days to settle in—but I doubt I will after all.”
“Because?” Almon stiffened, his stare making Joseph uncomfortable.
“Is it wrong for me to change plans on him like that? He was really helpful to me in the center. My only friend, in there, I mean.”
“That’s not why I asked. If you’d rather not meet with him in any capacity, you don’t have to. I’m curious as to why you’re having second thoughts about it, though.”
The Nobek’s emotional state was impossible to read. It worried Joseph that he could be behaving unacceptably in Kalquorian culture. Musing out loud as he tried to explain himself, he jabbered in confusion. “He might still view himself as my protector, though I’m out of the center. He should get over that. Besides, it feels weird when I think about hanging around him, though I consider him a friend. Something about it seems wrong now that you and I are a, um, couple. I have this sense that there should be—I don’t know. An ending to that chapter with Nesof. Besides, I thought Nobeks have issues with their lovers hanging out unsupervised with other Nobeks. Or am I mistaken about that? Am I making any sense at all?”
Almon smiled, and Joseph relaxed at his satisfied air. “Perfect sense. I was afraid you were no longer interested in seeing him out of fear of my reaction. You shouldn’t be afraid of me, Joseph.”
“I’m not, but you don’t like him.”
“My opinion of Nesof doesn’t matter. Your happiness does. If you want to keep your friend—well, what can I say about it?”
“The truth. You should tell me how you feel.”
“It’s uncomfortable for me, but as long as he’s not inappropriate toward my lover, I should allow it.” He was frowning again, though not as fiercely as before.
“You’re holding back. Tell me what you’re thinking, Almon. All of it, the good and the bad.”
Almon jerked his head, indicating they should head for home. As they walked, he wore a contemplative expression. At length, he answered Joseph. “Our situation is somewhat confusing, so no, you haven’t acted in a way that upsets me. Clanning laws have changed on Kalquor, but the question of Earther men in our society hasn’t really been addressed. Even if we were to remain together, without a formal commitment procedure in place, you and I can’t establish ourselves as official clanmates.”
“Do we need a formal declaration if we decide to continue?”
“It might be nice. I’m not aware of the Royal Council working on any legislation toward it, however.”
“Well, I’m happy where our relationship is heading. I have no intention of seeing anyone else while we figure us out. Including Nesof. And if you don’t kick me to the curb and we stay happy, no certificate or filing could make me more dedicated than I am.”
“Nor I. And I’m certainly not going to kick you to the curb—although I’ll beat the hell out of anyone who tries to lure you from me.”
Joseph laughed. He moved closer to Almon so they brushed up against each other as they walked. He refused to glance at his surroundings to check if anyone watched. “So—what did you buy for me in that store?”
“If I tell you, it won’t be a surprise, now will it? I might even save the goodies I bought for a day or two from now, when you least expect them.”
“Them? You bought more than one surprise?”
“You’ll see. Eventually.”
Chapter Seven
Almon fretted as he paused by the door, ready to head out for work for the first time since Joseph had come to stay with him. “I can’t believe I forgot the coffee. I can call in, tell them I’ll be late—”
“Don’t worry about it. You said the place that sells it opens around midday?” Joseph wasn’t about to allow his caffeine addiction delay Almon on his way to work. He wasn’t that pathetic.
“It opens a shortly before then for the meal rush. Buy yourself lunch there, if you wish. They have a terrific pilchok platter.”
The Nobek continued to put off his departure. He acted more uncomfortable about leaving Joseph alone for the next few hours than Joseph was. He glanced at the chronometer. Backed a step toward the door. Then he pulled Joseph in for another goodbye kiss.
The smaller man warmed with arousal, as if Almon hadn’t woken him with incredible and demanding sex first thing that morning. He clung tightly. “Don’t tease, you big lug.”
With obvious regret, the Nobek stepped away, adjusting his own erection so it didn’t show so blatantly against his black trousers. “I should have taken more time off. I didn’t anticipate how addictive you could be, even with three full days to indulge. But damn—I can’t get enough. It’s especially exciting when I smell myself all over you.”
“Do you get sick days?” Joseph suggested.
Almon chuckled and got himself under control. “I have to go or I will be late. Com me if you need me.”
“I’ll be okay. See you tonight.”
At last, the Nobek left and the door shut behind him. Joseph turned to the greeting room, noting the too-empty seating areas and the quiet. “Now to find some diversion to occupy myself with until he returns home. Why do I have the feeling it’s going to be a long day?”
Lonely already, he wandered to the bathroom to shower.
After cleaning up, Joseph settled into the cozy seating cushion in his office with his handheld. He felt a pang of conscience looking at the new desk and hoverchair that he had yet to use, but snuggling into the billowy cushion was akin to being embraced by a cloud. In the absence of a certain wonderful Nobek’s hug, he would take what he could get.
He admitted he enjoyed the atmosphere of his writing space. The bright blue rug over the gleaming wood flooring matched the blue sky in two of the paintings Almon had donated to him. It made the golden sunrise artwork pop more brilliantly in contrast.
Joseph hadn’t bothered with any other decoration. A still photo of his parents was tucked in a desk drawer, lying
face down so that when he opened it, there was only his mother’s handwritten scrawl of their names and the date the photo had been taken. Joseph doubted he’d ever display it. It invited too many memories, particularly where his father was concerned. A glance was enough to hear the deceased man’s voice speaking the words that cut Joseph to the bone. It was not a memory he wanted in his head while he was trying to write.
Certainly the idea of his father’s eyes on him, even from a printed piece of paper, wasn’t a pleasant notion either. More so during the times Almon opted to come in and enjoy his body. No, Joseph couldn’t imagine feeling amorous with his father’s hard gaze peering at him. Better to keep the portrait tucked away, out of sight and mind.
In the effort to dismiss his critical parent from his thoughts, Joseph recalled instead how Almon had welcomed him to his home, in this very room. On this cushion, in fact. He thought of how frightened he’d been, despite wanting the encounter so badly. That early reluctance was a far cry from this morning, when he’d woken with unrestrained delight to find Almon’s mouth on him, waking him in the most delicious manner possible. But then, Almon always woke Joseph early for lovemaking.
Sex before sleeping, sex immediately after the Nobek woke, sex whenever else the mood struck—which was often. For a man who spoke of how he’d been due to retire, he had the energetic libido of a teenager.
Joseph closed his eyes, enjoying the pulse of arousal as he replayed that morning’s quick but oh-so-satisfying fuck. Almon sucking him to eager arousal, before having Joseph suck him. Then they’d sucked each other simultaneously until both were wild for the Nobek to fill his boy’s ass while jerking him off. It had been every bit as good as the night before, when Joseph splayed on the bed with Almon rising and lowering above him, his muscular ass flexing tight around the younger man’s cock.
Joseph shivered at the memory. Damn it, he would end up hard all day anticipating Almon’s return from work. Not that his lover would mind that in the least. In fact, Almon would probably be raring to go the instant he walked in the door, so it would be just as well if he found Joseph waiting eagerly.
Joseph gazed at his handheld. Switched it on and opened his journal. Without the slightest doubt in his mind, he tapped out the words I really am happy. Truly happy.
It wasn’t enough. He clicked on the voice recognition. “In all caps: happy! Exclamation mark, exclamation mark, exclamation mark.”
He looked at the readout. His laughter echoed in the room.
* * * *
Midday found Joseph following Almon’s directions, daring to go to the mountain’s interior market to buy coffee. Fortunately, his goal wasn’t difficult to find, and none of those rushing past him paid him much heed. People had places to go and things to do, and apart from the occasional curious glance, they didn’t have a second to spare on Joseph.
Better yet, he instantly fell in love with the eatery where Almon bought their coffee. The name of the place alone—Ibmul Feeds You—delighted him to no end.
The décor reminded him of the simple lunch counters he’d eaten at on Earth. Black-and-white counter, walls, and flooring were highlighted by red tables and seats. Three Imdikos took orders for the large crowd, turned to the sizzling grill and cookers to make those orders with lightning-fast ease. They handed off trays and containers from which delicious smells wafted. The cacophony of loud conversation, orders being yelled, clanging, and laughter felt strangely familiar to Joseph.
Beyond the busy counter, a sign flashed announcing the coffee bar. To reach it, Joseph wove his way through the lines of customers and around the tables where a few sat. Though his stomach growled at the incredible aromas surrounding him, he was in a hurry to buy his caffeine hit and go back to Almon’s place. He’d been on a writing streak and was eager to return to it before his muse wandered off.
Ibmul Feeds You was the place to be when it came to grabbing a bite, it seemed. The line for coffee, a relatively new offering on Kalquor, was seven customers deep when he arrived. Fortunately, the blond Earther man filling orders was quick, and the line was soon down to an older Earther woman, a Kalquorian who looked harried and rushed, and Joseph. The customers ahead of him only wanted the coffee of the day, so Joseph was at the front of the line quickly.
The round-cheeked counterperson, as precious as Raphael’s cherubs, gave Joseph a doubletake and grinned. “Hi! I recognize your face—you’re Joseph. Almon’s sweetheart.”
Joseph’s face warmed. “Oh. I guess he told you about me?”
“He showed me and Ibmul your picture a few weeks ago. He’s been looking forward to you moving in with him. I’m Aaron, by the way. I’m Ibmul’s partner.”
They shook hands. “Nice to meet you. And since you are the gatekeeper to the coffee, I’m really glad to meet you. I need a cup for now and some beans to take home.”
“I have you covered on both counts. Do you know what kind you’re after?”
Fortunately, there was a lull in the demand for coffee by the patrons. It allowed Joseph and Aaron to start a discussion about roasts and flavors while the blonde poured that desperately needed first cup. When other coffee drinkers showed up, looking to get in and out quickly, Aaron never missed a beat, serving them flawlessly. While he worked, Aaron gave Joseph some samples to try. Within five minutes, Joseph’s choices had been made and the transaction completed.
“You make handling so many customers look effortless.”
“I was a barista on Earth. I was born to brew and pour, baby.”
“And you do it well.”
“Wouldn’t you like some food too? It’s no problem for me put your order in from here.”
Joseph couldn’t help but sniff appreciatively. “Maybe to go? I don’t enjoy eating by myself.”
“It’s a good thing I happened by, then.”
Joseph gaped at the customer who had stepped up at Aaron’s counter. Nesof loomed over both Earthers, but his grin was all for Joseph. “Hey, how’s this for timing? We can have that lunch we were talking about right now.” Without pausing for an answer, he told Aaron, “Two specials. We’ll eat here.”
Aaron glanced from Nesof to Joseph, his expression cautious. “Joseph?”
Taken by surprise, Joseph wasn’t sure what he should do. He’d told Almon he wouldn’t keep the plans he’d tentatively made with his former orderly, but refusing with the man standing right there seemed rude. He licked his dry lips. “Uh, okay. Put my order on Almon’s account.”
“I’d be glad to pay for it,” Nesof said, waving his handheld in Aaron’s direction.
“No, that’s—that’s not necessary. Almon’s account, Aaron. Please?”
The other Earther was watching him carefully. He nodded. “Sure. Why don’t you take that table there, Joseph? It will make it easy for me to tell you and your, uh, friend when the order is ready.”
And for Aaron to keep an eye on them? Had he noticed Joseph’s confusion? Or was he wanting to find out if his fellow Earther acted untoward with Nesof so he could report to Almon?
“Thanks. Go ahead and sit down, Nesof. I need to be excused for a quick moment.”
Not giving him a chance to respond, Joseph fled into the men’s restroom.
He went straight to the shining metal sink and washed his hands in case Nesof decided to check on him. He needed a moment to think.
Right off the bat, he knew he should have refused to have lunch with his former orderly. He’d promised Almon, after all. However, his old issue with bucking authority had raised its ugly head, though Nesof was no longer in any position to order him around any longer.
Weak. I’m still a terrified child afraid of consequences that no longer exist. When will I grow up and take responsibility for myself?
Now he’d agreed to have that damned lunch, which he had no business doing as Almon’s lover. What the hell was he supposed to do?
The door to the diner opened. Joseph sagged with relief when he saw it was Aaron coming in. The other Earther locked the door
and immediately asked, “Is that Nobek a problem for you?”
Joseph switched off the tap, embarrassed but reassured that Aaron had been concerned Nesof was potential trouble. At least he didn’t believe Joseph was behaving badly behind Almon’s back. “I don’t know how much Almon told you about me, but I was in a psychiatric rehab facility for two years. Nesof was an orderly there. Besides my therapist, he was the only person who took any interest in my welfare.”
“Then why did you look scared as hell when he showed up?”
“He startled me. Besides, Almon doesn’t want me to see Nesof.”
“Oh. It’s that same-breed jealousy issue.” Aaron relaxed and chuckled, as if he knew all about it.
Joseph regretted his choice of words. “I’m not being fair by dumping the blame on Almon. Truth is, I don’t want to continue hanging out with Nesof, though he was my biggest source of security and friendship within the facility.”
“That part of your life is over. Drawing the line between then and now. It makes sense.”
“And I don’t want Almon to feel like he’s not enough for me.”
“I get what you’re saying—but I guess this orderly guy doesn’t?”
“He seems to think he’s still responsible in some way for my well-being.” Joseph grimaced.
“Those Nobeks are a protective bunch, all right. You’re sure that’s all there is to it?”
“Don’t get me wrong; for the most part, Nesof is a great guy. My biggest issue with him is that he’s not very nice when Almon comes into the conversation. While I’ve made it clear Nesof and I can only be friends, it’s as if he thinks he’s competing with Almon for me. As if I were some kind of prize.” Joseph snorted.
“Almon thinks you’re special. Every time he talks about you, he becomes as sentimental as an Imdiko. It’s as cute as a tough Nobek like him can be.” Aaron’s eyes twinkled with humor.
Joseph laughed with him. “I’d better let him know I’m having lunch with Nesof. It won’t make him happy, but I already accepted the invitation, and I’m not doing this without telling him. Especially since this is the last time such an encounter will happen.”
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