The Edge

by SJD Peterson

  “Oh look!” Denny squealed. “Tron!”

  “Never seen it.”

  Denny looked up at him in obvious shock. “You’re shitting me, right?”

  “Nope.”

  “Dude, it’s hard to understate how much this film changed the genre of science fiction. It’s the first movie to use computer-generated effects. You’ll love it.”

  “I’m sure I will.” Even if he didn’t, it would still be better than talking about feels. In fact, he loved the movie already.

  Chapter Thirteen

  NASH PACED the small confines of Malcolm’s office like a caged animal. He shouldn’t have let Malcolm talk him into this. Joshua needed him, not a dinner date with Denny. What had he been thinking? Dammit, apparently he hadn’t been thinking, or he wouldn’t be here. He’d be home with his boy.

  “I don’t mean to disrupt your toddler tantrum, but would you mind not wearing a path in my rug?”

  Nash stopped his stomping and glared at Malcolm. “You have no idea what I’m going through.”

  “I have an idea, but that is no reason to take it out on my poor rug.” Malcolm sniffed.

  Nash slumped down in the chair across the desk from Malcolm. “What do you think they are talking about?”

  “I have no idea, but whatever the topic of conversation, I am sure your boy is fine. Denny has a way of easing people. He’s such a kind soul with a flighty attitude, which makes him impossible not to love.”

  “Yeah, if it’s so impossible, when are you going to make him your boy?” Nash countered.

  Malcolm sighed dramatically. “He is sweet and fun but much too young for me. I’m simply taking him under my wing until he is ready and able to commit to a master.”

  Nash didn’t miss the sadness in Malcolm’s tone as he spoke of a master for Denny. The longing and fondness for the boy was evident. “I thought you always said age is just a number?”

  “It is, but a boy thirteen years my junior makes me feel old.”

  “Yet, you realize the boy is a twenty-seven-year-old man who is head over heels for you,” Nash pointed out. “Besides, I know you care deeply for him. Why let a number come between your happiness, and his?”

  Malcolm waved a dismissive hand. “I thought you were here to help me with the expansion plans, not talk about my love life.”

  “So you admit you love him,” Nash countered.

  “I said no such thing.”

  “You didn’t have to.”

  Malcolm pushed the blueprints across the desk toward Nash. “What do you think of the location of the locker room?”

  Nash glanced at the prints, then back to Malcolm. “Nice deflection, but it won’t work. You’ve been smitten with Denny since the first time you laid eyes on him.”

  “As you were with Joshua.”

  “Exactly! So I really don’t understand your hesitation.”

  “He’s much—”

  Nash frowned. “Don’t you dare. He’s a grown man, so the age difference argument isn’t going to work.”

  “You are quite the pain in the derriere.”

  “I can be,” Nash said slyly.

  Malcolm stared at Nash briefly with an exasperated expression on his face. Finally, he sighed again. “I’ll consider your argument if you will help me with these damn expansion plans.”

  Nash laughed. He knew Malcolm well enough that there would be no more talk on the subject of Denny. However, he also knew Malcolm would, in fact, be considering what Nash had said. He hadn’t been lying. The age difference was a silly argument, one that should have no bearing on two people who were obviously in love. Nash moved his chair closer to the desk and turned the blueprints around to study them. He didn’t miss the cocky grin on Malcolm’s face. He obviously thought he’d won. Silly man.

  Nash scanned the plans, which included a gym, locker room, as well as public and private baths. The club, including the restaurant, was financially successful, and Nash had no doubt the proposed additions would only add to that success.

  Malcolm went on and on about mosaic tile, fixtures, lighting, and gym equipment. He spent an extended amount of time on hot bodies, sweat, and flexed muscles, and it took Nash a while to get the man back on track. Still, it kept Nash’s mind and focus on the here and now, instead of what was happening back home.

  Home.

  Joshua.

  Nash glanced at the clock—ten after eight—and jumped up. “Holy shit! I gotta go. I told Joshua I’d be home at eight.”

  Malcolm leaned back in his chair and stretched his arms over his head. “Time does fly when you’re having fun.”

  Nash slid his shoes on and grabbed his coat. He hated to be late. Joshua would probably be worried sick.

  Malcolm picked up the phone and dialed. “Have Mel bring the car around for Master Nash, please.” He hung up the phone and went to his feet. He moved around his desk to stand next to Nash. “Thank you for all your help.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  Malcolm slung his arm around Nash’s shoulder. “C’mon, my friend, I’ll walk you out.”

  AN UNEASY feeling settled over Nash, his heart beating rapidly as he hurried up the walkway toward the dark house. He tried the front door and found it locked. His pulse kicked up another notch. His hands were shaking when he pulled his keys from his pocket and unlocked the door. The house was silent.

  “Joshua!” Nash called out. He rushed into the house, a flickering light coming from the living room.

  Nash let out a pent-up breath when he found Joshua and Denny snuggled up on the couch in front of the TV. Joshua lifted his head and rubbed his eyes. “Oh, hi, Sir. Sorry, I must have dozed off. What time is it?”

  “Eight thirty.”

  Joshua smiled sleepily. He glanced over at Denny, then nudged him gently. “Denny, time to get up.”

  “I don’t want to,” Denny grumbled. He rolled, threw his arm over Joshua, and buried his face in Joshua’s chest.

  “Boy! Your car is waiting.”

  Denny jerked upright so quickly he nearly fell off the couch. Only Joshua’s quick reflexes saved the boy from landing on his ass. “S-sorry, Sir. I didn’t hear you come in.”

  “That’s quite all right.” Nash walked over to the couch and ruffled Denny’s hair. “Mel is waiting to take you home.”

  “Thanks for the dinner and movie.” Denny pecked Joshua on the cheek, then stood up. He turned to Nash. “Thank you for allowing me to come over and hang out with Joshua, Sir. He’s a wicked good cook and even better snuggler.”

  “You’re welcome, and yes I am aware.”

  “Night, Joshua. Night, Master Nash,” Denny called out as he rushed to the door.

  Nash waited until he heard the door open and close before he sat on the couch next to Joshua. “How was your dinner?”

  “Surprisingly good. Denny really seemed to like it.”

  “Of course he did. You’re a great cook.” Nash nodded to the TV. “Sounds like dinner was more successful than the movie. You were both out cold when I came in.”

  “Yes, Sir. Denny likes sci-fi, at least he claims to. He fell asleep before I did. I really wasn’t into it but couldn’t reach the remote without disturbing him, so….” Joshua shrugged, then yawned.

  Nash grabbed the remote and clicked the TV off. “I’m in need of a hot shower before bed, and I’m in need of someone to scrub my back.”

  “Mmm, I volunteer, Sir.”

  The happiness in Joshua’s tone did Nash’s heart good. Malcolm had been right, as usual. Joshua needed time to decompress after his intense meeting with Cedric. Still, Nash was curious what had been discussed during the session. In time, his boy would open up and discuss it with Nash—when he was ready. Hopefully that would be sooner rather than later, or Nash just might seriously go crazy.

  Nash patted Joshua’s thigh. “All right, boy, go get the shower started.”

  “Yes, Sir.” Joshua scrambled from the couch and hurried to the bathroom.

  Joshua’s tight l
ittle butt swayed with each step. Inspiration hit Nash, and he stopped by his bedroom to retrieve some lube and a plug. A wet, naked Joshua was hard to resist, but a wet, naked, happy Joshua—impossible. In the bathroom, he found Joshua standing next to the shower stall with a sly grin. The enclosure glass was already beginning to steam up.

  “Strip,” Nash ordered. While Joshua removed his clothes, Nash briefly set his items down to shrug out of his own clothes, then grabbed Joshua’s hand and pulled him into the shower. He didn’t miss the way Joshua’s gaze kept settling on the plug or his obvious arousal at the sight.

  “Lean forward, hands on the wall, and push that ass out.”

  “My pleasure, Sir.” Joshua instantly got into position.

  Nash squeezed a small amount of lube onto the plug and swiped his fingers over it until it was covered. He pressed one slick finger against Joshua’s hole, then tapped and teased it before pushing just the tip of his finger in to the first joint. He rotated his finger gently, knowing it wasn’t nearly enough for his boy, but Nash wanted to go slow, enjoying his growing arousal. Joshua pushed his ass out, begging with his body. Nash laid his hand on Joshua’s right buttcheek and dug his blunt fingers into the meaty flesh, steadying his movements. This was his show, and he refused to be rushed.

  Joshua stilled, but his body was tense. The anticipation grew in the small space, mixing and mingling with the rising steam until it arced in charged electricity. Only then did Nash push his finger deeper into Joshua. Nash curled his finger and hit Joshua’s sweet spot, pulling a deep rumbling moan from Joshua. Nash pegged it a few more times, then withdrew his finger.

  “Sir, please,” Joshua whimpered.

  Nash didn’t torture his boy. He pressed the tip of the lubed plug against Joshua’s hole, putting slight pressure on it, transfixed as Joshua’s body slowly opened to him. When the widest part of the plug had breached Joshua, Nash halted. Joshua’s ass contracted around the toy, trying to adjust to the invasion. Finally, Nash pushed it deep and settled the wide base flush against Joshua’s asscheeks. Nash jiggled it a couple of times, then slapped Joshua’s right buttcheek, causing him to jerk.

  “All right, boy, wash me before the water turns cold.”

  “Yes, Sir,” Joshua responded, voice tight. He turned gingerly. It was obvious he was worried about the lubed plug sliding out as it wasn’t only his voice that was tight but his muscles as well. More proof of the struggle was Joshua’s clenched jaw.

  Nash caught sight of Joshua’s straining prick, and it was too much of a temptation. While Joshua soaped up his hands and lathered Nash’s chest, Nash swiped his hand through the soap, then wrapped it around Joshua’s cock, stroking him as he washed Nash’s chest and stomach. Nash’s ministrations made it difficult for Joshua to wash all of Nash, but Nash wasn’t worried so much about cleanliness at the moment. He refused to release his hold on Joshua’s dick. He liked the feel of it against his palm and the little porn noises Joshua was making.

  “You’re going to have to turn around if you want me to wash your back, Sir.”

  “Hold out your hands,” Nash ordered. When Joshua complied, Nash grabbed the bodywash and poured a good amount into Joshua’s palm. He then set the bottle down, grabbed Joshua, and pulled him close. They both hissed when their hard cocks came into contact. “Now you can reach my back. Problem solved.”

  “That it is, Sir.” Joshua laughed.

  Nash took his mouth in a blistering kiss, pulling Joshua’s happiness into him, causing sparks against his tongue and a tingling sensation to race across his flesh. He slid his lips over Joshua’s cheek to his ear, then scraped his teeth over the sensitive flesh beneath it.

  “Don’t forget my ass,” he teased.

  “I’d never forget such a fine, fine specimen, Sir.”

  Nash nipped Joshua’s skin again. “Good answer, boy.” He lapped at the water droplets running down Joshua’s neck, then sucked up a mark while Joshua ran his soapy hands along Nash’s body. They were both moving, hands roaming and stroking. They barely got clean before the water began to cool. It was the only thing that penetrated Nash’s lust, and he released his hold on Joshua and turned off the tap, then grabbed a couple of towels and handed one to Joshua.

  Joshua quickly tied it around his waist and took the other one from Nash. “Here, let me, Sir.”

  While Joshua dried Nash, Nash couldn’t help but think how funny it was that such a simple act caused his chest to swell with pride. It was sweet and selfless, evidence his boy wasn’t at the moment trying to manipulate him but truly wanted to please him without the promise of reward. Considering Joshua was working with a rock-hard cock and a plug in his ass, that he could focus on Nash at all was huge. Nash wanted to kiss him or fuck him or both. Now.

  “On my bed, boy. Hands and knees.”

  “Yes, Sir.”

  Nash ripped the towel from around Joshua’s waist, then took the other from his hands and dropped them both on the floor. Nash followed his boy and had to bite down on his bottom lip to keep from laughing. Joshua’s normal gracefully gait was jerky and tight to maintain a hold on the plug while he walked. It was too damn cute.

  Standing next to the bed, Joshua tilted his head. “Would you like me to pull the covers back first, Sir?”

  “Yes, thank you for thinking about my poor bedspread.”

  Joshua turned down the covers, then climbed up onto the mattress and got into the position Nash had instructed.

  Nash grabbed another lube packet from the bedside table, then joined him. He went to his knees behind his boy. He played with the plug, pulling it out slightly then pushing it deep again. He repeated the movement over and over. Joshua was swaying, muscles flexing. He was literally vibrating. He clamped down on the sheet so hard his knuckles turned white, but he remained silent.

  That’s about to change, Nash thought wryly.

  He opened the condom and rolled it down his length. This time when he grasped the plug, he pulled it slowly from Joshua’s body and set it aside. He lined up the head of his cock against Joshua’s hole, then pushed in deep in one fluid movement.

  “Ah God,” Joshua moaned lowly.

  Nash smiled and grabbed Joshua’s hips in both hands, holding tight. He set up a hard and fast rhythm, fucking his boy with gusto. Within moments Joshua was babbling, groaning, and taking every fucking stroke Nash pounded into him. The loud sound of skin slapping skin echoed around the room, growing in volume, as did the sexy noises coming from Joshua.

  “You’re not to come,” Nash gritted out without slowing down.

  “Ye…Y-Yes, Sir,” Joshua responded, sounding less than sure of himself.

  However, Nash knew his boy would follow his orders. Besides, he wouldn’t have to wait long. Joshua’s ass felt too fucking good around his cock; each contraction of the tight passage, each thrust pushed Nash closer to the edge. He really should have more control, but dammit, the pleasure was so intense and he didn’t want to be denied. Nash eased Joshua down, pinning him with his body. He took Joshua’s hands in his and raised them over Joshua’s head. They were touching from head to toe, skin to gloriously hot, slick skin. Nash rolled his hips, making short stabbing movements into Joshua’s ass.

  He brushed his lips over Joshua’s ear. “Your ass feels so good. I love fucking you. The way you take it. The….” Nash’s voice caught. He stilled and squeezed his eyes shut, trying his best to stave off the inevitable. But it was impossible. He’d waited too long. He snapped his hips, pounding into Joshua as his orgasm rolled down his spine. “Come for me,” he gritted out, just as he began to come. Pulse after pulse he filled the condom deep inside his boy, keeping a jerky rhythm until his boy cried out his name.

  Nash lay on Joshua for several moments, basking in the postorgasmic glow until his heart and breath returned to normal. Only then did he slide from Joshua’s body and dispose of the condom in the trash can next to the bed. He rolled a sleepy and satisfied Joshua out of the wet spot, pulled the top sheet over them, and wrapped
his arms around his boy. They had a lot to discuss, but not tonight. Tonight he was content to soak in Joshua’s warmth and happiness.

  ~*~

  If I could build a bubble around myself, I would construct it with impermeable material and a foolproof lock. I’d only allow good things in my bubble. It would contain a large-screen TV, an endless supply of great movies—it would include Doom, 20-ounce cans of Coke, and hot buttered popcorn filled with peanut M&Ms. A large comfortable couch, even bigger soft bed, kind of like what was in Nash’s house. In fact, Nash’s house would be allowed in. I like it as it is, except the TV would have to be bigger. Nash and Denny could come in my bubble, but they would have to check their pasts at the door. No reality allowed. My little world would be warm, comfortable, and nothing but good vibes. No bad thoughts, heartbreak, or judgment. The way I felt hanging out with Denny. The intensity of sweet lovemaking, the feeling of being loved and protected in Nash’s arms afterward. Those are the feelings that would shine brightest twenty-four seven.

  At night I construct my world, decorate it, fill it, everything in its place. Then, just as I have it ready, I can see Nash and Denny, smiling, waving me to come inside. I open the door and….

  I wake up to my reality. I hide my tears of loss. Swallow them down, pull myself from the bed, go make coffee, and wait for the dream to come again.

  I’m always waiting.

  Chapter Fourteen

  HEAD BOWED, Joshua knelt silently next to Nash’s bed, waiting for him to wake. Joshua both looked forward to Nash opening his eyes and dreaded it in equal measure. The bubble would burst. It always did. The day before had started out at a major low point and ended on a high note. He was literally shaking with dread of what the day had in store for him. The roller-coaster ride he’d been on since meeting Nash now roiled Joshua’s gut, not from the thrill of the ride but from the constant rapid descent from the high peaks.