by GA Hauser
“I didn’t see that anywhere. There’s a pizza place, a barbeque grille, a deli restaurant…”
Julian kept moving upwards robotically.
“You went one too many. We passed the promenade deck.”
“Did I?” Julian read a directory on that level. “Well, we may as well check the gallery while we’re up here.”
“Good idea.”
They stood in front of several walls of photos. A thousand faces smiling for the camera. Julian scanned left as Brodie searched right. Seeing Amelia with Harry, Julian cringed. Shaking the sensation of dread off his spine from the sight of her, Julian heard Brodie shout his name.
“Here it is.”
Julian stood behind him. “That’s not half bad. I thought I may have closed my eyes.”
“Should we get it?”
“Yes.”
Brodie brought it up to the cashier.
“Would you like copies? Wallet sizes? An enlargement? Magnets? T-shirts?”
As she rattled off the sales pitch, Julian laughed, “T-shirts?”
“I think I’ll pass on that one,” Brodie replied.
“I wouldn’t mind an eight by ten.”
She nodded, writing it down on an order slip. “Your room number, sir?”
Julian gave Brodie a pained expression.
“Shut up,” Brodie said before Julian could complain. “Use ten seventy.” She had Brodie sign the slip.
“It’ll be ready tomorrow morning.”
“Do we come here?” Brodie asked, taking the first photo from her.
“Yes.”
Nodding, Brodie gestured for Julian to walk down the hall with him.
“I don’t like this, Brodie.”
“Now you’re quibbling over five bucks? Please, forget about it.”
“It was ten, but that’s beside the point. It’s not the money; it’s the principle.”
“Look, if it bothers you that much, keep a list and pay me back. I don’t know how I’d manage without the ten fricken bucks.”
“Shut up,” Julian laughed, pushing him.
Brodie stumbled into the wall. In reaction to the roughness, Brodie body-slammed Julian against the opposite wall.
At the force, the air rushed out of Julian’s lungs. Blinking in surprise, Julian went for him. He picked Brodie up off his feet, wrapping around his thighs.
Elevated up high, Brodie looked up and down the narrow hall. “Nice view.”
“Me too.” Julian snuck a nip of his jeans.
“Ouch! You pecker! You caught my skin.”
“Good.”
“Put me down. You proved you could lift me. So what?”
Julian allowed Brodie to slide down against him to his feet. “Purr…”
Unable to contain it, Brodie began laughing. “And you say I’m horny.”
“Holy shit. I’m hard as a frickin’ rock.” Julian humped Brodie’s leg.
Turning to see people making their way to the gallery, Brodie pushed back from Julian, trying to act discreet.
Julian didn’t know what happened in that little episode but it was tantalizing. Urging Brodie to start walking down the hall, Julian hissed, “I’m fantasizing wrestling you naked, oiled.”
Brodie covered his mouth to stop his roaring laughter.
“I’m serious!” Julian stuck his hand into his pocket to shove his cock down as it tormented him.
“You are unbelievable,” Brodie mumbled.
“Go back to the room.”
“We just came from there. I thought we’d—”
“The room.” Julian grabbed Brodie’s ass and squeezed it, making Brodie jump. “Now.”
Chuckling the entire way, when the elevator opened at the level the cabin was on, Brodie began running down the enormous corridor. Julian was hot on his heels, sprinting like they did on the sports deck. As Brodie stopped short to impale the key entry slot with his card, Julian slammed him against the door making a loud racket.
Unfazed, Brodie opened the door, stumbling in with Julian attached to his back. The moment Brodie had tossed the bag with the photograph on the dresser with his key, the fight was on.
Brodie tried to trap Julian’s arms behind his back. Twisting out of his grip, Julian grabbed him around the thighs, heaving Brodie onto the bed. Brodie sprung back up, grappling, getting his arms around Julian’s chest, trying to spin them around so Julian was lying under him when they fell against the bed. Tensing his back, arching, and clenching his jaw, Julian broke free, diving onto Brodie to nail him permanently to the mattress under him. They fought for superiority, rolling around, first one on top, then the other. Julian loved the way Brodie’s muscles tensed under him, the roughness of the horseplay, the scent of sweat and pheromones.
Getting his hands into Brodie’s jeans, Julian yanked open his button-fly. It made a noise as it opened, like fingers rushing down flat piano keys. As Brodie fought back, Julian crushed Brodie’s shirt up his chest, his jeans and briefs down his thighs.
Giving a war cry, Brodie spun Julian over, so he was on top, going for Julian’s zipper just as madly as Julian had gone for his.
Julian felt his slacks sliding down his hips. Growling like a wildcat, Julian shoved Brodie onto his back again, pushing down those jeans until he had exposed him.
“You son of a bitch,” Brodie gasped for breath. With another rebel yell, he flipped Julian off him, stood up and faced him, prepared for anything.
Julian lay there, gulping oxygen, so hot and bothered he was about to combust. The sight of Brodie, ruffled and war-ready, made Julian want to devour him whole. Julian tensed up, trying to think of an attack tactic. Before he did, Brodie shoved him back violently so he dropped flat, grabbed the bottom of his slacks, and yanked hard, stripping them off Julian’s body.
Shocked at being unable to stop him, Julian scrambled to his knees on the bed. Brodie threw the slacks to the floor, coming back for more. Just as Julian was about to spring up and jump him, Brodie aimed low, like a linebacker. He tackled Julian, knocking the wind out of him as he nailed him against the mattress.
Struggling to get his lungs back, Julian felt Brodie’s mouth on him. Surrendering, lying back, Julian had so much adrenalin rushing through him it was making him faint. Julian closed his eyes as Brodie sucked hard on him, tearing his briefs down his hips, digging his hand under his balls.
His heart thundering beneath his ribs, the pleasure rushed up Julian’s spine. He was so hyped up from the battle he knew it would take nothing to make him come. It appeared Brodie was pumped from the activity as well. The expression of lust on his face as he drew on Julian’s cock like a Hoover ignited Julian’s skin. That index finger found the magic button. When it pressed inside him, rimming the edge of his ass, Julian came, opening his mouth to shout out and gripping the bedspread in white knuckles.
Gasping for air, Julian opened his eyes to see Brodie going for the condoms and lube. “No way. Not this soon, and not when you’re this keyed up.”
Brodie shot him a fiery look. In response to that glare, Julian attacked him, throwing Brodie down on the bed. Stripping his jeans the rest of the way off, Julian used his hand against Brodie’s sternum to press him down into submission opening his mouth to suck him, though all he wanted to do was gasp for air. The minute Brodie was inside Julian, he stopped fighting. Julian inhaled deeply through his nose, flaring his nostrils to gain oxygen. Sucking hard, the way Brodie had done to him, Julian gripped his testicles as if he meant to rip them off. As Brodie flinched in expectation of pain, Julian caressed them gently, soothingly, until Brodie settled back down again. Shoving between Brodie’s legs, Julian mimicked Brodie’s action, pushing, running his finger around the circle of his anus. Brodie shot into Julian’s throat, gasping and thrusting his hips up and deep. Julian savored him, lapping at the tip, milking every last drop. Finally dripping with perspiration, Julian used his arm to wipe his forehead, and tried to slow down his pulse.
When he finally felt as if he could breathe no
rmally, he looked down at Brodie. Brodie’s blue eyes were glowing. “Hi,” Julian said shyly.
“You are a god. A. God.”
Laughing with his exhaled breath, Julian replied, “My, that’s some high praise.” His eyes swept over Brodie’s exposed body from his belly button down. “Look at you. Jesus, Brodie, you’re a pin-up boy.”
Brodie moved his hand to clasp Julian’s. “You know, I’m actually looking forward to telling my parents about you.”
Making a noise in disbelief, Julian replied, “Yeah, right.”
“I’m serious, Julian. You are the complete package. You’re incredibly handsome, delightful company, successful, funny…they will adore you.”
“Yeah?” Julian pushed his hand back through his hair to get it off his face. “I bet they’ll want to give me away at our wedding.”
“Don’t be a jerk.”
“Brodie, your parents will want to shoot me.”
“Will you stop bursting my bubble?”
“Sorry. But Lt. Duncan will not be pleased. Okay? Believe me.”
Brodie leaned up on his elbows. “Just because he’s a cop, doesn’t mean he’s a pig. He’s not one of those right-wing Nazis. He’s more like Barney Miller than Detective Sipowicz.”
“Yeah?” Julian mirrored Brodie’s posture on the bed.
“Yeah. He’s low-key. He’s the kind of cop the other cops go to when they’re in trouble.”
Julian felt relief at those words. “Christ, I’m glad to hear it. I did imagine some staunch republican war-monger who worships Rush Limbaugh.”
“No!” Brodie made a sour face. “God, no. You have him pegged completely wrong.”
“So, you think he’ll be all right?”
“Maybe.” Brodie nodded. “Look, it’s not what any dad wants to hear, but he’s not going to kill me or disown me.”
“Thank fuck.”
“Is your dad like that? You know, a tough nut?”
Julian thought about it. “No. Not really. He’s been pretty reasonable. I’ve never had an all out fight with him. My mother thought he cheated on her with his secretary once, but the accusation went nowhere, and the blonde bimbo ended up leaving his firm. I can always throw that in his face.” Julian smiled, running his hand over Brodie’s warm skin at his hip.
“Then what are we so worried about?”
“I don’t know. I suppose it’s natural to expect them to be disappointed. And we’ve never shown an interest in men before. It’s like it’ll come out of left field.”
Brodie nodded, obviously thinking about it.
“If your dad is that cool, why doesn’t he know about your best friend?”
“It was Paden’s request. He thought my dad may think badly of him. I just did it as a favor to Paden.”
Julian acknowledged him. “Too bad. It would have been a good litmus test to see your dad’s reaction.”
“Sometimes I just want to call them. Now. Just tell them and get it over with.”
Julian looked back at the dresser where Brodie’s phone and charger were laying. “No. Don’t do it that way. Do it face to face.”
Brodie checked his watch. “Formal tonight. And we missed lunch.”
Groaning in agony, Julian dropped back on the bed.
Sitting up over him, Brodie whispered, “You can wear your new slacks.”
“True.”
“Bet you’ll look hot in them.”
Peering down, Julian blinked in awe. “I cannot believe you are hard again.”
Brodie grinned wickedly. “I’m just a boy at heart.”
“I’ll say.”
“We can wait ‘til after dinner.”
“Thank you. I’m starving and dying for a drink.”
“Want to shower?”
“Yes.” Julian stood up, taking off his shirt. When Brodie reached for his cock, Julian slapped his hand away playfully. “Behave.”
“No.”
“Yes.” Julian walked to the shower, waving his hand like a tail to ward off Brodie’s advances.
“No.”
“Yes.”
“Make me.”
~
Both dressed in black, Brodie led the way to their table after a nice glass of scotch had soothed him inside, sating some of his hunger. Seeing Glenda and Marlene’s happy faces, he greeted them warmly, sitting in their usual places.
“Wow, don’t you both look sharp.” Marlene clapped her hands in excitement. “Who needs a stupid tuxedo?”
Julian pointed his thumb at her. “I like her.”
“Me too.” Brodie smiled.
“Hi guys!” Sandy sat down, her blue sequins glittering. Bob wore a tux.
“Hello, Sandy, Bob.” Julian smiled. “You both look very nice.”
“Hate this thing.” Bob tugged at the bow tie. “Stupid rental. It’s snug. Been eating too much.”
“I think you look handsome. Like the day of our wedding.” Sandy kissed his nose.
“Thanks, schnookims.”
Julian and Brodie exchanged glances at their saccharine exchange but kept quiet.
The waiter appeared, pouring their wine. Brodie held up a ten, waving it at him.
Julian looked on in amusement.
“Get over here,” Brodie urged the waiter. “Closer.”
The shy man approached him. Brodie stuffed the bill into his vest pocket.
“Thank you, sir.”
“No. Thank you. You’re amazing.” Brodie raised his glass to him.
He bowed his head as he continued to move around the table, filling wine glasses.
“Think he’s gay?” Julian whispered out of the side of his mouth.
“No.” Brodie sipped the glass and moaned at how nice it tasted.
“Bet he’d like you.”
“Shut up.” Brodie shook his head, smiling.
“You can be his sugar daddy.”
Brodie laughed so hard he choked on his wine.
Glenda leaned over Marlene. “What’s so funny?”
“Nothing,” Julian waved at her.
Marlene whispered, “They asked if the waiter was gay, and then Julian said Brodie could be his sugar daddy.”
The men blinked in shock at being overheard as Glenda blushed and giggled.
“Sorry,” Marlene replied smugly. “Good hearing.”
“Wow. Impressive.” Brodie raised his glass to her. After he took another drink, Brodie gave a quick look to the senior side of the table. They were ignoring them, which was probably for the best. Ever since Julian had appeared, the pensioners decided to chat among themselves. Oh well, six against four, screw them.
They ate dinner, savoring the gourmet food as Marlene dominated the conversation only to be challenged by Sandy. Brodie didn’t mind. He was growing fond of their little group. Right before dessert was served, the lights went dim and an announcement was made that their waiters were serving the baked Alaska now. A long line of smartly dressed men descended two staircases, each carrying a flaming pie loaded with sparklers. A roar of applause resounded around the room. Julian elbowed Brodie as they clapped, laughing at the corniness. Brodie knew it was silly but the wine and the good company elevated his mood. The kind waiter stood by, showing off the fluffy dessert as the sparklers shot off glittering ashes. Once the sparklers died back, he set it down, removed them, and efficiently sliced it into ten wedges.
“Wow.” Glenda licked her lips.
“I am too stuffed,” Julian moaned, rubbing his belly.
“Run tomorrow, rain or shine,” Brodie announced as he stared at the whipped thing on his plate. He pushed his fork through the egg white topping. “Christ, there’s ice cream in this as well.”
“Shit, it’s rich,” Julian said with a mouthful.
“Screw the diet,” Sandy snorted. “We’re on our honeymoon!”
“Yeah, who cares.” Bob gobbled it down.
Brodie leaned to Julian’s ear. “I can take it back to the room and smear it all over you.”
“Bad
boy. Eat it here.”
Marlene started laughing, covering her mouth so she didn’t spit any out.
“Hey!” Julian gasped. “Tell me you didn’t hear that.”
She couldn’t talk, still trying to swallow and stop laughing.
Brodie covered his mouth before he joined her laughter. “Christ, Marlene!” he shouted.
She finally managed to swallow and rolled in her chair in hilarity.
Sandy, Bob, and Glenda looked on in curiosity. “What?” Glenda asked.
“Nothing!” Marlene managed to squeak out, before choking.
They were all slightly buzzed on the never empty bottle of wine, but Julian still blushed. Brodie thought it was endearing when he spotted it. To tease him, he leaned over Julian to Marlene. “He’s already tried the chocolate torte.”
“Brodie!” Julian gasped.
As if Marlene was going to die, she pounded the table to hold back her roar but she couldn’t, bursting with it. Brodie noticed the older set finally look down their snooty noses at them.
“I love you guys!” Marlene dabbed at her eyes. “You’re both so incredibly macho that the image of you two doing things like that really amazes me.”
“Doing what?” Glenda whined.
“Never mind.” Marlene managed to eat more of her dessert.
Julian smiled at Brodie. “I’m glad I’m at your table instead of mine.”
“Me too. These four are great,” Brodie nodded to the two couples. “You see? Maybe it will be okay.”
“Yes. Maybe you’re right.”
Brodie took a quick look around first before pecking Julian on the lips.
Marlene whooped it up, Glenda clapped, and Sandy and Bob started laughing, reaching to high five everyone.
“I love it!” Marlene dabbed at her eyes with a napkin. “You are too cool.”
Julian smiled at them shyly while Brodie puffed out his chest in pride. Yes. It’s going to be all right.
Chapter Thirteen
Lapping the slow runners on the sports deck, Brodie and Julian kept up a fast pace in the icy wind. Ketchikan was their final destination in Alaska, from there it was homeward bound, back through the Inside Passage to Victoria, BC, then Seattle.
Though Brodie was growing weary of cruise life, he wasn’t happy about having to go back to living solo and no one in his bed at night. With Julian living across Lake Washington and the hideously tortured traffic-jammed route of the 520 bridge connecting them, how often would they see one another? Weekends? “Oh crap…”
