by Joel Skelton
“Oh for gosh sakes, is that where it went?” Harper blurted with mock despair. “I was starting to panic. I didn’t know how the hell I was going to get out of here.”
Ian laughed. He’d caught small glimpses of silly in Harper a few times during the evening and loved it.
“Harper, I have to be honest. I’m not looking for a one-night stand. I know that wasn’t what you asked, but I need to make sure you understand that.” It was his turn to sit back. Listen carefully to how he answers this. It could be the crack in the plaster.
“I’m not looking for that either. I’m at a point in my life where I need someone to be there with me,” Harper confessed with an entire year’s supply of sincerity. “I’m hoping that someone will be you.”
Ian took a minute to let this one settle in. In his wildest dreams, he would have never thought the evening would go in this direction. It was time to step up to the plate and trust. “I’m thinking it’s worth a damn good try.” He was amazed at what had so nonchalantly wandered out of his mouth. Several seconds passed by without a word said between them.
You’re one handsome man, Mr. Callahan. And the best part is, I’m having a hard time believing you’re full of shit. You might just be the real deal.
“What are you doing for the rest of the evening?” Harper asked.
“I have no plans,” he answered evenly. Drop the sword and surrender, Galahad.
“How about a fire, a movie, and….”
“See where it goes from there?” Ian smirked, guessing he’d finished Harper’s question for him correctly.
“Check please!”
THE toilet flushing woke Harper. How odd to hear his own toilet flush while he remained in bed. Ian! He turned to face the door in time to see his handsome, naked new boyfriend saunter through the door.
“If it’s possible, you look even better in the morning. Get back in here!” He pulled back the covers.
Ian picked up the small empty wrapper on the bedside table and flashed an evil grin.
“You made me beg for it,” Harper teased.
Ian slid in between the sheets, taking Harper into his arms. “You’re pretty amazing, Mr. Harper Callahan.”
I don’t know what I love more about being with you. The sex or you just holding me like this. “Does this still feel like a good idea, starting… us?”
“Oh yeah.” Ian kissed his head.
Cupping Ian’s neck, he slid up closer until their lips touched, brushed back and forth, and then parted for a long, lazy kiss.
“Have you had many relationships?” Ian asked, smooching Harper’s eyelid and nose.
“Let me think… there was my scout leader, the pastor at church, my high school guidance counselor, my uncle Nick, and I briefly dated the milkman the summer I spent studying for the bar. And you?” He had only a second to savor how wittily he had responded before Ian pounced on top of him, pinning his arms over his head.
“You’re in big trouble now,” Ian warned, biting down on his nipple.
“Ouch! I’m sorry. I’m sorry, please,” he giggled and begged in unison.
“Not as sorry as you’re gonna be.” Ian bit down on the other nipple.
“Okay, okay, I give. I’ll tell the truth, I promise,” he pleaded, even though on another level he welcomed Ian’s nibbles.
“You get one more chance,” Ian cautioned, easing himself onto his side.
“I’ve only dated. No relationships. I came out my freshman year in college and never allowed myself the time to pursue anything more. I’m new to this, Ian. I hope that doesn’t scare you.” He hated how virginal he sounded.
“It doesn’t scare me. We’ll take us one step at a time. Everything will be fine, you’ll see.” Ian planted more kisses, this time on his chest. “By the way, I love black hair. It’s soooo sexy.”
“How about you? Have you had many relationships?” Harper thought about stopping himself, but the impulse was too great. Reaching down, he took Ian into his hand and gently squeezed, waiting for a response.
“Careful, that’s not a toy, you know. But don’t be too careful.” Ian snuggled closer. “A few relationships. The longest lasted for almost two years, and it’s been over with now for a year. It was a nightmare. My problem, and I hope this doesn’t scare you, is trying to find a guy that’s willing to work at a relationship. What we’re starting here…. Harper, unless you’re not who you appear to be… well, I’m in it for the long haul. The little kinks, if there are any, we can work on along the way. Nobody’s perfect. You’ll discover things about me you won’t like. I’ll discover you’re perfect.” Ian tweaked his nose. “You can’t just turn and run at the first sign of trouble. Most guys don’t get that. Did that make any sense?”
He couldn’t believe how much sense Ian made. He’d had this very discussion with himself before. How people are so fickle. How the grass always looks greener on the other side. People chasing after the perfect relationship, which, in his mind, probably didn’t exist. “Where do I sign?”
“Well, you already have the pen in your hand.” He felt Ian’s cock pulsate.
“That was a good one.” Harper chuckled.
“That was pretty good, wasn’t it?” Ian worked his nipple between his fingers until it was rock hard. “How are you this morning? I hope I wasn’t too hard on you? I wanted you. I couldn’t control myself. You’re the handsomest man I’ve ever been with.”
“Back at you. I’m fine. A little sore, but in a good way. That’s an awfully large pen you have.”
Ian laughed. “Do you want more? No begging this time, I promise. Unless you like begging, and if you do, we can explore that route. I’m game.”
He thought about answering but instead rolled over onto his side.
“Where do I find another…?” Ian propped himself up on his elbow.
“The top drawer. There’s a small tube there too.” He couldn’t wait to have more of Ian.
Ian rolled over and found what he’d been looking for. Moments later, Harper felt Ian’s slick finger begin to massage him. “Let’s try this nice and slow, okay?”
A buzzing on the table startled him. “It’s my cell. I might have to take this. Sorry.”
“I’m not going anywhere.”
“It’s my grandmother, one minute.” He sat up and took the call.
“Hello, Gram! How are you?” Harper reached over and ran his hand through Ian’s hair. “I’m doing great! Are you home from church already?”
He smiled to Ian while he listened. Ah, Gram, I can’t wait to tell you the good news. I have a man in my life. You’re going to love him. “I’m sorry to hear that. He’d been sick for a while, hadn’t he? Well, she’s lucky she has you for a friend.” He whispered to Ian, “Best friend’s husband died,” then spoke into the phone again. “I’m going to do some grocery shopping. Get the car washed. I’ve got a whole list of chores I should do.” Like enjoy sex with my new boyfriend.
He felt Ian’s hand brushing the hair on his chest.
“Work is going well, which reminds me—Gram, I’m still working very hard on the Jasper Flynn case. I’m not going to be able to get home for a while.”—“I’ll tell you about it too,” he whispered to Ian once more—“You sound good, Gram. I miss you so much.” I need to be a much better grandson to you. “When this whole thing is over, I’ll come and visit, okay? I’m good. I have plenty of money. Thanks, though.” He covered the phone to giggle. It felt even sillier being asked about his money situation in front of Ian. “Love you too. I’ll get a card off to Eloise. Bye!” Harper gave the phone a kiss and placed it on the night table. “That was my grandmother down in Iowa. She’s all I have for family that I know of. She and my grandfather raised me. We lost Gramps two years ago to the big C. It was awful.”
“I’m sorry.” Ian kissed his shoulder.
Realizing he’d just unleashed a boatful of information, Harper gave Ian a moment to digest it. This was the discovery phase of his relationship. He was thankful nothing h
ad to be filed with the court.
“Can I ask what happened to Mom and Dad?” Ian stopped petting him to listen.
“Plane crash. I was very young. I have some memory of them, but it’s limited.”
“Wow.” Ian resumed combing Harper’s chest hair with his fingers. “I’d love to meet your grandmother sometime.”
“She’s going to adore you.” It felt so good to have another man touch him. “How about you, Ian? As long as we’re talking about family.”
“My parents are still around and both doing well. They live in Buchannan, a very small town near the Minnesota-Canadian border. That’s where Andy and I grew up. Andy, who you met the other night at the field, is my best friend. I have a sister who lives with her family in California. She’s two years older. I have a younger brother who is still single. He’s a realtor in Chicago. Pretty boring stuff. We all get along. No drama.”
“I hope to meet them one day.” Playful jabs from behind demonstrated to him Ian’s eagerness to make love. He turned and kissed Ian, who returned the kiss. “I can’t seem to get enough of you,” he gushed.
“That’s a very good thing,” Ian said with a wink.
“Why’s that?” he asked.
“Seems I’m all dressed up with no place to go.”
He thought about this for a minute, and then he got it. “Oh.” He laughed as he rolled back onto his side.
“Nice and slow,” Ian whispered into his ear at the same time he was visited again by a warm, curious finger.
I’m starved. Ian’s the first real nourishment I’ve had in years. I hope I don’t scare him away.
“I like nice and slow.” He reached behind and pulled Ian’s arm across his chest.
“Let’s do it another way this time. I want to see that handsome face of yours.” Ian stood and gestured for him to move to the end of the bed. When his butt had reached the edge, Ian lifted his legs and rested his feet on his shoulders. “Are you comfortable like this?” Ian’s eyes were filled with kindness as he smiled down and caressed Harper’s inner thighs with his warm, strong hands.
Ian’s not selfish. He’s making love to me.
“I’m great.” Harper reached up and stroked Ian’s muscled arms. “Are you enjoying this?”
“What do you think?” Ian chuckled, leaning forward until he was poised to enter.
“I’ve never done this when it hasn’t been rushed. I….”
Ian entered him and paused. “Something this good should never be rushed. Am I hurting you? I want you to enjoy every minute.”
“You’re not hurting me. No matter what or how we do this, I can’t get close enough to you,” he confessed as Ian pushed further in.
“Does this help?” Ian bent down until their chests met, resting his elbows on each side of Harper.
Harper reached up and stroked Ian’s hair. “You’re the man I’ve always fantasized about.”
“You fantasized about having a poor landscaper make love to you? Really?” Ian slid all the way in and stopped.
“Yes, but I have to admit, the landscaping part of the fantasy is a bonus. It’s everything else you are, Ian. You’re a kind person, I can tell. You’re a giver and not a taker. I want to prove to you I’m the same. Tell me what you need from me and I’m there.”
Ian cupped his hand behind Harper’s head and brought it up for a kiss. Their tongues brushed and danced together until Harper relented, allowing Ian to kiss him deeply. He reached around and hugged his lover around the waist. Seconds later Ian began to slowly thrust in and out. Harper trembled, hugging Ian tighter to his body.
“I don’t need a lot, Harper. Honesty, that tops the list,” Ian whispered after he’d broken off the kiss. “Are you sure I’m not hurting you?”
“I never thought this could feel so good,” Harper purred. “I’d be lying if I told you honesty wasn’t big on my list too.”
“What?” Ian laughed. “Was that supposed to be a joke?”
“No. I say stupid things like that all the time. I was serious.”
Ian reached under with both arms, bringing Harper up tight against his chest. At the same time, he intensified his effort below. Harper moved his arms up around Ian’s neck. He could feel Ian’s hefty thighs slap against his butt.
“Oh man,” Ian moaned. “I’m not going to last long. This is just too… amazing.” Easing Harper back onto the bed, Ian paused, moving a hand up to Harper’s lips and parting them.
Harper took first one finger, then two into his mouth. Ian twisted his fingers until they were wet and slippery. Removing them, he smiled and took Harper into his hand and stroked. “You have a beautiful cock. It’s perfectly shaped.”
“Just lucky, I guess.” Harper laughed. He didn’t know what else to say. You can’t imagine how lucky I am.
Ian milked him until he slid effortlessly up and down inside Ian’s large palm. “Ahhhh, I’m not going to last long either.”
Ian slowed his pace, working his fingers around Harper’s swollen head. “You’re sensitive here like I am.” Ian teased and squeezed, the whole time looking down with a smile.
“You’re driving me crazy.” Harper pounded the bed in response to Ian’s touch. Just when he thought he couldn’t take it anymore, Ian gripped Harper’s entire shaft in his hand and began to pump him hard.
“That feels so good. Please don’t stop,” Harper begged.
“I couldn’t stop now if I wanted to.” Ian began thrusting his hips with purpose.
Harper reached up to take over for Ian’s hand, but it was shoved away. “Oh, Ian….”
“Lay back. Oh God,” Ian roared. “I’m there. Let it go, Harper. Cum for me.”
“Oh yes,” Harper moaned seconds before he sprayed jets of warm sap all over Ian’s chest.
Ian collapsed on top of him, panting and dripping wet. “Feel like trying this again sometime?”
“Ian….” Unable to communicate how wonderful he felt, Harper clamped his arms and legs around his handsome landscaper and squeezed. I’m never going to let you go.
Chapter 4
“IAN, this is insane. He gave you a key? You know this is insane, right?” Andy leaned across his desk to emphasize his point.
Yes, he knew this was insane. He and Andy were merciless on other couples who rushed into relationships when they hardly knew one another. This is different.
“What do you want me to say? Did I plan for this to happen? No. It… well, it feels like the right move. I can’t explain it, it just does.” He hated himself for not having the nerve to make eye contact with his best friend. It was hard to justify an instinct, and that was about all he had. After spending yesterday in bed with Harper, he was convinced the man didn’t have any cracks. He was worth pursuing; there was no question about it.
Andy shook his head in disbelief. “I’m not trying to tell you what to do, but I hope you’re using your brain here and not your… damn it all, Ian, you need to go at this with some thought. That’s all I’m saying.”
Andy, give me a break here. I’m in the right place at the right time.
Ian looked around the office, not sure what more he could say to his friend. He hadn’t expected this strong a reaction. Despite the fact that Andy thought him careless to move so quickly into a relationship, he felt confident he was making the right decision. He could be very tough on himself. To save his soul, he was unable to come up with a reason not to take the Harper leap. Where were the warning signs? Sure, you could argue that in such a short time, do you really know very much about a person? Even after being put on the spot like he was now, he was convinced this one was worth the risk. But he knew there was no defense he could call upon that would wipe away Andy’s concern.
Wow! It’s clean and organized in here! He’d been so nervous earlier he’d failed to notice the change. “When did you find the time to overhaul the office? Looks great!” He hoped his observation would, at least for the time being, cause Andy to lighten up.
“It wasn’t me. I gave Em
mett a raise last week with a list of conditions. Little adjustments I felt he could make. I came in the next morning, and voila! Of course it took me three hours to locate stuff, but hey, we’re talkin’ baby steps here.”
He’d recently sensed a paternal pitch in his friend’s voice when discussing his young employee. “Emmett’s lucky to have you for a boss. He’d have his ass booted by now working anywhere else.”
“He doesn’t know it, but he’s an experiment,” Andy whispered, gesturing for him to turn around to see if the subject of their conversation might be lurking in the break room.
Ian stretched around and found it empty. “We’re cool.”
“I’m working on Emmett in subtle ways to make him more responsible and successful.” Andy took a sip from his water bottle. “It’s tough when you come into a job without a work ethic. I’d like to kick his parents’ butts for sending him out in the world with so little to work with.”
He had no doubt in his mind that if Andy were to ever come in contact with Emmett’s parents, God help them, they’d definitely get a piece of his mind. “We come from good stock, you and I, Andy.”
“Okay, I’m over it.” Andy slapped his desk.
“Over what?” Ian cocked an eyebrow, waiting for another round of “careless Ian” to ramp up.
“I’m over the fact you fell to your knees at the mere sound of a zipper.” Andy folded his arms across his sturdy chest and grinned.
He had his friend’s blessing. It had been a tough battle, but it was worth it. “He’s from good stock too.” Ian winked.
He shared all he knew about Harper Callahan, which, sadly, wasn’t much.
“There’s more,” he teased when Andy failed to keep the conversation flowing.
“No doubt.” Andy had lost interest in his “my new boyfriend” story.
“Jasper Flynn, the guy in the news lately for swindling all the money from his investors? Harper is defending him.”
“The guy’s been found guilty,” Andy fired back.
“I don’t know the specifics, but I think that’s what he was expecting.” He surprised himself at how defensive he sounded.
