North to the Future

by Andrew Grey

  “Just relax; you’ve got hypothermia from the cold water. Need to get you warm.” Jim’s voice sounded a little frantic.

  “Th… th… thank you.” Dave relaxed in what he realized was their sleeping bag in the back of the truck and let Jim’s body warm him. Slowly the feeling returned to his arms and legs as the warmth returned to his body.

  “Are you warmer?” Jim’s voice still full of concern.

  “Yes, I’m getting there.” Dave rested his head on a pillow as Jim’s hands stroked his skin, rubbing warmth back into him. “I almost died.” It was a statement, not a question. “You saved my life.”

  “No, I saved my life, because if I lost you, I’d don’t know what I’d do. Dave, I love you. I was afraid to tell you before because I thought I might scare you away, but when I thought I might have lost you in the river, I… just wanted you to hear the words.” Jim’s voice started to break as his emotions got the best of him.

  Dave slowly rolled over to face Jim. “I love you too.” There, he’d said it. Jim looked at him a little skeptically. “I was afraid to say it, because I thought telling you I loved you would be unfaithful to Kevin. But as I was rolling around in the water, it was you I thought I wouldn’t see again.” Dave snaked his arms around Jim’s neck and brought his head down, kissing him deeply. “I love you, Jim. I’m sorry it took me almost dying to realize it and get the courage to say it, but I do love you, very much.”

  He felt his body being shifted, and then he felt Jim’s weight and warmth on top of him as he was kissed to within an inch of his life. Cold or not, his body responded, and he moaned softly into Jim’s mouth as he was held and kissed. “Make love to me, Jim.”

  Then he saw those big, brown eyes looking down at him and that dimpled smile he loved so much. “Are you sure?”

  “God, yes, Jim, I’m sure. There’re supplies in my kit.”

  Jim reached over and found some lube and a condom. Dave took the condom out of Jim’s hand and set it down. “I want you Jim… make love to me, want to feel you and only you.”

  Jim set down the lube and kissed Dave—his lover—again. “Oh, Baby… I love you so much.” Jim had used the endearment a few times, but hearing it now meant so much. His skin was stroked and kissed, their bodies moving together, pressing together from lips to toe as his hands were held over his head, his body shaking and quivering with every touch of Jim’s hands.

  “Jim… please….” Dave’s legs wrapped around his lover’s waist, and he felt large, strong fingers press into him, opening him, getting him ready. Dave gasped as his muscle was breached for the first time.

  “Is it too much, Baby? I can stop.” The fingers withdrew.

  “No, it’s good… so good.” The fingers advanced again going deep. “Yeah….” Moans, whimpers, and completely unidentifiable sounds filled their love nest as Jim used his fingers to full effect. “Ready for you.”

  The fingers withdrew, and Jim pressed himself inside as he took Dave’s lips in a searing, deep kiss. “Love you, Baby.” Jim started to move, slowly emptying and filling his lover.

  “Love you too.” Dave arched his back into his lover’s thrusts, wanting everything Jim had to give, wanting to give his love everything he had. Dave threw his head back as he felt his climax approach, crying out Jim’s name as it crashed over him.

  “That’s it, Baby, feel our love.”

  Dave came, shaking and holding on to Jim as the pleasure washed over him. The look on Dave’s face and the pleasure radiating from his lover sent Jim over the edge as well, and he filled Dave with heat, crying out his love. After catching their breath, the two men rested together, dozing in each other’s arms.

  After waking, they both agreed that they’d probably had enough fishing for the weekend, so they dressed, packed their gear, and spent the rest of the weekend in bed, holed up in a hotel in Homer.

  On Sunday evening, Jim dropped Dave off at his car. “You could go home tomorrow,” Dave proposed. He received a kiss as an answer, and Jim followed him back to his house.

  Once in the house, Dave made dinner, and they spent the evening watching television, curled up together on the sofa. At bedtime, Dave got up from the sofa and led Jim into his bedroom. Without a word, Dave took the drawing of him and Kevin off his nightstand and moved it to the living room with his other pictures before pulling Jim into a deep, hard kiss.

  V

  Jim loved October; the leaves were turning, and the world around his home in Wasilla was a blaze of color. Granted, this was the last hurrah before winter placed them in her steely, cold grip, but for now, the world was beautiful. When he first returned to Alaska, he’d lived in Nome for a few months, but his family still had unrealistic expectations. And while he talked to them regularly and flew to visit every few months, living there just wasn’t an option for him. So he’d purchased a large wooded plot of land with a small lake and stream, and he’d built a comfortable, rustic-looking house that hid many of the modern amenities that he’d come to enjoy.

  Over the past months, he and Dave had spent numerous hours on the lake. Unlike many lakes in the area, this one was quite deep, and since it was spring-fed, it remained warm enough, even in the winter, to support fish and other wildlife.

  He was performing his usual morning activity, sitting in front of computer screens in his home office watching the markets and determining the best locations for his clients’ money. This was where he spent most every weekday morning. It wasn’t as though he was trading investments on a daily basis. Jim’s strategies were long-term, and over the years he’d found that he had an unusual insight into what was going to happen. Both he and his clients had benefitted immensely. He just wished he had that same insight when it came to Dave.

  Jim loved Dave… very much, and he knew that Dave loved him; that wasn’t the issue. Jim knew that outsiders often came to Alaska and stayed for a while, but then they left again, and Jim knew that Dave had been transferred to Alaska by his company and that he’d probably be transferred out again. The big question was: would he go with him or would that be the end? Would Dave even ask him to go with him? Jim had never been able to bring the subject up, and he had to admit that it was because he was afraid of the answer. But now the questions that had been playing in the back of his mind were now front and center. Dave had called him Monday to tell him that his vice president, who incidentally was Kevin’s father, was going to be visiting for a few days.

  “Damn it.” Jim looked down at his screen, his mind wandering again instead of paying attention to the task at hand. He breathed a sigh of relief when he realized he hadn’t actually sold ten thousand shares of IBM. “Get it together, Kulik.” Jim tried to get his mind back on his work, but he was too distracted, so he got up to get another cup of coffee.

  As he was refilling his cup, the phone rang. “Jim Kulik.” During business hours, he always answered his phone as if he were in an office. His clients didn’t need to know he was in his living room in his underwear.

  “Hi, Jimmy.” Dave had taken to calling him that recently. He didn’t really like it, but he had to admit it was growing on him, especially when Dave called him that during lovemaking. “John told me this morning that I got the promotion I’ve been hoping for. Can you meet me for dinner to celebrate?” Dave was so excited, and Jim tried to cover his fear and disappointment. Dave kept talking, but Jim was already sinking into worry and heartache. Dave’s tone returned his attention to the conversation. “Jim… the Hilton at six-thirty, is that okay?”

  Jim tried to keep his voice bright. “Sure, I’ll see you there.” He knew he should be proud of Dave, and he was—he’d worked hard for everything he got, but he just couldn’t be happy. He wondered where Dave would be sent.

  “Can’t wait… Love you, Jimmy.” He could hear Dave’s happiness as they disconnected. But try as he might, he just couldn’t find it in himself to be happy. When Jerome left, he’d been devastated, and now that he’d found love again, he was losing Dave. “Fuck it! I’m
not letting this happen a second time.” With that, he forced himself to go back to work.

  Afterward, he spent the rest of the morning and afternoon completing some heavy chores around the house. There was plenty of winterizing to get finished, wood to chop, tender plants to cover, and a greenhouse to get ready for winter. Late in the afternoon, he showered and got dressed for dinner, feeling like a sheep about to be sent to slaughter.

  The drive to Anchorage took awhile and gave him a chance to think, and by the time he arrived at the Hilton, he knew what he wanted to do. Pulling into the garage, he handed his keys to the valet and entered the posh hotel, taking the elevator to the top floor. Stepping from the elevator, he marveled at the view of the ocean from the huge windows. He’d been here a number of times, but it was still impressive. Jim gave his name to the hostess, and she led him to the table.

  As he approached, he saw Dave wasn’t alone, and the two men were deep in conversation. “I’ll call the moving company and start the arrangements.” Jim felt like he’d been punched in the gut. Damn, Dave sure wasn’t wasting time.

  “Jimmy!” Dave stood up and waited for him to join them; the other man at the table stood as well. “John Gordon, this is Jim Kulik.” So this was Kevin’s father. The two men exchanged greetings and sat down.

  “It’s a real pleasure to meet you, Jim. Dave’s told me a lot about you this week.” Jim raised his eyebrows, but said nothing. “Has he told you the good news?”

  Jim wasn’t sure it was good news, but he nodded. “He told me he’s being promoted.” Dave was all smiles next to him.

  “Yes, it’s a great opportunity for him, and I couldn’t be prouder.” Jim tried to cover the sadness on his face, but all Jim felt was despair. “So where are they sending you?”

  Dave looked at Jim, who looked alternately at John and Dave, waiting for an answer. John stood up. “Would you excuse me a minute?” He set his napkin on his chair and left the table.

  Before Dave could say anything, “I want to go with you” popped out of Jim’s mouth. He’d decided moving away to wherever Dave was going was preferable to losing him.

  “Go where?” Dave smiled. “I’m going to be the head of the office here in Anchorage.”

  Jim stared, speechless, not sure he believed his ears. “But you were talking about calling movers when I walked in.” The confusion showed on his face and in his voice.

  Dave smiled broadly. “That was for Shirley, the current director. She’s moving back to the corporate headquarters, and I’m to take her place here.” Dave placed his hand on Jim’s leg. “I’m not going anywhere unless it’s with you. Besides, I really like it here. I may change my mind during the winter, but I like it here, and I love you.” Dave leaned forward and gently touched a still-stunned Jim’s lips with his.

  A throat clearing kept them from another kiss. They both turned to see their waiter standing across the table from them. Dave chuckled to himself while Jim looked mortified. “I don’t mind, boys, but you’re putting on a show.” Jim looked around and saw a number of people turning their heads back to their dinners. “Can I get you something from the bar?”

  Jim smiled; everything Dave had said finally sinking in. “Stoli rocks… a double.” The waiter smiled and left to get his drink. Jim sat quietly, looking at Dave, his Dave, whispering, “Baby, you had me really scared.”

  “I didn’t mean to.” They looked into each other’s eyes as the rest of the room faded away, and for a few seconds it was just the two of them.

  “I take it you’ve discussed things?” John was taking his seat again, smiling at the two of them. “I must confess, when I was planning this trip, my original thought was to offer Dave the position back in Milwaukee. Seeing you two together, I’m really happy I made the right choice for everyone.” With smiles all around, they placed their orders and had a wonderful meal.

  After dinner, they parted, John hugging Dave good-bye before going to his room, and then Jim and Dave rode down in the elevator. Rode… necked… it was an enjoyable elevator ride, to say the least.

  Jim got his car from the valet. “Where’s your car?”

  “I rode with John; I figured I could get a ride home with you.”

  Jim grinned as they got in the car. “You mean I get you for the weekend after all? You don’t need to take John to the airport?”

  “Yes, you get me for the weekend, and no, John said he’ll get himself to the airport, so I’m all yours for as long as you want me.”

  “Yes… yes you are.” Jim leaned close, but they were interrupted by Dave’s phone.

  “Hello.” Jim could only hear one side of the conversation. “Chris, how are you?” Jim started the car and began driving to Dave’s house. “Yeah, I got the promotion.” At a stoplight, Jim slipped his hand onto Dave’s leg. “No, I’m not coming back―the promotion’s here. I’m going to head the entire office.” Jim smiled as he saw Dave grin into the phone. “You’ll just have to visit next summer.” Jim continued driving listening to Dave’s half of the conversation. “Yes, I’m still seeing him; actually I’m more than seeing him….” Jim wasn’t sure he was comfortable with the turn the conversation was taking. “Yes, I’m happy… actually I’m beyond Kevin happy. I’m Jimmy happy.” Jim heard the whoop that came out of the phone and a yelled “It’s about damn time!” Dave laughed at his friend’s reaction. “We’re almost at the house; I’ll talk to you later.” Dave hung up as they pulled into his driveway.

  Shutting off the engine, they got out of the car, and Jim followed Dave into the house. He almost tripped on the big, honking suitcase in the hall. “Would you put that in the trunk?”

  “I take it we’re not staying here?” Jim didn’t wait for an answer as he picked up the case and loaded it in the trunk. Re-entering the house, he wandered into the living room and sat on the sofa. The room was different; the drawing of Dave and Kevin was still on the coffee table, but so was a picture of him in his park ranger uniform, as well as a picture of the both of them taken at the lake.

  Dave walked in the room carrying an open plastic bag with some clothes inside.

  “What are those?” Jim asked.

  “These were the last vestiges of me holding onto the past.” Dave took the clothes out of the bag and dropped them into the dirty clothes basket. “I’m ready. Take me home.”

  “Home? Are you saying what I think you’re saying?” Jim got up from the sofa, looking into his lover’s bright blue eyes as he pulled the man into his arms.

  “Yes, Jimmy. I’m yours for as long as you’ll have me.”

  Jim felt Dave melt into his embrace, their lips meeting, sliding together. “Then you’re mine, forever.” He kissed him again, staking his ownership, telling his lover he’d never let him go as Dave whimpered into the forceful lips.

  “The sooner we go, the sooner we can be alone and naked with you inside me,” Dave moaned.

  “Baby, there’s a perfectly good bed just down the hall.” Jim pushed Dave against the wall, trapping his hot lover’s hands above his head with one hand as he snaked the other under Dave’s shirt to get at his skin.

  “Yeah….” Dave could barely breathe, let alone speak. “But our bed is in Wasilla.”

  Andrew Grey grew up in western Michigan with a father who loved to tell stories and a mother who loved to read them. Since then he has lived throughout the country and traveled throughout the world. He has a master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and works in information systems for a large corporation. Andrew's hobbies include collecting antiques, gardening, and leaving his dirty dishes anywhere but in the sink (particularly when writing). He considers himself blessed with an accepting family, fantastic friends, and the world’s most supportive and loving partner. Andrew currently lives in beautiful historic Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

  E-mail Andrew at andrewgrey@comcast.net, and visit his blog at http://andrewgreybooks.livejournal.com/ or his web site at http://www.andrewgreybooks.com.

  North to the Futur
e ©Copyright Andrew Grey, 2009

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  Cover Design by Mara McKennen

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  Released in the United States of America

  October 2009

  eBook Edition

  eBook ISBN: 978-1-61581-231-8