by B L Morticia
“Oh God. Noah, oh fuck, that… goddamn!” Steven shuddered and let out a primal scream that could break glass.
I kissed him hard, swallowing that yell, while my climax hit me full tilt. Warm spurts spilled on Steven and myself. I broke our kiss and lifted my hand to my lips, licking his cum and mine off my palm.
“Damn that’s hot as hell.” Steven covered his mouth with mine again and I ran my hand through his hair.
“Told you we could improvise,” I said chuckling.
“Yeah, it’ll do. For now.”
Although I hated to leave Steven, I’d see him after I left work. I’d gotten so used to being at his place, it was as if I’d moved myself in. I was happy how things had progressed and hoped we could move in together soon. Perhaps we could talk about that after he’d recovered, but this would do for now.
Going in, I tried my best to keep busy. I’d texted Steven several times to make sure he’d taken his meds and got plenty of rest. Of course, he had, because Eva wouldn’t leave him alone until he did. Still, a part of me liked hearing that he was okay in his own words.
After I finished, my cell rang. When I noticed Laze’s name and number pop up, I pushed connect. “Hey.”
“Hey. You don’t know how to call anyone? Your man had a heart attack and you couldn’t even call to tell me he was okay?”
“What are you saying? I sent you a text. He was released and he’s at home resting. I’m going to the doctor with him tomorrow.”
“That’s good, but I’m just saying, you’ve been really incognito. I always knew you were wrapped up in Steven, but damn…”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” I leaned back in the chair.
“It’s just…” Laze sighed through the phone. “You’re forgetting who your bestie is, that’s all. I do care, Noah. So, does Andreas.”
“Geez, I do know that, okay? I’ve been working and trying to take care of him. Running back and forth between work, his place, and mine is tiring. I didn’t mean to ignore you.”
“Okay. Well, I’m glad he’s better. Have you been getting some rest?”
“Yes, even better with him next to me,” I added with a laugh.
“Good. Listen, I’m happy for you, but just be careful. I hope Steven realizes what a lucky guy he is.”
“I think he does, but so am I. Steven is all I want. I don’t wanna be with anyone else but Steven Sharpe.”
“I get it, but what about his health? Aren’t you worried that something could happen later?”
“Of course, I am. He has a bad heart but that’s only the organ. What’s inside him is something completely different. He’s romantic, Laze. He writes me love songs. He’s waited for over ten years to reconnect with me. That’s not all, but it’s a big deal. I mean, I’m sorry for sounding sappy but, all that gets me right here.” I tapped my heart and sniffed. “Steven is a good guy and I think he’ll pull through. Obviously, he’d made changes, but he had a slip up. The doctor will tell us more.”
“Okay then. Just know that I’m your brother. I’ll always be there no matter what.”
“I know, and I thank you. I’m sorry for not checking in.”
“No worries, I’m glad you and Steven are good. I gotta tease you about the Dalians when we get time to hang. They were amazing.”
“I’m sure they were. Maybe I’ll be able to catch them down the road. Let’s make some plans soon, all right? I’ll talk with you later.”
“Yeah, bro. See you.”
“Bye.” I hung up an dropped my phone on the desk, then promptly covered my face with my hands. Laze’s questions struck a chord. Of course, I’d thought about Steven getting sick or the unfortunate happening, but I didn’t want to voice those concerns aloud.
Bottom line, I was falling in love with a man that had a condition that could kill him if he wasn’t careful.
Perhaps the song I loved, Cursed Heart, was written for more than one reason.
Chapter Seventeen
Steven
“So, everything looks good. You should still take it easy though. I’m thinking that your high blood sugar brought on the attack. You’ll have to start taking insulin to keep it under control.
I cursed under my breath and Noah lightly squeezed my hand. “Fuck. I was doing everything right, then one little episode.”
“Steven, it can happen to anyone. I know you’ve been doing everything I said. I’ve tried to lay off the talk about diabetes, but that had to have been what brought this attack on. That and the stress. Perhaps you should stop loading the songs for a bit. Just relax and enjoy life with your man.”
“That’ll be great, but I can’t enjoy him completely if we can’t have sex.”
Noah glared at me. “We can enjoy each other without it.”
“Right on both counts. You can have sex, but not full throttle. Until you’re recovered, you’re going to have to take it easy. Lots of activity could trigger another attack. Chill out for about four weeks and see how you feel. And I’m going to prescribe insulin, so you can get started. Your blood sugar is good right now, but if things creep up again, I want you to be prepared.”
“Alright. I wanna be around for Noah, so I suppose I don’t really have a choice.”
“Not just for me, babe. For you first.”
“For the both of you. I’ll be back in a second, okay?”
“Kay.” I said in response.
Dr. Bryce nodded and left the exam room, closing the door behind him.
“Soo, now I’m gonna be even more of an invalid. Bad heart, diabetic…”
“Hush up,” Noah said, nudging me. You’re gonna be fine. My dad is diabetic. He could give you some tips on things I’m sure.”
Though I knew he could, I ran my hand through my hair. I hated feeling useless. It was a surprise that Noah still wanted to deal with me, knowing my condition. “Babe?”
“Hmm?” Noah gently rubbed my back.
“Do you still want to be with me? I mean, I love you, but I’d totally understand if you wanted to jet after all this.”
“Steven what are you saying? I care about you. I’m falling in love with you.”
“But I’m a dead man walking at like thirty-seven,” I said, as I dropped my gaze.
“No, you aren’t. You’ve been dealing with these things for a long time. It’s part of life. Steven, lots of people get sick and a real partner sticks by them regardless. I want to be that person, Steven. I want to be by your side for the good times and the bad.”
I looked up at him and gasped. “Really?”
“Yes, I do. I’m not gonna lie, I thought about how I’d handle it if something unfortunate were to happen but, the truth is, I’m falling in love with you. I can’t see myself with anyone else but you. We’re gonna pull through this together. I wanna see you recover, then get up on that stage in front of hundreds or thousands, singing songs. And you’re gonna get there, because I’m going to help you.”
Listening to Noah, I couldn’t help but get choked up. This man. The one I’d been waiting on for almost ten years was telling me the words I’d wanted to hear. “You mean it?”
“Yes, I do. I’m here for you. I’m not going anywhere.”
“Not even for some hot man with a good heart and a better voice.”
“Nope,” Noah chuckled. “And no one has as good of a voice as you, Steven. I’m a metalhead, but hearing you sing does crazy things to me each and every time.”
“You told me that on the night at Hideaway. I remember it well.” I ran my hand over his shoulder.
“Yeah, I guess I did. Well, things haven’t changed. That voice still gets me. It calms me and makes me hot all at the same time. When I was having rough days in college, I’d turn on StarHaze. Days dealing with my asshole boss? StarHaze. Lately I’ve had Steven Sharpe to listen to though and knowing I had a little to do with those tunes makes me feel good.”
“You had a lot to do with those tunes, Noah James.” I took him in my arms and lightly kissed his
lips. “I love you.”
“And I’m falling in love with you... so don’t ever think that I’m looking elsewhere, because I’m not.”
“Okay, good. How about you move in with me?”
Noah stared with widened eyes. “Now?”
“Yes. I can’t think of a better way to recover than to have you near me. My inspiration won’t be far. There will be plenty of songs to come out of that, I’m sure.”
“I…” Noah shook his head a moment. “Are you sure? I mean, I’d been thinking of it, but I didn’t want to rush you.”
“Rush me? Baby, I’ve been waiting almost a decade to tell you how I feel. I want to be with you, you with me. Why not?”
Noah grinned and leaned in, kissing me hard. “Okay. When can I move in then? It just so happens my lease isn’t up for another three months so…”
“Well I’ll pay your landlord or if you wanna find someone to sublet, we can do that. Either way, I want you with me, Noah James. Eventually, I’m gonna convince you to be a kept man.”
“No, no. I’m not quitting my job. I love what I do.” Noah said, flashing a confident smile. “Besides, I just got that position.”
“Aren’t you tired of working corporate though?”
“Now you sound like Laze,” Noah said chuckling.
“Yeah. Don’t you want to work for yourself?”
“Sure, just not now.”
I shrugged. “All right, I’ll leave it alone for now. Let’s make those plans. We move your stuff in this weekend.”
Noah poked my chest. “You aren’t moving anything. I’ll get Laze and Andreas to help. You’re gonna sit back and recover.”
“And watch you get sweaty and do all the work?”
“Yep. Then you can rub my muscles when I finish.”
“Oh, sounds like a plan. There’s one particular muscle I wanna rub more than others,” I said with a wry grin.
“Yes. That muscle needs more attention than any of them.”
* * * *
Noah
After we left the doctor’s office, Steven and I went home. I’d taken the rest of the day off, so I didn’t have to worry about work.
Eva fixed a great dinner and we finished it with full stomachs. Afterward, we enjoyed a quiet night watching television. I’d already let my boss know I’d be in later. He didn’t seem to care too much. As long as I kept clients happy, Dane couldn’t complain.
“So, you’re moving in Saturday, right?”
“Yes. I don’t have a ton of things at my apartment, which is good. I wouldn’t want to take over your space.”
“You aren’t and even if you were, I’d be happy to give it up.” Steven kissed my cheek and pulled me in for a hug. “Mi casa as su casa.”
I laughed at his Spanglish and patted his knee. “Okay. Actually, I’m wondering if you want me around to take part ownership of my record collection.”
Steven laughed. “I didn’t get to see what you had, remember?”
“Yeah, but I told you what was in it. It’s okay. I’ll be happy to share it with you. Nobody shares my fascination of the classics on vinyl except Laze. He already owns a lot more though, because Andreas bought him everything I had.”
Steven chuckled. “Yeah? He sounds like a spoiled brat.”
“He is,” I said with a laugh. “We didn’t really get to talk that night. He made himself scarce quick.”
“Well, he was working, so that’s okay. Anyway, like I said, you can take all the space you need. You can make that office yours.”
“My office?”
“Yeah.” Steven lifted my chin up with his finger. “Babe, I want you to do your own thing. You could do your job as an independent, you know.”
“I could, but I like working for Inbrotech. Benefits, paid vacations. None of that comes with working on my own.”
“You wouldn’t have to answer to anyone though. And benefits? You don’t need em. I’ve got money saved. It would take nothing to add you to my plan.”
“Oh stop.” I pulled away. “Steven, I’m not ready to pull out on my own. I like my job. I make good money. I’ve got an asshole for a boss, but I deal with it.”
“For now, yes. You don’t have to do it now, but just think about it.”
“Oh, you just want me to be around here all the time.”
“You’re right, I do. And I hate seeing you work for a douche,” Steven said with disgust.
“He is that, but he and his family chose me as junior partner. I’m not ready to strike out alone. Not yet, anyway. Maybe in two or three years, I will be.”
“I hope you decide before then. You’re too smart and talented, Noah.”
“Well, you’re biased because you’re my man.”
“So, I am. I know a good man and a hard worker when I see one.”
I smiled at him and softly kissed his lips. “Thanks for that. Now, let’s turn the channel. The special on AC/DC is coming on.”
“Really? What channel?”
“Uh. Let’s do a search, because I forgot.”
“Didn’t know you were such a huge fan.”
“I love classic metal period,” I said with a smile. “AC/DC is one of my faves.”
“Mine too. Maybe that’s why we get along so well.”
I grinned at him, meeting his blue gaze. I tapped the buttons on the remote. “Maybe so.”
Chapter Eighteen
Steven
By the time the week ended, Noah was moved into my apartment. We found somebody to sublet his place, so it meant Noah would get his security deposit back.
As he said, Noah didn’t come in with much... only his clothing, a few knickknacks, books, some cd’s and some of his collectables. He brought his favorite small sofa though, leaving the rest to the guy who took over the lease.
A couple of weeks after the move, Noah settled in, coming home at around five, complaining about Dane and Inbrotech, ready to unwind. Since the doctor told me to take it easy, I hadn’t been working on music as much. I’d been writing and playing a little guitar, but not much else. And thankfully, the pop band I wrote the songs for liked both. They’d be coming to meet me at the end of the month, so I could formally present them.
“Ugh, what a day.”
I looked up from the book I was reading. Noah had come in the door, dragging his briefcase behind him.
“Hey babe. Do I need to ask how work was?”
“It was hell.” Noah dropped into the space next to me and exhaled. “One of the software packages our team had been working on had some major glitches that nearly caused a riot. And the guy who created it was on vacation, so of course all of this fell on me.”
“Of course.” I put my book down on the side table and rubbed his shoulder. “Need a massage?”
Noah leaned in and softly kissed me. “I do, but I’d actually enjoy it more if we were in bed. First, I wanna get out of these clothes and wash the stink off me though.”
“Okay. I can help you with that too, if you like. Eva already left. She tried waiting on you, but she had to get home.”
“Yeah. That’s because I’m like two hours late. I told Dane I needed a day off after that, so we can enjoy the night together and I don’t have to move a muscle.”
“Now that is music to my ears, babe. Sorry you had such a rough day.” I gripped the back of his neck and rubbed some of the tension from it.
“Ooh, that feels good. Wanna join me in the shower?”
“Is that even a question? Of course, I do.” I got up from the sofa.
“I’ll move these things later. I don’t even want to see anything that reminds me of work right now.” Noah struggled to get up. Once he did, he grabbed my hand. “Lead the way, my man.”
“Yes, sir.” I smiled and did just that. We walked through the hallway until we arrived at the bathroom. I ambled past Noah to the shower, and reached behind the curtain, turning the valves to the right temperature.
“Let’s light some candles, and put on some music, hmm?” I�
�d bought plenty, but never had anyone to share them with. Now that Noah was here, I had more than enough excuses to use them.
“Sounds like a great idea,” Noah said smiling.
I pecked his lips and grabbed several candles from the cabinet. After lighting them, I pushed the button on the Bluetooth speaker, and grabbed my phone from my pocket to turn on my favorite sexy playlist.
“Hmm. Who would’ve known you, the rock singer, to have a soft spot.”
“My music tastes vary, babe. You know that.”
“I did, but I didn’t know slow jam baby making music was your thing.”
“Oh, it certainly is… especially now” I leaned forward capturing his lips with mine. We lazily tangled tongues while I dragged my fingers over his chest. Thankfully, I wasn’t wearing a lot of clothing, so it wouldn’t take long to strip. I could focus on loving his body and worshipping it as I wanted.
The more the kiss continued, the more my cock hardened under my shorts. I’d been ready to have him wrapped around me for weeks and having him so close, it had been hard to control the urges. Yes, we’d improvised by jerking each other off, playing with toys, and trading blow jobs. Now, it was time for the real thing. It had been over a month since my attack anyway.
“Mmph” Noah groaned into the kiss, wrapping his arms around my neck. He raked his fingers through my hair, causing my skin to prickle in a good way. Anything he did drove me wild.
“Baby.” Reluctantly, I pulled away to start unbuttoning his shirt. When I finished, I shoved it from his shoulders, revealing the beautiful tawny colored body I’d loved for years. His nipples perked under my touch. I leaned in, taking one between my lips and flicked it with my tongue.
“Steven. We were supposed to shower.” Noah’s voice sounded breathy. Needy. Just the way I wanted it.
“We are. No worries. I’m getting there.” I gave the other nipple the same treatment, while I twisted the first one between my fingers. Once I was done there, I drifted down, making a trail with my lips and tongue down to his navel. While I settled in there, I tugged his belt loose and shoved his trousers along with his boxers down to his ankles. When his cock sprung free, I licked around the head and sucked it hard in between my lips. The whole time, I looked up at Noah, showing him how much I wanted him.
