“The sex was… like nothing I’ve ever experienced. I admit I was rather nervous. He is quite big, in more ways than one, but he was so gentle, Nina. As if he’d known me for years. He was sweet, passionate, and good God, I thought I was going to spontaneously combust.”
“Hot?”
“Sweltering.” His smile faded, and he answered her previous question. “No. He hasn’t asked. Maybe he’s just looking for some fun. It’s too soon to know what his intentions are. Besides, have you seen him? His muscles have muscles. I’ll bet you can bounce a penny off his abs.”
Nina wriggled her eyebrows. “I can think of a few things you can do with those abs, and none of them involve pennies.”
“You’re terrible,” Hudson replied with a laugh. “He’s a tiger Therian and a defense agent for Destructive Delta. Fearless, combat proficient, a warrior, and I’m—”
“A very intelligent, attractive, and sweet Therian,” Nina insisted.
“My sweater vest and I thank you, love.”
“There’s nothing wrong with your sweater vest. It’s very geek chic. Not a lot of guys can pull that off. Do you own any shirts that don’t have buttons? Like a T-shirt?”
Hudson thought about it. “Do undershirts count?” He didn’t really see what she found so amusing.
“Hey.”
The low, gravelly voice startled Hudson. He turned to find Seb standing in the doorway, his sexy crooked smile disarming. Hudson opened his mouth, but nothing came out. Thankfully, Nina jumped to his aid.
“We were talking about Hudson’s vast collection of sweaters and sweater vests.”
Aid was such a strong word. Hudson cast her a daggered look.
“They look good on you,” Seb told him, his green eyes sparkling.
Hudson all but melted into something fit for one of his petri dishes.
“Sorry to bug you, but I was wondering if I could talk to you a minute?”
Seb’s somewhat anxious expression didn’t bode well, and Hudson nodded. He stood and motioned to the side door that led to a small supply room.
This was it, wasn’t it? He led Seb into the room and stood silently as Seb closed the door behind them. Well, it had been nice while it lasted.
Seb stopped before him. He worried his bottom lip and ran a hand over his short, black hair before letting out a nervous laugh. “Sorry, I wish I was better at this. You’re such a great guy, and I probably sound like an idiot, but this has been weighing on my mind for some time now, and well, I just… I’ve been hoping you wouldn’t mind if we—”
“It’s all right. I understand,” Hudson said, trying not to sound too disappointed. “I had a wonderful time. I do hope we can still be friends.”
Seb cocked his head to one side, looking puzzled. “What?” Something seemed to dawn on him, and he put his hands up. “Oh no! You thought I was…. No, what I was trying—and apparently failing—to say is that I’d like to be with you. Make it official. You know, exclusive.”
“Exclusive?” Hudson blinked at him, his heart ready to burst out of his chest. “You mean… like dating? Exclusively?”
“Yeah.”
“Oh good Lord. I’m such a bloody arse.”
Hudson covered his face with his hands, mumbling at himself. Seb chuckled, his hands coming to rest on Hudson’s before moving them away from his face with great care. Their bodies were practically touching.
“You’re not an arse,” Seb said with a smile that reached his eyes, causing little wrinkles at the corners.
Blimey, but he was handsome. Hudson’s cheeks flushed at their proximity.
“You sound like a pirate when you say ‘arse.’ A very dashing pirate, not one of those awful beer-guzzling pirates. Not that beer is awful, but, uh….” Hudson laughed with embarrassment. “I’m sorry. I’m quite terrible at these sorts of situations. As you can undoubtedly tell.”
“I’ve been called worse,” Seb teased.
“Not helping.”
Seb laughed, and Hudson realized the fellow was still holding his hands. His smile faded, and he studied Hudson curiously.
“Why would you think I was ending things?”
“Because look at you, and look at me.”
Seb cocked his head to one side. “I don’t understand.”
“You’re this fierce tiger Therian defense agent, who is incredibly handsome and strong, and I’m… I’m the science nerd who used to get his lunch money pilfered in the schoolyard.”
“Well, if anyone tries to take your lunch money, you tell me and I’ll kick their ass. Besides, science is sexy.”
“I’m being serious,” Hudson said, trying very hard not to smile like a dope. He was failing spectacularly.
Seb nodded, clearly humoring him. “Right, sorry.” He leaned in and brushed his lips over Hudson’s, sending a shiver up his spine. “I think you’re beautiful, smart, funny, and I would love the chance to get to know everything about you. Like how you lose your glasses all the time, except not really because they always end up being on your head, or how when you’re engrossed in your work, you pace and argue with yourself. Your sweater vests.”
Hudson couldn’t help but laugh. “Stop it. Bloody hell, I’m a loon. Are you sure you don’t want to date someone a little less off their trolley?”
“Positive.”
“Well, then, yes.”
Seb pulled him up against him and brought their lips together in a searing kiss Hudson felt all over. He held on to Seb’s thick biceps, feeling the heat spreading through his body, threatening to set him ablaze. The man tasted delicious, and the feel of his hard body pressed against his own was sending blood rushing to the most inappropriate of places. His fingers dug into Seb’s arms. He’d never wanted anything or anyone so badly in all his life. At least until someone knocked on the door and startled the hell out of him.
“Hudson?”
“Yes,” Hudson’s voice broke, and he cleared his throat, poking Seb in the ribs when his boyfriend chuckled at him. Straightening his sweater, Hudson attempted to compose himself before he opened the door. “Nina, yes. What is it?”
Nina gave him a knowing smile. “Sorry, we’ve got a meeting in ten minutes.”
“Right. Of course.” He turned to Seb and just stood there. What was he supposed to do now?
As if sensing his apprehension, Seb leaned in and gave his cheek a kiss. “I’ll see you later?”
Hudson nodded, feeling his face go warm again. “That would be wonderful.”
With a wink, Seb said his good-byes and was off. Hudson braced himself.
“So…?”
Hudson held back a smile. “He asked.”
“And?” Nina clasped her hands together. “What did you say?”
“Several ridiculous things, but in the end I said yes.”
Nina squealed and threw her arms around him, jumping excitedly. Unable to help himself, Hudson found himself swept up in her excitement and jumping with her. At least until he heard Seb’s throaty laugh. Why did these things always happen to him? Mortified, Hudson turned to find Seb in the doorway. Bloody Felids and their silent stalking.
“Having second thoughts?” Hudson teased. Sort of.
Seb chuckled. “Never. I forgot to ask if you’d like to come over for dinner tonight.”
“I’d like that very much.” Now would be a good time for the earth to swallow him up.
“And for the record,” Seb said, taking Hudson’s hand and placing it to his lips for a kiss. “I’m excited too. See you tonight, lobito.”
Hudson stared at him as he walked away.
Another squeal escaped Nina. “Aw, that is the sweetest, most adorable thing I’ve ever heard!” She hugged Hudson tight before leading him out of the supply room. She closed the door behind them, then helped him over to his desk. He sat down, still stunned.
“I’m in a relationship,” Hudson murmured.
“About time if you ask me.”
“Thank you, Nina.” Hudson snapped himself out of h
is trance and turned back to his desk’s interface. He placed his hand to the security panel on the side to wake it up. He needed to send some files to his tablet before the meeting and…. Lobito.
“You’re smiling again,” Nina sang as she took a seat behind her desk.
“For heaven’s sake, woman, compose yourself. You’re a professional.”
“And you’re dating Sebastian Hobbs.”
This time Hudson knew he was smiling. He felt like a bloody teenager, but what the hell. He was nervous and excited, and he couldn’t wait to see Seb again.
Lobito.
He liked the sound of that.
Prompt #21: Dex and Sloane’s first date.
THIS WAS ridiculous. Why was he so nervous?
Dex wiped his hands on his dark denim jeans for the hundredth time while sitting on the stairs outside his house waiting for Sloane to pick him up. It was Friday night. Date night. Their first date night. Dex had spent hours trying to choose the right outfit. Like he was getting ready for prom or something. Except there was no hunky football player in his letterman jacket coming to pick him up. There was a sexy-as-sin jaguar Therian driving up in a shiny black Impala.
Sloane got out of his car, walked around to the passenger side, and opened the door for Dex, a wide smile on his handsome face. He was dressed in dark jeans and a black T-shirt with a preppy gray and black cardigan. Smart but casual. Dex was relieved he’d opted for the same.
Trying not to come off as nervous as he felt, Dex stopped in front of Sloane, the butterflies in his stomach going nuts when his partner leaned in to give his cheek a kiss.
“You look great.”
“Thanks.” Dex beamed. “You too.” He climbed in and fastened his seat belt, his hands clasped together between his knees. Man, he was such a dork. It wasn’t like he’d never been on a date before. Besides, they were already in a relationship, so it wasn’t like he had to worry about freaking his date out with his weirdness. Sloane had not only survived his crash course in Dexter J. Daley 101, he’d passed with flying colors.
As soon as Sloane had his seat belt fastened, the engine roared and they were off. Wherever they were going, Dex knew it would be outside the city. They could easily hang out at Dekatria or any other bar, but then that’s all it would be, hanging out with his partner. Not that Dex didn’t love hanging out with Sloane, but he wanted more. He wanted to go out and feel what he felt at home when they were together, when he was in Sloane’s arms. Outside the city, they could be a couple. It had been a rough ride getting here, and Dex intended to make the most of it. That’s if he could get himself to relax long enough to enjoy it. What if their relationship sizzled in the bedroom and fizzled out in the real world?
“You okay?” Sloane asked, his amber eyes filled with concern.
“Yeah. This is going to sound stupid, but I’m kind of nervous.”
“Me too.”
Dex eyed him. “Really? You don’t look nervous.” Was Sloane just trying to make him feel better?
“It’s different now. You know. I don’t want to disappoint you.” Sloane kept his eyes on the road, but Dex could see the slight flush in his partner’s cheeks when they stopped at a red light.
“Funny, I was thinking the same,” Dex said, smiling when Sloane glanced over at him. His partner visibly relaxed and took hold of Dex’s hand.
“How about a little Retro Radio?”
“You trying to get into my pants already, Agent Brodie?” Dex’s heart did a little flip at Sloane’s chuckle. He turned on the radio and scrolled through the programmed stations until he got to his favorite. Just as he tuned in, a light and sweet romantic pop song he knew all too well floated from the speakers. Dex concentrated on the song and not the lyrics. They hit a little too close to home for his comfort. He sang along, tapping his foot to the beat, his voice going a little higher and softer in pitch to match the airy vocals.
“So, where are we going?” Dex asked during the instrumental portion of the song while he played his air drums.
“You’ll see.”
Dex tried not to pay too much attention to the scenery outside the window in hopes of preserving Sloane’s surprise. He could barely contain his excitement. He continued to sing along with his favorite pop tunes and power ballads, rocking his air instruments. At one point he even got Sloane to sing along to “Smooth Criminal.” Tonight was well on its way to being his best date ever.
When Dex checked his watch, he couldn’t believe they’d been driving for an hour and a half. He was about to ask Sloane when they’d be getting to wherever they were going when Sloane told him to close his eyes. Dex did as he was asked, feeling his excitement bubbling once more. The road underneath the car went from smooth to uneven, meaning they’d turned off the main road. As soon as Dex felt the car stop, Sloane told him to open his eyes. He couldn’t believe it.
“Oh my God!” Dex was practically bouncing off his seat. “The drive-in!” They were at Warwick Drive-In Theater about to watch Guardians of the Galaxy.
“You’ve been all but ready to pop a spleen talking about watching this movie, but I wanted our first date to be special, so I thought you might like something a little old-school.”
Dex unfastened his seat belt and launched himself at Sloane, kissed him until they were both gasping for air. Sloane let out a breathless laugh as he held Dex on his lap.
“I did good, then?”
“Good?” Dex scoffed. “Man, you are so getting laid tonight.”
“I get laid almost every night,” Sloane teased.
“Yeah, but tonight I’m gonna rock you like a hurricane.”
Sloane peered at him. “What’s that mean in non-’80s terms?”
“You’ll see.” Dex was so going to get freaky tonight. Sloane wouldn’t know what hit him.
Before the movie started, Sloane dashed off and returned with a banquet of unhealthy snacks from the snack bar: hotdogs, pretzels, popcorn, seasoned fries, and mozzarella sticks. Sloane had remembered the gummy bears, and Dex discovered Sloane’s secret love of Twizzlers. When the movie started, Dex snuggled close with Sloane’s arm around him. Both of them had the biggest, sappiest smiles on their faces.
After the movie, they cleaned up and returned the speakers to their poles. Dex couldn’t stop rambling about the film as they headed back toward the city.
“That was freakin’ amazing! Oh my God. Can we see it again soon?”
“Sure.”
Sloane tapped his cheek, and Dex leaned over to give it a kiss. He felt giddy. Normally he would put it down to the sugar, but he knew better. The best high was coming from his awesome boyfriend.
“I’m glad you liked it.”
“Come on. I know your inner geek is totally squealing like a schoolgirl right now.” Dex poked Sloane in his ribs, making him laugh.
“Damn it, Dex. I’m driving.”
“Star Lord,” Dex corrected.
“What?”
“Call me Star Lord.”
“I’m not going to call you that.”
“Pleeease?” Dex walked his fingers up Sloane’s beefy bicep.
“Nope.”
Sloane’s right hand came to rest on his leg, and Dex took hold of it, placed it on his own leg and slid it down south.
“What if I let you steer my spaceship?”
“I can’t believe I’m agreeing to this. Fine. But tonight. And only tonight.”
“Yes!” Dex let out a loud whoop.
Best date ever!
Prompt #22: Calvin and Hobbs
CALVIN TOOK his position and breathed in deeply, his gloved hands tightening on his rifle. Breathe. Calm. He kept his eye on his target through his scope, cleared his mind, and waited for Sloane’s signal. He couldn’t think about anything but that one little word. He couldn’t think about the Therian’s life he was about to take. Detach. Don’t hesitate. Do the job.
It wasn’t Calvin’s decision to pull the trigger; it was Sloane’s. Did Sloane ever lie awake at night thinkin
g about his orders? Did he ever doubt himself or wonder if there had been another way?
In his earpiece he heard Sloane’s words as his Team Leader attempted to calm the Therian down. The guy was frantic. He’d lost his wife and kid. Why hadn’t they been there? As if the THIRDS could have predicted the gas station robbery gone wrong. Like they wouldn’t have wanted to save the Therian mother and her son.
Please don’t make me do it.
Detach. Don’t hesitate. Do the job.
When Sloane couldn’t get through, Rosa stepped in and began the negotiation process, her voice soothing and understanding. Everyone had been cleared out the moment the forty-something-year-old Therian had been spotted in the playground carrying a gun.
For a moment it looked like Rosa was getting through. The Therian kept his gun lowered.
Please don’t make me do it.
The Therian started to tremble. He shouted at Rosa, and everything went to hell. His arm jerked up, and Sloane gave the word that hit Calvin like a bucket of ice water over the head.
“Tare!”
Calvin’s finger flexed, and it was over. The Therian was on the ground. Dead. When Calvin took his position, it wasn’t to wound someone. It wasn’t to temporarily put them out of position. It was to take them out. That’s what he did. And he was damn good at it.
Silently, he disassembled his rifle and packed it away. He zipped up the long black bag and closed the window before heading across some yuppie’s office, walking past the horrified and furious stares. Like he wanted to kill the guy. Someone called him a murderer. Calvin paused but kept walking. What was the point? They wouldn’t care. They thought they knew him. That he enjoyed shooting citizens. They didn’t know shit about him.
He climbed into the BearCat in the passenger seat. His team would be in soon. Someone knocked on the cabin door before entering. Calvin flinched. His teammates knew to make themselves known. It would take him a little while to get himself out of the zone.
Maddock perched on the driver’s seat, facing him. “Hey.”
Calvin kept his gaze forward, his bag secured on his lap. “Sarge.”
THIRDS Beyond the Books Volume 1 Page 12
