Smoldering Desires

by C. E. Knipes

  “Wouldn’t miss it.”

  My brothers all said their good-byes and followed Samantha out of the bar. Brandon returned to the table for his beer.

  “I’ll play a few more games. But then I’m going to head home. Evan, are you and Jess staying?”

  “No, Brandon. We’ll leave with you. It’s been a long day, and I’m tired.”

  After three more games, and as many beers, we called it a night. It was obvious Max was reluctant to see me leave.

  “Are you sure you won’t stay for one more, Evan?”

  “I’m sure, Max. Give me a call tomorrow. We’ll get together. Do you still have my cell number?”

  “I do, unless it’s changed.”

  “Nope, it’s the same.”

  “Okay, I’m working at the bar till eight. Stop by.”

  “Sounds good. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  It was still snowing when we left the bar. We headed in the opposite direction to walk Jessica home. We said good night to her and headed for home. Once it was just the two of us, an awkward silence descended on us. I knew what was coming next.

  “Is everything okay, Evan? You haven’t come out and said it, but I’m guessing something happened that prevented Sebastian from being here. Did you have a fight? Or break up?”

  “I consider us broken up. Apparently, he can’t get it through his thick skull.”

  “Do you want to tell me what happened?”

  We were coming abreast of a house that had a low stone wall fronting it.

  “Let’s sit here.”

  I told Brandon everything, leaving out no detail. He listened without interruption. When I was done, I pulled the last joint from my pocket and lit it.

  “This Brent sounds like quite the character. Do you think maybe he slipped Sebastian something? Similar to what we think he did to you at the Halloween Party.”

  “That’s what Jess was saying. It’s possible. Especially with someone like Brent. It would make more sense than Sebastian all of a sudden cheating on me.”

  “Do you love Sebastian?”

  “I thought I did. Now I’m not so sure. I need time to digest all of this. I think I need time away from Sebastian. As well as Brent.”

  “That may be the best thing for you right now. I’m always here if you need to talk.”

  “Thanks, Brandon. We best get home. We don’t want to keep Mom up all night.”

  He laughed and patted me on the back. I snuffed out the joint and stuck the roach in my shirt pocket. We were home within ten minutes, and I was in bed ten minutes after that. It felt good to be in my bed again. I turned my phone on and was surprised to see a text from Sebastian.

  “Just wanted 2 let u know I’m home. Hope all is well with u. Hope we can talk once we get back 2 Milton.”

  I was inclined to respond. But my stubbornness won out, and I turned over and went to sleep. I was up early the next morning. After a big breakfast, I watched a little television and took an unscheduled nap. It was a day where everyone was pretty much doing their own thing. I went up to my room and tried to read the latest Stephen King novel. I couldn’t stay focused. I fell asleep again and woke to my mother shaking me gently.

  “Maxwell Spenser is on the phone. He said he couldn’t reach you on your cell. You can take it in our room. Also, Aunt Katherine and Uncle Robert are here. They’ll be staying through Sunday.”

  Aunt Katherine was my mother’s younger sister, and my favorite aunt.

  “Thanks, Mom.”

  I walked to my parents’ room and picked up the handset. I heard my mother hang up the phone in the kitchen.

  “Hi, Max. How’s it going? Sorry. I had my phone turned off.”

  “No worries. Are we still on for tonight?”

  “You bet. Dinner should be over by seven thirty at the latest. I’ll head over right after.”

  “Sounds great. I’ll see you then. Bye.”

  “Bye, Max.”

  As soon as I hung up the phone, my mother yelled up the stairs that lunch was ready. Aunt Katherine and Uncle Robert were seated in the kitchen. I got a big hug and a kiss on both cheeks from Aunt Katherine, and a hearty handshake from Uncle Robert.

  Lunch consisted of my mother’s homemade vegetable beef soup, green salad, and homemade bread.

  My mother and Aunt Katherine left after lunch to do some last-minute shopping. My father, uncle and brothers were watching sports. I went up to my room and read for several hours. I took another nap. When I woke, it was dark. The clock showed it was six. I took a nice long, hot shower. I had just finished dressing when Brandon knocked on my door and announced dinner was ready.

  I was anxious for dinner to be over. I wanted to go and see Max. I couldn’t deny it any longer. But dinner was never a short affair at the McGarrity household. It was my mother’s famous spaghetti. I was the last one to take my seat at the table. Spread out before me were two large serving bowls of spaghetti, another two of sauce with Italian sausage and meatballs, two large bowls of green salad, and two platters of homemade garlic bread. Bottles of red wine were placed strategically on the table, as were several bottles of whiskey. After my father said grace, we began passing plates and bowls. A steady stream of conversation intermingled with the clink of eating utensils. Even though I was full, I still had seconds. The food was just too good to pass up.

  After dinner was done and the table had been cleared, I received a text from Jessica.

  “How about a few beers at Spenser’s? My mother threw a fit when I mentioned going out. I promised it would only b there, and it wouldn’t b 4 long.”

  “I’m actually already meeting Max there. I spoke 2 him b4 dinner.”

  “Well, isn’t that special. I’m definitely going now, just 2 keep an eye on u.”

  “Are u sure, Jess?”

  “Yes. I miss Calvin, and I want 2 go out. If u want 2 hook up with Max, you’re going 2 do it whether I’m there or not. U know u will.”

  I didn’t respond.

  “C. You’ve just made my point. But, you’re a big boy. I hope u can take care of yourself. I’ll meet u there in a half hour.”

  When I announced I was heading to Spenser’s, the only taker was Brandon. And we both got the stink eye from our mother.

  “Don’t be out late tonight. I don’t want hungover sons tomorrow for Thanksgiving.”

  “Yes, Mother.”

  “Have a good time, boys,” my father shouted from the living room. He was already in his favorite chair for the evening.

  When we arrived at Spenser’s, it was practically deserted. There were a few regulars at the bar. And two guys shooting a game of pool. Max was behind the bar. He nodded and smiled as we passed.

  “I’ll be right with you.”

  We grabbed a booth near the pool tables. Max finished making a drink and headed over to us.

  “Hi, Evan. Brandon. What can I get you?”

  “We’ll have three beers and three shots of tequila. Jess is on her way.”

  “Your usual brands?”

  “Yes.”

  “I’ll be right back, Evan.”

  Jessica walked in then. She nodded to Max as she passed him.

  “Geez, he’s ready to bust he’s so excited to see you. Are you sure you want me to stay?”

  “Settle down, Jess. Should we order you a saucer of milk?”

  She laughed, as did Brandon, and punched me playfully in the arm.

  “I’m just here to have a good time. And to kick both your asses in pool. Who’s first?”

  Brandon stood up.

  “I will defend the McGarrity honor.”

  After Brandon racked, Jessica broke. Max returned with our drinks.

  “It’s great to see you again, Evan. Should I start a tab?”

  “Thanks, Max. It’s nice to see you again as well. Yes, a tab would be great. Are you still done working at eight?”

  “I am, as long as my brother Lionel shows up for work.”

  “Why don’t you join us for a few gam
es when you’re done?”

  “Won’t Brandon and Jessica take issue with that?”

  “I make my own decisions, Max. I look forward to you joining us.”

  Max had another half hour before his shift ended. Jessica sank the eight ball against Brandon. I put my quarters in and racked.

  “Prepare to be defeated, sister from another mister.”

  “In your dreams.”

  Brandon offered to get the next round of drinks while I played against Jessica. When he returned, Jessica was down only one ball. It proved to be a close game, but she still had one stripe on the table when I sank the eight ball.

  “You’re such an ass, McGarrity.”

  “Don’t be a sore loser, Jess.”

  Max joined us as soon as his shift ended. We played partners, switching off each game, for the next two hours. Surprisingly, both Brandon and Jessica seemed to warm up to him a bit. The second time Max and I were partners, he sank the eight ball on a terrific bank shot. Brandon laid his stick on the table.

  “That’s enough of a beating for me tonight. Are you guys ready to call it a night?”

  “I am. Evan?”

  Jessica knew by my look what my intent was. I knew by the look on her face that I would get an earful tomorrow. Maybe even tonight.

  “I think I’ll stay and have a few beers with Max. And catch up.”

  This elicited unpleasant looks from Jessica and Brandon. Which did not go unnoticed by Max. There was an uncomfortable silence which, thankfully, Brandon stepped up to fill.

  “That’s fine, Evan. Don’t forget, Mom didn’t want us out late. You know what it’s like to be hungover for Thanksgiving dinner in our house.”

  I did indeed. My family would torment me without end.

  “Thanks for the reminder, Brandon. I’ll see you in the morning. Are you going to walk Jess home?”

  “Yes.”

  Jessica kissed me on the cheek.

  “I’ll see you tomorrow for dessert. Bye, Max.”

  “Bye, Jessica.”

  Brandon shook Max’s hand and wished him a happy Thanksgiving. When they had both left, Max turned to me.

  “Well, it’s obvious neither of them will ever be a fan of mine.”

  “Don’t worry about it, Max. I’m a fan of yours. That’s all that matters. Are you up for another game?”

  He looked me in the eye.

  “Do you feel like getting out of here?”

  “I do indeed. Are you still living with your parents?”

  He winced almost imperceptibly at my question.

  “No. Lionel and I inherited my grandmother’s house last year when she passed. You remember the one on Thurston. We live there together.”

  “I do remember that. What time is Lionel off work?”

  “Not till midnight, or thereabouts. We have plenty of time to get reacquainted.”

  His meaning was not lost on me.

  “Okay, let’s go.”

  I grabbed my coat, finished my beer, and followed Max out of the bar. It was snowing heavily now, but they were the soft flakes I loved. There was no cold wind to make it miserable. We walked side by side the few blocks to Thurston. Along the way we smoked a joint. I followed Max up the sidewalk and then the front steps of his grandmother’s house. He had just reached the door when he turned, grabbed me, and pulled me to him. His lips sought mine, and I tasted whiskey, beer, and smoke.

  His hand pressed firmly against my crotch, grabbing my cock through my jeans and bringing it to instant, fiery hardness. His lust was almost contagious. I grabbed his ass and kneaded it roughly as his tongue explored my mouth. I released his ass and placed a hand on his crotch. I could feel his cock through his jeans. It was as big as I remembered it. He withdrew his tongue but continued to feel me up.

  “Let’s get inside, Romeo.”

  He laughed and turned and unlocked the door. I briefly saw a living room, and then we were headed up the stairs. It had been a long time since I’d been in this house. We turned right at the top of the stairs to the first door on the right. He opened the door, and I heard the click of a light switch. A lamp glowed revealing the nightstand beneath it. Max closed the door behind us and went to his dresser. He turned on his iPod, and seventies rock flooded the room. He turned it down a bit and motioned me to the bed.

  “Have a seat.”

  I sat on the edge of the bed. Max undid the buttons on his shirt and removed it along with his T-shirt. I stared at his heavily muscled chest. It was nice to be seeing it again. He undid his belt and pulled his pants, along with his underwear, down to his ankles. His enormous erection was pointing straight at me. He pulled a condom and a packet of lube from the nightstand drawer. I began undressing as he tore the packet open and expertly rolled it along his shaft. He used the lube liberally before handing it to me.

  I got myself ready and handed him the lube. He placed it on the nightstand. I swung my legs onto the bed and slid up till my head was on the pillow. Max joined me, his body covering mine. He kissed me then knelt between my legs. He raised them in the air, supporting them underneath with a firm grip. I felt the head of his cock pressed against me, and then he was slowly entering me. When he was fully inside me, he paused.

  “Are you good?”

  “I am.”

  He started with slow and easy, deep thrusts. I locked my ankles at his waist and began rising to meet him. We quickly established a smooth rhythm. I wrapped my arms around his back and encouraged him with the kind of talk I knew he liked.

  After a solid ten minutes, on his next thrust he stayed completely inside me. He moaned repeatedly and shuddered as his orgasm swept through him. When he was spent, he stayed inside me, still fully hard. He grabbed my cock in his right hand and quickly stroked me to an explosive orgasm. Only after I was a puddle of jelly did he pull out of me.

  He rolled onto his side next to me and kissed me deeply. I lay with my head in the crook of his arm. He smelled of soap and deodorant. Plus, the sweat from our exertions. I wanted to stay for more, but knew I should head home. Not just because of my mother. But I felt guilty about being here. As if I was betraying Sebastian.

  “I should get going. It’s past midnight and I don’t want to face Mary McGarrity’s wrath tomorrow.”

  “Okay. You’re home till Sunday you said, correct?”

  “Yes. Jess and I are driving back late Sunday afternoon.”

  “Can we get together tomorrow night?”

  “My parents frown on me going out on holiday nights. Why don’t you come over tomorrow night after dinner for dessert? Just so you know, Jess and Sam will be there.”

  “Are you sure that’s a good idea, Evan? Jessica still doesn’t care for me.”

  “She’s just being overly protective of me. She’ll be fine if it’s what I want.”

  “Okay. What time is dinner? We’re eating at five.”

  “The McGarritys always eat at six. I’ll text you when it’s time for dessert.”

  “Did your mom make her famous apple pie?”

  “Of course she did. Call me tomorrow. Happy Thanksgiving.”

  He walked downstairs and onto the front porch with me. We kissed deeply.

  “Good night, Evan.”

  “Good night.”

  The porch light was on when I got home. The rest of the house was dark. I grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge and climbed the stairs to my room. The clock on the nightstand indicated it was twelve thirty a.m. I was certain my mother was noting the hour on the clock on her nightstand as well. I went into the bathroom and took several aspirin. I wanted a shower, but knew that wouldn’t be a good idea this late. It would raise too many questions in the morning. I undressed and slid beneath the covers. I turned my phone on. No calls or texts from Sebastian. Suddenly, a text arrived from Max.

  “I had a great time tonight. Looking forward 2 seeing u tomorrow.”

  I texted “same here.”

  I woke at six a.m. with a slight headache. The unmistakable smell of
turkey was wafting up from downstairs. Having lived in this house all of my life, I knew breakfast was at seven sharp, no exceptions. There were no late servings. We would have a big breakfast, and then our Thanksgiving dinner at six. I grabbed some clothes and walked down the hall to the bathroom. I pissed, brushed and flossed, and took a nice hot shower. I swallowed three more aspirin, stuck my phone in my shirt pocket, and headed downstairs. I was ravenous.

  Due to the amount of people, breakfast was being served at both the kitchen and dining room tables. The food was set up buffet style in the kitchen, with platters of scrambled eggs, sausages, fried potatoes, ham, bacon, pancakes, toast, assorted homemade muffins, and an enormous assortment of fruits and juices. Two coffeemakers were working overtime, and the whiskey and Irish cream were ready at hand.

  I filled my plate, grabbed a coffee and a juice, and took a seat at the dining room table.

  My phone rang.

  It was Sebastian.

  Chapter Ten

  All eyes swept to me.

  “My apologies, but I need to take this. I’ll be right back.”

  “We’ll wait on grace for you.”

  I ran up the back stairs to my room. My phone was still ringing.

  “Hello, this is Evan.”

  “Evan. It’s Sebastian. Wow, I can’t believe you answered.”

  “I have to make this quick, Sebastian. We’re just sitting down to breakfast.”

  “Okay. I just wanted to wish you a happy Thanksgiving.”

  “Thanks, Sebastian. Same to you.”

  “Good-bye, Evan.”

  “Bye.”

  I hung up and went back to the table. After my father said grace, my phone beeped.

  All eyes were on me again.

  “I’m sorry, I’m sorry. I’m turning it off.”

  It was a text from Jessica.

  “Happy Thanksgiving, u ass. I hope u had a rotten time last night. Call me later.”

  I didn’t take offense; I knew she was only concerned about me getting hurt again. Especially after the breakup with Sebastian. At least, that’s what I was calling it. In my mind, we were broken up. My thoughts flip-flopped from Sebastian to Max. I could still smell Max on me, even after a shower. I recalled the feel of him inside me. However, the phone call from Sebastian had touched me deep inside, emotionally as well as physically.