by Lynn Stark
Hank laughed. It was a delighted sound. “You must have, because you hired me on the spot. Or maybe you just thought I was cute?” he teased.
“Well, you are cute, but that’s not why I hired you. I saw how much the customers liked how you helped them out. You’re a natural. Now look. We’re almost to the hotel. You don’t want to miss your first sight of it.”
Driving around the curve, the hotel was suddenly there in their line of sight. It was a huge building, very much a building of the times, and stretched along the bank of Paradise Lake. It was about creating a showplace, a destination for the wealthy of the late 1900s and early twentieth century to come to stay and enjoy the finer things in life while claiming a rustic holiday to all their friends.
“Oh, wow! It’s beautiful.”
“The former owner still lives here. You’ve probably met him at the store. I know he comes in quite often. His name’s Bart Noolly. He’s the grandson of the man who built the hotel. You’ll probably meet him. The man has the energy of a much younger man and is usually visiting guests at the hotel.”
Fallon parked the car in front of the hotel. A valet headed toward them. “Yes, I’ve met Bart. He’s cool. I can’t imagine what it’s like to live that long.”
“Me, either.” They got out and Fallon stepped out of the way as the valet got in. He heard Hank make a squeaking noise when the valet slammed the car’s door. “Don’t worry. He won’t hurt it.”
“I don’t know. Maybe someone should talk to him about how he treats other people’s cars.” Hank’s concern was adorable. Hell, everything about Hank was just plain adorable. When Hank shivered, Fallon put an arm around him, pulling him close. “It’s so chilly you would never know it’s summer. The wind brings the cold air off the snow off the mountains and the lake behind the hotel.”
Fallon was pleased when Hank pressed himself closer. “They don’t have swimming at the lake, do they?”
“No. Swimming is prohibited. The lake is fed by the run off from melting snow. Small sailboats are used on it, weather permitting. A new indoor pool was just completed. If you want, we can buy trunks and go for a swim after supper.”
“Sounds like fun.”
To Fallon it didn’t sound as if Hank would want to rush off after supper. It gave him hope for a night spent at the hotel. They could take a leisurely walk through the restored formal garden behind the hotel, and then they could go for a swim. Fallon hoped that Hank would consider staying overnight. The hotel had a very romantic atmosphere, and Fallon would take advantage of that.
“This place is incredible,” Hank said as they walked through the huge lobby toward the dining room. Gleaming woodwork, brilliantly-lit chandeliers, and pristine ivory and silver wallpaper were just the beginning of the incredible amount of detail that had been followed to restore the hotel. Fallon had taken a tour through the entire hotel, but he was now seeing it again as Hank was seeing it. “It looks fancier than the Silver Star Hotel.”
“I’d say that was a toss-up. This hotel is much larger, of course, but the Silver Star can hold its own.”
“I’ve peeked in the window a few times,” Hank confessed. “There seems to be a lot of gilt.”
Fallon nodded as they waited behind another couple. “Yes, there is that. Have you ever eaten there?”
“No. I don’t think it really fits into my budget.”
“There is the Sunday brunch. Everyone is welcome. You pay what you can afford. And if you can’t pay, you’re still more than welcome.”
“Wow, that’s incredible. It’s also very generous.”
“The Redford family is like that. Colt Redford owns the hotel. Like me, he took it over from his father. The store’s Christmas party is held at the Silver Star every year. You just missed it by a few days last year,” Fallon told him. “Ah, good, it appears as though we will be seated quickly. I have to admit, I’m getting a little hungry.”
Hank nodded and grimaced. “Me, too. I’m afraid I wasn’t very hungry earlier.”
Although Hank’s arrest was not something they could ignore, Fallon didn’t want thoughts of it to ruin their evening. Hank was beginning to relax. He had even stopped fussing with the suit, as he became comfortable with wearing it. Fallon wanted to do whatever he could to take the man’s mind off his problems. He wanted the night to be a special one.
“That’s completely understandable. Well, you won’t be disappointed with the portions here. I always have the Porterhouse. There’s nothing quite like it. It’s so tender it melts in your mouth.”
They both laughed when Hank’s stomach growled loudly. Color flared in the man’s cheeks. Fallon ignored the urge to kiss him. “I guess that does sound good.”
Their table was near a window that gave them an excellent view of the garden and the lake beyond it. Fallon studied Hank as the younger man studied the landscape beyond the glass. Hank was very attractive. He kept his dark, reddish-brown hair a little on the long side. Taming it didn’t seem to be an option. Fallon couldn’t remember Hank’s hair ever submitting to a comb, although the slight messiness was a part of Hank that Fallon wouldn’t change.
Fallon’s gaze went to the straight nose and dark pink lips. The man had an elegant profile. Fallon had studied it at length when he had woken before Hank that morning. With the uncovered skylight overhead, the early morning light had filtered in over them. Hank had been so cute and sweet-looking as he slept, his hair a mess, his lips slightly parted. It had taken every bit of willpower he possessed to not wake Hank with a thousand kisses.
Now Hank turned away from the view of the lake to look at Fallon, his amber eyes filled with happiness. It was something Fallon always wanted to see. The events of that morning would not be repeated. Not if Hank allowed Fallon to help him. Hank had seemed relieved that Fallon had provided a lawyer for him. Brodie was representing Hank as a favor to Fallon. Although the man was officially retired, preferring to work on his ranch rather than in a courtroom, Brodie was more than willing to help Hank get out of the mess he found himself in.
“Can we take a walk down there after supper?” Hank asked eagerly, reaching across the table as naturally as anything Fallon had ever seen. His heart leapt in his chest as he placed his hand in Hank’s. Slender fingers wrapped around Fallon’s. “It’ll be cold, but we could be brave for a few minutes.”
Smiling, Fallon nodded. “Maybe the wind will die down by then. Even if it doesn’t, a brisk walk around the garden and down to the lake will be nice. Then we’ll get swim trunks and go for a swim.”
The salad arrived, and they devoted the next few minutes to eating. As they ate their meal a short time later, however, Fallon decided to make a more personal probe into Hank’s past, a boundary he had not crossed before. He knew about the drug use, of course, but felt it was time he learned something about the man’s family and what some of his hopes and dreams were.
After all, Fallon needed to know if it was possible for him to become a part of Hank’s dreams.
Chapter Nine
It was the best date Hank had ever been on. It didn’t hurt that Fallon was part of the equation. After supper they walked through the garden, admiring the shrubbery cleverly-shaped into animals and other whimsical creatures. There was a small maze, which they promptly became lost in. Fallon made being lost a lot of fun. There were a lot of stolen kisses and enough mutual groping to set his blood on fire. By the time they found their way out Hank was ready to drag Fallon back into the hotel and get a room for the night. The idea of driving all the way back to town while he was primed held no appeal whatsoever.
After walking along the edge of the lake, admiring it as the surface caught the last rays of the sun coming between the mountains, Fallon took Hank into his arms. They stared at each other for several seconds. Hank’s gaze dropped to Fallon’s mouth. They had already kissed several times during the past half hour, but Hank was quickly discovering that he was craving Fallon’s kisses more with each one.
Fallon was the most in
credibly sexy man Hank had ever met. He was also intelligent and had a great sense of humor. Overall, he was about as perfect as any man could be. As far as Hank knew, Fallon had led an exemplary life, free of chaos and major mistakes. It was this fact that Hank compared the facts of his own life with. What could he possibly have to offer this terrific man? Beyond the obvious, of course. Hank didn’t see their present relationship as anything more than mutual enjoyment. It wouldn’t last. Hank didn’t foresee a future together, despite the fact that Fallon seemed to really like Hank, liked having him around. He just hoped when they did end their fling, it didn’t get awkward or weird at work. Hank enjoyed his job. He would hate to have to find another. Well, that was if he didn’t get sent off to prison. That would definitely put an end to his worry about whether or not Fallon would want him on a permanent basis.
There was no kiss, however. Hank finally came out of his thoughts to realize Fallon was just looking down at him with an amused expression on his face.
“Ready to go swimming?”
Feeling his cheeks heat up, Hank nodded. “Sure. Should be fun.”
As they walked hand in hand through the garden and toward the sprawling hotel, Fallon asked, “Do you mind telling me where you drifted off to?”
“I was thinking about your lips and what a good kisser you are.”
Fallon stopped and brought Hank around to stand in front of him. They were away from the lights placed at intervals near the edge of the lake. It was darker here, and Hank was happy about that.
“Then my kisses must depress you because you were definitely looking as if someone took your ice cream cone or stole your puppy.”
Hoping a partial truth was better than spilling his guts about everything troubling him, Hank offered that crumb. “I was just thinking about this trouble I found myself in today. I don’t know if it’s going to be enough to have a good lawyer.”
“An excellent lawyer. Brodie is one of the best.”
“I hope so. I’m going to need one.”
“You’re worrying too much, and I don’t want you to. Brodie is actually retired, but is representing you as a favor to me. We’ve been friends a long time.”
That interested Hank. It could also help divert Fallon’s attention from Hank and the truth that was just wandering around waiting for Hank to give it up. “How good of friends?” he asked curiously. “Is Brodie gay?”
Fallon chuckled and bent to kiss the tip of Hank’s nose. “Very good friends. And yes, Brodie is gay.”
“Were you and he ever…?” Hank couldn’t even finish the question. Firstly, it wasn’t any of his business. Secondly, he didn’t want to think about the two handsome men having sex together.
Hank’s nose was kissed again. Why did Hank have the feeling Fallon was laughing at him? Strong arms slid around him and pulled him very close. “Brodie and I are just friends. That’s it. We’ve never been attracted to each other.”
Disbelief filled Hank. He was outraged on Fallon’s behalf. “What’s wrong with the guy? Is he blind?”
“Easy, there, baby. I’m a little too tall and muscular for Brodie. He loves his twinks. Now let’s go swimming. It will warm us up.”
They visited one of the hotel’s small shops to purchase swim trunks. A few minutes later, they were in the pool. They swam for over an hour, until they were both pleasantly tired. It was then Fallon granted Hank’s secret wish.
“How would you feel about spending the night here?” Fallon asked softly after they changed their clothes and left the dressing rooms.
“That would be cool.”
“Some say the place is haunted,” Fallon warned.
Hank shivered, but didn’t let his smile waver. “Oh, heck, what’s a ghost or two? I hope they like to watch,” he added, winking.
“I guess we’ll find out. Come on, let’s go get a room. I’m afraid I can’t wait to make love to you again.”
That worked for Hank. It didn’t take long for them to get a room. It wasn’t until they were on their way upstairs that something occurred to Hank. “We don’t have the necessities!” he cried, looking up at Fallon with disbelief and disappointment.
“Baby, I’m a man who knows how to plan.” He patted his left pocket. “I won’t say I never leave home without being prepared, but this is a special occasion.”
Sagging against the taller man, Hank let out a sigh of relief. “Oh, good to know. I thought we would just be friends without all of the benefits tonight.”
“I’m certain one of the shops sells the necessities. If not, I believe we could have figured out something to keep ourselves entertained. Now, come on, let’s get upstairs and shower the chlorine off.”
Hank was all for that. His skin was beginning to itch. He would take his new clothes to the cleaner the next day. He knew he should consider looking for a place to stay while his legal troubles were keeping him away from home. Fallon was a generous, considerate person, but Hank felt it was up to him to prevent Fallon from becoming too embroiled in his life and troubles.
But that was something he would deal with tomorrow. Right now, Hank was all about making love with this beautiful man in this beautiful place.
The loud, unexpected shriek, followed by delighted laughter and the patter of feet on the hardwood floor, was enough to make Hank jump and spin around. “What the hell?” There was more laughter, a soft breeze passing over his face, and what felt like a touch on his hand. There was absolutely no one in sight. Hank shivered. “Uh, I think we just met a ghost.”
“At least it seems friendly.”
“Yes—friendly. We’ll go with that. Where the hell is our room?”
Fallon laughed and directed him to a door near the end of the long hallway. “It’s right down here, but I really don’t know that closed and locked doors have much effect in preventing ghosts from coming in, if that’s their intention.”
The moment the door closed behind them Hank forgot all about ghosts. Fallon began to strip off Hank’s clothes, a determined glint in his dark gray eyes.
Hank didn’t just stand there. He reached up to push the dark jacket Fallon wore off broad shoulders. That meant Fallon had to stop what he was doing. He stood there with a patient smile as Hank peeled off the jacket and then the silk tie and white shirt.
Once Hank had Fallon bare from the waist up, he began to strip off his own clothes. As sexy as being undressed was, it was obvious Fallon was all about the quality of the moment. Hank appreciated that. He truly did, but right now he wanted them both naked and on the bed. Thoughts of a shower were forgotten.
Fallon, however, had other ideas. Undressed, a condom and lube in his hand, he walked to an oversized chair and sat down. He smiled and spread his long legs. Hank didn’t waste any more time. He hurried across the room and kneeled between Fallon’s legs, inhaling the man’s musky scent as he did so. The man’s balls and cock were only inches away. Hank’s mouth watered for a taste as he admired the aroused flesh.
Not wanting to waste another second of the night, Hank leaned forward and took Fallon’s cock into his hand. The skin did feel like velvet, and he stroked it gently, causing Fallon to moan. Opening his mouth, Hank took the wide head between his lips, sucking on the tip and savoring the droplets of creamy, salty, tangy pre-cum. Hank began to do some moaning of his own as his mouth slid slowly down the rigid, velvety length of Fallon’s cock.
Relaxing his throat, Hank took as much of the long cock as he could. He rubbed the underside with his tongue as he pulled back, stroking the thick, twisted veins as he did so. Then he concentrated on the ultra-sensitive bundle of nerves beneath the head. Fallon’s moans became louder, longer, both encouraging and emboldening Hank.
Cupping Fallon’s balls, Hank explored them gently, tugging gently, stretching the sac with equal gentleness, until Fallon’s hips began to rise and fall. He slid his mouth up and down Fallon’s cock as Fallon began to fuck his mouth. Hank looked up at Fallon face to see that he was being watched closely. With that in mind, he
released Fallon’s balls, to stroke behind them. The tips of his fingers explored the man’s perineum before sliding over the tight pucker of Fallon’s asshole. Hank wasn’t much of a top. He did so occasionally, with the right partner. Hank couldn’t even fantasize about topping a man like Fallon because he doubted Fallon had ever bottomed. Still, he would love to bury his cock deep in the man’s ass. Pausing long enough to wet his finger, he found Fallon’s asshole again and gently pushed through the ring of muscles. He then began to explore as his mouth slid down the length of Fallon’s cock.
Fallon came hard, his shout filling the room as Hank’s probing finger found Fallon’s gland. Spurts of hot cum filled Hank’s mouth. He swallowed quickly, not wanting to lose even a drop. Strong fingers, fingers he hadn’t noticed until that moment, gripped his hair tightly. He winced, but kept sucking Fallon’s flesh until it began to soften between his lips. Sighing, Hank let it slip from between his lips and rested his cheek against Fallon’s thigh.
They remained like that for several minutes, their breathing the only sounds to be heard in the room, Fallon’s fingers now stroking his hair gently. Hank turned his head to kiss the inside of Fallon’s thigh.
“Here,” Fallon said. “Finish what you started.”
Opening his eyes, Hank saw the condom and lube. He swallowed hard and leaned back to look up at Fallon. He didn’t seem to be joking.
Heat filled Hank’s cheeks. “You want me to top you?”
“Yes, baby, I do.”
“But I don’t…often.”
Fallon smiled. “Neither do I, bottom that is—often. Only with the right man. Let’s just say it’s been a while.”
Hank didn’t really know how to process that information. He stared at Fallon. Hank’s dick throbbed against his belly as he kneeled at Fallon’s feet.
“Okay,” he finally said in a low voice. “If you’re sure.”
