by Rye Hart
I slapped his arm playfully. He laughed his deep, belly laugh and then hugged me to him.
“I’m serious, though,” Michael said. “I have so many things I want to do with you. So many experiences I want us to share.”
“Like what?” I asked.
“Everything,” Michael said. “We’ll start with Paris. We’ll kiss in front of the Eiffel Tower. Then, we’ll go to Venice and ride in a gondola. Maybe swim off the coast of Australia. Go on a safari in Africa.”
“Wow,” I said. “You really mean everything.”
“Everything,” Michael said with a determined nod. “If you want to.”
I kissed him and grinned.
“There’s one thing I want to do first, though,” I said.
“What’s that?” he asked.
“New Year’s Eve is tomorrow,” I said. “A good midnight kiss is something I’ve never experienced. Not once.”
“Me neither,” Michael said.
“Really?”
“Really.”
We smiled and sank back into each other. We only left Michael’s bed to get food and use the bathroom. He and I both drifted in and out of sleep that night, holding each other tightly and kissing whenever we felt like it.
The next day, we went into town to get things for a celebration. New Year’s Eve was our way of making up for Christmas. We didn’t see each other then, so we wanted this holiday to be perfect, especially our midnight kiss.
We bought decorations and food, champagne and fancy glasses. It was a party just for us, but we didn’t care. We spent the entire day making preparations and getting everything ready.
“This is insane,” I said when everything was done. “I feel like we should invite the whole town over or something.”
I looked around the living room. It was covered in New Year’s decorations. The champagne bottle was chilling in a bucket of ice on the coffee table, two glasses placed on either side. Platters of food accompanied it, and we had a bowl of candy on every flat surface. It looked like the makings of a great night, but definitely not a quiet evening for two.
“We aren’t inviting anyone else,” Michael said firmly. “This is just for us. Just for you.”
He kissed me lightly and then twirled me around the living room. We danced for hours, laughing and letting the rest of the world slip away.
When it was almost midnight, we turned on the T.V. to watch the ball drop in New York City. It was also something neither of us had ever done.
“We’ll go one year,” Michael said. “We can watch it in person.”
“I heard New York is insane on New Year’s,” I said. “So many people.”
“Who cares?” Michael said. “We’ll still have fun.”
“Okay,” I said. “We’ll go one year.”
Michael smiled and wrapped his arms around me. We watched as the countdown began. Michael whispered in my ear the entire time.
“Ten,” he said. “Nine… eight…”
I giggled as his warm breath tickled me. He kissed my earlobe with seven seconds left to go. At six, he kissed my cheek. At five, he kissed my nose.
“Four,” he said. “Three… two…”
His lips were inches from mine, and when the crowd in Time’s Square yelled “Happy New Year!” we were already kissing. It felt like the cheers on the T.V. were just for us. We stayed frozen in time, kissing in Michael’s living room, while the rest of the world celebrated the turning of the year.
Finally, Michael lifted me off my feet and carried me to the couch. We didn’t even try to make it to his bedroom before we tore at each other’s clothes.
EPILOGUE
MICHAEL
It was late June when Julie and I finally made it to Paris. I tried to take her sooner, but between work and Josh’s recovery, we just didn’t have the time. Finally, six months after our New Year’s kiss, we were on a plane flying to France. When we landed, it was late, and all we wanted to do was sleep. We spent most the night in our hotel, not leaving the bed unless we had to.
“What do you want to see today?” I asked her the next morning.
“The Eiffel Tower,” she said without missing a beat. “Of course.”
“That’s tonight,” I said. “I promise.”
“Why wait?” she asked. She jutted out her bottom lip in a pout that almost broke me, but I held my ground. I had big plans for us that night, and nothing, not even Julie’s impatience, was going to stand in the way.
“We have a reservation, remember?” I asked.
“I know, I know.” Julie groaned, but smiled.
She was just happy to finally be in Paris. We’d been talking about this trip for so long that neither of us thought it would actually happen. Every time I tried to book the flights and hotel rooms, something always came up. Whether it was my work or Julie’s, Josh’s recovery or his move to Ennis, something always got in the way.
“I can’t believe we’re finally here,” I said, staring out the window in awe.
“Me neither.” Julie laughed. “I was beginning to think it wouldn’t happen.”
“Life got crazy,” I said with a nod. “But we’re here now.”
“Finally.” Julie laughed again.
We spent most of the day just walking around the city. I hadn’t been to Paris in years. The last time, I went for business and didn’t get a chance to see the sights. With Julie by my side though, I wanted to see everything.
We walked through museums and shops, up and down streets and down deserted alleyways. We didn’t bother using a map or taking a tour. We just wanted to discover the city ourselves, in our way.
That was my favorite part of being with Julie. She and I could have adventures that no one else would understand. We didn’t care if we got lost or if we never made it back to our hotel. So long as we were together, the rest of the world disappeared, and our happiness was undeniable.
“Do you know where we are?” she asked as the sun began to set. “We should probably head back to the hotel soon.”
“It’s two blocks this way,” I said, pointing to our left. “Not far.”
“How do you know that?” Julie shook her head. “I’m totally lost.”
I shrugged. “I’ve been paying attention. Or maybe I’m just better with directions than you are.”
Julie glared at me but linked her arm with mine and let me lead the way. We got back to the hotel just in time to get ready for dinner.
“Where are we going again?” Julie asked as she climbed in the shower.
“It’s someplace by the Tower,” I said. “It’s supposed to have an amazing view.”
“Sounds perfect,” Julie said.
She disappeared behind the shower curtain, and I hurried back into the bedroom. I was already dressed and ready, but my palms were sweaty from nerves. I thumbed through my suitcase, frantically searching for the little black box I knew was buried at the bottom. When I found it, I tucked it safely in my coat pocket before Julie could see a thing.
My phone rang, drawing my attention away from my plans for the evening. I saw Josh’s name flashing on the screen.
“Hey,” I said. “Everything okay?”
“I’m good,” Josh said. “Just calling to wish you luck.”
“Thanks.” I grinned and lowered my voice. “She’s in the shower.”
“I figured you guys were about ready to head out,” Josh said. “You nervous?”
“Yes,” I said. “That’s an understatement.”
“How bad would it suck if she said no?” Josh teased.
“Fuck you,” I said.
Josh laughed, and I quickly joined him. There was nothing like my big brother making fun of me to calm my nerves and get me ready for the biggest night of my life.
“You’ll be fine,” Josh said. “She loves you.”
“Thanks, man.”
Ever since his accident, things between Josh and I had changed. We weren’t just brothers who barely knew each other. We tried harder to stay close,
and in doing so, we became friends. In just six months, he and I became almost inseparable.
Josh’s accident changed everything for him. He reprioritized his life and became a totally different person. He quit his job at the hospital, deciding that family medicine was a better option. He moved to Ennis and met Jennifer, his girlfriend of three months.
They were insanely in love already. I’d never seen him so committed to anyone. It was amazing how quickly things could change. Suddenly, we were double-dating all the time. Josh and Julie had become real friends, better friends than they were when they dated.
It was like everything had fallen into place after Josh’s accident. He changed. We all changed. Even Sheila came around more often. She and I were still nervous around each other, and I wasn’t sure that would ever change, but it was better now. Better than I could have hoped.
Even my adopted parents had begun to accept my new family. They were scared at first. My mom worried I would replace her and forget about them, but I managed to convince her that would never happen. She welcomed Josh with open arms and, slowly, she was starting to accept Sheila as well. They weren’t exactly friends, but they were friendly.
“Hey, you,” Julie said. I turned around to see her standing in the doorway of the bathroom.
Steam billowed out around her. She was naked, not even bothering to wrap a towel around herself. My stomach tightened with need.
“You’re the devil,” I said. “You know we have to leave.”
“Just a little something to get you through the night.” She winked and disappeared back into the bathroom.
I laughed to myself and patted the ring inside my pocket. Julie was the perfect woman. There wasn’t a doubt in my mind that she was the one.
When Julie was dressed, we made our way downstairs. I ordered a car to take us to dinner. Before we even arrived at the restaurant, we saw the Eiffel Tower. It was lit up and gorgeous. Julie’s eyes flew wide as she stared up at it.
“It’s even better at night,” she whispered.
We ate dinner, talking and drinking wine like our lives depended on it. This was our very first vacation together and, already, I didn’t want to go home. I could have lived in Paris forever if it meant keeping Julie by my side.
Dinner ended, and I took Julie by the hand. I led her outside and past the car. She frowned, confused.
“Where are we going?” she asked.
“We had a plan, remember?” I said. “You promised we’d make out in front of the Eiffel Tower.”
“I don’t think I ever promised that,” Julie said, laughing lightly.
“In my mind, you definitely did.”
We walked into a clearing just in front of the Tower. Julie was smiling up at the structure with those same wide, enchanted eyes. I couldn’t look away from her face. She was the only thing I saw, the only thing real in my life.
I took her arm and spun her toward me. She giggled just as our lips collided. I wrapped my arms around her waist, kissing her slowly. The moment was everything I hoped it would be.
When we pulled apart, I reached into my coat pocket and got down on one knee. Julie’s eyes were wider than ever. She stared down at me, shocked and speechless.
“There are so many things I want to say to you,” I said. My voice was weak, but I kept going. “My love for you is stronger than anything I’ve ever felt in my entire life. Julie, I can’t even begin to tell you just how much I need you.”
“Oh my god.”
“I’ve never loved anyone the way I love you,” I said. “You’re everything to me. Everything.”
“Michael.” Julie’s eyes filled with tears.
“When we planned this trip, I could think of only one thing,” I said. “If I’m sure of anything, it’s that you and I were meant to be together. Always.”
I swallowed hard and opened the box. Julie’s eyes flickered to the ring and then back to my face. She was crying in earnest now, tears sliding down her cheeks.
“Julie,” I said. “Will you marry me?”
Her answering nod was the best moment of my life. She laughed through her tears and flung herself at me. I caught her and stood up, spinning her in a fast circle before setting her back on her feet.
I slid the ring on her shaking finger and kissed her. She was crying and laughing while I could barely contain my excitement.
“I love you,” she said.
“I love you, too.”
We kissed again, right there in front of the Eiffel Tower. People around us began to applaud, but we barely noticed. We were lost in each other, and nothing else mattered.
The End
FORBIDDEN TOUCH
A Second Chance Step Brother Romance
CHAPTER ONE - CALEB
“Let’s see who can snag the first hot piece of tail tonight.” Jason said with a sly grin, as he handed me a cigarette.
“Don’t’ worry. I’m in a charitable mood. I’ll send the first one that comes my way your direction. You can thank me later.” I said as I grabbed the cigarette and proceeded to light it up.
Tyler chuckled and shook his head. He was in his early forties, married with two kids so he relished in being the amused spectator, while Jason and I chased women. The two of us, on the other hand, were bachelors in our late twenties and self-admitted horn dogs.
We were walking towards our favorite hangout, McConnel’s Pub, ready for a much needed drink - or five. The pub was right around the corner from the fire station and the perfect post-shift hangout. Over the years, the three of us generally ran the same shifts and we grew close. I guess facing life threatening conditions together made it that way.
Working around the clock with a twelve-hour rotation for five days hit me hard, but not hard enough to stop me from my usual indulgences: booze and mind-blowing sex. Tonight, my body was yearning for the later at a whole new level. I felt the pressure rising in my pants as I walked into the pub like a predator seeking his prey. Down boy.
When I was on the job, nothing else mattered, and that was what made me such a damn good fire fighter. But the second my rotations ended, my body was eager for a much-needed release. I was a creature of habit.
We stepped inside McConnel’s and moved toward the bar. I ordered my usual shot of bourbon and slid onto the nearest stool. Jason was already making his way to a blond sitting in a booth in the corner of the room. The poor man wasn’t the brightest tool; it was evident that she was waiting on a date. The fact that the blond was sitting in the corner so focused on her phone gave it away. No girl coming to a bar to get laid would sit away from traffic and be so preoccupied with sending someone else texts.
Not wasting any time, I scanned the room slowly. A sexy little brunette was leaning against the back wall, a martini in her hand, and a hungry look in her eyes. She was hot, but looked desperate with too much makeup and an outfit that didn’t leave enough to the imagination.
I kept searching until a leggy red head walked through the door and claimed my attention. She was gorgeous in a slutty way, wearing a tight little number that highlighted her tits and ass. She was on the prowl, but classy enough.
I watched her approach the bar, her head held high, and her long red curls cascading down her back.
“I’ll catch you later.” I said as I eye fucked the red head. Tyler gave a knowing nod and proceeded to focus on the football game playing on the TV.
With an easy gait, I walked over to her and put my arm on the bar in front of her. She glanced at me as if she was already bored.
Fuck, my interest was piqued.
The bartender slid a fire-engine red drink to her. She reached toward her purse, but I grabbed her hand to stop her. Her eyes met mine, and I shook my head, already slipping a twenty to the bartender.
“Thank you,” she said, inclining her head toward me.
Without a word, I raised my glass. She clinked her own against it and then took a small sip. I mimicked her, never once dropping her gaze.
“So,” she said. “N
ame?”
“Caleb. Yours?”
“I’m Trish.”
“Anything else, Caleb?” the bartender asked. I shook my head. “Heading back to the station?”
“Not until tomorrow,” I said. “Finally got a night off.”
“The station?” Trish asked, her eyes full of interest now. I should have known all I had to do was drop the fireman bomb, and she’d melt in my hands.
“Fire station,” I said.
“Well, well…,” Trish said, grinning and taking a step toward me.
“Well?” I asked.
She stepped forward once more. “I’ve always wanted to see the inside of a fire station. You can say it’s on my bucket list,” she said softly, her lips barely an inch from mine. “Could you give me a personal tour?”
My cock twitched at her words. She leaned back to search my eyes. It was too easy. One mention of my job and this girl was practically falling on my dick. Usually, I liked a challenge but I had a long day so this would do. I set my now empty glass down and nodded toward the door. She downed her drink, giggled with excitement, and followed me outside.
We didn’t speak as we walked to the station. There wasn’t anything left to say. I wanted someone to screw, she wanted to fulfill a fantasy. It was a win-win.
I led her through the back door toward my sleeping quarters. The bunks were still empty, and I could hear voices coming from the common area. Everyone still on-call was hanging out, wasting time until a call came in. Lucky for me, I didn’t have to worry about anything tonight. The only thing that needed my focus was Trish’s tits and her sure-to-be-glorious pussy.
She looked around the bunk area, a sultry smile on her face. When she turned back to face me, she slid her dress to the floor in one smooth motion. She was naked beneath it, and the sight of her bare skin propelled me forward.
“Let’s get started with that personal tour. We can start with my cock,” I growled and threw her backward on my bunk.
She giggled while I stripped naked. I made sure she had a good view of my full triceps and abs, which I earned from weight training at the station. She licked her lips as I lowered my boxers to let out my cock which stood in salute in front of her naked body. I climbed on top of her. We kissed hard and fast, it was wet and sloppy, sexy in a desperate sort of way. I bit her bottom lip and moved my lips down to her perky tits. I took her nipple in my mouth, and she cried out with pleasure, louder than I expected.
