by Jerry Cole
I pushed the thought away since he needed to call for anything to happen. I had a busy life at the theater and friends to spend time with. I was not going to be the guy to pine away over someone that didn’t want me.
I had enough ex-boyfriends in my past to know the rights and wrongs of relationships.
I stayed with Becca for a while, heading home to get some clean clothes before work. We both worked the theater that night, and while it was going to be slower, we always had a good crowd. I took a shower and fixed my hair before putting the clothes on. I headed out, choosing to walk since I only lived a block away from the theater.
Becca stood by the coffee cart, helping Kelly get ready for the evening crowd. The cart opened with the first matinee play, but every shift took care of stocking up. “Hi, did he call?” She grinned at me, and I rolled my eyes.
“It’s been half a day. Slow your roll.” She laughed, and Kelly shot me a smile.
“Is she trying to marry you off again?” Kelly asked, making me laugh.
“It would seem so,” I smirked, heading to the office to clock in. I was working will call before helping out backstage tonight. I had tomorrow off and worked to cover a shift Thursday, so my next day off wasn’t until Monday. Since I worked late Saturday, I’d have to miss a lot of the party and take it easy.
I worked backstage all night, only leaving when the cast went to the lobby. I stopped by the coffee cart, and Becca handed me a coffee with a smile. “How did it go?”
“They loved it.” I sipped the strong brew and rolled my head around my shoulders. “What’s going on when we close?”
“Keith mentioned eating somewhere. Want to go and then crash at my place?” She asked, and I nodded. It was the regular hang, but I liked it. I loved this place and the people that I worked with.
I woke up the following morning to the sound of my phone vibrating on the nightstand. I reached for it, grinning when I saw Gray’s name on the screen. I’d be pissed if he called in the morning, but it was ten, and I usually slept this late.
Would you like to meet for coffee?
How about lunch? I got in late last night after work. There’s a great cafe on the corner near the apartment.
Luna’s? I love that place. How does noon work for you?
Perfect. I’ll see you there.
I set the phone down, mentally planning the next two hours. I had enough clothes here to come up with something casual to wear. I just needed a shower and coffee. I rose and went to the kitchen to find Becca sipping coffee on the balcony as she sent messages. “Mari?” I asked, and she gave me a bright smile. I poured some coffee and looked over the city as I sipped it. I was thinking about the surprise this morning, and it was making me feel something I hadn’t for a while.
Excitement? It felt more like I was alive again.
“What’s up? What are we doing today?” Becca asked as she set the phone on the bistro table beside her.
“I have a lunch date,” I told her as her eyes widened.
“He called you?” She asked as I chuckled.
“He asked me to meet him for coffee. I asked to make it lunch so that I won’t look like complete shit.”
“That’s amazing! You can ask him about the party. You’ll have a date!” I narrowed my eyes, and she threw her hands up. “He called to ask you to have coffee. That’s a date, so he must like you.”
“You’re right. I just need to get through this lunch.” I scrubbed a hand through my hair and stared at her. “I like this guy, B.”
“I can see that, but I think he likes you too. Don’t worry.” She gave me a reassuring smile, and I drank some more coffee.
“I need to take a shower and find clothes. He picked Luna’s, so I’m thinking casual.” She nodded in agreement. “Is Mari excited?”
“So much so. I can’t wait to have her here for a week.” Becca beamed, making me realize she was in love with Mari. “The party is going to be a blast. We’ll have fun hanging out in the city. I can just lie in bed with her beside me. It’s going to be perfect.”
“One of you needs to make the move, B. It’s been almost a year, and you’re going strong.” I raised a brow, and she glanced up at me.
“We’re going to talk about that. I think that she likes it here a lot, and she can freelance anywhere. She might need something with a company here, but we’d be okay.” Becca looked hopeful, both of us knowing we didn’t want to leave the other. “She can stay here. Do you mind?”
“This is your place. I just crash here sometimes. You don’t need to ask me that,” I told her as she shrugged.
“I think of it as yours. You’ll be here a lot, I hope. You like Mari, right?” I burst out laughing, making her look confused.
“She’s great. You two are perfect for each other.” I looked back over the buildings, thinking of my future.
“Go get ready for this date. You’ll have your perfect before you know it.” I finished my coffee, taking the cup into the kitchen. I took a shower while brushing my teeth, staring into the mirror. I knew I was a good-looking guy. There was never any doubt about that, but Gray was carelessly gorgeous. He looked good the way that he presented himself, and I needed so much upkeep.
I sighed and styled my hair, walking into the guest room to look through my small stash of clothes. I found some jeans and set them aside before selecting a gray button-up shirt, pairing it with a white t-shirt underneath. It was casual, but it looked like I tried, particularly since the shirt brought out my eyes.
I dressed and slipped my feet into new chucks before walking out to present myself to Becca. “You look hot.” She looked up from her phone with a wide smile.
“I suppose I should head over there. Wish me luck.” She jumped up to hug me, making me smile.
“I love you. Sweep him off his feet,” she sang as I grabbed my keys to head toward the door.
Chapter Three
Gray
I walked into the cafe a few minutes before noon. I planned to find the perfect table with privacy and a view, so we could talk and get to know one another properly.
I felt something the moment I saw Hayden. He was gorgeous in that way that made me stop walking at the theater. If Gram hadn’t been beside me, I would have taken a few moments to stare at him. Seeing the way that he looked at me told me that he felt the same way, so I decided to try to pursue it once we ran into each other again.
It was fate.
I greeted the hostess, telling her my name as she checked the list. She asked where I’d like to sit, grinning when I told her it was a date. She took me back to a table that overlooked the water in the corner of the restaurant. It offered a perfect sense of privacy, and I looked around with a pleased smile. “This is perfect.”
“I hope everything goes well.” She gave me a look that told me she was envious of my date, making me wonder what she’d think when she saw Hayden arrive. Most people didn’t realize I was gay at first sight, so it surprised them. She seemed as though she might be one of those, but I had never wanted a woman, and I wouldn’t start now.
I asked for some water and settled in my seat to wait for him. The weather today was on the sunny side, and I admired the reflection on the water. I hadn’t been on a date for seven months since breaking up with my ex. I wanted to wait for someone special, knowing that Hayden was that guy.
I looked toward the front of the restaurant, sitting up straight when I saw him. He was laughing with the hostess, dressed in jeans and a gray shirt that made his eyes a brighter blue than the first time that I saw him.
He looked amazing.
I watched as he glanced back toward me, his face breaking into a smile. Hayden strode toward me, and I rose to meet him, feeling my voice catch. “Hey, Gray. Thanks for the invitation.”
“It was no problem.” I reached out to hug him, and he reached out to pull me closer. We stayed that way for a few beats before pulling away, disappointment crossing both of our faces.
We settled down in the seats a
nd looked over the menus, sharing long looks. He ordered the turkey salad, and I chose the French dip, smiling when the waitress moved to take the order to the kitchen.
“Did you work last night?” I asked, and he nodded with a smile.
“I didn’t usher. I worked will call and then backstage. If I’m not performing, then I’m back helping.” I could see him up there, throwing his heart into the role.
“Why aren’t you in this play?” I asked, and a dark expression crossed his face.
“Truth?” He asked, and I nodded. “I broke up with someone a month ago. I wasn’t feeling it when the auditions started for this play, so I sat it out. I’ve just been spending a lot of time with Becca and regrouping.”
“There’s nothing wrong with that,” I assured him as he shook his head.
“Sitting here, it doesn’t make sense to me. I’m happier without him.” He smiled, and I nodded, feeling the same way about the distant memory of my ex.
“I feel the same way.” The conversation flowed, and I realized that while we looked different, Hayden and I had the same basic morals and goals in life. We laughed at the same things. When we finished lunch, he asked if I wanted to take a walk on the water, and I agreed.
I paid the bill, shutting him down when he argued with me. We left the building, and I took his hand as we turned down the wide path to the water. His skin was warm, and he moved close to me, laughing at something I said. “This is a perfect day,” I told him, feeling Hayden squeeze my hand.
“It is. I didn’t think I’d want to date after Dom. I felt like I put my all into that, and it got me nowhere. I have my apartment, and I’ve barely been staying there since I feel better at Becca’s.” He sighed, and I turned to look down at him. “I’m hopeless.”
“It sounds like you’re close. There’s nothing wrong with that.” I squeezed, and he smiled. “What about family?”
“We don’t talk too often. They live in Vermont with their arrogant friends and my twin brother, Micah. They didn’t approve of my lifestyle. I got the chance to come to school here and jumped at it. I met Becca the first year, and it was like meeting my other half without sex.” I laughed and nodded, getting it. “I’ve never been into girls, and I don’t understand why she threatens guys. Becca has a girlfriend in San Diego. She doesn’t want this.” I laughed again, feeling the carefree way Hayden lived his life.
“You have a twin brother?” I asked, watching as he nodded solemnly. “Do you talk at all?”
“Holidays, even though I haven’t been back there in years. He’s a lawyer at one of the best firms in the state. We weren’t ever that close, being different from day one.” Hayden smiled at me. “It’s okay. I have my family here in Washington. Becca and the theater are all I need, apart from you.” He leaned in to kiss me, catching me off guard as I paused.
“Do you mean that?” I asked, feeling him nod before kissing me again.
“I knew the moment I saw you at the play. I felt something instantly, but I didn’t want to be obvious with your grandma there.” I kissed him, and we turned toward each other, wrapping arms around bodies as our tongues danced together.
We took a break to catch our breath, leaning against a pole together. “She knows all about me. Gram’s never judged me.”
“That’s how families should be.” He pressed his mouth against mine, and I felt Hayden press closer. My body responded to him, cock pressing into his as we both moaned.
“I want you,” I told him as his hands gripped my hair. “Where is your apartment?”
“Three blocks away,” Hayden replied as I slid my hands down his back.
“Can we go there?” I asked, and he nodded. We made our way down the street, choosing to drive in one car. I pressed the pedal down to get there as fast as possible, pulling into an older complex at his direction. Parking, we left the car, and he led me to a second-story apartment before unlocking the door. I got him inside, kicking the door closed before pressing him to the wall. “I’m not like this, Hayden. It’s been a while, but I’m here because I want you.”
“I know,” he breathed, kissing my jaw as his hands reached for the button on my jeans. I moaned as he ripped them open, sliding his hand over my boxers to cup my cock.
We stumbled to the couch and fell, Hayden, crashing over me. We both cried out, grinding into each other as teeth dragged across my jaw. I flipped him, turning Hayden to his back before I reached for his pants. I shot him a curious look, seeing him nod as I pulled the zipper down. “Thanks for asking,” he said, raising his body to help get them down.
I ripped my shirt off, seeing him bare under the denim. I reached out, gripping him as I began to stroke Hayden. He moaned, dropping his head to the couch. He was thick and hard, hot to the touch. I watched his face as I jerked him off, loving the expression of pure pleasure that he was making. I had no idea if he was dominant or submissive, but I wanted him in all ways.
When I could tell that he was close, I leaned my mouth down to lick the salty tip. He groaned as I sank over him, making my mouth tight around his cock. He jerked forward, making me feel him in the back of my throat. I took it, sucking hard as we rocked in sync, then he gripped my hair. “Cumming,” he said as I kept moving. “Oh, fuck.”
Hayden shot deep into my throat. I wanted this and swallowed hard, taking in every delicious drop. I felt the twitch of my cock, needing to cum soon since it had been months.
“Incredible,” Hayden said, struggling to look at me. I knew he broke up with someone recently, but the sex must have been lacking with his reaction to me. “Give me a sec, and I’ll return the favor.”
“I can’t wait,” I told him, sliding my zipper down before getting us some water. I asked him if he wanted to go to the bedroom, reaching out a hand when he nodded.
“It’s not the cleanest. I haven’t been here.” His voice was soft, and I squeezed.
“It’s fine, Hayden. I’d love to take you to my place sometime, just not tonight. I don’t want to subject Gram to too much.” Hayden laughed and led me into a room at the end of the hall. It was a big room, decorated like I’d picture Hayden doing it. “I like this. It’s you.”
“It is that,” he remarked, making me smile. Hayden playfully pushed me on the bed, sliding my jeans and boxers down. He tossed them to the side with my shoes, staring into my eyes for a long moment. His eyes were dark with lust, and he slid his hand over me. Stroking firmly, I moaned as he gripped me. I closed my eyes, feeling my cock swell in his hand. He moved slow and hard, making me feel the need to cum.
When I was on the edge, he covered me with his mouth. I cried out his name as he slammed down on me, wrapping his warmth tightly around me. It felt better than anything before, and probably after. I came seconds after he took me all the way, moaning and whimpering with joy.
Chapter Four
Hayden
I swallowed every drop as he came, addicted to the taste of him. Gray let out a series of noises that my neighbors likely heard but fuck it. I’ve never had it this good and didn’t mind others hearing it.
“Can I fuck you?” I asked as he nodded. I had some lube and condoms in the drawer and reached for them.
Gray’s voice was breathless, and he slowly rolled to his stomach.
I took the liberty of placing the condom on my cock and slid a slippery finger inside of him. Gray jerked forward, and I felt my cock harden, needing to be inside of him. I told him to get on his knees, watching him struggle before I gripped a hip. I guided myself inside of him, gasping as I buried myself. He rocked with me, making me moan his name as I found our beat. It was perfect, and I thrust a few times, knowing I was close.
“I’m cumming,” I told him as I jerked a few last times, filling him. “Oh, fuck. Feels so good.”
I pulled out, watching as he tumbled to the bed. He turned to his side on my messy sheets, making me cringe. I had no idea anyone would be here, much less me.
I got a cloth to clean him up, pulling him against me when I finished.
I wasn’t a cuddle kind of guy, but holding Gray was calming. His heart was beating fast, and I stroked his hair, nibbling at his neck.
“That’s never felt so good,” he admitted as he tilted his head. “I haven’t slept with a lot of men, but enough to know how good that felt.”
“Any women?” I asked, feeling comfortable to ask him questions.
“No. That was never my thing, so I didn’t try and end up hurting someone.” I could appreciate that.
“I kissed my best friend in high school at a party; Rory. It was like kissing my sister or something, so that was that. I also haven’t slept with a lot of guys, though.” I smiled. “I guess I am a relationship guy.”
“Me, too.” Did that mean we were in a relationship?
“So, do you want to be in one with me?” I asked as Gray chuckled.
“I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t want to,” he assured me as I pulled him closer. “I would have gone home.”
“In that case, want to go to a party on Saturday night? Becca is having it, and though I can’t go until after work, I promised her I’d be there. She wanted me to bring you.” I blushed as I said the last sentence.
“You’ve been talking about me? Tell me more.” I laughed and pressed my lips to his hair.
“She saw you at the theater that night. She’s too sharp to miss anything, so I told her a bit about you.” I smiled. “At the time, I had no idea if I’d ever see you again. Look what happened.”
“It was fate. I’d love to go to a party. Want me to meet you at the theater or the apartment?” He asked as I considered my answer.
“They’re close to each other. I don’t think it matters.” I smiled, and he asked when I finished my shift at work. We made plans to meet at the theater and walk together to the party.
I didn’t plan for Gray to stay the night, but I also didn’t ask him to leave. We talked a bit longer before snuggling together under the sheet, planning on breakfast the following morning.
The sun woke me up the following morning, and I looked around my room. Gray slept hard beside me, and I took that chance to take in my boyfriend.
