by Brynn Paulin
"No...no, she can't," Brennan agreed. His eyes closed, and he buried his fingers in Rory's hair as Rory took him deep. "Damn it, Rory," he gasped. "We have to get to the bus."
"We have time. For this and more."
Fuck... Brennan couldn't disagree. He just moaned quietly as his lover scraped his teeth along the shaft of his cock. Rory cupped Brennan's sac, squeezing as he sucked.
"Rory...please..." Brennan begged.
The other man chuckled and sat back on his heels. "You're right. I don't want you to come like this." Standing, he pulled Brennan to the bed. Brennan, however, was hobbled by his pants and fell into the mattress. Immediately, Rory moved in behind him. His cock pressed to Brennan as he kept him bent over the edge of the bed. At the rip of a condom wrapper, all thought of leaving slipped away. Then the click of the lube's lid and a seemingly interminable wait...
"Rory, hurry up," he demanded.
Rory's hand clapped down on Brennan's ass, and Brennan moaned at the flash of pain. That hand pressed to the middle of his back while Rory's slicked fingers probed Brennan's ass.
He scissored them inside Brennan's passage as he moved them in and out.
He didn't waste time. His cock was there before Brennan's ass was truly ready, but Brennan didn't care. He needed Rory right now, this one last time before they left here. One last time...
He didn't care how rough it was.
Rory drove past the first ring of muscle, pausing with only his tip inside. "Okay?"
"Just fuck me!" Brennan cried into the blankets. His teeth clenched as Rory complied. Brennan's fingers clawed into the mattress, but it wasn't from the pain. Damn, he almost wished it were. Rory pegged his prostate over and over, creating a cry in Brennan's chest that rolled in his throat and threatened to erupt in a full-fledged bellow of pleasure that the entire motel would hear.
Grasping Brennan's hips with both hands, Rory pulled him higher and pounded harder. Brennan's legs shook as the muscles in his ass fisted around Rory. Lava seemed to flow through his balls then explode up the length of his cock. Brennan groaned into the blankets, jerking, only a moment before Rory swore loudly and drove deep inside him one last time.
He pulled free before Brennan was ready and kissed the back of his neck. "Come on, tiger. Let's shower so we don't miss the bus."
Brennan collapsed to the mattress and stared after him. Rory might not be a morning person, but he rallied quickly.
How would he say goodbye to that?
§ § §
Somehow, they managed to make it to the bus on time, getting there before some of the others, even though Rory had been grabby in the shower. As they waited to stow their luggage, Brennan stared at the horizon. Rory furrowed his brow as he studied him.
"What's wrong?" he asked when the other person who'd waited with them got onto the bus, leaving them alone.
"Nothing. I'm just thinking." Brennan turned to him and gave him a distant smile. "Looks like it might start snowing again."
"And..."
"I think you should sit in your original seat on the way home."
He shoved his bag toward the driver who was loading the luggage compartment.
"Wait," Rory said, grabbing Brennan's arm as he started to walk away. "Are you brushing me off?"
"No, I'm---" Brennan shook his head, yanking free. "You know how people talk."
"You didn't care about that last night. Or about a half hour ago."
"Yes. I. Did," Brennan said through clenched teeth, looking at the ground, looking at the driver, looking pretty much anywhere but at Rory. Finally, he shook his head and glared at Rory. "I didn't mean to piss you off. You can sit wherever the hell you want to sit. I'm not rejecting you. That was...that," he said with a wave in the general direction of the motel. "This is work."
Rory's jaw clenched. That sounded like a kiss-off to him.
Turning away, Brennan boarded the bus while Rory handed his things to the driver. When Rory got inside, Brennan was already seated. He'd pulled out a pad of paper and scratched on it with a gnawed-on pencil.
Irritably, Rory dropped into the aisle seat across the bus from him. What the fuck had just happened? This wasn't the warm, laughing man who'd shared himself last night. This was the loner who kept everyone at arm's length.
Facing forward as the last of the passengers got aboard, followed by the driver, Rory tapped his fingers and considered the situation. Something was going on in that convoluted head over there. But what, he'd have to figure out. It would be about four hours before they got home; he had time to plan.
Brennan had turned out to be the perfect lover, and Rory wasn't letting him go this easily.
§ § §
"Hey, Myers."
Startled, Brennan looked up. Rory had been silent for the past couple hours. While Brennan had been painfully aware of the other man, he'd hoped it might last until they pulled up to their office building. Familiar landmarks were appearing, and they'd be there soon.
"Yeah?" he asked.
"You have any particular plans for the holidays? Going to see family?"
What was this about? "No. It's only me and my sister, and she took her family to Disney World for the holidays."
He resumed his sketching. He'd created a new character who had thorn tattoos spiraling his arms. One of his abilities was animating them to bind his enemies. Even in crude form, he strikingly resembled Rory---especially, that wide, muscular chest with the small freckle on the underside of one pec.
"Me, either," Rory remarked. "I'm an only child, and my parents are taking a holiday cruise. They think I'm hanging out with college buddies. I didn't want them to feel guilty."
Brennan looked up then, and Rory smiled at him.
"I'm a good guy that way," Rory said. "Easy to get along with. Self-sufficient. Sacrificing. A real giver."
"And humble, too," Brennan added.
The other man laughed. "I'm sure I could offer a lot of things to recommend me."
Brennan shook his head and couldn't help his half-smile as he turned back to his work. He felt Rory staring at him so he turned back a moment later.
"I waited too long to make a move," Rory confessed. "In case you were wondering, I don't plan to slink off into the night."
Brennan had been thinking that. His lips parted slightly then he drew one corner between his teeth as he contemplated his... well...lover. If what Rory said was true, that's what he was and what Brennan hoped he would be for a while to come.
"Don't tell me you only wanted a one-night thing," Rory went on before Brennan could speak.
"No. Well. I thought it was. I figured once we were back to work that we'd be...just back to work." And at the look on Rory's face, he saw that had been an idiotic assumption, but before Rory could disabuse him of the idea, Erin tottered up the swaying bus.
"Hey guys," she interrupted. "Good thing we're almost back. It's storming again."
They both looked up to see thick flakes bombarding the windows once more. Brennan glanced back to Erin. "You should probably sit down since the weather's so bad."
"I would, but I need to talk to Rory. Problem on the Western front," she quipped, looking at the other man. "The bosses are freaking about the ad problem over at Geek Tymes magazine. They've called an emergency meeting when we get back." She gave an exaggerated sigh. "So much for starting our Christmas break. Oh look! We're here. Man, I can barely see the parking lot entrance. I hope we don't get snowed in here!"
She stumbled into Rory's seat as the bus turned the corner and he caught her around the waist just before she fell chest-first into his face. He held her away then righted her. "For God's sake, Erin. Sit down before you get hurt!"
She giggled. "I won't get hurt with a hero like you to save me."
"Kill me now..." Brennan muttered, but neither of them heard him. He shot Rory a sympathetic look. "Sorry about the meeting."
Rory leaned to the side as Erin climbed over him and settled into the window seat. "It's why I get the big
bucks," he replied, his voice edged with just enough sarcasm for Brennan to read his frustration.
This was the moment, right here. Suddenly, Brennan knew he had to make a move or forget he'd ever slept with Rory. "So, um, if the weather lets up and the meeting isn't too late, did you want to stop over tonight for that, um, drill?" he asked. "You know, for that project you have in mind?"
Rory looked at him blankly for all of ten seconds then, slowly, the side of his mouth lifted and the devil sparked to life in his eyes. "Definitely. The next two weeks are perfect for honing my skills."
"Oh, you two!" Erin laughed. "I just don't get men's fascination with tools and building things."
Struggling not to burst out laughing, Brennan scribbled down his address on a corner of his sketch paper then ripped it off and handed it to Rory.
"It's the only way to keep our man cards," Rory replied, pocketing the slip of paper. "Drilling, pounding, nailing, screwing. I'm telling you. Enough to exhaust a guy."
Chapter Five
Rory wasn't coming...
Brennan had watched the weather get progressively worse the past few hours, the view from his picture window looking like a Currier & Ives Christmas card. Fat snowflakes just wouldn't stop falling and the boughs of the giant pine in his front yard were heavy with the stuff. He'd shoveled his driveway a few times but couldn't hope to keep up.
It had been Christmas for a half hour when he gave up waiting and started turning off lights---in the back of the house first, as hope refused to quietly die. Finally, he flipped the switches in the living room and headed to his bedroom. Alone. It was a far cry from yesterday when Rory had held him tight all night.
Trying not to think about it, he stripped down to the black boxers with Christmas lights printed on them. They might be dorky, but he'd figured they'd give Rory a laugh.
Not tonight.
Seriously, Myers. Snap out of it. You were originally planning to be alone anyway!
It was a funny thing about plans, he decided as he crawled between his cool sheets. Without them, you didn't know what you were missing. He was missing Rory even though it had only been one night for them. Somehow things had just... clicked. He'd never felt as free with anyone as he'd felt with Rory.
Turning on his side, he punched his pillows and closed his eyes with a quick prayer that Rory was safe. Hopefully, he wasn't stuck at the office and trying to bed down on a pair of office chairs or the floor.
With a huff, Brennan sat up. He couldn't sleep if he was worrying. Maybe he should call the office. Would that look too needy?
A loud rap on the front door drove him to his feet, and he shot through the house to answer it. He yanked the door open without looking to see who it was. He knew. He hoped, anyway.
Rory was on the other side, leaning forward with his hands gripping opposite sides of the doorframe. Snow covered him from head to foot, making him appear half-man, half-snow-beast. "I hear there's a chance of snow," he quipped.
"That's getting a little old," Brennan replied, stepping back and letting the man inside. "Where's your car?"
"In a snow bank down the road."
"Are you okay?"
"Fine," Rory replied. "Car's okay, too, I think." He reached for Brennan who dodged away with a bellow.
"Don't you touch me," he laughed.
"Aw, why not?" Rory laughed as he caught him, and his frigid jacket pressed to Brennan's front.
"Bastard," Brennan griped. None-the-less, he was glad Rory was here. Despite himself, he liked Rory's naughty games.
"Cold is fun, and I promise I'll warm you up," Rory murmured.
His icy lips covered Brennan's rigid nipple and his warm breath blew over it.
Brennan reached between them and shoved off Rory's coat.
It fell to the floor with a sodden thunk. Immediately, he pulled off Rory's shirt.
Rory continued kissing Brennan's chest and shoulders, licking and biting as he discovered spots that made Brennan shudder or gasp. He didn't move to help Brennan who soon had him naked.
Brennan rubbed his hands over Rory's icy skin.
"You need a hot shower," he said, tilting his head as Rory sucked on a pulse-point in his neck. How could his man be so cold when fire flowed through his veins?
Rory lifted his head. "I just need a bed and you. Your hot, little body will get me warm."
Brennan punched him in the shoulder.
"Ow!"
"I'm not little, jerk."
"My mistake, tiger." He nipped Brennan's shoulder. "Where's the bedroom?"
Brennan pointed. "The couch is over there."
"I'm sure we'll be more comfortable in a bed, but if you insist." Swiftly, Rory ducked and banged his shoulder into Brennan's abdomen before lifting him into a fireman's carry.
"What the fuck, Rory! Put me down before you give yourself a hernia."
Rory laughed but complied, sliding him to his feet and pressing him to the wall. "Where's the bedroom?" His cold hand slipped inside Brennan's boxers and cupped his sac. Brennan moaned at the sensation against his warm skin. The touch quickly heated, and Rory stroked upward over Brennan's straining cock.
"Bedroom?"
"End of hallway."
"That's better." Turning, Rory headed that way, leading Brennan along by his erection. He immediately pressed Brennan onto the bed, covering him and clasping his wrists beside his head.
Brennan ground against him. "I never thought I'd get a visit from Pervy Santa Claus this year. I musta been really bad."
"Or really good." Rory reached between them and shoved down Brennan's boxers, which Brennan kicked aside. "Too bad, all my toys are in my sleigh down the road."
At that, Brennan paused and pulled his hands from Rory's grasp. Rory let him go, Brennan's serious expression likely compelling him. Brennan cupped his face. "I'm glad you're safe. I would have hated for you to get hurt coming here."
"You do care."
"Yeah," Brennan murmured. "Figures."
He could play Rory's game. He was, after all, a game designer.
"Hey!"
"No, I'm just saying...you've heard what they say about workplace romances."
"More opportunities to fuck?" Rory wrapped his arms around Brennan and rested their foreheads together as he looked into Brennan's eyes. "Does that really bother you? Can we see what happens here? I'm sure we'll be good together. And everyone needs a good promotional exec. If it's too weird working together, I'll find a new job."
"Rory..."
"I know you, Brennan. For God's sake, I've waited years. Obviously, I don't jump into things without study and consideration."
"You seem more of a thruster than a jumper."
"Brennan..." Rory growled, and Brennan kissed him hard.
He pushed his tongue past Rory's parted lips and swept inside.
Rory groaned as they explored. Their hands skimmed over each other's bodies while they arched into one another. Their cocks rubbed, and Brennan moaned as he pulled from Rory's mouth.
"Rory? Will you stay for Christmas?"
"Sure." He nipped Brennan's bottom lip as his fingers--- finally warm---traced Brennan's ass. "It is Christmas."
Brennan wrapped his legs around Rory, opening to him, just as he was opening his heart and his life. "Next Christmas. How about next Christmas?"
"I wouldn't miss it." He chuckled as he circled Brennan's opening. "Even if there's a chance of snow. Rain or shine, snow or sleet---"
"That's the mailman's motto," Brennan laughed, reaching for Rory's cock. The man was never serious. It would make every day an adventure.
Rory grinned. "I'll be your male man. Or pervy Santa. Whatever works for us. Just as long as we're 'us'. Agreed?"
"Agreed. Rory?"
"Yeah?"
"It's been Christmas for over an hour." He reached for the lube and condom packets he'd set out on the bedside table and handed one of each to Rory. "I think Pervy Santa's falling down on the job."
"Well..." Rory ripped a foi
l packet with his teeth, and Brennan's cock throbbed at the sound, a precursor to pleasure.
"Never let it be said I don't deliver."
And he did, until neither of them cared about time or snow or even breathing. All that mattered was the gift of each other, the best Christmas gift either of them had ever received.
About the Author
When it comes to books and movies, Brynn has one rule: there must be a happy ending. After that one requirement, anything goes. And it just might in her books.
She lives in Michigan with her husband and two children, who love her despite her occasional threats to smite them. They humor her and let her think she's a goddess...as long as she provides homemade chocolate chip cookies on a regular basis. Brynn has conducted workshops at several writers' conferences around the country and enjoys mentoring and meeting new people.
According to Brynn, her writing success can be attributed to an eclectic collection of music, her local road construction crews, a trusty notebook, and of course, her husband, Mr. Inspiration, who puts up with a lot in the name of research.
Trademarks Acknowledgment
The author acknowledges the trademark status and trademark owners of the following wordmarks mentioned in this work of fiction:
Currier & Ives: Currier & Ives Foundation
Disney World: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
Jockeys: Jockey International, Inc.
