by Megan Slayer
“You’re not a bad boy,” Aiden whispered.
Not that Aiden knew…and not that he’d ever find out. Matt half shrugged. “I look like I’m bad. The ink, the piercings… For someone wanting a dangerous guy—at least in appearance—I fit the bill.”
“You’re human.”
Maybe so, but he’d made his share of mistakes. “True. The difference is that Theo wanted the danger.” And he’d given it to him. Matt held Aiden’s hand. He needed Aiden’s strength to get through this—at least the parts he was willing to share. “I thought I wanted to marry Theo. Like, I’d picked out rings and talked to a guy I knew who performed weddings. I had a life planned out for us. Theo seemed to be on the same wavelength. Then he wasn’t.” He remembered the instant things had changed—when he’d woken up face-down in the empty tub, with no recollection of how he’d gotten there. Blood had seeped from his nose, and the purple bags had been darker than normal under his eyes. Theo hadn’t helped him or checked on him. No, Theo had been in the living room with another man.
“I’m sorry.” Aiden stepped into the vee of Matt’s legs and toyed with the wrinkles in Matt’s shirt.
“I used to think I wanted someone I could read like a book. Someone who would do what I wanted and not challenge me. I wanted easy. Theo made me see that easy sucked. Easy meant settling.” He clasped Aiden’s wrists. “I don’t expect what’s starting between us to ever be easy.”
“The sex is,” Aiden murmured. “It’s great.”
“True, but I can’t make you tell me what’s bothering you. I can’t force you to be honest with me. What I can do is ask that you level with me. If you’re worried about Theo coming back into the picture, you’re on the wrong path. I kept those pictures in the frame because it reminds me of what I had and what I thought was good. You’re right—each image has a reason. Maybe you and I should take a few pictures together so we can write better memories for the frame.”
“I’d like that.” Aiden draped his arm around Matt’s neck, careful not to put weight on Matt’s healing shoulder. “You asked for honesty. I saw those and how handsome Theo is. I’d be drawn to him, but he’s not you. I’m worried you want him back. I’m neurotic in my own way. I wouldn’t blame you if you walked. But it scared me to think things weren’t as good as I thought because of my fear. I look for the failings in everything. Relationships fall apart and I don’t want to be there when they do.”
“Nah. Not all of them.” Matt tugged him close for a kiss. The moment his lips touched Aiden’s, his own fears melted. He and Aiden were good for each other—better than Theo or any of his other exes had been. He bit Aiden’s bottom lip and savored the taste of his kiss. A groan rumbled in his throat. “Come upstairs with me. Stay tonight.” Need me as much as I need you.
Aiden nodded. He grasped Matt’s hand and tucked his phone into his back pocket, then headed to the staircase.
Matt’s heart skipped a beat. He grasped Aiden’s hand. Damn. He wanted to stop and make love right there on the steps. Halfway up, he crashed into Aiden and collapsed on top of him. “Ever made love on a staircase?” he asked. Doing just that seemed like the sexiest thing in the world.
“I’ll kill my back, and you’ll mess up your shoulder.” Aiden patted Matt’s ass. “Keep going. We’ll do whatever you want in your bedroom.”
Matt moved off Aiden and tweaked his shoulder. Fuck. He ground his teeth. He didn’t want Aiden to see him in pain, but he shouldn’t have pushed away from the step with his bum arm.
“You did, didn’t you?” Aiden didn’t rush away from Matt. Instead, he stayed beside him.
Matt didn’t say anything until he reached the top of the steps. “No.” Liar. “I’m fine.”
“Right.” Aiden remained behind Matt and palmed Matt’s butt. “If you hurt yourself…”
“You’ll go home?” He stopped in the bedroom and faced Aiden. “Huh?” He wasn’t mad. Truth be told, he deserved a little hell from Aiden. He’d done too much and his shoulder was letting him know.
“I should,” Aiden said. “You’ll mess up the work I did and the healing you’ve accomplished. Probably already set yourself back a bit.”
“But I’ve got a personal doctor.” Matt hugged Aiden to his chest. “If I mess up too much, then you’re here to save me.”
“I probably will, but don’t push it.” Aiden eased Matt out of his shirt. He tossed the garment onto the closest chair. He trailed his fingers down Matt’s chest, stopping to tweak his nipples. “You’ve got slight bruising around the wound site. It’s normal to have some, but you’re trying to do too much.”
“Sorry. I’m fine.” Although he did like knowing Aiden was worried about him.
“Lie down.” Aiden rested his hands on his hips. “No. Drop your pants first. I want you naked and to do it before you’re wriggling on the bed too much. I don’t want you to screw up your shoulder even more.”
Matt stopped in his tracks. What a switch. He hadn’t expected Aiden to be so assertive outside his job. He liked it and unbuckled. With Aiden’s help, he shoved his pants and boxers down around his knees. He stumbled forward into Aiden’s arms. “Sorry.”
“You’ve said that already.” Aiden maneuvered him onto the bed.
Matt collapsed on the mattress and grunted. He tried to kick his wadded-up clothing from his ankles but failed.
Aiden tugged Matt’s shoes free. “You’re unorthodox but effective.” He removed Matt’s socks then helped him out of the rest of his clothes.
Matt didn’t fight Aiden as he took control. He rested on his back and sighed as the cool air in his bedroom wrapped around him. His nerve endings were on fire and his need for Aiden grew.
Aiden stood at the foot of the bed and shrugged out of his shirt. Only half-naked, he knelt between Matt’s knees. He slid his hands over Matt’s chest, arms, then down to his belly and over his thighs. He massaged Matt’s calves and feet.
Matt shivered—not from the chill but the tenderness in Aiden’s touch. He’d experienced Aiden the doctor and Aiden the lover, but this was Aiden the partner. A lover’s caress. He arched his back as much as possible without straining his shoulder. A groan ripped from his throat. He hadn’t expected having someone touching his feet would turn him on so much.
Aiden switched his attention to Matt’s cock. He rubbed his face along Matt’s inner thigh and blew warm air across the blunt head of Matt’s dick.
“Oh shit.” Matt spread his legs apart more. His thoughts blurred as he threaded his fingers into Aiden’s hair. He loved the way Aiden touched him. The tenderness and compassion overwhelmed him. He felt cherished—like he was the only person in the world. Was that possible? No one had ever treated him like that before. He pushed lightly on Aiden’s head. Allowing Aiden to take charge didn’t bother him, but he couldn’t hold back.
Aiden buried his nose in Matt’s pubic hair, then pulled back and swallowed him to the hilt. He bobbed his head and planted his palms on Matt’s thighs. The move allowed Matt to remain on his back without hurting himself but also gave him so much pleasure. He marveled at Aiden’s concern for his condition. Other lovers wouldn’t have been so worried.
Aiden hummed around Matt’s shaft, then pulled back before plunging his mouth down onto Matt’s dick. Matt closed his eyes. He balled his hands in the sheets and planted his heels on the mattress. The love and desire building in his heart grew. This wasn’t the warm and fuzzy feeling he’d expected, but something more. He cared about Aiden and wanted him around. He’d pushed the romance fast at the beginning, but now that they were together and had gone through a few rough situations, he understood. His heart wasn’t jumping the gun. He truly had fallen for Aiden too. He opened his eyes and stared at Aiden.
A grin spread across Aiden’s lips. “Like that?”
“Yeah. I love it.” He wasn’t kidding. Everything Aiden did made him happy.
Aiden pulled up and flicked his tongue across the head. Matt tensed and curled forward. He’d missed too much an
d needed to see everything Aiden was doing. He flopped his good arm, hunting for the pillow. Where is the damn thing? He grunted. The change in position bothered his shoulder.
“Shit.” Matt collapsed against the sheets. Damn it.
Aiden stopped and met Matt’s glance. “You’re hurting.” A frown marred his face and the lines around his eyes deepened.
“Yeah, but I don’t want you to stop.” He wasn’t stupid. The connection and desire were real. He’d been through a lot with Aiden and he wasn’t about to turn back. He didn’t want to. Right now, he wanted his head back in the game so he could better appreciate Aiden giving him head.
Aiden scurried off the bed and grabbed a pillow. “I’ll kick your ass if you strain too much. Getting you off isn’t a good idea. You’ll tense again.” He stuffed the pillow behind Matt’s head. “I shouldn’t have let you put those piercings back in, either.”
“It’s worth it. All of it. So are you.” Matt reclined against the extra support. He loved the new vantage point and the reduced strain on his shoulder. “I’m very fond of you.”
“I’m glad to hear that.” Aiden’s eyes sparkled. He resumed his position on the bed and sucked on Matt’s dick. His hair slipped forward on his brow. The tresses tickled Matt’s lower belly.
Within seconds, the heat returned to Matt’s body. The passion resurfaced and he gasped. He threaded his fingers into Aiden’s hair. He pushed his dick into Aiden’s mouth and rocked his hips. A growl ripped from his throat as he fought the urge to lose control.
Aiden hummed, then groaned. At least Matt thought that was what he’d done. He wasn’t sure. Heat flowed from his belly to his limbs. He trembled and closed his eyes as he tried to breathe. He yanked on Aiden’s hair. He tensed and the muscles in his legs twitched.
Aiden bobbed his head faster and sucked Matt to the hilt each time.
“Holy…” The rest of the words were obliterated as he let go of Aiden’s hair. His restraint melted away. A shudder racked his body as the orgasm washed over him. He moved his torso and fucked Aiden’s mouth a couple more times, then sagged onto the bed. While he gathered his bearings, he opened his eyes. He sucked air into his lungs. Aiden had managed to blow his mind while blowing his cock. He couldn’t wait for that rim job…once he healed enough to do it. He cupped the back of Aiden’s head.
“Damn.” He nudged Aiden. “Loved that. Thank you.” The moment he said the words, he regretted them. Thank you? What the hell? Aiden wasn’t providing a service.
Aiden sat back on his heels. “Thank you?” His brow furrowed. “Interesting.”
“That’s not what I meant.” He blew out a long breath. “You knew how to do what I wanted and needed before I knew. I’ve never had a boyfriend who understood the way you do.” The moment wasn’t lost on him. Aiden was special. No way he’d let Aiden go. Aiden was in his blood. He wanted Aiden’s name inked onto his body. Maybe the gesture was a tad drastic and way too permanent, but Aiden had already imprinted himself on Matt’s heart.
Aiden laughed. “I know what you were trying to say.” He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. “I lost my head, though.”
“You…what?” He stared at Aiden for a moment. “I don’t understand.”
“I swallowed. It’s like my normal response—to keep germs at bay—it went out of the window. I forgot my fears,” Aiden said. “My thinking on a lot of stuff has changed since I met you.”
“Likewise.” Matt sobered. He wanted to reassure Aiden but worried he’d made a mess of things. “I like you, too.”
Aiden’s eyes flashed. “I’ve had other boyfriends, but you’re the first since Lucky to make me come out of my shell.”
Matt opened his arms. “I want you to fuck me—but once I grab a nap. You wore me out.”
“Did I?” Aiden chuckled and stretched out beside Matt. He’d kept his pants on.
“You did.” He stretched out his bum shoulder. Damn it. Coming had fucked him up. But he wanted Aiden. How else could he show the man he craved that they were good together?
Aiden dragged a blanket over them and sighed. “I’m not fucking you tonight.”
“Why?”
“Because you’ve done too much today. You need a break. If we have sex, it’ll be in the morning and you can do me or we can get each other off in the shower. I don’t want you straining.” Aiden snuggled up on Matt’s unhurt side. “I’m not going anywhere until the morning anyway.”
Matt closed his eyes again. The sleepy, happy, post-sex glow overtook him. He’d leveled out his life. He had a great guy in his arms and he’d learned a hard lesson about the shop—it would survive without him. He wanted to go back, though. Just like Aiden, his automotive-repair business flowed in his veins. He wasn’t ready to spill the rest of his secrets, but he was close. Once Aiden’s dad was out of the hospital and settled enough that Matt could have Aiden’s full attention, he’d have a talk with him. Until then, he’d bask in the love blossoming between him and his hot doctor.
* * * *
When Matt left the doctor’s office the next afternoon, his emotions warred within him. Since he’d forgone the pain meds and was healing better than the specialist expected, he’d been given permission to resume driving. No riding his motorcycle or biking, but he didn’t care. He wasn’t in the mood to get the cycle out. Having the ability to drive was enough. What bothered him was the mess at the shop. He’d called Aaron before the doctor appointment and the place had sounded busy, but when he’d had Aiden drive past, nothing looked right.
He walked the short distance from the hospital complex to the body shop and bit back a growl. Candy wrappers littered the counter, the key box had been left wide open and when he peeked into the garage bays, he didn’t see anyone within sight of the counter or register. Something clanged against the floor. A dropped wrench? He hoped so.
“Hello?” Matt closed the key box then stood in the doorway to the garage. “Aaron? Deighan?”
“Hey.” Deighan stepped out from behind a lifted Chevy. “Hi.” He wiped his hands. “Are you back or checking in?” He left the car and stepped in close to Matt.
“I’m back. I thought I’d finish out the day here. Is everything under control?” He made his way over to the counter and tossed the wrappers. “The place is a mess.”
“That’s Aaron.” Deighan glanced over his shoulder then stuffed the rag into the front pocket of his coveralls. “I don’t know what’s gotten into him. He was fine until yesterday. When you called off, he flipped out.”
He’d said he could handle the shop. Matt forced a smile. “I had to take my boyfriend to see his father.”
“You did? I thought you couldn’t drive?”
“He needed moral support. His father had a stroke—a mini one, I think.” Matt shook his head. “He drove and I held his hand, so to speak.”
“That’s cool.” Deighan looked back again then lowered his voice. “Just promise you’re back, okay? Aaron got stuck on the Dodge and I had to bail him out. He screwed up the keys and gave the wrong one to Mr. Danvers, even though it clearly said who they belonged to. He keeps taking the candy out of the display and moaning about being left behind.”
Shit. He should’ve seen this coming. Aaron tended to get mopey when he didn’t get his way. But overeating and failing a job weren’t his normal. Matt had to stop being the goofy man in love and focus on the shop. Letting Aaron steer the ship wasn’t working. “Okay, well, I’ve got permission back to drive as of today, so I’m mobile again. I’m here to catch the paperwork up and get the lobby back into shape. I’ll handle any incoming vehicles and when I see Aaron, I’ll try to talk him down.”
“Thank you,” Deighan whispered. “I like working with him, but he has to get his head into the game. He almost ripped his arm off with that timing belt.”
Aaron wasn’t usually that sloppy. Matt sighed. “I’ll do my best. Thanks. You should get your first paycheck on Friday.”
“Nice.” Deighan tugged the rag free from his po
cket and tossed it into the bin. He turned on his heel then went back into the garage portion of the building.
Matt sagged onto the stool behind the counter. He busied himself with paperwork. Aaron hadn’t kept up with the receipts. Money was in the register, but there were no corresponding work orders. When Matt checked his paperwork for the stock, he sighed. At least Aaron had the stock up to date in the last twenty-four hours. He scratched his head then resumed trying to figure out the discrepancies. If he had Aiden working with him, he doubted there would be such problems. Aiden’s anal-retentiveness would’ve kept the ship righted.
“I hear you’re looking for me.” Aaron stomped into the lobby. “Well?” he snapped.
“You don’t have to be combative.” Matt tugged the work orders from the nail. “Which of these are done and which are still out? What did you complete? I see money but no idea of where it came from.”
“Oh, so now you’re Mr. Businessman?” Aaron shut the door to the garage. “It really pissed me off. We’ve been doing this thing for how long and you ditch me and your job for a guy?”
Matt dropped the pencil and moved the tablet out of the way. With no customers in sight, this was as good a time as any to deal with the problems. “I’m sorry. I dropped the ball. You’re right. This is my business and I should be here.”
“At least you get that,” Aaron growled. He narrowed his eyes. “You get a piece of ass and forget your priorities.”
“I thought you were happy for me. I thought you wanted me to get his number and go out.” Matt didn’t understand. “You and I are great friends and business partners. You’re the rock. If I have a problem, I rely on you, but that’s all we are. Business partners and friends. Not lovers.”
