Billion Dollar Love: Manlove Edition

by 6 Author Anthology

  “Everything.” Luke settled on the arm of the sofa. He’d showered and had combed his wet hair from his face. The faded t-shirt clung to his upper body, and the threadbare jeans showcased his legs. “I knew he’d spill the story. He’s been dying to tell anyone who will listen what I’ve done and been through. I know it’s not pretty, clean, and I understand if you want to leave. I’m not the same guy I was when we parted ways.”

  “Why would you be?” Carson sat next to Luke on the sofa and palmed Luke’s thigh. “Why would you think I’d leave?” He never wanted anyone more.

  “Carson.” Sadness filled Luke’s eyes. “Duncan’s right. I’m not leaving Litchfield. I like it here. I own my own house and car. I have two great jobs, and I’m happy.”

  “You’re allowed to be happy.” Carson massaged Luke’s thigh. “So Duncan told your secrets. He’s a blabber mouth. Now it’s your turn to tell me the truth. All of it.” He needed to hear this from Luke.

  Luke sank onto the cushion, pinning himself between Carson and the arm of the sofa. “I’ve disclosed everything to the school and library system,” Luke said. “They know and were pleased enough with my service to keep me on.”

  “That’s a credit to you.” Carson smiled. He scooted over enough to give Luke some room. “I’m listening.”

  “When I went to college, I had those scholarships, but to maintain them, I needed to work. I had no money for a dorm room or food, so I got a job. I started as a server in a party bar. I came in, did my job and left. No arguments. No issues. I kept my grades up, and things were fine. But being in a party bar, the people I worked with convinced me I needed a tattoo. I got the first one, the spiderweb on my shoulder. Then it was fun so I got another—the tiger paw on my chest. During my junior year of college, after you and I split, I was offered the job of bartender at the bar. The tips were better, and I needed the cash to maintain my status on campus—my room and food plan—so I did it. The more I inked up and pierced myself, the better my tips got. I never showed anyone my junk, and I didn’t prostitute myself. I served drinks, sometimes danced nearly nude at the club in town, and did sleep around. Jesus. I had to survive, you know? I’ve dated, and I had a good time. It’s nobody’s business, but everyone seems to need to know about it.” Luke paused. “I made sure the tats are where they can’t be seen under a short-sleeve shirt, and I don’t parade them around town. But you—you need a guy who isn’t messed up. I’m not perfect, and someone will come looking through your background. They’ll find me, and they’ll use me against you.”

  Carson let the words sink in for a moment. Luke had been through a lot and hadn’t backed down. He’d kept his head up. He’d moved beyond the shit upbringing he’d had and made something of himself. So he wasn’t famous or going to make tons of money. He’d done himself proud. Carson was proud.

  “Well? Are you going to walk out?” The muscle in Luke’s jaw twitched. “I understand.”

  Carson brushed his knuckles across Luke’s cheek, then cupped his jaw. “I know it’s hard to process what I’m going to say, but listen to me. I don’t care what happened in the past. I care about you. What you’ve been through has made you the man you are today. That’s who I love—the man beside me right now. You.”

  “You love me?” Luke murmured. “Even after everything I said?”

  “I never stopped.” He tugged Luke across his lap, straddling him. “But you know I want to see these tattoos. I’ve felt the piercings. I want to see everything, and I don’t care if you had a life since we split. You’re mine now, and that’s what matters. Let people talk. I’m not listening.”

  “Carson.” Tears slid down Luke’s cheeks. “It’s been one day, just like Duncan said.”

  “One day since I came back, but we’ve had a lifetime together. Who knew me before I had money?” Carson asked. “Who had my back, but wasn’t afraid to give me shit? Who kept me out of all those fights?”

  Luke’s chin quivered. The strong man began to crumble. “That’s different.”

  “Who has been my first and best lover? Who got sexier with age and is making me work for his affection?” Carson crooked his eyebrow. “You.”

  “You could have anyone.”

  “I could, but this—you and me—is more important. Anyone else might fall at my feet and submit. They’d do whatever I wanted. I don’t want a toy or a slave. I need to be pushed. You’re making me work, and I love it. You keep me humble,” Carson said. “I’ve wanted to come home so many times, but I also wanted to be good enough for you.”

  Luke closed his eyes. “I don’t want your money, but you’ve always been good enough for me.”

  “I know.” He slid his hands over Luke’s ass. “I love you. Do you still love me? Even after all this time?” Even just a little?

  Luke didn’t speak right away, but cried a bit more. “Yeah, I do.” He opened his eyes. “I never stopped loving you.”

  “Good. I’m tired of wandering. I need stability and a home. Mostly, I need you.” Carson hugged Luke close. “Yeah, I need you.”

  “You do?”

  “I need the man who doesn’t care about my money or status, a man who can and is my equal, the one who knows my heart—you,” Carson said. He kissed Luke hard. “Take me to your bedroom and let me show you much I love you.”

  ****

  Luke held Carson’s hand and locked the front door. “I should be upset. Duncan will destroy my car.”

  “I’ll get you another,” Carson said. He tangled Luke in his embrace. “Don’t worry about it.”

  “I like my car.” He should pull his car into the garage. “I don’t need your money.” He peeked through the curtains, looking for Duncan. “Keep a lookout. I’m going to put the car in the garage.” He grabbed the spare set of keys from the ring and headed outside. Although fear ran through his veins, he jumped behind the wheel and parked his car in the garage. Once the door was down and he checked he was alone in the garage, he allowed himself to breathe. He headed back in.

  “Feel better?”

  “Yes.” Luke tossed the keys onto the island in the kitchen, then led Carson to the bedroom.

  Once in the small space, Carson cupped Luke’s jaw. “I know you don’t need my money. I know you’ve worked very hard for what you have and done this on your own. I admire that, and I’m proud of you.”

  He rubbed his cheek on Carson’s palm. “Thanks.”

  “But let me contribute. Let me help you because you’re not alone.”

  He winced. He cherished Carson’s words, but hated thinking about his upbringing and life. His parents hadn’t been around and refused to encourage him. No one seemed to care about him once he came out. His parents hadn’t wanted him to stay at their home, but he’d succeeded because he’d scored scholarships to college. He’d had to fight for every opportunity.

  “Honey, you’re not alone.” Carson kissed him. “I’m here.”

  The words were simple and reassured him. “I know.” He hooked his fingers in Carson’s front pockets, tugging him backwards to the bed. He needed to be with this man.

  Carson let go long enough to strip, then stood before Luke. “I want to see everything.” He stretched out on the bed and stroked his burgeoning erection.

  “There’s not much to see.” Luke removed his shirt, then shoved his jeans to the floor. He stepped out of the cumbersome garments and joined Carson on the mattress. “But I’m yours.” He kissed the man he loved. Each push, kiss, and nibble added to his pleasure. He pinched one of Carson’s nipples while he sucked on Carson’s tongue. A moan bubbled in Carson. He arched into Luke.

  Luke pushed Carson onto his back, then crawled between Carson’s knees. He kissed his way down his lover’s body, from his chin, to his throat, then down to his chest and abs. He couldn’t get close enough to Carson.

  “Fuck.” Carson threaded his fingers into Luke’s hair, nudging him farther down. “I missed this. Your mouth is dangerous.”

  “I try.” He resumed nibbling on Car
son’s abs. He’d forgotten how perfect Carson kept his body and how much Carson worked to look good. The work showed.

  Carson spread his knees apart. “I need you in me.” He tugged Luke’s hair. “Please? Don’t make me wait.”

  Luke stood long enough to retrieve the lube and a condom from the dresser. “Is this what you want?” He left the condom on the bed. “Or this?” He dribbled lube over his fingers and down Carson’s ass.

  “Fuck me. That.” Carson reached for Luke again. “Do it.”

  Luke settled between Carson’s knees. He massaged lube over and into Carson’s hole, taking his time to open his lover. At the same time, he stroked Carson’s dick.

  Carson dug his heels into the bedding. “Fuck.” He constricted around Luke’s finger. “Feels so good.”

  “It’ll feel better. Relax.” He stroked his lover’s cock. “Breathe.”

  Carson tucked his knees to his chest and exhaled. “Oh my God. You’re going to kill me. Too much.” He grinned. “I love it.”

  Instead of speaking, Luke dribbled more lube onto his fingers. He added a second digit to Carson’s body and resumed stroking him.

  “Fuck. Do it,” Carson moaned. “I need you.”

  Power surged within Luke. He made Carson happy. Holy shit, he liked this feeling. He moved his hand, pushing his fingers deep into Carson.

  “Christ, you’re still hot.” Carson grinned. “You’re making me crazy.” He reached for Luke. “Fuck me.”

  “That’s my plan—to make you crave me.” Luke stroked a few more times until Carson relaxed. “I crave you, too.”

  Another groan ripped from Carson. “I can’t take this much longer. I’ll come.”

  “Can’t have that.” Luke eased his fingers from Carson’s ass, then stood and sheathed himself. He lined his erection up with Carson’s hole. “Ready?” Pride swelled in his veins, and his heart beat for Carson. “Breathe. Bear down on me.” He groaned as he pushed into Carson’s body. “Shit, you’re tight.”

  “Been a long time.” Carson grunted, then relaxed a bit. He held tight to his knees. “Oh, fuck. I missed you.” His smile increased in wattage. “Need you.”

  “You’ve got me.” Luke sank balls deep into Carson before pulling most of the way out. He worked into a steady rhythm in seconds. The sound of his body against Carson’s, skin on skin, echoed in the room. The bed creaked beneath them, and time seemed to stand still. This moment embodied perfection. With Carson, he was needed and complete. He loved being with the man in his heart. He didn’t care about money or status. Cash could dwindle and social standing changed all the time. He and Carson had the type of love that would last because he trusted his heart.

  Luke lost himself in the act of fucking Carson. He rubbed Carson’s abs, then moved up to his pecs. He pinched one of Carson’s nipples. With each thrust, he pinched.

  “Jesus, I love it.” Carson arched beneath Luke. He tightened his legs around Luke’s waist and shuddered. “I’m close.”

  He memorized this moment. Everything between him and Carson was how he’d imagined. Carson crinkled his brow and groaned. He stroked his cock in time with Luke’s thrusts. When he flexed his hole around Luke’s shaft, Luke’s thoughts short-circuited.

  “I can’t.” Carson parted his lips. He jerked forward, and cum shot across his belly. Another groan erupted from him. He relaxed before sagging beneath Luke. “Shit.”

  Seeing Carson come apart kicked his own orgasm into gear. Luke pistoned into Carson. He pinched Carson’s nipple one more time before he simply rubbed the tender bundle of nerves.

  Carson moaned again and wrapped his hand around Luke’s wrist. “I’m shattered.”

  Luke embraced the climax. Now that he had Carson bare, he could be bare, too. He shivered as he added three more thrusts. The orgasm washed over him, wringing him out from head to toe. He surged into Carson one more time, then slumped over him. The world seemed to spin around them.

  Carson closed his eyes, and a lazy smile curled on his lips. “We’ve gotten better with age.”

  How in the hell was Carson making complete sentences? Luke had scrambled his thoughts when he came. He needed the room to stop spinning. But he had his man and everything he’d ever craved. He panted until he could relax. Luke pulled out of Carson and flopped onto the bed. He removed the condom and tossed it into the garbage.

  Carson grasped Luke’s free hand. “I need a moment.”

  “Uh-huh.” He sucked in a ragged breath. The world righted and he regained his thoughts. “I never expected us to be here.”

  “In your bed?”

  “My bed, my house … back in my life.” Luke rolled onto his side and rested his hand on Carson’s belly. “I’m happy. Are you?”

  “Yes.” Carson tipped his gaze to meet Luke’s. “I knew we’d find our way back to each other.”

  At least one of them had faith. He hadn’t. Not until now.

  Carson dragged a blanket over his body, then over Luke’s and settled. He twined his legs with Luke’s. “I have one question. Well, no. Maybe two.”

  “What?” Luke asked. “I’m an open book.”

  “I know.” Carson grinned. “What do your tats mean? Why’d you pick these? Why’d you pierce your nipples? I mean, beyond it looked cool and got you better tips. I heard most people don’t get tatted or pierced for no reason. Don’t get me wrong—they’re all hot, and I love them.”

  He hadn’t given his ink or the barbells much thought, not in quite a while. “Well, you think they’re hot. That’s why.”

  “You knew I’d like them? Or do you like them?”

  “You ask a lot of questions,” Luke said. “The piercings are sexy against my skin, and they made me feel bold.” He shrugged. “I’ve needed the confidence plenty of times.”

  “I wish I’d have been here. I would’ve boosted you,” Carson said. “I’ve always known you are unstoppable.”

  “You did? Well, you’ve been with me the whole time.” Luke pointed to the tattoo of books over his heart. “See? Your name is one of the titles. You’re always with me.”

  Carson traced the lines of the tattoo. “I am.” His eyes sparkled. “Well, holy shit.”

  He sighed and relaxed. He hadn’t talked about his ink and loved that he could be honest with Carson. “I needed you close.”

  “I’m honored,” Carson said. “What about this one?” He touched the winged shoe on Luke’s right arm at his shoulder. “Is this for cross-country?”

  He nodded. “It reminded me of our times running together. It’s up that high so I can wear t-shirts and keep the tattoos covered. I wanted to look dangerous for bartending, but conservative for my work at the school.” He shrugged a second time. “Plus, I wanted them visible to some people. You’re one of those folks.”

  Carson winked. “I love being special.”

  “I know,” Luke said. “As for the barbed wire around the anatomical heart, that’s because mine left when we split. I thought it made me look tough.”

  “Luke.” Carson scooted closer. “We did a fucking huge number on each other when we walked away, didn’t we?”

  “We did, but it’s okay now,” Luke said. “I should get the ink updated or something.” He wasn’t sure what he wanted to do, but he’d figure something out.

  “No.” Carson palmed Luke’s pecs. “These images tell your story. Our story. If anything, you should get another tattoo where only I can see it.” His smile widened and he crooked his eyebrow. “We start our second chapter right now.”

  Luke’s heart soared. His problems weren’t so big because he had his best friend there. Carson was his other half and he loved him. “Our new book starts today.”

  Chapter Five

  Luke strolled through the crowd at the football game. He loved having Carson beside him. For two guys who hadn’t been together in eight years, they’d fallen into the relationship like they’d never been apart. This time, though, things were better. No one cared they were together, and they had forev
er to strengthen their bond.

  Plus, no one had recognized Carson yet.

  “Want a hotdog or popcorn?” Carson asked. “My treat.”

  “Dog and a soda, please? Thanks.” He waited off to the side as Carson ordered the food and paid. He spotted Beth and Chris over by the fence. A few of their other classmates were at the game, too, and why not? Tonight was the night the team honored the alumni. That didn’t mean he had to make eye contact and draw attention to him and Carson just yet. He’d rather stay anonymous a little longer.

  Carson handed one of the cups and a hotdog to Luke. “Dress it however you want. They said the condiments are over there.” He nodded. “I see the jugs.”

  Luke added relish and onions to his hotdog, then groaned. “Shoot. I shouldn’t have done that.”

  “You’re not allergic.” Carson chuckled. “Besides, I don’t mind that you’ve got onion breath. I will, too.” He shrugged. “I’ve seen you at your best and worst, and I still love you. I don’t care about the onions.”

  Luke allowed himself to laugh. He relaxed, too. He missed being part of a respect-filled relationship. He’d only had this kind of twosome with Carson. “Where do you want to sit?”

  “Behind the band.” Carson pointed with his cup. “Follow me.”

  “Will do.” He wandered through the crowd and up the bleachers to the emptier section behind the band. The space was noisy, but less crowded. He didn’t care. He loved listening to the band. He ate and said nothing. The moment was too nice to pass up.

  “How many kids on the team do you know?” Carson asked. He balled up his wrapper. “Most? None? Do kids come into the library much?”

  He snorted. Only Carson could turn a simple question into something requiring an essay for an answer. “I know everyone on the football team. The seniors are required to complete term papers, and freshman have their research project. All have to use at least one paper resource and must use the library so they know how to use one. They can’t rely solely on the internet. Some students use the media center because they have to use the laptops and tablets. They don’t have the tech or WiFi at home.” He finished his hotdog, then squashed his wrapper. “It’s nice. They learn how to do research, how to use the physical resources, and they get help for their projects. It’s good for everyone.”