All I'll Ever Need

by J. P. Bowie

  Oh shit, that hurts. He fought to control the wounded cry that rose in his throat and ended in a gasp into Alex’s mouth. Alex paused and locked eyes with him.

  “Tell me.”

  “It, it hurts, but I don’t want you to pull out. I want this, Alex.”

  “Okay, try to relax a little more. I won’t go in any further until you say I can. Just breathe and look at me.”

  Edward gazed up into the depths of Alex’s dark brown eyes, seeing for the first time the tawny striations that circled the irises. Beautiful, he thought, eyes I could drown in, lose myself, forget every bad thing that’s ever happened. He could feel the steady pulsing of Alex’s cock inside him, see his smiling, lush mouth only inches from his own.

  “Fuck me,” he whispered and raised his hips, letting Alex slide all the way in. As ready as he thought he was, the intense burn as Alex’s hard flesh impaled him made Edward’s body stiffen with shock. Alex wrapped his arms around him more tightly and crooned softly in his ear.

  “That’s it, Edward, I won’t move until you get used to me inside you. You feel wonderful, so hot and velvety smooth, just like I knew you would.”

  The words helped, along with the kisses Alex peppered along Edward’s jaw from ear to ear before settling on his lips, his tongue gliding over Edward’s in another searingly rapturous kiss.

  “Oh, yes, it feels good, Alex. So good.”

  Now Alex began to move slowly, gently back and forth with a sensuousness that had Edward moaning with ecstasy. The pain was all but forgotten, the pleasure obliterating everything but the reality that this was what he had longed for, what he’d wanted more than anything, to feel at one with another man. Those disastrous couplings he’d endured while longing for someone who would raise him to these heights of ecstasy were forgotten under the power of Alex’s tender yet passionate lovemaking.

  He picked up on the rhythm Alex had created, slow at first, letting Edward feel the thick length inside him, each long thrust grazing his prostate, squeezing soft, breathy moans of ecstasy from him. He arched upwards, meeting every one of those sensual thrusts, pushing against Alex’s driving force, drawing him deeper and deeper inside himself. Their bodies moved in perfect counterpoint, increasing in intensity, their breathing hot and harsh over each other’s skin.

  Alex grasped Edward’s erection and began pumping it in unison with the now rapid rhythm they both moved to. Edward cried out from the pleasure Alex’s touch brought him but he knew he couldn’t hold out against this barrage of sensation. As much as he wanted this to last, to go on forever, he could feel the inevitable approach of climax. It swirled through the base of his spine, his balls pulled up tight and as the pressure built inside him, he shuddered and clutched desperately at Alex’s broad shoulders.

  “Yes, come for me,” Alex whispered hoarsely and took Edward’s mouth in a bruising kiss.

  There was no more holding back. For just a second or two more he teetered on the knife edge of expectancy, then his orgasm rolled over him, flooding his senses with ecstasy. His cum spurted over Alex’s hand, coating both their torsos with creamy heat.

  Alex broke off their kiss long enough to croak, “Oh, God—I’m coming too.”

  Edward tightened his arms and legs around Alex and pushed his hips upwards relishing in the sensation of Alex’s pulsing cock so deep inside him. Alex’s sweat-slicked body vibrated under Edward’s hands, and he could actually feel the heat of it when Alex flooded the condom with his semen. Alex collapsed over him then rolled them both over onto their sides so they were face to face, lips to lips, Alex still deep inside Edward.

  “You okay?” Alex asked in a whisper.

  “Very okay,” Edward replied. He moved his hips, loving the pressure of Alex’s cock. “That feels so good.” He gave Alex a shy smile. “I enjoyed all of it, very much.”

  “I’m glad. As we say where I was born, me gustó mucho.”

  They lay curled together, legs and arms entwined, Edward resting his head on Alex’s chest, Alex gently stroking Edward’s hair. They were quiet, but the silence didn’t feel uncomfortable to Edward—he was still enjoying the warm feeling of euphoria, the afterglow of having, for the first time in his life, sex that had completely fulfilled him. He only hoped that Alex had been honest when he’d said he’d enjoyed the sex—or it had been at least memorable.

  Alex was the first to speak. “D’you have to work tomorrow?” he asked.

  “Unfortunately, yes.” Edward raised his head to glance at the digital clock on the nightstand. “And even more unfortunately, I should think about getting home.”

  “Yes, darn it.” Alex hugged him and dropped a kiss on his forehead. “And I have an early morning meeting. We should get dressed and I’ll take you back to your place.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  Alex put a finger on Edward’s lips to still his apology. “Don’t be. I told you I’d take you home when I asked you over here, and after what we’ve shared, it’s the very least I can do.” He smiled and kissed Edward gently on the lips. “To quote an old cliché, ‘I hope it was as good for you as it was for me’.”

  “Good doesn’t quite cover it,” Edward said. “I only ever dreamed of having sex like this, I never thought it would ever happen.” He looked up at Alex and sighed. “God, you must think I’m such a wimp, and a whiny one at that.”

  “Cut that out,” Alex growled. “I don’t think you’re a wimp, or whiny. From what little you’ve told me, I realize you’ve been through some rough times. It’s not always easy getting over the hurt caused by either family or friends. And like I told you, I’m here, ready to listen whenever you want to unload. Okay?”

  “Thanks,” Edward mumbled, but in the back of his mind he couldn’t help but wonder why.

  Why would this gorgeous man be even remotely interested in my problems?

  * * * *

  In the car Alex asked, “What is it you do exactly?”

  “I’m a merchant teller, at Hastings Financial. It’s not the greatest but I was lucky to secure the position before I came out to LA. And you? What do you do, Alex?”

  “I work for the Scott Malone Agency. We handle publicity for celebrities, their press releases, arrange for interviews, that kind of thing.”

  “Sounds a lot more exciting than working in a bank. I bet you meet some really interesting people.”

  “It’s not often dull, I’ll grant you, but there are so-called celebrities who are far from interesting. Some are plain boring as a matter of fact.”

  “Really? That’s hard to believe.”

  “Because you only see the sensational snippets of their lives that the tabloids exploit. If you got into a conversation with one or two of our clients you’d know what I’m talking about. Perhaps boring’s a bit mean, but they can lead quite ordinary lives away from the cameras and spotlights.”

  “I don’t think I could handle people prying into my private life,” Edward said. “Sometimes I feel sorry for the way they’re portrayed on the covers of those magazines I see at the supermarket checkouts—she’s too fat, he’s looking old. I even saw one headline where Kate was ready to throw William over for Harry!”

  Alex chuckled. “And of course nine times out of ten it’s all bullshit—especially stories like the ones you just mentioned.”

  “So they make them up?”

  “A lot do. Then there are reporters and the paparazzi who scout for the real dirt. They can be dangerous at times.”

  Edward didn’t miss the trace of bitterness in Alex’s voice as he uttered those last words, but he had no time to question it as they had pulled up outside his apartment building and Alex had leaned over to kiss him gently on the lips.

  “Goodnight, Edward. I’d like to see you again before I leave for New York.”

  “I’d like that too.”

  “Tomorrow then? I’ll pick you up here at seven. We can have dinner together, okay?”

  “Sounds wonderful. I’ll be waiting for you out here at seven.” H
e kissed Alex then reluctantly got out of the car. “See you tomorrow.” He watched as Alex’s car pulled away, did a quick U-turn then disappeared round the corner. His involuntary sigh voiced both disappointment and expectation. At least it wasn’t going to be the one-night stand he’d feared in the beginning. He just wished he could make time stand still for a little longer and that this night wasn’t yet over.

  Chapter Three

  Next day

  The time at work seemed endless to Edward, and the long line of customers waiting for service never ending. But even the grouchiest client couldn’t put a damper on his euphoric mood. All he had to do was to think back on the night before and relish the memory of being with Alex, plus the impending bonus of their date after he got off work. That, along with the pleasant ache in his butt, reminded him even more of the wonderful hours he’d spent with Alex. Just thinking about it made him hard and a slow heat infuse his neck and cheeks.

  God, I really have to concentrate on what I’m doing. Still, he couldn’t resist pressing his groin into the wooden drawer in front of him, and at the same time smiling at the old gentleman at his window who was making a deposit.

  “You’re in a good mood, young man,” the old guy said. “Got some last night, did you?”

  Edward couldn’t contain the surprised laugh that bubbled up at the old man’s remark. “Something like that,” he replied through his laughter.

  “That’s the spirit. Gotta keep the engine tuned, well oiled and in fine working order.”

  “Absolutely. Will that be all?” Edward handed him his receipt.

  “That’ll do it.” He gave Edward a sly grin. “Keep up the good work.”

  “I will. Have a nice day, sir.”

  Well, that’s one conversation I never could have had in Ellingsworth. “Next in line, please.”

  * * * *

  Back at his apartment he was glad to see neither of his roommates were home and the bathroom was free. Edward had replied to an online ad from two guys wanting to share their place with ‘a gay or gay friendly employed person’ and he’d been lucky to get the room. In the short space of time he’d lived here he hadn’t really begun to know his ‘roomies’. Troy and Kevin were both attractive young guys and pleasant enough, but they were rarely home, their jobs and social lives keeping them busy. On one of the rare occasions they were there together, Edward had learned that Troy worked for some big travel agency and Kevin was an accountant.

  So far he hadn’t hung out with either one, and in a way, although he sometimes felt lonely, he figured it was best to keep their arrangement uncomplicated. Kevin appeared pretty straightforward, but Edward felt a certain wariness around Troy. He couldn’t quite put his finger on what it was exactly, just something that seemed a little off kilter—moodiness perhaps.

  Alex had said he’d pick him up at seven then they’d go for a drink and get something to eat locally. While toweling himself off after his shower, he peered at his face in the mirror, searching for blemishes, and was pleased to find none. He was blessed with a fair, smooth skin and a light stubble that didn’t really begin to show until two or three days without shaving. He’d shaved that morning, so it still felt okay under his probing fingers. He combed his blond hair back then spiked it up a little so it didn’t look too ‘preppy’. He spritzed on a little cologne then headed back to his room to finish dressing. The room had come furnished with the basics—good enough until he could afford perhaps a new comforter and maybe hang a couple of pictures to brighten up the place. It would never be anything as stylish as Alex’s bedroom, but then not too many were. That he’d seen anyway.

  He’d just pulled on his jeans when he heard the front door open and Troy, or maybe Kevin, yelling, “Hey, Ed, you have a visitor.”

  What the hell?

  He practically stumbled out of his room, his eyes widening with surprise when he saw Alex standing in the living room.

  “Sorry…” His date appeared to be only a little embarrassed. “I was early.”

  “I found him standing on the steps,” Troy told him. “Being the nosy type that I am, I asked him if he was waiting for someone and he said Edward Conway, and I said that’s my roommate, come on up. Hope it’s okay,” he added, clearly not caring if it was okay or not. “I’m Troy Kendall, by the way.” He held out his hand.

  “Alex Martinez.” He took the proffered hand, pulling back when it seemed that Troy was holding on too long.

  “Good to meet you.” Troy smirked at Edward, then wandered off into the kitchen.

  Edward stared at Alex for a moment or two, slightly tongue-tied. “Hi,” he finally managed to say. “I-I’m almost ready.”

  Alex closed the gap between them and kissed him lightly. “You look wonderful.”

  “Thanks, you do too.” He was wearing a charcoal-gray dress shirt and black tailored slacks that gave him an elegance and made Edward feel way underdressed.

  “Are you upset at my being early? I decided to come straight from work as I was running a bit late.” He gave Edward a disarming smile. “Hence the less than casual attire.”

  “No, it’s great. I was just hoping to prepare you a bit before you saw this, uh…” He gestured at the room. “The guys aren’t the tidiest and I didn’t have a chance to clean up.”

  “No need to apologize. It’s…uh, it’s comfortable and—lived in.” He leaned in for another kiss. “And you smell delicious.” He wrapped his arms tightly around Edward. “I missed you today.”

  Edward felt his knees almost give way while his cock hardened from the sheer eroticism Alex exuded. He was so gorgeous and sexy, and not for the first time Edward wondered why he was single, and why so interested in him. When he opened his eyes after their kiss he saw Troy watching them, a beer can in hand, his expression a mixture of envy and disbelief.

  Well, I can understand both those emotions, but he could be a mite more subtle.

  “Uh, just let me put my shoes on and we can get going,” he said quietly while slipping from Alex’s embrace.

  He hurried into his bedroom, pulled on the socks and shoes he’d laid aside earlier, took another quick peek at himself in the mirror, then with an impatient sigh, he flicked off the light and went back to the living room. Troy was sitting on the arm of the couch talking in a low but urgent tone and gazing up at Alex with an expression that Edward could only term as lecherous.

  Shit, subtlety is definitely not in this guy’s vocabulary. He was slightly mollified by the fact that Alex seemed to be staring over Troy’s head, his lips twisted in a wry smile. He looked over at Edward and there was no mistaking the relief in his eyes as he grinned at him.

  “There you are.” He crossed the room quickly and took Edward’s hand. “Shall we?”

  Troy got to his feet, a surly cast to his face. “Well, nice meeting you—and uh, don’t forget what I told you about, will you?”

  “No, I certainly won’t forget it,” Alex replied, opening the door and practically pushing Edward into the hall outside. He shook his head and gave Edward a grim look. “Your roommate is something else.”

  “Was he trying to put the make on you? I don’t blame him, but I can’t believe he’d do it right in front of me.”

  “Not only that, he invited me to a party over the weekend some friends of his are throwing—lots of drugs and sex he said, waggling his eyebrows at me, like he thought I’d find that sexy.”

  “Jeez.” Edward shook his head. “Wait. Did you?”

  “Did I what?”

  “Find it sexy.”

  Alex snorted. “No.” Just before they reached the main door out to the street, he grabbed Edward’s arm and tugged him into a fast embrace. “Troy is quite attractive, I suppose, but there was just one guy in the room I found sexy.” He kissed Edward’s lips then said, “You.”

  “Thanks. I saw him watching us when you were kissing me. I could tell by his expression he was pissed, like he couldn’t believe I was getting what he wanted.”

  Alex pushed his groin
against Edward’s, grinding their erections together. “Well, he’s not getting any of this. I don’t go any place where there’s drugs and I’m not into orgies. I like my sex to be one on one.”

  “God, but you are making me want that ’one on one’ right now”—Edward licked Alex’s lush lower lip—“but we can’t do it here in the hallway.”

  “True, the neighbors might complain. Still want that drink?”

  “Not as much as I want you.”

  “Good boy.” Alex patted Edward’s butt. “But I have to confess to being starving hungry. I didn’t have time for lunch, so if you don’t mind, we could stop for a quick bite on the way to my place, which is, I think you’ll agree, where we want to be. Yes?”

  “You’ll get no argument from me, sir, especially as you’re going to be out of town for the next few days, and I already know I’m gonna miss you like heck.”

  After kissing him again, Alex murmured, “Let’s go then.” He put his lips to Edward’s ear and growled, “I can hardly wait to fuck you again.”

  “And again, you won’t get any argument from me, sir.”

  Laughing together, they left the apartment building hand in hand and headed for Alex’s car.

  * * * *

  They stopped at a small pizza parlor of Alex’s choice where the pies were made to order. While they waited they had a glass of wine and sat at a table near the window. Their conversation in the car had been mostly small talk but not at all stilted, although Edward found himself still a bit distracted by Troy’s behavior. He had to remind himself that he didn’t really know either of his roommates very well, but if this was typical of Troy, he had no wish to get closer to the guy. However, he didn’t want to dwell on Troy’s rudeness while he was with Alex. He’d wait until he and Troy were alone before he confronted him.

  “So you were so busy today you didn’t have time for lunch?” he remarked, after sipping his wine.

  “We had a bit of a problem with one of our stellar clients,” Alex told him, grimacing. “She’s really popular, but she’s been getting some bad press recently and wanted Scott, my boss, to fix it. Unfortunately, she’s been running around with a pretty scary crowd, and last month she made a fool of herself on Oprah, showing up for the interview stoned. You don’t do that stuff if you want Oprah to help you regain some of your credibility. Anyway, today she was yelling and threatening and being so obnoxious Scott told her if she didn’t cool down, he was no longer going to represent her. She hit the roof and started breaking things. Scott called the building’s security and she smacked one of the guys who answered. Before we could stop him, he pepper-sprayed her, and oh my God, if it had been anywhere else but our office, the ruckus that followed would no doubt be all over the tabloid press and TV.”