4. Harper & Luca

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harper I doubted there could be any in-between. Would getting fucked be as satisfying as I imagined, or had I built up my fantasy into something reality could never match?

I turned in the chair, and a different perspective of the lake helped my mind shift gears. With the looks of an Adonis, the body of a modern-day Hercules, and a cock that must have been molded from Thor's hammer, Luca was sex personified. But he also exuded warmth and caring. The snark that had me laughing and returning the flirty banter soothed a tender place in my soul. Hookups would be important, but hanging out with him for other activities would be a lot of fun, too. We hadn't committed to anything but having fun, and if I was vigilant, I should be able to manage my feelings without getting hurt.

Was I delusional to feel this way after a meeting in a bar, followed by one conversation and a hookup in the neighborhood coffee spot? The rational side of my brain cranked out urgent bulletins warning me to reinforce my walls and dig a moat, but as long as I remembered the danger of letting things go beyond casual hanging out, I'd be fine. Right?

The uncertainty reawakened my anxiety. I was already itching for more mind-bending sex, but the pull between us made things risky. Someone with Luca's looks and charm would have no shortage of willing guys. Considering my history of falling for men only to learn I didn't measure up, I couldn't afford to make a mistake. Another heartbreak would be a disastrous way to start life in a new city.

I was looking out the window when my phone vibrated, making me jump. I pulled it out of my pocket.

GABE: Don't forget skating tomorrow. 10 am in Amherst. Can you get there okay?

The Warriors had their offices and practice facility in Amherst, about twenty minutes from downtown Buffalo. Gabe had set up a get-to-know-you skate with the guys who were in town, and I was excited to go. It would be the first time I played with my new teammates as a Warrior.

HARPER: Looking forward to it. I'll plug the address into GPS.

GABE: Good deal. I think there'll be about 10 of us. Two goalies, so the rest of you can get in some good 4 on 4. Plan on having lunch after.

HARPER: Thanks for making this happen. Can't wait.

As I set the phone on a side table, I remembered my doctor from D.C. had called in my allergy prescription to a nearby pharmacy. After a quick shower to rinse off any remaining signs of what Luca and I had been up to, I headed out.

Luca

I arrived home about nine-thirty with my buddies' laughter still echoing in my head. Paintball had left me pleasantly achy, a reminder of enemy fire and my team's ultimate victory. Some strategically placed paintballs were sure to leave bruises, but I'd live. That was the price of having such a good time, just like being banged up after a lacrosse game. My teammates and I were tight, and we missed each other during the long off-season. Tonight had been about catching up with them.

Now that I was home, a different kind of warmth bloomed in my chest, fueled by hazel eyes and memories that made my imagination run wild. Harper was incredible, and if I'd met someone like him before Caleb and I started fucking, my life might have turned out differently. I didn't know Harper well enough to be sure, but he didn't seem much like other guys who'd been part of my life.

Shit. I couldn't believe how stupid I was. Woulda, coulda, shoulda never solved anything, and I needed to deal with reality, not indulge in useless fantasies. Harper and I would have a short-term fling, and that was all. Romance and I weren't meant to exist in the same universe.

After changing into gym shorts and a tank top, I settled in my recliner and enjoyed the cool air from a nearby AC vent. Outside the window, the lake shimmered in the moonlight, freeing my mind to focus on Harper. As much as I'd enjoyed spending time with my teammates, I hadn't been able to shake the memories of what happened at the Jitterbug.

Harper's unexpected appearance was confusing. A ridiculous thought had brought me up short—was he following me? It was impossible, of course, because he wouldn't have known where to start. Once he explained he lived nearby, his presence made more sense. Having him in the neighborhood was a stroke of luck, because hanging out would be more convenient if we lived close to each other.

I shifted in my chair, remembering how he turned me inside-fucking-out. I could still feel his lips on mine, thrill at the roughness of his unshaven cheeks, and bask in the memory of the heat radiating between us while I held him. From the moment he sat down, I hadn't been able to tear my eyes away. When I smelled him—citrus cologne mixed with his natural scent—I knew I had to get him alone. Inviting him home would have meant standing up my friends, but instinct told me he might go for something risky. I'd been right, and exactly as I'd suspected, his wide-eyed expression was at odds with the dirty-minded man inside. He enjoyed our bathroom shenanigans as much as I did, but something about our encounter made me wonder if he'd ever let himself go like that before.

Our makeshift fuck was the best sex I'd had in years, and I hadn't even been inside him. There was no doubt he'd been crazy about it, since having two orgasms within ten minutes would be impressive for anyone. He'd been loud, his body thrumming with energy as he gyrated in front of me like a man starving for sex. His abandon drove me wild, and the way he flew apart in my arms, cursing and groaning, burned a permanent place in my memory. It might have been his first time doing something like that, but my money said it wouldn't be his last.

Mental note: find out what else Harper may not know he likes to do.

But another thought made my stomach sink—Harper and I hadn't discussed our professions yet. He was probably a lawyer or stockbroker, something solid with steady work and a good future. I hadn't asked, because then he'd want to know what I did for a living. The prospect of telling him I played lacrosse was scary. Revealing I was a professional athlete caught a guy's attention like nothing else. Some ran for the hills, while others wanted to use me to fulfill every fantasy they'd ever had about jocks. Then there were the ones whose eyes changed; in a flash, I went from being a hookup to a meal ticket.

I hoped Harper would be different, but I'd been wrong before. Regardless, I'd have to tell him if we kept seeing each other. One-night stands I could keep in the dark, but a friend with benefits? I'd feel dishonest not telling him, but even if I didn't, he was bound to find out. However things ended between us, I didn't want him thinking I lied to him.

My anxiety was building. I didn't know how to deal with this because I wasn't used to letting people into my life. Since the Caleb debacle years earlier, only one guy—Gabe—had piqued my interest. Not long after I arrived in Buffalo, we went out three times, but I was still too hung up on Caleb to think about anything serious. Sex with Gabe was awesome, but as soon as I realized he was catching feelings, I took off in the other direction.

When we ran into each other at a party a few months later, the former spark was gone. Though we never went out or hooked up again, we became good friends. He dated around a lot, so maybe he could give me some advice. I reached for my phone and started typing.

LUCA: Hey, what's up? If you can spare a minute, I have a question.

I turned on the TV while I waited for a response, but his reply came before I could find something to watch.

GABE: Look who it is. Are you in Chicago?

LUCA: No. Mom and Dad went to see family in Italy, and I didn't have time to tag along because of photo shoots. Buffalo it is. Hooray!

GABE: I'm here too. Going to NH with a friend next week for some R) Had to shower when I got home.

LUCA: After I met my buddies, I noticed a few dried splotches in my leg hair. LOL.

HARPER: Haha. Still wearing them?

LUCA: Why don't you come over and find out?

He didn't answer immediately, and I wondered if I'd gone too far.

HARPER: Nice try, but I'll live in ignorant bliss.

LUCA: I'd give you the finger if we were on FaceTime.

HARPER: A finger's a good place to start, but maybe you want to give me more? ;)

My dick got hard as soon as I read the words. I was sure to need a big jerk sesh before bed.

LUCA: Guess you'll have to wait until you get back to find out.

HARPER: I'll survive. We still going to text while I'm gone?

LUCA: Absolutely. What time's your plane tomorrow?

HARPER: Afternoon. I have something with my new job in the morning, then I'll be on my way.

LUCA: You're serious about hanging out when you get back, right? If you aren't sure, just say so.

Typing bubbles appeared, then stopped. Seconds dragged by until they started again, and it seemed like an eternity until a message came through.

HARPER: Very serious. Why? Are you having second thoughts?

LUCA: Not at all. I was wondering if we could go out next week. We can hang at my place or wherever, but it would be fun to have a date.

HARPER: You willing to wear a mask?

There I was, trying to be serious, and he made me laugh again. Fuck him, I couldn't let that pass.

LUCA: If I wanted to hear from an asshole, I'd fart. :)

HARPER: I'd give you a nasty look, but you've already got one. :)

LUCA: Go fuck yourself. ;)

HARPER: What if I said I'd rather you did it for me?

My heart skipped a beat, and my dick got a little harder.

LUCA: I assure you, that can be arranged. ;)

HARPER: I'll hold you to that. When do you want to go out?

LUCA: If you're coming back Monday, how about then?

HARPER: I won't be back until Monday night, remember? Would Tuesday work?

LUCA: Sure. I have a thing during the day, but I'll be finished in the afternoon.

HARPER: Sounds good. Know what you want to do?

As it happened, I had a couple of things in mind, and one of them didn't involve a bed.

LUCA: There's a terrific arcade in Cheektowaga. We could get burgers and ice cream after.

HARPER: I haven't been to an arcade in a long time. It sounds like a lot of fun.

What was that supposed to mean? Was he being sincere or acting like a fuckmouth?

LUCA: Did you doubt me? I don't do boring. That arcade will never be the same.

HARPER: OMG. Arcade and chill? Are we going to use their bathroom too?

Did he only want to fuck? I'd be down if he did, but I should know so I could let go of the idea of being friends. We'd discussed it earlier, but there was nothing wrong with asking for confirmation.

LUCA: Maybe I should ask what you're looking for because I don't want to pressure you. I'd like to get to know each other, but if you're only looking for hookups, I could do that.

HARPER: I'm kidding around. I want to get to know you too. I absolutely want more chill, but we talked about this. I'd enjoy hanging out in other ways.

I blew out a huge breath. Chill and getting to know Harper would be amazing.

LUCA: Totally down for all that. I had an amazing time with you today, in and out of the bathroom. :)

HARPER: Me too, and I'll be looking forward to next week. You better text me while I'm gone. I'll be busy sometimes, but I'll talk whenever I can.

LUCA: No problem. You can text me too if you want.

HARPER: I will.

There was so much I wanted to know about him, but one thing couldn't wait.

LUCA: You said you live near the Jitterbug, and so do I. What's your address?

HARPER: 51 Hurst. You know where it is?

I stared at the phone, wondering if I was seeing things.

LUCA: Seriously? I live at 51 Hurst too.

HARPER: I'm not kidding, but are you?

LUCA: No. What unit are you in?

HARPER: Wouldn't you like to know? ;) If things go well next Tuesday, you'll find out then.

LUCA: Guess the pressure's on. But we could get together now and make another memory to jerk off over while you're gone. It's not that late.

HARPER: I can't, sorry. I have that work thing in the morning, and it's very important. I'll need to be sharp.

LUCA: We could make it quick.

HARPER: I still need to pack. It's tempting, but if we end up together tonight, there won't be as much to anticipate.

Something about the idea of waiting warmed my cockles. Which only made my cockles harder.

LUCA: You drive a hard bargain. I'm counting down the hours.

HARPER: Me too. Goodnight, Luca. I'll text you tomorrow.

LUCA: I'll count on it. Sleep well.

I placed my phone on the side table and leaned the recliner back. Living in the same building could be a great thing, or it might turn into a mess. Whatever. I was determined to think positive for once.