7. Harper

7 /

harper

Although D.C. had been my home for years, I felt out of place. The city hadn't changed, but my world had shifted remarkably in a short time. My hosts were Barracudas captain Nick Johnson and his husband, Jacob. They were as nice as ever, but Nick wasn't my teammate anymore, which altered the nuances of our relationship. While I was here, I'd be seeing other teammates—or former teammates—and I hoped things would be normal between us.

When Nick and I had gone to my old condo to take some boxes to a charity store, my empty place no longer felt like home. Instead, it was more like someone I'd known years earlier in a different phase of my life—familiar but no longer comfortable. Even the D.C. streets seemed different. After driving on them for years, I'd learned to expect the traffic and not let it bother me, but now it was a giant pain in the ass.

After my ill-fated romance, I'd fallen into a routine. I played hockey, spent time with my teammates, and then went home to play video games and read fantasy novels. During the day I thought I was making the best of my situation, but when I lay alone in bed at three in the morning, I knew the truth: I was accepting my fate.

With the move to Buffalo, something inside me had adjusted. Hoping for a life partner would probably still be an exercise in futility, but with the change of location, I was determined not to settle for the lonely life I'd had in Washington. I would put myself out there more. There had to be other men like me, not keepers in the long run, but hungry for good times and company for a while. Luca was probably an example of one, and if we made good on our deal to hang out, it would be a positive for both of us. Besides relief from my loneliness, it sounded like I might finally get fucked—a lot—putting an end to the desperate craving that was slowly driving me insane.

Recently, I'd gone back and forth about what would be best for me, hookups or short-term flings. Sealing myself off was safer, but taking a chance could open a new, more fulfilling life, one in which I wouldn't keep my spirit locked up to guard against heartbreak. At a crossroads, I couldn't let this opportunity slip away. Luca sparked hope within me, a feeling I'd almost forgotten existed.

I'd see what happened when I went home, but today, I had a meeting to sign the paperwork allowing a realtor to sell my condo. I stopped at the old place to do a final walk-through. Nothing was left but memories, so with forty minutes to spare, I sat on the living room floor and checked my phone. There were no messages, so I took a sip of my iced coffee and tapped the icon to FaceTime Luca.

He answered on the second ring. "Hey, handsome. What's up?"

"Uh…" Luca's appearance had me breathless. His usually immaculate hair was damp and hanging across his forehead. Beads of sweat glistened on his face, and his cheeks were deeply flushed. His bare chest with its bulging pecs was a shameless display of powerful masculinity. Heat flared in the pit of my stomach, making my dick roar to life. For a few seconds, panic gripped me as a familiar ache wound around my heart. Had I caught him in bed with someone? What an absurd thought; he wouldn't answer a call in the middle of that.

"Harper? Is something wrong?"

"Hi." My voice was little more than a whisper. "Got a minute?"

"Sure, but what's going on? You look like you saw a ghost."

Coming out of my trance, I spoke without a filter. "You look so hot I couldn't talk. For a minute, I thought maybe you were fucking someone."

He threw his head back and laughed, the crinkles around his mouth and eyes emphasizing his good looks. Luca may have had a boyishly handsome face, but the laugh lines left no doubt he was all grown up. Well, the lines plus the generous allotment of hair on his chest. And his… God, his everything. I focused on the dip at the bottom of his throat and fantasized about licking it. After he stopped laughing, he gazed into his phone and met my eyes across the miles. "I couldn't be fucking someone, because I can't get you out of my head. I'm saving it all for you."

My cheeks stung, and for the second time in this conversation, he'd stolen my breath. I'd have given anything to be with him. I needed him to fuck me more than I could get my mind around, and I crossed my fingers he wouldn't change his mind after he learned I played hockey. If he did, it would devastate me.

His lips slanted into a half-cocked smile. "You like that idea, don't you? And…" He bounced his eyebrows. "I'm getting the definite impression you like me sweaty."

"Uh huh." I was glad he couldn't see how my dick was tenting my pants. I placed a hand over it and squeezed, gasping with pleasure. It wouldn't take much of that to do the trick, so I let go.

"Damn, Harper. You look…" He rolled one shoulder in a shrug. "Deliciously fuckable."

"Oh, God." I put my hand back over my dick for another squeeze. "Makes two of us, then. Why are you so sweaty? You look like a poster boy for sex."

His eyes sparkled, and he tilted his head. "Hope you still think so when you get back."

"No worries about that. But…"

Nodding slowly, he trailed a finger down the middle of his chest, between his pecs. I thought he was being provocative, but when he spoke, I wasn't sure. "The humidity broke, so I went for a run. Did eight miles and just got home. Do you run, by any chance?"

"When I can."

"Want to be my running partner when you get back?" He narrowed his eyes. "We'll both get sweaty, and I know how to make the most of that."

"That sounds fucking amazing, but I didn't call to get all… like this. I have an appointment to see a realtor."

"Too bad. I was about to ask if you wanted to do a manual override." Not knowing what he meant, I sipped my coffee while he tried again. "You know, shuck the corn and make some soup."

Spraying coffee around the room, I laughed until I was clutching my side. After a deep breath, I smirked at him. "You mean ‘beat off?' I've never heard it called those things before."

His chuckle was nothing less than lascivious. "Now you get the idea. Down for it?"

"No chance. I'm in my deserted condo, and there's not so much as a paper towel left here."

"That's unfortunate, but I can wait until you're in more accommodating surroundings."

While we chuckled, he reached for a towel, wiped his face, and dabbed at his throat and chest. Hopefully, I'd see him sweaty again before long.

"Having a good day?" I asked. "I spent this morning with my friends, then came here to see if I'd left anything."

"One more look at the place? Will you miss it?"

"I guess. I lived here for four years, but I'm ready to move on."

He nodded and guzzled some water out of a half empty bottle. "I slept in and went running as soon as I had breakfast." After finishing the water, he lay down on his bed, a wreck of wrinkled sheets and a twisted comforter.

Trying to fend off thoughts of lying beside him, I took a long breath. "Wish I could've slept in. You doing anything this afternoon?"

"I'll stay home and finish my book. Maybe play some Elden Ring ."

"That's a fantastic game. Can we play together when I get back?"

"Sure. Do you like fantasy games in general, or just that one?"

"I love anything to do with fantasy. Do you like fantasy novels, by any chance?"

His vigorous nodding rustled the pillow. "For sure. You know Marshall McKinley? His Dragons of the Shifting Stars series?"

My heart was off at a gallop. "I love it. I'm finishing book four, so don't tell me what happens."

"Four is so good, but be prepared for a cliffhanger. I just read book six."

"He's written nine so far, right?"

Luca jumped up, and I only saw flashes of light and blurred objects until he pointed his phone at a bookcase. He moved closer to a shelf holding the entire McKinley series. "Nine so far, right here. I bought them all because I love the covers so much." He turned the phone around so I could see his face. "You know book ten is coming out this fall? I hope he keeps writing forever."

"Me too. I heard one of the cable channels is making a series out of the first three books."

" Galactic Firewing. I saw a trailer on YouTube, and it looks kickass. Maybe we can watch together."

Luca returned to his bed, and we compared notes on our favorite fantasy books until my phone vibrated with an incoming message.

MIRANDA KING: I thought we had an appointment at 2. Did I get it wrong?

Shit! I'd gotten so involved, I forgot about the time. It was 2:18.

HARPER: I'm so sorry. Running behind today. Could we reschedule?

MIRANDA KING: I'm booked solid tomorrow, but I'm free until 4 this afternoon. Can you still make it?

HARPER: Yes, I'll be there by 3.

"Sorry about that," I told Luca. "I got so excited talking to you, I forgot my appointment. She's busy all day tomorrow, so I need to go."

"That's okay. I've enjoyed this a lot. Can we talk again later?"

"For sure. I'll text tonight as soon as I can, if that's all right."

"Good plan. Be careful driving. Don't be reckless just because you're late."

"Yes, Mom ." I moved the phone close to my face so he could see me roll my eyes. "I'll be in touch later."

He winked and gave me a thumbs-up. "I'll be waiting."

Before we disconnected, his searching eyes caught mine, and a powerful longing washed over me as we stared into our phones. I briefly wondered why I was in D.C. when Luca was waiting for me back home. I had important things to do here, but I wanted to be with him. The night we met, I imagined he was the bad boy from school who'd tempt me into ditching class so we could have fun. Now, in real life, he was tempting me to ditch responsibilities so we could be together. Responsibilities, I reminded myself. Responsibilities.

His warm, dark eyes bore into mine, and we still didn't disconnect. For the entire time we talked, I hadn't worried about anything. We kidded each other and laughed, then discovered a common interest I'd never shared with a guy I liked. Luca and I might have an even better time than I'd imagined.

Nick and Jacob had invited two other Barracudas for dinner, Kev Moore and his husband, Tyler Jensen. Kev was one of the league's leading defensemen as well as an alternate captain for the Cudas. Tyler was an all-star right winger who had been one of Nick's teammates in high school. Nick grilled steaks, and after the meal, we all sat around talking.

"How's it going so far?" Kev asked. "Met any of the boys yet?"

"Some of them took me out for drinks one night, and we played shinny a few days later. They're aggressive on the ice, but otherwise they're great guys. I think I'll fit in well."

Nick set his beer on the coffee table. "How are Gabe and Logan? You'll be the third gay player there, so you can use their support."

"Gabe's one of the team's leaders, and he's been friendly. Logan's more laid-back, but he's been nice, too."

"How about Jax?" Ty asked. "He was great when we all had drinks after we beat them last winter."

"Jax is cool." I took a pull of my beer, and when no one said anything, I added, "He seems like a good leader, but he's no Stick." Stick was Nick's nickname throughout the hockey world.

A pang of sadness sliced through me as I remembered the countless games I'd played with the Cudas. Nick, besides being one of the best players in the league, was a phenomenal captain who was always there for everyone. I'd learned so much from him, about hockey and life, and I was going to miss him.

"Go, Stick," Kev said, wearing a big grin.

"Nobody like Nicky," Ty said. "If he ever leaves, the Cudas will go to shit."

Nick shook his head. "That isn't true. The Cudas are a fantastic team, with or without me. But I'm not going anywhere. I'd like to retire here if I can."

Kev scooted forward in his chair. "Don't even talk about that. You're way too young to retire, and even if the team could go on without you, I wouldn't want to be a part of it."

"I didn't mean soon, just that I'd like to play here for my entire career." He smiled and shifted his gaze to me. "Tell you all one thing, though. It'll be a lot harder beating the Warriors now that they've got Harpy."

I waved him off. "I don't know about that. I'm just one man."

"Don't underestimate yourself," Nick said. "You're amazing on the ice, but you never got a fair shot here. If the Warriors have a lick of sense, they'll put you on the first line, and you can really strut your stuff. I'm not looking forward to playing against you."

Images of centering the first line in a packed arena lit up my mind. Nick had always believed in me, even when others hadn't. "Thanks, Stick. I'll give it a hundred percent."

My phone buzzed. Looking to see if it was Luca might be rude, but I didn't want to ignore him, either. The guys with me right then were my friends connected to the past, and Luca was my… something… connected to the future. I was the common denominator, and I wanted to take care of myself for a change.

"Excuse me, boys. I need to check who this is." After pulling the phone out of my pocket, I couldn't stop a big smile from exploding across my face.

LUCA: How's it going, handsome? You're probably busy, but I wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed talking this afternoon. Just finished some lemon chicken and turned on my Nintendo. Think I'll play Elden Ring until I hear from you.

HARPER: I had a great time with you, too. Nick invited some guys over and we had steaks, but I'll get away as soon as I can.

LUCA: Nick?

Shit—had I just given it all away? I hadn't told Luca about my hockey connection because I wanted to break the news in person. It hadn't felt like the right time in the coffee shop because I didn't want to miss out on the chance to be friends. My heart rattled when I wondered if he might put two and two together and figure out I played hockey. I took a calming breath and decided he wouldn't. Thankfully, there were lots of Nicks in the world, so I thumbed out another message.

HARPER: A guy from my old job. I'm staying with him and his husband.

LUCA: Got it. I hope you're having fun. :)

HARPER: For sure. I'll have more fun with you, though. ;)

LUCA: Hope so. Any old boyfriends there? ;)

HARPER: Wouldn't you like to know? ;)

I meant it to be funny, but once the words were glowing on the screen, I wasn't sure how he'd take them.

HARPER: No boyfriends, old or otherwise.

LUCA: Good. You won't forget to call me then?

HARPER: Not a chance. Can't wait.

I set the phone on the arm of my chair, and when I looked up, everyone had me in their crosshairs.

Tyler widened his eyes. "Do you have a boyfriend up there already?"

"Um… I… No." My cheeks tingled. "Why would you think that?"

Kev twisted his lips into a smirk. "Could be that mile-wide grin you had on your face while you were texting."

"It's still there," Ty said. "I've never seen you smile like that before."

"And your cheeks are bright red," Nick chimed in. "That's a clue."

"He…" I stammered, cheeks burning hotter. "I mean, I met someone, okay? He seems great, but things aren't serious. I haven't been up there long."

"I knew it." Kev grinned like a proud older brother. "You're due, Harpy. Go for it."

"It's too soon." I huffed. "I don't know if…"

"Leave him alone, guys." Jacob glanced around, giving everyone the same I-mean-it look I'd noticed him using on Nick. "Harper will tell us when there's something we should know. All this hockey stuff is fascinating, but you haven't talked about anything else tonight. How's your apartment, Harper? Got it decorated yet?"

After giving me some advice about new furniture, Jacob went to the kitchen to do the dishes, and Ty went to help. Nick took Kev and me into the den, where we played Diablo 4 . We had fun, but I kept checking the time.

It was another two hours before Kev and Ty went home. After spending a few minutes talking to Nick and Jacob, I excused myself and headed for my room. I quickly changed into boxers and a T-shirt, then FaceTimed Luca.

He answered wearing a big smile. "I thought maybe they took you out or something."

His hair was messy, and his shiny eyes and loopy grin made my heart flip-flop. He was hot as fire in a red tank top that showed off his broad shoulders and the tops of his incredible pecs. Why a man like him was even talking to me was a mystery, but I pushed that out of my mind. Hopefully, he wasn't upset I'd made him wait for so long. "We didn't go out, but everybody wanted to play Diablo 4 . The guys didn't leave until a few minutes ago."

"I'm really happy to hear from you."

He sat up, and I noticed he was in bed. "Were you asleep? I'm sorry it's so late."

"No." He held up a book. "Just reading. I wasn't in the mood for Elden Ring, after all."

"That's okay. It'll be more fun when we can play together."

"Looks like you're in bed, too." He rubbed the hollow under his throat. "Sleepy?"

"Not at all. I've been looking forward to talking."

His eyes sparkled. "I don't want to hold the phone all night, so I think I'll switch to my laptop."

It sounded like he planned to stay up for a while, which was great news. "Good idea. I brought my computer, so I'll do the same."

"Let's disconnect and start a new call. How long do you need?"

"Couple of minutes? I'll call when my computer boots up." As soon as the laptop came to life, I connected my AirPods and called Luca. This time, I could see more of him, and I luxuriated in the view.

Grinning, he asked, "Like what you see?"

"In your dreams. Maybe I'm so disgusted I can't look away."

"Nah. If you didn't like me, you wouldn't be licking your lips."

I scoffed. "You're like a Russian doll, full of yourself."

"Your opinion is very important to me. Please hold."

I resisted the urge to laugh. "Keep talking. One day you'll say something funny."

He gnawed on his lower lip as his gaze locked with mine. "You are so sexy. You make me think all kinds of crazy things."

His husky murmur had me getting hard. "You do the same to me," I said. "And for the record, that tank top makes you look like a sex god."

A blush crept across his cheeks while he took a shaky breath. "So… there's something I wanted to ask you."

I leaned closer to the screen. "What is it?"

"If we're going to talk, I need to do something, because you look so good I can't think about anything else. I wish we were together, but… would you want to…"

I had a pretty good idea what he was asking, but he was so cute, I needed him to say it. "Would I want to what?"

"Jerk off together?"

My heart seized. I wanted to get off with him, but my ex's voice—the one from D.C.—came back. Could you try to look normal when you have an orgasm? You're ugly when you come.

Although no one else had said it, I'd been self-conscious ever since. I still worried enough to fuck guys from behind whenever I could. Luca had been busy swallowing the other day, then behind me after that. What would he think if he saw me come tonight?

"Harper?" Luca's voice was softer, almost timid. "Would you please jack off with me? I want to be with you, and this is the best we can do tonight."

Heat rushed through me, and my cock, already interested, prepared for blastoff. Hoping for the best, my ex be damned, I grinned. "Fuck yeah. Hold on." My eyes flitted around the room, and I ran to the door and clicked the lock. After kicking off my boxers, I hurried back to bed, stripping off my shirt along the way.

When I was back in front of my computer, Luca smiled and shook his head. "What the hell kind of chest workouts do you do? Your pecs are amazing."

"Look who's talking. If I were there, I'd lick yours and suck your nipples till you whined."

He snorted. "I'm not much of a whiner, but I like nipple play. Will you bite them, too?"

"Anything you want, bad boy." I traced circles around my own nipples, then pinched one so hard I hissed. "I like nipple play, too."

His eyes widened. "Ever tried clamps?"

Every word out of his mouth made my dick harder. "No, but…"

He bounced his eyebrows. "You want to, don't you?"

"I've thought about it, but I don't have any."

"Maybe I do." He winked and leaned over toward his nightstand. When he sat up again, he dangled a long chain with nipple clamps on either end. "Maybe we'll try them when you get back. I'll put them on your tits and listen to you groan. Then I'll tug on the chain while I suck your cock. Want to feel your nipples ache while I blow you?"

"Uh huh." I didn't want to seem inexperienced, but my mouth was operating under its own steam. "What does that feel like?"

"You mean if I pulled on the chain while I was sucking you?"

I nodded.

"It's uncomfortable, but the sting mixes with the pleasure from the blow job. Raises it to a whole new level."

It took me too long to respond. "I want to find out."

"We're going to have a lot of fun. I've got you covered with anything you want." He tossed the clamps aside. "Want to see something else?"

"Go for it."

He leaned forward to adjust the angle of the computer, then scooted back against the headboard. I could see all of him, leaning back with his legs spread and his cock standing straight up. Holy fuck—it was even bigger than I remembered. He groaned as he wrapped a hand around it, and when he squeezed, a drop of precum glistened at the tip. Looking up, he smirked. "I showed you mine. Now show me yours."

Using my feet, I pushed the computer farther away so he could see all of me.

"Damn, Harper." He gave his dick a few tugs. "Tell me what you want."

"I want you," I said.

"Yeah? Want me to suck your dick again?"

I jerked myself slowly, careful not to squeeze hard because I didn't want to come too soon. "Please."

"No worries. I can't wait to get that monster in my mouth again." He started jacking himself. "Don't you want more, though?"

"Yes."

He stopped jerking and slapped his dick against his other hand. "You want this cock?"

"Fuck. I do."

He started jerking off again. "Match my pace so we can come together."

"Okay." I adjusted my strokes until we were synced.

"That's it," he said. "I want to be inside you, fucking your ass. Would you be down for that?"

His eyes bore into me, reaching deep inside. The world shrank until the only things left were Luca, his cock, and my blistering need. I couldn't think, couldn't breathe, couldn't stop the frantic racing of my heart. It took a couple of tries before I was able to mumble, "What are you doing to me?"

"Nothing yet, but you want me to fuck you, right?"

Men had refused me so many times I'd stopped asking. "Will you really do that for me?"

"Do what, babe? You're a big guy, but you're not a top, are you? Please tell me what you need. It would turn me on so much to hear you say it."

"I um…"

"You need something special." He glanced down, and when I followed his eyes, he'd let go of his cock. It was hard as a rock, throbbing in time with his heartbeat. "I think you need this."

My neck prickled, the sensation quickly eclipsed by heat spreading across my nape and into my cheeks. "I need it so much it hurts."

He started jerking off again—quick, hard strokes this time. "Come home, Harper. I'll give you what you need."

I was horny as shit, not to mention half-crazy from what Luca was saying. "Will you make me beg for it?" I asked. "Say you won't give it to me and make me desperate?" Apparently, all my inhibitions had flown out the window.

"Beg for it now. Tell me what you want."

I tried to save a little dignity and refuse, tell him my friends might hear. But my reserve was no match for how much I wanted him. "Fuck me. Please give me your cock."

"Mm. I like dirty talk, Harper. Do you?"

"Yes." The filthier, the better, but I'd never had many partners who felt the same. "I like it a lot."

"Don't be shy, then. Tell me in detail."

I took a moment to catch my breath. "It's like I have this ache I can't reach, and the only thing that could help would be for me to be stretched open and fucked hard. I want you to play with my hole. Lick it, and then stick your big veiny cock up my ass and plow me till I can hardly breathe."

Between labored breaths, he mumbled, "I'll fucking plow you, all right. You won't know what hit you."

"Say dirty things while you fuck me?"

"As filthy as you want."

"Please, Luca."

We were both jacking superfast, our harsh grunts filling the air.

"I'll eat your ass until you need my dick so much you can't talk. Then I'll plow your hole until you beg me to never stop. I'll make you mine. You want to belong to me, don't you, babe? Be my filthy man-slut?"

Luca's rough voice sent chills through me. It was all too much. The talk, his lust-glazed eyes, the shiny streak of precum running over his fingers. I moaned and whispered, "I'm so fucking close."

"Me too." He shifted his gaze down to my cock. "Shoot your load for me."

"Fuck!" I gritted out the word as a rope of cum splashed across my chest. Grunting with every shot, I battled to remain quiet while I came all over myself.

He groaned as a geyser of white erupted from his cock, and I kept jerking myself while he shot a milky load across his abs.

We both slumped as our orgasms wound down. If not for the headboard behind me, I'd have collapsed flat on my back.

"Holy shit, Harper. You're goddamn beautiful when you come. I want to fuck you all night so I can see it over and over."

A massive lump filled my throat, and I fought to contain a sob. Did he mean it? He didn't think my o-face was ugly?

"Earth to Harper. Everything all right over there?"

"Yeah, just… That was mindboggling. Thank you so much."

"It was awesome for me, too. Look what a mess you made."

I snickered. "Like you didn't? Wish I could lick yours up."

He bounced his eyebrows. "I love how dirty you are. I can't wait to get my hands on you again."

"I want it, too." Still breathing hard, I stared into the laptop's camera. "Luca?"

He quirked an eyebrow.

"I was serious. Those things I said—that's what I need."

"Fly home right now, and I'll pound you so hard you'll be screaming my name. Then I'll do it over and over, as many times as you want."

Unbelievably, as spent as my dick was, it twitched. Maybe, at last, I'd get what I needed so much.

Saturday Morning

The bank I'd always used was open on Saturdays, so I went there to take care of some financial business. After that, I drove to the warehouse where I'd stored the things I didn't take to Buffalo. I looked through it all to be sure I hadn't changed my mind, and then headed for the consignment company to arrange for them to sell everything. On my way back to Nick and Jacob's house, I realized I'd completed my D.C. to-do list.

I couldn't help thinking about Luca. After we jerked off, we had another long talk about anything that came to mind. We were both tired, and as the conversation was winding down, he surprised me by asking if we could fall asleep without hanging up. Watching him drift off, his face peaceful in the soft glow of his computer screen, made me feel warm all over.

With my to-do list complete, there was no need to stay in D.C. until Monday. When I scheduled the trip, I wasn't sure how long my business would take, and I'd wanted to spend time with my old teammates. I thought I'd be lonely in Buffalo, and spending time with guys who'd been my friends for years seemed like a smart thing to do. Now, things had changed.

As I pulled into Nick and Jacob's driveway, I knew what I wanted to do. I couldn't skip the going-away cookout they'd planned for Sunday, but I'd call the airline and get on Sunday evening's flight to Buffalo. I'd been waiting too long, and if Luca wanted to spend time with me, I'd have been stupid to make him wait.