Chapter 15
Thursday, November 21
One Week Until Thanksgiving
Jim couldn’t tear his gaze away from Kris’s apartment. “This place is like an Aladdin’s cave.”
Kris took a puff of his fat cigar. “That makes it sound as though I’ve got a heap of treasure in here.”
Which was exactly what Jim thought.
Varying widths of rope hung from hooks on the wall. High shelves held all manner of implements, from paddles to dildos. Racks suspended from the ceiling contained clothing, most of it leather, but also items in rubber.
Hoo, daddy….
“Do you use all of this stuff?”
“Pretty much. This is the result of decades of work.” Kris sat in the wide armchair next to the fireplace. “I’m curious. Which bits catch your eye?”
Jim grinned. “It would be quicker to ask what doesn’t .” He stood by the rack of leather vests, pants, jackets, inhaling their glorious smell.
“I think that first workshop was a success, don’t you?”
Jim nodded. “It was a good turnout. And more people have signed up for the next one, so word obviously got around.” He grinned again. “Not that I’m surprised. You’re damn good at this.”
“When you asked if I’d run these workshops, I was kinda glad.”
He turned to look at Kris. “Why?”
Kris leaned back in his chair. “We met when I used to visit Nick for one of our chats.” His gaze became unfocused and he wore a slight smile. “Man, I loved those visits. Me, Nick, a couple of other guys, sitting on the front porch, smoking, shooting the breeze, putting the world to rights…” He peered at Jim. “And you , bringing us beers, coffee, snacks—ashtrays.” Kris chuckled. “When you agreed to let me hogtie you, I was kinda surprised.” His eyes gleamed. “But then I saw how you reacted.”
“I’m sorry for falling asleep.” The others had ribbed him about that for weeks after.
“Hey, don’t apologize. You were clearly very comfortable. So comfortable, that it got me thinking. But then I never got the chance to discuss it with you. So when you came up with this idea, yeah, I was pleased.” Kris leaned forward, eyes bright, his knees wide, elbows balanced on them, the cigar filling the air with its aroma. “You liked me tying you up, didn’t you?”
Has it just gotten hot in here?
“Yes.” The word came out as a croak.
“In fact, there are all kinds of things you’d like me to do to you, aren’t there?”
Fuck. Fuck fuck fuck.
Kris waved his cigar. “You don’t have to answer that, by the way. Because you don’t need to.” He cocked his head to one side, and Jim couldn’t look away, staring at Kris’s beard, the mat of hair covering his broad chest, the nipples poking against the fabric of his tee. “The idea of the workshops… that wasn’t why you came to see me a few weeks ago, was it? That was just an excuse. Wasn’t it?”
It felt as though those green eyes were boring their way into Jim’s chest.
He swallowed. “Yes,” he whispered.
“How long have you known you were into kink?”
“A long time.” He squared his shoulders. “Long enough to know this is what I want.”
Kris tilted his head again. “That ex of yours, the one who pissed off to Hollywood… Cal? He was into kink too, wasn’t he?”
“Can we not talk about him, please?”
“I’m just reminding myself that none of this is new to you, is it?” Kris smiled. “And now we’ve gotten that out of the way, how about we get better acquainted?” He placed the butt of his cigar in the ashtray next to him, and rose. He walked slowly to where Jim sat, stopping in front of him, feet apart, his thumbs tucked into his waistband.
Oh dear Lord. Christmas had come early. I just hope I don’t.
“Before we go any further, let’s be clear on a few things. If you want me to stop, that’s Red. You got that?”
“Yes.” Kris arched his eyebrows, and Jim said quickly, “Yes, Sir.”
Kris smiled. “Good boy. Anything I need to know about?”
“No—Sir.” Jim’s heartbeat quickened.
He beamed. “Then we’re good to go.” His eyes gleamed. “On your knees— boy.”
Jim had never moved so fast, and a zipper sliding down had never sounded so good.
Mike sat at the kitchen table, crunching the numbers.
They didn’t add up.
He let out a sigh and put his head in his hands. “Maybe I should just give up now.” He glanced at the clock on the wall. “Maybe I should call it a night too.”
Sam pulled out a chair and sat. “That doesn’t sound like you. What’s up?” He peered at the sheets spread out in front of Mike. “The bookings for the brunch next week look healthy. We can write a shopping list for the weekend.”
“Yeah, that part’s coming together.” Mike tapped one sheet with his finger. “Unfortunately, this one isn’t. We still don’t have the money for the renovations.”
“That company in Maine… they said they won’t sell the stuff to anyone else. It’s ours as soon as—”
“As soon as we can pay for it all. Yeah, I know. But we’re not even halfway there yet. And we have to take into account how much we’ll need to pay out for a plumber to install all of it.” He sighed once more. “I had this great idea of having the hotel ready for business by Thanksgiving, and I see now it was way too ambitious.”
Sam chuckled. “Yeah, that was a tad ambitious. But look at what we’ve achieved. We’ve had three club nights. Three art classes. The first BDSM/leather workshop. Two piano recitals. And you’ve only had the place three weeks , for God’s sake. That’s huge , Mike. And it all adds up.”
Mike smiled. “That’s what I like about you, Sam. You always look on the bright side.” He laughed. “Thank God Anthony isn’t here. He’d burst into that song from the end of The Life of Brian .” He frowned. “Where is everyone, by the way?”
“Ant went to the Crown & Anchor. Phil’s playing tonight.” He bit his lip. “That girl is smitten, I tell you. Smitten. Elliott got a dinner invite from Stephan.” He waggled his eyebrows. “I think that’s a modern version of Come up and see my etchings , but I could be wrong. And Jim is…” He chuckled again. “Let’s just say he’s probably a little tied up right now, and leave it at that. Again, I could have it all wrong, but somehow I don’t think so. Oh, and Ashley is out on a date with Officer Murphy.” He gave an eye roll. “Yeah. Didn’t see that one coming.” His lips twitched. “So I took advantage of having the hot water all to myself and had a long shower. It was bliss.”
Mike sniffed. “ Now I know why I can smell citrus. It’s your body wash. It smells really good.”
Nearly as good as Sam did first thing every morning when he came down to breakfast, hair ruffled, the scent of warm sheets still clinging to him.
A scent that never failed to fill Mike’s head with thoughts that were definitely dirty.
He collected his papers into a sheaf before removing a folded sheet from his pocket. He opened it up and gazed at the familiar scrawl, his chest tightening.
“What’s that?”
“Nick’s letter.” Mike sighed. “I must’ve read it about ten times since you gave it to me.” He glanced at Sam. “Actually, you should hear this. You get a mention. All of you do.”
“You don’t have to do that.”
He smiled. “But I want to.” He cleared his throat.
Dear Mike,
First off, please let me say the time I was able to spend with you ranks high among my most treasured memories. Even when you were young, I knew you had flair and style. I figured if you ever decided to try drag, you’d rock it hard. I will admit, I’m sad that I won’t be around to see it.
I know that sounds depressing and a little morbid, but I’ve just got a feeling, that’s all. I’m writing this the night before my heart op. The doc thinks it’ll go well, but … well, you never know, right? And just in case it doesn’t, I want to make sure I’m leaving my house in order.
About that…
If you’re reading this, then by now you’ve inherited my place. I’m certain you met the girls—well, I hope you have, assuming they’re still living at the house. They’re a motley crew, but among the fiercest friends and family you’ll find. They’re the only things that made me smile during these last few months.
I remember you as a kid. Your grandmother kept me up to date with what you were doing, at least, she did until she passed. Mom was a great lady. I wish you could’ve seen her the way I got to in her last years.
But now you’re an adult, and I’ve just handed you a whole new set of priorities. I don’t know what the future holds. Maybe you’ll sell the place, maybe you won’t. I hope not. I’d really love to keep the place in the family—including the sisters you’ve just met.
Regardless, the house is yours to do with as you see fit. But know that it’s given with love and admiration. Because I have always admired you.
I hope you stay in P-town and make a life for yourself. You’d be a good fit. Think of me now and then.
Uncle Nick
Mike folded the sheet and put it back in his pocket. Not for the first time, he wiped away the tears. When he caught a sniff, he glanced across the table to find Sam doing exactly the same thing.
“Got something in my eye,” Sam said in a gruff voice. He stood. “Guess we’re left minding the fort tonight.” Then he stilled. “I’ve got an idea. Why don’t you come to my room, I’ll fire up the laptop, and we’ll find a movie on Netflix. Something uplifting, to make us smile.”
Mike loved that. “We got any wine left in the fridge?”
Sam grinned. “Enough for a couple of glasses, I think.” His eyes gleamed. “Unless you want to drink it straight from the bottle again.”
That was all it took to drag Mike’s mind back to a sandy beach, a beautiful sunset, and that first kiss.
Then he recalled Sam’s Ten Kiss rule—and where they were up to.
“A movie sounds great.”
“Having the place to ourselves sounds even better,” Sam added with a smile.
It was the recipe for the perfect evening. Well, it would be—as soon as Mike grabbed a shower.
Just in case.
Sam closed the laptop. “Well? Do I have good taste in movies or what?” He thought he’d nailed Mike’s mood pretty well, judging by Mike’s expression as they watched.
Mike laughed. “Okay, Ratatouille wouldn’t have been my first choice, but you were right. It made me smile.” They sat on Sam’s bed, propped up by pillows, the laptop on the comforter between them, connected to an external speaker. They’d killed the last of the wine and Sam had a nice buzz going on.
Mike was adding to that buzz, and then some.
Sam chuckled. “I must’ve watched it five or six times, and it always has the same effect. It’s what I put on when I need a pick-me-up.” He placed the laptop on the nightstand.
Mike gazed at him. “You’re my pick-me-up.”
And there’s my cue.
Sam’s breathing hitched as he closed the gap between them. “In case you missed it, we’ve reached number ten.”
“Uh-huh.” Mike focused on Sam’s hand as he stroked Mike’s chest. “So what’s your feeling?” He stared into Sam’s eyes. “Are we going to work out?”
Sam’s lips twitched. “Oh yeah. But right now we’re going to make out.”
Mike smiled. “I’m all for that.”
They lay together, their arms entwined around each other, their lips locked. Sam couldn’t get enough of Mike’s kisses, and with each intimate exchange the intensity of those kisses increased, until Sam was hard and wanting.
Judging by the moans tumbling from Mike’s lips, he wasn’t the only one. When Sam ended up lying on top of him, grinding against Mike’s crotch, both of them breathing hard, he knew he wanted more.
“I think it’s time I got to see what you’re hiding under these clothes,” he murmured against Mike’s lips.
Mike shivered. “Only if I get to see too.” He paused. “Before we go any further… I’m on PrEP, and my last test came back clear. Which is no surprise, because it’s been a while.”
Well, that answered Sam’s unspoken question.
He wants this as much as I do.
Sam smiled. “Ditto. I’ve been going through a dry spell myself. And now that we’ve gotten the important stuff out of the way…”
To his mind, there was nothing funnier than two men trying to scramble out of their clothing when they were in a hurry to get naked, but they managed it somehow without falling off the bed or banging their heads against the headboard.
Mike tossed their garments onto the floor, sat on the corner of the bed, and pulled Sam to him, lifting him into his arms until Sam straddled his lap, feet planted on the mattress, his arms looped around Mike’s neck while he rocked, their dicks sliding together, the heat building between them.
“In case I forget to tell you later…” Sam nuzzled Mike’s neck and murmured, “You have one sexy bod.”
“You keep frotting like that and this is going to be over real quick.”
Sam was pretty close to the edge himself.
Mike flopped onto his back, his cock rising into the air, and Sam took a moment to admire the view. He smiled. “Gotta love a furry man.” Mike wasn’t abundantly hairy, in fact he was just right in Sam’s book. His dick was perfect too, not overly long, not too wide, and crying out to be sucked.
Sam was more than ready to oblige.
He went to work worshipping Mike’s shaft, losing himself in the smell, the taste, the feel of firm flesh between his lips, and the sounds pouring from Mike’s mouth as Sam enjoyed the experience to the full. He reached up to play with Mike’s nipples, and that was all it took for Mike to grab Sam’s head and start thrusting.
When his jaw began to ache, Sam pulled free and grinned.
“It’s your turn.”
Mike reached for Sam’s cock, but Sam shook his head. He got onto the bed on all fours, knees wide, ass tilted, twisting to gaze at Mike behind him.
Mike chuckled. “I get the hint.”
Sam writhed to feel Mike’s warm tongue on his pucker, his fingers curled around Sam’s dick, pulling on it as he loosened Sam’s hole, getting him ready. And when Sam couldn’t take it any longer, he knelt up.
“I wanna ride it.”
Mike was on his back in a heartbeat, and Sam yanked open the nightstand drawer to grab the lube. He sat astride Mike, reaching back to swipe slick fingers along Mike’s cock from root to tip, then guided it to his hole. He moved slowly, impaling himself a little at a time, loving the groans Mike pushed out that mingled with his own, until at last Mike’s dick was buried to the hilt.
Mike’s hands were on his ass, stroking it with gentle fingers. “You feel amazing.”
“Ditto.” Sam shuddered. “Just taking a moment to enjoy the feeling.”
“Take as long as you want.” Mike’s eyes shone. “I’m enjoying it too.”
Sam put his hands on Mike’s shoulders and began to ride, rocking back and forth, gaining in momentum, rolling his hips and moaning every time Mike filled him. Mike grabbed his ass cheeks, pulling him down hard, urging him to go faster, and Sam nodded, his gaze locked on Mike’s flushed face. Mike stroked Sam’s chest, his breathing rapid, and Sam knew their first time wasn’t going to last long.
“On your side, sweetheart,” Mike flung out.
Sam pulled free and lay facing the wall, his knee toward his chest, Mike spooned around him. Mike’s arms enfolded him, and he slid back into Sam’s body, rocking into him, picking up speed, both of them moaning. When Mike’s thrusts became jerky, Sam turned his head to look at him.
“Come in me, please.”
Mike nodded, hips snapping, and it wasn’t long before Sam felt the throb of his cock. Mike groaned, stilling inside him, and Sam swore he could feel every pulse of Mike’s shaft.
Mike kissed him. “Your turn,” he murmured, before wrapping his fingers around Sam’s dick. Three tugs were all it took to push Sam over the edge, and he cried out as he came, Mike’s arm still around his shoulders, cradling Sam against his chest.
They lay quietly, Sam loving the aftermath almost as much as the preceding act.
He sighed. “I know we should get cleaned up before they all come home, but right now I don’t want to move.”
Mike kissed his shoulder. “You and me both.” He nuzzled Sam’s neck. “That was incredible.”
Sam turned to receive the kiss he knew awaited him. “No argument there. Only next time, let’s try to last a little longer?”
Mike’s eyes shone. “So there’s going to be a next time?”
Sam chuckled. “Do you have to ask?” His heart pounded, and he couldn’t hold the words in a second longer. “Sorry to break it to you, but you’re stuck with me.”
He’d known that since maybe their third kiss, but it was nice to have it confirmed. Now all he needed was to know he wasn’t the only one.
“That’s fine by me, because I have no intention of ever letting you go,” Mike whispered.
Thank God. They were on the same page.