Chapter 7

Seven

L uther

Luther was surprisingly not nervous. Doug had let him set the pace and that meant he could take his time. That freedom let him worry less about how his body was going to respond, now that he was about to have a sexual experience with another person for the first time in three years. Finally .

He was so fucking hard, but he wasn’t feeling that desperation that used to come with sex. He hadn’t had a steady in about ten years, not since his on-again, off-again boyfriend Gary, and even then, his schedule rarely allowed for slow, languorous afternoons in bed. He’d been in a hurry for most of his life, honestly, never able to savor the good things. One of the blessings of his accident meant that he’d had to learn patience. It hadn’t been a pretty lesson, but he was appreciating it more than ever as he led Doug down the hallway.

“Love the colors in here,” Doug said, glancing around the hallway and into the open doors of the bathroom and Mila’s room at the splashy paintings Luther had done at Violet’s request. She’d wanted paintings with big, bold, colors, and he’d given her whatever she wanted. Each room in the house had a different color scheme, and he’d done paintings to reflect her choices, so every room had turned out bright. Luther loved it, especially when the three of them planned out what colors to use for Mila’s room. Yellows and oranges, the colors of the sun. That had been a fun weekend.

“Thanks. Violet’s in charge of the interior design. Everywhere except my room.”

He opened the door and was grateful he’d put clean sheets on the bed that morning. His room contained a simple dark wooden queen-size bed frame and a large chest of drawers shoved into one side of the closet. He had a weight bench and his exercise mat against the wall. The bedspread was navy, sheets and pillows all navy, and the walls were painted a soft cream.

He kept his space spotless; it helped with the clutter in his mind to have a clear space to think and do his exercises. He had to pass his mat to get out the door, so he had no excuse not to do them. He’d always loved exercise. That was, until it became a necessity for existence.

“Oh,” Doug breathed. “Luther, that’s so awesome.”

His attention was on the wall he’d decorated with Mila’s art. Everything she’d done at school, every drawing, every painting she’d done in the studio, it was all hanging on corkboard panels on the wall interspersed with pictures of her.

“I want to celebrate all of her wins.”

The only other decor in the room was on the wall above his exercise area. It had taken him a bit, but he’d finally decided to hang up pictures of the guys in his unit, hang up his folded flag in the frame, pictures of Bunker and his vest, which his buddies had mounted in a shadow box, along with their medals. It was a reminder of what he’d accomplished, and now he could look on it as motivation to get better instead of continuous grieving.

“Your dog was so handsome.”

Luther sighed. “Thanks. He was the best boy.”

Luther took the bottle of root beer and set it on the bedside table, and then he turned to Doug. He ran his knuckles down Doug’s soft midsection. He loved that he was unapologetic about his body, from the clothes and makeup he wore to the fact that he was healthy but not obsessed with fitness. While Luther missed his own six-pack, he appreciated body types of all kinds, especially now.

He slid his two fingers under Doug’s waistband, ready to strip him down. “When I ask you what you want, I want the truth, not what you think I want, what you think is the right answer. I want pure, unadulterated Dougish desires right now.” He slid his fingers gently over the swell below Doug’s belly button. “Tell me what you want.”

Doug’s eyes fluttered closed and he swayed closer to Luther.

“First I want to kiss you. Then I want to get you off,” he whispered as Luther flicked open his button. “I want you all over my face,” he moaned, as Luther pulled down his zipper. “I want to taste you all over. That’s for starters.” He ran his fingers up Luther’s arms and rested them on his shoulders.

Luther licked his lips and went in for a kiss he hoped would be good enough for Doug to want a second, a third. Kissing had always been awkward for Luther. He’d liked it fine, thought he did a satisfactory job, but with Doug, he wanted to make it more than good, so memorable that whatever happened next, he’d be glad he came home with Luther.

Doug sighed happily and gripped Luther’s shoulders tighter. Here was the Doug he’d seen dancing, singing, and smiling as if he were darn happy to be alive the first time they’d met. He’d been a little subdued all morning, maybe even a little nervous, but under Luther’s touch, he came alive. He was excited, and that supercharged Luther’s arousal.

Luther kept the kiss light, but he was already intoxicated with Doug’s mouth. He’d known before he invited him back to his house that this was just the beginning. He’d need more than one tryst with this devilishly pretty man. Luther pulled back slowly, teasing with his tongue as he ended the kiss.

Doug opened his eyes, his lids heavy, and tilted his head. “What do you want, Luther?” he whispered.

Luther chuckled softly and ran his free hand over his mouth, which was watering thinking about Doug’s request. Then he rested his hands on Doug’s hips, anxious to unwrap his gift.

“I want you naked and thrashing on my bed in total abandon. I want messy hair. I want sweat. I want to taste your cum.” He slid his hands into Doug’s pants, hissing when he found bare skin. “And if I’m not too wrecked at that point, I’ll want to start all over again.”

Doug’s pants hit the ground, and Luther grinned at the sight of his long, tattooed, muscular legs. Doug reached for the hem and pulled off his shirt, apparently impatient with Luther’s pace. Then he stepped out of the pants gracefully and slide his socks off. He was wearing designer underwear in a jockstrap cut, and Luther wanted to thank whoever thought that was a good idea when he got a look at Doug’s bare, round ass with the straps running underneath.

Doug scooted the pile of clothes out of the way and cocked a hip out. “What’s next?”

Luther reached around him and pulled the blankets back, folding them over at the foot of the bed.“Lay back.”

Doug sat and scooted back, laying his head on the pillow on the far side, his arm folded behind his head. Luther wanted to look his fill at Doug’s mostly hairless body. He must shave.

That’s hot.

Luther let out a breath and shook his head.“I want to keep looking, but I also want to start touching.”

Doug laughed and slid his free hand down his stomach, hooking his thumb on the elastic of his underwear. He knew just how good he looked and how he was affecting Luther. Not that it was hard to tell. Luther’s erection was pressed almost painfully against his pants, the tip caught under his waistband.

He grasped the back collar of his t-shirt and pulled it off over his head. And then he paused again. There was a part of him that wanted to crawl into bed with Doug, skin-to-skin, and let himself be held. Let someone else bear his weight for a little while.

But he also wanted to worship Doug’s body, right down to those perfect fingers and toes. He wanted to trace all of his tattoos with his tongue, wanted to— fuck— wanted to suck those nipple piercings into his mouth until Doug did exactly as Luther wanted…thrashed on the bed until he came.

He blew out a breath. “This is the part I’d like to get over with quickly.” He didn’t want to put on a show. He just wanted to get out of his clothes and move on to the good part. He pulled his pants down and slowly lowered himself to a sitting position on the bed. “I’ll try not to make old-man noises, but sometimes it can’t be helped.”

Thankfully he didn’t struggle getting the pants off his legs, but then he had a twinge when he scooted and attempted to lay back without a grunt. He failed. Once he was flat next to Doug, he let out a breath.

“And that is how a thirty-five-year-old man in an eighty-year-old’s body gets down.”

Doug laughed and turned onto his side to face Luther.“I’m into it,” he said, blowing his hair up out of his eyes. “I think old men are hot, especially when they make old- man noises. No, I’m serious,” he said, placing a hand on Luther’s chest when he groaned. “I’d take an old man over a young guy any day. Especially one who’s got such delectable skin. May I sample?”

Luther turned his head to face him. “In a minute. I’m waiting for my second wind and then hold on to your dentures. We’re gonna party like it’s the late nineteen hundreds.”

Doug burst out laughing and rolled onto his back, which gave Luther the perfect opportunity to roll on top of him.

And then it was on.

Luther had an out-of-body experience, at least as far as the pain was concerned. It was forgotten beyond the throb of longing in his groin. Doug moaned hungrily as Luther settled between his open thighs. They devoured each other’s mouths as they explored with their hands. Luther quickly divested Doug of his delightful undergarment and purred over the sight of his veiny, gracefully curved shaft and perfectly plump tip. He quickly discovered it tasted as good as it looked, and he proceeded to talk with his mouth full as he extoled its attractive attributes.

Doug, indeed, thrashed about on the bed, his heels digging for purchase in the sheets. Luther placed a hand on his hip to hold him still and laughed when Doug pleaded with him.

“You got thrashing, messy hair, and sweat. If you want my cum, I need you to— Jesus, Luther. Fuck. ”

Luther added a finger to the mix, which sent Doug into a frenzy. When he cried out for more, Luther complied, and within moments, Doug was, as requested, covered in cum.

Luther rolled onto his back and gloated in his victory.“Still got it,” he said with a fist pump while Doug tried to catch his breath.

“That’s not fair,” Doug said, stretching his arms out toward him. “I didn’t even get to touch you yet. ”

Luther looked up at him and laughed when he saw his adorable pout.“Hang on, it takes a minute to maneuver.” He rolled carefully onto his side and attempted to scoot back up the bed. A twinge in his lower back had him stopping to breathe through the spasm. When he got close to Doug, he reached over, grabbed a tissue, and used it to clean up Doug’s belly before he collapsed across his chest.

“That’s what I’m talking about,” Doug said, still panting. “This is the best part.”

“Better than that performance? Really?”

Doug brushed his jaw along Luther’s head and kissed him. “Okay, second best. Seriously, I’d very much like to reciprocate.”

“In a minute,” Luther said, his own heart finally slowing to a normal resting beat. “I like this part too.”

The next thing he knew, his phone was buzzing on the floor in his pants pocket. The first of the three alarms he’d set to be sure he didn’t miss picking up Mila was going off. He had forty-five minutes until he needed to leave.

“I didn’t want to wake you,” Doug said, his voice sleepy next to Luther’s ear. “You were so…relaxed.”

Luther turned to face him and smiled. “I was. I am, thank you. Come here.” He slipped his fingers behind Doug’s neck and pulled him close, licking his way into a deep kiss. Doug sighed and pressed his body flush to Luther’s. “We have time if you’re up for round two.”

Doug ran a hand down Luther’s stomach and over the front of his boxer briefs.“Only if you’re the one who gets messy this time.”

Luther was still in that post-nap dreamy place, so he let Doug roll him onto his back and pull off his boxer briefs.

“Get it over with,” Luther said—and Doug froze.

“Get it… what ?”

Luther smiled down at him, brushing his hair out of his face. “The cringe, the gasp, the ‘oh my God, you poor thing’ comments. That’s all I’ve heard from caregivers and my sister once they saw my scars. I know, it’s an ugly mess.”

Doug stared up at him, his brow furrowed. “Luther.”

Luther cupped his jaw. “I don’t know what will happen,” he said. “But I’m as relaxed as I’m gonna get.”

Doug crawled up Luther’s body and straddled his hips, making sure not to put any weight on him.“Does your skin hurt where the scars are?”

It wasn’t a pitiful question. Doug seemed to be searching for information vital to his impending activity, almost as if he were trying to do his job to the best of his ability.

“Not really, no.”

“How about pressure? Have you had massage work?”

“I…yeah, some. At physical therapy. I haven’t had any since I finished my sessions last year. My benefits don’t cover massage.”

“See, that’s where you chose well. I happen to have gone to massage school, and body work is one of my favorite things to do for a partner.” Doug grinned at him. “How about ass play?”

Luther smiled. “Love it,” he moaned. This was fun. Of course, Doug would make it fun. “I went easy on you, but yeah. I love it, giving and receiving.”

“Good to know. Now,” he said, crawling back down Luther’s body. “I take direction well. I insist you tell me if anything isn’t feeling okay.”

And with that, Doug once again gifted Luther with an out-of-body experience, only this time, Luther went on an emotional ride. He could tell himself all he wanted that he didn’t care what he looked like, that it didn’t bother him if his partner gaped at the round scars from the contraption that had held his bones in place as they healed, the big round keloids on his front and back, and the staple scars that zigzagged along his hips and thigh. And sure, he’d gotten himself off plenty of times in the interest of ensuring everything still worked. But this? The soft, enveloping warmth of Doug’s mouth was something else, his touch steady and firm.

Doug was either being mindful of their time limit, or he was simply zealous about his oral occupation, because there was no teasing, no timid exploration. It was as if he’d taken Luther’s cock and told it, “You will bend to my will, and you will enjoy it. You will come when I say.”

Luther concentrated on letting his body feel the pleasant, erotic, intense sensations, and when Doug whispered “let go,” he did just that. The muscles in his lower back threatened to contract painfully, but he was able to ride it out and let himself experience the joy of sharing intimacy with a caring partner.

The tears, he was not expecting.

Doug lay beside him and turned his face for a deep kiss. Luther enjoyed tasting himself on Doug’s tongue.

“Hey,” Doug said softly, thumbing a tear away. “What’s going on?”

“This?” Luther said, wiping at his face and looking at his hand. “I’m not really sure,” he said with a laugh. “Call it a full-body climax, I guess. Apparently I needed to get everything out.”

“As long as I didn’t hurt you or?—”

“God, no. You were exactly what I needed. Thank you,” he whispered, going in for another kiss. “Thank you for that awesome re-entry.”

“You’re very welcome. I’d love to do it again.”

He wished they had more time. He wasn’t done with Doug.

“How about tomorrow? ”

And that’s how Luther and Doug had their own week of summer camp. Doug came over each morning after Luther dropped Mila off at camp, which she loved. She spent every afternoon telling Luther in detail everything they’d done, and she’d made him more artwork for his collection. He spent each evening with her, relaxing on the couch while they watched her favorite Tim Burton movies, and she inevitably fell asleep early every night. The camp had been a great idea. He planned to see if there was another week in August when he could send her. By then, he’d have enough saved up to pay the fee.

Doug and Luther spent late mornings in his bed, they’d have lunch, and then they’d go out to Luther’s studio and talk shop. On Thursday, Doug even went with him out to his buddy’s property in the North Bay so he could collect more wood for his paintings. The process went by much smoother with Doug there to help, and Luther wasn’t paying for it later in the day.

Doug brought his massage oil on Friday morning and proceeded to give Luther the best massage of his life. He could get used to this type of TLC. He wanted to get used to this time with Doug.

When it was time for Luther to pick up Mila, he stopped Doug at the entryway.

“I don’t think I need to tell you that this has been the best week I’ve had in maybe forever. I know this was a special occasion because Mila was at camp, but I want to see you. Keep seeing you. It’ll be different, yeah, but?—”

“Oh honey, did you honestly think you’d be getting rid of me after this week? I’m hooked on you. I want to keep seeing you, too.” His smile slipped a little. “I have to fly out Monday to do an onsite with one of my clients, but I should only be gone a couple of days. I’d like to have you and Mila out to the farm. I think she’d love it.”

Luther’s hopeful heart gave a thud. He hadn’t counted on finding someone who would so easily accept his daughter and what life with a single dad was like, but with Doug, he had hope.

“I think we’d both love it. I do have a thing for barnyard animals.”

Doug wrinkled his nose. “You’re bad.” He threw his arms around Luther’s neck and gave him a big wet, sloppy kiss, which Luther loved. Everything about Doug had him completely gone in a way he’d never expected to be.

“And you love it,” he said, then his cheeks heated. Had he said too much? Gotten too heavy too soon?

But Doug gave him a wink and kissed him once more before swinging his messenger bag over his shoulder.

“You know I do. I’ll call you when I’m back. Text me how Mila’s last day at camp went.” Doug had wanted a full report each day, and Luther had been surprised how much that meant to him.

“Have a safe trip,” Luther called out, watching Doug saunter down the steps. He’d worn his kilt that day. He’d had a lot of fun with Doug in a kilt. He might have mentioned to him that he wouldn’t be mad about it if Doug spent every day in a kilt.

Luther sighed and closed the door. He only had time to grab his keys and head out to his truck, to think about what a great week they’d had, and how much he hoped it was the first of many.