Chapter Ten

Chapter Ten

Mike had enjoyed the last few days of texting back and forth with James, learning a little more about his crush each day. James was becoming more and more comfortable revealing his snarky sense of humor, and Mike saw that as a positive sign that James’ walls were coming down. Mike noticed too that James was even more sensitive than he’d first realized, and he imagined that resulted from James having lived a lifetime of being criticized and experiencing worse for being out of step with his father’s thinking. But Mike also learned just how many sacrifices James made for his friends and co-workers while asking and expecting nothing in return. Contrary to James’ prediction that Mike would tire of him once he got to know him better, the opposite had been true. Although there had been no more sexting or sexy video chats, much of the back and forth had been flirtatious, leaving Mike wishing there was a way to skip the Friday and Saturday that kept them apart.

When Mike arrived at the theater for the Sunday matinee, he smiled—the ticket James had reserved for him was for an aisle seat. He was glad that James had remembered his complaint about his old injuries and how Jessica had deprived him the comfort of being able to stretch. Billy and Nadia had offered to join him in the audience again so he wouldn’t be alone, though he would have gone anyway. Still, he was glad they would be there, and pleased to see them already seated and waiting. Before they noticed him, they were chuckling between each other, touching each other in the sweetest, lightest ways.

“Hi guys,” Mike greeted, taking the seat they had left empty. Billy and Nadia both smiled when they heard him, and Mike was relieved that they seemed happy to see him too.

Billy pulled him into a side hug when they were seated and stated the obvious. “Dude, you made it.”

“I wouldn’t have missed it,” Mike gushed.

Nadia laughed. “Someone has it bad.”

Mike blushed, but figured he would out-sass her. “Yes, James does. I didn’t want to disappoint him.”

They both laughed. Billy got a mischievous look on his face. “So, how are those apartment rattlesnakes? Still a problem?”

Mike rolled his eyes. “No secrets in your family, are there? One of the apartment snakes bit my ass earlier, leaving some venom. Since you’re studying to be a vet, why don’t you suck it?”

Nadia covered her mouth to suppress her laugh and Billy’s mouth and eyes opened wide. When Billy recovered, he responded, “Dude, so not my scene.”

Mike wasn’t going to let it go. “Then why is the side of your car spray-painted with the words ‘Billy’s Suck-it Services—call 888-ass-lick’?”

Billy’s look of surprise returned as Nadia continued laughing. “It does not!”

“You sure? When’s the last time you checked?” Mike grinned. “Interesting fact—did you know they won’t let you carry aerosol paint cans into Broadway theaters? Just learned that.”

Billy joined in the laughter, causing the woman in front of them to turn to the three with annoyance. “Would you lower your voices? The three of you look too old to be acting like juveniles.”

“Sorry, ma’am,” Mike offered, though his smirk remained. He retrieved his phone from his jacket pocket and typed ‘Isn’t she too old to be here without an oxygen mask on her face?’ and passed the phone to Billy. When Billy read it, he couldn’t suppress a bark of laughter before showing Nadia. She had a similar reaction, causing the offended woman to huff.

“No wonder Maria said you’re the one for James,” Nadia commented.

“What?” Mike sobered.

Billy shot her a look. “Nadia, you’re not supposed to tell him.”

Nadia shrugged. “Why not? You told James.”

“You told James Maria said that?” Mike asked Billy. “Did he freak out?”

Billy shook his head. “No. Despite his relationship phobia, he didn’t. That’s a good sign, huh?”

Nadia smiled. “She’s never wrong, Mike.”

Mike wasn’t sure how to respond, but as the lights dimmed and the curtain began to rise, he found he wasn’t panicking at the idea of Maria being right. All he could think about was seeing his guy.

* * * *

As the performers were taking their final bows, James blew a kiss to the audience. James had been facing Mike and gazing straight at him, and Mike felt certain the gesture was meant for him. He gave James a heartfelt smile in return. Long after the actors left the stage, Mike was the last one standing and applauding.

“Come on, lover boy.” Nadia nudged Mike, tugging at his elbow.

“We’ll join you backstage for a few minutes,” Billy informed. “Just to say hello. Then we’ll leave you two to each other.”

“Oh, you don’t have to leave,” Mike said, though his tone was disingenuous.

Nadia laughed. “Um, I think we’ll let you perform your life-saving skills in private today.”

“Thanks.” Mike chuckled, but sobered when he saw that Billy was fidgeting and looking worried. “Is everything okay?”

Billy nodded with uncertainty. “Mike, James likes you, but I’m sure he still has apprehension. I worry he’ll do something to sabotage things. It’s like, subconsciously, he can’t help himself. You won’t give up on him, will you? He deserves happiness, and I think you’re the one who can give it to him.”

Mike nodded in response, though he wasn’t sure he exuded confidence. The thought of James pushing him away at some point was too uncomfortable. He hoped Billy’s concerns stemmed from James’ fear of his father, and if Mike could solve that issue, James would relax. But in this moment, after waiting three days to see James, all Mike wanted to think about was seeing his man. “Come on. Let’s tell your brother what an amazing talent he is.”

They walked with their arms around each other to James’ dressing room, finding him already removing his makeup, wearing the dress shirt and pants that comprised his last scene’s costume. When they entered his doorway, James rushed to embrace them. “Was it okay?”

Nadia rolled her eyes. “It was awful, dude. The five-minute standing ovation at the end should have told you as much.”

Mike stood back, giving the family space. He did, however, want to provide a serious answer to James’ question. “You were brilliant, James. I appreciate your immense talent even more after seeing you a second time.”

James’ mouth parted, taken aback by Mike’s effusiveness. “Thank you, Mike. That means a lot to me.”

Billy nodded in agreement. “I swear James, if you don’t win the Tony this year, I’ll start a boycott on social media of the other musicals.”

“Please don’t,” James chided.

“Well, we just wanted to say ‘hi’ and tell you that you did great, as usual. We’re going to head out, right Billy?” Nadia coaxed.

Billy looked at her, making it obvious to Mike and James that they had made a prior pact that they weren’t going to loiter so the new couple could enjoy the rest of the day with each other. “Oh, right. We’ve got things to do.” Billy winked at James when they parted, escorting Nadia out the door after she waved farewell to James and Mike.

James’ expression turned shy. “So, I’m going to change behind that screen. Then we can head to my apartment.”

“Why do you need to change behind the screen?” Mike teased.

James darted his eyes. “Anyone could walk in here.”

Mike pouted. “My God. You get less privacy than a man in prison.”

James contemplated that, then nodded. “I think you’re right. But there’s nobody that will be stopping by my apartment, so the longer you keep whining, the longer it will be before we get there.”

Mike made James chuckle by miming that he was zipping his lips, followed by him giving a warning hand-signal to his crotch to behave.

* * * *

When James entered his apartment, Mike followed and was on him before he could shut the door. “Mike!” James chuckled. “Stop.”

Mike frowned. “Why? I’ve been wanting to kiss you since I saw you walk on stage.”

James chuckled. “I want to kiss you too, but then we’ll start doing more…”

“Yes, please!” Mike laughed.

“And I’m sweaty. I want to take a shower and be nice for you.”

Mike shook his head. “You are nice. You’re perfect.”

James put his hand on Mike’s lips. “Please. I don’t want to be self-conscious the whole time. I’ll be quick.”

Mike donned a mischievous smile. “Or you could let me watch you shower.”

“What? You’re into this watching thing, aren’t you?” James accused, though his slight smile showed he didn’t mind much.

“I’m into watching you,” Mike corrected. “Come on. You’re a performer. You can pretend you’re filming a sexy movie scene.”

James huffed, looking away from Mike’s face, then shrugged. “Sure.”

“Really?’

“Don’t make me re-think it,” James warned.

Mike snapped his mouth shut, then smiled. “Okay. No more talking from me. I’ll be quiet as a mouse.”

James smirked. “If you’re a mouse, you’d better be careful. I understand the apartment has snakes.”

Mike moaned. “Hmm, well this mouse is eager to see your snake, that’s for sure.”

James snickered. “You’re a freak. Come on, before my better judgment makes me renege.”

When they entered the bathroom, James maneuvered Mike into a sitting position on the toilet, which faced the glass-encased shower.

“Um, do you want me to close my eyes until you’re in the shower so you’re more comfortable?” Mike asked.

“Well, what would be the point of that? You might as well sit in the bedroom and wait for me, then,” James reasoned. When Mike shrugged, James shook his head at him. Then he lifted the hem of his polo shirt and pulled it over his head, baring the chest and stomach. James continued moving quickly, afraid he’d lose his nerve if he thought about stripping for someone who wasn’t removing clothes as well. He unbuttoned and unzipped his trousers, then pushed them down his legs and off his feet. James was wearing a pair of olive-green trunks that hugged his body. He looked over at Mike, wondering if he had, in fact, closed his eyes. He hadn’t. Mike was staring at him like someone had shown him the secret to eternal life. That encouraged James to continue. He slid the underwear down, revealing more and more of his long, thick shaft. Once he’d lowered the trunks well under his balls, his erection popped up. The heft of his member kept it from rising much above a forty-five-degree angle.

“Jesus,” Mike muttered. “That’s the most fucking gorgeous thing I’ve ever seen.”

James pushed the trunks off his legs and turned to walk into the shower, knowing Mike was now gazing upon his ass. He hoped he liked it as much as he liked everything else.

Once he shut the shower door, James turned on the hot water and tried not to think too much about the fact that Mike was on the other side of the glass. He went through his routine as usual, washing his hair then soaping his body. James knew he was spending more time than usual washing his cock and balls, and the added attention kept him erect. The sound of the water was blocking any other sound in the bathroom, so James could only hope that Mike was still there and turned on. He reached behind himself to wash his butt, running a soapy hand deep into his crack to make sure he smelled as good as possible for whatever might happen. It was a bit embarrassing, but since there was so much steam by now, he was pretty sure Mike couldn’t see anything but shadows and blurred skin.

When he turned off the water and opened the shower door, Mike was still sitting, looking like he had been hypnotized, his mouth halfway open and his eyes transfixed.

“Towel?” James asked, hiding most of his form behind the fogged-up glass.

“Huh? Oh, yeah.” Mike gulped, rising from the can to grab a towel off a wall hook and handing it to James.

James dried himself behind the glass, then wrapped the towel around his waist. When he emerged from the stall, he wondered if his body hair, now darker and more pronounced from the water, would be too much masculinity for a man who had only been with women. He ran a hand through his locks then shook his head like a golden retriever to remove the excess water. “Uh, I could blow dry my hair so it looks nicer, if you want.”

Mike shook his head. “Please don’t. It’s sexy, and I want you too much right now to wait. You are the hottest guy I’ve ever laid eyes on.”

James looked down at the floor, almost too embarrassed to maintain eye contact. “Thanks.”

“No. Thank you,” Mike said. “I’ve seen lots of guys shower after a game, and it was never, ever interesting to me. You are nothing like them. You’re so beautiful.”

Mike pulled him into an embrace. James gazed into Mike’s eyes and saw nothing but affection and admiration. James felt more emotional about the intimacy than he had with recent partners—nobody had looked at him with that warmth since his last boyfriend. It was the connection he longed for but knew he had to deny himself. He tried to remember that this was just sex. Mike lifted James’ chin and began to kiss him deeply.

“Want to go to the bedroom?” James asked after pulling away from Mike.

“Please,” Mike whispered. He figured the hardness in his pants pressing against the monster jutting against James’ towel would have made it obvious.

Once in the bedroom, Mike turned James to face him again, pulling him into a wetter, more passionate kiss. They used their tongues to taste their mouths and their hands to explore each other’s bodies. Mike broke away long enough to blink his eyes at the towel James was wearing. “May I?”

James nodded, allowing Mike to uncinch the cloth and let it fall to the floor. Mike then pushed James until the back of his legs hit the side of his bed, causing him to fall onto the mattress. Mike thought he’d come just looking at the incredible man lying before him. James’ arms were outstretched, revealing his somewhat hairy armpits and sculpted biceps. His hard stomach was expanding and retracting with nervous energy. James’ thighs were pressed against the side of the mattress, pushing muscles forward, displaying their impressive girth. His circumcised cock was hard enough to point toward Mike, allowing Mike to appreciate its thickness and wet tip. Mike glanced lower, turned on by the sight of James’ sexy balls hanging over the side of the mattress.

“Are you going to join me?” James asked him.

“Holy shit, James. I knew you’d be hot, but…your beauty could make me cry.” Mike gasped.

James smiled shyly. “Um, thanks. Can I see you now?”

Mike didn’t want to seem like a pervert, just ogling the naked man before him. He unbuttoned and removed his shirt, made quick work of his trousers then ripped off his socks. When it came time to push down his boxer-briefs, he took another look at James’ member and wondered anew if he would be desirable enough. Closing his eyes, he shoved the garment down his legs and off his feet, standing up straight so James could scrutinize him.

“Mike. You’re perfect,” James whispered.

Mike emitted a nervous laugh. “You don’t have to say that. That dick is perfect,” he noted, pointing at James’ crotch.

Mike thought James’ face looked like it had saddened a bit. “Come here, Mike. Please…lie down with me. I’ll prove to you that I love everything about you, including that beautiful cock.”

James scooched back on the mattress so he was no longer half hanging off it, holding out his hand to help pull Mike down next to him. Mike climbed onto the mattress and pulled James into a full-body embrace. They kissed for several minutes. After a bit, they started exploring each other’s torsos, chests, bellies and hips. They intertwined their legs, rubbing them together, and started to grind against each other. Mike reached over James’ hip and started to massage a muscular butt cheek, encouraging James to do the same to him.

“James, remember that I said I wouldn’t lie to you again. So, believe me when I tell you that you are the most handsome man I’ve ever seen,” Mike said in awe.

James did his gesture where he pulled his head back with a disbelieving look, but then grinned. “Okay.”

Mike frowned. “I mean it.” He kissed James’ nose then brushed his lips with his fingers. “Can I see the back of you?”

“Didn’t you already see everything when I took a shower?” James asked, somewhat amused.

The corner of Mike’s lip turned up. “Um, not everything. You know what I mean.”

James seemed uncertain. “You sure you’re ready for that? You’re moving kind of fast, first-timer.”

Mike was surprised by the question. “James, I just came out. It doesn’t mean I haven’t been bisexual since puberty. I’ve looked at enough gay porn over the years to have kept half the industry in business.”

James chuckled. “Geez, no wonder you’re so into watching. It’s all you’ve done.”

Mike shrugged. “Maybe. So, can I?”

James raised an eyebrow like he was preparing for a challenge. “Are you going to let me look at all of you? You aren’t the only one who’s fantasized about the other, and all of his private places.”

Mike grinned. “Have you thought about me showing you my junk and my butt since we did the video chat? How many times have you stroked yourself picturing me?”

“Shut up.” James laughed. “Why doesn’t anyone respect my privacy?”

Mike leaned in to kiss James and affected an apologetic expression, though insincere. “Okay, you don’t have to tell me. But keeping your hole private is not negotiable. I’ve thought about it too much.”

James didn’t seem to know what to make of Mike. “God, you aren’t shy about any of this, are you? Who would have thought I’d be the one… Okay, fine. But you’re going first for a change since you don’t seem to have any jitters. Lie down on your stomach. I’ll give you a massage.”

Mike smiled and rolled over on his stomach. James climbed over him and spread Mike’s legs so he could kneel in between them. Mike was surprised that James knew what he was doing from a therapeutic perspective—the massage was like what he’d received from the team trainer when he was with the Yankees. Well, except the trainer didn’t whisper how handsome he was like James was doing, or press kisses into Mike’s back.

Mike was erect from the touching, and he couldn’t resist pressing his dick against the sheets to relieve some of the tension. It didn’t help that James’ hands were now down to his lower back, pressing on his tailbone, then sliding them over his butt cheeks.

“Mike, your ass is a work of art,” James murmured. “It’s like someone modeled them from two melons and encased them in creamy skin.” Mike didn’t respond. He was too busy panting. James used his knees to nudge Mike’s legs farther apart, widening his ass crack and revealing the hint of his hole. “Sweet Jesus,” James whispered. He kissed the delicate skin, causing Mike to buck his ass against James’ face.

“Sorry,” Mike panicked. “I wasn’t expecting that. It was like… I don’t know. No woman has ever done that to me, that’s for sure.”

James kept his mouth nearby, letting out a warm breath over Mike’s pucker. Mike squirmed and pressed his cock back down on the mattress. “You like it, though?” James asked.

“You have to ask?” Mike yelped. “I’m about to soil your sheets if you do that again.”

James chuckled. “I have a washing machine.” He opened Mike back up and bent down to run his tongue from Mike’s tailbone to his hole, circling and licking the little cavity.

“Jesus. You’re going to kill me,” Mike breathed into the pillowcase.

James smiled and pulled away, scooching up the bed so he could lie on Mike’s body. “I don’t want to explain to the police why there’s a corpse in my bed. I’d better let you cool down.”

Mike remained in position, still panting. “I think I’m doing some serious leaking on your linens, James. That was mind-blowing. Will you do it again, and for longer, when I’m not ready to blow?”

James grinned. “Sure, I can do that.”

“So, you like rimming?” Mike asked, talking into the pillow. “I don’t know if that’s an expected thing in gay sex.”

James paused. “Nothing is expected, Mike. Not everyone likes everything, and I would only do something someone wants, providing I’m into it, too. As for rimming, I’m not into it in general. The person needs to be hot and very special.”

Mike smiled into the pillow. “So, you think I’m hot and very special?”

“Don’t milk it,” James warned, unable to hide his amusement.

“I’m not touching it,” Mike replied, pretending to have misunderstood. “I think what you said makes sense, James. I want to rim you, too.”

James jerked his head back. “You don’t need to, Mike. I didn’t mean to imply it was a test for what someone thinks about you. You’re inexperienced…you shouldn’t rush.”

Mike used his strength to move out from under James and turn them so they were facing each other once more. “I know it wasn’t a test, but if it had been, I would have had no problem responding that you are hot and very special, too. And yes, I want to try it with you. Can I do it now?”

James still appeared uncertain, but then nodded. He flipped himself onto his front to give Mike access. Mike caressed his back before massaging one of James’ butt cheeks.

“That’s good, Mike,” James murmured.

Mike took his cue from James on how to proceed, pulling James’ legs apart and kneeling between them. He was too anxious to do a slow tease, so he muscled the two thighs farther apart so James was open and vulnerable. “Great. Now I’m going to come just from looking at that sweet pussy.”

“Pussy, huh? You think I’m going to let your dick in there?” James mused.

“I hope so. Maybe soon? I’ll be your best friend,” Mike begged, causing James to laugh. “I’ll never be able to watch your show again when you’re in those short-shorts. I’ll be ejaculating when you twerk your cute ass, knowing this is how it looks naked. Holy Mother of God.”

“Are you going to let me fuck your pussy?” James asked, daring to look back enough to see Mike’s expression.

Mike couldn’t hide his nervousness. “Uh, at some point. I’m not some jughead who thinks it’s too ‘gay’ for him. But I think I need to work up to it, if that’s okay.”

James nodded. “Of course, it’s okay, Mike. I told you, I’m only into doing what other people like, providing I like it, too. How did you get sidetracked, anyway? I thought you were going to show off your cunnilingus skills.”

Before James could make another sarcastic comment, Mike plunged his tongue onto his hole, circling then probing it deep. Mike pulled back for a second. “Like that?”

James panted. “Jesus, Mike. I appreciate your enthusiasm, but my butt will still be here tomorrow. There isn’t an ass-eating contest you have to win.”

Mike blushed. “Sorry.” Then he snickered. “Are you from some freaky town where the state fairs featured ass-eating contests? Can you imagine? All you can eat…”

“Mike…”

Mike sobered. “Sorry.” He leaned back down, massaging one of James’ ass cheeks while kissing the other. Once he alternated the move with each cheek, he worked his tongue along the inner edges of James’ cheeks until James was squirming beneath him. He made little licks along James’ taint, then put his forearms under the front of James’ hips so he could pull James’ crack up to his mouth. The movement exposed James’ hanging sack, so Mike licked and kissed his way over James’ balls. He was pleased that James was muttering nonsense words in response. Mike used his elbows to push James’ legs even wider, then buried his face in James’ ass crack. He licked James’ tight hole and pressed his flattened tongue against the sensitive skin.

James was making small cries, arousing Mike even more. He started to tongue-fuck James’ opening, then reached under James’ scrotum to find the hard, pulsing dick. Mike started to stroke James as he continued his oral administrations on him. Within a few moments, James was bucking and whimpering, then shooting a hot load of semen onto Mike’s hand and onto the bed sheets. James’ spurting continued through a few more spasms, and Mike never stopped licking James’ entrance through his orgasm.

Once he knew James was spent, Mike gave multiple little kisses to James’ buttocks and back. He lowered James back down onto the mattress and pressed his body on top of him.

“Did I do better on the retry?” Mike asked.

James sighed. “Quick learner. Head of the class.”

“So, the town with the weird fairs had schools with Rimming 101 classes, too? Wish I had grown up there.” This time, James did chuckle a bit, which brought a grin to Mike’s face. “That was so fucking hot. I loved it. You’re amazing, James. I could kiss and lick you all day.”

James smiled. “I don’t think my body could take it.”

“Yeah? So, I did good? You aren’t just being nice?” Mike asked.

James maneuvered out from under Mike and rearranged their bodies so Mike was lying on the front of James. “Hey, I couldn’t fake an orgasm like that. Besides, even if it hadn’t been spectacular, which it was, I’m not that shallow. I’m here with you because I like you. The fact that you’re the most incredible-looking creature on two legs and can use your tongue like a pussy-eating ninja are just added bonuses. Okay?”

Mike laughed. “But not the most incredible-looking creature period? You mean there are four-legged animals you find prettier?”

“Shut up,” James joked, pulling Mike into a kiss while Mike’s still hard dick pressed against his softening one. “And it’s your turn.”

* * * *

James had been so impressed with Mike’s maneuvers that he had mimicked them step-by-step, causing Mike to spasm and shoot his cum like bullets from a semi-automatic. Once they both collapsed onto their shared mess, they decided a shower was needed. Though their sexual urgency had dissipated, the enjoyment from touching and gazing upon each other’s bodies hadn’t. It wasn’t until the water started to cool that they felt compelled to pull apart and towel dry.

As James stood naked with Mike, he grinned. “Um, all cleaned up with nowhere to go.”

Mike quirked an eyebrow. “We could go back to bed.”

James chortled. “No. I’ll end up falling asleep, and it’s important that I stay on my sleep schedule.”

“You’re very disciplined,” Mike complimented. “Much more so than I ever was when I was playing baseball. I could have used you in my life to keep me on the straight and narrow. Maybe I would have been a better baseball player.”

James looked surprised. “You were one of the best in the game.”

“Maybe I could have been the best in the game,” Mike countered.

“Would it have mattered?” James challenged.

Mike shrugged. “Fair point. Maybe I should be grateful I enjoyed my life and still had success.”

“And made lots of money from pitching products,” James remarked, though Mike could tell he wasn’t being sarcastic.

“It’s helped me to be financially secure, yes,” Mike agreed. “It’s given me some clout that I wish you’d let me use to help you.” He saw James’ guard go up, so he added, “Not to help you achieve things unfairly. I mean to help you get free of your father.”

James frowned. “It is what it is.”

Mike didn’t want to argue when they were both standing naked. It was odd, considering the seriousness of the conversation they had begun. “I’m just saying, you don’t have to be a victim.”

James narrowed his eyes and grimaced before wrapping a towel around his waist and storming from the bathroom. Mike cinched a towel around himself as well, following.

James spun on him. “You know how insulting that is? Not everyone has an agent and a family who loves them no matter what, or a job that brought them so much money and fame that they could do whatever they want. Throughout history, there have been people with unchallenged authority, supported by an infrastructure that allows them to abuse that power. That describes my father and his legion of enablers. He has legislators, police officers and mafia heads in his pocket to help him do his bidding. What do I have? And don’t reply that I have you, Mike. You may be a giant in your field, but he owns people who can destroy you. And they will, just like they did to my last boyfriend. If I try to go public with anything, my father threatens he’ll release a press statement that I have mental health issues and a persecution complex. He’ll cite how he had me institutionalized when I was younger, and he has a doctor, also in his pocket, who will back up his claim. When Billy threatened him, my father cut back on his financial assistance. I am not choosing to be a victim, Mike! Sometimes people just are.”

Mike swallowed and looked away from the anger lasered on him from James’ eyes. “I’m sorry. I haven’t lived through your experience, and I had no right to make judgments about it. I swear, I was speaking from a place of wanting to help, not trying to criticize. But your exception to my characterization is fair, and I deserved your rebuke.”

James’ expression softened, but he still snapped back, “God, sometimes you talk like you went to a prep school. You deserved my rebuke?”

Mike ventured a grin. “Yes, I did go to a prep school. My parents made education a priority, and I had a wealthy uncle who was kind enough to pay for it. And why so judgmental about it? I’m guessing you went to one, too.”

“Yeah, and it had an administrator who kissed my father’s ass. My father found a way to make my life hell in and outside the house.”

Mike shook his head. “I wish I could go back in time to try to protect you, James. Please don’t be angry with me. I’m still learning about you. I’m not a perfect man.”

James nodded, and Mike could see the defensiveness leave his body. James even attempted a smile of his own. “Well, you may be as close to perfect as a man can be.”

Mike approached James and pulled him into an embrace. He kissed the side of James’ head and stroked his arms. “Isn’t this better? I like having you in my arms—not you using yours to push me away.”

James’ sigh sounded more like a whimper of surrender. He let his body sag into Mike’s, holding the man around his waist. Mike continued to kiss the top of his head and stroke behind one of his ears.

“I’m sorry,” James whispered.

“Shh,” Mike soothed. “Don’t be. At least you called me your boyfriend during your tirade.”

“Did not.”

Mike chuckled. “It was implied when you said your father would destroy me like he did your last boyfriend.” James grunted in protest, but said nothing. “Anyway, maybe your father will destroy me, but I meant what I said to you before. You’re worth the risk. Maybe we can figure out something together. Maybe you, me and Billy, huh? I just know I like being with you, James. I’m not ready to let your father tell me I can’t be.”

James pulled away from Mike, his expression sad. “You want to eat?”

Mike grinned. “I enjoyed what you fed me in the bedroom.”

James laughed out some of his stress. “Christ, give my ass a break, will you? I mean actual food.”

“Let’s go out.”

James shook his head with alarm. “Too reckless.”

Mike crossed his arms. “Nope. We’ll go incognito. I’m putting my nondescript baseball cap and sunglasses back on, and you’ll do the same. This is New York City. People don’t pay attention. Come on. Getting some fresh air will do you good,” Mike pleaded.

James contemplated for a moment, then nodded. “Okay, but we don’t eat at any place where you have to sit in a closed space.”

“I was thinking we could grab something from a food truck, then I’ll take you to my favorite ice cream place nearby,” Mike informed.

“Jesus, how do you keep that body of yours?” James wondered.

Mike shrugged. “Lots of exercise. And since I missed my routines today, you’re going to have to give me a workout later in bed.”

James laughed. “One-track mind.”

Mike grinned. “Mmhmm, and that track leads right back to your sweet tunnel.”

James played along. “Tacky. And what is your dick? The engine that thought he could?”

Mike snickered. “Oh, he knows he can. And he will. He’s been on a mission to park in that pretty little spot for quite some time.”

James went to his closet to retrieve some clothes, not bothering to look at Mike with his next retort. “Well, if he’s just going to park, the tunnel’s owner is going to evict him pretty quick.” He pulled out a shirt, shut the closet door then looked over to Mike, who was at a loss for words. “That little fucker better plan to practice forward and reverse maneuvers in that tunnel, and test his ability to do it at increasingly accelerated speeds.”

Mike gulped. “I’ll make sure he gets the message.”