Twelve

N ova's thumb tapped the delete button to erase the text he'd typed but hadn't dared to send. Again. This had been going on ever since Jimmy had dropped him off. He'd write, delete, set his phone down, then pick it up and start the cycle all over again. Each message had a different tone to match the cocktail of potent feelings Jimmy stirred within Nova. And he wasn't referring to a run-of-the-mill drink either. Nova was thinking about the fancy concoctions with the complicated layers that were too pretty for consumption. Each of the colors in his cerebral cocktail were as vibrant and intoxicating as the emotions connected to it.

Guilt had kicked Nova in the balls as he'd watched Jimmy back down his driveway, but why? Did he feel bad for sending him home or because of the confusion he'd witnessed in his eyes? Their adventure was supposed to be lighthearted, fun, and sexy. And it had been exactly that, but feelings were running so much deeper than Nova had expected. He'd loved hearing Jimmy's thoughts, adored his curiosity, and found his intelligence even more alluring than the man's lithe body. Hence the next cocktail layer: horny. Nova had never wanted another person more than Jimmy Alsop. The intensity actually scared him and validated the decision to send him home. Jimmy's first time needed to be special and tender, not some furious rutting that could leave him injured and discouraged from doing it again.

The overriding emotion—the whipped cream layer at the top—unfurling in Nova's heart was happiness. The activity, the camaraderie, and the mounting sexual tension were…fucking delicious and heady. Until they got to the part with the behemoth reptile. Christ. Nova had frozen in fear, first for the little dog and then when Jimmy sprang into action, saving the little guy from the grumpy gator. Nova was horrified by his inaction and convinced Jimmy's heroics had shaved ten years off his life.

He'd never felt that level of fear for someone before. Not from lack of care and concern for friends and family but because no one else he knew would've challenged a charging reptilian beast. Would they? Millie might, and it scared the hell out of him. Nova made a mental note to discuss alligators with his precocious daughter. His goal wasn't to traumatize her, but he did want her to have a healthy respect for their prowess. Nova would need to walk a fine line, or Millie would end up asking for one as a pet. After all, they did have a pool, and it would make perfect sense to his daughter that a gator would be a good fit. Chuckling, Nova started to imagine how the conversation might play out.

The doorbell rang, interrupting his wild thoughts before they could throw him into chaos. Thank God for pizza delivery services. Nova had made a grilled chicken salad earlier, but it hadn't been enough to sustain him after a long day in the sun and the exertion afterward when he rubbed one out in the shower. He'd turned on a Star Trek marathon later and promptly dozed off. When Nova woke, he'd been hungry enough to eat the sofa and decided he'd burned off enough calories to splurge on greasy, cheesy goodness.

When Nova opened the door, Jimmy was standing on his front porch holding a pizza box. Had he mentioned a side hustle? Nova thought it was entirely possible until he saw the pizza delivery vehicle backing down his driveway. Returning his gaze to Jimmy, Nova took in his sunburned face and puffy, red eyes.

"Are you okay?" Nova asked, his heart squeezing in his chest.

Jimmy shook his head. "I-I'm sorry for just showing up. I d-didn't know where else to go," he said, sounding like he was on the verge of tears again.

Nova took the pizza box from his hands and stepped aside. "Please come in." Neither man spoke as they walked through the house to reach the family room in the back. Nova set the pizza box on the coffee table, hit the mute button on the remote to silence the television, and turned to Jimmy. "Can I get you something to drink?"

Jimmy just shook his head and sat down, so Nova did the same. He wanted to reach for the man but wasn't sure he should. "This is probably a big mistake since we wanted to keep our relationship uncomplicated."

It was all the encouragement Nova needed. He hooked his arms around Jimmy's shoulders and pulled him into an embrace. Resting his cheek on top of Jimmy's head, Nova whispered, "I'm pretty sure it's already too late for that." His feelings for the adorable ginger were the epitome of complicated. "I'm surprisingly happy about it too," Nova admitted. "I'm glad you're here, and I hope I'm not the reason for your tears."

Jimmy pulled free of his embrace and sat up straight. "No, of course not." He closed his eyes and took a shaky breath as tears trickled down his face. "My mom has been lying to me about my father my whole life."

Nova wasn't sure what he expected to hear, but that definitely wasn't it. "What?"

Swiping at his tears, Jimmy said, "She said my father died in a motorcycle crash when I was an infant."

"And that didn't happen?" Nova asked.

"No, my father died in a motorcycle accident but not in the timeline she gave me," Jimmy replied.

"How did you find this out tonight? Did she confess from the cruise ship?" Jimmy had told Nova about his mother's daily emails during their bike ride. So far, her correspondence had been filled with their daily activities. "Was there alcohol involved?"

Jimmy chuckled and shook his head. "No. My mother won't even take aspirin for a headache."

"Okay, then how did this information come to light?"

"I'm embarrassed to say," Jimmy said, his cheeks turning a darker hue of pink.

"You went snooping?" Nova asked. Journalists were known for ferreting out a story, but Jimmy didn't seem like the kind of guy who dug through trash or his mother's personal belongings to find one.

Groaning, Jimmy covered his face for a few seconds before lowering his hands. "Not on purpose." He told Nova about crashing on the couch and waking up with uncomfortable skin and seeking out the aloe in her room.

"I'm sorry," Nova said. "I should've known you'd need a stronger SPF."

"You're not responsible." Jimmy smiled wryly. "Maybe a little because I was desperate to feel your hands on my body, but I should've checked and reapplied accordingly."

"I could've found a secluded spot to—" Nova cut himself off. They were veering off-topic and heading into dangerous territory. Jimmy had sought him out for comfort, and that's what Nova would give the man. "So you went up to her room to get the lotion," Nova prompted.

"Yes, and that's when I noticed her accordion file on her bed. She must've left it out in her haste to get to the airport. It's not like my mother to leave anything out, so I decided to put it away. My mom probably wouldn't have believed she was the one who left it out. Anyway," Jimmy said, shaking his head, "I saw my dad's name written on one of the tabs and felt this sharp pang in my chest. I know nothing about him except that his love for motorcycles got him killed."

Nova cupped Jimmy's face. "You said he died as a result of an accident. Isn't it just as probable that your father's death resulted from someone else's distraction?"

Jimmy took a shaky breath and said, "You're right. And it doesn't change the fact that he died nine years after they divorced. Hell, I didn't even know they were divorced until tonight." A fresh set of tears streamed down Jimmy's face. "My dad died when I was ten, not when I was an infant as I'd believed all my life. He went all those years without talking to me or attempting to see me."

The anguish in Jimmy's voice broke his heart. Nova couldn't heal heartache, but he could do his damnedest to offer comfort. He wrapped Jimmy in a tight embrace and rubbed his back. Hot breath ghosted over Nova's flesh, making him shiver. He squelched any feelings that didn't involve soothing the man in his arms. Rubbing Jimmy's back with one hand, Nova slid the other into soft curls to massage his scalp. "I'm so sorry. I know this sounds trite, but I mean it with my whole heart. Your father was the one who lost out."

"I don't know what hurts the most—my mother's lies or that I wasted all these years mourning a man who never loved me. I feel like my entire foundation is shattered. Who the fuck am I now?"

Nova pressed a kiss to the top of his head, then lifted Jimmy's chin to look into his eyes. "You're the same person you've always been. Your parents' faults aren't your burden to carry. Whether your father loved you or not doesn't change who you are. I don't think it's fair to assume anything about the man until you can have an honest conversation with your mom."

A stricken expression crossed Jimmy's face. "I can't talk about this with her."

Nova chuckled before he realized the heartbroken man was serious. "Jimmy, you can't just soldier on like you haven't uncovered her secret. I imagine harboring it has taken quite a toll on your mom, whether she knows it or not. You'll both be better off once the full truth is known."

Tilting his head to the side, Jimmy asked, "How can you sound so certain?"

"What's the alternative?" Nova asked. "You'll spend the rest of your life guessing about her motives and wondering what the real story is. You'll build the theories up to be so much bigger and worse than the truth probably really is. Some men don't make good fathers. It's just a harsh reality. Wouldn't it be better to know if that's the case here than waste emotional equity creating alternative facts?"

"You're right." Jimmy sounded sullen and cute. Nova couldn't resist kissing his lips, but he didn't linger since he was still in comfort mode. "It will be hard enough to pretend my way through email correspondence when she's in the middle of the ocean." Jimmy groaned. "How am I going to pull this off?"

"By understanding that holding the conversation now won't benefit anyone. It will ruin what remains of your mother's vacation."

"And my grandmother's too," Jimmy added.

"Yes. And your guilt would grow and fester until your mother and grandmother get home." Nova stroked the back of his fingers over Jimmy's pink cheek. "I don't know much about your mom, but she must be an incredible lady."

Jimmy leaned into his touch. "Why do you say that?"

"Because no one becomes as wonderful as you are without a remarkable person in their corner."

Releasing a deep sigh, Jimmy said, "She loves me more than life itself. I've always known that, even when her overprotectiveness felt smothering."

"Which means your mother felt like she had a good reason for stretching the truth."

Jimmy smirked. "Stretching the truth? Lying about when my father died isn't the same thing as telling me Santa is real."

Nova gasped. "He's not real?"

"Come off it," Jimmy replied, nudging Nova. "You stopped believing in him by age three. Admit it."

"Five," Nova countered sheepishly.

"Was it because you knew it wasn't scientifically possible for Santa to make the rounds to each child in one night, even after factoring in the time differences?"

"No," Nova replied. "I caught my dad building my bicycle in the garage early Christmas morning. My bedroom was over the garage, and he woke me up by cursing a blue streak over missing parts."

"Dave is a good man," Jimmy said wistfully.

"He is," Nova agreed. "Try not to demonize either of your parents tonight, okay? Give them the benefit of the doubt until you can get more information."

"I'll try," Jimmy said. He took a deep breath, then looked around the room. His eyes seemed to linger on the family photos, the television screen where Captain Kirk was trying to seduce a woman from another planet, and finally the pizza box. "I should get going." He moved to stand up, but Nova reached out and stopped him.

"Stay," he said, noting the way the tension melted from Jimmy's body. "Have you eaten?"

Jimmy shook his head. "I meant to but crashed after my shower."

Nova felt his lips tilt upward, and based on the deepening blush, he figured his smile projected his innermost thoughts. He wanted to tease Jimmy and find out what he'd done in the shower to exert so much energy, but he already knew the answer.

"Don't," Jimmy said as he buried his head against Nova's chest.

"I can't seem to stop the trajectory of my thoughts," Nova admitted.

Jimmy nuzzled his nose against Nova's throat, giving him goose bumps. He closed his eyes when Jimmy switched from cuddling to kissing. Nova's hold involuntarily tightened, which seemed to encourage the imp to be bolder and braver. Nova was quickly forgetting who was supposed to play the roles of teacher and student. When Jimmy licked a path up Nova's neck and bit his ear, he broke their embrace and put some space between them on the couch.

Confused amber eyes met his. "Did I do it wrong?"

Nova briefly closed his eyes before the desire to show Jimmy how right he was usurped his commitment to do the right thing. When their gazes met again, Nova realized Jimmy had mistaken his acts as rejection. That just wouldn't do. "Do you remember what I said before getting out of the car?"

Jimmy's nostrils flared, and he nodded. "You're hanging on by a thread."

"I meant it. What I thought was going to be a fun fling feels so much more significant with every moment we spend together. I'm struggling to do the right thing here."

"Which equates to waiting before we have sex?" Jimmy asked. "I'm betting you took the edge off earlier, right?"

"Of course." There was no need to deny it. "But my reason for pulling back now is different." Nova reached out to snag Jimmy's wrist, pulling him back into his arms. "I want to feed you and give you comfort in ways that don't include taking advantage of your vulnerability. Will you let me?"

Jimmy pulled back and stared at him for several moments before taking a deep breath. "On one condition." Nova responded with a quirked brow. "Tell me one thing you fantasized about in the shower."

Nova reached out and rubbed his thumb over Jimmy's lips. "These." The adorable ginger parted his lips and nipped the tip of Nova's digit before sucking it into his mouth. "And that right there," Nova confessed. His resolve shook like an earthquake when Jimmy moaned, so he quickly pulled his thumb free of his tempter's mouth. Nova stood up so fast he got lightheaded. "What do you want to drink with your pizza?"

Jimmy smiled up at him. "I'll have whatever you're having."

Nova retreated to the kitchen to pull himself together and decide what to drink. He shied away from anything with caffeine and went with lemonade since he'd seen Jimmy drink it at his parents' house. Nova tucked a roll of paper towels under his arm, then carried the glasses back to the family room. Jimmy had unmuted the television and was watching Captain Kirk and crew navigate their way through space.

"Why am I not surprised you watch this show?" Jimmy asked when Nova sat down.

Laughing, Nova placed a paper towel over Jimmy's lap before doing the same for himself. "Because loving Star Trek is a requirement to be in the coolest group of all time."

Jimmy quirked a brow. "Which is?"

Nova opened the pizza box on the table and pulled out two slices. He handed one to Jimmy and held the other to his lips. "Science geek." Nova took a bite and savored the flavor of spicy pizza sauce, cheese, and a variety of meats and veggies. It was so damn good that he wanted to moan as he chewed and swallowed. "I haven't had pizza in so long. Why do I insist on denying myself this simple pleasure?"

Jimmy swallowed his bite, then sipped his lemonade. "Probably the same reason you keep putting off sex with me, even though I'm practically begging you to take me." He laughed. "Wow. That sounded like a soap opera. Maybe I should take a more direct approach and just come right out and say how I feel." Jimmy took a deep breath. "I cannot stop thinking about all the ways you might fuck me."

"I assure you there are many," Nova replied, feeling ridiculously charmed by Jimmy's growing boldness. "Ones you've likely not imagined."

Jimmy scrunched up his forehead as he chewed and thought. "Ha. I've watched plenty of porn over the years. I might be a virgin, but I assure you I'm not innocent. I'm insanely horny, and self-satisfaction is getting old."

Nova enjoyed another bite, then added, "You might be frustrated with me now, but you'll thank me later."

"We'll just see about that," Jimmy replied. "Oh, there goes Kirk again. He's quite the charmer."

Nova looked at the screen and admired young William Shatner. "He was the reason I knew I was gay."

Jimmy laughed. "Captain Kirk?"

"Yuck it up, Jimmy. The man awakened the sexuality of many a person."

"I guess."

Nova shook his head. "Kids these days. Who was the guy responsible for your awakening?"

"Adam Levine," Jimmy said with a wry smile.

"Oh, nice one."

They continued eating and chatting until they shoved the pizza box away. Jimmy curled into Nova's side as they watched television. He offered to find something else to watch, but Jimmy was curious to know what Nova loved so much about the show. They ended up discussing the highs and lows of each episode and eventually stretched out together with Nova playing the big spoon at Jimmy's back.

He kept his touch much more innocent than his thoughts and nearly fell asleep imagining the many things he wanted to do to and with Jimmy. When Nova's phone rang, he bolted upright and nearly pitched the sleepy man onto the floor.

"Sorry," he said, kissing Jimmy's lips as he reached across him to snag his phone. Nova smiled when he saw Scott's name. "Camilla June is calling for her nightly story."

"Oh," Jimmy said sleepily. "Do you want me to leave?"

"No," Nova said, nuzzling his nose into soft ginger curls. "I'll go into her room where the books are. You stay right here."

"Okay," Jimmy said, burrowing back down.

Nova quickly answered the phone as he climbed over Jimmy. "Hello."

"It's me, Daddy!" his daughter yelled.

"Hi, June Bug. How's my big girl?"

"I'm good," she replied before launching into her nightly recap of her day. And like every night, Nova felt a pang when he walked into her empty room. God, he missed his little girl so much. Could he do this for an entire month? "What did you do today, Daddy?" Millie asked after she'd caught him up.

"I went on a bike ride." His outing had been so much more significant than his benign statement, and he'd nearly slipped and told Millie that he'd gone with Jimmy. "It was a lot of fun," he tacked on instead. "I ordered a pizza for dinner." Nova asked her which book she wanted him to read.

"A princess book, Daddy."

"You're living in the land of princesses," Nova replied.

Millie giggled. "You do funny voices."

A voiceover actor he wasn't, but Nova tried to make story time fun for them both. "Princess story it is." He ended up reading two before she was satisfied. "Goodnight, Millie June. I love you."

"Love you too, Daddy. Here's Papa."

A moment later, Scott's voice came on the line. "How are things?"

Nova chuckled. "What you really want to know is if I'm pining away without our daughter."

"Are you?" Scott asked.

"I miss her like crazy, but I'm hanging in there. She'll be home soon."

"Then I'll be the one howling at the moon," Scott said.

Nova laughed. "I'm not howling or baying or anything else."

"You sound different." Scott's voice was laced with suspicion.

"It's my new cologne," Nova teased. "Have you convinced Kai to marry you?"

"Not yet," Scott replied. "And I find your deflection a curious thing." A small gasp came through the phone. "Are you dating someone?"

"Is it Jimmy?" Millie asked in the background.

"It's past your bedtime," Nova said instead of answering.

"You got that right," Scott replied. "The clock says nine, but my body tells me it's midnight thanks to Camilla June waking up at five every morning."

"The world gets its time from Greenwich, but we run on Millie time."

Scott laughed. "Too true. Sleep well."

"You too," Nova said before disconnecting the call.

He sat there a moment, holding on to the happiness that Millie and Scott brought to his life. Then Nova rose from his daughter's bed and retraced his steps back to the living room. He hoped Jimmy hadn't snuck off without saying goodbye and was glad to find him in the same spot. As Nova approached the couch, he realized Jimmy had fallen asleep. The smart thing would've been for him to turn off the lights and television and retreat to his room. He performed steps one and two, but instead of putting a safe distance between them, he resumed his big spoon position behind Jimmy, who made a soft whimpering noise and nestled closer to Nova.

If he'd gone to his room, he would've missed that sweet sound, but then again, Nova wouldn't be wrestling with his conscience. They'd agreed to no overnight visits, but if anyone was worth breaking all the rules for, it was Jimmy.

Nova's last conscious thought was a lie: I'll just rest here a few minutes longer .

An elbow jab to the gut woke him several hours later. At first, he was disoriented about why he was on the couch and who his attacker was. All the activities from the previous night came rushing back the second Nova opened his eyes. Jimmy had landed the blow as he turned around on the couch to face him. Early morning sunlight streamed through the patio's sliding glass doors, bathing the couch in pinkish-orange hues.

It was hard to regret his choices with Jimmy sleeping soundly in the circle of Nova's arms, especially when the dawn light picked up the various shades of red and gold in his hair. It reminded him of flickering flames. The two men were undoubtedly putting out enough combined body heat to start a fire, which only fueled the embers burning in his core. He lifted a hand and traced his finger over one of the silky, glowing tendrils. Lowering his nose, Nova breathed in the scent of Jimmy's shampoo. It smelled like something salty and breezy with a hint of coconut.

"You're not thinking about turning me into a skin suit, are you?" Jimmy asked sleepily as he nestled closer somehow.

Chuckling, Nova slid his hands into Jimmy's hair and sifted his fingers through the red and gold flames. "No, but I am thinking of ways I can get as close to you as humanly possible."

Jimmy quaked in his embrace, and a puff of hot air drifted across Nova's neck, eliciting an echoing shiver. "Nova, you better not work me up this morning just to push me away for my own good ."

Nova tightened his hold. "Not for all the money in the world."

"Prove it," Jimmy husked.

Nova placed his hand beneath Jimmy's chin and tilted it up until he was staring into sleepy eyes. He lowered his head to kiss soft lips, but Jimmy pulled free of his embrace a second before rolling to his feet and standing over the sofa.

"Having second thoughts?" Nova asked.

Jimmy snorted. "Get real. I have morning breath. You've been adamant that our first time together be perfect."

"Mmmm, I don't think that's what I said."

"Well, it's how I perceived your comments," Jimmy declared. "It's been a while since you've had sex, so I also want to make this experience amazing for you."

"It already is. Take off your clothes," Nova commanded.

"Gladly, but first direct me to a bathroom where I can clean my mouth. I'd love a spare toothbrush if you have one but will settle for a finger, toothpaste, and a mouthwash chaser."

"Whose finger? Yours or mine?"

Jimmy swallowed hard. "How can you make that question sound so sexy?"

Nova laughed and rolled to his feet. Jimmy raked his gaze over his body, landing on the semi-erection tenting his shorts. "Come on."

Jimmy followed him to the master suite but stopped just inside the door. "I honestly never allowed myself to imagine what your bedroom looked like, only the things you did alone in here. It's like a calm oasis with all the blues, purples, and grays. And that's a really big bed."

"I like a lot of room to work with," Nova countered. He placed his hand at the small of Jimmy's back and guided him toward the bathroom. Once inside, he removed a spare toothbrush from a drawer along with the toothpaste and handed them to Jimmy. Gesturing to the bottle of blue liquid on the vanity, Nova said, "My mouthwash is your mouthwash." Then he went to work cleaning his mouth. Sharing the bathroom with Jimmy felt as intimate as sex because they kept exchanging heated glances in the mirror.

Once satisfied, Nova rinsed his mouth while Jimmy swished mouthwash around in his cheeks for a second time. Was the adorable man that concerned about his oral hygiene or had a case of nerves settled in? Their gazes met in the mirror once more, and tawny eyes widened. Jimmy shook his head and spat out the mouthwash.

"Oh no. You're thinking too hard."

"I was just thinking the same thing about you," Nova admitted.

Jimmy responded by pulling off his T-shirt and tossing it to the floor. "I haven't changed my mind." Hooking his thumbs in his waistband, he shoved his shorts and underwear down his legs, baring himself completely to Nova. "I was just being thorough."

"As will I," Nova said, stepping forward and claiming the kiss he'd wanted since opening his eyes.

Jimmy shoved his hands beneath Nova's T-shirt, ghosting his fingertips over his abdomen and upward until he found hardened nipples. He pinched and rolled them, making Nova's knees weak.

"You're playing with fire," he growled as he trapped Jimmy between the vanity and his bigger body.

Wrapping his fingers around Jimmy's wrist, Nova guided the eager hand back down his torso and tucked it under his waistband. "Touch me."

Jimmy didn't need further encouragement; he skimmed his fingers over the hard length before fisting Nova's cock. Fuck, it felt incredible, so he returned the favor.

It would've been so easy to give in to the moment and let Jimmy jerk him off to completion, but Nova wanted more for them both. He released Jimmy's cock and took a step back. Dazed eyes stared back at him. Nova shoved his shorts and underwear down his legs, then he took Jimmy's hand and led him out of the bathroom and through the bedroom.

"Um, where are we going?" Jimmy asked.

"You'll see."

Nova had never been a fanciful man, and romantic gestures were usually wasted on his scientifically wired brain. But something about Jimmy made him want to see everything in a new light, which was why he headed to the living room and the sun-bathed couch. Nova wanted to see the sunlight playing in Jimmy's hair and reflected in those amber eyes while he moved above him. Correction. He didn't just want it; Nova needed it.

"I've spent my entire life worshipping the night sky and embracing the darkness." Nova sat on the couch and tugged Jimmy's hand until he straddled Nova's hips and sat on his thighs. Cupping Jimmy's face, he said, "It's past time I worship the sunlight with equal fervor."

That's exactly what Jimmy embodied with the stripes of golden light slashing over his fair skin. Nova cupped Jimmy's head and pulled him down for a kiss, then grasped Jimmy's ass with both hands and pulled him closer until their cocks were perfectly aligned together and trapped between their straining bodies. Jimmy whimpered and wrapped his arms around Nova's shoulders as if they still weren't close enough.

Nova shifted his hands to lean hips, canting them forward and chuckling when Jimmy's breath hitched. It took him a few tries before he found the perfect rhythm. Nova rested his head against the back of the couch and watched every emotion playout on Jimmy's face, loving his wide-eyed wonder. Lips parted on a silent cry as he rocked his hips faster, chasing the climax. Nova couldn't recall a time when foreplay had ever felt this good or when he'd been so aware of his own body. Every nerve ending seemed to be sparking in ways that spread euphoria through him instead of fear. He was on the verge of losing control, but Nova wasn't afraid. He didn't want to pull back from the unknown; he lunged forward.

Jimmy braced his hands on Nova's shoulders and began thrusting harder and faster, their combined precum acting as a lubricant to aid the glide. "I won't last," he said.

"I'm with you. Don't hold back. We've got all day to figure out if you're a top, bottom, or vers." Nova shifted a hand from Jimmy's lean hip to cup the curve of an ass cheek, then farther over to circle his puckered entrance. Nova massaged the rim with the tip of his finger before tapping it. "Do you think about having my dick in your ass?"

"Yes," Jimmy hissed. "All the time."

Nova slid his curious finger up the crack of Jimmy's ass, then back down to repeat the circle and tap. All the while, Jimmy ground their dicks together while staring at Nova with a determination that was both adorable and sexy as fuck. Nothing and no one would interfere with this man's orgasm.

"I think about having your dick inside my ass all the time," Nova said. Jimmy grunted and tightened his knees around either side of his hips. "Do you want me?"

"Yes…Want…Oh God," Jimmy said between pants. His rhythm was all over the place, and he dug his fingers deeper into Nova's shoulders, trying to get better purchase. "Feels so good. I'm gonna…"

Leaning forward, Nova sucked one of Jimmy's nipples into his mouth, causing his hips to buck a few times. Hot cum splattered on Nova's stomach and coated their cocks. Jimmy continued moaning and thrusting until the last of his orgasm rippled through him. Instead of collapsing against Nova's chest, Jimmy scooted back on Nova's thighs a little to survey his handiwork with a smug smile on his face. And though his cock throbbed angrily from the loss of friction, Nova enjoyed the way Jimmy's hungry eyes devoured his body. Their gazes collided and held once more. He was sweaty, sticky, and the most beautiful thing Nova had ever laid eyes on.

Jimmy slid from Nova's lap. Before he could utter a protest, Jimmy dropped to his knees and pushed Nova's thighs apart to make room for him.

"What are you doing?" Nova asked, his voice so thick he barely recognized it.

"I'm going to suck you off."

The mere thought had Nova reaching for Jimmy's face. He melted into his touch, and Nova swept his thumb over the lips he wanted to feel stretched around his cock. Jimmy parted his mouth and drew the thumb inside, swirling his tongue around the tip before sucking it deeper. Nova fisted his free hand to keep from wrapping it around his dick. He needed to come and now.

Jimmy let the thumb slip free, then kissed Nova's neck. He took his time licking and nipping a path downward, teasing Nova's nipples before flattening his tongue and making a wet trail south to his groin. Nova's cock glistened with remnants of Jimmy's semen, but that didn't seem to deter the fiery man. He parted his lips and sucked the tip inside his mouth, swirling his tongue around and around the flared cockhead before easing farther down.

"Fuck," Nova groaned, grabbing the couch cushions to keep from taking over and thrusting deeper inside Jimmy's hot mouth. Their gazes collided and timid eyes sought assurance from him. "So damn good."

Jimmy tested out different suctions and tried a variety of tempos, each making Nova's cock throb harder. His balls drew tighter against his body in warning. "I'm going to come," he said, giving Jimmy the option to pull back.

He didn't. Not until Nova spurted a few times in his mouth anyway.

He pulled Jimmy onto his lap for a long kiss. Nova nuzzled against the pliant man's jaw and sank his teeth into the tendon at the base of his neck.

With a deep sigh, Jimmy finally collapsed against Nova's chest. "You were right."

Nova ghosted his hand up and down Jimmy's spine and kissed his temple. "About?"

"I'm glad we waited." Jimmy lifted his head and stared into Nova's eyes. "I'm also wondering how long I have to wait until round two."

Nova threw his head back and laughed at the eagerness and joy radiating in Jimmy's expression. "You're really good for my ego." It had been a really long time since he'd worried about recovering for round two of sex, though, so he wasn't sure what the correct answer was. In fact, Nova wasn't sure he'd ever worried about it. "How about we shower, then I'll make you breakfast."

Jimmy's eyes glassed over, and his mouth fell open. "Together?"

Nova smiled. "Unless the idea makes you uneasy."

Jimmy slid off Nova's lap and extended his hand. "I have a new thing to add to my list."

As they headed toward the bedroom, Nova realized his ego wasn't the only thing Jimmy was strumming. His heart was singing like it was karaoke-and-two-dollar-beer night at a dive bar.