Chapter Four

Two days later, Robert walked into the shop and immediately noticed the sound of tools clinking. A few bays over, Justin worked under the hood of the Edsel. The snug fit of his jeans accentuated the contours of his muscles.

Is he going commando again?

He"d never been jealous of fabric before, but today was apparently that day. The other night at the pub, in the moments between their quiet conversation, Robert"s mind had wandered toward the image of Justin sliding those jeans up his naked hips when he"d first arrived at the garage. If only Robert had the right, he'd could unzip Justin and find the warm skin of his thick cock he'd so briefly glimpsed.

He walked over to the car, stuffing his hands in his pockets so he wouldn't reach out to rub Justin's lower back. "Anything I can help with?"

"Hey! Actually, could you hand me that five-eighths ratchet wrench? I'm trying to attach this fuel line. Couple more days and this baby will be ready to fire up." Turning his head as Robert handed him the tool, Justin saw the black eye and cut just above Robert's eyebrow. "Ouch! Piss someone off?"

"No, my head disagreed with James's foot. It thought my eye looked like a good place to rest, and my head didn't move fast enough to avoid the collision. The little shit is actually getting pretty good. Couple more years and he could go for the championship instead of me." He watched as Justin stood up and wiped his hands on a shop towel lying across the fender of the car.

Justin palpated the bruise and cut. "Doesn't feel like anything's chipped or fractured. Ice pack and ibuprofen should take care of it. Oh, and try to avoid another foot for a couple of days."

"Thanks for the sage advice, doc. I'll see what I can do. Are you almost done here?"

"Well, I have to tighten this down. Then I'm supposed to put the trim on the Gullwing over there."

"Want some help?"

"That would be great. I'd actually really like to test that engine sitting on the stand next to the Mercury. It was just delivered for a new project coming in next week. A guy is bringing in a 1971 AMC Javelin AMX. That 401 is an engine he bought online. He swore the seller guaranteed him it ran prior to being put in storage. But we need to verify, and tell him if there are any parts that need to be replaced or, god forbid, we have to rebuild the thing prior to installation."

"Okay, I'll go do the trim and you can go play with the engine. You're already dirty, anyway." Robert smiled as he thought about how dirty he'd like to get Justin.

Robert picked up the trim pieces laid out carefully next to the Mercedes. He had never worked on a Gullwing before and was doing everything but drooling in jealousy. The trim pieces required delicate work. It would be easy to chip the paint or scratch the glass on the window if he didn't pay attention.

In the reflection of the Mercedes, Robert saw Justin"s gaze trained on him. He supposed the man felt the need to make sure Robert would not mess up the ultra-rare Mercedes. Granted, his large fingers were more used to exerting powerful brutality, but he enjoyed doing delicate jobs that required attention to detail. What would it feel like to spend a great deal of attention to all the details of Justin"s body? There"d been some fireworks between them in the pub the other night, and he knew Justin had brushed their fingers together on purpose during the walk home, but Robert still found himself scared to take the leap and acknowledge their attraction.

"Ah! What the hell?" Justin shouted.

Robert"s head whipped toward Justin with such force that he half-expected to hear his neck snap. A viscous fluid drenched Justin"s hair, face, and shirt. The man appeared to be okay. Shocked, but okay. He used a shop towel to wipe away the grime from his eyes before gazing down at the engine, his brows furrowed in confusion.

"What did you do? Piss it off?"

"No, man, I just turned her crank."

Robert laughed so hard he doubled over. He gasped out, "Maybe it didn't like you getting fresh?"

Robert's laughter still echoed in the garage. Justin rolled his eyes. "Okay, you hyena. It wasn't that funny." He chuckled. "Besides, I've never had complaints before." By now, his own laughter reached full force.

Robert walked over with a towel and tried to help clean him up. He rubbed the towel over Justin's head, then wiped down Justin's arms. The fresh scent of his aftershave had disappeared, and now the poor man smelled like oil. Robert pushed the strands of hair back from Justin's face. Their eyes caught for a moment before he slid the towel down Justin's chest. Justin's nipples hardened, and his stomach muscles clenched. Robert swallowed hard before looking back up into brilliant blue eyes.

"I think it's hopeless, man," Justin said.

"Yeah, some things you just can't fight for long," Robert said a little breathlessly.

The heat he saw in Justin"s eyes absorbed all the oxygen from the room.

"All I did was turn the crank to check for compression and got bathed in…" Justin smelled his fingers. "Transmission fluid? Why would there be transmission fluid in the cylinder heads?"

Robert cleared his throat before he responded, "You said this engine had been in storage, right?"

"Yeah, the guy said for a couple of years. What difference does that make?"

"I bet they put it in there so the pistons wouldn't rust."

"No way, that"s just an old wives' tale. Back in the 1950s, it might have worked, but that"s only because the motor oils back then had very few additives, and had very poor base oil that oxidized and left deposits of sludge from moisture absorption and things. Transmission fluid of those days used a naphthenic base oil, which had a higher solvency. But with modern fluids, all these facts are void, and the guy may have really damaged this engine block. People do some of the dumbest things to their cars because Google or some asshat on YouTube told them to."

"Guess you schooled me."

Justin frowned. "Sorry, did I just come off as a know-it-all jackass?"

"No. Well, maybe a little. But I know I"m just a hobbyist. I may have done a lot of internet searches when working on the Mustang, but I always verified my ideas with professionals like you and Joe. I"m sure the seller thought he was doing the right thing."

"You"re probably right. But now this means I"m going to have to take this block completely apart to inspect all the lifters and crankshaft. So much for a quick test." Justin ran his hands over the top of his head, then looked down as they were once again coated in fluid. "Okay, I give up. Will you lock up down here? I'm going upstairs to take a shower. Come on up when you're done."

After completing the trim work on the Mercedes and cleaning up the tools in the shop, Robert opened the front door to Justin's apartment. The setup of the apartment was like any bachelor pad. Basic, comfortable furnishings and a large TV front and center. It was clean but well lived-in. He smiled as he noticed the basket of folded laundry sitting on the island dividing the living room from the kitchen.

He sank down onto the sofa and flipped on the TV to channel surf. It was then he picked up the sound from the shower running down the hall. He pictured a wet Justin soaping his body under the spray and had to adjust himself. The shower shut off. The TV still played, but who knew what channel he'd landed on? He watched the hall, hoping to glimpse towel-clad Justin exiting the bathroom.

He heard the door open, then saw a flash of white as Justin turned toward what Robert presumed was the bedroom. Then a moment later, he heard footsteps pad back in his direction. Justin appeared in the doorway and looked around. He spied the laundry basket and walked over. Picking up a pair of briefs, he turned, then stopped when their gazes met. The briefs fell from his hand and landed on the floor. Several heartbeats passed, and Robert stood up. He couldn't hold back any longer.

Walking over, he kneeled at Justin's feet and picked up the briefs from the floor. "Are you going to put these on?"

Justin looked down at him, but no answer escaped his lips. The towel tented as Justin got hard. Robert ran his tongue across his lips and stared at the still-covered bulge. Justin sucked in a breath at the action. Robert looked up and saw the black of Justin's pupils encompass the chocolate brown as they dilated.

He took hold of the front of the towel, which was tucked in at Justin"s hips. The tips of his fingers skimmed over the hard ridges of his abs. The muscles contracted when Justin sucked in a little, letting the towel fall open and slide to the floor. Robert"s hands moved across the narrow hips, down the thick, corded thighs, and finally secured the ass he had been admiring for days. He leaned forward and ran the flat of his tongue from the root to the tip of Justin's long, thick cock.

"Oh, my fucking God!" Justin exclaimed as he threw his head back and grabbed onto the counter's edge.

Robert swirled the tip of his tongue around the head of Justin's cock and dipped into the slit to gather the clear drop seeping up. His first taste of Justin's pre-cum exploded across his taste buds. The salty taste had an under-essence of sweetness to it. Robert wanted more, so he wrapped his lips around the entire head and sank down half the length before pulling back up, hollowing his cheeks with suction. He flicked his tongue over the tip again to gather more of Justin's flavor, then opened his throat as best he could and sank down to the root.

"Rob! More. Please," Justin begged.

He liked the sound of his shortened name coming from Justin's lips. Nobody ever called him anything but ‘Robert.' He moved one of his hands around to cup Justin's balls. He weighed them in his palm before giving them a little squeeze. Justin groaned as Robert sucked up on his cock while simultaneously pulling down on the sack. Justin spread his legs a little more, giving Robert more room. He rewarded him by taking that hot pulsing column of steel deep once again and used his teeth to put pressure on the base.

"Oh yeah, Rob. Just like that."

Robert rose a few inches, held still for a moment, then inhaled a deep breath before he slowly lowered, taking Justin's length to the back of his throat. He swallowed and felt it moved another inch. His hands held Justin's hips, not letting him thrust as he continued to massage the dick with his throat muscles. Finally, he required air, so he moved up. Justin hissed when Robert used his teeth to nibble tenderly at the tender skin. He could tell Justin wanted to move by the little motions of his hips and the groans escaping as he tried to hold back. Robert desperately wanted to feel Justin fuck his mouth. He loved the feel of a hot column of flesh barreling through his lips and into his throat. Justin had apparently reached the breaking point.

"Please, Rob…please let me…"

Robert slowed his sucking and relinquished his grip on Justin's hips. Justin reached for the top of his head. His hands rubbed across it, and his fingers curled into the loose strands. Justin positioned Robert's head and thrust. Robert was in heaven. He curled his hands around Justin's calves to anchor himself. He tried to breathe in rhythm with Justin's drives. Robert started moaning and felt his eyes roll up into the back of his head. Justin continued to thrust strongly while his hands kept rubbing on Robert's scalp.

Fuck, I never knew how good that would feel.

Justin's legs tightened, and his fingers flexed. "Just… fucking… perfect, Rob. I'm gonna come. You gonna take me?"

Robert remained still as their bodies remained together, and moments later, Justin"s cock jerked, flooding Robert"s tongue with cum. He let the taste linger before he swallowed. He gently continued to suckle until Justin softened.

Justin reached under Robert's arms and pulled him up. Their chests met, and Robert wished nothing more than for his shirt to magically disappear so he could feel skin against skin. Justin's lips latched on and kissed him hard. Their teeth clashed. Being taller, he grabbed Justin's bare ass and lifted him so he sat on the counter. Justin's legs spread, and Robert moved between them as they continued to kiss, devouring each other like their last meal. His brain was melting, and all he wanted to do was sink inside that damp, hot skin rubbing all over him. Justin grabbed at his shirt, and together, they got it over his head without ripping the fabric. Robert's dick throbbed painfully. He was so hard.

Justin pushed Robert away from the counter. He leaped off and continued to stalk Robert toward the sofa. The back of Rob's legs hit the arm, and he fell backwards onto the cushions. Justin landed on top of him and immediately started kissing those incredible lips again. Robert scooted back enough so his legs weren't hanging over the edge anymore, while Justin crawled forward until he straddled Robert's legs. Robert moaned when Justin"s nimble fingers got to the button and zipper of his jeans. Rob"s erection pushed against the material, clearly outlining it. Finally getting the closures opened, Justin reached inside. His fingers found the head of Rob's cock and swept over it.

"Oh, Christ. This will not take long. I'm nearly there. You got me so fucking hot. I loved feeling you fuck my mouth."

Justin worked his hand as far into the clinging denim as he could and wrapped it around Rob's thick shaft. "Nobody has ever made me come like you did. I've never shot that hard in my life."

Rob groaned as his hips thrust up into Justin's strokes. Justin leaned down over Rob's chest and tightened his grip on the cock a little more. His other hand spread the material of the jeans far enough away that he had access to the full length. Soft kisses left patches of cool moisture over his chest until Justin reached Robert's nipples. He"d never had a lover spend so much time on foreplay. It was both exhilarating and unbelievably frustrating. Justin nibbled one of his nipples, then sucked strongly.

"No marks. I promise."

Right, marks. Good thing one of us has enough functioning brain cells.Oh God, he"s good at this.

"Justin… Justin… tighter… faster," Rob groaned. "Please!" He drew the word out as if in benediction.

Robert's breath came in ragged gasps as Justin stroked him with an ever-quickening pace.

"Come for me, Rob. I wanna see you. Wanna feel you shoot all over my hand. Can"t wait to lick it from your chest."

With a sharp cry, Rob snapped his hips up and down as he fucked Justin's hand. He threw his head back, screamed and shot in ropey streams, spraying his chest. Justin leaned down and licked it off just as he'd said he would.

After they"d both caught their breath, Justin stood and walked over to pick up and don his forgotten briefs. He rummaged in the laundry basket until he found a pair of jersey shorts and T-shirt. He kept his back turned, unfortunately. Robert wouldn"t have minded a few more minutes of appreciating the scenery before Justin himself back together. Robert stuffed his dick back into his jeans and sat up. He watched Justin walk into the kitchen and grab a couple of beers. Justin tossed Robert his shirt, then handed him the bottle.

"So, I guess we need to talk, huh?" Justin asked.

Robert looked over at Justin and, with a resigned sigh, said, "I guess you're wondering why I attacked you." He rubbed a hand down over his face.

Justin smiled. Robert wanted this conversation as much as he wanted a trip to the guillotine.

"Actually, that part I loved. I thought that despite all the silent signals we've been throwing off since meeting each other, neither one of us said anything about being gay." After a brief pause, he looked over at Robert. "Or are you bi? Or if not bi, was this just a momentary experimental thing?"

"No, not momentary… I'm not here to use you as some sort of sexual science experiment. I'm gay, always have been. I am not ‘out' for professional reasons. Could you imagine an openly gay fighter? I don't even know if they would allow me to fight, and if they did, the other competitors would most likely make sure I didn't leave the cage in one piece. Mom and Joe know I'm gay. They're both fine and supportive of my choices. What about you? Are you ‘out?'"

Justin took a sip of his beer. "I don't deny it if someone asks me, but I don't broadcast my preferences. I figure it's my business who I want to fuck. With you, regardless of any smoke signals, I thought you were straight and, frankly, didn't want to be on the receiving end of one of your punches."

"So what now? If we're throwing our cards on the table, you should know that I haven't been with anyone in six months, and that was a handjob in a bathroom stall. I know I'm clean because the league tests us for everything before each fight. I've never been in any kind of dating situation and, truthfully, don't know how."

Robert knew that fans and pundits around the world said he was a leader and paragon to legions of mixed martial arts fans. However, with personal relationships, he was just as vulnerable as the rest of the lowly human population.

Justin scooted a little closer to Robert. "I'm clean, too. Get tested twice a year, and I have had nothing steady for about six months, but I have had casual hookups. I'm strict about always using protection, though."

Rob sat at the other end of the couch, almost curled into the armrest. He wanted to plea to Justin not to let him go, but he didn"t know if he was ready for this.

"Look. There are no rules here. Why don't we take it one day at a time? The amazing sex aside, I enjoy hanging out with you. I'm not saying I don't want to continue the sex any chance we get, but I don't want whatever we have to be based solely on that. Okay?"

Robert smiled, and something inside him eased with Justin's assurances that the sex was as incredible as he'd thought it had been. He'd been a little worried that he'd responded the way he had because it had been so damn long. When he'd heard Justin talk about fucking someone else, something inside his stomach had churned. Even though they were practically strangers, the thought of him being with other men bothered him more than it should. He didn't want those images in his head. Justin should be fucking him from now on. Robert should be the one making Justin scream. That would require some thought later. For now, he'd better quit while he was ahead.

"Okay. It's late. I should be going."

Justin set his beer on the coffee table and crawled over to the couch on all fours. Robert found himself with a lapful of man and couldn't be happier. He loved how Justin was smaller than him, but was not dainty. The man had a ripped physique from head to toe, but he was small enough that Robert still felt protective.

All thoughts flew from his head as their lips met. This kiss differed from their previous. Their tongues danced and glided around each other's lips, separating briefly only to meet time after time. Their noses touched and rubbed. It didn't take long to find the perfect angle for their heads. Justin's soft lips pressed hard against his. His mouth tasted of beer and an underlying sweetness. Robert never wanted to stop kissing him. It felt good. It felt right. His hands buried themselves in the thick, dark-blond strands, and Justin's fingers kneaded his shoulders as he slowly ground their cocks together.

Robert's cock got hard again, and judging by his new lover's movements, his need grew as well. He knew he should stop now, or he was liable to flip Justin over and fuck him before another coherent thought could enter his head. He separated their lips and wrapped his arms around Justin's back, pulling his head down onto his shoulder, unwilling yet to separate himself entirely. Soft lips caressed his neck, and he groaned at the tingling sensation skating up and down his spine.

"I really should go. I have to be up at six in the morning to run with James."

"Okay. Then go," Justin mumbled into Robert's neck.

"I would, but you're wrapped around me like an octopus," he said with a chuckle.

With a disappointed huff and an adorable pout, Justin pulled back and scooted off his lap.

"Fine." He reached out his hand out. "Come on, I'll show you out."

Robert stood on his own and stepped around the end of the sofa. "Oh no. If I take your hand, I'm never getting out of here." He leaned down and kissed him on the forehead, then spun Justin around toward the hallway and patted his butt. "Off to bed with you, young man. I'll show myself out." He turned and left through the front door, determined not to look back.