Heart of the Matter

Heart of the Matter [Breakdown 2] by Mychael Black

Torquere Press www.torquerepress.com

Copyright ©2008 by Mychael Black First published in www.torquerepress.com, 2008 NOTICE: This eBook is licensed to the original purchaser only. Duplication or distribution to any person via email, floppy disk, network, print out, or any other means is a violation of International copyright law and subjects the violator to severe fines and/or imprisonment. This notice overrides the Adobe Reader permissions which are erroneous. This eBook cannot be legally lent or given to others. This eBook is displayed using 100% recycled electrons.

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Heart of the Matter [Breakdown 2] by Mychael Black

CONTENTS Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter

One Two Three Four Five Six ****

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Heart of the Matter [Breakdown 2] by Mychael Black

Chapter One Jack sat down on the tailgate of the truck and wiped his brow with a rag. Ty was still stacking firewood for Bernie and Mark, but Jack found himself winded and had to take a break. Jesus, he was getting old. He smiled when Ty finished and came sauntering up to him, looking damn fine, despite wood chips here and there and sweat pouring off tanned skin. Ty's shirt was slung over one shoulder and his jeans rode low on his hips, doing damnable things to Jack's insides right about then. And to think: all that was his now. When Ty neared, Jack opened his arms, his young lover sliding right on in like it was second nature. "Mmm, you smell good," Jack hummed, licking a trail of salty, musky sweat from Ty's bare neck. Ty chuckled, but he tipped his head anyway. "I'm filthy." "Don't care. Still hot as hell." Jack kissed and licked his way up, meeting Ty's mouth in a kiss that sent his pulse skyrocketing. In the past couple of weeks, Ty had opened up, even to the point of initiating things a few times. Jack couldn't want for anything more—he had everything he'd ever need right here, in his arms, between his thighs. "Jack..." Ty's fingers dug into Jack's shoulders, lean body starting to rock against him. "God, I need you," Jack murmured. He slipped a hand between them, fingers rubbing Ty through his jeans. Ty's moan filled the kiss, hard prick jerking beneath the denim. Jack fumbled for a moment, and then got the jeans open. His 4

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fingertips touched hot, slick steel and Jack growled, the kiss turning harder, hungrier, as he pulled Ty's cock out. "Jack! Oh, fuck. Fuck..." Ty threw his head back and Jack attacked his neck, teeth grazing as he stroked Ty, smearing precome over the head and down the shaft. "Oh, God. Jack. Please. Don't stop." Jack shook his head and bit down on a sensitive spot just below Ty's collarbone. Ty shouted, the prick in Jack's hand jerked, and heat spilled over Jack's fist, making him groan. Panting, Ty slumped against him, kissing Jack's head. Jack licked his fingers clean and didn't resist when Ty pushed him backward. "My turn," Ty said, sounding a bit breathless as he fought with Jack's jeans. Jack had every intention of telling Ty that wasn't necessary, that he'd only wanted to get Ty off, but when blazing hot lips circled the head of his aching prick, Jack's brain short-circuited. He gasped, hips lifting as he thrust down Ty's throat. Ty's hands landed on his hips and pinned him down, and Jack had no choice but to endure the slow, torturous slide of lips, tongue, and teeth up and down his cock. Ty proved to be a natural and he knew what buttons to push. Jack grunted when fingers slipped below his balls to tap his asshole. They hadn't gone there yet—Jack doing all the topping so far, but damn, right now, Jack would've given anything to feel Ty sinking deep inside him. Ty slicked a finger with spit, and then pushed it into Jack's ass in one smooth motion. Jack bucked, driving his cock down Ty's throat, that one finger curling to nail his gland on the 5

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first try. Jack shouted, writhing and fucking himself between Ty's finger and mouth as he shot. Ty swallowed most of it, a tiny bit escaping to drip down Jack's balls. Ty eased his finger out and gave Jack a dazed, if lop-sided, smile. "Damn, darlin'." "I wanna fuck you tonight. Can I?" It took all he had not to flip over right then and there. Jack nodded and sat up, licking the last of his come off Ty's lips. "Damn right, you can." "Cool." Ty smiled against his mouth. "Thirsty?" "Yeah, yeah, actually." They both got done back up, and Ty went to grab two Cokes from the fridge inside the house. Bernie and Mark had a good bit of work needing to be done, and honestly, since going back to Alabama wasn't something that appealed to Jack just yet, he and Ty were staying on a little longer, doing whatever needed to be done around the place. It was peaceful and quiet, just how Jack liked it. He winced when a slight burning started in his chest, cursing the chili from the night before. It had been good, but Lord, the heartburn was hell. Ty returned, two ice-cold cans of Coke in hand. Jack took one gratefully, drinking half the damn thing in one breath. "Jesus. Breathe, man," Ty laughed. Coming up for air, Jack nodded. "Yeah. Awesome chili last night, but the indigestion is killing me." "Uh, is Coke really a good thing to fix that?" Ty asked, one eyebrow lifting. "Not really, but it's cold." 6

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Ty snorted and shook his head. "And here I thought old men were supposed to be wise." He dodged, jumping out of the way before Jack could grab him. "I'll show you old." Jack laughed. He set his Coke down and jumped off the tailgate. "Get yer skinny ass over here." He caught Ty and they both went down hard, Coke spilling everywhere, dirt and leaves sticking to their clothes and Ty's sweat-slick skin. "Now what's this about old?" Jack asked, pinning Ty down, arms above his head. "Mmm..." Ty rubbed on him like a cat and Jack grinned. "Uh-huh." Another bout of fire blazed through Jack's chest and he grimaced. "Okay, enough rolling. Need something else. Milk, maybe." He pushed back onto his knees and the world sort of went fuzzy. "Whoa." "You okay?" Jack shook his head and everything sort of spun a little. "Just dizzy." He made to stand and that's when it hit—pain so sharp, it took his breath away. He collapsed back down, going onto all fours, eyes wide. "Jack? Jack!" Ty's hands were on him. "Fuck. Jack? Shit." "Phone." It was all Jack could get out. Panic set in, his heart thundering in his chest, the pain strong, shooting down his left arm. Oh, God. No. Ty was back within seconds, talking ninety miles a second on the phone. "Yeah. He's ... shit, he's pale. Fuck. Get here! I don't know! I don't know his medical history, damn it!" Jack was barely aware of rolling onto his back, Ty hovering above him. "Shit," he hissed, voice a whisper. He felt 7

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something wet land on his cheek, but his vision was too blurry to see good. "Ty?" "Shh, they're on their way." Oh, man ... Ty's voice was shaky, panicky. Jack tried to reach up, needing to touch, but his arm wouldn't work. Ty caught his hand and squeezed. "Oh, Jesus, Jack. Come on. They said to keep you awake. Don't close your eyes. Please." "Not ... Not gonna," he managed. He felt weak as a newborn foal, though. And God, he was shaky, trembling. Sirens sounded in the distance, growing steadily louder. Within seconds, Ty was gone and strangers were there, taking vitals, doing whatever they did. Jack just wanted to close his eyes and rest. He felt drained. "Can you tell me your name?" Jack blinked slowly, words hard to form. "Jack." "Jack what?" A light was shined in Jack's eyes. He wanted to bat it away. "Charles ... Jackson Cantrell." The person—man or woman, he couldn't tell—nodded. "Get him out of here." Jack felt them move him, and then he was lifted up, on a stretcher he assumed, and rolled into an ambulance. "Ty. Where's Ty?" "Right here." A warm hand covered his and Jack tried his best to give it a reassuring squeeze. "You're okay. You'll be okay," Ty kept chanting, his voice low and shaky. "Yeah." Jack felt himself drifting off, the paramedics doing something to him. "Love you." There was a hitch of breath, then, "Love you, too." 8

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**** Ty chewed on his thumb as he paced the floor of the ER waiting room. Jack has been back there for hours. Why haven't they said anything? Is Jack okay? Shit. Fuck. "Ty Newbourne?" Ty spun around, heart leaping into his throat. "Yeah?" The man—doctor, Ty assumed—smiled. "Mr. Cantrell is stable." "Is he okay? Can I see him?" "Yes, you can see him." The doctor's smile turned sympathetic. "I'll let him speak with you first. Follow me, please?" Ty followed the doctor to one of the rooms and smiled when he saw Jack. The older cowboy grinned, looking beyond relieved. Schooling himself to appear as calm as possible, Ty walked in, pulling the curtain closed behind him. Safe from prying eyes, he went over to the bed and leaned down, meeting Jack in a kiss. When they parted, Ty rested his forehead to Jack's. It was Jack who broke the silence a moment later. "Darlin'..." Jack sighed. "We need to talk." "Okay..." Ty pulled up a chair and sat down, forearms on the bed. "What's wrong?" Jack laid his head back on the pillow and closed his eyes. "They ran a lot of tests—on my heart. I've got coronary artery disease." Ty swallowed, a chill slowly creeping through him. "What can they do?" 9

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"They did an angioplasty and put a stint in. I'm on medication now. Have to come back for another EKG in four weeks, then another liver check in three months." "There isn't a cure for it, is there?" Ty asked quietly, staring down at the IV tube running from Jack's hand. "No." He wouldn't cry. He wouldn't fucking do it. Ty squeezed his eyes shut against the sting and felt Jack's hand on his hair, just touching. "Why?" he whispered. "Why you?" "Heart disease runs in my family, darlin'. Nothin' anyone could do about it. Hey." Jack slipped his hand under Ty's chin, tilting his head up. Ty opened his eyes and looked at Jack, trying to quell the fear. "We'll make it through this, Ty. Not gonna get rid of this ol' cowboy that easy." That surprised a shaky laugh out of Ty and he turned his head to kiss Jack's palm. "God, I hope not," he murmured. He drew in a deep, calming breath. "So when can you go home?" "Doc wants me here a couple days, two maybe." Jack stretched a little, the hospital gown slipping just enough for Ty to see the wires coming out of the top. It hammered home the seriousness of the situation in a way he didn't want to think about right now. "Come here." Ty rose up and sat on the edge of the bed. Jack's right hand cupped the back of Ty's head and pulled him down, their mouths meeting. Ty moaned softly, forcing away the thought that he was kissing his lover in a hospital bed. Jack's other hand rested on Ty's thigh, close but not quite touching his balls. Same ol' Jack, Ty thought, and it brought a smile to his face. Jack licked his lips, tongue slipping back in again. A 10

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throat clearing had Ty jerking away within seconds. He turned beet-red when the nurse came in. "Sorry," she said, giving them a small smile. "I just need to check vitals." Ty stepped back so she could do her thing. A few minutes later, she announced she was done and left. Jack grumbled and Ty couldn't help but chuckle. "Ready to get the hell out of here, huh?" "You have no idea. I hate hospitals, darlin'. And I don't like being strapped to every beeping machine known to mankind." Ty returned to the bed and sat on the edge. "Want you back home." "No shit." Jack scratched his chest, to the right of his heart. "Damned patches. I swear to God they make these things just to annoy the ever-livin' hell out of a man. And I gotta piss." Uh. Hm. Ty bit at his lip. "How...?" Jack pointed to an empty, interestingly-shaped plastic bottle sitting on a table across from the end of the bed. "Oh. Guess you need help." He got up and retrieved the bottle, turning just in time to see Jack flinging the sheet off and pulling up his gown. Ty glanced over to make sure the curtain was drawn, and then helped Jack maneuver things into place. When Jack was done, Ty looked around. "There's a bathroom right across the hall," Jack said, covering himself back up again. "Thanks, baby." "No problem." Ty went across to the bathroom and emptied the bottle, then rinsed it out. He slipped back into 11

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Jack's little room and smiled. Jack's eyes were closed, and Ty said a little prayer of thanks for getting them through this. [Back to Table of Contents]

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Chapter Two Keep an eye on cholesterol and salt. Get plenty of healthy exercise. Eat healthy. Take meds. No smoking. Christ Almighty. Jack sighed and raked a hand through his hair. Coronary artery disease. It figured. Pa'd died from it, Mama'd died from sheer heartbreak soon after. Little over a year ago, he'd would've just let the good Lord take him when ready, but now ... Now he refused to go down without a hell of a fight. He had Ty and that was more than enough reason to keep kickin'. Ty took the news as well as could be expected, and Jack wasn't sure how else to reassure him other than promise they'd get through it. And they would. He was bound and determined to hold to that. Back to his doctor's list, Jack shook his head. He'd have to cut out some things he really enjoyed when it came to food, but it'd be better in the long run, he supposed. Ease up on desserts and fried foods—that would suck. Exercise wasn't a problem. Hell, if anything, he was surprised Doc didn't tell him to slow down. Then there was the sex. While Jack didn't have an issue with keeping on like they'd done before, since they got home yesterday afternoon, Ty acted like he was afraid to even touch. Jack sighed and set the paper on the kitchen table. He'd been relegated to housework—a consensus vote he still wasn't sure he liked. He enjoyed working outside, loved the burn in his muscles that told him he'd put in a hard day's 13

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work. Instead, they—Mark, Bernie, and Ty—had all made him agree to work on things in the house. At least he had an idea of what needed to be done to the cabin. Jack pulled over the sheet of paper with Bernie's to-do list on it. Might as well get started. Ty and Mark were somewhere in town, picking up another two weeks' worth of groceries and Bernie was at work. The solitude gave Jack time to think. Ty had expressed interest in staying in Tennessee last night. Jack remembered holding him and staring up at the bedroom ceiling, torn between his heart and his head. He still had a job at Mack Sexton's place, as did Ty, but going back meant putting them both in the path of Ty's folks. While Jack knew he could handle whatever the bigoted Newbourne family could dish out, he wasn't so sure about Ty. The kid was a mess, especially when he thought no one saw him. The phone rang, snapping Jack out of his thoughts. He picked it up and cradled it between his right shoulder and ear, while scanning the to-do list. "Hello?" "Jack?" "Oh, hi, Mack. I was just thinking about calling you at some point. How are things holding up there?" "They're good. Jeremy's working out well, plus I found a few new hands. How are you feeling?" Jack snorted. "Under the circumstances, surprisingly good. I take it Ty called you?" "Yeah, he did," Mack said. "Listen, Jack. I had a long talk with Ty. He needs to get away from here, well out of the claws of his folks." 14

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"I know." Jack set the paper down, attention more on the conversation. "What do I do, Mack?" "Whatever you two need to do. Love each other, take care of each other. Build a life, Jack. Though he'd never outright admit it, Ty's scared shitless that he'll lose you, either by failing health or by his family." "Mack, I—" "Jack. I've known you a while now," Mack interrupted. "I know you're a hard worker, too hard sometimes. I know you're an honest, caring man. I also know you're stubborn as a mule. Stay in Tennessee, far away from the shit down here. If y'all decide to come back once things settle, you know you both have a place here." Jack smiled and closed his eyes, relief weighing heavy and welcome. "Thank you, Mack. For everything." "No need. You're family—both of you. I'll call in a week or so, see how you're doing. Call me if you need anything." "Thanks again. Bye." Jack hung up and stared at the handset. Well, one decision down. Now they just needed their own place. And he needed work. No way in hell could he sit around and do nothing. A car door shut outside and Jack got up, setting the phone back on the base before looking out the curtained kitchen window. He couldn't help but smile when Ty got out, laughing at something Mark said. Arms soon full of bags, Ty and Mark headed up the front steps and Jack opened the door for them. Mark nodded and Ty grinned, leaning just enough for a quick kiss. Even though it lasted for only a split second, it made 15

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Jack's lips tingle. There was laughter and happiness in it, in the way Ty looked at him while Mark's back was turned. "Lunchtime, boys!" Mark announced as he put away the food. "Got anymore bags outside?" Jack asked him, gaze still on Ty. "Nah, I'll get 'em. Think Ty wanted to grab a shower before y'all head out." "Head out?" Jack lifted one eyebrow. "Where?" "Found us a place," Ty said, the smile spreading. "Not huge, not too far from here. Nice little half of a duplex house." "I see." Jack shut the door, glanced down the hall toward their bedroom, then back at Ty. "Shower?" Ty nodded, paying little enough attention that he almost dropped a can of green beans on Mark's head. Mark grunted and waved them away, muttering something about them being worse than Bernie. Jack ignored him and instead followed Ty, gaze locked onto that sweet ass. When they reached the bathroom, he didn't stop, just muscled Ty right inside and locked the door behind them. He didn't give Ty a chance to protest and caught the man's mouth with his, tongue pushing deep. One of them groaned—hell, maybe both of them. Jack didn't give a shit. He needed this far too much to think on anything else. "We ... we should go slow." Ty gasped, a cry following when Jack moved lower, biting a path down his neck.

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"Later." Jack worked his hands between them and managed to get their jeans undone without stopping. "Need you, Ty. Please." He'd beg—he wasn't too proud, no sir. "Oh, God..." Ty stepped back and whisked his shirt over his head, then tugged Jack's out of the waist of his jeans. "I don't wanna do anything rough, nothing that'll cause problems," he said before ridding Jack of his shirt. "But I can't stop touching. Don't wanna stop touching." "By all means ... fuck!" Jack hissed, chest pushing out, back arching, when Ty's lips closed around his right nipple. "D-don't stop." Ty hummed and nodded, somehow getting their jeans down to their ankles. Jack wanted to help, he really did, but leaving the heat of that mouth wasn't on his to-do list. Ty finally pulled away and got his boots off while Jack did the same. Then Ty stood and Jack simply stared, a part of him—a big part—still not quite believing this was all his. Finally. When Jack looked at Ty's face, he found himself the subject of an equally intense gaze. He reached out and pulled Ty to him. Ty smiled and leaned in, placing a light kiss on Jack's lips. "Thank you." Brow furrowed, Jack tipped his head slightly. "For what?" Ty's gaze dropped and he ran his hands over Jack's shoulders, then down his biceps. "For coming here, for following the doc's orders, for not giving up on any of it—us included." "Been waiting a good while," Jack said. "Always was too stubborn to give up." 17

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"Good." Whatever Jack planned on saying was lost as Ty's lips met his again. Fingers curled around Jack's shaft and his knees threatened to buckle when Ty began stroking him. It still blew Jack's mind every time Ty initiated anything. Sure, there were still times when he seemed timid or nervous, but those moments were happening less and less. "Can ... can I suck you?" Sweet Jesus. "Hell yes, darlin'," Jack answered, the words half-groaned. Ty went to his knees, the sight nearly Jack's undoing. Ty took it slowly, giving the tip an experimental lick. Jack knew Ty was nervous and he wanted to reassure the kid that it was okay, that he'd been there once, but when those lips wrapped around the crown, Jack's brain shut down, leaving only the exquisite sensations of heat and a wickedly sweet tongue. "Oh, God," Jack moaned, fingers flexing and gripping the short brown hair beneath them. "Ty..." Ty glanced up, Jack looked down, and that was all he wrote. With a shout, Jack came, hips jerking forward as he shot. Ty shivered and licked him clean, then stood for a kiss. The taste of himself in Ty's mouth was something that never failed to leave Jack breathless. "Mmm ... you needin'?" Ty laughed. "Came when you did." "Goddamn," Jack muttered. "You're too damn hot for your own good, baby." **** 18

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Three a.m. Shit. Ty stared up at the ceiling and watched the whirling blades of the fan without really seeing them. He could still hear his folks in his head and he hated it, hated them—his mother for the things she'd said about Jack, his father for ... well, for being his father. He wondered what they'd say or do if they knew the truth. The possibilities made him shudder. Figuring sleep was out of the question, Ty eased out of bed. He pulled on a pair of boxers, smiled down at Jack who was sound asleep, then left their room. The kitchen light was on and he wasn't entirely surprised to see Bernie sitting at the table, sipping coffee and reading the newspaper. "Insomnia still?" Bernie glanced up and nodded. "Yeah. There's fresh coffee. Couldn't sleep either?" "Not really." Ty poured himself a cup, added a little milk, and sat down. He stared into the dark chocolate-colored liquid, hands cradling the warm mug. "How did you feel when you realized you liked guys?" "Scared shitless," Bernie said. "I was convinced I was goin' to hell, that there had to be a cure." "So what changed your mind?" "I met Mark. We started off as friends—just two gay guys needing others of like mind to hang with. We dated other people for a while before we came to our senses and turned to each other." "Did you really come out by showing up with him?" Bernie grinned. "Yup. Figured if my folks really loved me, they'd accept it." 19

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"And?" "For the most part, they did—Mom more so than Dad." Ty groaned at the mere thought of his own folks. "Hey." Bernie's hand rested on Ty's wrist. "No one says you have to come out right now. You've got a place here and you've got a good man. Don't waste your time worrying about all the other bullshit. Just take care of each other—it's all that matters, Ty." [Back to Table of Contents]

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Chapter Three "You sure you're up to it?" "Sure. Bartendin' is easy enough—not strenuous, unless you count lifting boxes." Ty wasn't wholeheartedly convinced, but he let it go. They'd found a bar—a titty bar, actually—that was hiring. Ty'd snagged the position of doorman, while Jack had managed to get a bartending job. Roho, the manager, whose real name was Ronald, had let out a sigh of relief when he'd asked if they had intentions of dating the dancers. Apparently jealousy was a common problem if two gay men were answers to the man's prayers. They both started tonight, and they'd looked at the duplex apartment earlier that morning. It wasn't much, but it was theirs—they were putting down the deposit today. Ty couldn't ask for more than that. Granted, there wasn't any furniture, but Bernie and Mack had a few things in a storage unit they'd promised. Ty couldn't be happier, though. He had a place of his own, with Jack, and far from his folks. A man couldn't ask for anything more. "So when are we putting the deposit down?" Ty asked before taking a bite out of his turkey sandwich. Jack glanced at his watch. "In about an hour. It's six hundred down, plus first month's rent of six hundred and twenty-five." Ty felt the blood drain from his face. "I don't have anywhere near that much." 21

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Smiling, Jack reached across the table and cupped Ty's face in his hand. "Don't worry, darlin'. I got it covered. It's what savings are for. We'll split the rent, if you want. Or I'll do rent and you can do the utilities." "What about splitting everything?" "That works." "Cool." Ty pressed a kiss to Jack's palm. "Never lived with anyone but my folks, unless you count living at Mack's. I don't think I have any weird things to warn you about." Jack laughed and leaned over the table for a quick kiss. "I think I'll manage." They finished up lunch, put the dishes in the dishwasher, and Ty got them both two more Cokes. Before he could head to the bedroom to get his boots, though, Jack caught him. Ty didn't have to ask, he just opened up for the kiss. Leaning back against the door frame, a can in each hand, he lost himself in a simple kiss that took his breath away. Beneath the hint of turkey and Coke, he tasted Jack—warm, a lingering touch of mint from toothpaste, and undeniable heat. One of Jack's hands was braced above Ty's head on the door frame, while the other rested on his hip, holding him tight against his lover's body. When Jack finally pulled away, Ty grinned up at him, quite certain the smile was goofy and lopsided, but he didn't care. "I could do that forever." "What?" "Kiss you," Jack whispered over Ty's lips. Ty barely nodded, unwilling to lose the contact. "Me, too." "If we don't move now, I'm taking you to bed." 22

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"You say that like it's a bad thing," Ty chuckled softly. "Not in the least." Jack kissed him again, unhurried, tongue sweeping over and around Ty's. Then he pulled back. "Okay. Out of the house. We have an apartment to get." "When we get back, can..." Ty bit his lip and shifted, his cock pressing against his zipper. "Can I fuck you?" Jack groaned and rubbed an equally hard prick alongside Ty's, the heat intense even through their jeans. "God, yes, darlin'. You can do anything you want." **** It was a miracle they made it out without further distractions. Ty chuckled to himself and shook his head, staring out the passenger side window of Jack's truck. A few months ago, he would have laughed and denied any chance of being in this position. Now, though, he knew he wouldn't trade it for the world. He'd never expected to be attracted to another man, much less fall in love, but Jack had changed all that. Ty thought about all the times they'd shared in the past year: goofing off, working under the hot sun, the heat so thick sometimes that it forced them into the little river near Mack's place. He should have seen it back then, the way Jack looked at him sometimes, the quiet smiles, the peace of just stretching out on the grass and talking. A knot formed in Ty's throat and he reached over without looking, Jack's fingers curling to his without hesitation. He'd almost lost this. That thought scared the ever-living hell out of Ty. He'd known Jack for well over a year, they'd become 23

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best friends. And now they were lovers. Ty didn't want to think about life without Jack by his side. "Hey." Jack's fingers squeezed Ty's gently. "You okay?" Ty blinked and shook his head a little, smiling over. "Yeah, yeah. Was just thinking." "About what?" Ty glanced down at their hands, fingers entwined. He stroked Jack's skin with his thumb. "Everything, I guess. Mostly us. Hard to believe that we're here, ya know?" "I do." The truck stopped and Jack leaned over, cupping the back of Ty's neck. "I know, darlin'. I surely do," he whispered on Ty's lips. "Love you." Jack smiled and kissed him, slowly but thoroughly. "Love you, too. Ready to go claim our place?" "Absolutely." They got out and headed up the few steps of the wraparound front porch. The place was a duplex, each half about the size of a small, two-story townhouse. There were two entrances, one on each side of the building. Ty followed Jack around the right side. Their landlady, an older woman who appeared to be in her late sixties, was tightening a screw on the little mailbox by the door. She smiled at them as they both slipped their hats off. "Hi there," she said, extending a work-worn hand. "You must be Jack Cantrell. I'm Annie Cook." She shook Jack's hand, then Ty's. "Nice to see you again, Ty. So, like I told Ty, your neighbors aren't noisy except for the baby, but that's to be expected. He's about ... nine months, I believe. But he's a 24

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good one, laughs more than he cries. Oh, and all wiring is new and up to code, plumbing's new, new paint and carpet..." She blinked. "Oh, listen to me. Lord." She opened the door and laughed. "Here I am rambling and not showing." Jack grinned and nodded to her as he held the door. "After you, ma'am." "I do have a question," Annie said once they were all inside. She turned and looked at them, arms crossed. "I'm assuming that you two aren't just friends. Am I right?" Ty bit his lip and glanced at Jack. Jack nodded. "Yes, ma'am. Ty's my partner." She studied them both and nodded once. "This ain't the best area, I'll tell you now. While I don't have an issue, I can't say others won't. All I'm sayin' is be careful 'round here. What you two do is your business. It's not my place to pass judgment, but others might not feel the same." "Understood," Jack said. "My family is..." Ty sighed. "Well, I ran here to get as far away as possible, if that tells you anything." "It does." Annie let out a long, drawn-out breath. "I got a friend whose daughter is a lesbian. I've heard enough from folks at church to last me a lifetime. It's why I stopped going there. I don't personally agree with it, but you know what they say about opinions." Jack chuckled. "Yep, sure do. We appreciate your honesty." "Well, one doesn't need to go to church to follow the Good Lord's teachings. Anyway, Ty said y'all have work starting 25

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tonight, so we best get the details settled so you can do that." They spent the next hour going over things like garbage pick-up days, little quirks about the place, rent, and general chit-chat. By the time they were done, they had an hour to get to the bar. While it wouldn't take them nearly that long, they still had the usual paperwork to deal with. When they got back out to the truck, keys in hand, Jack started it and shook his head. "Susan Sexton," he said as he backed out. "Huh?" Jack put the truck into first gear and started for the bar. "Annie Cook reminds me of Robbie's Mama. Spunky, relatively open-minded, and not the type to let anything keep her down, not even age." "No kidding. I wasn't sure what to expect when she brought up the gay thing." "I take it you didn't tell her when you first found the place?" Ty shook his head. "No. Didn't really think about it. You think we'll have trouble at the bar?" "Nah. Though we don't need to flaunt it—not that we do, mind you. Those places are notorious for rowdy folks." "Yeah, I know." Ty let out a slow breath as they neared the bar. 'Angels' wasn't a name he'd ever pick for a strip joint, especially when that didn't always reflect the women inside, but in this case, it wasn't too bad. The place was nice—not rich, but with a classy, country feel. Though, 26

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judging by the Harleys outside, he figured Jack was right about not letting on they were more than just friends. [Back to Table of Contents]

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Chapter Four "Hey, Jack! Can I get two Bud Lites, a Coke, and three Killians?" "Sure thing, darlin'." Jack popped the tops on the beers and set them on the tray. He scooped up some ice in a hard plastic cup and filled it with Coke from the tap, sliding in a straw in just before handing it to Mandy. "Thirteen-fifty, hun." He took the money and handed her change from her twenty. "Thanks, Jack." Jack glanced up, catching Ty's eye from where he stood behind the little counter at the door, taking a breather. Ty grinned and then turned his attention back to more folks coming into the bar. On the stage, a petite, raven-haired dancer in black thigh-high boots and a black thong was swinging around the steel pole. Out of all the others, Jack had to admit she was the best. For a Thursday night, it wasn't dead by a long shot, and Jen—the one on stage—seemed to be the current crowd favorite. She had a sense of rhythm that most of the others didn't. She actually danced, whereas the other women seemed to simply shake their dental-flossed butts. If anyone had told Jack just a few days ago that he'd be watching nearly-naked women dance, he'd have laughed. Ty pretty much felt the same. But it was a job and Jack's past experience with bartending, way back in his twenties, gave him an edge. It also helped that the dancers seemed to like them both, especially Ty. Some of them had already figured 28

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out, just within the past few hours, that their flirting with the young blond doorman was completely pointless. A few even threatened Jack with bodily harm if he ever hurt Ty. He'd just smiled and shook his head. Never would happen. Jen's set over, she took the hand of the next dancer and helped her up the stage steps before going down them herself. Arms full of black leather and money, Jen came straight over to the bar and dropped onto a stool. "Coke, please?" Jack nodded and poured her drink just as Jen slipped a five into his tip jar. "Thank you, darlin'." "Anytime." She winked and sipped her drink, then started picking out ones, fives, a ten, and even a twenty, out of her pile of clothes. "So, how long you two been a thing, anyway?" Jack finished up a customer's order and handed the man his change before answering. He grabbed his bar towel and wiped off the counter. "That obvious, huh?" Jen glanced up from counting her tips, one eyebrow lifting. "I'm family." Laughing, Jack nodded. "I wondered if any of the dancers might be. We've been friends over a year, just got together not too long ago, though. You got anyone?" "Yep. Marie and I have been together..." Jen squinted up at the calendar. "Three weeks." "Cool. You ever have any problems here?" "Nah. There are a few here who're bi, one other lesbian. The rest just ignore it—they don't care, really." "So what got you into this line of work?" 29

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Jen propped one long, well-toned leg up on the corner of the bar. "I'm a show-off," she said as she folded the wad of bills over her black lace garter, securing it with a rubber band. "So y'all from here?" "Sort of," Jack said, popping the top off a beer for another waitress. "We came up from Alabama, though we're both from Tennessee originally." The customer who'd ordered the beer paid Jack, then leaned down to whisper in Jen's ear. She smiled and nodded. "Well, back to work!" Picking up her clothes, she hooked her arm in the man's and led him toward the private dances area. "Ya can't cut me off!" All heads whipped around to one of the tables nearest the door. Tray balanced on one hand, Mandy shot back, "I can and I will." "Bitch!" The customer shot out of his chair, drunk enough to nearly fall over another one, and grabbed Mandy's arm. "Hey!" Jack reached them the second Mandy's tray hit the floor. Several customers jumped in, attempting to haul the drunk guy back while Jack stepped between him and Mandy. "Out. Get him out of here." "Cab's on the way," Ty said from where he stood by the door, cordless phone in hand. Jack nodded his thanks and let the bouncers deal with the guy. He turned and rubbed Mandy's arms. "You okay?" She was practically vibrating. "Yeah. Fucking asshole. Thanks." "No problem. Why don't you come on and sit a few. Want a drink?" 30

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"Coke?" "Done." Jack led her to the bar and waited until she was sitting on one of the stools before going behind the counter again. He got her a Coke and set it in front of her. "You've done this before, haven't you?" she asked. "Long time ago, 'bout twenty or so years, to be exact. Bar fights aren't anything new to me." "Yeah. They are for me." Mandy shivered. "Just started a week ago." "Roho said you were new. This your first time working in a bar?" Mandy nodded. "He warned me about the drunk ones." "Never hesitate to ask for help if you think someone is gonna get out of hand," Jack said. "Always trust your gut instincts." "Thanks." She smiled, albeit a bit shakily. "Anytime, darlin'." **** When the alarm buzzed, Ty reached out and turned it off, only to realize he was alone. Before he had to time to wonder, the bedroom door opened and in walked a freshlyshowered cowboy with nothing but a towel his hips. Ty's gaze swept over that muscular body, his prick taking interest. "Lock the door," he muttered. Jack locked the door and the towel dropped, revealing every inch of the hottest body Ty had ever seen. "You look like you wanna eat me alive." 31

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Ty held out his other hand and when Jack took it, Ty tugged his cowboy down. "I do. Fuck, you smell good." "I should hope so," Jack chuckled. His breath hitched when Ty slipped his hand between his legs. "Ty..." There were so many things Ty wanted to do, he didn't know where to start. Jack groaned above him, thighs spreading. Ty cupped the back of Jack's neck with his other hand, bringing the man down for a slow, good-morning kiss. Ty traced Jack's lips with his tongue, then parted them, easing inside. A deep moan filled him and he smiled, loving the taste of his cowboy's mouth, the way Jack's lips felt on his own. "Turn over," Ty whispered, pushing Jack onto his back. He knelt between Jack's legs and ran his hands over muscular thighs, carding his fingers through the dark hair. He remembered what it had felt like when Jack licked his ass, and while he'd gone down on women, he'd certainly never done it to a guy. A part of him was a bit squeamish, but another part—a stronger part—wanted to drive Jack insane the way the man had done to him. "You look awfully pensive." Ty smiled and lifted Jack's legs, pushing them toward Jack's chest. "I've never done this," he said, scooting down until his nose was level with Jack's balls, "but I wanna try." "Aww, fuck," Jack groaned, lifting his ass and hips when Ty gave his hole an experimental lick. "Goddamn, Ty." Now that's what he wanted to hear. Ty rubbed the flat of his tongue up and down Jack's ass, putting pressure over the puckered hole, twitching every time he passed over it. Jack 32

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moaned and shifted, rocking. Ty grabbed the man's hips and held him up, licking harder and faster. Then he pointed his tongue and pushed it inside. Jack gasped, body jerking in Ty's hands. "Ty! Fuck. Darlin'. Yes..." To know he could make this strong man babble incoherently was a heady feeling. Ty plunged his tongue in and out, licking the tight, muscled ring before thrusting back in. Jack's scent and flavor overwhelmed him: musky, slightest hint of soap, pure fucking male. Ty knew he could easily get used to this, especially if the result was Jack Cantrell writhing and bucking on the bed. But Ty's cock was aching; otherwise he'd stay right where he was. When he rose up, the look on Jack's face was beyond anything Ty could ever hope for. The man's face and chest were flushed dark and he was panting, licking his lips. Ty slicked two fingers and leaned up further, swallowing Jack's moans as he eased his fingers into the man's body. "God, you're tight," Ty murmured. "Been ... been a while." Jack's eyes rolled a little. "Spread 'em, slowly." Ty watched Jack's face as he scissored his fingers. "Like that?" Jack nodded. "Yeah ... Need it. In me, Ty." Ty pulled his fingers out and grabbed a rubber off the bedside table. He tore it open with his teeth and sat up. He felt Jack's gaze rake over him as he got ready, stroking his cock with more lube. This was another first, man or woman. Ty leaned down, one hand braced on the bed, and lined up, 33

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rubbing his cockhead over Jack's hole. He'd never done this and he prayed he did it right now. "Just go slow, baby." Jack pulled his legs up again, spreading himself open. "I'm no virgin, but it's been a while since I've done it." Biting at his lip, Ty began pushing in. The moment the head popped inside, he felt Jack's body ripple around it and he had to force himself not to thrust right then. Jack stared up at him, breathing slow and measured. "You okay?" "Yeah ... Feels ... Fuck, it feels good, Ty." "Hell yes." Ty slid in deeper, slowly. He felt like he was gonna burn up from the inside out. Every inch in had Jack's body gripping him until Ty thought he'd die. He'd never felt anything so tight and hot in his life. By the time he was in completely, they were both panting and shaking, Ty staring down at Jack, Jack staring up at him. Ty had absolutely no words, nothing to begin to describe what it felt like to be buried in another man's body—in this man's body. "Goddamn," Jack breathed. Ty knew that feeling. He also knew that his willpower to remain still and take it slowly was quickly fading. "I gotta move." Jack nodded and Ty took that as his cue. He pulled out and rocked back in, both of them groaning as he sank balls-deep into Jack's body, over and over. Hot, slick, tight. Ty rose up and let instinct take over. He gripped the backs of Jack's thighs and started pumping, thrusting in and out of that unbelievable heat. 34

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"Harder," Jack grunted, fisting a hand around his cock. He stroked in time to Ty's movements, every jerk making his asshole clench and sending rush after rush through Ty's body. Ty sped up, fucking him harder, faster, balls slapping against Jack's ass. "Yeah, yeah ... Ty..." Jack's eyes rolled back and his hand shot up, bracing on the headboard as his back bowed, spunk spraying his chest and stomach. Ty's willpower flew out the damn window the second Jack's ass gripped him. He threw his head back and shouted, hips jerking wildly as he shot. Shaky and utterly breathless, he eased his hold on Jack's legs, only half-heartedly noticing the places where his nails had dug into the man's flesh. He pulled out slowly and got the rubber off, hoping it landed in the little trashcan before he collapsed onto the bed beside Jack. "Jesus," Jack panted. "Gotta do that more often." "Uh-huh." Ty licked his dry lips, eyes closed. His heart still rattled around in his ribcage, threatening to beat its way out. His eyes popped open. "Oh, shit." He rolled quickly, staring down at Jack. "Are you okay, did I hurt you? Fuck, I should've been more—" A finger on his lips stopped him in midsentence. "I'm fine." Jack smiled. "Really." Ty let out a sigh of relief and flopped down onto the bed again. "Sorry. Can't help it." Jack chuckled and rolled, turning them both until he was spooned up against Ty's back. "It's okay, darlin'," he murmured. "I know." [Back to Table of Contents] 35

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Chapter Five "Assault?" Ty stopped in the doorway, blinking at the sight of two uniformed cops standing in their kitchen. Jack was sitting in one of the chairs at the table, shaking his head. "Umm..." Jack glanced over, as did the cops. "Mornin'. Apparently that drunk customer last night claims I assaulted him." "What?" Ty's jaw dropped. "Hell, if anyone got assaulted, it was Mandy!" "I know, I know," Jack sighed. "I gotta go down and make a statement anyway." "This is bullshit." Ty crossed his arms and scowled at no one in particular. Hell, it wasn't the cops' faults, he knew that. If anything, they both were quiet, waiting rather patiently. Ty grumbled and raked a hand through his hair. "Take your meds before you go?" "Yeah." When one of the officers lifted an eyebrow, Jack added, "Heart medication." "Ahh." Ty got Jack's pill bottles, fuming silently. A hand squeezed his shoulder and he fought the urge to slam his fist into something. "Fucking shit." "I know. Hey." Jack turned him and hugged him tight. "It'll be fine. Lots of folks saw what happened last night. This guy won't get anywhere with this." "Still sucks," Ty muttered. 36

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"Yeah." Jack tipped Ty's head for a slow kiss and Ty forgot they had company. He let Jack take him back a few hours, back to when they were tangled around each other and panting, not here where two cops were waiting for Jack to go make a statement at the police station. "I'll be back soon. Okay?" Ty nodded. "'Kay." "I love you." "Love you, too. Take your pills." He pressed them into Jack's hand. A few minutes later, Ty stood at the front door, hands shoved into his pockets as he watched the patrol car head down the street, Jack in the backseat. Even though he knew Jack would be fine, it still made Ty's gut twist into knots. With a sigh, he closed the door and went to the living room, picking up the cordless phone as he passed it. He dialed Bernie's number and dropped down onto the couch. "Hey." "Hey, kid, what's up?" Ty let his head fall back and he closed his eyes. "There was a small issue with a drunk customer last night. Jack stepped between the guy and the waitress. Never touched the guy, though. Now Jack's on his way to the police station to make a statement because the guy's saying Jack assaulted him." "Well, there were several people who saw it all, right?" "Yeah." "Then it won't hold up. Especially given that the guy was drunk, he's more likely to end up in jail for public intoxication." 37

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"Okay. I'll stop worrying then." Bernie laughed, and then he went a little quiet. "Your mom called." "Fuck." "Pretty much what Mark and I said when we saw caller ID." Lovely. "Did you talk to her?" "Yeah. We figured if we didn't answer and tell her you weren't here, then your dad would've come up and I really don't wanna deal with him." "Understandable. What'd she have to say?" "She left your dad," Bernie said after a few seconds of silence. What the fuck? "Huh? Why?" "Don't know. She sounded like she'd been cryin', though. Said he was at the bar, she was leaving before he got home." "Shit. Did she say where she's going?" "Her friend Marcy's, I think. Ring a bell?" Ty groaned. "Yeah, Marcy's daughter is the first chick I ever fucked. Wonderful relationship there, lemme tell ya." Bernie chuckled. "Well, that's where she is. She left the number. Want it?" Ty thought about that for a moment. A part of him wanted to call, to see if she was okay. Another part remembered, quite vividly, the things she'd said, especially about Jack. "Yeah, give me the number." Fifteen minutes later, Ty still sat on the couch, phone in one hand while he stared at Marcy's number. Before he could get up the gumption to dial it, the front door opened. He 38

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jumped off the couch, the phone landing on a cushion, and hurried to Jack. Just from the smile he got, he knew things were fine. Jack leaned back against the door and pulled him close. "I think he came to his senses. Or someone made him see he didn't stand a chance," Jack said. "He dropped the charge." Ty let out a breath and sank against Jack. "Thank God." He felt Jack nodded, a kiss pressed to his head. "What's on your mind?" Leave it to Jack to know. Ty sighed and rested his forehead to Jack's collarbone, shaking his head. "Called Bernie to get his reassurance that the guy wouldn't have anything to stand on. Bernie said Mama called for me." Ty felt Jack stiffen, but the man just held him tighter. "She left my dad." "Why?" "I don't know. She's at a friend's. I've got the number. Haven't called yet." Another kiss landed on his hair. "Want some privacy?" "I want some eggs and bacon." Jack laughed and Ty smiled. "You make the coffee?" "Kiss me first?" Ty asked, looking up. Jack's expression changed, going from playful to sheer want within seconds. "Never have to ask me," he murmured, fingers cupping the back of Ty's head. Then those lips were on Ty's and he opened, moaning into Jack's mouth as the cowboy's tongue met his. 39

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No rush, no driving need. Just the warmth of Jack's mouth in his, the strong arms around him, the muscled body pressed to his own. Ty reached up, threading his fingers through short brown hair that held just a tiny bit of gray. He licked Jack's lips, then between them again, perfectly content to stand there and kiss the man until they were both numb. "Couch or bed," Jack murmured. "I'm gettin' too old to be doin' it against a door." Ty chuckled and, hands on Jack's hips, started walking backward to the kitchen. His butt bumped the table and then Jack was bending him back onto it, the wooden table feet making a weird rubbing, scratchy sound when it shifted under their combined weight. Jack rocked against him and Ty spread his legs more, hips lifting. "Think this thing is sturdy?" Nodding, Ty slid his hands down, and then up under Jack's T-shirt, whisking it up and off the man's head. He fanned his fingers out over Jack's chest, carding them through the dark curls, drifting over each side to flick Jack's nipples. Jack hissed and thrust against him. "You aimin' to get fucked?" "Maybe." Ty grinned and took each nipple, giving them both a small, tight twist. Jack grunted and caught both of Ty's wrists, pinning them to the tabletop above his head. His body stretched out along the wood, Ty groaned, eyes rolling back when Jack nipped his right nipple through his shirt. His wrists were shifted, pressed down by one big hand, and Jack's other coasted down his body, fingertips hard enough to feel but not light enough to 40

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tickle. When Jack reached Ty's jeans, he popped the button and eased the zipper down. "Jack ... Stop teasin'..." Ty tried to move, wanting to touch, but Jack was a lot stronger. "Who says I'm teasin'?" Jack reached in and curled his fingers around Ty's cock, giving it a long, good stroke. Ty's breath left him and he jerked, hips bucking, sliding his prick through the tunnel of Jack's fist. "That's it, darlin'," Jack whispered. He pumped Ty's cock slow and easy, the rhythm keeping Ty hard and leaking, but not enough to make him come. "Jack," he moaned, eyes rolling back and finally closing. "Oh, God, please." Lips brushed his neck and Jack's fist sped up just a little, thumb grazing Ty's slit with each upstroke. Ty bit his lip, needing to thrust, to move, something! But Jack's body kept him pinned, that hand on his prick driving him insane. Finally Jack relented. He surged back up and kissed Ty hard, tongue thrusting into his mouth as he started pumping Ty faster. Ty's eyes flew open to meet the intense gaze on him and he shouted into Jack's mouth, come spraying over the man's fist and onto Ty's stomach. Panting and dazed, Ty only let out a slight grunt when Jack rose up. He watched his cowboy undress, not too far gone to stop from admiring the view. Jack dug in his jeans and came back up with a foil package. He got the rubber on and used some of Ty's spunk to slick his cock. Ty managed to get his jeans off, kicking them across the room, and then pulled his legs up. Ass hanging off the table, legs draped over Jack's shoulders, Ty 41

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shuddered and moaned as Jack pressed in, filling and stretching his asshole and making him need. "Goddamn." Ty nodded, running his hands up Jack's biceps. "Fuck, that feels good. God, Jack..." Jack withdrew, and then pushed back in, grinding his hips to Ty's ass. "Tight, baby. Hot..." He leaned down and kissed Ty, fucking him deep and slow, every thrust ending with a little rotation of his hips. Ty sucked on Jack's tongue, fingers digging into the man's arms. Jack rose up a little and stared down at him, movements getting quicker, faster. "Yeah, yeah," Ty chanted when Jack's angle changed. "Fuck! Right there, right there." Jack groaned and grabbed Ty's waist, tugging him into every hard stroke. Ty panted and grabbed his cock, drinking in the pleasure etched across Jack's face. The thrusts got stronger, the table shaking underneath them only serving to remind Ty that they were here, in their kitchen, fucking on their table. On a particularly deep thrust, Ty shouted, back bowing as he shot. Jack's fingers gripped him tighter and a second later that thick cock was pulsing inside him. Ty slumped onto the table top, boneless. "Jesus." "Uh-huh." Jack kissed him softly and pulled out, tossing the rubber into the trash. Ty chewed on his lip a moment. "When's the last time you were tested?" Jack froze and glanced over at him. "About four months ago during a physical. You?" "Six and a half." 42

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"You haven't been with anyone else since you came to Mack's." Ty shook his head slowly. "Neither have you." "Clean?" "Yup. You?" "Absolutely." Ty smiled and, when Jack was close enough, wrapped his legs around Jack's waist, tugging his cowboy down. "Good. We're off tonight." "We are." Jack leaned in, licking Ty's lips. "Can't wait to bury myself in you," he whispered, "skin to skin." **** "Mama?" "Ty? Oh, baby, you're okay." "Why would I not be?" "I..." Arlene Newbourne sighed. "I don't like it. You know that." "Doesn't change anything." Ty thought about just hanging up. He really didn't want to deal with this shit. "I left your father, though I guess you already know if you've talked to Bernie." "Yeah. What happened?" His mother was silent for a few moments before answering, her voice shaky like she was crying or at least starting to. "Twenty-five years. I loved him, I really did, Ty." "Mama. What ... happened?"

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"I took him lunch, as a surprise," Arlene murmured, sounding far away. Then she wailed. "Oh, God, Ty. I found your daddy with his secretary!" Oh, God. "How long?" She sniffled. "Six years. He's been seeing her for six years. Spilled it all: money spent, so-called business trips, late nights at work. I was so stupid. I never thought..." "Mama." Ty sighed. "You're not stupid. No one could've seen it coming. I'm sorry." "Ten years," she whispered, sounding more broken than Ty could ever remember hearing. "He threw away a good marriage for a woman ten years younger than me." Jack wandered in and handed Ty a beer. "Mom?" he mouthed. Ty nodded. "I'm sorry, Mama." Hell, he didn't know what else to say. What does a guy tell his mother when she's found out her husband has a mistress? Arlene let out a ragged breath. "What's done is done. He knows it's over, and yes, it hurts, but it's for the best." She seemed to switch gears, going from heartbroken to, well, mothering in the blink of an eye. "So ... How are you doing, Ty? Really." Here we go. Ty rolled his eyes and took a sip from his beer, knowing he'd probably need it. "I'm doin' good, Mama. We both are." He smiled up at Jack. "You're not paying all the—" "Mama," Ty interrupted. "We're partners. Everything is fifty-fifty, bills included." "I want to meet him." 44

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Aww, shit. "Mama..." "Don't argue with me," she said. "If this is the life you choose, then I need to know what's going on. What's his full name? Where was he born? Parents, siblings, that sort of thing." Ty bit his tongue before he could ask if she wanted to know which side Jack dressed on. "You want 'em from me or him?" "I want to make sure you know them, then I want to meet him." Figured. Ty sat back and rested his beer between his thighs. He rolled his eyes when Jack gave him a questioning look. "His full name is Charles Jackson Cantrell, but he goes by Jack. He's forty-two, born on July 12th in Dickson, Tennessee. His folks are dead, he has one sister and one brother, both younger than him. What else?" "That'll do. What are your plans for the day?" So much for having a night to themselves. "We're off work. What time did you have in mind?" "I can be there in two hours." "Hold on." Ty pressed the mute button and let out a groan. "She wants to meet you." Jack's eyebrows nearly hit his hairline and Ty couldn't help but laugh. "Yeah, my thoughts, too. She'll be here in a couple of hours. That okay?" Jack shrugged. "Works for me, I suppose. Should I run back to the police station and ask to borrow a bullet-proof vest?" 45

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Ty snorted. "Pick up two." He released the button and put the phone to his ear again. "Two hours from now is good, Mama." "Okay. I'll see you soon." Just before Ty started to hang up, she said, "Ty?" "Yeah?" There was a pause, then she whispered, "I love you, son." A knot formed in Ty's throat. "Love you, too, Mama." [Back to Table of Contents]

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Chapter Six Jack wasn't sure he was ready for this. Ty had been a bit of a basket case ever since he got off the phone with his mother. They both made sure the place was clean, though it generally was as a rule. By the time the knock came at the door, Ty was shaking. Jack caught him, cupping Ty's face in both hands, forcing Ty to look at him. "It's okay. We'll get through this, darlin'." "I know, I know." "I love you." Ty smiled. "Love you, too." "Now go let her in before she thinks I'm taking advantage of you." Laughing, Ty stepped away and went to the door. He let out a shaky breath, and then opened the door. "Hi, Mama." "Ty." Arlene Newbourne was a pretty woman, truth be told. Well-dressed, made up, hair neat. When Jack made eye contact with her over Ty's shoulder, he suddenly saw where Ty got his soulful eyes. Jack had expected the woman's to be cold and unfeeling. "You must be Jack." Uncertain whether she expected him to shake her hand, nod, or kiss her feet, Jack opted for a handshake. Arlene hesitated, and then clasped his hand in her smaller one. "Pleased to meet you, ma'am. I'm Jack Cantrell." Ty stood to the side, looking between them, hand still on the open door like he was ready to bolt out of it. Jack gave him a smile, and then waved Arlene toward the living room. 47

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She went ahead of him, looking around, scrutinizing. Finally she turned and pinned a stern gaze on Jack. "You took my son's innocence." "Mama!" Jack braced himself for whatever the woman dished out. "Ty is a grown man, Mrs. Newbourne." "He's my son." "And I'm his partner." Arlene scowled. "It's unnatural. You hear me? Unnatural for two ... men, to be doing things like you do." "Like what?" Jack asked, silently congratulating himself when he didn't raise his voice. "Loving each other? Since when is love a crime or a sin?" "Blasphemy!" Arlene shouted. "God knows the truth. He knows what sort of sins you commit—" "I believe in God, Mrs. Newbourne," Jack interrupted. "I love Jesus Christ just as much as the next Christian. He preached love and acceptance. That is what I hold to, that is why Ty Newbourne means more to me than any soul on Earth." "You love him?" Arlene asked, giving Jack a shrewd look. "I do." "He says he loves you." She stepped up close, shorter but no less intimidating if Jack knew better. "If you so much as hurt him, mark my words, Mr. Cantrell: Christian woman or not, I will find a way to make the rest of your life a living hell." "My heart and soul and every fiber of my being belong to him. You have nothing to worry about." 48

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Arlene narrowed her gaze, and then nodded once. When they both looked over at Ty, Jack almost laughed. Ty's face had gone ashen white and he looked like he was somewhere between throwing up and passing out. Jack went over before Arlene had a chance and rubbed Ty's arms. "You okay?" Ty opened his mouth, and then snapped it shut. He shook his head and Jack pulled him close, holding Ty tight as he fell apart. He kissed Ty's hair, stroking a hand up and down his back. "Shh ... It's okay, darlin'," Jack murmured. "We're still alive. We can make it through anything." **** Ty shuddered, head hanging down under the spray of almost-too-hot water. Jack kissed the back of his neck, then his shoulder, wishing he could do something. They'd survived the visit with Arlene, brief but tense. Jack didn't want to ever go through that again. Though he had to admit, the woman had spunk. She might not have been Susan Sexton, but she was still a mother to be reckoned with. "We did it," Jack murmured. "Yeah." Ty tipped his head a little, moaning when Jack kissed the curve of his neck. "God, Jack. I need you." "Got me." Jack slipped his hand from Ty's hip to his semihard cock. He stroked slowly, letting Ty control the rhythm and speed. As Ty moved, the flesh in Jack's fist hardened, hot and slick with pre-come every time Jack's thumb rubbed the 49

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slit. "Flesh to flesh," he whispered, his other hand sliding back and down, one fingertip dipping between Ty's asscheeks. "Jack." Ty spread his legs, moaning softly. "Fuck me." "Bed. Want you to ride me." "Fuck yes." Jack pulled away and Ty turned off the water. Ty stepped out first, giving Jack a nice view of the ass he was gonna dive into soon as he could. When they both were dry, Jack followed Ty into the bedroom and stretched out on the bed. One arm behind his head, he stroked his cock with the other hand, watching Ty crawl onto the bed with the lube. Ty straddled him and moved Jack's hand as he sat on Jack's thighs. "Tell me what it feels like?" Ty asked as he drizzled cool gel onto Jack's cock. Jack hissed, hips jerking a little when Ty fisted the shaft, slicking it up. "Hell yeah. Just get on before I come." Grinning, Ty rose up and reached back. He lined Jack up, and then sank down slowly, eyes rolling back in his head. "Oh, God ... Jack..." Sweet fuck. Jack gritted his teeth to keep from coming as tight, slick heat enveloped his prick. He felt every shudder thrumming through Ty, the sensitive, soft skin inside caressing every inch of his cock. He dropped his hands to Ty's hips and when Ty nodded, Jack thrust up, tugging Ty down onto him. "Jack!" Ty's eyes flew open and he stared into Jack's, panting fast. "D-don't move. Don't move. What ... does it feel like?" 50

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Jack groaned and rolled his hips, unable to be still. Ty's fingers curled against his chest, tugging at the hairs. "Unbelievable," he said. He had no other way to describe it. Ty ground a little and both of them grunted. "Fuck me. Please." Sitting upright, he jerked off while he stared down at Jack. To hell with gentle. It was the last thought Jack had before he started fucking Ty hard and fast, lifting him up and pulling him back down, over and over. Jack drew his feet up, giving his thrusts more strength. "Ty..." Ty's fist pumped faster and harder and then he shouted, head falling back as hot spunk shot onto Jack's chest. Jack pounded into him, then froze, letting out a low growl as he filled Ty's ass. Shaky, breathless, Ty slumped on top of him, heedless of the mess. "Holy shit." Jack hummed his agreement. "I second that." "We're a mess." "Race you to the shower." Ty snorted. "Are old men supposed to be running that much?" Jack rolled them over and thrust once, making Ty gasp, those beloved brown eyes going wide. "No old men here, darlin'." "Hell no. Just my old man."

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Heart of the Matter [Breakdown 2] by Mychael Black

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