The Carpenter Workplace Encounters 4
Serena Yates
Published by Silver Publishing Publisher of Erotic Romance
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Dedication To those who don't hesitate to look for romance and love —even in the most unlikely places.
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The Carpenter
Serena Yates
Chapter One "Thank God it's Friday." Tom Halderson rose slowly, stretching muscles cramped from stooping over his portable workbench for too long. The bracket feet for the black ash DVD cabinet he'd just finished carving were the final bits needed before assembling the elaborate piece of furniture. Why the client insisted on having everything handmade was beyond him, but he was glad for the work. "Amen!" Chris Allen, a painter he'd worked with before, dropped the brush he'd been using onto the newspaper spread out at his feet and stood back from the living room wall. After one last appraising glance he turned toward Tom. "I can't wait to hit the bar and down a cold beer." "Same here." Tom grinned. A beer at the end of the work week was one of the few luxuries he allowed himself. Staying in business and making a large enough profit to cover a minimal salary was getting tougher by the month. But he owed it to his dad to keep the company running. It had been his father's only focus after his mother died giving birth to him. Even though he'd never wanted to go into business he'd had little choice when his dad fell from a high-rise building three years ago. He'd been dead on impact and Halderson Construction had suddenly become Tom's responsibility. 7
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"The Thirsty Bear okay?" Chris picked up the cloth with the used brushes, wrapping them carefully before walking into the nearly finished kitchen to clean them. "Sure." He didn't much mind where they went. Downtown Colorado Springs offered a lot of choices and the beer was equally cold wherever they'd end up. "I'll see you there at seven." Chris put the cleaned brushes into a large glass, upside down so they could dry. He disposed of the dirty newspaper in one of the large bin bags they kept around for waste of all kinds. "Okay." Tom was only half paying attention to Chris leaving. He cast a critical eye over the parts, now strewn across the floor, waiting to be put together. They looked good, and he was tempted to finish the job, but he really wanted a shower and a change of clothes before making his way to the bar. He sighed. Assembly would have to wait until Monday. He put away his tools, neatly arranging the gouges, veins and chisels into their individual pockets within the soft cloth. Wrapping them and depositing them into his tool box was a good way to step back from the job and start relaxing. When he was done, he grabbed the box, toured the house to make sure everyone was gone and all windows and doors were properly locked. Finding everything in order was a relief, and he quickly got into his car and drove 8
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home to the small house in Cimarron Hills his father had also left him. Sometimes he wished there'd be someone else who cared as much about the company as his dad had. Especially after a week like this, with plans changing, clients calling him all the time, and last minute emergencies needing to be dealt with. At least he'd gotten to work on the cabinets. That was all he'd ever wanted, to work with wood. It was his passion, and if he'd had a choice, he would have been a woodworker. Instead, his father had made him follow the three-year union-contactor apprenticeship program so he could be a carpenter. Now, he only ever managed to assign himself the odd carpentry job. Most of his time was taken up with running the company together with his partner, Ken. It wasn't fair. He sighed as he pulled up to his driveway. Then his eyes widened. A man lounged near his front door, clearly waiting for him. Tom didn't expect anyone, so he parked the car, got out and carefully approached, keeping a close eye on the stranger. Except, the closer he got, the more familiar the guy looked. No, it wasn't possible! "Derek?" He hadn't seen his older brother in over five years. "Tom." Derek nodded, not looking happy. "What… how…?" He didn't even know where to 9
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start. Wanting to hug his brother, now the only immediate family he had left, was his first impulse. But there was so much distance and rejection in Derek's body language, he didn't dare touch him. "You didn't think I'd come back, did you?" Derek sneered. "Thought I wouldn't find out Dad left everything to you. I bet you wanted to keep it all to yourself. Well, think again. I did find out, even if it took my friends some time to get around to telling me, and I'm here now, so you better pay up." What the hell? "Aren't you even going to ask me in?" His brother frowned. "You're not going to be difficult about this, are you?" "What's wrong with you?" His heart was beating a mile a minute and his hands were trembling. But he managed to open the door and got inside, Derek following on his heels. "Nothing's wrong with me, there never was." His brother stormed through the hallway and straight into the living room, looking around as if searching for something. Or maybe he wanted to make sure everything was still in its place? "Look, you were the one telling us you didn't want us to come after you." He wanted to be excited and happy, but there was something really wrong about Derek's words. 10
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He sounded demanding and bitter, as if he'd been the one wronged. Hell, the man had left without a trace after their father had told him not to marry Simone because she wasn't good enough for him. "Well, I've changed my mind, okay?" Derek flopped down on the sofa, managing to look as if he owned it. "I'm Dad's son just as much as you, so I figure I'm entitled to some of the wealth now that he's dead. I'm here to collect." Tom wanted to yell at his brother for being so materialistic. He didn't even care about the money so much, he just wanted his brother back. But this stranger sitting on his sofa and demanding money that wasn't his, the will had clearly said so, scared him. What had happened to the big brother he'd adored? "I hate to tell you this, but there are no huge amounts of money." There never had been. "Dad left the house and the company to me, true, but that's it." "And that's a whole lot more than that bitch Simone left me with after the divorce she put me through." Derek fisted his hands. "And I bet Dad would have left the company to both of us, had I been around." "Maybe." He couldn't help but feel overwhelmed and disappointed. Why weren't they celebrating their reunion? This should have been a happy moment. Instead they were talking about money? He couldn't quite bring 11
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himself to say that, though, for fear of driving his brother away again. He'd only just gotten him back and was going to do everything in his power to keep him here. With a tough divorce behind him from the sounds of it, Derek wasn't himself right now. He'd come around, wouldn't he? **** "Hello! Anybody home?" Tom knocked on the front door of the small rental log cabin in Cascade for the second time. Why was there no answer? He checked his watch. Yep, just after five like they'd agreed over the phone. The sleek black Ferrari in the carport surely meant someone was home. He shook his head. Who would bring a luxury car up here? Maybe his potential client wasn't aware of what the approaching Colorado winter might do to the roads. Matt Langford had told him he was originally from Georgia, but he'd spent the last ten years organizing safaris in Africa. The man probably had no experience with cold weather and ice on the roads. A reliable truck was what he'd need once the snow started falling. But that wasn't really his problem, was it? As long as the guy was ready to spend the money on renovating his recently inherited house a few blocks farther toward the edge of town everything would be fine. It was a nice 12
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building from what he'd seen, but it would need a lot of work to become livable again. Tom clutched his messenger bag containing the sketches more tightly. He desperately needed this project to keep the company going. The last six months since Derek's return had been hell. Nothing he did seemed good enough for his brother. He'd tried so hard to help him get settled. Without saying a word, he'd moved into a small apartment, leaving the house to Derek. He'd refused to give his brother a say in the company, because that was his livelihood and he'd thought the house would've been enough to appease the man. His brother had been adamant he get something, so Tom had finally relented and given Derek a job in the office. The idiot had messed up so completely they'd lost several existing, and potential, clients. Tom sighed. Having to fire Derek had been hard, but he couldn't let his brother ruin the business. He'd given Derek the required severance payment and had asked him to sign an affidavit swearing he wouldn't sue Halderson Construction. Derek's reaction had been totally over the top. He'd threatened that he'd make Tom pay for betraying him. That had been a month ago and Derek had cashed the check, but there was no sign of the signed affidavit. Tom knew he should hire an attorney to set the situation straight, at least getting the affidavit completed, but he just 13
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couldn't get himself to do it. This was his brother, after all. The first nasty rumors about Halderson Construction had started two weeks after Derek left, and Tom had decided he was going to focus on his work and ensuring he did the best possible job. Surely the facts would be more important than unfounded speculation? So, here he stood, determined to convince Mr. Langford Halderson Construction was just the company to be put in charge of the renovation of the man's dilapidated house. He would win them over one by one, if necessary. Where was the guy? Tom knocked again, a little louder this time. "What?" The door opened and a tall guy with dark, tousled hair and dark blue eyes squinted at him. The man was only about two inches shorter than his own six-foot-two, very well built and wore nothing but dark blue pajama bottoms. Not that he was looking, because, geez, he was built everywhere. "Uhm… we had an appointment?" Tom tried not to grin at the guy's confused expression. "Now?" The man looked up at the sky and frowned. "Oh, looks like it's already late afternoon. Sorry. I was taking a nap. Um. You must be Tom Halderson." "Yes, I am. You're Matt Langford?" He had a hard time not letting his eyes wander away from Mr. Langford's face. The dark whorls of chest hair on his well developed 14
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pecs were very sexy. "Indeed I am." Mr. Langford slid a long-fingered hand through his hair in an unsuccessful attempt to smooth it down. "Do you want me to come back later?" He hoped not. The number of unpaid bills was increasing daily and he needed a big project on the books to make the creditors back off for a while. But the client was always right, so he would reschedule their meeting if that was what the guy wanted. "No. No, it's all right." Mr. Langford stepped back and pointed at the inside of the cabin. "It's my fault. The drive up here took longer than I thought and apparently I slept away most of the afternoon. If you give me a minute, I'll get dressed and we can have our meeting. Please, come in and take a seat." "Okay." Tom stepped inside and looked around while he was waiting. In keeping with the outside look, the interior walls consisted of simple wooden logs. There was a large overstuffed couch to his right, facing a rock gas fireplace and a little TV in the corner. To his left was a door into a small kitchen and another straight ahead to what looked like a patio. Colorful rugs on the hardwood floor made the cabin feel cozy. At the back of the room was a staircase which presumably led to the bedroom upstairs which the 15
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delectable Matt had vanished into. Stop thinking about him that way. He's a potential client, for heaven's sake! Hadn't he promised himself to stay away from anything that even remotely looked like he might get emotionally entangled? One catastrophic relationship was enough for his lifetime. Anything more than an anonymous encounter was dangerous. He knew better, so why was he lusting after this man? Tom sat down on the comfortable sofa and tried to relax. A few minutes later Mr. Langford returned, now dressed in simple blue jeans and a light grey sweater which accentuated the blue of his eyes. His feet were encased in thick woolen socks and his hair still deliciously tousled. He looked good enough to eat. An offer of a cup of coffee was made and accepted. His host soon returned from the kitchen with two steaming mugs and placed them on the low table between them and the fire place. "So, tell me a little more about Halderson Construction." Mr. Langford sat down on the other end of the sofa and turned toward him. "I've checked your website and have made a few calls but there doesn't seem to be an awful lot of information about any current projects you may be working on." "That's probably because the company has recently gone through some difficulties." Tom wasn't sure how 16
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much to reveal to his potential client but he wasn't going to lie. The man had probably already heard all of the lies Derek had been spreading, so he might as well give him his side of the story. "It won't impact your project and has nothing to do with our qualifications as a choice for a historically accurate restoration." "My impression was you had some financial problems?" Mr. Langford raised his eyebrows. "I'd say that might have an impact on any deal to which we might agree." "You're right, some of the problems are financial. Look, I'll be honest with you. There have been some disagreements with my recently returned brother. We've had some—major—fights. He told me he was going to get his revenge, and apparently he's been spreading rumors about the company, trying to scare people away. You may have heard some of them already." Tom took a deep breath. "I know you don't have to believe me, but if you check the older records, the ones over six months ago, you'll see we were doing fine and there hasn't been a specific incident which caused the current issues. Of course, we aren't exactly cash rich right now, but we are sound enough to keep running the business." "I appreciate your honesty. It sounds like this project is quite important to you." Mr. Langford smiled. "I don't mind, on the contrary, it reassures me." 17
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Tom snorted. Did that sound like his newest potential client wanted him to depend on this project— wanted to have some control over him? Just like the asshole who'd been his lover? Not to mention the control freak Derek had turned into? Or was he being too sensitive here? And anyway—this was a business relationship, wasn't it? So that made it different. It was his family life he needed to worry about. "Now we have the financial discussion out of the way and until we start negotiating a price, can you tell me a little bit more about your qualifications in the area of historical restorations?" Mr. Langford took a sip of coffee and tilted his head. "Over the past three years Halderson Construction has remodeled four early twentieth century buildings in and around Colorado Springs. You probably won't be familiar with any of them, but two were mentioned in the Old House Journal as particularly well done. You could also check with the local historical society which has developed case studies for each of the four properties." Tom was particularly proud of those because they were far more relevant for the local community and a really nice showcase for his work. "Sounds like you really know your stuff." Mr. Langford looked thoughtful. "I want to check out some of those references later. I'll need this renovation to be done 18
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quickly and within budget. I want to sell the house as quickly as possible so I can get back to somewhere with decent temperatures, and I need it to make a profit so I have a nest egg for when I want to settle down somewhere nice and tropical. From what you've just told me, it sounds like Halderson Construction might be the right company to get the property ready for me to do just that." "May I ask why you haven't come to an agreement with any of the other local construction companies?" Tom didn't think any of them was more qualified but he was interested to find out the man's reasoning. "Aha, you're not afraid to ask difficult questions. Very good." Mr. Langford grinned. It made the man look even better, younger and less serious. "Without revealing any details let me just say several of them were too small to handle the work, and two of the larger ones didn't strike me as particularly trustworthy." "Thanks for telling me. It's always good to know what the competition is up to." Tom grinned back. "I'm obviously familiar with the house and have taken the liberty of obtaining blueprints from the council registrar to come up with some initial drawings and draft ideas." "Very impressive, Tom. May I call you Tom?" Mr. Langford put down his empty coffee mug and stared right at him. He nodded, mesmerized by the penetrating dark 19
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blue gaze. If he didn't watch it, he could so easily get distracted by this man. "Okay, then you must call me Matt." Matt sat back in his chair. "So, tell me what you've come up with?" Tom pulled his sketches from the messenger bag and laid them out on the table after moving the empty mugs to the floor. They went over the simple drawings one by one. Matt turned out to have a good eye for detail and asked some pointed questions. When they'd gone through the material, he sat back up and stretched. He was a lot stiffer than expected and when he looked outside it was dark. His eyes widened. He hadn't even noticed the time passing. "I'm impressed." Matt stretched as well, offering a tempting view of muscles moving nicely under the soft fabric of his sweatshirt. "You've obviously done your homework. I'm ready to move to the next stage, if you agree." "Thank you." Tom actually blushed. "In that case I suggest we meet at the property tomorrow during daylight hours and go over the details." "I agree. We should meet around ten in the morning so we have enough time to go over everything we need." Matt sat forward in his chair, a definite gleam in his eyes. "Now we've concluded the business part of our meeting, can I interest you in dinner? I don't know about you but I 20
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am quite hungry and would love some company." "I—dinner?"
He
swallowed.
That
sounded
suspiciously like a date and he hadn't even thought about dating since he'd taken over the company. There were too many homophobic people in Colorado Springs, ready to ruin his reputation at the drop of a hat. Anyway, he'd been too busy working. "Yes, you know, the meal at the end of the day?" Matt grinned, obviously enjoying his discomfort. "Oh, that dinner." He felt embarrassed but was determined not to let the other man see how confused he was. "Are you sure?" "I wouldn't have asked if I wasn't sure." Matt snorted and shook his head. "Look, if you'd rather not, just say no. I just wanted to talk some more about the project." "Sure." Tom felt rejected. He shook his head. Of course the man wanted to discuss business, what did he expect? Why was he even thinking about a relationship? He may have missed having a family, but that was no reason to throw himself at a complete stranger. One who was only planning to be here for a few months at most, from the sound of it. "Excellent! I hope you don't mind leftovers. I promise they're good." Matt got up, gathered the empty mugs and walked toward the kitchen. "I always make casseroles in large portions because I think they taste better. 21
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They keep me supplied with a couple more good meals anyway." "You cook?" Tom cringed at the stupidity of his question. Why shouldn't the man cook? Not everyone was a prick like his ex-lover Preston who liked to be waited on hand and foot. "Yeah, anything wrong with that?" Matt placed the mugs in the sink and turned around, a big grin on his face. "Nope, nothing wrong with that at all." He felt his lips twitch but managed to suppress his own grin. "In fact, I'm a bit of a hobby chef myself." "You are?" Matt opened the fridge and pulled the medium-size glass casserole dish out before putting it in the microwave. "Do you have a specialty?" "I'm all right for meals. But my real favorite is baking bread and cakes." Tom missed the relaxed Sunday mornings over home-made rolls or bagels he'd shared with Preston when their relationship had been good. Not having someone to enjoy the food with just wasn't the same. "Sounds promising. I tend to be better at starters and main meals." Matt started pulling plates, glasses, and cutlery from the cupboards. Placemats were added and the small table in the corner of the kitchen was set by the time the microwave's 'ping' signaled their food being done. "I can see some interesting joint projects coming up." Tom sat down on one of the chairs while Matt 22
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distributed a potato chicken dish onto the two plates. "What would you like to drink?" Matt put the used casserole dish into the sink and opened the fridge. "There's water, milk, and orange juice. Sorry, I seem to be out of beer." "Not a problem about the beer, I still need to drive." Tom never had any alcohol if there was a choice. Not after his dad's fatal accident three years ago. "I'd love some orange juice, please." They enjoyed their meal in quiet companionship and he was surprised how easy he felt in Matt's company. It was as if they'd known each other for much longer than a few hours.
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Chapter Two The next morning came more quickly than Tom was ready for. He'd ended up staying at Matt's cabin much longer than planned. The fire the other man had made once they were done with dinner had been too inviting and the conversation too interesting for him to leave early enough to get a good night's sleep. He was going to pay for it not only now, but probably for the rest of the day. He growled at the insistently beeping alarm clock but it was no use, the darned thing didn't stop making noise. When he opened his eyes to look at the time he was immediately wide-awake. It was already eight and there wasn't much time left for him to get ready and over to the property on Pyramid Mountain Road. He didn't want to be late, being punctual was part of being polite, he believed. Matt didn't strike him as someone who would tolerate tardiness or delays. A quick shower, a cup of disgusting but caffeinerich instant coffee and a dry piece of toast later and he was on his way to Cascade. It was only about a twenty minute drive from his apartment on Tremont Street. He was looking forward to finally seeing the inside of the magnificent building. The old house was on the edge of Cascade, nestled amongst Douglas fir and oak trees. Built in the 1890s it 24
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exuded an aura of history, even dignity. Tom smiled as he remembered his numerous drive-bys ever since Matt had called him to make an appointment to discuss the project. He'd always liked the Queen Anne style and this singlefamily residence was a premier example. It was a two-anda-half story frame house on a painted brick foundation. Sided in somewhat rotted clapboard with only a few decorative shingles left, it was topped by a hipped roof with most of the original slate left. The painted trim was in very poor condition, as were the lower cross-gables. At least the pyramidal tower on the left half was mostly intact, but its weathervane would need replacement. Several bay windows completed the picture, most of them currently without glass panes. There were two entrances on the first floor, each with its own gable-roofed porch and patterned pediment. The brackets would need replacing, as would most of the windows. Tom would have fun chasing up the rounded and polygonal glass and colored glass inserts which were mostly missing. He couldn't wait to see the inside. He'd never dared to enter, even though the building had been deserted. It just hadn't felt right when he hadn't been invited. When Tom pulled up to the front entrance, Matt was already there. Or rather, his black Ferrari was. The man himself was nowhere to be seen. Assuming he'd gone 25
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on inside, Tom got out of his car, locked it and walked toward the front entrance. The large wooden door looked as though it was still the original. Reverently sliding his hands over the wooden surface for a moment, he took in the sense of history the whole house exuded. Too bad Matt was planning to sell it. If Tom ever got his hands on a beauty like this, he'd never let it go. Yeah, as if! After a short knock he walked inside. **** Matt paced from one end of the future living room to the other, turning on his heels with increasing speed each time he reached a wall. He was never going to survive the next few months with his dignity intact. He snorted. Never mind his dignity. His aching balls were going to finish him a long time before his dignity was going to be affected. He stopped to face the shattered glass in the patio doors. The view of the outside world in the form of the somewhat overgrown back garden calmed him a little. Although this was by no means a jungle, the green of the firs was beautiful against the blue sky. If only the temperatures weren't so damn low, he might be able to enjoy the turning leaves. He hadn't seen a lot of that since he'd left home. 26
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Sighing, he let his eyes wander across the colorful display. Part of the reason he'd left was his father's homophobia. Combined with a naturally overbearing nature and the need to control every aspect of their personal lives for 'political reasons', his father may have been a good mayor, a good parent he wasn't. Matt had never told the old man he was gay, but he'd known if there was any hope of exploring that side of himself, he'd need to do it as far away from home as possible. There had been a few encounters over the years, but nothing serious. He'd never felt the need to settle down, not in his job and most certainly not in his personal life. Looking at his parents and their sham of a marriage he'd thought he wasn't cut out for a lasting relationship either. He just needed to remind himself of the risks, looking at his parents, and he was done. So his strong reaction to Tom had taken him completely by surprise. Sure, the younger man was gorgeous. His muscular body, bright blue eyes, infectious smile and spiky blond hair were a tempting combination of strength and boyish appeal Matt found irresistible. He snorted. Not that he'd had much experience. His overbearing father had taken care of that while he still lived at home. Having a gay son would not have been acceptable in Mayor Langford's eyes, so Matt had never risked him finding out. The real problem was there'd been more than the 27
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initial physical reaction. The urgent need to learn more about the other man was new. It scared him. Hadn't he left all that behind? Inheriting his grandfather's house, and needing to restore it before being able to get a decent price, had temporarily forced him back to this colder part of the world, but he wasn't going to stay long. The memories of his suppressed feelings alone would drive him crazy. The fact it took his mother's death for him to be able to claim his financial freedom was more than depressing. Her heavy drinking to get over the many infidelities his father had committed over the years was nothing Matt could have stopped. He hadn't even known she'd lived here for the last few years, after his grandfather had died and left the house to her. But suicide? He still felt guilty even though it wasn't his fault. "Hello? Anybody here?" Tom's voice was smooth and made him want to hear it in a distinctly nonbusinesslike situation. "I'm in the living room." He took a deep breath and straightened himself to his full height. It was time to get his feelings under control and get this project on the road. "It's through the door straight ahead of you." "This house is amazing!" Tom's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm as he entered the room. His blond hair was standing up even more today than it had yesterday 28
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afternoon. There was a light blush on his high cheekbones, making the rugged face even more attractive. "You like it?" He grinned, pleased for no other reason than Tom's enjoyment. "It doesn't look like much right now, thanks to those vandals who paid a visit when they thought the house was deserted. But I'm hoping we can change that over the next few months." "I love it. I've always liked the Queen Anne style but this property is an especially good example of the play with angles and surfaces so common during those years." Tom smiled, showing the dimples he'd thought he'd seen yesterday afternoon. Oh, fuck! He was definitely lost now. Who the hell could resist dimples on a man who looked like a body builder? "Well, you'll have plenty of time to work with them to your heart's content." Matt lifted his hand and pointed in the direction from which Tom had come. "Are you ready to see the rest of the house?" "Absolutely. Much better than studying blueprints." Tom nodded. "Although I must admit I've been around to check out the outside of the house a couple of times. It helped me understand some of the issues at least for the external restoration. At one point I thought the neighbors might report me for cruising or as a potential burglar." Matt laughed. He couldn't see anyone taking Tom 29
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for a criminal. But maybe that was just his overactive imagination. Business. This was a business relationship. That was all he needed to remember. It was only going to be a few months, surely he could control his libido that long? "Okay, lead the way." Tom nodded toward the foyer and stepped aside to let him lead. "I can't wait to see the inside of this magnificent property." Almost two hours later they had not only seen all the rooms but Tom had taken detailed notes on what needed to be done. He'd explained about the structural calculations needing to be completed before some of the planned changes could be attempted. There were permits to be obtained, as some of the repairs of the outside apparently needed official approval. Then there was organizing the project timeline, ordering the materials, and coordinating the work crews. Tom explained some of the materials would be expensive because they needed to be historically accurate to keep the resale value high. Matt just nodded. The whole thing made his head spin. It sounded a lot like putting a safari together, except he knew how to do that. Half of this renovation stuff was way over his head. "God, this is hard work." Tom put his notepad and pen into his messenger bag and closed the lid. "It's a good thing the next item on the agenda is lunch." 30
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"Would you like to join me?" The words were out of his mouth before he could stop himself. What was he getting himself into? He'd found it hard to resist Tom just walking beside him and now he was asking him to have lunch with him? Hadn't he told himself to back the hell off? "I—well, I hadn't planned on a long lunch break but I do need to eat." Tom looked adorable when he was trying to make up his mind. "Will sandwiches be okay? I think there's a cafe sort of place up the road." Matt was hungry enough to eat almost anything at this point, not having had time for breakfast. The mountain air had made him more tired than he'd expected and he'd had a hard time getting up this morning. Apparently, he needed more food than normal for him if he wanted to keep his body fueled. "Sure, I like sandwiches." Tom picked up his bag and glanced around the room once more before he started making his way to the front door. "They'll be nice and quick so I can get back to the office and finish the quote for you." Looking at the other man, all fired up and ready get going, clearly half in love with the house, he suddenly regretted having suggested a quick meal. Doing a two-hour lunch would most certainly be fun. Nothing at all like the boring business lunches his father had taken him to when he was younger. No, any meal with Tom was bound to be a 31
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lot more interesting and fun than a lot of other things he could think of. He'd just have to make sure they planned for some joint lunches over the next few weeks. All under the guise of discussing the project, of course. He snorted as he got into his car. Yeah, right, who was he trying to fool? **** Matt checked his appearance in the mirror for the third or fourth time. Everything seemed in order but he just couldn't relax. The last three days had been hectic and filled with organizational details to ensure the restoration project got off the ground as quickly as possible. Both he and Tom had worked hard, not seen much of each other, but had been on the phone frequently. All of those calls had been for business reasons, though, and Matt had found it impossible to resist his need to get to know Tom on a more personal level. It was only going to be for a few months, so it wasn't like making a lifetime commitment. But even though he'd decided a short-term affair might be fun, he had no idea how Tom would react to the idea. He just didn't have it in him to resist the temptation of asking the man for a date. If the man didn't want to see him, he reasoned, he could simply say no. To his surprise Tom's answer had been a hesitant 32
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but clear 'yes'. And now he was nervous. More nervous than he could remember being in a long while. It wasn't surprising since he hadn't been on a real date, one that mattered to him, in more years than he cared to remember. One-night stands didn't require romancing. Tearing himself away from his thoughts he got his wallet and keys, leaving the cabin securely locked before getting into his Ferrari. He wouldn't be able to drive it safely much longer, but he loved the car and wanted to avoid getting a truck, or whatever people drove here during winter, as long as he possibly could. Besides, he couldn't see himself impressing Tom by driving up in a 'useful' vehicle. He'd seen the young man's eyes light up when he looked at the Ferrari. Who in their right mind wouldn't be impressed? Finding the address on Tremont Street Tom had given him hadn't been hard. The apartment building was well maintained but nothing special. He was surprised but pleased to find Tom already waiting downstairs. Maybe he wasn't alone in his eagerness to spend some personal time together. He got out and opened the passenger side door. "I could have gotten that." Tom smiled. "I know." He closed the door and walked back to his side of the car, taking a seat and buckling up before turning toward Tom. "I'd just like to take care of you. I hope that's not a problem?" 33
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"It's kind of nice." Tom ducked his head. "I was just surprised." "Why would you be surprised?" He almost did serious damage to his tongue when he saw the stricken expression on Tom's face. Damn, he needed to be more careful. He didn't want to make Tom feel bad. "You deserve to be taken care of." "I do?" Tom looked at him from under his long eyelashes. "Of course you do." He tried to sound as certain as he felt. Tom shrugged as if he still couldn't believe it. Why was he so hesitant? The difference between his behavior in a business situation and now, on a date, was striking. Where did this apparent lack of self-confidence come from? Matt decided he was going to find out then fix it, if possible. Dinner went surprisingly well. The food was excellent and the conversation more fun than any Matt had had since he'd left college. And that was a long time ago. They managed to talk about everything from music to movies and books. Even though they disagreed on the sports teams they liked, they had discovered a joint love of hiking. They also shared an interest in archaeology and loved dogs, although neither of them had a pet right now. When it was time to drive Tom home Matt found he 34
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didn't want to let him go. From the way the other man kept glancing at him as he was driving he gathered the feeling might be mutual. They arrived at Tom's apartment building much too quickly. He shut off the engine and got out to open Tom's door. When the other man got out he smiled at him, silently accepting the small ritual. It made Matt feel warm and surprisingly happy. He walked Tom to the entrance of the apartment building and watched him fumble with the key. "Here, let me help." He almost took a step back when Tom flinched at his touch, as if he was afraid. "Hey, don't worry. I just thought you could do with some help. I didn't mean to upset you." "I'm not upset." Tom sighed and handed him the key. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to worry you. It's just that I— I'm a little nervous." "Nothing to be nervous about." Matt quietly wondered why being nervous would warrant flinching unless you were afraid something bad might happen. He ground his teeth at the thought of anyone wanting to hurt Tom. "Well, it's just that I'm always so clumsy." Tom watched as he opened the door and quietly followed him inside. "I don't think you're clumsy at all. I just think your 35
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hands were cold, which made it hard for you to find and open the lock." He turned around so he could see Tom's face. "You're being very nice." Tom said this as if he didn't expect it to last. "I'm okay now, really. You don't have to come upstairs with me." "I know I don't have to. But I would really like to. Will you let me?" Matt was sure there was more behind the young man's hesitancy, and the flinching really worried him. He wasn't going to let this go away but equally he wasn't going to push. Not too much anyway. Not yet. "If you really want to…" Tom looked at him with a puzzled expression before he turned and walked to the elevators. Matt quietly followed him. At the very least he wanted his goodnight kiss. Surely that wasn't too much to ask after the first date? When they arrived at Tom's apartment door the other man stopped and turned around. They stood close enough for Matt to feel Tom's hot breath on his skin. His big eyes were luminous, and luscious lips slightly parted. He bent down and brushed his mouth across Tom's. The heat of those soft lips was incredible and he wanted nothing more than to make this a real kiss. Tom's gasp made him stop and he pulled back. "What?" Tom lifted his hand and touched his lips 36
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with a finger. "Why?" "I would really like to kiss you. But only if you want it too." Matt leaned away to make sure Tom didn't feel intimidated. "You would? I think I would like that." Tom dropped his hand and smiled hesitantly. Matt's slid one arm around the man's middle and let his other hand cradle Tom's head. He kissed Tom's nose, making him giggle. When the other man was more relaxed he moved his mouth to touch the tempting lips again. Tom tilted his head and moved closer. He responded by slowly licking along Tom's lips. The soft moan that followed encouraged him to pull Tom closer. He nibbled along his lower lip before sliding his tongue inside to explore in more depth. Tom tasted like coffee and the mint he'd had in the restaurant, but underneath there was a fresh male flavor that made him want more. Their tongues caressed and stroked each other, driving his arousal higher the longer he held Tom in his arms. He was almost fully hard now and couldn't stop himself from grinding his growing erection into Tom's equally hard cock. They clung to each other, moving in sync, the kiss growing deeper until he had to draw back before embarrassing himself. He hadn't been this aroused in a long time and 37
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definitely not this quickly. Tom's fresh masculine scent and flavor, not to mention the hard body pressed against his, assaulted his senses and made it very difficult to resist. "As much as I like this, I think I need to stop before it's too late." Matt had a hard time controlling his breathing. "I know what you mean." Tom smiled. "I don't usually do this, especially not with someone I have a business relationship with. In fact I've never done it. If it's going to be a problem for you, please let me know now." "I don't think it's going to be a problem unless we let it. And I don't usually do this either, but you are just too hard to resist. I'd like to get to know you better and was hoping that working together would help." He smiled and caressed Tom's cheek. "I'd like to see you again tomorrow. Maybe we could go hiking? There seem to be lots of interesting trails which start in Cascade." "I'd really like that. I mean, both seeing you and the hiking. I love those trails. There's something new to see each time I go. Plus right now all the trees are turning which is a special treat." Tom opened his door but turned back once he'd walked inside. "I'll give you a call tomorrow." He didn't want to leave but it was too soon to want or expect more. "I look forward to it." Tom's smile was breathtaking and he almost regretted doing the right thing. "Goodnight." "Goodnight." Matt smiled and waited until the door 38
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closed before he turned around and made his way back downstairs. He wasn't looking forward to the lonely drive back to his rental cabin. Not least because he was still so aroused it was hard to walk without hurting himself. His regrets about being on his own again were much worse. And how weird was that? He normally loved being on his own, had never wanted anyone else around for longer than a few hours. He was beginning to realize nothing about Tom, or his reaction to the other man, was anywhere near normal. He was in such trouble where Tom was concerned. He could only hope the progress they'd made tonight wasn't imaginary. He desperately wanted to explore their attraction.
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Chapter Three Matt barely slept all night, the excitement of spending Saturday with Tom keeping him awake. He couldn't believe how much he was looking forward to hiking in the crisp fall air. He'd been outside enough over the past few days to know it wasn't a lack of oxygen driving his enthusiasm. The first rays of the sun were just beginning to come in through the bedroom window. Surely that meant he could get up and call Tom? He sighed and turned his head to check the time, just to make sure. Disappointed because it wasn't even seven yet, he closed his eyes and pretended he was still asleep. It didn't work. So he got up, got dressed and went downstairs to get himself some coffee. A little over an hour later, having gone through the online news and his e-mails, he decided it was okay to call Tom. They were going to go hiking after all, so getting up early was to be expected, right? "Hello?" Tom's voice sounded sleepy. "Good morning." He wasn't sure if the other man was a morning person, so he'd tone down his enthusiasm a little. He didn't want to annoy the younger man. "I hope I didn't wake you?" "At this time of the morning?" Tom groaned. 40
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"Yeah, you woke me." "I'm sorry." Except Matt wasn't, really. "I guess I'm just impatient to get started with our hike. There's just something about getting outside that got me excited enough that I wasn't able to sleep any longer." "I see." Tom's voice sounded warmer. "And since I agreed to come with you this means I'll have to get up, doesn't it?" "I guess it does." He was relieved the other man was taking being woken up so well. Not all of his friends had always been this understanding about his need to get up and going in the mornings. "Can you give me half an hour to get showered and dressed or are you sitting in your car outside my apartment waiting for me to come downstairs?" Tom yawned. "Oh, I don't know." Matt chuckled when he heard the sharp intake of breath at the other end of the line. "Sure you can have half an hour. Especially considering the fact I'm still at the cabin. I'll need at least twenty minutes to make it over to your side of town." "That's a relief. I wouldn't want to start the day in a rush. I'm usually a little slow in the mornings and like to take my time." Tom rustled with the sheets. "No rush. I promise I'll wait in the car until you're ready." Even though it was going to be difficult to resist the temptation of going upstairs. 41
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"Very kind of you. In fact, I think you deserve a reward for this." Tom was quiet for a while. "If you promise to let me sleep in tomorrow I will make some of my famous bagels for you. If you want, that is. For breakfast, I mean. After you come over here." Matt grinned. The man even sounded adorable over the phone. He seemed to be confused. Maybe it was the early hour? Matt liked him this way, not quite awake yet. He'd made the funniest statements. "I would like to very much. Thanks for the invitation." He decided he'd better shut up now. If he didn't he would invite himself for more than just breakfast. "No problem. I like baking for other people." Tom moaned. "I better shut up now. I have the awful feeling I'm saying a lot of stupid things. I'll see you in half an hour." "See you." Matt put down the phone and sat back in his chair. It sounded a lot like Tom was battling the same attraction he was. Or maybe he was just naturally confused in the mornings? Only time would tell. Half an hour later he pulled up in front of Tom's apartment building and shut off the engine. The man wasn't here yet, but then he hadn't expected him to be. He'd woken him a lot earlier than the other man was used to from the sound of it. He sat back in his comfortable leather seat and waited. Ten minutes later a very disheveled Tom left the 42
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building and almost ran to the car. Matt got out to open the passenger side door for him. "I'm so sorry I'm late." Tom looked down, not meeting his eyes. Matt was confused and slightly worried. He'd seen his mother react like this when she was afraid his father might punish her for doing something wrong. He stepped closer and cupped Tom's cheek, carefully pushing until he could see into those beautiful hazel eyes. "You're not late. Even if you were, it wouldn't be a problem. This isn't a business meeting. There's no need to worry." Matt spoke quietly to make sure Tom understood he wasn't angry. Not at him anyway. But someone had clearly undermined Tom's self-confidence, and he was going to find out who then fix it. "Thank you for being so nice. I'll try to do better next time." Tom swallowed as he tried to pull away and, even though he had no idea what the reason was, Matt let him. "Don't worry about it. I really don't mind. I'm probably the one who should be apologizing about getting you up too early. It is the weekend after all. I was just too impatient to start the day. I've been looking forward to spending it with you all night." Matt smiled. "Now, how about we start this over?" "How?" Tom looked at him without being prompted 43
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this time. "Come here." He opened his arms hoping Tom would understand. With a soft sigh Tom stepped into his embrace and put his head on his shoulder. Matt tightened his arms and just held on for a minute. God, Tom felt so good in his arms. He pressed a soft kiss to the top of the younger man's head and reluctantly let go. "Isn't that better?" He stepped back and opened the passenger-side door for Tom. "Much better." Tom nodded and got into the car. After they had cleared the air the atmosphere was very relaxed. Matt hadn't enjoyed himself this much in a long time. Tom turned out to be a great hiking companion, noticing details like interesting plants or trees as they made their way along the beautiful Heizer Trail of Cascade Community Park. It wasn't a long hike nor very difficult so they could set their own pace and truly enjoy it. Matt was glad he'd picked this one because it gave them a lot of time to talk. They started with business related topics but quickly veered into a more personal exploration. Matt was surprised to find himself talking about his parents' issues with comparative ease when he tried to explain why the restoration of the house was so important for him. Tom turned out to be an attentive listener and Matt 44
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found he enjoyed talking to him about his past. When they took a break at the end of the trail they sat closely together and he put an arm around Tom's shoulders. It was time to try and see if Tom was ready to trust him with some of his own stories. After a little bit of probing Tom started to open up. Having had to fend for himself when his father died before he'd even finished college had been hard for the shy young man. The one boyfriend he'd apparently had sounded like a total asshole. Even though Matt couldn't understand how anyone could let his life be taken over by someone else, the way Tom described some of their relationship helped him see how it might be possible. It also showed him how careful he'd have to be to make sure he didn't steamroll Tom into anything. He wasn't like that bastard, but Tom needed time to see that. As short as their affair was going to be, he wanted it to be equal. He had a sudden urge to show Tom what it could be like when both partners respected each other. It was going to be completely up to him. **** Tom stared at the letter from Extra Windowpanes in mute horror. He'd spoken to their order department last week and had been told everything was in their systems. 45
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Delivery had been scheduled for Wednesday this week, in time for the first work crew's arrival. Now they informed him they were regrettably not going to be able to deliver the windowpanes due to a mix-up at their central warehouse. "A mix-up?" Tom raked his short hair. "Yes, sir. We're very sorry." The woman sounded more annoyed than sorry. "Is there anything else we can do for you?" Not fucking likely! "Sir?" Impatience verging on irritation spoke from that one word. "No, thank you." He was going to remain polite if it was the last thing he did. "I want to cancel the order, though. The materials will be no good for me in two week's time." "Very well, I'll put that in the system for you." The click-clacking of a keyboard sounded before she spoke again. "That will be all?" "Yes, thank you." Tom hung up the phone and sighed. "Everything all right, boss?" Ken Talamo, his foreman and partner, must have heard him speak through the open door of his office. The man was here to organize work schedules for the next few weeks and months. "Just a small problem, Ken. Nothing to worry 46
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about." Tom wished this was true. He'd ordered very special glass to go with the style of Matt's property, the type of window pane only very few houses would require. A mix-up was highly unlikely. Who else would have ordered exactly this type of glass? Something about this just didn't feel right. "Just let me know if there's anything I can do." Ken was just as invested in making the company to success as Tom. He'd been the one to teach Tom about running a construction business. He was a carpenter by trade, but having to run Halderson Construction had become more important. He couldn't have done it without Ken and had made him a partner in the business within a month. "Sure." Tom hoped his voice sounded more certain than he felt. He opened the next letter and found another regretful apology, this one from Antique Shingles Ltd. Something was horribly wrong. Two suppliers of fairly rare materials suddenly unable to deliver despite previous assurances everything was fine was a very unlikely scenario. Both of their deliveries were critical to the timeline of the project. Taking these two letters and adding them to the fact his bank had suddenly started to make noises about timely repayment of his overdraft made him think something else was going on. There was only one man could be behind this. Shit. Had Derek gone beyond spreading rumors now? 47
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Was his brother going to stop at nothing to get his revenge? Maybe it was time to hire an attorney after all. If only he wasn't so busy all the time. He had his hands more than full just making sure the project was on track. What was he going to do? The work crews would turn up on Wednesday morning, ready to fit the new windows and repair the roof. Once the house was a little more waterproof they were going to make a start on some of the inside restoration the week after. Matt wanted everything completed for early December so he could move in before Christmas, then sell the property as soon as possible in the new year. He didn't really know Matt all that well yet, but he was fairly certain the man wouldn't tolerate delays or missed deadlines very easily. And they had only just started the project. He couldn't possibly begin making excuses at this early stage without expecting dire consequences. He also couldn't afford to lose Matt as a client. "There's a problem, isn't there?" Ken stood in front of his desk when Tom looked up. Tall and broad shouldered with well-muscled arms and thighs, he was what everyone expected a foreman to look like. Sparkling green eyes and a usually smiling mouth made him look a lot less intimidating. Even though he was now a partner, he still preferred to work as a foreman, just like Tom did all the carpentry jobs within his area of expertise. Sometimes it 48
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paid to be the boss. This problem was going to take both their abilities to solve, and then some. "I guess there is." Tom sighed. "Let me guess. The asshole has found a way to make our lives miserable yet again." Ken sat down on the visitor's chair and pinched the bridge of his nose. "He has. It looks like he's somehow managed to interfere with our orders for the materials we need delivered this week." Tom handed Ken the letters and watched as the other man read them, shaking his head and making his neat ponytail jump up and down. "I can't believe this guy." Ken looked up, his frown communicating his anger as clearly as his words. "I mean, hasn't he done enough yet, spreading all those rumors?" "I'm beginning to think he won't be satisfied until we're out of business." Tom had nightmares about this. "Just because he thinks you treated him badly? After all you did for him?" Ken shook his head. "This need for revenge is beginning to frighten me." "I don't think he's rational where money is concerned. I've always known he can become very emotional, I just never thought it would carry over from our personal situation into our business lives. I'm really sorry all this is having such an impact." Tom had had days over the past few months when all he wanted was to give up. 49
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Today it was beginning to look like one of those. "Hey, don't worry. I don't want to hear you apologizing for something you can't control. We're in this together and we won't let assholes like that control our lives." Ken leaned forward as if to emphasize his point. "So, what are you going to do?" "There's not much I can do. I do know we can't afford to lose Mr. Langford as a client since we desperately need the business. There isn't exactly a large choice of alternative projects around either. So we have to make this work." Tom wasn't ready to admit what he was really afraid of was letting Matt down on a personal level. He just wouldn't be able to bear seeing him disappointed. "So I guess we're going to have to get the materials elsewhere." Ken nodded. "It's going to be difficult and might be more expensive but there are other suppliers who sell this type of glass and these almost 'antique' shingles for the roof." "Yeah, it'll mean a lower profit margin, but you're right, we can get the materials elsewhere. I'm afraid we're going to have to go there in person though, to avoid Derek interfering again." Tom couldn't really afford to lose any of the profit, especially with the bank wanting their money back, but what choice did he have? "We'll work out the financial situation one way or another. The main thing is not losing time this early in the 50
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project and endangering the deadline." Ken got up from the chair and looked at him expectantly. "You ready to go?" **** "That was easier than I expected." Ken buckled himself into the driver's seat and started the engine. "You're right, even if both companies charged us extra. I guess emergency delivery, as they called it, does have a price." Tom had been pleasantly surprised by the speed with which their new suppliers had agreed to deliver the necessary items by tomorrow afternoon. "It's a good thing we had the time to do this because the other companies were polite enough to send a letter." Ken chuckled as he pulled onto the main road and made a right turn at the next junction. "I don't want to imagine what would have happened if the materials just simply hadn't shown up. It would have been way too late to do anything about it by then." "I'm glad we were able to find alternative suppliers, even if they are more expensive." Tom shook his head. He'd kept thinking something would go wrong. He was probably seriously overestimating Derek's abilities. Then again… "This means we've got Wednesday covered, right?" Ken kept his eyes on the road but he was obviously 51
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thinking about this week's work schedule. "Yes, and then we can start worrying about next week's tasks." Tom was sure Derek wouldn't give up very quickly at all. "Nah, let's not start worrying about next week until at least Friday afternoon. I don't think I can deal with that much panic in one week." Ken was smiling though, so Tom knew he was at least half joking. Pulling into their parking lot and discovering Derek's bright red Audi A8 parked right in front made Tom's stomach roil with fear. He should have known this wasn't over yet. He hadn't thought Derek would actually come over to see him but apparently the man was even more determined than he gave him credit for. He wasn't ready to face his brother, not with everything unresolved between them and with Derek surely spoiling for a fight. "I can't believe that bastard is actually here." Ken shut off the engine and stared at the ostentatious car. "He probably came over, assuming we'd be in the office. I guess he's lurking inside somewhere. It looks like he's obsessed with making life difficult for us." Tom wanted to vanish into a hole in the ground more than ever before. Derek was bound to make a scene. But he couldn't allow his brother to chase him away from his own office. And he'd probably have to stand up to him at some point. It 52
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annoyed him that he had to do it at all. The man was his only immediate family, why was he being so nasty? "Are you okay? I can go in there on my own, you know? There's no need for you to have to face him." Ken was serious. "I appreciate the offer but I think I've got to do this. I've got to learn to fight my own battles. And at least this time you'll be with me, right?" Tom was so nervous it was hard to walk into the office building. His hands were clammy and he wasn't sure he'd even be able to speak. When he saw Derek standing in the reception area he almost turned around. His brother had changed, even in the last six months since he'd seen him again after so long. He'd always been heavyset, his broad shoulders making him look strong and intimidating. His new job as a bouncer required him to be physically fit. But now it looked like he'd gained weight, his face was rounder than before and his skin looked pasty. He'd probably been drinking again and his short brown hair was in dire need of a cut. "Well, well, well. Who do we have here?" Derek scowled, making his thin moustache wriggle like a caterpillar. "Looks like you're actually still trying to get your business running again." Tom looked away, trying to calm his nerves by focusing on the receptionist. "Excuse me, I would like you to call the police, 53
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please. I don't want this gentleman on company premises." He felt the anger emanating from Derek almost like a physical force but he was determined to ignore it. "Certainly, sir. I'll get on it right away." The dark haired receptionist didn't glance at Derek even once. It looked like she wasn't much impressed by him either. Tom turned around and faced Derek. He needed all his courage not to look down when he saw the anger in his brother's eyes. "I can't believe you're calling the police. You're such a coward. Why don't you handle your battles yourself for once?" Derek continued to stare at him as if he were trying to kill him. "It's not like I did anything wrong. What do you think you're going to achieve by getting the police to come here? We're in a public place and I've got a right to be here as much as the next man." "Not quite public. This is an office building and we do have some control over who gets to enter." Tom was glad for Ken's quiet presence. It gave him the additional courage he needed. "And as for what I want to achieve, I want to make sure I have reliable witnesses when I tell you that you're not welcome here and I don't want you to return." "Unbelievable! Do you really think the police are going to back you up on a stupid request like that? I'm your brother, for crying out loud." Derek's face was red and his 54
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hands were fisted at his side. The man looked as though he was about to start hitting him. His brother had always had a temper, but this was getting out of hand. He hated the thought of his own brother behaving like Preston. The memories flooding back made it very hard to stand up to Derek and the only reason he was even still standing his ground was Ken's and the receptionist's presence. "Hey, do you think you could answer the question?" Derek was shaking with anger. "I'm not sure what it is you want to hear." Tom continued to stand his ground but hoped the police would get here soon. "I want you to give me an explanation for your firing me, forcing me to take another job. One I don't like at all, I might say. That's why I came here. I want to understand why you did that to me, your own brother." Derek took a step closer. Tom stood his ground. It took everything he had not to try and put some distance between himself and Derek. But if he gave the man an inch he would take everything Tom had. "I don't think it was unfair to ask you to go. Your mistakes cost us several clients. You weren't able to do the job, and we both know it." He took a deep breath. "And anyway, I gave you a very generous severance payment, 55
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which you have taken, without bothering to sign the affidavit I need from you to close the case. On top of which I'm letting you live in the house. That was more than half the value of Dad's inheritance, so I don't really understand why you believe I owe you more." "Shutting me out of this business is wrong. I won't stand for it." Derek took a deep breath, visibly trying to calm himself. "As for the affidavit: you can forget that. I don't owe you anything." Tom wanted to correct Derek. His brother still owed him the signature. Shit, was he planning to sue Halderson Construction if his smear campaign didn't work? Maybe he should go talk to an attorney now. The threat of Derek turning physical meant the little hope he'd held for solving this problem on their own was probably gone. Footsteps from behind him gave Tom hope. He was more relieved than he could say when the two policemen stepped into the reception area. They wouldn't solve anything but at least they would make Derek go away. And that was probably as much as he could hope for at this point. Arguing with his brother wouldn't help, the man was too stubborn. The next best thing was getting him to leave and hoping he wouldn't return. At least not for a while.
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Chapter Four "The windows look absolutely stunning." Matt stood at the far end of the backyard and admired the house. "Not to mention the roof. The way you blended in the new shingles with the existing ones like you did was a stroke of genius. I absolutely love the result. And to think—this is just the beginning." "I'm glad you like it." Tom was too exhausted to enjoy the praise. He'd been tense all week. The bank had called twice and he'd had nothing new to tell them. The replacement materials had cost him almost twice as much as the original estimate and he didn't know how to make up for the loss. He'd had the same issue with his orders for next week's wood, special paint, and insulation materials. On top of which he'd have to make a few early-morning trips to pick them up. Lack of sleep would kill him if the stress didn't. But he wasn't going to worry about that now. He had a happy client, which was all that mattered. All his tired brain was able to process was the fact it was Friday afternoon and he'd be able to get a good night's sleep. Or two, if he counted Saturday night. "I more than like it, Tom." Matt turned to face him and lifted his hands as though he was going to embrace him. With a visible effort he dropped his arms, but the 57
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smile on his face spoke volumes. "I'm really impressed with your work. There's no doubt in my mind I made the right choice when we signed the contract." "Thank you." Tom was so happy to have his hard work recognized he blushed. He'd never received much positive feedback from his father when he was still around. Derek had never given him any either, and it didn't look like that was going to change anytime soon. Hearing praise from Matt was a really nice change. "You look tired, though." Matt tilted his head. "What would you say if I took you out for a nice meal to celebrate this week's achievements and then dropped you off so you can have a good night's sleep?" "That would be wonderful. But I won't be very good company tonight. So maybe we could do this tomorrow?" Tom just barely suppressed a yawn. "Don't worry about being good company. We'll just take it easy." Matt smiled and he felt his resistance melt. "I just don't want to bore you." He really didn't want to make a fool of himself. Not with this man. He was beginning to genuinely like him. "You could never bore me. Come on, let's go, before we waste more potential sleeping time arguing about whether or not you need to eat." Matt grinned. How could he resist? He nodded and followed Matt to his beautiful Ferrari. He sank into the passenger seat 58
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with a moan of relief. He didn't even have enough energy left to protest the man buckling him in before he closed the car door. It was kind of nice to be taken care of like this. He would reassert his independence another time, now he just wanted to sleep. Well, possibly after eating a decent meal. He had to admit he was kind of hungry. Lunch had been ages ago and a simple sandwich didn't last long. Next thing he knew he was lying on his back, a soft blanket draped over him. He opened his eyes in a panic, not sure where he was. A small sliver of silvery moonlight drifted in from a window to his left. He sat up, relieved his hands and feet weren't tied up like they were in some of his nightmares. He rubbed his temples, trying to remember what had happened. When it came back to him he was deeply embarrassed. He must have fallen asleep in the car. There was a vague impression of stumbling inside and dropping onto a sofa. He must be at Matt's place. God, way to go to impress his date. He shook his head as much at his own stupidity as to clear the remaining cobwebs. Soft steps from his left alerted him to Matt coming downstairs. He quickly straightened his shirt and sat up. "Did you have a good nap?" Matt didn't look angry at all. He was smiling and sat down next to Tom on the sofa. "I did. I mean—I shouldn't have fallen asleep. I'm 59
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really sorry." He was so embarrassed he didn't know where to look. "I'm glad you got some rest." Matt put one of his large warm hands on his thigh and Tom almost moaned with how good that simple touch felt. "And please, don't apologize for falling asleep. You obviously needed it." "But I ruined your plans for dinner by falling asleep, didn't I?" He glanced up but Matt was still smiling and didn't look angry at all. "Doesn't matter. You catching up on your sleep is far more important than where and what we eat. I decided we could always get something delivered once you were awake. Would you like that?" Matt's hand hadn't moved from its spot. "I would love that, thank you. The nap has made me even hungrier. What time is it anyway?" He sat back and enjoyed the quiet darkness and his connection to Matt. "It's only around eight. Plenty of time to get some food before going to bed for the night. I'll drive you back to your apartment if you want and we can get your truck tomorrow morning. Or you can sleep on the sofa if it's comfortable enough?" Matt started stroking his thigh and his eyes never left Tom's face. "Let's get something to eat first please, if you don't mind. I think I'll be okay to get my truck tonight. I'd rather sleep in my own bed if at all possible." That wasn't entirely 60
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true though, was it? But he wouldn't let himself think about spending the night with Matt, not even on his sofa. It was just too much temptation and he couldn't afford the distraction. "Okay, we can do that. Is Chinese okay?" Matt hadn't even hesitated, hadn't tried to make him do what he'd quite clearly wanted. "Chinese is brilliant." Tom got up and folded the blanket, putting it down on the sofa when he was done. Matt had gone to the kitchen to make the call and returned with a happy grin on his face. "They'll be here in twenty minutes. I'm quite hungry now, so that's a good thing. It gives us just enough time to set the table and decide what drinks to have with the meal." Matt switched on the light and Tom blinked with the sudden brightness. They had only just finished getting everything ready when there was a knock on the door. Matt went to get the food and pay the delivery boy and returned with a big brown bag. Delicious smells promised an excellent meal and they quickly sat down to enjoy the food. **** Tom was relaxed, well rested, and ready for a new day. At least it was Saturday and he didn't have to get up 61
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early. He cuddled into the warm body at his back and was about to drift off to sleep again when he froze. "It's all right, don't worry." The voice rumbled straight into his ear and made him feel better immediately. Shit, what was he doing in bed with Matt? He couldn't remember anything after having finished the excellent Chinese meal. What had happened? He was still wearing his boxer shorts and T-shirt which was very reassuring. Even so his heart started beating much too quickly and he suddenly wanted to get up and run away. "You're okay. Nothing happened. You fell asleep after we finished eating and I decided there was no point in waking you." Matt's arm around his middle tightened the slightest bit. "I didn't think the sofa was going to be comfortable enough for you and this bed is big enough for two. Didn't want to waste so much space." "I just—I'm sorry, I guess that made sense to you." Tom tried to get his heartbeat to slow down. There was no reason to panic. It was a strange situation, and not what he'd expected, but so far Matt had been nothing but nice and seemed trustworthy enough. "No, I should be apologizing. I was just being selfish." Matt started to withdraw his arm but Tom caught his hand and held on. "It's okay. You're right, this is much more comfortable than the sofa and I really needed to sleep." 62
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Tom took a deep breath and turned around. The man was gorgeous. His dark hair was mussed from sleeping but his twinkling eyes said he was wide awake. Light morning stubble accentuated his square jaw and made him look even more attractive. His white T-shirt was a nice contrast to the tanned skin at the hollow of his throat. A few crinkly chest hairs were peeking out above the neckline. "I don't usually fall asleep so easily." Tom shrugged. "It's just been a really busy week and I guess I was a little worried something would go wrong. Didn't want you to think Halderson Construction was a bad choice." "I wish you wouldn't worry so much. I've made my choice to go with your company because I trust you to do the right thing. So even if there are delays, as long as there is some reason for them, I won't just break the contract. That's not how I work. This project can only be successful on the short timelines we have if we trust each other. And trust goes both ways." Matt's hand made little circles on his lower back, offering silent support. "I really appreciate that." He was touched by this much understanding. It sounded like this man really was very different from anyone he'd met in his life so far. It almost sounded too good to be true. "It won't exactly stop me from worrying, not on a big project like this. But it is 63
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reassuring to know at least I'm not risking my company's continued existence if something doesn't quite work to plan." "Okay, now we've sorted out our professional relationship, what about the personal side of things?" Matt smiled. "I owe you an apology for just assuming you'd be okay with me taking you into my bed. Even if nothing happened." "You didn't exactly take me into your bed in the— you know—usual way." And for some reason Tom regretted that. Not that he was ready for more but he was beginning to think this man might be someone worth risking his independence for. "No, and I wouldn't, not without your agreement. I just hope someday we'll get to the point where both of us are ready for more than sharing the bed for sleeping." Matt slid his hand up and down Tom's back in a slow gesture of reassurance. It felt really good and he didn't move because he didn't want Matt to stop. God, it felt so good to be touched by another man again. He'd missed this sort of closeness more than he'd believed. Preston, the asshole, had rejected cuddling, even kissing, as unmanly. But Tom craved the intimacy. Hesitantly he moved his hand toward Matt's arm, sliding it up until he reached the side of his neck. Matt's 64
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eyes widened and his lips parted in a clear invitation Tom just couldn't resist. He moved his head closer to Matt's and brushed his lips over the other man's. Heat travelled down his spine and made his groin tingle. Breathing the same air and staring into each other's eyes both men moved at the same time to bring their lips back together. When their tongues touched, he couldn't suppress his moan and he abandoned himself to the increasingly passionate kiss. Pulling him closer, Matt brought the rest of their bodies together until they touched from chest to feet. Their legs were soon entangled, their hardening erections pressed against each other and rubbing through too many layers of fabric. The sudden need to be as close to Matt as possible surprised him, but there was no fighting it. He licked his way inside Matt's mouth and explored everywhere he could reach. Matt's soft tongue responded to his advances and they played a game of tag which increased the heat between them until Tom could bear it no more. He had to pull back for some fresh air. Panting with desire he looked into Matt's eyes to find them dark with passion. "I can't believe how good this feels." Tom was actually considering taking this further. His rational self knew he should hold back, to get to know this man first. But the rest of his body didn't agree and urged him on. "I know. It's never been like this before." Matt slid 65
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his other arm around his shoulders and pulled them even closer together. With his mouth right next to Tom's ear he whispered his next words, making him shiver with need. "I won't do anything you don't want me to do, so tell me if you want to stop." Tom didn't really want it to stop. He didn't know what to do. Matt must have taken his silence for agreement because he burrowed his head into the space between neck and shoulder, starting to kiss and lick Tom's skin. At the same time he pressed their lower bodies together to provide the friction they both so desperately needed. Tom clung to the other man for all he was worth as they ground their lower bodies against one another with increasing desire. With Matt's lips on his skin, and the man's musky scent in his nose, he gave in to his need and let go. "Matt!" He stiffened and felt spurt after spurt of hot cum fill his boxer shorts. He hadn't come this hard in a very long time. "Baby!" Matt's movements grew frantic as he let go with a low groan, pushing himself against Tom's upper thigh. When they were both done they didn't let go of each other. Instead the embrace became even tighter as they snuggled into each other and close their eyes for a nap. 66
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There was time to worry about cleaning up later. Much later. **** Matt looked at the delivery note in his hand and frowned. He probably shouldn't have looked at it, but Tom had been inside the house when the delivery arrived and the driver seemed to be in a hurry so he'd signed for the materials. From his limited understanding about raw material prices these seemed very high. And there was a big red stamp across the top saying 'emergency delivery'. That couldn't be right, could it? They were into the second week of the project and Tom had ordered everything at the beginning of the previous week. So there shouldn't have been any emergency payments unless something had gone wrong. But why hadn't Tom told him? Hadn't he made it clear enough this was a joint project? "Matt, have you seen the drawings for the attic anywhere?" Tom walked into the foyer from the kitchen where he'd supervised the crew that was measuring appliance and cabinet space for the installation two weeks from now. "They're in the den somewhere, I think." He hesitated for about a second before jumping straight in. 67
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"Are you aware Global Insulation is charging you emergency delivery fees and from the looks of this note emergency prices for the materials as well?" "I—what?" Tom stopped walking toward the den and turned back toward him. "How do you know?" "I wasn't supposed to find out, was I?" Now he really wanted to know what was going on. Tom seemed to know about the higher prices but for some reason hadn't confided in him. "No?" Tom blushed. "Now that I do, would it be possible to get an explanation, please?" Matt almost felt bad for asking when the other man looked really uncomfortable. If it were possible to squirm while standing Tom would be doing it now. But he had to know the details. Something like this could have a major impact on the project's finances. "I'm sorry. It's not something I thought you needed to know." Tom sat down on the lowest step of the stairs with elbows on his knees and head in his hands. What the hell was going on? Tom was behaving as though it was a really big deal. All Matt had done was ask a question. "Look, if it really makes you uncomfortable, I don't need to know. I just thought it was strange and since we're both in this project together I had assumed you'd let me know if there were any problems. I guess whatever the 68
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issue is it wasn't big enough for you to share with me." Matt didn't want to cause this level of discomfort. Tom was a capable businessman and he probably had his reasons for not telling him. But still… "I'm not trying to hide anything from you." Tom looked up, his eyes bright from too much moisture. "It's just that I didn't want to endanger the project, didn't want to risk missing a deadline. I know how important it is for you to get this done before Christmas and I'd made a commitment to make it happen. I wasn't going to let anything stand in the way, not even my brother." "What does he have to do with this?" Now Matt was really confused. "He's been causing a lot of problems for the business since I had to fire him because he was so bad at the job I gave him. He can't stand the fact I was the one to inherit the company. The fact I'm beginning to show I can manage really well annoys him. And he wants to get back at me." Tom rubbed his temples. "What sort of problems has he been causing?" What he really wanted to know was why Tom had been trying to hide this from him. Other than possibly being embarrassed about a brother interfering in his business. "I mean, I remember you telling me he's been spreading rumors about Halderson Construction and that that's been causing financial problems. But from what you're saying he's been 69
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doing more recently, hasn't he?" "He must have. I have no idea how he's done it. I didn't think he'd be that clever or that he had the right connections. Somehow he's managed to cancel or change the original orders I placed early last week to make them useless. Suppliers suddenly had mix-ups in warehouses, not enough stock, the materials weren't available in the specs I needed them, and other strange problems. None of the original orders were going to be here on time, if ever." Tom looked at him as if he expected Matt to hit him at any moment. Shit, someone must have been more abusive and left a more lasting impression on Tom than Matt had realized. Nobody talking about simple business issues, even if they were bad, should look this scared. "So let me understand this. From what you're saying the deadline was no longer achievable unless you managed to come up with another way of doing things?" Matt was beginning to suspect Tom was even more dedicated than he'd given him credit for. "That's it. And I wasn't going to let that happen, so I found alternative suppliers. Unfortunately it meant all the orders had suddenly become more urgent because for them the orders were new." Tom sighed. "And you didn't want to tell me because…" He was already pretty sure he knew what was going on, but he 70
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needed to hear this from Tom. He wanted it all out in the open so they could clarify how to handle their business relationship from here on out. "I'd made a commitment to you both on the deadline and the pricing. I wasn't about to renege on either of them. Not this early in the project and, in fact, not ever. That just isn't the way I work." Tom sat up straight, almost as if he was trying to defy Matt's arguments, whatever they might be. "So you were prepared to take a hit on the profit margin to make sure this project got delivered as promised?" Matt was very impressed. "Absolutely. My personal problems are just that— personal. I won't let them interfere with my business life. I won't give Derek that sort of power. I gave him much too much power for too long and it's got to stop." Tom pinched his nose between his thumb and forefinger, as if trying to avoid eye contact. "While I think your attitude is admirable, I also believe we need to move beyond it. When I told you we were in this together the other day, I meant it. I don't normally expect my business partners to go to the sort of lengths you've gone to in order to make sure that projects are delivered as agreed. I especially don't expect it in our case where I can see us becoming more than just business partners." Matt hadn't expected the stricken look Tom now 71
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gave him. "You're expecting different treatment because we knew each other on a personal level?" Tom looked almost disgusted. "No, I'm not expecting different treatment. But I was hoping for more sharing of information and closer communication. Just in the way we do things. Was I wrong?" He held his breath; a lot depended on Tom's answer. "Oh, that's different. I just didn't want to burden you with my personal issues. Just because Derek is causing problems I don't expect you to pay more than we agreed. That needs to be clear." Tom looked determined. Oh, well, there went his idea of offering financial support. This was probably not a good time to do that. Tom was bound to take it the wrong way and he didn't want to do anything to endanger the new level of trust they were trying to build. He would have to hold on and hope he could find a clever way of helping later on. He no longer doubted he was going to help in some way. He just needed to bide his time and wait for the right opening.
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Chapter Five Matt groaned as he stretched his tired muscles while trying not to move from under the covers. October had brought a definite drop in temperature and his bedroom had been really cold the last two mornings. It was getting more and more difficult to leave the warm bed. At least he had the next two days to look forward to. Even though Tom was just as exhausted as he was, they'd agreed to spend the weekend together. Since it was getting a little cold outside for his taste, they'd agreed to indulge their mutual passion of cooking. Matt grinned. Grocery shopping, preparing and then eating a meal together suddenly sounded like fun. When had he become this domestic? Tom just brought it out in him and he already regretted they weren't spending their nights together as well. Hopefully that was going to change this weekend, at least for Saturday and hopefully Sunday night. He wanted more, at least while their affair lasted, but based on Tom's reactions, the other man was having some issues with intimacy, or having a lover, he wasn't sure which. Matt wasn't going to push and endanger what they might have together if they moved at the right speed. But he was going to start asking some questions. If his guess about a previous lover abusing Tom was right, he needed to know so they 73
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could start working through some of the baggage the man was very clearly still carrying around. Knowing he'd have to face the cold at some point if he wanted to get up, he took a breath for courage and finally came out from under the covers. Once he'd made it across the hallway, it wasn't so bad. The bathroom was always a little warmer thanks to the hot water tank hidden in a closet. When he was ready he couldn't hold back any longer and picked up the phone to give Tom a call. Matt was too impatient to wait. "Hello?" Tom's voice sounded suspiciously sleepy. "Good morning. Just checking to make sure you're awake and ready to go grocery shopping." He suppressed a moan when he heard sheets rustle. The image of Tom all tousled and sleepy-eyed in bed was making his jeans feel tight. "You're such morning person." Tom chuckled. "You're better than any alarm clock I've ever had. Always up early and much nicer to talk to." "It's not that early! I even waited until after my shower to give you a call." Matt smiled at the alarm clock comment, though. If it was up to him he'd be Tom's alarm clock in person. Huh. Interesting thought. "Does that mean you're about to come and pick me up?" Tom yawned. "The thought had crossed my mind. But seeing as 74
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you were still asleep a few minutes ago maybe I'd better give you some time?" He could always get breakfast for the both of them, surprise Tom with it. "I don't need long to get ready. By the time you get over here I should be done. And you're right, we do need to get going if we want to still do the seven course meal we came up with and eat at a half decent time this afternoon." Tom sounded as if he was sitting up in bed. "Good. I'll get going if you promise to do the same." He hung up once they'd agreed. Half an hour later he ran up the stairs in Tom's apartment building. He had a box with doughnuts and croissants under his left arm and a carton tray with two large coffees in his hand. Tom buzzed the door open for him and greeted him after he'd rung the doorbell using his nose. He'd been too lazy to re-juggle all the breakfast stuff in his hands. Matt's breath hitched when he saw the tiny towel which was the only piece of clothing, if you could call it that, Tom was wearing. The man was a feast for the eyes. Seeing him like this in broad daylight made Matt want to forget about the shopping and cooking. His blond hair was standing up every which way and made him look even younger. His eyes were sparkling as his luscious lips shaped into a welcoming smile. Matt couldn't decide whether he wanted to continue admiring the well-toned 75
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chest, abdomen and legs or whether he wanted to drown in the sapphire eyes which seemed to have an extra sparkle this morning. His cock was perking up, clearly hoping for some action. "Good morning. Would you like to come inside?" Tom grinned as he stepped aside to let Matt pass. "I come bearing gifts." He walked into the kitchen telling his cock to behave but he wasn't having much success. "I see. What a perfect idea. Thank you. I never have enough time to have breakfast during the week. And by the time I usually get up on the weekend it's way too late to have any." Tom was about to sit down at the little table when he must have realized he was only wearing a towel. The sudden blush and panicked grip on the slipping knot at his side was very telling. "Don't mind me." Matt grinned as he sat down. "You—you're impossible!" Tom got up and started backing out of the kitchen. "Not at all. I just like watching you without any clothes on." He waggled his eyebrows and made Tom laugh. "Maybe in summer, when it's a little warmer." Tom had reached the door. "You could always turn up the heating?" Matt tried to look innocent. 76
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Tom just laughed and sauntered off to the bedroom to get dressed. Too bad. Now he was going to have to wait until the evening to hopefully see Tom naked again. It was going to be a damn long day, he just knew it. **** Matt sighed contentedly as he sat down on the old but comfortable sofa in the other man's living room. Tom sank down next to him, making an equally happy sound. Their meal had been a total success on many levels. The best part had been sharing the kitchen and exchanging hints and tips as they were working together. Now there was hopefully going to be some cuddling, maybe some making out on the sofa and then, maybe, he was going to share Tom's bed for the night. "Come here." Matt opened his arms and after hesitating only briefly Tom came closer and leaned against his side, putting his head on Matt's shoulder. "Hmmm, I could get used to this." Tom slid an arm around Matt's middle and cuddled even closer. "So could I." A deep pang of regret this wasn't going to be permanent hit him hard. Shit, where had the thought come from? He needed his freedom, wanted to return to his real life. Didn't he? "Isn't this too domestic for you?" Tom sounded 77
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hesitant. "What? Sitting on the sofa together, taking a welldeserved break?" Matt sure hoped not. "Well, that too. But what I really meant was doing all the grocery shopping and cooking together." Tom held his breath as though he was afraid of the answer. "You know, if you'd asked me a few weeks ago I probably would have said yes. But somehow, knowing you share my passion for cooking and food, it seemed like something we might both enjoy." He wasn't sure where this was going. "Are you trying to tell me you didn't like it?" "No, not at all. I loved it. I've just never, well, not that I have any real experience, but…" Tom ducked his head trying to hide his face. "Tom, what's going on here?" Matt turned and put a finger under Tom's chin. Carefully applying pressure he didn't stop until Tom looked up at him. "I'm sorry. It's just—I don't want to do anything wrong. And Preston, my one previous lover, if you can call him that, was never into any of this, you know, doing stuff together. And I don't want to chase you away, so I just want to make sure it's what you want." Tom closed his eyes, still trying to hide. "What the hell? You don't have to apologize for anything. This isn't about doing anything wrong or right. This is about finding out what we both like. It's about 78
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exploring. And it's definitely not about you or I doing anything wrong." Matt had a hard time holding onto his temper. It was a good thing Preston whoever-he-was wasn't in the room with them because he might have punched him for making Tom so insecure. "So you really didn't just do this for me as a favor?" Tom looked up, hope bright in his eyes. "No, I certainly didn't. Why are you so worried?" He suspected it had something to do with the asshole ex and how he'd behaved early in the relationship. "I'm not saying you're anything like Preston. Even when we started our relationship he wasn't as considerate as you've been since we met. It's just—I don't know. I haven't had any other relationships, so it's hard for me to know what's normal. And I guess what it really comes down to, is I'm afraid the same thing that happened with him will happen again. Even if it doesn't make any sense." Tom tilted his head, waiting for an answer. "I can see why you worry. But there isn't an easy answer I'm aware of. So we're just going to have to build trust over time. You can trust me to be honest about what I like and about wanting to find out about you. I want you to tell me what you really want and to let me know if there's anything you don't like." Matt wished this discussion wasn't necessary. But this Preston guy had done a lot of damage and it would take time for Tom to recover. 79
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"Okay." Tom heaved a huge sigh of relief. "I think I can deal with that." "As long as we can talk about it, I think we can deal with pretty much anything. There's still a few things I think we need to get to. But I must admit talking isn't really what I had in mind for after dinner." Matt slowly moved his hand toward Tom's thigh and let it rest just above the other man's knee. "It isn't?" Tom's eyes were sparkling with mischief. "Uh-uh." He squeezed the muscular thigh lightly and enjoyed the quick breath Tom took before he relaxed and smiled back at him. "I can't say I really have a problem with that." Tom slid his free arm around Matt's neck and moved their heads more closely together. Matt got the message and bent down to touch the other man's lips with his. The quiet moan was all the confirmation he needed. Brushing his lips back and forth along Tom's slightly open mouth he teased them both. At the next moan he started kissing the corner of Tom's mouth, then nibbled along the full lower lip until Tom's tongue came out to chase him. With a soft moan of his own he gave in, opened up and sealed their lips in a passionate kiss that quickly got so hot he wished he wasn't wearing any clothes. Tom squirmed next to him, clearly as much into it as he was. 80
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But he needed more. He wanted them skin on skin again, only this time without any underwear. With a great deal of difficulty he pulled back from the kiss and looked into Tom's eyes to find them glazed with lust. "God, you're such a good kisser. But I'd like to do much more with you tonight. And I was hoping not to be doing it on the sofa. If you don't want that, please let me know now while I can still stop." Matt sat very still while he was waiting for an answer. "I-I would like that as well." Tom looked very shy all of a sudden. "I guess I need to show you where the bedroom is?" Matt just nodded, suddenly overwhelmed with the prospect of making love to Tom for the first time. And he was seriously thinking of it as making love, not having sex. Wasn't that a bit of an interesting revelation? He followed Tom along the narrow hallway and into the last room on the left. It was much bigger than his bedroom in the cabin. The bed was a king covered in a dark blue spread and several colorful pillows. There were two night stands, the dresser under the window on the opposite wall, and two doors to the left. One of them was ajar, giving him a view into a bathroom. The other was closed but most likely a walk-in closet. There was a comfortable looking easy chair on their right. He wasn't really interested in the décor, though. Having taken in his new surroundings, 81
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he turned toward Tom. The other man stood very still, his shaking hands giving Matt pause. Was he nervous? Or was there something else going on? Matt reached for him and when there was no sign of resistance he took Tom into his arms, cupping the back of his head in one hand and sliding his other arm around the man's middle. "What's wrong?" He stroked the back of Tom's head hoping this would calm him down. "I'm sorry. I guess I'm more nervous than I thought. I really want this but I don't know what your rules are." Tom trembled in his arms and his breath came in ragged gasps. "My rules?" Matt was trying very hard not to show how shocked he was at the question, what it said about Tom's expectations. "Yes, you know? How you want me to behave, what I'm supposed to do?" Tom's arms were still at his sides. He was completely passive. This was so different from his normal behavior Matt had to blink, making sure it was the same man. "Shit, Tom, I don't even know where to start." Matt took a deep breath and walked them to the easy chair. He sat down, spreading his legs so Tom could sit between them. At first the other man sat stiffly but with a 82
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little encouragement he got Tom to lean against his chest. They needed to be comfortable for this conversation. "Okay, let's start at the beginning. I really want to understand what's going on in your head and what you need." Matt hoped he'd put Tom more at ease with his question. "It's not about what you want?" Tom looked up and his beautiful his eyes were dark and restless. "No. Well, yes, in a way it is. But first I want to understand why you think you need rules, why you expect me to tell you what to do. I don't get that." He suspected it was what Preston had taught Tom. He wanted to kill the man for taking away Tom's confidence. "It's what Preston taught me to expect. But it's not the same for you, is it?" Tom frowned and shook his head. "I'm going to have to learn how to do this right all over again, don't I?" "If you mean you'll have to learn how the two of us relate to each other in the bedroom, I think you're right. But that doesn't mean I'm the one to make up the rules and you're the one to follow them. Unless that's what you want." He wasn't sure Tom even knew whether following orders was what he wanted or whether it was just what he'd been taught by that idiot. "I like to be told what to do. It makes me feel safe, like I don't have to worry about what happens, or about 83
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making mistakes." Tom ducked his head. "But with Preston it turned into something else, didn't it?" Matt wished Tom would look at him while they were talking but he couldn't very well make it an order, could he? He'd be doing the same exact thing as the bastard of an ex. And until he knew what Tom really wanted he wasn't comfortable telling him what to do. "Yes, it did. He took my initial agreement to mean he could do whatever he wanted. Even when I stopped liking it. Even when I asked him to stop." Tom still didn't look up. "Okay, this makes things a little more difficult. But there's a very easy way to make sure I don't ever do anything you don't want me to do." Matt was relieved when Tom finally looked up again. "There is?" Tom's eyebrows rose. "It's called a 'safe word'. Do you know what that is?" Matt watched Tom carefully for a reaction. "I-I've read about it on the Internet." Tom's lips quivered. "But he refused to give me one. He said real men didn't need safe words." "Bullshit!" Matt was so angry it was hard to sit still. "Anyone who tells you that doesn't know what they're talking about. You always need a safe word when one partner is in charge of the other. It's a matter of trust on both sides to know the submissive partner has a way of 84
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letting the dominant partner know when he needs things to stop." "That makes a lot more sense than what Preston told me. It also makes me trust you even more, since you're telling me this. Thank you." Tom slid his arms around Matt's neck and leaned into him, just looking for comfort. Matt didn't know what to say. He was touched by the other man's trust, especially after everything he'd been through. He wasn't sure he wanted their first time to be about submission and dominance, though. As much as he liked the sound of playing like that, he also wanted the 'vanilla' part of the relationship. He'd experimented with both, as much as his father's supervision would allow, and had found out he liked, no, needed, one as much as the other. He could only hope Tom would be comfortable with that. **** Matt had been silent for so long that Tom was beginning to wonder if something was wrong after all. He felt so safe in this man's arms, even now when they were in the bedroom and he knew what Matt wanted. He'd been shaking inside ever since they'd entered. Knowing they were going to have sex had changed everything for him. Suddenly, he was back with Preston, 85
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the bastard brutally dominating him even when he'd told him he didn't want it. Thank God he'd gotten away from him eventually, but the experience had left deeper scars than he'd suspected. Like not ever wanting sex again hadn't been enough of a hint. "Matt?" It took everything he had to look up. "Sorry, I just—I'm having a hard time imagining anyone wanting to hurt you." Matt tightened his embrace. "And, to be honest, I'm not sure what's the best thing to do." "What would you like to do?" God, he hoped Matt wasn't going to reject him, now he knew what a stupid fool he'd been. "I'll do anything you want. Just don't-don't hate me, please." "First of all, I don't hate you. Why should I?" Matt frowned. "You've been nothing but honest with me." "But I have so much baggage to deal with." How could he possibly be attractive to another man? To someone as wonderful and perfect as Matt? "I think you're worth it, okay? We can get through this together, I just know it. And we haven't talked about my baggage yet. By the time we do you'll see you're not alone. Not that my past is as horrible as yours, but I've been through my share of issues with lovers and family drama. I didn't move all the way to Africa just because the weather 86
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is nicer there, you know?" Matt pulled back a little. "Now, as for you doing anything I want, that is exactly what has me worried. I don't want to do anything that'll remind you of Preston. I have some experience with dominance and submission, but I'm not sure we're ready to try any of that. Not with your past experience and us only having met barely two weeks ago." "What are you saying?" Was this a rejection? Maybe Matt had lost all interest in sex with him. God, he was such a moron. Why hadn't he just shut up and pretended everything was okay? "I'm saying I'm not sure we're ready to explore your submission yet." Matt lifted a hand and cupped his cheek, caressing the skin with his thumb. "Not even with a safe word?" He swallowed, touched by the gentle gesture but so afraid Matt was going to give up on him after all. "You really want this, don't you?" Matt kissed him, much too briefly. He nodded, too afraid to speak and say something stupid. "Okay, we're going to pick a safe word for you, just so you have it if I do anything you don't like, okay?" Matt sat back, looking more relaxed. "But for this first time, I think we should play it safe and just explore each other." "So we both do what we want?" That was kind of 87
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exciting. "Yes, that's it." Matt nodded. "So, what's your safe word going to be?" "Bagel." "Bagel?" Matt's eyebrows rose. "Yeah, baking them makes me feel safe, so I thought… is it really stupid?" He had no clue how to pick a good safe word, other than what he'd read about it needing to be distinctive, something you wouldn't normally say during sex. "No, it's not stupid at all. I was just surprised." Matt grinned. "I like it." "Yeah?" It made him feel a lot better. God, he really was pathetic, to need praise and approval so badly. "Yeah." "So, what's your safe word?" He smiled at Matt's shocked expression. "Well it's only fair, right? If we're both going to experiment, and I do something you don't like, you have to be able to tell me." "True." Matt chuckled. "I think I'll go for elephant." "Do I want to know why?" It was his turn to raise his eyebrows. "It's just that an elephant is really hard to ignore." Matt winked. "I swear, that's the oddest reason, but I'm sure as hell going to stop whatever I'm doing when you say it." 88
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And that was the whole point, wasn't it?
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Chapter Six Tom closed his eyes and leaned back into Matt. The discussion had taken a lot out of him, but the man's reaction gave him hope. The mood was sort of gone now, though, and he wasn't sure how to get it back. His eyes opened involuntarily with the realization he did want to get it back. Despite everything, he wanted to know what it was like to have sex when both partners were willing. Hell, when he was willing. Maybe he wasn't ready to go all the way, but he needed to try. "Baby? Are you okay?" Matt's voice traveled straight from the man's chest into Tom's body, the vibrations making him realize how close they were. "Yeah, I think I am." He turned around, suddenly needing to see his soon-to-be-lover. "I've just realized I actually want this with you." "You didn't, before?" Matt frowned. "No. No, that's not true, I did." How was he going to explain this? "I wanted it because I had a physical reaction, and because I knew you were ready for the next step." "And now it's different?" Matt tilted his head. "Yeah, now I want to see what it's like when I don't have to be passive all the time. When I can explore and be a full partner." He could feel himself blush and dropped his 90
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gaze. Matt must think him such a weakling. Matt's hand was under his chin in seconds and gently pushed it upwards. "I'm glad you told me." Matt smiled and pressed their lips together, pulling back a little so he could whisper into his ear. "I can't wait for what you're going to do to me." "Can we kiss some more?" He loved Matt's kisses. "We can kiss all you want, anytime." Matt grinned and shifted in the chair. "But I think we'd be more comfortable lying down for this." "Okay." That he could easily do. He got up, sliding his hand into Matt's, tugging experimentally as he started moving toward the bed. Matt followed willingly and they sat on the edge, thigh to thigh. Still holding onto Matt's hand, he lifted his free arm so he could touch the other man's face. It was such a strong face, with his square jaw and the heavy beard growth. He let his fingertips wander across the stubbled skin, stroking the jaw line in slow, tender movements. Matt smiled, making the skin around his eyes crinkle and deepening the laugh lines there. They were one of his most attractive features to Tom. A man with laugh wrinkles had a sense of humor, he'd thought when he first met him. It looked like this was true. The blue of Matt's eyes deepened as Tom continued his fingertip exploration 91
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of his face, touching the forehead, running his fingers through the short hair and cupping the back of his head. He moved forward, kissing Matt's temple, wanting to do more, but the angle was all wrong. Only hesitating a few seconds, he half rose to swing one leg across Matt's thighs so he straddled the other man. They both moaned when their half hard cocks touched through the fabric of their pants. He wiggled a little until he could really feel Matt against himself. Better. "Baby…" Matt's voice was lower than normal and he slid his arms around Tom's middle, pulling him closer. "Let me?" Tom put his hands on Matt's arms, moving them up and down to feel the strong biceps through the sweatshirt. "Of course, but you're going to drive me crazy." Matt didn't look angry or even annoyed, though, just very aroused. "Good crazy?" He wasn't into making Matt suffer. Matt nodded and scooted back a little. It enabled Tom to rest his full lower legs on the bed and would give him more leverage when he wanted it. Cool! He moved his hands to take Matt's face between them, staring into the other man's eyes, just because he could. If he wasn't careful, he'd drown in those deep blue depths. What a way to go! Matt looked back at him without 92
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hesitation, only blinking occasionally. When it got a little too intense, Tom moved forward and started placing little kisses across Matt's forehead, down his nose, along one cheekbone and down the jaw line, then back up the other until he'd completed the circle. The sound of Matt's breaths as they sped up, the scent of his musky odor, and the feeling of the soft skin against his lips was increasing his desire by the second. When he reached Matt's mouth, he couldn't resist, and licked along the lips. Hmmm, a little bit of coffee and a lot of pure Matt. He did it again, making the other man moan. He loved that sound. It made him want more. He kissed his way along the now smiling mouth, licking the corner and pushing closer. Matt's mouth opened and he dove in, no longer willing to hold back. The heat and intense flavor hit him at the same time as the man's tongue moved toward his in a greeting which said 'welcome' more clearly than any words could have. The feeling of Matt's tongue caressing his with slow, tender movements was so intimate he had to pull back to regain some control. His pants were so tight it wasn't funny, but he didn't want to stop. Suddenly, all he could think of was being as close as possible to Matt, exploring his hot, wet mouth, preferably until the end of his life. Matt's eyes were bright, his cheeks were flushed 93
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and his breaths were audible little gasps which puffed hot air against his chin. With a helpless little whimper, he dove back in, pushing hard enough for Matt to sink back against the bed. He landed on top, his chest now pressed against the other man's. The increased contact was even better, and he lost himself in the kiss. Matt's hands on his ass cheeks, holding him down as he ground his aching cock into the other man's equally hard erection brought him back to consciousness. He gentled the kiss before he pulled back. Out of breath and more aroused than he could remember being ever before, he looked down at Matt. "I don't know what to do." His voice was low with embarrassment, his hips wouldn't stay still. "I don't want to come in my pants, but I can't stop. This feels so good." "There's nothing wrong with coming in your pants. It's a little messy, that's all. But we can always put them in the laundry, right?" Matt's smile was a little strained as he moved his hands away from Tom's ass to hold onto his hips instead. Not what he wanted. "We can go for it, or we can take a little time to get naked." Matt's thumbs caressed his hips as he held on. "Whatever we decide, we better do it quickly, because I'm not too far off coming, in my pants or out." It was damned difficult to think while his hips kept 94
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moving against Matt, the other man not telling him to stop and Tom wanting nothing more than to come. Damn it! "Naked." It was bound to be more comfortable afterwards. Even though their few previous encounters hadn't been half as intense as this one, he'd loved the cuddling afterwards. He'd never had that before, and suspected it was going to be his favorite part of having fullon sex as well. Not that they were going to go there tonight, not with the way his cock was already leaking pre-cum. He could feel the wet spot in his boxers. "Good decision."Matt grinned, relief evident on his face. Maybe he wasn't so bad at this after all? Prying himself away from Matt was one of the most difficult things he'd ever done. It was as if their bodies were magnetic, and just didn't want to let go of each other. His heart was in real danger as well. The separation was going to be no longer than a minute, maybe two. He shook his head at his own stupidity and made himself rise so he could get off the bed and undress. Matt did the same, and clothes were flying into corners within seconds. He'd never gotten undressed this quickly, that was for sure. When he was done he looked up and took a few moments to enjoy seeing his soon-to-belover naked for the first time. His broad shoulders looked as if they could carry the weight of the world. The dark, 95
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crinkly hairs on his wide chest were as attractive as they'd been the first time Tom had laid eyes on them. A flat abdomen with just the hint of a six pack begged to be licked, and the dark treasure trail the led downwards further enhanced his need to touch. Matt's cock was perfectly formed, standing up almost vertically, flush with blood and thickly veined. Tom licked his lips. Matt groaned and his cock actually twitched. Man, that was sexy. Matt opened his arms and Tom practically fell into them. They tumbled onto the bed, him lying half over Matt, trying to crawl inside the man as he returned to kissing him for all he was worth. His cock was pressing up against Matt's thigh, just like Matt's was pushing against his. The combined pre-cum provided more than enough natural lube to make the friction pleasurable. Perfect! He slid his hands into Matt's hair at the same time as the other man moved his hot hands down his back and grabbed his ass cheeks. The increased pressure almost set him off, and Matt wasn't far behind, from the sounds he was making. "Won't take much." Matt panted against his half open mouth. "Ungh." He was beyond words already. 96
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"Fuck!" Matt grabbed his ass cheeks more tightly, thrusting up against his thigh while holding him down. He pushed against his lover as hard as he could, moving his hips in small circles to increase the number and intensity of the pleasurable flashes of ecstasy already racing through his body. His skin tingled all over and his balls were about to burst with his need to come. Matt's fingers slid into his crease as the man held onto him so tightly he was sure he was going to have bruises. When they touched his hole, it was all over. He lifted his head as his body stiffened and he came in spurts of pleasure making him shake all over. His lover grunted and sprayed more heat between them, jerking as he pushed up against Matt and almost making him come again. He dropped his head into the warm space between Matt's neck and shoulder and held onto his lover while little aftershocks coursed through his body. Matt's arms held him securely and he mumbled low words of reassurance. Tom had no idea what he was saying, he was too far gone to be able to make out the details. His bones were melted, and he felt better than he ever had after sex. He burrowed into Matt, not caring about the stickiness between them. All he wanted was to stay this close to the man for as long as possible. "That's it." Matt's hands stroked his back. "Just relax for a bit." 97
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"Hmmm…" He didn't have a choice anyway. Relaxing was all he was capable of at the moment. Knowing he could trust Matt to take care of him like nobody ever had before, he closed his eyes and drifted into sleep. He'd never been happier. **** Matt lay very still, trying to make sure he wouldn't wake the still softly snoring man in his arms. Thankfully he'd found the energy to clean them both before falling asleep last night, or else there'd be no chance of him staying still now. Tom had been so out of it, he hadn't moved a muscle when Matt ran the soft wash cloth over all the sticky spots he could find. Interestingly, Tom had arrowed straight back into his arms as soon as he crawled under the covers again. It was as if his lover had an internal sensor which knew where he was; one that worked even in sleep. Tom had latched on tightly and hadn't given an inch since then. The man was still plastered against his side, morning wood pressing into his hip and his soft exhales caressing his skin. It was nice and warm under the covers, and for once he wasn't cold now he'd awoken. That alone would have convinced him to spend more nights with Tom, 98
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even if he hadn't wished for it before, just for the joy of having the man's company. The revelations about the depth of Tom's issues had surprised and shocked him a little. He sighed. He'd have to hold back more than usual, to make sure he wasn't pushing the other man into anything he wasn't ready for or didn't want. Not a problem per se, but considering he only had a few short months with him, it would be hard not to jump right in and make the most of it while he was here. He grinned as he realized making the most of it was a very relative term. Maybe he just needed to make the offer tempting enough so Tom couldn't resist? He knew just the thing to start this new approach. Disentangling himself from his lover's tight embrace turned out to be more difficult than he'd thought. He held his breath and stopped moving a few times, afraid Tom would wake up too early. Placing a bunched-up pillow under Tom's head to replace his own body, he gradually made his way under the covers, keeping his face as close to the other man's warm skin as possible. He took deep breaths of the musky morning odor which was much more intense in the confined space. His cock was fully hard by the time he was in licking distance of Tom's hard erection. Going more by feel than by sight in the half-light, he stuck out his tongue and found Tom's cock lying against his stomach. He licked around the glans a few times to 99
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make sure he'd captured all the pre-cum. Tom moaned and turned onto his back. Matt froze. When no other movement was forthcoming, he carefully moved between Tom's legs and took the tip of his cock between his lips. Sliding a hand up along his lover's thighs, he cradled his balls in his hand and rolled them slowly as he went down on the thick shaft. "Mhm…" Tom's voice sounded muffled and he squirmed a little. Matt smiled and started bobbing his head, making sure his lips made a tight enough seal so Tom would feel the suction. He let his tongue join in, focusing on the sensitive spot on the underside of the thickening shaft before sliding down again. "Matt?" Tom's hand touched his head, fingers sliding into his hair and holding on. Nice. He redoubled his efforts, experimenting with a careful squeeze of the soft balls as he increased the tempo of his sucking. "Fuck that feels good." Tom's hips bucked as his second hand joined the first in holding onto Matt's hair. Tom's cock head slammed into the back of his throat, almost making him gag. But he quickly relaxed his throat muscles, letting his lover in all the way. Swallowing around the soft tip made Tom howl and hot semen started 100
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spurting into his mouth as he drew back far enough to be able to taste his lover. The salty-bitter flavor was invigorating, and he licked up every drop, making sure he got it all. "Come here." Tom pulled him up very gently. He went into his lover's arms and opened up for the hot kiss which followed. He was still achingly hard, but as soon as Tom's hand enclosed his cock, he started coming. Pleasure rolled through his body as he emptied his balls, screaming into the other man's mouth. "Oh, shit, that was hot." Tom pulled back, but leaving his hand right where it was. Had he been ten years younger he'd have probably stayed hard. As it was, he was too exhausted from the surprising intensity of his orgasm to be able to do as much as twitch. What a way to start a Sunday! "Yeah." He chuckled. "Is it time for a nap yet?" "No way!" Tom smiled and gave one last squeeze to Matt's flaccid cock before sliding his arm up and licking his hand clean. "Now I'm up, I'm going to stay that way and enjoy my Sunday morning with you." "Talk about hot!" His cock attempted to rise at the view of his lover cleaning him up enthusiastically. "You like that?" Tom grinned and kept licking. "Oh, yeah." Matt moved closer and joined in the effort. 101
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Their tongues touched and pretty soon one hot kiss followed the next as their passion rose again. He did want a shower more than the next round at that point, so he suggested they get cleaned up while they were at it. To his utter joy, he found the combination of hot water and Tom's wet skin to be as intoxicating as he'd imagined. The mutual orgasm they stroked each other to wasn't bad either. He made a mental note to increase his vitamin dosage as they dried off and got dressed. Half an hour later they sat at the small table in the kitchen, the morning sun streaming in through the window and making everything sparkle. The turning trees outside provided a very colorful backdrop to the peaceful breakfast scene playing out inside. Excellent coffee, fresh-baked bagels which Tom had made from scratch, and a delightfully
thick
Sunday
paper
were
wonderful
accompaniments to the best thing of all. Tom was sitting across from him, studying the business section with all the concentration he could muster. "Oh. My. God." "What?" Matt looked up and almost chocked on his final piece of bagel when he noticed the state Tom was in. His lover was white as a sheet and his hands were shaking, making the newspaper rustle. The man stared at the page on his right as if the thing had just bitten him. "What's going on?" He rose from his seat and 102
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moved behind Tom so he could see what he'd been reading that had him so upset. Tom pointed at an article on the top right. Halderson Construction in financial trouble. That was just the headline. The brother of local businessman and part-owner, Thomas Halderson, today revealed the serious ongoing financial problems this company has been having for the last few months. Not only that, but some of the practices they follow are allegedly illegal. Derek Halderson, who worked at the company for a few months upon his return from New York City, recently quit his position because he thought it immoral, if not illegal, to keep deceiving customers. There was more, but he'd see enough. "What utter bullshit." He took the paper from Tom's shaking fingers, folded it, and placed it on the table. "Thanks." Tom's voice shook as much as his hands. "I can't believe he did that." "Well, I think he's gone too far. I have no idea how he got the newspaper to print such crap, but you've got to stop him." Matt was ready to march over to wherever the bastard lived to give him a piece of his mind, then force him to retract and apologize. Publicly. "What can I do?" Tom looked up. "Take this to a lawyer and sue him? Make sure the paper prints your side of the story?" Hire someone to beat 103
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him up? "He's my brother. He should be on my side." Tom covered his face with his hands and slumped forward, resting his head on the table. "What have I ever done to him to deserve this sort of treatment?" "This isn't about anything you've done to him." He may not know the entire story, but he was pretty sure Tom was incapable of being mean to his brother. Shit, he was still hesitating even now! "But then why?" Tom looked up, still deathly pale and a suspicious gleam to his eyes. "I don't know, since I haven't spoken to him." He was sure going to find out the details one way or another though. "But from what you've told me, his key problem is the fact you got the company and he didn't. It's not rational. It was your father's decision in the first place. He'd broken off contact, wanting nothing to do with you or your father, and apparently has no talent for business. But then, most people aren't rational about inheritance disputes. He's just taking it a step further and trying to destroy your success as well." "I can't go against my own brother like that, never mind in public. It'll only make the scandal even bigger if we start throwing dirt at each other. The newspapers and gossip magazines will have a field day." Tom shook his head. "There has to be another way." 104
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"You have a point." Matt nodded and sat back down, the immediate crisis seeming to have passed. "But whatever we do, it'll have to be fast and effective." And he was personally going to make this his top priority. Tom had a whole company and major damage control to face, he wouldn't have the time to go after his brother. On top of which it seemed he found it difficult to imagine Derek was that devious, despite all the evidence. Having to go up against him was going to be extremely difficult, if not impossible, for Tom. No, it was going to be his job to deal with Derek.
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Chapter Seven "Thanks for agreeing to come to the office on a Sunday afternoon, Ken." Tom sat at the visitors table, the damnable newspaper at his side. Matt had wanted to come with him, but really, this was his problem. He'd promised to call the minute they were done with the strategy meeting, so they could spend the rest of the weekend together. Even if it wouldn't be as carefree as he'd hoped, it beat having to sit in his apartment and brood. "Hey, no problem." Ken put the coffees in paper cups he'd gotten on the table and took a seat. "We're partners, so we're in this together." "I'm just sorry my brother is such an ass. I have no idea what's gotten into him, nor what he thinks he can achieve with this." He waved at the article visible on top of the folded sheets. "It doesn't sound like he wants to take over the company, does it?" Ken pried the plastic lid off his coffee and added a few packets of sugar before stirring it with the thin wooden stirrer from the store. "He's got to realize putting out rumors like that is likely to destroy Halderson's reputation irrevocably. If we can't find a way to stop him, we'll go bankrupt. There'll be nothing left of the business." "Don't I know it." He frowned as he took the first 106
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sip of his thankfully black drink. "I wonder whether he does, though. Based on what we saw when he worked here, he doesn't seem to have any understanding of business at all." "Too right." Ken tilted his head as a thought seemed to strike him. "Which makes me wonder if he has help?" "Help?" Someone else was after them as well? "Who would even be interested?" "Oh, I don't know, a competitor maybe?" Ken's eyes narrowed. "It would be a pretty shitty thing to do, but with the economy as bad as it is, the competition for each available job just keeps getting more intense. We've been doing okay, but some of the others haven't." "We've done a lot of restorations though, not something all of them are even qualified for." The whole thing didn't make sense. "Qualified or not, I bet you they're envious." Ken had a sip of his coffee, grimaced, and added even more sugar. "They're the better paid jobs, there isn't as much haggling on the prices because stuff has to be done right, and the type of client who owns antique properties is far less affected by the economic downturn than the average man on the street looking for home repairs. And with fewer new houses being built, that's the type of job which is becoming more common." "Shit." He rubbed his face with his hands, suddenly 107
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feeling exhausted. "Put that way, it makes more sense than I'd like it to make." "I know. I don't want it to be true either." Ken finally seemed happy with the sweetness of his coffee and took a few sips. "But even if we assume a competitor is in on this, it doesn't really help us solve the immediate problem of people reading the article and withdrawing their orders, does it?" "Maybe not." Shit, he wasn't a public relations expert. "We'd have to get the newspaper to write about our side of the story, wouldn't we?" "True. Except I can't see how we could do that without some sort of proof." Ken finished his coffee. "I'm not so sure. Derek seems to have gotten them to write this crap without a shred of proof, who says they wouldn't do the same for us? As long as it's sensationalist enough and increases the number of newspapers they sell, they probably won't care." He leaned back in his chair, focusing on trying to find a hole in his argument. "Possibly." Ken nodded slowly. "So we go talk to the journalist, see if he's open to writing another article. But what if he doesn't want to talk to us or isn't interested? After all, putting something right isn't half as interesting as stirring things up." "And he would sort of admit he didn't check everything before he wrote the first article." Tom's heart 108
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fell. "You're right, he'll never go for it." "Hey, I didn't say that." Ken sat up straight. "We won't know until we try. All I want us to do is think about a backup plan, in case our first idea doesn't work." "Well, there's the police, even though I'm not sure who we'd need to talk to. And since there wasn't a body or serious property damage, they might not be willing or able to do anything quickly enough to help us prevent more damage." This was beginning to look worse the longer they looked at it. Some strategy meeting this was! "But defamation of character is illegal." Ken looked indignant. "I'm sure they have more urgent cases to take care of." He'd never trusted them to do the right thing, not after the way they'd dismissed his father's death as an accident without even so much as looking at any of the evidence. His father had been an experienced construction worker, after all, what was the likelihood of him just falling off a roof? "Okay, so if they can't help quickly enough, that leaves us with talking to Derek, trying to get him to stop what he's doing." Ken shook his head. "Not that I think we have a chance, he seems so irrational about the whole situation." "Yeah. I wouldn't hold my breath for that one to work." His brother had always been stubborn, just look at 109
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what happened when he left town because his father didn't want him to marry Simone? Even though Dad had been proven right and the woman had turned out to be a moneygrabbing bitch, Derek hadn't so much as acknowledged it. "Okay, so we track down the journalist and hope he'll agree to help us out. We should probably do that today." Ken waited for him to nod. "If that fails, we go to the police, see if they're going to look into it for us." "Sounds like a plan." He had a feeling none of it would work, though, plan or no plan. "We should also get ready for lots of phone calls and more critical questions from existing as well as new clients." "Probably best to have a staff meeting first thing on Monday to let everyone know, if they haven't found out about the article already. At least we can make sure we all tell people the same story." Ken crumpled his paper cup before tossing it at the bin meant for trash. What a nightmare! Derek was nothing but a pain for him now, instead of being the big brother he'd loved. But what he'd done now meant he'd grown from an annoyance over the last six months to a real threat. It looked as if he might have to go up against his own brother, his family, and confront him. He hated the thought of it. But what choice did he have? None!
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**** Matt wished the living room of the rental cabin was bigger. He'd been pacing the length of it for what felt like hours, and had spent half that time turning because a wall was in his face. What he really needed was to go outside for a run. Except it was way too cold, and he didn't dare leave for fear of missing Tom when he returned. The man had left his cell phone in Matt's car, so there was no way of getting in touch with him. Thank God they'd agreed to meet up here after Tom was done. He was grateful he'd made it back from his own inquiries before Tom had returned. Matt still wasn't sure how his lover would take his helping him. He'd assumed Derek was maliciously sabotaging Tom and had acted accordingly. But Tom had a higher-than normal degree of loyalty to his family, or what was left of it. Even if he thought it was totally misplaced, and had set his plan in motion, Tom might not agree. He hoped their budding affair would survive this. Even if it didn't, Derek needed to be stopped. At the very least, Tom would hopefully be safe from his insanely vengeful brother once the bastard had been proven guilty. Finally, a car stopped outside, its door banged shut and moments later the doorbell rang. Matt had rarely made it to the door so quickly, tearing it open with enough energy 111
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to lose control over it. Even the loud banging sound when it collided with the wall couldn't make him look away from Tom. "Hi." Tom looked pale, dejected and utterly exhausted. His normally spiky hair was a mess and he hadn't even put on a jacket. "Hey. Come in." He stepped aside, closed the door and took his lover into his arms. Tom was stiff as a board at first, but Matt rubbed his back and he gradually relaxed. Finally, he dropped his head onto Matt's shoulder and his arms came around his middle. Better. "Are you okay?" He kept his voice low, wanting to keep the intimacy of the moment between them. "Beginning to be." Tom sighed. "Thank you." "For what?" He pulled back so he could look at his lover. "I haven't done anything yet." "For being here. For holding me." Tom sniffled and jerkily wiped his eyes before he looked up. "God, I'm a pathetic mess." "You've been through a lot." He walked them to the sofa and sat them both down. "And just for the record, I love holding you." "Th-thanks." Tom covered his face with his hands and rubbed, pulling himself together as he sat up. "Okay, 112
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doing better now." "How did the meeting with Ken go?" He hoped they'd come up with some activities to bridge the next couple of days until his own plan showed results. "About as well as could be expected." Tom laughed, but there was no humor in the sound. "We decided we should try to convince the journalist to print our side of the story." "That's a great idea. Did you manage to get hold of him?" Matt leaned forward. "Yes, we did." Tom grimaced. "He wasn't interested in our story. Said it would be too 'boring' for people, and his editor wouldn't let him print it." "What a hack!" For a moment, Matt wished he had more influence in this city, like his father had back home. What a horrible thought, though. He'd never abuse his power. But it was a tempting fantasy when all he wanted to do was protect his lover! "True." Tom smiled for the briefest time and it lit up his face and lightened Matt's heart. "But there's nothing we can do about it, other than maybe finding a rival newspaper who will print our side of the story. I'm just not sure it's worth starting a whole media war about this. Who knows what Derek will come up with next if he sees us fighting back in public?" "Not that I think you should be protecting the idiot, 113
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but you may be right. We don't want this to become worse." He took Tom's hand. "What do you want to do next?" "Well, we already tried one more thing. Ken didn't think it would work, but I thought we should at least try to speak to the police about this." Tom shrugged. "They didn't jump up and down with excitement, but they said they'd look into it, talk to Derek and the journalist to see if he had any evidence. They said a visit from law enforcement might scare them off, but I'm not holding my breath." "Neither am I." He squeezed Tom's hand in support. "But I'm glad you went to see them anyway, it was worth a try." "The only other thing we can try to do is talk to Derek, get him to stop." Tom sighed. "I so don't want to have to do that. It shouldn't be a problem, he's my brother for heaven's sake. But I dread having to see him. Does that make any sense?" "Of course it does. Look at how much he's hurt you." If this hate campaign of his went on much longer, Matt was going to go see Derek on his own. Not having to hold back for Tom's sake would free him to be much more—direct—in his approach. "Yeah, but still." Tom leaned back, dropping his head on the backrest and closing his eyes. "We're going to have a staff meeting tomorrow morning so everyone knows what's going on and what to say in case clients ask any 114
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specific questions. I should probably go home and get some rest." "Then again, relaxing here with me to take care of you might be even better." Matt wasn't going to just give up and let Tom go. Maybe he could help distract him? "You don't mind?" Tom looked up, so much hope in his eyes. "I won't be very good company." "Let me worry about that. I'm sure we can find something to occupy our time." He winked. "And I promise to let you have an early night, so you're ready to face the day tomorrow." "I'll make sure the work crew knows what to do at your property before I go into the office. I swear this won't impact the completion of the work on your house." Tom smiled ruefully. "Got to keep our existing clients happy, at least." "I'm happy, don't worry." He pulled Tom into his arms. "But that's enough of that for now. I don't want us to talk about work or the project for the rest of the evening, okay? Reality will catch up with us tomorrow morning, and that's early enough." "Is that an order?" Tom's eyes widened and the small smile tugging at his lips made him look—almost hopeful. "Would you like me to make it one?" He raised his eyebrows. Interesting thought. If he did this right, maybe he 115
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could distract Tom enough so his lover forgot about the mess with his brother for a while. "Please?" Tom's eyes begged him to say yes. Matt nodded and the full smile which spread Tom's lips was worth any trouble he'd have to go through. Not that the evening he was planning would be any trouble for him. He was going to have just as good a time as Tom. "Food first." Matt was hungry, and he was pretty sure the other man hadn't eaten much. "I'd like that, sir." Tom's voice was low. His lover wasn't looking at him anymore and his whole body language had changed in the blink of an eye. Well, between him agreeing to play, make their evening a scene, and his lover apparently slipping back into some crap he'd been taught by that idiotic ex-lover of his. "Oh, fuck, no." Matt hated the servitude stuff. "Sorry… what… I thought…" Tom was close to tears all of a sudden, his fingers holding onto the armrest so tightly the knuckles had turned white. Shit, not what he wanted. He took a deep breath. They would figure this out. "Tom, please look at me." Matt hoped he could change his lover's behavior when they were playing, otherwise he'd never be able to have fun with this. He wasn't even sure he could do it at all, not with someone he wanted as his lover rather than a quick encounter in some 116
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club. "Have you changed your mind?" Tom's head came up slowly. His eyes rose, the confusion in them breaking Matt's heart. "No, I haven't. But I'm not into slavery and blind obedience. And I'd like to limit our play to the bedroom for now. Or at least to situations with a sexual context, which might be anywhere in the house." He sighed and held out his hand. He was relieved when Tom took it and held on. Good, at least there was some sort of basic trust there. "What makes this whole dominance and submission thing so exciting for me is it's a voluntary power exchange, but one that doesn't change who we are to each other. I'd like us to still be lovers who call each other by name, for example. The only difference will be I get to decide what we do when we have sex." "That's very different." Tom frowned. "I like it though." "Thank God!" He grinned. "Now can we have some food?" "Sure." Tom's smile was back and it made all the difference. The meal was quickly prepared, thanks to leftovers from his Friday cooking extravaganza. He'd missed Tom and had made more food than he'd thought. It sure came in handy now. The clean-up was quick and he enjoyed the 117
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gradual rise of anticipation between them. When the last dish had been dried and put away, he held out a hand to Tom and took him upstairs. He stopped at the threshold to his bedroom and turned to his lover. "You're sure?" He searched Tom's eyes for any sign of hesitation but found none. "Yes, I am." Tom squeezed his hand. "I think this could be fun. And you even gave me a safe word, which is way more than I ever had before." "It's supposed to be fun—for both of us." Matt smiled. He took Tom into his arms and moved forward for a kiss. It started slow and tender, but quickly heated up. They were grinding their hips against each other in no time at all. It took an effort to pull back. "Now, there's only one thing I want you to do." He tried to look stern, but it was hard to suppress his smile at Tom's eager look. His lover really did like to be told what to do. "I don't want you to come until I tell you." Tom's hips bucked against him as his eyes widened. A small whimper escaped his half-open mouth as his grip on Matt's arm tightened. Bingo! "Can you do that for me?" Matt let his grin grow. "Whatever I do to you, there will be no coming, no orgasm, 118
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unless I allow it." "Shit, Matt, just hearing you say that like you do makes me so hard. I want to come now." Tom took a deep breath and relaxed his shoulders. "But I will try." "Good." He pointed at the bed. "I want you to get ready for bed, pull down the covers and lay on your stomach." "Okay." Tom nodded and vanished into the bathroom across the hall. Matt busied himself preparing the items he'd need. A tie and the massage oil were quickly found, and he hid both in the night stand. When Tom returned from the bathroom, his pajama pants were gratifyingly tented. He gave the tempting bulge a quick stroke, making both of them groan and rushed to the bathroom to brush his teeth, do his business and wash up a little. Not bothering with his pajamas, he went back to the bedroom, quickly closing the door behind him to keep in the warmth. The view of Tom on the bed, his gorgeous body stretched out in all its tempting glory, was magnificent. Matt's eyes wandered from the back of his head, down the strong muscles on the back, across the taut ass and along the well-muscled thighs all the way to his feet. This was going to be such fun. He moved up to the bed, watching Tom breathe and admiring the flow of muscles under the light skin. For a 119
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moment he thought his lover had already fallen asleep, his breathing was so deep and regulated. But the slight wriggle as he was trying to get more comfortable said otherwise. Slowly opening the nightstand drawer, he pulled out the tie and bent forward to slide it around his lover's head. "What?" Tom opened his eyes to look at what was going on. "Oh." "I just want you to focus on feeling what I do to you, without any visual distractions, okay?" He wasn't trying to make Tom uncomfortable, and if he had trouble with the makeshift blindfold, they could go with a command to keep his eyes closed instead. That might actually be fun as well. "It's no problem." Tom smiled at him. "I was just surprised." He nodded back and quickly blindfolded Tom, letting him return to his relaxed pose. Taking the little bottle with oil in one hand to warm it up a little, he started caressing his lover's body with soft strokes of his other hand. Tom moved into the caresses beautifully, softly moaning and whimpering when Matt touched an especially sensitive spot. He'd already discovered his lover wasn't ticklish, but the skin at his nape, the spot between his shoulder blades, and the small of his back were particularly sensitive areas. Then he started the massage in earnest. Beginning 120
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at Tom's neck and shoulders, he worked his way down, kneading and caressing the muscles and skin to his heart's content. Tom was soon grinding his hips against the bed and was moaning in delight when Matt started to focus on massaging his ass. "Remember, no coming without permission." Matt's voice was as stern as he could make it. It was a good thing Tom was blindfolded, or he would have seen how hard Matt was for him. Even though he was under no obligation to refrain from coming, it was only fair he held back as well. "Please." Tom's voice was muffled, his grip on the pillow got tighter by the minute. "Please, I need to come so bad." "Hold on, you can do it." It was such a turn-on to have Tom begging like this. He was about to come himself, so there was no way he was going to draw this out much longer. "Turn around for me." He kept his hands on Tom's hip and shoulder as the other man turned around. When he was on his back, the erection trying to poke though the thin fabric of the pajama, Matt cleaned his hands on a small towel he'd brought. He lowered the pants to pull the straining erection out, enclosed it in his hand and slowly stroked up and down. "Matt!" Tom fisted his hands. That was pure 121
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desperation. "Please!" "Come for me." He bent down as Tom's hips shot upward and enclosed the tip with his lips. Tom screamed and started coming into Matt's mouth, shaking from the force of his orgasm. He swallowed the hot semen filling his mouth as best he could while his own orgasm blindsided him. Spurts of heat splashed against his stomach as he trembled with the pleasure of prolonging Tom's orgasm while shooting like a teenager himself. When they were done, he used the small towel to clean them both, switched off the light and pulled Tom into his arms. "Thank you." Tom snuggled against his chest, already breathing deeply. "You're welcome." He grinned and remembered to pull the blindfold off Tom's face before he closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep.
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Chapter Eight By lunchtime, Tom was wishing he'd never gotten up in the morning. He'd had such a great evening. Matt taking care of him had done a lot more than distracted him from his problems. It had opened up a whole new world of understanding about what it meant to give control to another man. To defer to someone who could make him feel safer and more protected than he'd ever been in his life. He couldn't even call it submission, that wasn't what it was about for him. Maybe it was because that word was forever tainted with Preston's definition of what it meant. More likely, it was because Matt was in a league of his own and what they'd done had been more about them than about roles they were playing. The massage had been amazing, and he couldn't believe how hard Matt being in charge had made him come. His controlling ex had never even come close to making him feel such a level of ecstasy. The longer he thought about it the more it confirmed there really were different types of control, like Matt had explained. Having experienced his first of hopefully many such situations with his new lover, he wanted more. He wanted that a lot. Tom surveyed the chaos that was his company's reception area through the open door of his office, which was in an equal degree of uproar. The phones had rung all 123
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morning, they'd had several personal visits from clients to deal with, and some of the deliveries to job sites all over the city had been delayed. He'd made a few more advance payments than he'd counted on to get the suppliers to deliver, and now all he was waiting for was the call from the bank, demanding an explanation for the depleted state of the company account. Just past lunch, the chaos outside was a little more controlled. Quite a few of the employees still hadn't returned to their desks after their break. Some of the contractors he employed on a regular basis were out there as well. From the sound of the conversations he caught, they were discussing the situation and probably trying to assess the risk of continuing to work for a company which, based on what the newspaper had said, might not be able to pay them at the end of the job. All he wanted to do was drive out to Matt's property and make sure everything was okay. He grinned. He sort of knew the project was doing well, he'd made sure to check up on his team earlier; several times, in fact. It was really Matt he wanted to see. He sighed. That was another problem he'd have to deal with before it was too late. The man was only here for a few months and Tom was getting far too attached to him on an emotional level. That had to stop, or he was bound for yet more heartache when Matt went back to organizing safaris. The man was such an 124
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adventurer, how could he ever hope to hold his interest? As surprising as it was, last night had made him realize how important intimacy was for him. He'd never had that before, but it filled a hole inside him which had only gotten bigger when his father died, and then when Derek left. Now his brother was back and was so nasty, the birth family part of his need would never be fulfilled. But Matt gave him something else, which, on a personal level, was just as satisfying. A few months would never be enough to explore it all, and at the rate he was going, he'd be completely in love with the man by the time spring came around and Matt flew off into the sunset. He needed to pull himself together, stop being emotional about it and take the relationship for what it was. A hot, short affair which could satisfy them both, at least on the sexual level. If he managed to gain some emotional distance and played his cards right, this could be really good. Exploring his need to do what someone else told him with a partner he trusted was only going to help him figure out what to look for in a potential partner. He never wanted to fall for a wannabe Dom idiot like Preston again. Once Matt was gone, he'd be able to look for a new lover, someone who was local and willing to stay. Maybe even build a life with him, if such a thing was possible. For now, he needed to enjoy Matt's company and make the best of the time they had left. 125
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Decision made, he was about to pick up the phone to at least give his lover a call so he could hear his voice when two strangers walked in the door. They looked around, eyebrows raised at the number of people milling around. Let them try to manage a public relations disaster like this! One of the men looked vaguely familiar. He was older, with a slight belly, kept his dark brown hair in a stylish cut and wore a dark blue suit. The second man was painfully thin, wore wire-rimmed glasses and his hair was a mess of red curls. His corduroy pants and brown turtleneck were so out of fashion it was funny. The men marched up to the receptionist, asked a question and she nodded, pointing in his direction. They turned toward him and walked over to his office, looking serious. What now? "Good afternoon, gentlemen, what can I do for you?" He got up and walked around his desk so he could shake their hands. "Mr. Halderson?" The older man held out his hand when Tom nodded. "I'm Gary Ebsen of Ebsen Remodeling, and this is Paul Wade, a member of the city council." That was why the man looked so familiar. He'd run into him at a Chamber of Commerce function last year as 126
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well as seen his picture in a couple of newspaper articles. But why was he here? "Please, have a seat." Tom pointed at the chairs around the visitor table, tying to hide his surprise. What the hell did his key competitor and a member of the city council want from him? The only thing he was sure of was it couldn't be good. Not after recent events and the day he'd been having so far. "Can I get you something to drink?" "No, thank you, we're fine." Mr. Ebsen looked around. "But it would be helpful if you could get your partner, Mr. Talamo, to join us? He may be interested in hearing this as well, since it affects him as much as you. Is he around?" "Yes, I believe he is. Hold on one moment." Tom went back to his desk and called Ken, asking him to join them. If these guys had come here to start more trouble, he'd need all the support he could get. Ken joined them, looking as confused as Tom felt. Once they were all introduced and seated, Mr. Ebsen folded his hands, resting them on the table, and stared at them for a few moments before looking back up. "You're probably wondering why we're here." Not a muscle in the man's face moved as he waited for someone to respond. Tom looked at Ken who shrugged, letting him have the lead. 127
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"Yes." What did the man expect him to say? "Despite the fact you have treated us less than fairly, I thought it was only right for me to approach you with a warning before I take official steps." Mr. Ebsen leaned forward. "Don't get me wrong, I won't hesitate to take this to the authorities. Knowing how much hassle an official inquiry can cause, though, I'm willing to reconsider this step if I get certain assurances from the two of you." "What are you talking about?" Tom knew they hadn't done anything wrong, or immoral, in any area of interaction with their competitors. Rules and procedures weren't his strength, like working with wood was, but still, he was sure he hadn't broken any of them. He certainly hadn't broken any laws. "Well, where do I start?" Mr. Ebsen unfolded his hands and pulled a notebook from his jacket pocket. Opening it, he glanced at it before speaking. "There have been several big remodeling projects recently that should have been ours, but you managed to steal the business from us. We have information from a reliable source to confirm this was based on your obtaining data regarding the bids we were going to make—from our confidential files. You also have incomplete and incorrect employee records, are employing several illegal aliens, and there have been three or more cases of insurance fraud by over insuring the value of inventory you keep in your warehouse." 128
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"The same source has made us aware several applications for building permits contained falsified information." Mr. Wade shook his head, making his curls go every which way. "Needless to say, that is a criminal offense which, if prosecuted, will cost you your business license." "What?" Tom's eyes widened. "Did this 'source' give you any proof?" Ken was pale. Not that any was needed, the allegations alone could finish them. As precarious as their situation was already, character assassination would do the rest. "He did." Mr. Ebsen looked smug. "Impossible." Tom sat back, trying to force the tension out of his body. There was no way any of that was true. Someone was after him, trying to finish what Derek had started. He had to think this through, not react with his gut. "I beg to differ." Mr. Ebsen grinned. "These allegations are serious enough for us to bring charges against you. I hope you realize that?" Mr. Wade raised his eyebrows which made his glasses slide down his nose. Hs movements to push them back up made his curls bounce again. "So why are you here?" Ken narrowed his eyes. "There is something not quite right about that." 129
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"Like I said, an official inquiry is a lot of trouble, and I'd rather avoid it, if I can. My time is better spent on building my business and making money. So, in exchange for your assurance you will no longer compete for remodeling projects with a value of over, say, thirtythousand dollars, we will refrain from making this official." Mr. Ebsen closed and pocketed his notepad, looking at them expectantly. "And you're expecting us to just fold and do nothing?" Ken's face was red, both hands were fisted at his sides. "It would be so much easier for everyone. And you'd still be in business." Mr. Ebsen leaned back. "Well, what do you say?" "We'll have to think about it." Tom was angrier than he'd been in a long time. Feeling so helpless was horrible. These people seemed to have all the information, or rather, pseudo-information, they needed to destroy his father's business. How the hell was he supposed to fight them? "Tom?" Ken had gone pale. "Are you serious?" "Yes. I have no idea what to do to solve this problem. We need to talk about it before we do something stupid." He rubbed his face. Running a business wasn't his thing anyway. Maybe this was a sign for him to give up and focus on what he really wanted to do. Working as a carpenter on a contract 130
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basis was a lot more attractive. He'd earn decent money, without all the stress, and maybe he'd finally find the time to do some woodworking again. "Well, I, for one, am not willing to take these men's word for it." Ken turned back to their visitors. "I want to know who the hell made these accusations in the first place. Without knowing whether that person has even a shred of credibility, I'm not willing to make a major decision like this." "Our source is credible, believe me." Mr. Ebsen smirked, probably seeing victory in his future. "After all, he used to work for you, so he is more than well informed." "He used to work for us?" Ken sank back in his seat, deflated. "Oh shit." Tom felt as if the floor had been pulled from under his feet and he was falling into an abyss filled with horror and despair. This could only mean one thing. Derek had increased the level of aggression and was getting ready to take serious action. How was he supposed to fight his own brother? **** Matt stared at his phone, willing it to ring. It was a lot later than the usual time Tom came over, and he hadn't 131
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heard from him all day. He was beginning to fear his lover had retreated into his shell and had gone home instead of coming to see him and have dinner like they'd agreed. At the very least Tom would call, though, right? Before today, and not seeing his lover since their shared breakfast, he'd had no idea how much he would miss their discussions about the progress of the renovations, his lover's smile as he pointed out some detail, or his comments about the next stages of the projects as they started to plan the details of the following week each Monday. He loved spending time with Tom, and it wasn't just their activities in bed he was interested in. That was a definite first. Why hadn't the man called? What the hell was going on? When the phone finally rang half an hour later he picked it up without even checking who was on the other end. "Baby?" He couldn't wait to hear Tom's voice. "This is no way to answer the phone! I can't believe how far you've sunk. What the hell is wrong with you?" His father's voice grated on his nerves worse than usual. "And who is this baby person anyway? Is she acceptable marriage material? Because if she isn't, don't even start thinking about making it permanent." "Hello to you too, Father." Since when did the man 132
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call him anyway? The last time they'd spoken was months ago, at his mother's funeral. Before that, much to Matt's delight, it had been years. "Don't you dare hello me." His father huffed. "I'm beyond disappointed you didn't even bother to call me all this time you've finally been back in the country. But really, all I want to know is when you're finally going to grow up, come home, and become the son I need you to be to support the family? I do hope you've made the right decision by now." "The right decision to support your political ambitions, you mean?" Matt sighed. He couldn't believe his father would bring this up again. "We've had this discussion before. You know my answer." "Nonsense. Everything has changed. Can't you see, with your mother finally gone, she doesn't stand between us anymore?" His father chuckled. "I've been waiting for this to happen for years. I can't believe how long it took her to see the benefit of dying." Fuck, that hurt. Even from his father, that was a low blow. Matt took a few deep breaths, trying to calm himself down. He was still tempted to hang up on the bastard who had, unfortunately, fathered him. "Hey, you still there?" "Yes, I'm still here." Barely. Matt rubbed his temple. The mother of all headaches was ready to pounce 133
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on him any minute now. "So, what do you say?" His father was beginning to sound impatient. "I'll make it worth your while if you make the right decision." "Father…" What could he say so the man would understand? As far as he could see, it had all been said before. The real problem was his father didn't listen. "Well?" "All I can say is what I've told you before." He took a deep breath. "I don't think this discussion is about growing up, at least not me growing up. I did that a long time ago, when I took mother's last name to make it perfectly clear I did not want to have anything to do with you or your political ambitions. So, as for you being afraid my behavior might reflect badly on you, don't worry. Unless people do detailed research, they wouldn't know I'm your son. And I don't intend to do anything that will make anyone even suspect I'm related to you." "But… but…" His father was speechless? That was a very rare pleasure. "There's no but about it. I'm not coming home, I'm not going to support your political ambitions, and I'm most certainly not going to get married to a woman." He leaned back, checking if there was anything he'd forgotten to say. "Oh, and as for the disgraceful way you spoke about Mother, if nothing else had convinced me I don't want 134
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anything to do with you, that would have confirmed it. As if you hadn't done enough damage to her when she was still alive, what you just said about her now that she's dead is completely disgraceful. Not to her, but to you." "How dare you! I'm still your father, and I don't have to listen to you displaying such levels of disrespect." His father's voice had gotten louder, but he was clearly getting ready for one of his screaming episodes. Except, this time, he wasn't going to listen. "You're right, Father, you don't have to listen to me. And equally, I don't have to listen to you spouting nonsense at me either. Frankly, I think it's best if you don't call me anymore. The eight years before Mother died, during all of which we didn't talk once, were among the most peaceful of my life. I'd like to return to that state. Unless you change your mind, I see no point in any sort of communication." Matt smiled. It felt good to be completely honest with his father. Last time they had this discussion he still held hope things might change. Consequently, he'd held back, trying not to burn his bridges. There was no longer any such need. In his mind, if he never spoke to his father again he would consider it a win. "Unbelievable!" his father was screaming now. "I'll cut you out of my will." "You haven't done that already? I'm disappointed, 135
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Father, you're getting old and slow." Matt knew he was being disrespectful, but he really didn't care anymore. "I don't want any of your money, or anything else from you. That hasn't changed since the last time we spoke, either." "You're impossible and I hate you." "That's
certainly
your
prerogative.
Goodbye
Father." Matt hung up the phone, making a mental note to change the number as soon as possible. He didn't think his father would try to call again, but you never knew and he wanted to make completely sure that man couldn't get at him. As decisive as he'd been while he was still on the phone, the whole discussion had rattled him. He took a deep breath and leaned against the backrest. Divorcing his father, as he'd called it in his own mind, was one thing. The fact he can never really get rid of him was another. There was nothing more he could do for now, so it was time to focus on his future. Tom still hadn't called. It got to him a lot more than he wanted to admit to himself. His lover was clearly beginning to mean far more to him than any other person in his life, past or present. He'd seen the same emotions in Tom's eyes last night. He chuckled. It looked as if they were both falling for each other. He sat up straight, shocked at his own realization. If they were really beginning to mean that much to each 136
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other, was it fair to plan his departure in a few months? Wasn't a family something he'd always wished he could have? Was his independent and adventurous life worth more than having a chance at a real future with this man? Shit, did this mean he was actually considering settling down? It sure looked like he did. And what was so wrong with that? Maybe it was time to stop running. Because the longer he thought about it, the clearer it became that that was what he'd been doing. If anyone was worth changing his behavior for, it was Tom. His heart beat faster at the thought of moving into his grandfather's house permanently, his lover at his side. Rather than panicking at the thought of being tied down, peace and happiness spread throughout his body when he imagined long winter evenings spent in front of the fire. Or of hot summer afternoons whiled away on a picnic blanket out in the garden, or leisurely showers taken in the newly renovated bathroom. Laughing out loud at his wistful thoughts, as well as feeling relieved with the decision he'd made, he got up to get himself another soda. He'd need a clear head this evening if he was going to tell Tom about his newest revelations. One thing was sure, he wasn't going to wait to share his thoughts with the man he was definitely falling for. 137
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He could only hope Tom felt the same way.
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Chapter Nine This time when the phone rang Matt checked caller ID first, wanting to make sure he didn't pick up if it was his father and hoping it was Tom. He absolutely needed to speak to his lover. Even though it still wasn't Tom, the man on the other end was a very welcome caller and would hopefully have some encouraging news. "Mr. Gains, I'm glad you called." Matt crossed his fingers, hoping the PI he'd spoken to yesterday afternoon had been able to make some headway. Finding evidence for Derek being behind the defamatory newspaper article might not be easy but that was what PIs were for, wasn't it? "Good evening, Mr. Langford." The PI's voice was low and had a very authoritative undertone. "There isn't much to report yet, but I had promised you an update." "You had indeed." Matt swallowed, trying to suppress his nervousness. "So, what can you tell me?" "As you suggested, we initially looked into Derek Halderson's background." The PI cleared his throat. "Starting with the information he supplied for his brief employment at Halderson Construction, we discovered he has since been employed by two different clubs as bouncer. His last job ended a week ago." "So he's unemployed again?" He held his breath. Derek desperate to find a new source of income was not a 139
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good thing. "As far as we were able to establish, yes." The PI rustled with some papers. "However, following him from his home address, the one you supplied, we found he had a meeting at Ebsen Remodeling, a major competitor of Halderson Construction, earlier today. The employees at the coffee shop opposite their offices stated he's been a regular visitor there for the last month or so." "The implications are clear." Shit, this was more serious than he'd thought. Derek leaking rumors and unfounded allegations to a newspaper was one thing, and bad enough, but the bastard possibly working with a competitor? That put the threat in a different league. "So far, that's all they are. But you're right, if indeed there is a link to a competitor, this may just be a more volatile situation than you suspected." There as a pause. "What would you like us to do?" "I think we need to find out as much as we can about what's going on with the competitor. If there is a threat from that direction, I'd like to know sooner rather than later." He wasn't sure what they'd be able to do, but confronting Derek and making him stop had to be high on the list. After all, he was the source of this disaster. "If we wanted to talk to Derek himself, try to get him to stop, what would you recommend we do?" "First of all, I don't recommend you doing that at 140
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all. From what I've seen, he's a very dangerous man and confronting him may make him violent. Now, I'm well aware I can't stop you, so my only advice would be to have backup ready, possibly have whoever goes to talk to him wired. Anything he says will be taped and could help us get support from the police for a full investigation." The PI chuckled. "They may not like me getting involved in what they see as their jobs, but honestly, there are so many criminals around now and budgets are so tight, they're beginning to be grateful for the help." "Good to know." Matt hadn't liked the idea of sending Tom in on his own, but his possibly being wired changed the picture somewhat in their favor. "Thank you for suggesting it. I'll have to talk to Tom, but we may come back to you." "Happy to help. Will there be anything else?" "Not for now. Just keep doing what you're doing please, and keep me informed." It was a relief to have someone competent help out, even if it was only in the background. Knowing Derek worked with a competitor was useful information. "Will do." The PI ended the call. Matt looked at his watch. Where the hell was Tom? He was hungry enough to start dinner on his own, but he hated eating alone now. He grinned. Barely three weeks of knowing Tom and he was a changed man. Who would have 141
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thought? The doorbell finally pulled him out of his reverie. He raced to the front door, barely checking the peep hole to confirm it was Tom, before tearing it open. "Tom!" He opened his arms and pulled the somewhat stunned looking man into them and inside. Closing and locking the door, he pushed his lover with his back against it and proceeded to give him a welcome kiss which curled his toes and made Tom moan into his mouth. He slid his hand to the back of Tom's head, pushed his hardening cock into his lover's groin, and closed his eyes in bliss. His tongue was fighting for the right to caress Tom's mouth, and finally he gave up and let the other man lead. Feeling his lover's tongue explore everywhere, tasting his flavor of coffee and something sweet he must have eaten as a snack drove his arousal almost high enough to come in the blink of an eye. Nobody had ever excited him this much so quickly. When they finally came up for air, he was short of breath, Tom's hair was mussed, and they were both grinning like loons. "You missed me, huh?" Tom's voice was low and his eyes were twinkling. "I didn't get to see you all day!" Matt ruffled his lover's hair and reluctantly stepped back. "Sorry." Tom looked crestfallen all of a sudden. 142
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"Hey, that wasn't a criticism. I just want to let you know I missed you, too." Matt took Tom's hand and squeezed it. "Okay. Sorry, I'm a bit stressed." Tom squeezed back and looked toward the kitchen. "And hungry, despite the chocolate bar I had in the car on the way here." "No problem, I understand and I want to hear all about your day and what happened. After we get dinner going." Matt walked them over to the tiny kitchen, not letting go of Tom's hand until he needed his to pull the pizza he'd made earlier out of the fridge. He put it onto the worktop to let it warm up a little and set the oven to preheat. "You want a beer?" "Please." Tom fell into one of the chairs at the little table and blew out a sigh before looking back up. "What a day this has been!" "Tell me about it?" Matt got two beer bottles from the fridge, handed one to Tom and sat across from his lover. He wanted to tell his lover about his change of plans so badly, but finding out how Tom had done all day was more important. Then he'd need to reveal what he'd found out via the PI and discuss the option of going after Derek. That should keep them busy talking far longer than he wanted. "Right." Tom opened the screw cap, aiming it at the 143
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trash and managing to hit it at the first attempt. "Well, the morning was bad enough, but we handled all the questions and minor emergencies with deliveries well enough. Just after lunch I was actually thinking I'd have some time to call you when the real shit hit the fan." "I'm glad you were able to deal with most of it." Matt opened his bottle and took a few sips. Better! "Yeah, well, the afternoon 'surprise' still has me reeling." Tom gulped his beer, closing his eyes as he downed half the bottle in one go, his Adam's apple bobbing. "What happened?" Matt leaned forward, trying desperately to focus on the conversation instead of letting Tom's body distract him. "One of my competitors walked in, accompanied by a city counselor." Tom frowned. "I couldn't believe the nerve, but what they revealed to Ken and me totally floored me. It appears Derek has upped his game and has gotten them to support his campaign of driving Halderson Construction into bankruptcy. He wants us to stop bidding for larger projects. As soon as we do, they will stop spreading rumors. Or so they say." "Let me guess. The competitor was from Ebsen Remodeling?" Matt grinned at Tom's widening eyes. "I'll tell you how I know in a minute, but I want to know what you did, first." 144
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"What I did? I panicked, okay?" Tom rolled his eyes. "I have no idea how to fight this, but I don't want to give in to Derek's blackmail. At least we know for sure he's behind it now. " "That is good news." Matt hoped it would make a confrontation between Tom and his brother unnecessary. "Did you talk to the police?" "Of course, as soon as I recovered from the shock. Doesn't seem to do much good as far as the police are concerned. I called them, but they said they need more solid proof than someone's say-so to go after Derek." Tom snorted. "I guess that's reassuring in a way, but damned inconvenient in this case." "That's my cue, I guess." Matt finished his beer, got up to put the bottle into the recycling bin, the pizza into the oven, and set the timer. "I'd say so." Tom was done with his beer and leaned back in his chair. His expression was beyond curious, veering into impatient territory. "I really want to know how you found out about Ebsen's involvement." "Well, after all the crap with the newspaper yesterday, I decided we needed to do something about finding out whether Derek was behind it, as we both suspected." Matt leaned against the kitchen counter and waited for Tom's reaction. "We needed to do something?" Tom's eyebrows 145
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rose. "Yeah, I figure I'm in this with you since… well, since my renovation depends on Halderson Construction being in business." Matt swallowed. That wasn't the only reason by far, but was he ready to talk about the rest? Something like disappointment flickered in Tom's eyes. "Makes sense." Tom's voice was a little cooler, more distant, than before. Shit. He had to fix this as soon as possible. Maybe before then. "So, what did you do?" Tom tilted his head. "I went to see a PI. Sunday afternoon. While you were at the office, talking to Ken." God, he was nervous. He hadn't thought about it before, had just acted, but what if Tom saw this as interfering into his affairs? "Really?" Tom leaned forward. "You did this even though you don't know me that well? Beyond business and the renovation project, I mean." "Yes, I did." Matt swallowed. This was it. "You mean more to me than just that, Tom. I didn't mean to tell you like this, wanted to wait for the right moment, but what it comes down to is I care about you." "You do, huh?" The smallest smile spread Tom's lips. "Yeah. And it means I care about what happens to 146
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you and I can't just watch that asshole brother of yours destroy everything you've built." Matt took a deep breath so he'd stop babbling. "You and I have an appointment upstairs as soon as we've eaten." Tom's smile grew into a big grin. "I think I need to show you how I feel." "In the bedroom?" Matt's eyes widened as his heartbeat sped up. "Yep, in the bedroom." Tom winked. That sounded damned promising. **** Tom stood in front of his father's house, the one he'd left for Derek to live in, hoping it would appease his brother, and shook with nerves. He'd known for a while now it would come down to this confrontation, but that didn't make it any easier. Knowing Matt backed him all the way and all he really had to do was collect enough evidence so the police could move in helped a little. The fundamental fact of the matter was he still had to go up against his brother. He shook his head and lifted his hand to ring the doorbell. There was nothing brotherly in Derek's behavior toward him, there hadn't been for a long time, and it was time he recognized and dealt with that. Just like it was time he dealt with the fact he didn't 147
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really want to run a company, even though it had been his father's. The point was, it was his father's dream, not his. But that problem was next in line. First things first. Knowing the PI and a police officer were listening in via the wireless transmitter he wore under his sweater and were ready to come to his rescue, should he need it, was reassuring. He took a deep breath and pressed the doorbell. "What?" Derek flung open the door. "Hello." Tom forced himself to keep eye contact. "I'd like to talk to you—" "I bet you would." Derek's scowl turned into a feral grin. "About time you come to your senses and give up this ridiculous fight." Derek stepped aside and waved him into the living room. "Did you really go to all this trouble to get revenge?" He didn't sit down, not wanting to get comfortable. He needed to stay alert and find out as many incriminating details as possible. "And how far would you have gone? Were you going to stop at slander?" "Oh, please, you have to ask?" Derek snorted and sat down, taking up almost the whole sofa with his arms slung over the backrest and his legs spread in a classic pose of superiority. "I told you I was going to get my own back when you fired me. I still can't believe you did that. Getting 148
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those rumors about your financial troubles started with the newspaper was easy. But I knew that wouldn't be enough." Could it really be this easy? Derek was practically bursting to spill the details of his oh-so-clever plan. "You were right." Tom nodded. "Of course I was. I know you." Derek laughed. "You were always stubborn, not to say a little slow on the uptake, so I figured I needed to increase the pressure a little." "How did you come up with it?" He was ready to throw up, but if pretending to be interested in his brother's nasty plan was getting him the information he needed, he wasn't going to complain. "Simple, really." Derek looked disgustingly proud of himself. "I needed more firepower, so to speak, so I decided to find an ally. Who better than a direct competitor who has a vested interest in seeing your company suffer? Gary Ebsen was extremely polite over the phone, so I had a few meetings with him to hash out the details. He was very helpful in coming up with the detailed charges that would do the most damage. I mean, limiting the size of the remodeling projects you can do was my idea, but he added all the other stuff about stealing information from them, the insurance fraud and the incorrect employee records and illegal aliens. That'll ruin a company every time." "So how did the city council get involved?" Tom 149
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did his best to look fascinated and it seemed to work. He just needed to hang in there a little longer and his stupid brother would deliver all the rope he needed to hang himself. "That was my idea. I wanted some more official stuff as well, just in case the other charges weren't enough of a threat." Derek shrugged. "Gary thought it was a good idea and since he has several good friends on the council who owe him favors, he picked the one in charge of building permits to help us." "Impressive." Tom nodded, pretending it to be a positive sentiment. In reality he found it increasingly difficult to believe he was related to this vindictive man. "Of course, I made sure there's a job waiting for me at the end. And there is. Just so you know, he's going to pay me double what you did." Derek smiled. "Now all you need to tell me is if you'll downsize the ambitions for your business growth and behave, in which case all the other charges won't be brought to bear. If you decide to be stubborn, well, we're ready for a fight." "You can't be serious. You have no evidence any of that is true." Tom leaned forward, wanting to make sure whatever the answer was would be recorded. This was one of the crucial questions which needed an answer if this case was going to move from slander to actual criminal charges. "But we do." Derek's smile grew smug. 150
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"How?" He couldn't believe how easy this all was. Well, getting the information was turning out to be a breeze. Whether or not he could stand up to his brother and make him leave the house Tom had inherited was to be seen. "First of all, we have, or can get, statements from quite a few officials and other businessmen about the lack of business ethics Halderson Construction has been displaying since you took over. And falsifying documents is an art form with a lot of practitioners even here in Colorado Springs, so I'm sure we can fabricate any further evidence required." Derek's smile vanished. "So, rest assured little brother, one way or another you're going to pay for what you did to me." "As fascinating as all these revelations are, I'm going to have to disappoint you." Tom steeled himself for the final phase. "You don't want to do that." Derek sat up. "This could easily become much more dangerous than an attack on your business." "I don't care. Giving in to your threats isn't right. You had a major fight with Dad years ago, and decided to leave. It was you who it didn't want us to get in touch with you. No wonder Dad left the company to me. I'm not about to change that situation, certainly not now I understand how devious you really are." Tom smiled. "I'm not only going to 151
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fight back on a business front, I also want you to leave this house. Dad left it to me, and you're no longer welcome to live here. I want you to move out in the next three days." "You can't do that!" Derek fisted his hands. "I'll ruin you." "No, I don't think you will. I'll fight you. Now I know how you did it, it'll be easy for a lawyer to find enough evidence to defuse the situation. Any falsified documents would be discovered as soon as this case goes to court, so I don't think you, or rather your ally, Mr. Ebsen, would even let it go that far." Tom lifted his hand and pointed at Derek. "I want you to stop other business accusations immediately. You have three days, then I want you out of here or I'll be back with the police." "You wouldn't do that." Derek rose and moved toward him. "Try me!" Without hesitation he turned around, opened the front door and left the house. Ignoring the stuttering splutters which came from his brother, he pulled the door closed behind him with a satisfying thud. The relief of finally having done this confirmed it was the right thing to do. For Derek to have sat there, admitting everything he'd done as if it was perfectly normal, was the final proof he needed to get it into his thick head he was better off without this man in his life. Family or no family, there were limits. 152
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He walked toward the van with the surveillance equipment. Matt was in there, waiting for him. It was time to celebrate this part of the changes he wanted to make. Whatever his brother decided to do was almost irrelevant. He didn't need the house, he was fine living in the apartment he had. All he wanted was the harassment of his business to stop. He was going to wait and see, but he had a suspicion his brother was going to give up in the face of determined resistance. Most bullies did. Before he could reach the van, its door flew open and Matt jumped outside. His lover opened his arms and Tom walked right into them. "I'm so proud of you." Matt kissed his temple, probably in deference to their audience, consisting of one grinning PI and a somewhat embarrassed cop. "Feels good." It made him believe he could tackle the remaining changes as well. "I feel like celebrating, even though we're not totally out of the woods yet." "You may be further out of the woods, so to speak, than you think." The cop smiled. "Based on the evidence Mr. Derek Halderson so graciously provided, we can charge both him and his two accomplices, Mr. Ebsen and Mr. Wade, with several different criminal activities. All you need to do is decide to press charges." "Oh, we're going to press charges, if that's a choice we have. I'm sure my business partner, Ken Talamo will 153
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agree. We have to get these rumors to stop as soon as possible, and as publicly as can be done if we want to save our company." Tom didn't believe it was going to be easy to defuse the situation, but at least now it looked possible. "You go!" Matt took his hand and turned to the men inside the van. "We can discuss the rest tomorrow, I'm sure?" Both nodded. Tom handed the wire equipment back to one of the officers and found himself pulled toward Matt's car. There wasn't even any discussion where they were going. He grinned as he buckled himself in. Matt's gaze as his lover turned to him was hot enough to take his breath away. "What's funny?" Matt leaned close enough so he could feel the other man's hot breath on his cheek. "Just how you take charge, pull me into the car and don't even ask if I want to go home instead." He took Matt's hand and twined their fingers to stop his lover from withdrawing. "I love it." "You do?" Matt looked relieved. "You're right, I probably should have asked, it's just that I, well, I like it when you're in my bed." "I like it too." Was it too much to hope they could spend the whole time Matt was here pretending they lived together? Well, they would live together, no pretending about it, he just hated to think it would have to end as soon 154
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as Matt sold the house. "I'm glad." Matt leaned the rest of the way and gave him a quick peck on the cheek. "Because I have a proposition for you which involves you spending more time in my bed." "Hm, does that mean we're going to sleep in longer on weekends?" He bit his cheek to avoid the laughter wanting to bubble out of him. "Baby, part of me wants to spend as much time in bed with you as possible, any way I can, but sleeping in wasn't what I was thinking about." Matt's mock-horrified expression was too funny. "It wasn't?" He tried to look innocent. "No." Matt narrowed his eyes, clearly suspicious now. "Then what was?" His full attention was on Matt. "I was just thinking, the only time we really have together is in the evenings and on the weekends. Spending that time driving back and forth between your apartment and the cabin doesn't really make sense." Matt swallowed. "So, I was hoping you'd consider moving in with me."
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Chapter Ten "Move in with you?" Tom's heart tried to jump out of his chest with joy. God, he wanted that. "Yeah…" Matt looked so adorably hopeful. "Please?" "I want to." Tom felt as if he was being torn to pieces already. "It's just, well, this will sound stupid, but I don't know if I can deal with you leaving next spring. You know, if we get so deeply involved." "Me leaving next spring?" Matt's eyes widened then he slapped his forehead. "I'm such an idiot." "For leaving?" Yeah, he would second that. He really, really didn't want Matt to leave. And he couldn't see anyone needing a carpenter on a safari, so there was no point in thinking about following his lover to Africa. Shit, had he really fallen far enough to consider such a nonsensical idea? "No, not for leaving." Matt exhaled and raked his hair. "Well, yes, I would be an idiot if I was seriously considering leaving after all we've been through and with the way I already feel about you. I should have told you this bit first: I'm not going to leave next spring." "You're not?" Hope flared so brightly inside his chest he thought he might combust from it. "No. I'm planning to move into my grandfather's 156
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house, but I don't ever want to move out again. I really hope that'll make a difference for you." Matt lifted their twined hands and kissed Tom's knuckles, the pleading in his eyes making them shine. "Of course it will! It makes all the difference in the world!" He laughed with the sheer joy of it. "I would have moved in with you anyway, heartache at the end be damned. I just can't resist you. But this way? God, yes, I want that." "Thank you, baby." Matt had tears in his eyes. "But—won't you miss the warm weather? And your safaris?" He didn't want Matt to be unhappy down the line. "I'll get used to the cold. I think. At least the summers will be nice, and I can always stay inside when there's snow." Matt grinned. "And the safaris were fun, but I'm sure there are wilderness walks I can organize around here. Gunnison and Pike National Forests are close by, there are kids who need to learn about conservation, I was even thinking about starting a wilderness store. Something will come up to keep me busy." "I can see you keeping busy won't be a problem, I'm more worried about you getting bored. Safaris are a lot more adventurous than wilderness walks, as far as I can see." And why was he trying to talk Matt out of his decision again? Was he stupid? He almost kicked himself. The truth of it was he needed Matt to be sure, or as sure as 157
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possible, before making such a life-altering decision. Better for his lover to change his mind now than a few months down the road when Tom had fallen in love even more completely. "I've thought about that. But you know what? There are different kinds of adventure. I've realized I've had my fill of the ones with high danger. I've seen most of the world I wanted to see, and I'm ready to settle down. We can still travel, if we want, that'll be more than enough." Matt smiled. "The kind of adventure I'm beginning to be really interested in, now I've met you, is the type I might find when exploring our relationship, building a life together, and finding out what we both like to get up to in the bedroom. I have a feeling that last one alone will keep us quite entertained for a long time to come." Tom could feel himself blush. The sudden tightness in his groin was a sure sign more than his brain liked this idea. "Am I right, baby?" Matt's grin as he slid his free hand toward Tom's quickly hardening cock was positively wicked. The small squeeze Matt gave his growing erection made him squeal. "Yeah, I think I'm right." "Take me home?" He needed them to be in private, like, now. "My cabin?" Matt withdrew his hand from Tom's crotch. 158
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"Please?" He didn't really care. While he was sorry to see Matt's hand go, the relief of maybe standing a chance of not coming in his pants by the time they made it home was immediate. "It feels more like ours than my crummy apartment. And even though my brother should be out of the house three days from now, it didn't really feel like home any more either, now Dad is gone." "God, baby, you say the nicest things." Matt disentangled their hands, started the engine, and made it to the cabin in Cascade in record time. They were out of the car, inside the locked cabin, and upstairs in the bedroom getting naked before he could think. He was hard enough to come from just thinking about it, so he tried to focus on other things. Like Matt's naked body in all its glory. No, bad idea! He squeezed his cock at the base and pulled his balls away from his body for good measure, just to stop the orgasm already trying to rise inside him. "I see we're going to have to invest in a cock ring or two." Matt's voice was growly as he held out his hand to pull Tom into his arms. "Shit, you're going to talk me into coming." Tom pushed up against Matt's hot, hard body, making sure their erections were aligned before he started helplessly grinding his groin into Matt's. "Nothing wrong with that, is there?" Matt let 159
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himself fall back onto the bed. Pulling Tom with him and making sure their groins stayed aligned, he then slid his hands to Tom's ass and increased the pressure between them. "In the absence of a cock ring, we're going to have to take the edge off before the main event." "Won't take long." The tingling in his balls was intense as his cock rubbed against Matt's and they were touching, literally, from balls to chest. "Almost… almost there." "Shit, you're so hot like this." Matt bent his legs and pushed up against him, taking the urgency to a whole new level. "Matt!" Tom threw back his head and came. Waves of pleasure rolled through his body, making him shake with the force of the orgasm. Matt was seconds behind him. His lover's heat joined the stickiness already between them and the scent alone made Tom want to come again. Watching his lover's face contort in pleasure as he trembled through the aftershocks was a sight he wanted to enjoy as often as possible from now on. Exhausted, he dropped his head next to Matt's and breathed in his lover's musky scent until his heart had almost reached its normal rate again. "Not a bad way to start our new life together." He 160
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smiled as he slid to his side, taking Matt with him so he was still in his arms. "Not bad at all." Matt chuckled and tightened his embrace. "And more than adventurous enough for me." "Good." What more could he ask for? **** A few months later… Matt stood just outside the workshop they had built for Tom's woodworking projects. It adjoined the garage at the side of the house they'd moved into just before Christmas. The outside was in line with the house's Queen Anne style, but the inside it was a mixture between modern minimalism and cozy log cabin. One wall was covered in shelves with all the different power and hand tools Tom needed, two others consisted of windows that ensured all the work spaces were adequately lit, and the fourth wall held the entrance, some low cabinets for more storage, mainly nails and other fasteners, and a selection of tools and clamps stored on wall mounts above them. There was a large wooden workbench with a vise to the left. The saw horses were currently holding parts of a current furniture making project, and to the right was the portable workbench Tom took with him for the odd in161
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house project he did for one of his many customers. Matt loved the wilderness store he'd bought and was running in the mornings. A team of two assistants helped out, and they'd proven reliable enough for him to be able to take the afternoons off. But he loved coming home to Tom even more than his new job. His lover was now his first priority, after all. Ever since he'd made the decision to sell his half of his company to Ken, he'd been so much happier. Working exclusively as a finish carpenter suited him extremely well and had freed his creative side. The little wooden carvings, including animals, chess figures, and small statues gracing their house as well as many friends' and customers' places were witness to Tom's talent. Tom usually kept the double doors open, now the warmer April weather signified the approach of spring. Seeing him bent over the workbench, his shirt discarded and his taut ass encased in those tight-as-sin jeans he wore just because Matt loved them was a very welcome sight. His back muscles bunched and released with his movements, a slight sheen covering his naked upper body from his exertions. Matt licked his lips. His fingers itched to touch. Tom wriggled his ass and Matt knew his game was up. He grinned. "You going to touch me anytime soon?" Tom rose to his full height and turned around, dropping the hammer 162
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and chisel he'd been holding in the process. Matt barely suppressed a moan. His lover's wide chest had become more muscled over the last few months as he worked to finish the house then started focusing on his carpentry. His almost hairless chest just asked to be licked. The small pink nipples were already hard, begging for attention. And judging by the bulge between his legs, those weren't the only body parts ready for more. Matt closed the distance between them and framed Tom's face in his hands, careful not to touch him anywhere else. "Love coming home to find you like this." He bent his head and kissed Tom's lush lips, probing with his tongue and moaning as the flavor of his man hit his taste buds. Tom put his hands on Matt's hips and pulled back his head. "What? Trying to finish the carving on that piece of molding for Ken's antique fireplace?" Tom grinned impishly. "That, too. I do love watching you work." It was better than TV by a long shot, and far sexier. "But I bet that isn't what's got your pants so excited." Tom slid a hand between their bodies and cupped his quickly filling cock. "It's not my pants which are excited." He took a 163
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deep breath, trying to regain some control. Tom kneading his cock and balls didn't help. "It isn't?" Tom winked and sank to his knees. "I better find out what it is then, because it looks damned uncomfortable to me." "Ungh." His ability to think was gone the second Tom opened his belt, followed by the button and zipper. His pants and boxers were sliding down his legs and resting at his feet as Tom turned him around so his now naked ass rested against the work bench. He loved the feeling of wood against his naked skin and his lover knew it. With a huge grin Tom took his cock into one hand to keep it steady, bent his head and started licking his balls. He just about came when his lover sucked one into his hot mouth and rolled it around until it was good and wet. By the time Tom had given the same treatment to his other ball, pre-cum was beginning to pearl on the tip of his throbbing cock. Tom stuck out his tongue and licked what felt like a line of fire up from his balls, along his stiff shaft, circled the glans twice, then inserted the tip of his tongue into his slit and licked out all the pre-cum he could get. Matt shuddered with the increase in arousal. Tom kept licking and nibbling his entire cock, up and down, without doing anything more for what seemed like hours. 164
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He locked his knees so he wouldn't fall on his face and gave himself over to the sexual almost-torture. Waves of pleasure traveled from his cock up his spine and made his entire body tingle. Finally, he couldn't take it anymore. "Please, baby." His voice was rough with need. "Please what?" Tom looked up. His lover had gotten good at making him beg. "Just… anything." He was gasping for breath trying to stop his hips from moving. "You want to come?" Tom's eyes darkened, pupils dilated with desire. Matt nodded frantically. He licked the tip of his cock one more time then enclosed it with his lips. "Yes!" The heat around just that small part of his sensitized flesh made him want to scream with joy. In one smooth move, Tom tightened his lips and slid them down his shaft until the tip hit the back of his throat. Opening up, he continued moving until all of Matt's considerable length was enclosed by wet heat. Matt groaned and thrust forward, unable to hold back. Tom grabbed his balls and pulled back, hollowing his cheeks with the suction. His other hand held onto Matt's hip and he started to bob his head up and down in a fast rhythm which was bound to make Matt come within seconds. When Tom started to squeeze his balls in the same rhythm 165
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as he was letting him fuck his mouth, he lost it and started spurting copious reams of his release into his lover's willing mouth. Eyes never leaving his, Tom swallowed it all. Matt was so turned on, despite just having come like a geyser, he didn't even go soft. When Tom was done, he pulled off his cock licking his lips to catch the last few drops. He pulled his lover up into his arms and crushed their lips together in a kiss that was as passionate as it was loving. Tom whimpered and pushed his rock-hard groin against Matt's thigh. He smiled and pulled back, cupping Tom's slightly stubbled face in his hand. "You needing, baby?" His voice was far deeper than usual and his hand shook a little. He was so ready for more, but he wasn't going to hurt Tom. "Please." Tom pushed harder, shaking with need. "I'll take care of you." Matt pushed his hands down and opened Tom's jeans, pushing them down slowly as soon as his cock was free. "I need you to fuck me." Tom groaned when Matt grabbed his cock and squeezed. "I won't." It was time to let Tom know what he really felt. He'd put it off long enough, but no more. "Oh, God, please don't joke around." Tom's desperate whine tugged at his heart strings. "No joking, baby. I'm going to make love to you, as 166
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slowly and gently as I can manage." After all, he'd just come, so he could hold out for a while. "L-love?" Tom's eyes widened and his movements stilled. "Yes, I love you, Tom." "Oh God, I love you, too." Tom rested his heated forehead against Matt's shoulder and held on. "I'm glad." He moved back so he could look into Tom's eyes. "Lube?" Tom blushed. "What?" Matt looked around. There had to be something they could use in here. He made a mental note to rectify the situation as soon as possible. "You won't need any." Tom looked at the floor as if there was something really interesting to see. "No?" What was his lover up to? Tom blushed an impossibly deeper shade of red, cleared part of the workbench by sweeping drawings and tools to the side, hopped up on it and lay back with his ass at the edge. Rising on his elbows, he slowly spread his legs. Matt's eyes were drawn to his lover's ass and his breath hitched when he saw the base of their favorite burgundy butt plug protrude from the already stretched hole. "Fuck, that's hot!" Matt tore his eyes away from one of the hottest sights he'd ever laid eyes on to take in the rest 167
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of the picture. Tom lying back, spread out like a visual buffet of sexiness, took his breath away. His lover's eyes were huge and his breath came in small gasps. The hard muscles and strong lines of his body formed an enticing contrast with his vulnerable, sexy pose. He looked good enough to eat. But that would have to wait. Matt had to take care of him first. With one big step he was between his lover's legs and grabbed the plug's base. He withdrew it slowly, making sure the man could feel the stretch. Not removing it completely, he pushed it back in. Tom dropped his head between his shoulders and moaned. Matt repeated the action, quickly working up a good pace as he fucked Tom with the hard plastic. When his lover started mewling and bucking his hips to meet the thrusts, Matt couldn't take it anymore. He pulled out the plug in one swift move, aligned his cock with his lover's well stretched and clearly lubed hole, and pushed in to the hilt. Thank God they'd stopped using condoms after getting tested for the New Year. He wouldn't have been able to stop himself long enough to put one on. Bending over, he put his hands next to Tom's face and held on, waiting for his lover to get used to his larger girth. The love shining up at him from his lover's eyes 168
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made him feel all warm and fuzzy. "I'm okay now." Tom wiggled his ass in that enticing way he had. "Yes, you are." Matt smiled and bent lower so he could kiss Tom as he started thrusting in and out of the tight, hot channel. Tom's confidence had grown in the last few months. He still liked to play at submission occasionally, but the need to be told what to do in bed had vanished completely. It was because he felt safe in their relationship, he'd said. Matt had been bowled over. In fact, on a few occasions now, the other man had directed their sexual encounters, and Matt had come harder than ever before. This time though, he was in control and loving it. Tom clung to him as he rocked his hips, trying to keep it slow and easy. He wanted this to last as long as humanly possible. When Tom reached for his cock, Matt shook his head. Tom hissed and started pushing his hips up every time Matt pushed inside him. The occasional show of dominance added a nice bit of spice to their sex life. "Want you to come just from this." Matt angled his hips, finding Tom's prostrate and making him howl on the first try. He kept stroking it as the speed of his thrusts increased. The need to come grew inside him until he was 169
The Carpenter
Serena Yates
barely able to hold back. But he was determined to make Tom come first, so he increased the force of his movements and started pounding Tom's ass for all he was worth. It didn't take long at all. "Matt!" Tom arched his back, pressed his head back and shot clear across his chest and stomach, leaving traces of white all over his skin. "Love you!" Matt let go, thrusting hard a few more times until the pleasure overwhelmed him and he filled Tom's ass. "Love you so much." Tom slid his arms around Matt's shoulders and pulled him close for a slow, gentle kiss. Matt collapsed onto his lover's body and burrowed his nose into his neck. The scent of wood shavings, cum and sweat from a vigorous lovemaking session was one of the best in the world. Holding onto his carpenter as tightly as he could, he closed his eyes and enjoyed the afterglow. This was exactly where he wanted to be for the rest of his life. Sharing his life with Tom was better than any adventure.
THE END
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About the Author I'm a night owl who starts writing when everyone else in my time zone is asleep. I've loved reading all my life and spent most of my childhood with my nose buried in a book. Although I always wanted to be a writer, financial independence came first. Twenty-some years and a successful business career later I took some online writing classes and never looked back. Living and working in seven countries has taught me that there's more than one way to get things done. It has instilled tremendous respect for the many different cultures, beliefs, attitudes and preferences that exist on our planet. I like exploring those differences in my stories, most of which happen to be romances. My characters have a tendency to want to do their own thing, so I often have to rein them back in. The one thing we all agree on is the desire for a happy ending. I currently live in the United Kingdom, sharing my house with a vast collection of books. I like reading, travelling, spending time with my nieces and listening to classical music. I have a passion for science and learning new languages. Email:
[email protected] Website: http://www.serenayates.com/ Facebook: Serena Equality Yates Twitter: @SerenaYates
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show2964333.Serena_Y ates
Also by Serena Yates
Available at Silver Publishing: WORKPLACE ENCOUNTERS The Elevator Mechanic The Chauffeur The Ship Engineer CELESTIAL JUSTICE Araton's Destiny Zuriel's Fate Israfil's Future (August 6, 2011) KEEPING YOU: To Find and to Keep (print) Available at Dreamspinner Press: DÁLRIATA: Eye of Scota: Cináed MISTLETOE SCIENCE The Mistletoe Phenomenon, The Solstice Mistletoe Effect, The Mistletoe Experiment KEEPING YOU To Find and To Keep, To Keep and To Love Available at Total E-Bound: ELEMENTAL SUPERPOWERS (with A.J. Llewellyn) The Cake, The Blancmange (October 2011) SEASONAL SINS Summer Escape (August 1, 2011) NEW HORIZONS
Rescuing the Librarian, Discovering the Actor, Encouraging the Writer, Supporting the Director, Saving the Bodyguard, Noticing the Finance Manager (August 25, 2011) MEN OF RIVERSIDE Finding Elliot, Rediscovering Adrian, Understanding Mark, Saving Zeke, Forgiving Jason, Loving Vicente (September 26, 2011) Max's Italian Romance SCROLLS OF VENGEANCE The Magic Thieves (novel) "The Magic Thieves" novella in the Stealing My Heart anthology "The Magic Thieves" novella version as audio book
Awards The Elevator Mechanic Best GLBT Book 2010 Siren Book Reviews Best GBLTQ Author 2010 Love Romance Café Nomination
Reviews The Elevator Mechanic "Serena Yates has the ability to make her charming characters believable and multidimensional. Even during this short tale, the men evolved. Their mutual respect was clear and enhances their relationship. You could see them pull strength from one another in various areas of the story and I knew it wouldn't be long until the saw what I did; that their relationship wasn't trivial but would become lasting and permanent. And their encounters are sensual and laced with love. I'm looking forward to future releases for this series." —Scandalous Minx, Literary Nymphs Reviews The Chauffeur "I enjoyed this read and would recommend it to my friends as top notch!" —Cia, Siren Book Reviews The Ship Engineer "I enjoyed 'The Ship Engineer' a great deal. It was passionate, exciting, emotional and intense. It's a great story to read especially when your spirit needs uplifting and your heart needs to be reassured of the special beauty which can be found in a loving relationship." —Lena, Queer Magazine Online Araton's Destiny "Araton's Destiny is an enjoyable, sweet Christmas story with passionate, wonderfully written love scenes and a great happy ending. It's a marvellous tale about justice, passion and setting things right. It made me feel all warm
and fuzzy inside and out and if you are a romantic like me, it will have the same effect on you." —Lena, Queer Magazine Online Zuriel's Fate "Zuriel's Fate is an awesome book with a character to die for. Luke. He says it how it is, and I loved him for it. If something's not fair, he says so—and stands up and fights for what's right." —Miz Love, Miz Love Loves Books
![The Defector [The Delivery]](https://epdf.mx/img/300x300/the-defector-the-delivery_5ba83666b7d7bc7847901d42.jpg)
