Neon Yellow - Obsessive Adhesives

Neon Yellow: Obsessive Adhesives by Andy AUTHOR Ali Slayde AUTHOR Wilde

Torquere Press www.torquerepress.com

Copyright ©2011 by Andy Slayde COPYRIGHTNOTICE Ali Wilde First published in www.torquerepress.com, 2011 NOTICE: This eBook is licensed to the original purchaser only. Duplication or distribution to any person via email, floppy disk, network, print out, or any other means is a violation of International copyright law and subjects the violator to severe fines and/or imprisonment. This notice overrides the Adobe Reader permissions which are erroneous. This eBook cannot be legally lent or given to others. This eBook is displayed using 100% recycled electrons.

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Neon Yellow: Obsessive Adhesives by Andy AUTHOR Ali Slayde AUTHOR Wilde

CONTENTS Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter

One Two Three Four Five Six Seven Eight Nine ****

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Neon Yellow: Obsessive Adhesives by Andy AUTHOR Ali Slayde AUTHOR Wilde

Neon Yellow: Obsessive Adhesives By Andy Slayde & Ali Wilde Dedicated to Suzi Jaymz for telling it like it is and Eric for answering hundreds of questions about hospital procedures.

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Neon Yellow: Obsessive Adhesives by Andy AUTHOR Ali Slayde AUTHOR Wilde

Chapter One "No worries, Charlotte. I'll order the power pack right now and have it here by mid morning on Monday." Jason Doyle tapped his pen on a box on his desk that contained just the part he needed. Charlotte, the manager's secretary, wasn't to know that, though. With one hour to go on a Friday afternoon, Jason just couldn't be bothered to take the time to install the thing. "What's that? Nah, only take a few minutes to fix." He laughed. "No, sorry, love. Going out with the boys tonight for a few drinks. Friend of mine just got back from Australia and I'm hoping to catch up with him. Maybe another time. Sure." Jason hung up the phone and leaned back, gazing unseeingly at the ceiling tiles. He'd knocked Charlotte back so many times, that she should have taken the hint by now. Or at least started rumors that he was gay because he wasn't susceptible to her copious charms. At least those sorts of rumors would make the place a bit more interesting; the offices of Morgan and Richmond—biggest and best department store in Summerset—weren't very exciting. He looked at the people he worked with. Rosa and Jenny— the receptionists—were chatting and arranging their night out, and Eli and Mark from debt collection were playing Bejewelled over MSN together. Jason rolled his eyes; he should never have shown them how to get through the proxy server. Even the accounts supervisor, Steven, was reading the newspaper and checking his watch every few minutes. 5

Neon Yellow: Obsessive Adhesives by Andy AUTHOR Ali Slayde AUTHOR Wilde

The only person who was head down and bum up, still working, was Spencer Whitfield, nerd of the accounts department. Every workplace had one. Someone who always showed up for work immaculately groomed, no less. Quiet, studious— Jason had heard that Spencer had finished his business degree in three years rather than the standard four— conscientious... Spencer puzzled Jason. In a world where everyone was out to look as good as they could, Spencer seemed content to blend into the scenery. Brown hair, brown eyes, fair skin, wire rimmed glasses—they were stylish, but still didn't quite manage to lift Spencer a notch. Even his suits, while expensive and well tailored, were blah. White shirts, gray jacket and trousers, and usually a gray or black tie. Silk, yes; interesting, no. After observing Spencer's desk, Jason studied his own. Not one monitor but three, two keyboards, a net-book and various bits of technology. The floor under his desk was littered with boxes for motherboards and hard drives. The cabinet behind him contained chips, wires, fans, RAM and other assorted and useful computer parts. Okay, so his was the most cluttered desk in the office, but who else here actually did any more than use their computer? Who was expected to fix it or get them out of a jam when it 'broke'? Who was expected to be able to fix it immediately? If not sooner. He knew Mr. Edwards, the manager, wanted him to foresee problems before they happened. Hence the reason Charlotte was waiting 'til Monday for her power pack. Petty, 6

Neon Yellow: Obsessive Adhesives by Andy AUTHOR Ali Slayde AUTHOR Wilde

yes, but it was his own subtle form of protest. He was in IT, not ESP. He looked back at Spencer. This wasn't good; he appeared to be developing an interest for a man he'd barely spared a glance for. Why though? Was it Spencer's complete lack of anything interesting? He had to have something, and Jason found himself wanting to discover what it was. With just two minutes to go, Jason turned off his computer, picked up his net-book and car keys and strode to the elevator, bidding the accounts department a cheery farewell. He was meeting his good friends, Thad and Skyler, and Skyler's partner Nathan, for dinner and drinks, and had his weekend to look forward to. Pondering Spencer could wait until he was bored on Monday. As if that was the signal they'd all been waiting for, the other seven people in the office also picked up and joined him at the elevator. Nope, correction, six people. Spencer stayed right where he was, busy adding and jotting figures. "Yo, Spencer!" Eli called. "Coming? It's Friday." Spencer just lifted his hand and gave a wave, which could be interpreted as almost anything. Jason smiled. As if anyone would forget it was Friday. Being first in the queue for the elevator, he held the door open while the others filed in, and watched Spencer, waiting for him to join them. When it became obvious that he wasn't going to, Jason let the doors slide shut. "Is he insane?" Rosa and Jenny giggled. "Rumor is that he's gay," Rosa spoke knowledgeably. 7

Neon Yellow: Obsessive Adhesives by Andy AUTHOR Ali Slayde AUTHOR Wilde

And that makes him insane? Jason thought. And great, he gets rumors made up about him. "I'm not sure that's a cause of insanity." "Well, it's not normal, is it?" Rosa asked. Jason wondered at the level of silence in the elevator. Were they waiting for his opinion? It wasn't like he was the oldest or most knowledgeable one there. He was twenty four and confident, but that didn't mean he had all the answers to life's little mysteries. In answer to Rosa, he just shrugged. "Define normal." **** Jason stretched, the cotton sheets cool against his skin. A warm hand swept down his back and he sighed contentedly. As it happened, Jason needn't have hurried at all to make it to the pub for dinner. Skyler had sent a text saying that he and Nathan were going to have to reschedule. They were both still tired and jet-lagged, but Thad was still going to be there. Jason very nearly phoned Thad to cancel the evening, before deciding that he needed a night out. Who better to share that night with than Thad? The man was great fun, an excellent dancer, knew everybody, and cooked a mean breakfast. As if spending the night in Thad's bed wasn't great anyway, the man was taking a massage course. These days, he made sure his partner left his bed in a different kind of relaxed state. "What's the time?" 8

Neon Yellow: Obsessive Adhesives by Andy AUTHOR Ali Slayde AUTHOR Wilde

"Early." Both Thad's hands rubbed Jason's shoulders, gently. Jason wriggled so he was lying flat on his stomach. Thad, still naked, straddled Jason's hips and leaned forward to rub his shoulders. "Even after fantastic sex and a sleep, you're still so tense," Thad observed. "Only one thing for it, more sex." "This is nice..." Jason mumbled into the pillow. Thad sighed. "No-one has ever said I don't know how to use my hands, sweetheart." "Can't argue with that." There had been a rumor going around their circle of friends that Thad was an ex-hooker, his blow jobs and fucking had been that good. No-one had ever asked him and he'd never refuted it. "Why so tense?" Jason flexed his shoulders as Thad's fingers worked on the knotted muscles. "'m not tense." "Uh-huh. Not this guy you were telling me about over dinner?" Thad worked the heels of his hands gently along Jason's spine. "What guy?" Jason asked. He tried to recall which one of his current crushes he and Thad had talked about but could only recall telling him about Spencer. Thad couldn't mean... No. There was no way Jason was developing an unhealthy crush on someone who would never be right for him in a million years. "You mean Spencer?" "The cute nerd in your office, hmmm."

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Neon Yellow: Obsessive Adhesives by Andy AUTHOR Ali Slayde AUTHOR Wilde

"He's not cute. He's... well, he's..." For the life of him, Jason couldn't picture Spencer. "He's just there. Everyday. I never see him come in or go home. Maybe he's an android." Thad laughed. "They wouldn't make a bland android. Look at Data." Jason laughed and conceded. For all his apparent coolness, Thad was such an irrepressible Star Trek nerd. "But no, it's not Spencer. He's barely spoken to me in the few months he's been there. Not my type at all." "Uh-huh." Thad sounded skeptical. "That's what Sky would've said before Nate came along. He's got his nerd, maybe it's your turn." "I guarantee Nathan's not as bad as Spencer." Jason knew that Nathan had been working at the bank in the mall when Sky had met him—swept him off his feet, according to Thad— but Jason had yet to meet him. Maybe a trip to the mall, to Sky's shop, would be on the agenda for later today... okay, tomorrow. He had a feeling he was going to be lazy with Thad today. Sky needed telling that he was remiss for keeping Nathan to himself and not introducing them. Jason decided he'd invite them both for drinks; a quiet evening in, for a change, where they couldn't make excuses and say they were too tired. He drifted off to sleep again under the gentle ministrations of Thad's hands and dreamed of an office full of android nerds. **** "But Thad cooked you an awesome breakfast, didn't he?" Skyler Hawkins, owner of Sky Hawk, Summerset Mall's New 10

Neon Yellow: Obsessive Adhesives by Andy AUTHOR Ali Slayde AUTHOR Wilde

Age store, asked Jason when he finally made it into the shop on Sunday afternoon. Jason nodded. He was half heartedly berating Sky for opting out of Friday evening's get-together, while Sky was pointing out the merits of Jason having Thad all to himself for the night. He couldn't deny that all of Sky's reasons, from not having to share Thad with others through to Thad's cooking skills, had been valid. Once again, Jason couldn't figure out why Thad was still single. Maybe he just hadn't met the android of his dreams... "And you got to experience something that even I haven't." Sky raised an eyebrow. "A massage." Jason had to laugh. "It was so relaxing, I went to sleep." "Uh-huh. And when you woke up, you were so refreshed that morning sex was as energetic as evening sex and you did it twice? In the shower and against the breakfast bar." Jason rolled his eyes. That was exactly what had happened. "How did...? Nah, I don't want to know what you two talk about between customers." Sky winked at Jason, and grinned. "And speaking of which..." He looked over as a young man entered the shop. "Excuse me a sec, Jay." Jason glanced at the customer who was standing just inside the shop, wiping his glasses on what looked like a soft handkerchief. His brown hair was damp and slightly spiky where he'd run his fingers through it; trim body looking pleasant enough wearing a casual collared shirt tucked into slightly faded blue jeans. There was something familiar about him. 11

Neon Yellow: Obsessive Adhesives by Andy AUTHOR Ali Slayde AUTHOR Wilde

"Spencer, hi," Sky greeted the man like an old friend. "Hi, Sky," Spencer spoke quietly, still intent on ensuring his glasses were clean. "Don't worry about me, I'll just have a look while you see to your other customer." Sky waved his hand in Jason's direction. "That's just a friend of mine. He'll wait." Spencer looked up at that, then over at Jason. His eyes, which Jason had never seen without a pair of glasses perched in front of them, widened slightly, obviously in surprise at seeing a work colleague. "Afternoon, Spencer." Jason wondered how he could ever have looked at Spencer and not noticed how beautiful his eyes were. A warm brown framed with long, dark lashes that almost cast shadows on his cheeks when he looked down. "Hi, Jason," came Spencer's quiet response. When he looked up again, he had his glasses on and his eyes, once again, looked small and non-descript behind the lenses. Jason found himself oddly disappointed, then berated himself. Just because the guy had pretty eyes, didn't mean that he was suddenly interesting. He was still bland Spencer from accounts. Never spoke to anyone, never did anything other than his job, stayed late, probably got in early Spencer. With gorgeous eyes... and he may be gay... "You two know each other?" Sky's voice broke into Jason's musings. "Only by sight," Jason clarified. "We work in the same office."

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Neon Yellow: Obsessive Adhesives by Andy AUTHOR Ali Slayde AUTHOR Wilde

"Cool." Sky could always be relied on to chat through any awkward silences. He looked at Spencer again. "So, you're in IT as well?" "No, I work in the accounting department." "Ah, that's right." Sky laughed and winked at Jason. "Jason's the one man IT department." "Don't need two men when you've got me." Jason raised his eyebrows at Sky. "Just ask Thad." "I won't hold you up any longer." Spencer's face flushed a deep red as he retreated toward the glass shelving unit housing various crystals and gems. "Don't scare my customers." Sky rolled his eyes at Jason and headed over to Spencer. "You don't have much to do with Jason, do you? You'll have to tell me how you do it; he won't let me ignore him." "No one cares if I ignore them." Spencer shrugged his shoulders and reached for a deep purple crystal. "This is amazing, Russian?" Sky nodded. "It's not a very good piece, though. I'm getting some much better in next week." He put his hand on Spencer's arm. "Wait here, I've got something for you. Jay, just look after the store for a sec, will ya?" he threw over his shoulder as he headed out the back. Jason looked around briefly. No one but Spencer in the store. "You into all this...?" He spread his arms, encompassing the entirety of Sky Hawk. "New Age stuff, Spence?" "I like geology." Spencer quickly turned away from Jason and picked up another rock. 13

Neon Yellow: Obsessive Adhesives by Andy AUTHOR Ali Slayde AUTHOR Wilde

Jason smiled. He could see Spencer's blush reflected in the mirrored back of the shelves. It was cute and the innocence was refreshing, but it could get old, fast. "That's the study of rocks and what-not, isn't it?" "In a nutshell." Spencer glanced at the door Sky had disappeared through. "I'm more into rock-hounding than the science of it." "Yeah?" Jason knew what that was. He leaned against a glass cabinet that held little wooden carvings and dolls that may or may not have been African. That they actually held any magic, Jason seriously doubted. "Found anything good?" "I've found some nice specimens." Spencer seemed to relax—a little. "I've found Herkimer diamonds, garnet, pyrite, mica and some fossils." "Diamonds?" Jason was impressed. "Worth anything?" Spencer turned to face Jason and smiled. "It's just a fancy term for double-terminated quartz. They are only found in one area of New York, you find good ones and you'll make some money." Right at that moment, Jason found the life in Spencer. His face lit up, he was sure of himself, positive that he knew what he was talking about and that it was something he loved. Jason couldn't help smiling at Spencer's enthusiasm and wondered if he could ever provoke the same response. For some reason, seeing that eagerness directed at him definitely made Jason want to know Spencer better. Would he be that enthusiastic in bed? Jason jammed his fists in the pockets of his jeans and shifted against the cabinet, becoming uncomfortably aware that he shouldn't be thinking about 14

Neon Yellow: Obsessive Adhesives by Andy AUTHOR Ali Slayde AUTHOR Wilde

Spencer and sex. Well damn, who would have thought Spencer would cause that reaction? "I have no idea what double-terminated quartz is but I'd love to see them." "Here," Spencer searched the shelf and handed Jason a clear crystal. "See how it's faceted? True diamonds need to be cut by man, whereas Herkimers are found that way." "That's cool." Jason's palm tingled from the touch of Spencer's fingertips. He looked at the smooth, almost perfectly faceted crystal, cold in his hand. "There's this wonderful place I like to go for Herkimers. On a sunny day the ground sparkles with them—it's amazing." Spencer blushed, taking the crystal and placing it back on the shelf. "Sorry, I didn't mean to bore you." "Not at all." Jason winked. "I was beginning to wonder what got you excited." "Sorry it took so long, you know how organized I am." Sky returned and held out a little jar full of brightly colored—some almost iridescent—rock chips. "Um, what's that?" Jason asked, trying to decide whether Sky's return was timely or not. Spencer's lovely shade of embarrassment told him it was, but Jason really wanted to know what Spencer might have said. "You went to Coober Pedy!" Spencer's embarrassment seemed to disappear as he took the jar and examined its contents. "I'm extremely jealous." Jason peered at the colored bits, just as Spencer was, but was still at a loss. "It's pretty. What is it?" 15

Neon Yellow: Obsessive Adhesives by Andy AUTHOR Ali Slayde AUTHOR Wilde

"Opal chips." Spencer's face was alight with enthusiasm again. "Thank you so much. Did you find these?" Sky nodded. "Me and Nate went noodling." He looked at Jason. "And before you say anything, that's sifting through the piles of discarded rock to find opal." "Fossicking?" Spencer sounded even more eager, if that were possible. "That sounds wonderful. I would love to do that." "It was pretty awesome. Hot though. The temp must've been up around a hundred or so. There's no shade, only desert." Sky didn't sound at all annoyed about the weather, more exhilarated, remembering his trip and sharing it with someone who would also have appreciated it. Jason decided that he wanted to see more of Spencer. He doubted the man would actually consent to going on a date with him, so he'd have to think of something else. Not many men intrigued him as much as Spencer, and he'd dated men for far more shallow reasons. "Spencer. Sky and Nathan are coming to my place this evening. Why don't you come, too? I'm sure I can convince Sky to bring photos." "Ah, I don't know..." Spencer worried his bottom lip and stared at the little bottle in his hand. "Why don't you come to my place?" Sky addressed Jason and then turned to Spencer. "You too, Spence. I'm bound to forget something if I have to take it to Jay's. It's gonna be a nice night; we can go up on the roof, light the chimenea and have a drink. We brought back a couple of excellent wines from the Barossa Valley." He raised an eyebrow. "C'mon, it'll be more fun than sitting home by yourself." 16

Neon Yellow: Obsessive Adhesives by Andy AUTHOR Ali Slayde AUTHOR Wilde

Spencer continued abusing his lower lip, blushing. "Okay, I'll stop by—for a little while." Sky looked at his watch. "Just come with us now. I finish up here in a minute or so and Nate's picking me up. He won't mind a few passengers." "I, um... the cat..." Spencer mumbled vaguely. Sky laughed. "You don't have a cat. You don't have anyone to go home for." At this, Spencer looked at Jason, a horrified look in his eyes. Jason shrugged. "Nor do I. And Sky's roof is awesome. Especially on a clear night. If we drink too much, we can always sleep up there." "Wouldn't be the first time," Sky admitted. Spencer sighed in defeat. "Okay." Jason slung his arm around Spencer's shoulders. "You'll have a good time. You'll be safe with us." Spencer tensed. "Shouldn't I... um... bring something? Some wine or...?" "I have wine," Sky told him. "It's fine. You're a guest. Next time, you can bring something." "Afternoon, all." Thad breezed into the shop, ready to take over from Sky for his shift. "Busy day, boss?" "Not bad for a Sunday." Sky made sure the till was in order and that Thad was set for the rest of the afternoon's business. [Back to Table of Contents]

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Neon Yellow: Obsessive Adhesives by Andy AUTHOR Ali Slayde AUTHOR Wilde

Chapter Two Lying back on one of the sun loungers on Sky's roof, Jason watched Sky and Spencer as they pored over photos of Coober Pedy opal mines. They all looked like excavation sites to him, but Sky and Spencer looked as though they were having the time of their lives. He had to admit that he loved hearing Spencer laugh. Relaxed and in the company of people he knew, Spencer was almost a different person. Jason took a deep breath and finished his glass of wine, chastising himself for harboring fantasies involving Spencer. He didn't need anyone as complicated as Spencer in his life. Just because he wanted someone. Someone more than a one night stand or a casual fuck. Someone long term and reliable, someone who needed him, someone free and easy, no issues. Was that so hard? "Penny for them." Nathan sat on the sun lounger next to Jason's. "Not worth that much." Jason laughed and sat up, determined to enjoy the evening. No more melancholy. "Was Coober Pedy really that exciting?" He gestured over at Sky and Spencer. Nathan grinned and nodded. "No..." Jason laughed. He'd only known Nathan for a couple of hours, but he liked the man. A good match for Sky—settling but not dampening. "Don't get me wrong," Nathan continued. "The place was awesome, but... well, a rock's a rock. Once you've seen one 18

Neon Yellow: Obsessive Adhesives by Andy AUTHOR Ali Slayde AUTHOR Wilde

opal mine, you've seen them all. It's a lot of sand and rock. The Barossa was much better." "Yeah, your photos were great. Wouldn't mind going there myself." Nathan winked. "Take your man, do the same trip we did." Jason glanced at Spencer who was watching Sky with rapt attention, nodding occasionally. "He's not my man." "But?" Jason shook his head. "No. Oh no, no way." "Why not?" Nathan asked. "He's good looking and... never underestimate the allure of a nerd." He gave Jason a crooked smile. "There's no doubt he's got something." Jason agreed, ruefully. "I just..." He shook his head. He barely knew Nathan, he certainly wasn't about to start confiding in the guy. Besides, whatever his reservations were regarding Spencer, Jason was sure that Spencer's reservations concerning him were tenfold. Nope, opposites only attracted if they had something in common—which he and Spencer certainly didn't. Nathan smiled. "If someone had told me that I would end up loving Sky, I would've laughed in their face." He shrugged his shoulders. "Get to know him." Jason rolled his eyes. "He rarely even talks to me. To anyone really." He sighed. "There has to be some sort of attraction there to even make the effort. And, believe me, it would be an effort." Nathan looked over at where Spencer was avidly talking to Sky. "Looks like he's talking just fine." 19

Neon Yellow: Obsessive Adhesives by Andy AUTHOR Ali Slayde AUTHOR Wilde

"That's Sky. He's..." Jason gestured vaguely with his hands, hoping to convey whatever Sky was. "Friendly? Willing to take a chance? A stubborn ass who's used to getting his way?" Nathan grinned, reaching for his drink. "Yes." Jason laughed and raised his own glass in a salute to Sky, which Nathan echoed. "Oh, to be as perfect as he." "Amen." "Amen? What are you praying for?" Sky asked from behind Jason. "Surely you already have everything you could desire." Nathan raised an eyebrow at Jason that clearly said, See what I mean? "A new job would be good." "Praying won't help." Sky observed with practicality, and plonked himself down on Nathan's lounger. "Pull up a chair, Spencer. More wine?" Spencer pulled up his chair and sat down. "I'd love some more. I wonder if any place around here carries it." "If it does, it'll be pricey." Sky poured more wine in all the glasses. "I'm getting a few bottles shipped across." He leaned back against Nathan and grinned. "Nate insisted." Nate blushed. "I like it and... it has sentimental value." Sky gave a crooked smile. "We'll save a bottle for our anniversary." "Definitely." Nathan wrapped his arms around Sky and nuzzled his neck. "Disgusting public display," Jason said, good naturedly. "And here Sky told me you were the shy type." Sky laughed. "Well, you know what they say about the shy ones." 20

Neon Yellow: Obsessive Adhesives by Andy AUTHOR Ali Slayde AUTHOR Wilde

Jason looked at Spencer and winked. "Is that right?" He'd bet all he had that Spencer wasn't the least bit sexually liberated. And that was just one more reason why he didn't need Spencer in his life. He didn't want anyone sexually repressed or with issues. "I...uh..." Spencer's face turned beet red. Sky rolled his eyes. "You have absolutely no tact, Jay. Spencer, ignore him. It doesn't work, but it helps." Spencer nodded timidly and turned his gaze to the star filled sky. "Beautiful night." Jason lay back on his sun lounger. "It's nice not to have too much light pollution up here." He glanced across at Sky. "Bet you could see the stars well in the Outback." Sky nodded. "Once you got out of Coober Pedy, you couldn't see your hand in front of your face. It was kinda spooky." "The stars were different," Nathan added. "There seemed to be heaps more for a start." "That's because it was so dark," Spencer said. "When you get out of town here, you see a lot more stars. Did you see the Southern Cross?" Nathan nodded. "All the time. It's really easy to spot when you know what you're looking for. I missed seeing the Big and Little Dippers, though." Spencer laughed softly. "There'd be lots of familiar ones that would be missing." Jason tuned out of the conversation and watched Spencer. It seemed that astronomy was another interest of his and, once again, his face lit with enthusiasm while he talked in 21

Neon Yellow: Obsessive Adhesives by Andy AUTHOR Ali Slayde AUTHOR Wilde

depth with Nathan. Jason was no Galileo, but he did find astronomy fascinating. More interesting, though, was the idea that he and Spencer actually had something in common. "Jay went to Turkey a few years ago to see the eclipse." Jason heard Sky mention his name and stopped his musing. Spencer was looking at him skeptically. Jason raised an eyebrow in question. "Well, I did. Seemed like something I should do while I could. Astronomy isn't just stars. There's plenty of other things up there." "I would've loved to have seen the eclipse." Spencer turned to face Jason. "What was it like? Did you take pictures?" "It was amazing. It got really cold when the sun was hidden. But the corona was awesome." Jason smiled, liking Spencer's enthusiasm. Just a few drinks and the man was loosening up a bit. It made Jason seriously wonder what effect a few more might have. Not that getting anybody drunk was a good thing, but... "And yeah, plenty of photos. I got a couple enlarged and gave one to Sky; don't think he appreciates it, though." "Hey." Sky was indignant. "Just 'cause I'm not into that side of the stars, doesn't mean I don't appreciate the scientific side. It's an excellent photo. Nate loves it." "You took that?" Nathan asked. "You're right, the corona is amazing." Spencer smiled, his ears becoming redder with each sip of wine. "I would love to see it."

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Neon Yellow: Obsessive Adhesives by Andy AUTHOR Ali Slayde AUTHOR Wilde

Sky tossed the front door key of his apartment to Jason. "Think you can still negotiate the stairs, Jay? Show him." He snuggled closer to Nathan. "Take your time." "Where have you hidden it?" Jason stood and stretched. He knew Sky hadn't hung it in his living room. Sky made a big production of being offended that Jason should think such a thing. "It's not hidden; it's in the office. It gets appreciated every day." "Spare room, right." Jason held his hand out to Spencer, not expecting it to be taken and therefore not disappointed when it wasn't. Okay, yes, mildly disappointed, but he'd get over it. He was more surprised when Spencer also rose and followed him downstairs. Sky's place hadn't changed much, not even with Nathan moving in. Obviously, Nathan was content to soak up all the New Age vibes that made Sky's domain his own. Then Jason opened the door to the spare room, fondly known as the office, and stopped dead. When it had been just Sky's, the room had contained a desk, calculator, ledger, pens and a filing cabinet. There'd been one of those annoying tinkly fountains on the desk, too. Sky always said it relaxed him when the accounts stressed him out. It'd just made Jason want to visit the toilet. Now, the room contained a computer. Not unusual in most homes, no, but Sky disliked technology, only using it because he had to. The computer had to be Nathan's. A twenty-four inch monitor dominated the desk, Sky's old ledger nowhere to be seen. Jason moved the mouse and the screen lit up displaying wallpaper of a 1965 Mustang. He nodded to himself. Yup, Nathan's. Sky would have clouds or a tranquil 23

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river there. He right clicked on 'My Computer' and read through the specs, nodding to himself. Intel, dual core, 2GB of Ram... not bad. "Jason," Spencer hissed. "Should you be touching that?" "Relax. I know my way around a computer." "What are you doing?" "Just checking the specs. I'm in IT: natural curiosity." Jason closed the window and decided not to have a look at how big the hard drive was. "Still." Spencer nervously bit his lower lip. "You shouldn't be looking at it." Jason rolled his eyes. "I wasn't digging for personal stuff and if I break it, I can fix it. Probably better." "That doesn't make it right. How would you like it someone was to snoop in your computer?" Jason snorted a laugh. "They'd never get into it. And I wasn't snooping." "Fine," Spencer turned away from Jason. "Oh, that's beautiful," he said, walking closer to the framed print on the wall. "It is, huh?" Jason forgot his irritation at Spencer's moralistic outburst and moved up close behind him. "Easy subject, really. Nature makes itself look good." Jason spoke close to Spencer's ear and felt the man shiver. He laughed softly. "I took photos the whole time; it was just as beautiful before the dark umbra and the diamond ring straight after was one of the most amazing I've ever seen."

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Neon Yellow: Obsessive Adhesives by Andy AUTHOR Ali Slayde AUTHOR Wilde

"I wish I could have been there," Spencer said, his gaze still focused on the photo. "Well, maybe in 2012 I'll go to Australia and see it for myself." "Great idea. Maybe we'll know each other well enough by then to go together." Jason let his lips brush Spencer's ear. Jason felt Spencer tense and took half a step back. The last thing he wanted to do was scare Spencer. The man was fascinating Jason more and more. He looked so dull, just blended into whatever scenery was around, and yet... if one looked closely, as Jason had had the opportunity to do this evening, it was easy to see that Spencer was very attractive. His brown hair was straight, but so soft, and there were little glints of auburn among the brown strands. And he smelled nice, a fresh, clean scent that could only be smelled this close. His face was nothing remarkable as a whole; it seemed that he was perfectly average, if there was such a thing. But his eyes, which the glasses made look small, were—as Jason had noted earlier—beautiful. "Why don't you wear contacts?" "Never thought about it." Spencer shrugged his shoulders. "Glasses are easy." With his fingers under Spencer's chin, Jason made Spencer look at him. "You have beautiful eyes." Spencer's cheeks flushed and his tiny eyes stared at Jason from behind the wire rimmed glasses. "Thank you?" Jason laughed. "You do." He carefully removed Spencer's glasses. "These make your eyes look tiny. You'd get more... company if you wore contacts." Jason considered the rectangular spectacles for a few seconds. "But I don't think 25

Neon Yellow: Obsessive Adhesives by Andy AUTHOR Ali Slayde AUTHOR Wilde

I'd like that, so... keep your glasses and I'll be the only one who knows." "You guys still down here?" Sky's voice reached them as they heard the front door opening. "Nope," Jason called back. "Ha ha, funny." Sky appeared in the doorway. Jason saw his eyes go straight to Spencer's unadorned eyes and then to the glasses, which Jason was still holding. A blond eyebrow rose in silent question. Spencer blushed even more, if that were humanly possible. Jason wondered if anyone had ever chatted him up. Complimented him? Kissed him... fucked him? Jason shook his head, not wanting to explore those possibly uncharted waters. Virgins weren't for him, no matter how cute they were and how beautiful their eyes. But, to be the first man to touch Spencer... to hear him moan... to feel his lips... "Um, wonderful photo, Jason." Spencer took his glasses and put them on. "I think it's time to go. Thank you for inviting me, Sky." Spencer quickly moved past Jason and Sky. "I'll just say good-bye to Nathan." "You can't go yet." Sky's hand shot out and caught Spencer's arm. "There's cake. I made it yesterday and it's always better the second day." "No, I..." Spencer glanced at his watch and seemed to be purposefully ignoring Jason. "I really should go." "Please stay. Besides, I'm not ready to relinquish Nate to take you home." Spencer sighed and tugged his arm free. "Okay, I'll just... I need some air," he mumbled and hurried from the room. 26

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"Please tell me you didn't proposition him," Sky mock scolded. "Nope. Not that I didn't want to, but..." Jason shook his head, surprised at that admission. "All I did was tell him he has beautiful eyes, and see what happened?" "You had his glasses in your hand." "I wanted to see him without them. He really is quite cute." Sky rolled his eyes. "You're scaring the crap outta him. He's not going to go anywhere near you if you're not careful." Jason shook his head. "No probs. I don't have time to deflower virgins. Too many experienced boys out there." **** "Thanks for the ride Nathan." Spencer opened the door of Nathan's dark blue Mustang. "No problem. Glad to meet you," Nathan replied. "Same here." Spencer smiled, gently closed the car door, and headed down the slate walk to the front door of the little cottage he rented. The ceramic planter that had been filled with red chrysanthemums lay smashed at the bottom of the stoop, dirt and flower pieces scattered all around. "Damn." Spencer kicked the broken pot to the side. "Everything okay?" Nathan called from the car. "Yes. Just a broken pot. Neighbor's dog must have knocked it over," he called back and waved to Nathan. The Mustang pulled away from the curb with the deep rumble that only comes from a V8 and Spencer wondered 27

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what it cost to keep the thing running. Turning his thoughts back to the more mundane matters of his life, he made a mental note to buy a replacement plant pot and chrysanthemums. Damn, it was good to be home again. After hanging up his jacket and placing his keys on the hook next to the door, Spencer slumped down on the best second hand sofa he could afford and sighed. The evening had been great, he was glad Sky had invited him over—and that he'd accepted. It was so very interesting seeing the pictures of Australia and hearing the wonderful stories. It wasn't often Spencer had someone to talk to about rock hounding like he'd been able to this evening. He had joined a local rock hounding club that met once a month at the library, but he doubted that anyone there had ever been to Coober Pedy. Spending the evening in Jason's company had, at first, worried Spencer. The man was so cocky and confident at work—teasing colleagues, flirting with the girls and sometimes even being positively rude to people on the telephone. But, out of work, he'd been a surprise. Spencer never would have thought Jason the type to fly off to Turkey to see a solar eclipse. Who knew Jason was so approachable? And apparently gay. Not that it would do Spencer much good knowing that. Jason was so far out of his league, it wasn't even worth considering. The man's mild flirtations this evening had been just that. Spencer had already guessed that Jason liked being noticed and, as the only unattached person that evening, he, Spencer, had been singled out to be that adoring public. Well, 28

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Jason most certainly was hot, but Spencer was glad he hadn't given in. He'd be forgotten by tomorrow morning. Oh well, he was used to being alone, anyway. Still, seeing Nathan and Sky happily together filled Spencer with sadness and jealousy. Neither of which he enjoyed. At times like this, Spencer longed for some male companionship to counter the loneliness. Was it his fault he was shy? High school had been a horror of being taunted and teased. In college, Spencer had decided to forego the same treatment, and spent his time taking extra courses. That hard work paid off. He'd graduated a year early and found a placement at Morgan & Richmond. After only a couple months Spencer was well on his way to promotion. By age twenty-eight he planned to be running the accounting department. Six years was more than enough time to make his dream a reality. So, socializing was on the back burner—it was overrated anyway. People just never gave Spencer a chance and he didn't have the time to change their minds. Maybe he should go to the local animal shelter and pick out a cat. A cat would keep him company on these rare occasions and make Spencer feel needed. Adding that to the 'to do' list in his head, right after 'buy new chrysanthemums'—maybe yellow this time—he decided he needed a hot bath. Relaxing in that with a few drops of the relaxing blend of oils Sky had sold him, and a good book, sounded like just the thing to get rid of the pity party he was currently hosting. 29

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Spencer entered the well lit bathroom—which was odd, he was usually so anal about turning lights off—and turned the taps on. Once the tub was filled, he undressed and slipped into the soothing hot water, romance book in hand. It was his weakness; he loved a good gay romance. It was so easy for Spencer to imagine himself in the stories, finding the man of his dreams and being swept off his feet—in a manly way, of course. In no time, the main characters were replaced by himself and Jason. Jason... a walking wet dream. Spencer could still feel the brush of Jason's lips against his ear, and the memory seemed to interest his cock as well. Jason had been so interested when Spencer spoke, even instigating conversation. Obviously, Jason was just being polite. Spencer knew he wasn't anything special, boring brown hair with matching boring brown eyes and nothing spectacular about him. He was a rock hound, into astronomy, and an accountant for Pete's sake; that just screamed nerd. But still, it was nice to fantasize about Jason actually being interested and wanting him. The book dropped to the tiled floor as Spencer's hand stroked his cock. His fantasy was filled with Jason's spiky blond hair—so easy to grab onto—and his sparkling blue eyes—so easy to get lost in—and his lean fit body pressed tightly against Spencer's. The water sloshed around as Spencer's strokes became more frantic and he screamed out his release. One of the many reasons Spencer was glad to rent a house rather than an apartment was that he didn't 30

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have to worry about neighbors hearing his shouts as he wanked. God, he was pathetic. [Back to Table of Contents]

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Chapter Three "Hi, Shaun," Spencer addressed the tall, buff security guard as he entered Summerset Mall. "Good morning, Spencer. Have a good weekend?" "Yes, thanks," Spencer lied. He'd spent some of his night restlessly tossing and turning, unable to sleep for thoughts of Jason and his flirting. "Did you have a good vacation?" "Sure did." Shaun winked, as he always did. Spencer smiled and headed for the elevator, wondering why his stomach didn't go to butterflies when Shaun winked at him like it did when Jason smiled at him. Obviously Shaun was straight. The wink was probably just Shaun's way of teasing the nerd. It wouldn't be the first time someone had a laugh at Spencer's expense. He'd heard what everyone in the office was saying about him. The elevator opened and Spencer headed toward his desk. The neon yellow Post-It note caught his eye and the morning's coffee churned in his stomach. Robotically, he sat in his chair and stared at the note stuck to his computer monitor. There hadn't been any of them for a while now. He'd thought that whoever was leaving them had become fed up with teasing him and moved on. But no. Of course not. It would be just his luck that a creepy note leaving stalker would be the only person in the world to not ignore him. Good morning, Sunshine. You looked so hot in those faded blue jeans yesterday. Made me want to fuck you right there in Sky Hawk. 32

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See you soon. Spencer stared at the note and swallowed hard. His throat was drier than the Sahara—fear had a way of doing that. This note was different from the others. It was more personal. Had he been followed to Sky Hawk? Spencer wanted to get right back up, head for the elevator and call in sick. But... what kind of man was he if he was afraid of Post-It notes? There had to be a logical explanation for all this. The notes were probably left by one of his co-workers playing a joke on him, though it wasn't very funny. It could be Rosa, trying to ascertain if he was gay, hence the fuck you right there statement. Then again, Rosa seemed the dominating sort. Shaking off the image of Rosa wearing a strap-on, Spencer pulled the note off the screen, crumpled it and tossed it into the mesh trash bin next to his desk. He took a deep calming breath. No way was the prankster getting the satisfaction of seeing him rattled. Sooner or later, the person responsible would grow tired of it and leave him alone. The door to the lunch room opened and closed, the squeak of its hinges making Spencer cringe. He looked up—maybe it was the note leaver—and saw Jason. That was unusual in itself. Jason never arrived at work early. He usually raced in with seconds to spare. And once or twice, Spencer had seen Jason writing 8:55 next to his name in the sign in book, when the time was actually 9:10. "Hey, morning," Jason greeted him and indicated the cup of coffee he was holding. "Want one? I need another. This time of morning sucks." 33

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"Morning," Spencer said, his gaze shifted from Jason to the crumpled note in the trash bin. "Thanks, I'd love one." Could Jason have left the Post-It? That theory was quickly shot down, Jason never came in this early and he didn't seem the secret admirer/stalker type. "No probs." Jason disappeared back into the lunch room. Spencer slumped in his chair. Okay, chances were that Jason hadn't left the note, but had he seen it? God, Spencer hoped not. Not with what it had written on it. Jason might think... well, he'd think that Spencer was some sort of slut who put out anywhere and everywhere. He groaned silently. Nothing could be further from the truth. He was a virgin. He was sure that female singer that was more butch than he was, Pink something, had been watching him when she wrote that song. It'd been just him and his hand—and a few select magazines—for as long as he could remember. "Wakey wakey, hands off snakey." Jason's voice interrupted his self-deprecating thoughts. Spencer shook off the glazed look he must've had in his eyes and accepted the cup of coffee. "Um, thank you." Damn, could Jason read his mind? That comment... Oh God, did he know? Spencer blushed. "I wasn't... um, didn't, don't... That is..." Jason laughed and perched on the edge of Spencer's desk. "You don't what? Wank? You'd be the only one." "I... uh..." Spencer wanted one of the cracks in the floor to open up and swallow him. No way was he answering that— best to redirect the conversation. "What are you doing here so early?" 34

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"Car wouldn't start. It's been playing up for a while now, not like I wasn't expecting it." Jason drank half the cup of his hot coffee. "Choice of two buses, one gets me here early, the other quarter past, and that's too late even for me to fux with the time book." "Hope you get it fixed soon." Spencer did not like his morning routine mucked with. Having Jason here early—and on his desk—was distracting to say the least. But it was getting his mind off the creepy note. "You and me both. There's only one good reason to wake up early, and getting to work isn't it. What's your excuse?" "I like the quiet of the empty office." Spencer shrugged his shoulders, knowing just how lame that sounded. "Yeah? Drives me nuts. There's nothing to do." "There's always something to do. And no-one is around to distract you." "I like the distractions. Like the water delivery guy in his shorts... verrry distracting." Jason finished his coffee. "Really should talk to him one day; probably straight though." "I never paid attention to him." Spencer couldn't believe Jason was still talking to him. Had Spencer entered The Twilight Zone? "You don't let much distract you, from what I've seen. Don't be too much of a super hero, Spence, they'll expect it from you all the time." "Nothing wrong with working hard." Spencer usually detested that nickname; he thought it made him sound like a pimp. How hard was it to say the r? But when Jason said it... it sounded nice. Spencer wondered what it would sound like 35

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during more intimate circumstances. Oh God, he did not want to go through the day with a hard on. Interest rates... Taxes... Itemized profit and losses... "Never let them know everything you know," Jason countered, seeming to trade cliche for cliche. He leaned closer to Spencer. "Wanna come out tonight? Grab something to eat?" Spencer's reply would forever be caught in that limbo of shock and surprise. Right at that minute, the elevator doors opened, ejecting Rosa, Jenny and Eli. The girls clattered by in their stiletto heels, a perfume cloud wafting behind them, gossiping about some girl in the make-up department, while Eli raised his eyebrows and grinned at Jason, never stopping his conversation on his mobile phone. Great, Spencer thought, there went his morning. Productivity would be down ten percent today. The sooner Jason's car was fixed... "Jason," Rosa called from her desk, holding up a little bright pink box. "Can you fix this?" Jason rolled his eyes. "Later, Spence." He pushed himself off Spencer's desk and headed for Rosa. "What is it? MP3 player..." Rosa took the opportunity to hang all over Jason. The woman had no shame what so ever. It annoyed Spencer. More than it should've, since he didn't have any claim on Jason. Obviously Rosa and the rest didn't know Jason was gay. Spencer could kick himself for not answering Jason before the She-devil got her claws into him. Dinner would've been nice. Maybe Jason would ask again? Spencer knew 36

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better than to read more into it. Just two co-workers sharing a meal. Spencer didn't think Jason was playing with him. But, someone in the office was playing with him, leaving creepy notes on his desk. Spencer watched his colleagues and tried to figure out who looked guilty. It was hard to believe that Eli, with his dark hair and eyes, and boyish features would even know the word fuck, let alone use it in a note like the one Spencer had received. Jenny or Rosa? No. For some reason, Spencer thought the note was from a male. And not Jason. Jason had just proved he didn't need notes, he just straight out asked. **** Good morning, sweetheart. I dreamed of you last night. The things you can do with your tongue... Pulling the note off the screen, Spencer tossed it in the trash. He was beginning to hate the color yellow. The neon Post-It seemed to mock him, reminding him that he wasn't accepted by his co-workers. Except for Jason. Now there was someone who could probably do wicked things with his tongue. Spencer sighed and wished Jason had asked him to dinner again yesterday. Spencer would have said yes. Sadly, Jason hadn't; in fact Jason had been away from his desk for most of the day. Spencer didn't even recall seeing him leave or return. He glanced back at Jason's desk and wondered where the man was. Was his car fixed and Spencer could forget about the one morning of interruption he'd had yesterday? He 37

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turned his computer on and settled down for a productive morning. "Morning, Spence. How are you, this morning?" Jason strolled silently out of the lunch room and placed a cup of coffee on Spencer's desk. "Thank you." Spencer picked up the cup. "Maintenance must have finally fixed it." He gestured to the lunch room door. "Or me." Jason brandished a small can of WD40. "It drove me insane." He pulled the chair from the neighboring desk over and sat on it, swinging around in a circle before stopping and looking at Spencer. "You look good today." "Thank you, so do you." Spencer felt his cheeks heat. Of course Jason knew he looked good. The man could make a potato sack look hot. "Thank you." Jason leaned back in the chair and propped his feet on Spencer's desk. "About grabbing dinner one night? Tonight?" "I can't tonight" Figured the one night Spencer had plans would be the night Jason asked him out. Typical Spencer luck, he had no idea what he'd done in a past life to piss karma off. "Hot date?" Jason asked, sounding mildly irritated. "No." Spencer fiddled with a loose thread on his chair. "I have my monthly meeting tonight." Oh God, a monthly meeting sounded too much like AA. He quickly added, "Third Tuesday of every month the local Rock Hound Club meets at Summerset Library." Again, Spencer wished the cracks in the floor would open and swallow him. Saying no to Jason for a 38

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bunch of rock hounders? God he'd be lucky if Jason ever talked to him again. "Are you playing hard to get?" Jason's eyebrows disappeared under his spiky fringe and he was grinning. "What? No!" Spencer cringed at the desperation in his voice. "I just..." He had no idea how to justify turning Jason down. Here he had a totally fucking hot guy wanting to go to dinner with him and Spencer was saying no. "No matter," Jason said as if Spencer hadn't even spoken. "I'm sure I'll find a way to get you all to myself one-day. Tomorrow for lunch, maybe?" Spencer's eyes widened in surprise and his cheeks burned with embarrassment. Why on Earth would Jason want Spencer all to himself? Surely Jason had better ways to spend his time then with an average, boring, dull, bland... Spencer stopped before he depressed himself. "Okay?" "And maybe we'll forget to come back to work..." "No." Spencer was appalled at the mere thought of skipping out after lunch. Jason laughed. "Have you ever done anything naughty?" "I'm not a prude." "Can't wait to find out." Jason winked and dropped his feet to the floor just as the elevator dinged. Spencer stared, sure that his jaw was hitting the floor. What did Jason mean by that? Rosa, Jenny and Eli left the elevator, filling the office with chatter. "Later, Spence." Jason pushed the chair back to its place and ambled over to his own work area. 39

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**** Good morning, my darling. Damn, I want to take you home and do wicked things to you. How about it? Spencer quickly ripped the note off his computer screen, tossed it in the trash bin. Out of sight, out of mind. Nothing was going to spoil his good mood today—not even some sick fuck who had nothing better to do than to pick on him. Today was Spencer's lunch 'date' with Jason. Granted they were only going to the mall's food court, but it still meant something to Spencer. Hopefully he wouldn't do anything to embarrass himself. He glanced at the lunch room door. Curious to know if Jason were in there making coffee, Spencer stood and walked over to check. He pushed open the door and collided with Jason, who was on his way out and carrying two cups of coffee. "Oh shit, sorry love." "Holyfuckinghell!" The hot coffee drenched Spencer's pristine white shirt. He stood there, covered in coffee, gaping at Jason like a fish out of water. Love? His heart began hammering in his singed chest. "It's... I'm... Okay..." Spencer wanted to run for the elevator and just go home and crawl into bed. He must look like such a dork. He should've known the day was going to Hell when he saw the note on his monitor. Jason dragged Spencer back into the lunch room and grabbed a damp sponge. He wiped ineffectually at the coffee 40

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colored stain on Spencer's shirt. "Not sure it's doing any good. White and coffee's not a good combo." Jason was invading Spencer's personal space and Spencer found that he liked it—a bit too much. The last thing he needed was to get hard and embarrass himself further. "I'll just go buy a shirt." Spencer moved out of Jason's reach. "We do work for the largest and best department store in Summerset." Jason reached into the back pocket of his jeans and pulled out a twenty. "Here, my fault." "It was an accident." Spencer refused to take Jason's money. Feeling a little bolder, he added, "You can buy lunch." Spencer bit his lip and held his breath waiting for Jason's response. Jason tucked the money into the front pocket of Spencer's trousers. "I was going to." "Oh, hello boys." Rosa pushed open the lunch room door and clicked over to the cupboard where the coffee mugs were kept. "Ooo, Spencer, that doesn't look too good, sweety." "I'm getting a replacement." Spencer groaned inwardly, of all the people to see him covered in coffee it had to be her. She already thought he was abnormal. **** It was a most unproductive morning for Spencer. Because he'd had to purchase a new shirt—luckily Julie, the head sales associate, had arrived early and happily assisted him—that set the day's productivity back another ten percent. When he'd returned to accounts, Jason was nowhere to be seen, 41

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having been called out to fix a register in house-wares. Which was a blessing; he was already distracted, unable to concentrate on the figures on his screen. His thoughts kept drifting to lunch and he kept glancing up at the clock, which was taunting him with its slow moving hands. It was only lunch at the food court, but it was causing butterflies in Spencer's stomach. Jason was an attractive guy and, for some unfathomable reason, interested in spending time with him. As soon as the clock struck noon, Spencer sprang from his chair and rushed toward the elevator. He dashed through the crowds, side-stepping mothers with strollers containing screaming babies. Spencer entered the food court and found a table near The Golden Dragon. He took a moment to get his breathing under control after his mad dash through the mall. It was silly that he was so excited about this sure to be sodium and calorie loaded lunch. But he couldn't help it—he was excited, he was happy. That changed as time went on and Jason was a no show. Why would Jason go through all that trouble just to stand Spencer up? Spencer took a sip of the soda he'd bought and tried not to get too depressed. "Not much of a lunch, that." Mark from accounts slid into the very empty chair opposite Spencer. "Mind if I join you for a few?" "Sure." Spencer didn't want to be rude, even though he didn't want the company. What had suddenly changed? As long as a week or so ago, there was no way Mark would have sat with him of his own free will. Jason had never even so 42

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much as looked at him. He looked around for television cameras, quickly, not wanting Mark to think him insane. If this last week of his life turned up on some stupid television show, it would surprise him less than what was happening. "That was a wicked car you were getting into on Sunday," Mark enthused. "I love Mustangs." Spencer's breath hitched as the tension began to build in his body with those words. Mark had seen him? Was Mark following him? Was Mark the leaver of the horrible neon yellow notes? Unlikely but, how well did he know his coworkers? Spencer wished he could retreat back to the office. Could he? Or would Mark think he was being rude? Damn it! What happened to his good day? "Yes, it is a nice car," Spencer tried to sound polite even though his heart was hammering away in his chest. He was thankful that he hadn't eaten anything for lunch—it would have made a second appearance on the mall floor. "You okay there, Spencer? You've gone awful pale." Mark peered at him. "What? No, I'm fine, just a little tired." Spencer looked at the man sitting opposite him in a different light. What if he was the one leaving the notes? "Big weekend, huh? I've heard that Jason knows how to party." Mark laughed. This felt too much like gossip for Spencer's taste. He didn't approve of the gossip going on behind his back, so why would he tell someone he barely knew about his night out? Was Mark trying to get the skinny on Jason? Or did Mark want 43

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Jason? That was unacceptable; Spencer was feeling territorial. Which was silly, since Jason had stood him up. "Just went to a friend's house." Mark would just have to accept that answer—it was all he was going to get. "I should head back to the office." "Now? But there's still ten minutes of lunch time left." Mark stood and scanned the food court. "Enough time to get a donut. See you back there." Spencer started the slow trek back to the office. No burning desire to get back—and face Jason. Not that he blamed Jason; not really, Spencer knew he was shy and that it took a while for him to open up to people. Maybe he should stop by Sky Hawk after work and buy one of those motivational tapes about boosting self esteem. It was time he instigated some changes in his life. As Spencer entered the department store and made his way to the elevators, he noticed a pale green button down in men's wear and, on impulse, purchased it. It would easily stand out in his closet among the white shirts. Shopping bag in hand, Spencer entered the elevator and thought about what other changes he could make. The doors opened, and by the time Spencer sat his desk, he knew he was kidding himself. The new shirt would end up in the back of the closet among all the other clothing he'd never wear. He heard Rosa's laughter and looked up to see her and Jason saunter out of the elevator together, almost as intimate as if they were lovers. She smiled coyly at Jason. "Thank you Jason, I'll certainly keep that in mind," she trilled before tottering off to her desk. 44

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Spencer caught Jason looking at him and turned his gaze back to his monitor before Jason saw the hurt in his eyes. It was becoming obvious that Jason was playing with him, especially if he'd rather have lunch with Rosa after he'd arranged to have lunch with Spencer. "Sorry, got caught up with the computers in admin." Jason's soft voiced apology came from behind him. Spencer shrugged, trying to come off as indifferent. "No problem." "Let's try breakfast tomorrow morning?" Spencer jumped. Suddenly, Jason was so close he was whispering in his ear. Spencer looked around, hurriedly. Thank God no-one was watching. "Sure." Again Spencer tried to come off as cool. "When and where?" A breakfast 'date', for lack of a better word, was better than a lunch one—right? "If it can't be at my place after waking up with you," Jason whispered. "Well, I can be here by eight, how about around ten past at the diner down the road?" To say Spencer was shocked would be an understatement of the grandest proportions. He held onto his desk as the room spun around him and the ringing in his ears seemed to drown out everything except Jason's words. Jason wanted to wake up next to him? Oh, God. Spencer was both terrified and excited by the thought of spending the night in the other man's bed. "Okay, I'll meet you there." "Lovely." 45

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Just that one word from Jason surrounded Spencer's ear with warmth. Spencer wondered what would it be like listening to that voice telling him things in the dark, letting the honeyed words wash over him, and pretend he was someone else who these things happened to all the time? "...shopping? Buy anything interesting?" Snapping out of his daydream—and hoping what he was dreaming about wasn't too obvious—Spencer gave Jason a confused look. "The shopping bag. It's okay, you don't have to tell me, my curiosity overrides my sense sometimes." Jason retreated to his own desk, a few feet away from Spencer's. "I bought a shirt." "Can never have too many shirts," Jason stated. "Not white, we need to jazz you up a bit." He turned back to Spencer's desk. We? What did that mean? Did Spencer really need jazzing up? He already knew the answer to that one—yes, he did. Spencer reached into the bag and pulled out the shirt. "It's not white." Spencer bit his lip and nervously held out the pale green shirt. Jason nodded. "Wear it tomorrow." He winked and was back at his desk, digging through a box of computer bits before Spencer had even realized he was holding his breath. Was Jason's approval really that important? He mentally rolled his eyes. Obviously. [Back to Table of Contents]

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Chapter Four Jason strolled into The Home-Style Kitchen, a diner that used to be known as Dan's Diner before the re-vamp of this part of town. Before, it had been all 1950s style red vinyl seats, laminate tables and black and white linoleum tiles on the floor. Now the diner looked like some sort of country homestead—and Jason wasn't sure which country. Polished floorboards, pine chairs and tables with colorful check table cloths, and daisies everywhere. He saw Spencer sitting at one of the small tables toward the back of the diner. Spencer looked nervous, playing with his teaspoon and glancing around. Jason took this small moment to study him. Spencer was wearing the pale green shirt; it actually lifted his complexion, he didn't look as washed out as he usually did. Jason ambled over and slid into the chair opposite Spencer. "Morning. The color's good." "Good morning." Jason noticed some of Spencer's nervousness ebb once he'd sat down. Probably relieved that he'd turned up this time. The blush when Jason complimented Spencer was cute, though. "Been waiting long?" "Not long," Spencer opened up his over-sized menu. Jason followed suit. As soon as they'd ordered, they could get rid of things for Spencer to hide behind. Jason was enjoying the glimpses of the real Spencer that he uncovered. It was hard going, though. Almost as if the man wasn't willing to give away anything of himself in case one thought him too 47

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boring. Wasn't it better to appear boring with interests than without? Anyone who felt as passionately about anything as Spencer felt about astronomy and rocks had to have some redeeming qualities. Even if it was just that passion. Jason hoped there was plenty more passion in his shy friend. "Would you like to order now?" Jason glanced at the pretty waitress, her pencil and order pad at the ready, and realized that, while he'd been looking at the menu for the past five minutes, he hadn't actually been reading it. His mind had been too occupied with Spencer. "Um, Spence?" He hoped Spencer hadn't been day-dreaming, too. "I just need a couple more seconds," he told the girl. "I'll have the pancakes with sausage and a coffee, please." Spencer closed his menu and placed it on the table in front of the waitress. "Sounds good, the same please." Jason handed the waitress both menus and looked at Spencer, oddly relieved that he seemed to like food. "A good healthy cooked brekky. Great way to start the day." Jason grinned. "I'm lucky if I manage to grab a muesli bar as I'm going out the door." "I like a good breakfast. My omelets are awesome." "Hmm, we'll have to have an omelet-off one day. I've been told I make a pretty awesome one, too." Blushing, Spencer turned his attention to the ad filled place mat. "Oh, The Odeon is showing a double feature of Dr. No and Goldfinger," Spencer said and then frowned. "Damn, it ends tonight." 48

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"So? Come with me, I already have tickets." Jason knew Thad, who had originally agreed to go with him, would understand. "You like James Bond?" Spencer's face lit up with that enthusiasm Jason was beginning adore. Jason raised an eyebrow. "No, I bought tickets so I could stalk you, knowing how much you loved the films." Just like that, the light died from Spencer's face, his expression turning into alarm, eyes zeroing in on the nearest exit. Jason looked around, too, confused. He thought things had been going well. Spencer had been talking to him, even though he'd blushed at every second word. But Jason, for the life of him, couldn't think what he had said that would send Spencer into outright panic. "What?" Spencer took a deep breath. "It's nothing." He seemed relieved when their waitress arrived with their coffee. Jason watched Spencer add three sugars and two little containers of milk to his and stir a little more forcefully than was needed. Well, at least he was staying seated. And he looked less panicked. Jason tried again. "Yes, I like James Bond, especially the older stuff. Sean Connery was the best... and still is. That voice..." Jason visibly shivered and winked. "So, come with me, please." Spencer continued to stir his coffee, apparently going over each and every pro and con. Jason couldn't remember the last time he'd had this much trouble getting a 'date'. "Who was the other ticket for?" Spencer asked, looking up from his morning brew. 49

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"Thad. But he won't care; he was only going 'cause he knows he'd get laid after," Jason explained, laughing. "C'mon, Spence. I don't expect anything like that from you. Just two friends going to see a classic flick." "Maybe you should take him instead." "Maybe not." Jason knew that if he really wanted to get laid by Thad, a date wouldn't be necessary. All he'd have to do would be to phone Thad. Yes, even after he'd been out with someone else. Spencer bit down on his bottom lip. "Okay." Jason smiled and relaxed. Fuck, that'd been hard work. "It starts at seven-thirty, want me to pick you up and we'll have dinner first?" "No, I can't do dinner. But I'll meet you at the theater a little after seven." "No probs." Jason knew he'd have to be content with that, but he also knew he'd be driving Spencer home afterward. A kiss goodnight wouldn't be too much to ask. Jason wondered briefly if Sean Connery's voice had the same effect on Spencer that it had on him, but was interrupted by food before he could ponder on it too much. **** "Morning, Shaun," Jason greeted the security guard. Shaun's eyes flicked from Jason to Spencer and he grunted a response. "Hi Shaun," Spencer quickly threw over his shoulder as they passed the security guard, and returned his attention to Jason. "The Orionid meteors are going to be great next 50

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month. I might go up to a camping site I know in Braeside. It'll be perfect for viewing the showers." "Hmm, that sounds good. Want some company?" Spencer's face lit up. "That'd be great. I have extra camping gear if you need it. I can bring my telescope as well." It amazed Jason how different Spencer was once the man relaxed and felt more comfortable. After a few awkward moments in the diner, everything had changed—for the better. They'd talked non-stop and had even stayed for two refills of coffee. "No need. Believe it or not, I actually enjoy camping. Don't let the Yuppie exterior fool you." "I won't," Spencer replied and pushed the button to call the elevator. "Think we can both get time off? The meteors peak on a Tuesday." Jason laughed. "Take a sick day. You must have about four thousand owing." Try as he might, Jason couldn't recall Spencer ever having a day off that wasn't vacation time. Spencer worried his bottom lip. "I guess I could. But won't it look suspicious if we both call in sick? You know how Rosa loves to gossip." "Pfft, they'll deal with it. Maybe I'll take a couple of vacation days." They rode the elevator up to the second floor. "Thursdays can be busy. If I don't see you for the rest of the day, I'll see you tonight, about seven." "I'll buy the popcorn." Spencer smiled as he left the elevator and walked toward his desk. 51

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"I love popc..." Jason crashed into Spencer's back. "What the? What's up?" He recovered and peered around Spencer to see what had made the other man stop so abruptly, noticing nothing but Spencer's work station as it usually was. Pristine. "It's nothing," Spencer said, quickly pulling a neon yellow Post-It off his computer screen and tossing it in the trash bin. "I'm gonna make some coffee." "More coffee?" Jason raised his eyebrows and watched Spencer go. Spencer usually drank about two cups a day. He'd already gone over his quota and the day hadn't even begun. Once the lunch room door had closed behind Spencer, Jason fished the Post-It from the bin. Good morning, lover. No, not lover. Not yet. After all, you don't even know who I am. But I know who you are. I watch you. And then I have to jerk off. Jason flipped the bright yellow note over, then back, and reread it. What the fuck was this? How long had it been going on? Did Spencer really have no idea who this person was, as the note had intimated? Jason saw red. He followed Spencer into the lunch room. "What's this?" Spencer visibly tensed when he saw the note in Jason's hand. "It's nothing, just someone having a laugh at my expense." Spencer turned his gaze to the coffee maker. "What are you doing going through my trash anyway?" Jason slapped the note down on the table, hard. "This is not someone having a laugh. This is serious shit, Spencer." 52

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He took a deep breath. Being in IT had taught him a lot about cyber bullying and cyber crimes. All types of harassment were dangerous, even anonymous notes written on sticky paper. He had to calm down a bit before he scared Spencer. "Do you have any idea who it is?" "No, I don't." Spencer spun around to face Jason. "It's a joke, it has to be. Who would want to stalk me? Eli? He agrees with Rosa that I'm gay and abnormal. You? You can have anyone you want. You wouldn't jerk off thinking about me." Spencer took a deep breath before continuing. "It's probably Rosa or Jenny, trying to out me." Jason shook his head and couldn't help smiling at Spencer's less than logical skills to narrow down the odds. "I think, if you think about all those statements you just made, you'll find they're all false." He peeled the Post-It from the laminated table top. "And this is serious. You should go to management. Or the cops." "I'm sure the cops would love to waste their time on PostIt fearing gay guy. I can take care of myself." Spencer opened the cabinet, took out two coffee cups and placed them on the counter. "For one thing, this has nothing to do with gay or un-gay. Straight boys get harassed and killed too, y'know." At the word killed, Jason saw Spencer shudder. "It's sexual harassment, pure and simple. And I really think you need to do something about it." Spencer drummed his fingers on the counter. "I guess I could ask Shaun to keep an eye out and see who goes back into the office after I leave." 53

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That seemed like a good idea. Shaun had been working at the store for ages and knew everybody. Jason nodded. "Sounds good. Just..." "Just what?" Spencer snapped. "Be careful?" He filled his cup with coffee. Jason noticed Spencer's hand shaking as he added sugar and cream. "I can take care of myself," Spencer said, storming out of the lunch room. Jason smiled and poured his own coffee. "So, the kitty does have claws," he mumbled, somewhat pleased to find that out. **** Somewhere during his busy day, Jason had found the time to call Thad and break their date for the evening. Thad was no fool and, therefore, knew he was being replaced. "Just don't tell me it's the nerd," he'd said, laughter in his voice. "Nerds can be... stimulating," Jason had countered. "And I can't?" "I'm not denying that, I'm just looking for something more... permanent." Everyone knew that Thad didn't do long term or permanent. For a long time, Jason had thought that was the way to go but, since Sky and Nathan seemed so blissfully happy, he thought he'd like to try their way. Not that he'd been actively looking for someone to spend the rest of his life with, but Spencer was interesting, didn't fuck around and was delightfully—insanely—naive. Those notes were a damn sight more than a practical joke and, despite what Spencer wanted, 54

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Jason was going to get to the bottom of it and try to look after Spencer while doing it. The man was too innocent for his own good. Why would anyone want to stalk him, indeed? Which was why Jason was waiting outside the cinema for Spencer. To make sure he wasn't followed. Jason checked his watch for the squillionth time and even tried to focus on the little second hand in the glow of the orange street light to ensure the watch was still working. The hands didn't seem to be moving at all. "Jason!" Jason looked up and saw Spencer running toward him, flushed and looking gorgeous in a pair of blue jeans and a dark blue shirt. Jason breathed a sigh of relief and smiled warmly, almost ready to take Spencer in his arms and kiss him. "Hi, you look great." Jason looked at the people around them, looking for familiar faces... threatening faces. He glared at a young man walking a bike who stopped too close to Spencer. "Thanks," Spencer dropped his gaze to the sidewalk. "So do you." "Thank you." Jason was at a loss. He didn't know whether to take Spencer's hand—probably not—put a 'friendly' arm around his shoulders—that might freak Spencer out as well— or just enter the theater and hope he followed—which seemed a bit, well... rude. He settled for a light touch in the center of Spencer's back. "Shall we? You promised popcorn, if I remember." "I did." Spencer walked toward the entrance. "You like buttered?" 55

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"What other kind is there?" Jason followed, taking a quick look at Spencer's ass while he could. "Well, I've heard that some people get it without butter." Spencer turned to look at Jason. "But really what's the point? Who wants to eat that?" "Exactly." Jason bought Cokes while Spencer was buying popcorn and they made their way into the cinema, to their seats. "Was Thad upset that you cancelled?" Spencer asked. "Nah, not exactly. He was more stunned that I'd rather be with you." Jason reached for some popcorn. "This is huge." "One can never have too much popcorn," Spencer said, slumping in his seat and looking crestfallen. Jason stretched his arm across the back of Spencer's seat, into which Spencer had suddenly disappeared. He looked around. "What's up? Seen someone who you don't want to see you with me?" "No, it's not that." Spencer drummed his fingers on the arm rest. "Why are you here with me?" "Because you like James Bond more than Thad, because I like you more than Thad, and because I'm trying to get to know you better." Jason's finger tips stroked the soft skin of Spencer's neck. Jason smiled at the shiver his touch had evoked from Spencer. He definitely wanted to know what made the man tick. There was much more to the shy accountant. "What do you want to know?" Spencer shifted to face Jason. 56

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"Nothing specific... everything." Jason took the chance as the lights dimmed and the familiar ad music started to close the few inches between them and kiss Spencer. Just a soft, fleeting press of lips, warm and soft... and Jason wanted more. "That's a start." He licked the buttery flavor of the kiss from his lips. The popcorn Spencer had been holding between them dropped to the floor. "Fuck," Spencer whispered, quickly retrieving the movie watching staple. "Umm... sorry... I can get more." Jason laughed. That wasn't quite the reaction he'd expected. "Don't worry about it. There's still a lot left." He reached across and placed his hand on Spencer's knee. "I don't think we need the calories." "They're easily worked off." Jason felt Spencer tense and watched as the popcorn tub landed on the floor—again. "Damn it." Jason just bet that Spencer's face was beet red. Still flustered over the kiss and then to say something like that— however innocently—showed Jason exactly where Spencer's mind was headed. He leaned over. "Very easily worked off..." he murmured in Spencer's ear, and didn't even whisper about the carnal uses of melted butter. **** "Goldfinger has to be my favorite Bond film," Spencer said as Jason pulled out of the theater's parking lot. "Some of the best characters—ever. Goldfinger and Odd Job. Though I could do without Pussy Galore." 57

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Jason laughed. "Don't let the straight boys hear you say that. Honor Blackman was a looker in her day." Their 'date' had gone well. Spencer hadn't seemed to mind Jason's arm around his shoulders for the duration of the movies, and hadn't even flinched when their fingers had touched in the popcorn box. Now, Spencer was chatty and giving Jason his opinion, which Jason saw as a very good sign considering a few days ago, he'd barely been able to get a hello. "She was," Spencer agreed. "She was also kick-ass in the movie. I just find the name degrading." "Amazing what they could get away with in the early sixties. Must've been no such thing as discrimination laws. Can you imagine a name like that turning up in a Die Hard flick... or The Mission Impossibles? Even the new James Bonds?" "No." Spencer laughed. "Unless it was an X-rated flick." Jason smiled. "Seen many pornos?" "I-" Spencer started and then abruptly turned to look out of the passenger side window. "A few," he whispered. "Great wanking material." Jason was perversely pleased that Spencer wasn't a total innocent. That he enjoyed getting off and didn't consider wanking bad was promising. And Spencer had admitted it to him, too. That boded well for their relationship. Things were looking good for a good night kiss and a quick touch up. "Um, turn left here," Spencer said, and Jason wondered if he were trying to change the subject as well as giving directions. "I can't wait to find out what The Odeon will show 58

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next," Spencer continued. "I love seeing old movies on the big screen—totally different experience." Yup, definitely trying to change the subject. Jason laughed softly. "They're having a Cary Grant double feature in a few weeks. Maybe we can go to that." "Cary Grant! I love his movies." "It's a date then. I'll buy tickets as soon as I can," Jason said. Spencer was acting like a kid on Christmas morning and Jason found the mix of innocence and enthusiasm endearing. "And I'll buy the popcorn." "And maybe you'll be more used to me kissing you by then and you won't drop it." Jason glanced sideways and bit back a laugh at Spencer's stunned expression. "M-my house is coming up." Spencer pointed to the right of the street. "Before the next street light." Jason pulled up outside the pretty cottage that looked more like the home of an elderly lady than one of a young, gay... no, scratch that. It looked like just the place Spencer would live. Jason was looking forward to dragging Spencer, kicking and screaming probably, into the twenty first century. He had a thought, one that originated above his navel this time. "Everything look okay? No prowlers?" "Prowlers?" Spencer looked out the passenger side window at his home. "Everything looks fine." "As long as you're sure." Jason slid his arm around Spencer's shoulders, easing him closer across the center console. "I had a good time tonight. You're great company." "Me too, thanks for inviting me." 59

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"Anytime." Jason closed his eyes, letting the word caress Spencer's lips before his own lips brushed them, his voice dropping to a husky whisper. "Anytime at all." He pressed his lips against Spencer's for the second time that evening. When he felt Spencer relax, Jason's tongue probed his slightly parted lips. "Relax, it's nice." Spencer exhaled a quick, shuddery breath and he licked his lips. "Yes..." "Good." Spencer's lips were more yielding this time when Jason kissed him. They parted easily and Jason's tongue slipped between them to stroke Spencer's. Spencer sighed, a little whimper of acquiescence that made Jason's heart beat faster. "Can I stay?" The groan that Spencer let out did not sound like a yes. "Not tonight." Spencer turned his head away from Jason. The skin of Spencer's neck was smooth under Jason's fingertips. "Sure?" "Yes," Spencer whispered. "Rain check?" "Oh, yes." Jason turned Spencer's face back to him, kissing him soundly. "As soon as possible..." Spencer pulled away and reached for the door handle. "I better go. Thanks for the movies." [Back to Table of Contents]

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Chapter Five Spencer closed the door and peeked out between the dark blue curtains at the window to watch Jason pull away. What a night. It brought a smile to his face when he thought about Jason. If anyone had told Spencer he'd be friends with Jason, well Spencer would have laughed. Who would have guessed that he and his co-worker would have anything in common, let alone enough to keep them both entertained for the evening? And... and Jason wanted to see him again. Not just at work. Socially! A date he'd called it. Spencer savored the word. Date—it conjured images of hand holding and kisses in the back row of the theater, of an intimacy that belonged to just two people... of a boyfriend. Spencer had never had one of those, but he knew he'd like it to be Jason. He felt comfortable around Jason and the kisses were... addictive. Spencer undressed in his bedroom and wandered to the bathroom, his thoughts still centered on Jason and the events of the night. Would Jason want someone who wasn't knowledgeable about certain things? Could Jason be patient and wait? Oh God, what would Jason think about the rain check comment? Fuck. Spencer couldn't believe he'd been that forward, but it had seemed—right. And he did want more—just not this quickly. Hopefully Jason would be okay with that. Spencer let the hot water wash over him as he grabbed the soap and lathered up his hands. What would have happened if he had invited Jason to stay? Definitely more 61

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kisses. Kisses without a console separating them. What would it feel like to have Jason's body pressed against his, naked? One of Spencer's soapy hands wrapped around his cock as the other one rubbed his right nipple. Closing his eyes Spencer imagined Jason's hands touching him, that hot mouth on his neck... After double checking the alarm clock, Spencer slid under the covers and closed his eyes, certain he'd be asleep in no time. And that's when he smelled it. Cologne. Not the simple clean scent he used, nor was it the light sandalwood scent of Jason's that seemed to have imprinted itself on Spencer's senses. No, this was the harsh scent of cheap cologne. It burned his nose and throat—and it was on his pillow and sheets. Spencer sprang out of bed and pulled on a pair of jeans. Had someone been in his bed? Taking the baseball bat out of the closet, Spencer searched every room, his heart hammering a way out of his chest. The sane thing to do would be to call the police and then go somewhere else. But where would he go? He couldn't ask Jason. And he didn't want to have the cops thinking he was some wuss, afraid of his own shadow—which, at this point, he was. Police officers snickering behind his back were not an option. No, he'd take his chances and stay in his home—his violated sanctuary. **** Sluggishly walking to his desk, Spencer wished he'd called in sick, but recent incidents had him uneasy in his home. He'd spent the night sitting on the couch with a death grip on the 62

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baseball bat, only the humming of the refrigerator breaking the silence. Spencer tried to convince himself that it was just his over active imagination getting the better of him. Why would someone break into his house and lie in his bed? Maybe Jason was right and the mysterious note leaver was a stalker. But why him? Lost in his thoughts, at first Spencer didn't notice the now familiar bright yellow Post-It sticking to his coffee mug. The mug he couldn't find this morning when he'd eventually decided to go to work. He wanted to just pick up the mug with note attached and throw it across the room. Yes, even seeing his favorite coffee mug shatter would be satisfying right now. Instead, his eyes were drawn to the neatly written note. Oh, sweetheart. What a shame you had to disappoint me. I put you on a pedestal. You were my pristine boy. Sweet... innocent and virginal. Now I don't know. You had breakfast with him! You went out with him! You were KISSING him! This will have to end, of course. I'll see to it myself. YOU ARE MINE!! Spencer pulled the note off his mug, his hand shaking. What the Hell did that all mean? I'll see to it myself. Was Jason in danger? Had he put Jason in danger just by being with him? Spencer looked around. No one was there, no one was watching him. Not now, anyway. He took a deep breath. 63

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God, this was all so melodramatic. For the last ten years of his life, people had essentially ignored him. When his classmates were pairing up and going on dates, he was studying. And not one person had cared. But now... Now, when he had the chance to date someone, someone else had to decide to wreck it for him. As if he'd date anyone who communicated by neon yellow Post-Its, anyway. He wasn't that desperate. "Spence? Spencer? What's up?" Jason appeared at Spencer's desk, pulling up a chair to sit on. Spencer closed his eyes and tried to compose himself while crushing the Post-It in his fist. He hadn't wanted Jason to see him this shaken up. Jason would make him report the incident to management and the police, neither of which he thought he could face at the moment, especially as it would mean admitting to them all that he was gay. Well, at least Jason was still alive. Now all Spencer had to do was tell the man of his dreams that it was over. "I've been thinking..." Spencer took a deep breath and decided to get it over with, quick and painless, like pulling off a Band-Aid. "We shouldn't see each other anymore." "That just means you probably shouldn't think." Jason moved the chair so that his knees were touching Spencer's. "Why? Did you get another note?" Spencer felt a spark shoot through him where their knees met. If just a knee touching him could illicit such a response, what would Jason's naked body pressed against him evoke? Spencer shook his head; no use thinking about what would never happen. 64

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"Doesn't matter if I got another note." Spencer grabbed his coffee mug and stood. "We're too different, why waste the time when it won't last?" He walked toward the lunch room, knowing what he was doing was for the best. Jason's safety was paramount. Spencer would never forgive himself if something happened to the man because of him. Of course Jason followed him into the lunch room. He'd been half expecting that. What he hadn't expected was being slammed against the door and kissed soundly, with Jason's hard body pressed against him. His hands were on Jason's back, pulling him closer, the note falling to the floor. "Now the truth," Jason growled. Spencer tried to regain his composure after that fucking fantastic kiss. "I-" Spencer noticed that the note had fallen from his hand and bent to pick it up, cursing as Jason reached it first. "Don't!" "Don't what? Don't read the note that's got my boyfriend so worked up that he wants to dump me before we've even given a relationship a try?" Jason smiled and took a step backward, away from Spencer. "Nice try, but I'm not very happy with this joker." Spencer took his glasses off and rubbed his eyes, knowing he had some explaining to do. But hearing the words 'boyfriend' and 'relationship' gave him some much needed courage. "I don't think he's joking." Jason looked up from the note. "Why? Has something happened?" "Isn't what the note says enough?" Spencer put his glasses back on. "He was watching us." 65

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"Has he done anything?" Jason asked, his voice and eyes hard. "He has, hasn't he?" "Yes," Spencer whispered. "The coffee mug on my desk is from my house. I didn't bring it in. And..." Spencer didn't want to say it. The thought of someone else in his bed still royally creeped him out. "And?" Jason prompted, his voice a lot gentler. "I think he was in my bed." Jason's arm slipped around Spencer's shoulders and, despite the fact that anybody could walk into the lunch room, Spencer let himself be drawn into Jason's embrace. "Why didn't you call me?" Spencer tensed. "Because I am capable of taking care of myself. I'm not some damsel in distress." "I didn't say you were." Jason released Spencer and ran his thumb under Spencer's eyes. "But you didn't sleep?" "No." Spencer leaned into the touch. He couldn't explain why he felt so comfortable around Jason. "I couldn't sleep in a bed that smelled like someone else. I stayed on the couch." "And tonight?" Another night on the couch didn't appeal to Spencer, but he didn't think he could sleep in his bed—even if he sterilized the bedding. He didn't have many options available. A room at a hotel seemed a waste of money. "More of the same I guess." Jason nodded. "You phoned the cops? What did they say?" "I didn't." Spencer held up his hand to cut off any remarks from Jason. "Did you really expect me to call the police and 66

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have them rush to my house because my sheets smell funny? I'd rather not be brunt of jokes at the police station." Jason rubbed his hand across his eyes and sighed. "Love, they have to take all accusations seriously. They'd have taken fingerprints, maybe. Or taken the sheets away for analysis; God knows what else the sick fuck did." He took two coffee mugs out of the cupboard and poured two coffees, adding three sugars to each one, then milk. "And after this note, you'd better start taking it seriously, too." Love? Spencer liked hearing it but didn't take it to mean anything profound. Jason probably said things like that to everyone he knew well. "I feel like I should be able to take care of this myself. It'd be humiliating telling the authorities about this. I'm a guy, I should be able to deal with it on my own." "You're kidding, right?" Jason shook his head. "I'm a guy and I wouldn't be. Stalkers don't care who they hurt to get what they want. And there's nothing to say he won't hurt you, either. They're not totally stable." "That's easy for you to say." Spencer grabbed one of the coffee mugs off the counter. "You weren't picked on and shoved into lockers." Frustrated that he'd dragged up those memories, Spencer took a sip of coffee and tried to focus on the issue at hand. "I just feel... inadequate... having to go to the police with a bunch of notes—that I don't have anymore— and a possible break-in where all that was done was roll around in my bed and take my coffee cup—only to return it to me." The whole thing just sounded ludicrous. Like he was that weak, pathetic, sissy-boy from high school again. 67

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Jason rolled his eyes. "Inadequate? This guy can get into your house. What if he comes back with a gun tonight?" "Why would he? I still don't understand why he's... bothering with me." "Why wouldn't he bother with you?" Jason shrugged. "Maybe he thinks you're an easy target. At the moment, you're proving him right." "Right, with all the possible people in Summerset, he chose me. If I were to stalk someone, it'd be someone like you." Spencer knew he wasn't a prime stalker subject. But, his mind took a turn into a scary place. What if this guy was some kind of serial killer? What if this sicko targeted people because they were dull? The coffee cup trembled in his hand. The door opened and Rosa walked in, totally oblivious to the conversation she'd just interrupted. "Morning boys." She poured a coffee, added her diet sweetener and tutted that there were no chocolate-chip cookies left by Friday. "Charlotte's looking for you, Jason. Didn't say why." Jason looked at his watch. "C'mon Spence. Time to start work." Spencer caught a flash of yellow as the Post-It disappeared into Jason's pocket. "Okay." He followed Jason from the lunch room. "Don't trust anyone," Jason murmured as he passed Spencer's desk on his way up to the manager's office. "I'll try to find you for lunch but, if not, don't go home without me." Spencer nodded. Lunch seemed so far away. What was he going to do until then? Actual work was out of the question. How could he concentrate when someone in the office was 68

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scaring the crap out of him? One took it for granted that one's co-workers were sane. His heart was beating a quick tattoo inside his chest as he examined each of the suspects. Well, Jenny and Rosa were crossed off the list; the culprit was a man. Mark? It was suspicious that Mark had sat with him at lunch the other day. Was it Mark's way of making first contact? Spencer's gaze landed on the next prime suspect. Eli, with his dark eyes and exotic looks. Could it be him? No, Eli just seemed too nice and good looking to need to resort to stalking for a date. Spencer didn't know what he was going to do. He could report the notes to Mr. Edwards, the manager. But what if it was him, the wife and kids being a cover for his deranged extracurricular activities? Spencer stared at Jason's empty chair, trying to will the man to appear. Jason was trustworthy and Spencer was grateful to have someone he could confide in—even it did make him feel like a wuss. Some things were hard to forget and being tormented in high school was one of them. The day went by at a snail's pace. Spencer was certain that if he didn't leave soon his heart was going to explode from the stress. Jason had been kept busy all day doing one thing or another and had to work through lunch. And, all things considered, Spencer hadn't had much of an appetite anyway. Thank God it was Friday and he had the weekend to figure out what to do. Maybe he should go to a hotel until things settled. Money really wasn't an issue; Spencer was a thrifty person. He could splurge and go to The Madison and 69

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order room service and drink his way through the over priced mini bar. Or he could get a room at The Ishtar; the mirrored ceiling and vibrating bed would be good for some cheap thrills. Both options would be more fun with someone, the latter more so. Especially if Jason were that someone. Jason: the way he'd slammed Spencer into the lunch room door and kissed him. Those kisses ignited a fire in Spencer he hadn't known existed. God, what Spencer wouldn't give to look up at a mirrored ceiling and see Jason's perfect ass in the reflection. To see those cheeks hollow each time he thrust... When Jason finally appeared at the end of the day, Spencer almost believed that he had actually conjured the man back, he'd been on Spencer's mind nearly all day. His stomach flipped when Jason looked up from his briefcase of IT paraphernalia and winked at him. "Okay, Spence?" he asked quietly. "Yeah, just eager to get out of here." Jason smiled and nodded. "I'll give you a lift home." Spencer wasn't sure what he thought about the offer. On one hand, he'd have more time with Jason. On the other hand, it seemed like Jason was trying to protect him, and that made Spencer feel inadequate, as if he wasn't man enough to handle his own problems. Irrational, yes, but that didn't change the fact that Spencer felt that way. However, having Jason spend extra time with him, and perhaps share a few more kisses, was definitely a plus. "Okay, thanks." The chance for kisses had won out. "And here." Jason gave Spencer a Post-It, neon yellow of course—it's what the company liked; that color had a sense of 70

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urgency, apparently—with his cell phone number on it. "Use it. Anytime. I always have the thing with me." As if to prove this point, the chorus of Greenday's 21 Guns played from Jason's pocket. He shrugged and slid the phone open. "Hey. Nah, not tonight. Something I have to do." Jason laughed. "Get your mind out of the gutter. Yeah, okay, Nick. Bye." He slid the phone closed and grinned at Spencer. "Wanna go out tonight?" Nick? Who the fuck was Nick? First Thad, now Nick— exactly how many men did Jason have lying in wait? But, Jason had said no to this guy and asked Spencer out. Truthfully, Spencer wasn't all that eager to go home. "Sure." Spencer tried to sound nonchalant. "I just want to go home and change into something more appropriate." "No probs. I'll pick you up at seven. Think about where you'd like to go." Spencer nodded. "Ready?" He didn't care that technically there were still five minutes before the work day officially ended. Jason grinned and slanted a look at Spencer. "Leaving early isn't a good idea. Especially as you don't want them to know what we're up to." Brows drawn together, Spencer slumped back into his chair. "Fine," he snapped. The lack of sleep and worrying finally caught up with him as he folded his arms on his desk and rested his head, eyes closed. He heard Jason laughing at him and something that sounded like, "Feisty, I like that," but couldn't summon up the energy to retort. Even flipping the bird seemed like hard work. 71

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[Back to Table of Contents]

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Chapter Six "Hmmm, that's nice..." Spencer murmured as butterfly kisses fluttered down the back of his neck. "Good. Could be the end of something awesome if you didn't like my kisses." Spencer laughed softly. Waking up next to Jason was exactly as he'd thought it would be. Except he hadn't reckoned on harsh lighting and a phone ringing in the distance. He also hadn't thought his back would ache and he'd have pins and needles in his arms. Come to think of it, apart from the kisses, it was nothing like he'd thought it would be. "Ow." Spencer rubbed his stiff neck. Straightening his glasses, he pried open his eyes, taking in his surroundings. "Why are we sleeping at work?" "We're not. You decided to take a little nap and I thought I'd wake you the classic fairy-tale way." Jason straightened and picked up his brief case. "C'mon, Sleeping Beauty." Spencer was thankful that Jason was driving him home; a ride on the bus would certainly have put him to sleep. But as they neared his house, Spencer's stomach started twisting in knots. Whether it was over the impending dinner with Jason or just an unwillingness to enter his home again, he wasn't sure. A night at The Madison was looking better and better. He'd just have to see how the evening went, maybe his nerves would settle after his date. 73

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"I'll see you at seven," Spencer said as Jason stopped the car. "You will. Got my number? Let me know where you'd like to go." Jason leaned over and kissed Spencer, a chaste kiss given the time of day and the amount of children there were playing in front yards. "I got it." Spencer fished the number out of his pocket and held it up. "And I don't care where we go to eat. I'm not that picky." He left the car, closing the door firmly behind him. Once he had his key in the front door, he turned, waved to Jason and watched the car drive away. A shower and a change of clothes and he'd be good to go. Spencer pushed open the door and stepped over the thresh hold. The sight that greeted him stopped him in his tracks. The living room was trashed; books thrown off shelves, his couch overturned and cushions flung across the room. Suddenly, Spencer couldn't get enough air into his lungs, his chest felt constricted. He had to get out of there— fast. He didn't care if anything was missing or what the motive was. It was just the final straw; the one that finally made him realize this was serious and that he needed help. In no time, Spencer was standing on the sidewalk where Jason's car had been only moments before. He whipped out his cell phone and dialed Jason's number. "Yeah?" "J-jason?" Spencer flinched at how his voice shook. "Spence?" Spencer heard the volume on the car radio drop a few decibels. "Spencer? What's up?" 74

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"Can you come back?" Standing on the sidewalk airing his dirty laundry wasn't something Spencer wanted to do. "Be there in five." The phone went dead and Spencer stared down the street waiting to see Jason's charcoal grey sedan. It had to be the longest five minutes in his life. Relief washed over him when Jason arrived and literally leapt out of the car, almost before it stopped, enfolding Spencer in a hug. "What's the matter? Are you okay?" Spencer leaned into the hug. God it felt good, calming. "I'm fine, but my house isn't." "What happened?" "Someone broke in and trashed the place." It still sounded unreal. Why was this happening to him? Jason pushed Spencer away. "You've phoned the police? No, of course not. Do it." He nodded at Spencer's phone. "And you will be staying with me tonight." Jason flung over his shoulder as he ran up the path to the front door. Staying with Jason... Thoughts of a room at The Ishtar filled his mind. Now was not the time... accounts receivables, itemized profit and losses... Once his thoughts were back to the crisis at hand, Spencer took out his phone and called the police. After answering several questions he was informed that a patrol car was on its way. Tired of standing on the sidewalk like an idiot, and worried about Jason, Spencer slowly made his way down the walk to his front door. "Jason?" Spencer called out from the front stoop. "Yeah? Ow!" 75

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"What's wrong?" Spencer called as he ran into the house, not caring about the soon to arrive police or the carnage. All he cared about was that Jason was hurt. "Where are you?" Spencer grabbed the nearest available 'weapon'—an umbrella—and navigated his way through the mess in search of his friend. "In your bedroom," Jason called back. Oh, if only Jason was speaking those words under different circumstances. Spencer appeared at the bedroom door to see Jason sitting on the bed with his pants leg rolled up, studying his knee where a nice bruise was starting to form. This room, too, was a disaster area. "What hap-" Spencer stopped as his gaze travelled down Jason's naked shin to the mess on the floor by his right foot. A lump formed in Spencer's throat as he picked up the crushed picture frame. It was his favorite picture of Klay. The two of them smiling for the camera, Klay's arm draped over Spencer's shoulders. Spencer remembered that day as if it had happened yesterday—not five years ago. Damn it, Spencer brushed the tears from his eyes. Crying in front of Jason was not an option. Fuck. Hadn't this stalker done enough already? Now the fucker had to stir up memories that were better left buried. "Just bashed my knee against..." Jason stood and slipped his arm around Spencer's shoulders. "What's up?" "Nothing." Spencer started prizing the damaged photograph out of the frame. "How's your knee?"

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Jason shrugged. "I'll live." He took the photo and frame from Spencer's shaking fingers. "Let me, you'll cut yourself. Cute boys, you and your brother?" "Yeah, Klay's my older brother." "He looks like you." Jason broke away the last bit of glass and frame and handed the photo to Spencer. "So, why so sad?" Spencer took the picture and stared at the image of his brother. "Klay died four years ago." A day he'd never forget. The phone call he'd answered from Klay's almost incoherent girlfriend, Holly, replayed in his mind. Motorcycle accident, hit a tree, didn't look good. It hadn't been good; Klay had died a few hours later in hospital, never regaining consciousness. Spencer tried not to think about it too much. "I'm sorry." Jason's other arm went around Spencer, drawing him close. Spencer nodded and felt the pricking of tears behind his closed eyelids. The weeks of disturbing notes, the realization that he could be in danger, the sleepless night and now this. Anger, frustration and tiredness warred within him as his tears dampened Jason's neck. "I'm okay." But he didn't want Jason to let go. It felt good, he felt safe wrapped up in Jason, Jason's hands gentle and warm on his back. Jason just snorted. "Come on, let's get out of here. I'll take you home and we'll order in and watch a DVD." He kissed Spencer's forehead. Spencer looked up, through foggy lenses, at Jason. "Sounds good," he mumbled, aware of how stupid he must look. Men didn't cry. It seemed to Spencer that he spent a lot 77

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of time doing things that men didn't do. According to his father anyway. Men didn't cry, didn't date other men, didn't work in offices, didn't drink herbal tea... the list went on. Yet Jason didn't seem to let any of that bother him. Spencer blinked a couple of times. "I'm okay." "You've had a rough couple of days, huh?" Jason's knuckles skimmed Spencer's jaw and Spencer pushed against them, like a cat, and was totally unprepared for the warm kiss that covered his lips seconds later. The knock on the door broke the spell woven by the kiss. Spencer pulled away quickly. He could see the police now, rolling their eyes. Another hysterical fag... "Mr. Whitfield? Troopers Bailey and Howard." Spencer picked his way over trashed knick-knacks and upturned furniture to the front door where the troopers were waiting. They were looking over the living room and talking to each other. "Mr. Whitfield?" At Spencer's nod, they continued. "Want to tell us what's going on?" With Jason's comforting presence behind him, Spencer related the details to the police, starting with the first note a few weeks previously. He knew that Jason was listening with as avid attention as the troopers were. Spencer gave Trooper Howard his cell phone number, Jason's address, his place of work and contact number there. Trooper Bailey poked around the shambles of Spencer's house, looking for evidence. Spencer told the police, repeatedly, that nothing had been stolen—as far as he could tell right now—apart from his coffee mug yesterday, and that had been returned to him at work; it 78

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was in the trash bin in the lunch room if they wanted it. He told them he had no idea who was out to get him—or who, in their words, had a 'fixation' on him. They wanted to see the notes and were annoyed when Spencer told them he'd thrown them away. Jason chose that moment to step in and hand over the note Spencer had received that morning—had it only been that morning? The troopers seemed happier now that they had some physical evidence in their hands and continued questioning Spencer about where he'd been, who he'd been with, people he talked to and saw—even if they weren't regular contacts. He felt as if he were the one on trial. And he was so tired. "Can we leave it now?" Jason asked. He was standing very close to Spencer, his hand gently rubbing circles on Spencer's lower back. "Can't you see how tired he is?" Trooper Howard glanced at Jason and smirked. Great, thought Spencer, outted to a cop. This day was going so well. "You're staying with Jason, Mr. Whitfield?" Trooper Howard asked. "Just so we can get hold of you if we need to." Spencer nodded and thought it odd that the trooper had called Jason by his first name. He'd ask Jason about it after. One look at Jason's face told Spencer that he didn't appear to be in the mood to discuss the manners of state troopers. "He's not at fault here," Jason said. "Leave him in peace and find the asshole that's making his life Hell." Trooper Howard raised an eyebrow. "Maybe he is, maybe he isn't. I've seen the places you lot frequent. Breeding grounds for scum like this." 79

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Jason took a step forward, fists balled at his sides. "Not unlike the primordial slime you crawled out of, hey Will?" Trooper Will Howard raised an eyebrow in such a way that it looked as though he were taunting Jason. The stand off lasted for all of thirty seconds before Howard snorted and muttered something that sounded to Spencer like, "I wouldn't waste my time." He turned abruptly and walked out of the house. Trooper Bailey shrugged and shook his head, almost as if he were used to his partner's unusual behavior. He smiled at Spencer. "Don't panic. Take care and stick to populated places. We'll keep you posted." He shook hands and left. "What was that all about?" Spencer asked, turning to face Jason. "Knew him at school," Jason said darkly. "He made my life Hell for a while." He gave Spencer a smile. "Grab a change of clothes or whatever you need and we'll get going." Spencer nodded and headed back to his bedroom. He couldn't help but wonder how well Jason and Trooper Howard knew each other. Had they fooled around and it ended badly or was the trooper homophobic? Deciding it really wasn't any of his business, Spencer grabbed a duffel bag and packed it with clothes, placing his picture of Klay on top of a pair of sweatpants, and zipped the bag closed. He couldn't wait to be gone. ****

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"Just sling your bag down there for now." Jason pointed to a spot in the corner of his living room. "Want a coffee? Beer? Something stronger?" "Whatever you're having is fine." He still wondered if this was a mistake. Jason's apartment wasn't big; Spencer doubted it had two bedrooms. He decided not to worry about what was expected of him until it actually happened. Jason didn't seem like the type to force himself on anyone, which put Spencer in a quandary. A part of him— mainly that part that was between his waist and thighs— desperately wanted Jason. The smart part—the bit above the neck—was screaming at him to wait until he knew Jason better or at least until all this stalker mess was over. "C'mon, Spence." A glass with a shot or two of bourbon and ice was thrust into his hands. "You look about dead on your feet." Spencer let Jason lead him to the couch, and sighed as he fell into its welcoming comfort. Despite any misgivings he had about being in this small space with Jason, Spencer felt truly safe for the first time in days. He contentedly sipped his drink, unwinding even more when Jason dropped an arm around his shoulders and kissed the top of his head. "I'm just gonna have a shower and get changed." Jason's voice was gentle. "Just relax. I'll put the TV on. Unless you wanna come with me..." It was just Spencer's luck that he'd chosen that precise moment to take a sip of his bourbon and, of course, choked on it. Spencer coughed violently—what an attractive sight that must be—and shook his head. Hopefully the opportunity 81

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to shower with Jason would present itself again. Soon. The two of them sharing a shower was not something he could deal with at the moment. Jason laughed. "I'll take that as a no, shall I?" He kissed Spencer, flicked the TV on and left Spencer to his own devices. Half heartedly, Spencer channel surfed. A horror movie, a sitcom, children's shows and cartoons, a talk show, a music video that did nothing for his already jangled nerves. Spencer clicked the channel selector on the remote with increasing frustration. There really were a hundred channels and nothing on. No wonder he avoided TV. He finally happened upon a station that showed a snow covered land. Emperor penguins waddled across the screen and the narrator, a cultured English voice, was saying something about the trek the penguins had to make just to get food. Spencer wondered why the penguins didn't just live closer to the food, but he found himself fascinated by the birds and left the TV on that channel, turning the sound down. He didn't want to be bothered by facts when he was in no state to absorb them. "Penguins, huh? Did you know that Central Park Zoo have a pair of gay penguins?" Spencer jumped and blinked, his head feeling foggy. He must have dozed off again. At least it didn't seem as though Jason had caught him this time. "I'd love to see them," Spencer replied. "Would be a fun day trip." Jason grinned and dropped down next to Spencer again. "Yeah, but we'll make a week of it. See the big city." 82

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"Yeah, uh... Mind if I shower?" "Go for it. There's a fresh towel. Take your time; I'll order Chinese." Jason clicked the TV to a different channel. "Oh, hey. Dante's Cove is back on." Spencer glanced at the screen to see two hot, half naked men kissing. One of them slowly sank to his knees and pulled the other's shorts down. Oh God, was Jason going to watch gay porn? Spencer hadn't even realized you could get gay porn on cable—or any porn for that matter. "Chinese sounds great," Spencer managed to say before rushing to the bathroom. Once safely inside—and away from Jason and the hot, half naked men on TV—he was able to divest himself of the suit he'd been wearing all day, folding the shirt and trousers to stow in his bag. He turned on the taps, adjusted the temperature and stepped under the shower spray. God, it was close to heavenly. He closed his eyes, letting the hot water wash over him, but still couldn't help thinking about the current events. What had he done to warrant his stalker's—it still sounded surreal—attention? Spencer was so used to being quiet and unseen. Had he done something to provoke this. On the bright side, thanks to the psychopath, Spencer was now naked in Jason's shower while Jason was watching porn. It was official; his life had become an episode of The Twilight Zone. Despite what Jason had said about taking his time, Spencer had a quick shower to refresh himself. Preoccupied with Jason and the guys kissing on TV, Spencer really didn't feel like wanking. He just felt like having some food, a drink and curling up with Jason in front of a movie. Exactly what 83

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Jason had suggested, and something Spencer never would have believed Jason would be doing on a Friday night. After pulling on a pair of soft sweat pants and a T-shirt, Spencer walked through to the living room. Compared to how he usually dressed when there were others around, what he was wearing now made him feel vulnerable... almost naked. Dante's Cove had finished and Jason was now watching the news. Spencer took a moment to study the man lounging on the couch. God, Jason was hot: spiky dark blond hair, blue eyes that captured one's full attention. Spencer feared his sweat pants would start to tent. Leave it to his cock to pick the most inappropriate time to awaken. When was the last time someone had elicited such a response? Spencer couldn't recall: high school maybe? It felt nice to be drawn to another—especially someone who didn't think Spencer was a waste of time. If only the circumstances were different. A stalker tended to dampen the mood a bit. As if Jason could feel Spencer's eyes on him, he looked over and smiled. "Feel better?" "Yeah, thanks." Spencer smiled and walked over to the couch, taking a seat a safe distance from Jason. Jason muted the TV and turned his attention on Spencer. "I was thinking about going up near Herkimer tomorrow; do some camping while the weather is still good, and do some stargazing. Come with me?" Spencer's jaw dropped as he stared at the man sitting next to him. Herkimer, camping, star gazing... all that was missing 84

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was rock hounding. Jason was perfect. "I'd love to go. I have a tent and extra sleeping bags." "No need. I have all that. Unless you want your own tent." Did he want his own tent? Spencer wasn't sure; everything was moving so quickly. And if Jason was suggesting sharing a tent... What did it mean for tonight? The idea of waking next to Jason was very appealing. Spencer knew he should say no, that he'd bring his own tent and consequentially sleep on the couch. And that conclusion depressed him. "I'll—" Spencer stopped and decided maybe it was time for a change. A time to break out of his routines and do something reckless. "We can share a tent." His heart was racing with that small statement. The world hadn't ended and it felt good. "Excellent." Jason's grin was catching and Spencer found himself grinning back, totally at ease. "I don't want you going back to your place until you have to. Maybe Sunday afternoon and we can clean it up." The bottom of Spencer's new found ease dropped. He'd actually not thought about the mess his house was in since they'd arrived at Jason's. He wasn't looking forward to going back there at all. "Thanks. I'm in no hurry to go back there." A few minutes later, a small Chinese banquet arrived. Jason placed the meal of fried rice, dim-sums, spring rolls, lemon chicken, Mongolian beef, Szechuan chicken, stir fried vegetables, pork in plum sauce, and satay steak on his small dining table and gave Spencer a plate and a fork. "Dig in; it's the Good Luck Banquet for two." 85

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"I wasn't aware The Golden Dragon had one of them." Spencer placed a dim-sum and spring roll on his plate, grabbed a napkin and sat on one of the chairs at the table. "Okay, I made it up," Jason confessed. "But, let's face it, a little good luck wouldn't go astray." Spencer nodded his agreement as he bit into his spring roll. "Who do you think is doing this to me?" Jason shook his head. "No idea, love. Don't let it get to you." Jason took two beers from the fridge and sat opposite Spencer. "Whatever dickheads the police employ, I'm sure they'll do their best." "Thanks." Spencer twisted the cap off the bottle and took a nice long pull. He knew it was none of his business, but... "So... What's with you and Trooper Howard anyway?" "Exactly what I told you," Jason answered. "He's a homophobic dickhead. You weren't the only one who was picked on and shoved around." Spencer stopped mid bite. "You? Bullied? I can't picture it." "Well, it happened. But that's in the past. Now, we're both hot men and we don't have to take crap from anyone." "I'm not hot," Spencer whispered, certain his cheeks were turning red with embarrassment. "You're the hot one." Spencer wanted lightning to strike him down—how could he have said that? He was just proving what a dork he really was. Of course Jason knew he was hot. Jason shook his head and laughed. "I've already told you that you have beautiful eyes. Stop fishing for compliments." "Oh, I'm not." Spencer couldn't look at Jason. 86

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"I'll be glad to tell you about all your good points, but over a Chinese meal in my tiny kitchen isn't the way I imagined I'd be doing it." Holy Hell, was he dreaming? Spencer wanted nothing more than to forego dinner and get right to it. But... there was a part—a fairly large part—of Spencer that wanted to prolong dinner for as long as possible. His inexperience would certainly show. However, he'd never gain experience unless he went for it. At twenty-two it was time to start living and enjoying whatever he could. "Um... you don't have to." Jason had spooned Mongolian beef, pork in plum sauce and Szechuan chicken onto a bed of fried rice on his plate. "I know. But I want to. You need more confidence if we're going to be together." "Okay," Spencer replied, still unable to look at Jason. What exactly did 'be together' mean? For one night... the weekend? Or, did Jason want to date him? Butterflies were already forming in his stomach as he thought about what might happen later. Now they'd doubled and brought some friends. He swallowed against the lump forming in his throat. **** Spencer's eyelids were becoming heavier and heavier. He'd dozed off at least twice now. The way Jason was stroking his neck didn't help, either. But it was so nice. Spencer just stayed leaning against Jason, warm and safe with Jason's arm around him, and cuddled close enough to hear Jason's heart beat. Thum-thum thum-thum thum-thum... His eyes closed, all thoughts of stalkers forgotten, aware only of Jason. 87

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"'Snice." "Maybe we should go to bed?" "Don't wanna move," Spencer mumbled, snuggling closer to Jason. Jason laughed softly. "You don't want to spend the night on the couch." "Wanna spend it with you." Spencer felt so content on the couch with Jason. He didn't want it to end, but he was so sleepy, he could barely open his eyes. "You will." Jason shifted, and Spencer sat up, blinking. Jason held his hand out. "C'mon, we can snuggle better in bed." "'kay." Spencer thought bed sounded like a wonderful idea. Eyes still closed, he stood and swayed on his feet. "Let's go." Jason's arm went around him, catching Spencer before he fell face forward onto the coffee table. "So, this is what two beers does to you, huh?" "Jus' tired." Spencer's feet moved by themselves, with absolutely no help from him, to get him to the bedroom. Okay, Jason's arm had been there around his waist, holding him up, but his feet knew where they wanted to go. He took one look at Jason's bed and very nearly made his traitorous feet take him back to the living room. Except, those feet were having none of that and were now having their socks removed. Spencer couldn't even remember sitting on Jason's large—big enough for two, at least, maybe more—bed. 88

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"C'mon love, shirt off, then sweatpants." Jason sounded as though he were talking to a child. He carefully placed Spencer's glasses on the nightstand. "Where's my pajamas?" "No idea." Jason was now taking his own clothes off. He unbuttoned his jeans and winked at Spencer. "At the same time, then. I'll show you mine if you show me yours." It seemed Spencer's hands were in league with his feet and not waiting for his mind to catch up. He pushed his sweatpants down but found that trying to pull them over his ass while he was sitting on it was just too hard. He fell back on the bed, gave up on his sweat pants—if he was lucky, they'd remove themselves magically just like his socks and shirt had—and closed his eyes. All this bright light wasn't conducive to sleeping. Jason laughed and tugged Spencer's sweat pants. Spencer's hands moved to stop it. After all, nice boys didn't let people take their clothes off—not that anyone had ever wanted to remove Spencer's sweat pants for him, anyway. "Lift your ass." "No..." But Spencer's body was out to betray him. He hadn't known it was possible for body parts to do the opposite of what the brain told them. His ass lifted off the bed and he felt his sweat pants and boxers slide under it. Warm, soft cotton greeted his skin and Spencer was naked. But that was impossible, he never slept naked. What if the house caught fire? He was moved, rolled over one way, then back again, and a comforter was pulled over him seconds before Jason's warm naked body slid against him. 89

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Jason fitted one of his legs neatly between Spencer's. Spencer tensed. Jason couldn't want... Surely they'd talk first. Oh God, he could feel Jason's cock, hard against his hip. Spencer's eyes opened and he hoped he didn't look too panicked. Jason just smiled. "Relax. No sex, it's much better when we're both awake." He kissed Spencer, their tongues tangling languidly. "You're beautiful. Sleep well." Jason's warmth left his side. Spencer felt an odd sense of loss and reached out a hand for contact, unsure of what should happen next. Jason caught the questing hand and kissed the palm. "Roll over. Sleep. I'm not going anywhere." Spencer rolled over, facing away from Jason, then gasped as Jason's arm curled around him and his back made contact with Jason's chest. Oh, that was so good, and it felt safe. "Good night." "Night, love." **** Jason woke to see brown eyes, slightly unfocused, watching him. He blinked and smiled, leaning toward Spencer for a kiss. "This is nice. Good morning." "Good morning," Spencer replied before turning around and searching for his glasses. Jason reached out and caught Spencer's arm. "Leave them. Let me enjoy you totally naked." Startled, Spencer looked down at the blanket covering them. "Um... I don't remember getting... um... naked." 90

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Jason laughed and raised an eyebrow. "It wasn't easy, but I helped." He pulled Spencer closer, knowing he was going to have to be the one to initiate anything. "But see, you're safe and still in the same pristine condition that you woke up in yesterday." He hooked a leg over Spencer's and bumped their erections together. Jason closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He couldn't guarantee Spencer would be pristine for much longer, though. The man's innocence was such a turn on. "God, that feels good." Spencer groaned and attacked Jason's lips with his own, like a starving man being offered a four course meal. Jason's eyes flew open in surprise. He'd been expecting a sweet and slow seduction attempt, with him doing the seducing. Not this full on attack. Not that he was complaining or anything. In a valiant attempt to regain control, Jason pulled Spencer flush up against him and ground his cock against Spencer's answering hardness while thrusting his tongue between Spencer's lips. Oh God, was he awake enough for this? "Don't stop." "I'm not doing anything," Jason murmured against Spencer's lips before his tongue probed them and they opened for another kiss, this one initiated by him. Control regained. "Doin' enough." Spencer managed between kisses, his hand coming to rest on Jason's side. Jason couldn't remember the last time he'd managed to get off with just kissing and some frotting. Spencer's hand 91

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was searing his side. How far was the eagerly innocent Spencer willing to go. Jason twined his fingers with Spencer's. "Touch me." Spencer tensed before removing his hand from Jason's. Slowly, Spencer's hand moved along Jason's side, pausing at his hip before dipping down to touch Jason's cock. Fingertips caressed, taking their time in becoming acquainted with Jason's erection. "That's good," Jason encouraged. He kept still. "Hold it, wank me like you'd do you." Oh, he couldn't wait to return the favor. This was so much more than he'd dared to hope for this morning. Spencer's hand wrapped around Jason's cock, enveloping it in heat. The slow, steady strokes were almost torturous, but oh, so good. A moan caught on Jason's breath as Spencer's thumb tentatively passed over the head of his cock. Jason knew he should say something, encouragement... anything. But mere words seemed inadequate—as they always did. Unable to keep still, Jason's thrust his hips in time to Spencer's stroking. "Harder," Jason managed to say. "Faster. It won't break." Spencer tightened his grip on Jason's cock and pumped harder. "Better?" he asked. Pleased that Spencer wasn't as shy in the bedroom as he was at work, Jason just nodded and reached over to pull Spencer close enough for a kiss. Breathless and messy, with tongues tangling and noses bumping, Jason didn't think he'd ever had such a perfect kiss. Or maybe it was the perfection 92

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of the moment. The thrill of discovering Spencer's willingness, and having the man with him. "Keep going, so close... yesss." "You sound surprised." "Yes... no!" Jason was desperate. "Just... oh God... keep... don't stop." Spencer's thumb hesitantly circled the tip of Jason's cock again. The slick pre-come cooled as Spencer's thumb moved along his shaft. "Good?" "All good, love." Jason closed his eyes and took a deep breath, willing himself not to come. He wanted the soft torture to last and last, to have Spencer play with him all day, to play with Spencer all day... teach him how good everything was, how perfect, with the right man. Jason's hands stroked Spencer's back. Smooth and flawless, he knew girls who would kill to have such beautiful skin. Jason wanted to mark it; imagine how perfectly his finger prints would bruise the pale skin of Spencer's hips. He nuzzled Spencer's neck. A bite just there would make Spencer the stuff of fantasies. He licked Spencer's neck, his lips moving over the area he wanted to mark just to the left of Spencer's throat. Oh fuck, this should be the last thing he was thinking about. "Gonna come." Jason's hips thrust into Spencer's hand as his teeth closed over the tender skin of Spencer's neck. Like a man drowning, he sucked Spencer's neck for life while his cock pulsed, draining him. "I underestimated you..." Jason mumbled when he could form coherent words again. The hand job wasn't anything spectacular in itself so he surmised it must be because of who 93

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he was with. Jason's hand ran down Spencer's smooth flank seconds before he flipped Spencer onto his back. Spencer's startled eyes looked up at him and Jason wondered what Spencer could see in his, if anything. "I, um... never done that before," Spencer mumbled. Jason laughed softly, exceedingly happy at that piece of news. "Good." His lips brushed over Spencer's. "I'm selfish, I want you to myself. No prior claims." Spencer shook his head. "Never." "Never?" Jason pushed himself back and looked Spencer in the eye. "You've never been with anyone?" Whatever Jason had been expecting to discover about Spencer's sex life, it hadn't been that. Spencer's nodded. The enormity of the trust Spencer was placing in Jason was overwhelming. He was Spencer's first... in every possible way. He pushed himself off Spencer and lay next to him. "Wow. I'm..." Spencer moaned, and Jason turned to look at him. Spencer had wrapped his hand around his own cock and was jacking off. Jason just brushed Spencer's hand away. "Oh no, this one's for me." Jason held Spencer's cock gently, almost reverently. Spencer's eyes were wide, as if he couldn't believe someone else would want to touch him. Either that or he was trying to focus on Jason. Jason smiled and leaned over to kiss him. "No-one else, huh?" Spencer swallowed and shook his head. 94

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"Don't look so scared. I won't hurt you." Jason smiled. "Trust me. If you don't like it, say the word and I'll stop." Spencer's eyes widened, if that were possible. "Why? What are you going to do?" Jason dropped a kiss on Spencer's oh so kissable lips. "You." And before Spencer could argue or try to rationalize anything, Jason shimmied down the bed and took Spencer's cock in his mouth. After a quick exclamation of surprise, there were only little sounds of contentment from Spencer. Spencer's fingers alternately stroked Jason's hair or pulled it. Not that Jason cared. Jason's nose was tickled by clean smelling pubes. Baby soft skin under his fingers would bruise so easily. Jason found a perverse pleasure in seeing his fingerprints on Spencer's body. "Don't stop," Spencer gasped, his free hand clenching the sheets for dear life. Jason didn't plan to stop anytime soon. The knowledge that he was the first to bestow this particular pleasure to Spencer was heady. Spencer spread his legs, responding to Jason's touch; so uninhibited it was exhilarating. Spencer's inexperience didn't matter; in fact it fuelled Jason's need to please him, to explore every facet of the man writhing on his bed. The taste of pre-come lingered at the back of Jason's tongue and he swallowed. Spencer's shiver only made Jason try harder. He knew Spencer wouldn't be able to hold out once the primitive need to orgasm hit him, and he knew it wouldn't be long. Spencer already sounded out of control, his moans and incoherent babble a delightful backdrop to Jason's efforts. 95

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"Gonna come. Oh, God!" The first spurt of come hit the back of Jason's throat and he sucked harder to milk Spencer for all he was worth. He was the first to do this, the first to taste Spencer—and the man was delicious. Oh, God! was right. Jason wanted to wrap Spencer in his arms, keeping his new boyfriend safe at any cost. One final lick and Jason looked up at Spencer, licking his lips. "Wow," Spencer panted. "Let's do that again." "Don't tempt me, love." He crawled up Spencer's body and kissed the man soundly, letting Spencer taste himself, letting him know exactly how intoxicating it all was. "Breakfast first. Then we can decide whether to go camping or just hide out here. In bed. For the weekend." Jason wasn't quite sure what reaction he'd receive for that. Blushing and insecure Spencer seemed to be very open to naked fun. "Breakfast sounds good—I can make omelets," he offered. "So can I. And fry bacon, too." Jason winked. "You're my guest. Relax a bit; have a shower. You can make breakfast tomorrow morning." "I make awesome campfire omelets." Excellent. That suggested that Spencer wanted the camping option. "Might need more than omelets, just to keep up our energy." He rolled out of bed. "All that fresh air and digging for rocks and staying up late looking at stars..." He padded off to the bathroom, flinging a couple of extra words over his shoulder as he left, "And sex." [Back to Table of Contents] 96

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Chapter Seven Jason had been right, Spencer conceded as they drove down the tree lined road; he could make an omelet and fry bacon. And brew coffee, too. They were headed toward Spencer's favorite camping site in Herkimer County. A small site nestled in the woods near a creek, ample opportunities to find Herkimers, yet not the tourist trap some of the other camp sites had become. Staring out of the window as they drove down the winding road, Spencer thought back to their awkward breakfast. He still couldn't believe what had transpired in Jason's bed. What did someone say after that? And over breakfast? "Great blowjob, can you pass the milk?" didn't seem to cut it. Whatever was going on between them, Spencer hoped it would last. He was eager—and nervous— about exploring that side some more. "Take the next right." Spencer pointed toward the upcoming dirt road. Jason turned the corner and expertly guided his car along the road. "You okay? You've been very quiet." "I'm fine, just enjoying the scenery." Jason glanced at him before reaching over and stroking a finger across his cheek. "Mmm, it's pretty." Spencer's cheeks heated with the simple gesture, which had his cock taking notice. He turned back to look out the window and mentally catalogued all their supplies for the trip. Tent, sleeping bags, cooler, lots of ice, canned goods, beer, water, air mattress, cooking gear, flashlights, lantern, small 97

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pick axe, folding shovel... That worked nicely in deflating any arousal Spencer had had. "Just up here a bit more, to the left. Not too close to the creek." Jason pulled up and jumped from the car, stretching his long legs as he checked out their surroundings. "Creek good for swimming or fishing?" "Both," Spencer said as he left the car. "Though it might be cold for a swim." Spencer took a deep breath, letting the clean air and serenity of the area fill him. This was exactly what he needed, to be far away from Summerset and his ransacked home. Just a weekend of peace. He wouldn't let thoughts of his stalker ruin this as well. Nope, this was all about him and Jason. "See that." Spencer pointed to where the sun shone through the canopy of trees, making the ground glitter. "Those are Herkimers." Spencer retrieved his shovel and walked over, examining the ground. After a fleeting moment of guilt for not helping Jason unload the car, Spencer found the perfect spot and started to carefully excavate the area. He was in his element, kneeling on the ground in hopes of finding something beautiful trapped beneath the dirt. Something that just needed some coaxing to shine. Excitement coursed through his veins as he unearthed the tip of what could be a large Herkimer. Tossing the shovel aside, he began to dig with his hands, loving the feel of the dirt on his skin and under his nails. The thrill of discovery. Finally, the crystal was uncovered and removed. Spencer brushed off the soil that clung to it and held it up before the light, studying his find. It was a cluster containing three 98

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crystals, about six inches in length, the bases of each a milky white. Spencer wiped his forehead with the back of his hand. Worthless as a Herkimer due to the cloudiness, but Spencer found it priceless—as he did all his finds. The white swirls were fascinating, like trapped fog. Unique, as all crystals are, and he couldn't wait to display it on his mantle. "What'd ya find?" "Fuck!" Spencer clutched his chest, willing his heart to slow down. "Don't sneak up on me like that." Jason laughed and slung an arm across Spencer's shoulder. "Sorry, love. I'm pretty sure we're alone here." "Need help unloading the car?" Spencer asked, his guilt returning. "All done." Jason turned Spencer to face their camp site. "Tent up and everything. What did you find that kept you so preoccupied?" Spencer held up the specimen. "A Herkimer." Now he really felt guilty. "I'm sorry you had to do everything by yourself. I'll make it up to you." Jason shrugged. "You're cooking dinner." He held his hand out for the Herkimer, which Spencer dropped onto his palm. "That's pretty. Anything else around here?" "What do you mean? Look." Spencer waved his hand around the area. "The ground is littered with Herkimers." "But is that all that's here? Surely digging them up all the time would get a bit boring."

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Spencer stared at Jason, appalled at the notion. "Every specimen you find is one of a kind. How is that boring? But, New York has garnet, pyrite, mica and some fossils as well." "Around here?" "Yeah, except the garnet. That we'd find near Gore Mountain." Great, Jason was already bored. Hopefully a clear night and some star gazing would save the weekend. Jason raised an eyebrow. "Yeah? Okay then, Mr. Rock Hound, you dig things up and I'll relax." He kissed Spencer. "Just stay within sight of the camp, huh?" Spencer was itching to dig something else up but he wasn't about to leave Jason, to do it. That would be rude. "No, want to go for a hike or something? There are some nice trails along the creek." "Cool. I don't usually come here." "It's beautiful, you'll love it." At least Spencer hoped Jason would. It was nice that Jason was an outdoorsy type, as well; someone Spencer could share his passions with. "Let's grab some water and go for a walk." After making sure the car was locked, Jason shrugged out of his fleece jacket and threw it on one of the camp-chairs with Spencer's. "How long will we be?" "Not sure." Spencer grabbed two bottles of water, handing one to Jason. "Why?" "Should we put stuff away? Lock it in the car?" "Just the food," Spencer replied. "It's off season so I think the chances of anyone stealing our stuff will be slim." Jason locked the cooler and the box of food stuffs in the trunk of the car and they set off up a track in the forest. 100

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Spencer's gaze traveled to the glittering ground and he refrained himself from investigating. It was almost painful, but a glance at Jason told him he was doing the right thing. "It'll be a perfect night for star gazing," Spencer directed his full attention on Jason. "I think it might be. New moon last night, but tonight will still be dark." Jason grabbed Spencer's hand. "Don't worry, you'll have plenty of time for digging up rocks." "Sorry, old habits die hard. I'm not used to camping with someone who isn't a rock hound." Spencer's skin burned with a spark of electricity where Jason touched him. Not wanting it to end, Spencer twined his fingers with Jason's. He couldn't wipe the goofy grin off his face at the thought of how interesting and exciting this would make their hike. Putting aside the psychopath stalker making his life hell, Spencer was the happiest he'd been in a long time. Amazing what a little human contact could do to lift one's spirit. "Get used to it. It's good to get away, clean out the brain with some fresh air." "It is." Spencer led the way down the—barely room for two—path through the trees. He took a deep breath; a trace of decay was in the air as the leaves turned from green to vibrant yellow, orange and red. Dead leaves crunched under the weight of their footsteps. Maybe he could convince Jason to come back once the foliage was at its peak. Reluctantly, Spencer let go of Jason's hand as the trail narrowed due to some fallen trees. They'd made excellent time and the creek was a few feet away, nicely hidden from view by the trees. No matter how many times Spencer came here, the beauty of 101

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the area still captured his soul. He'd never tire of this place and the peace it gave him. "The creek is great for fishing and tubing—too bad it's a little too cold for that. Watch out, it's a little steep here," Spencer said, carefully walking down the slope and holding out his hand to help Jason. Jason took the offered hand and followed Spencer down to the edge of the creek. He kicked a piece of driftwood back into the creek and watched it float down stream. "Bet this place looks great mid autumn. I'll bring my camera next time." Next time. That little statement made Spencer smile. At least he hoped Jason meant to come back with him. Spencer shook his head to clear it of any negative thoughts. "You'll love it. Be sure to bring extra memory cards." Jason nodded. "Ever see the work of that guy? Um, he takes photos of the Adirondacks. Miller, that's his name." "Avery Miller?" Spencer asked. "I've seen his work. He lives in Braeside—hasn't done much since his partner died." "That's a shame, his work is spectacular. Great use of colors and composition. I saw one of his exhibitions when I was in Albany. Wish I could take photos like that." Jason stopped to pick up a flat rock. He held it sideways and threw it across the water with a flick of his wrist. Spencer watched the rock skip across the water five times before sinking into the dark depths. "I think you take great photographs." Spencer put his hands in his jeans pockets and shrugged his shoulders. "That photo of the eclipse is breathtaking." 102

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"Thanks. But don't you ever...?" Jason lobbed another stone, this one just sinking. He shrugged. "Don't you ever see something and wish you could capture it forever? Why can he do it and I can't?" Looking up and meeting Jason's gaze, Spencer replied firmly, "You can." Jason smiled. "Not even close, but thanks again for your vote." He ran his hand behind Spencer's neck and kissed his lips. "You're good for my ego." Spencer pulled back and licked his lips. "And you for mine." "You don't have an ego." Jason laughed and pulled Spencer close. "You're the most unassuming person I know." Wrapping his arms around Jason, Spencer sighed. He'd meant to say self esteem, but that was nothing Jason needed to hear. "Want to keep on walking? Or do you want to sit for a bit?" Spencer gestured to a boulder with a flattish top, great for sitting and staring out onto the creek. "Or do you want to go back to camp?" "If we stop and sit down," Jason murmured. "I might kiss you again." "Nothing wrong with that." Spencer grinned, took Jason's hand in his and led the way to the boulder. "Who are you and what have you done with my shy Spencer?" Jason sat on the boulder, next to Spencer. Spencer was pulled into Jason's arms, his lips covered with a passionate kiss, before he could answer. His tongue sliding next to Jason's was the only response Spencer was willing to 103

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give. They could talk later—now was a time for Spencer to lose himself in these addictive kisses. Suddenly, Spencer broke the kiss and turned to face the woods. "Did you hear that?" The snap of a branch resonated in his ears. "Just a rabbit or a deer or a bear." Jason kissed just below Spencer's ear. "Yeah," Spencer said, his gaze still locked on the woods, Jason's advances making him shiver but not enough to claim his full attention. He scanned the tree line, looking for any evidence of a deer or a bunny or a bear. "You did lock up the food in the car, right?" "Uh-huh." Jason's lips were leaving little kisses along Spencer's neck. "Get naked and let me ravish you in the great outdoors." "No," Spencer whispered. Tempting as it was, the mood was broken by his over active imagination. "Didn't hurt to ask." With one last nibble on Spencer's neck, Jason looked over in the same direction as Spencer. "Well?" "Well what?" "Any movement? More noises?" "Not that I noticed." But the truth was that every little sound seemed amplified in Spencer's ears. He needed to relax. Was it too early for a drink? "C'mon. Back to the tent. It's more open there. Brought you out here to relax, not make you more jumpy." "Sorry." Spencer stood. "Don't know why I'm so jittery." 104

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"No need to apologize. You're bound to be skittish." Jason looked around. "Maybe I should've brought a gun." "What?" Spencer was shocked at the revelation. He detested guns. "I'm glad you didn't." "What if...?" Jason didn't finish the sentence, shaking his head instead. "Yeah, you're right. I haven't got one, anyway." He jumped to his feet and grabbed Spencer's hand, setting off up the slope and back down the trail. What if what? Spencer didn't like the implications it suggested. Surely the ass who was leaving notes and wrecking his home wouldn't be here. Before he knew it, they were back at camp, "I'll get some firewood." Spencer walked over to where they had placed their supplies. "Do you know where the axe is?" "It'll be there somewhere. I'm sure I brought it." Jason was shrugging back into his jacket. "Don't wander too far." "I won't." Spencer donned his own jacket and looked over the supplies again. "I don't see it anywhere." "Maybe I didn't bring it. I remember putting it with everything else to go out to the car." Jason shrugged. "We'll just have to have a smaller fire, then." "No problem, there's enough dead wood littering the area." Spencer headed back down the trail. Stopping to pick up another dead branch, Spencer noticed that he'd wandered farther from camp than he'd wanted to. Suddenly he felt very alone and very vulnerable. Every sound had him jumping out of his skin. Every damn horror movie he'd ever seen popped into his mind. At this point, Spencer 105

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was almost expecting some axe wielding, psychopathic behemoth to ambush him. After quickly gathering as much firewood as he could, Spencer high tailed it back to camp, not once looking back. His racing heart started to slow once Jason came into view. Dumping the wood next to the fire pit, Spencer slumped into one of the chairs. "You didn't happen to bring any whisky?" Jason held up two bottles. "That I did bring. You okay?" "Yeah, just letting my imagination get the better of me." Spencer took one of the bottles. "Glasses or straight from the bottle?" Jason handed Spencer a glass. "Let's try to remain civilized while your psyche is playing havoc with your well-being." He laughed. "Damn, I'm beginning to sound like Sky." Laughing, Spencer opened the bottle and poured a liberal amount into his glass. "Before you know it, you'll be reading tarot cards and cleansing auras." Not that there was anything wrong with that, Spencer liked Sky and couldn't picture him any other way. "Ha ha, no!" Jason poured some whisky into another glass and sat in the other chair. "We need to talk about this stalker thing. You know that." "Yes." Spencer sighed; it was the last thing he wanted to talk about. "It has to be someone from work. But who?" "I've been doing some thinking," Jason spoke slowly, thoughtfully. "I'm pretty sure it's not the girls. And it has to be someone who had the time on Friday to trash your house."

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"Who had the time?" Spencer took a sip of his drink. "I don't remember who left when, or who was even there Friday." "Everyone was at work but..." Jason thought for a minute. "You went to sleep with five minutes to go and I let you sleep for... I dunno, twenty minutes because I had something to do. And you needed it." He finished his whisky in one mouthful. "So, it could be almost any of them, unless anyone can give us a time when it happened." "Who knows if we'll ever know that?" Spencer downed the rest of his whisky. "I agree, it's not one of the girls. So who then? Eli? Mark? Steven?" "None of them seem capable. I can't see Steven caring enough to stalk anyone. If it hasn't got a football attached, he doesn't want to know." Spencer nodded. "Mark doesn't seem the type either, but he did see us leave Sky's shop and get into Nathan's Mustang. But that's not proof either. And Eli seems so innocent..." Spencer snorted a laugh. "It's probably him, the one no one would expect." "Eli? Nah, I just... No, he just doesn't seem the type. Nor does Mark, but he saw you? How do you know?" "He told me." Not something Spencer wanted to remember either. "When I was waiting for you at The Golden Dragon." The when you stood me up was wisely omitted. "When I stood you up." Jason grinned. "Honestly, love, it was unavoidable. Kinda wish I'd told the boss where to stick his hard drive, and got to know you better, sooner." He poured more whisky and crouched down by the wood Spencer 107

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had brought back, building the fire. "Mark could have just been making an observation. Did he say anything else?" Spencer tried to think back to the conversation he'd had with Mark. Had it only been Wednesday? It seemed like a lifetime ago. "He just asked if we'd had a big weekend, that he'd heard you know how to party." Was that enough to make Mark the prime suspect? Jason snorted a small laugh. "That's just gossip. How the Hell would he know?" He shook his head. "Nah, think you're safe from the accounts staff. Who else do you interact with?" "No one who would have access to the office." Spencer hated to admit that. "It probably is one of the girls—Rosa— giving me what I deserve for not being normal. We don't have any proof it's a man." "No, it's not Rosa." Jason shook his head. "She's just... confused. Her brother has just come out and her father is furious. Only sons, in some families, just aren't gay. Apparently, he's threatening all sorts of horrendous things, just short of disowning him. It's hard on her." That explained a lot, but Spencer wasn't willing to cross her off the list quite yet. "How well do we really know anyone from work? Face it, before our meeting at Sky's shop, you never would have given me another thought." Striking a match, Jason held it to the scraps of paper to ignite the fire, watching as it took hold and gained strength. He looked up at Spencer. "You think?" "How long have we been working together? And nothing, so yeah, I think so." 108

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"Not to freak you out or anything, love, but I've been becoming more and more obsessed by you for a few months now. I didn't even realize how much. But you're right. I knew nothing about you, not even how to approach you." Jason jumped up. "Just gonna see if I can find more wood, won't be a sec." He gestured to the pile Spencer had found. "It's so dry, this won't last long." He loped away from the clearing. That was not the answer Spencer was expecting. With his luck, Jason was his stalker. Spencer shook his head, he knew deep down that that wasn't true. Jason had been a pillar of support for Spencer during this whole mess. Most people just getting to know one another would give up, cut their losses and not look back if faced with a similar situation. Hopefully, they'd get back home tomorrow and find out the stalker had been caught. Unlikely, but Spencer could dream. Jason jogged back and dropped more small branches on the ground. "This'll help. I'll go and find some more before it gets dark." He added a couple of small logs to the fire and sat back down. "Am I your stalker?" "No. You have an alibi for both times my home was broken into." Spencer smiled and stood. "I can start dinner now, if you like." "Sounds good. What do you want me to get out the cooler?" "The hamburgers." Spencer walked over to the supplies and found the big skillet, cutting board and cutlery. "Some cooking-spray too." The hamburgers were tossed over to Spencer without warning. He caught them and remembered he'd also asked 109

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for cooking spray, which came sailing through the air toward him moments later, followed by an onion. Jason placed plates and cheese slices, a tomato and ketchup on the table. He grabbed the cutting board and a knife and sliced the tomato. "Here, catch." Spencer threw the onion back to Jason. "Slice this too, and I'll fry it with the hamburgers." About thirty minutes later, Spencer and Jason sat, contentedly eating their make-shift hamburgers and drinking whisky. "Don't suppose you brought a guitar so we can sing camp-fire songs, did you?" Jason asked. "Nope, can't hold a tune to save my life." Spencer took a sip of his whisky. "I don't even sing in the shower." "So, what else can we do?" Jason mock pouted. "Play chess? Cards? Charades maybe?" "Tell ghost stories and roast marshmallows." Spencer laughed. "It'll be dark soon, it'll add to the ambiance." Jason sighed, rolling his eyes. "Honestly, it's like going camping with my ten year old nephews." He laughed. "How old are you, anyway?" "I'm twenty-two." Spencer answered, leaning back in his chair. "Am I really as bad as your nephews?" "Not even close. I'd much rather be here with you. You don't squirm when I hug you." Spencer's laugh echoed through the campsite. "At least I have that going for me." "And more." Spencer blushed as Jason, leering, looked him up and down. Spencer remembered that morning—how could he ever forget it?—and wondered what tonight would bring. He was 110

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looking forward to the night, as well as wanting to prolong their awake time as much as possible. Talking to Jason while they'd been preparing their dinner—as comfortable with each other as if they'd been together for years—had been almost as stimulating as sharing intimate time with him had been. Jason knew so much about astronomy and had promised to point out as many constellations as he could tonight. He'd also been interested in what Spencer had to say about the area and its geological aspects, fascinated by Herkimers— which he confessed to liking because he liked sparkly things. "Where did you put the lantern?" Jason asked later, as dusk was darkening the sky. "I didn't touch the lantern. Why?" Spencer turned his gaze from the fire to Jason. "I can't believe I forgot to bring the lantern and the axe." Jason shook his head. "I'm sure I didn't. I had to move it when I put the food back in the car." That was odd. Spencer stood and joined Jason in searching their supplies. "It has to be here somewhere. It didn't just get up and walk away." "Maybe I'm being distracted too easily." Jason winked at Spencer. The heat blossomed on Spencer's cheeks and he was thankful for the lack of lighting. "Maybe it was a raccoon? I had one steal toothpaste from my tent once. They get inquisitive." Jason looked around. "A raccoon? Hopefully nothing bigger." 111

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"Anything bigger and we'd be missing more than a lantern." Spencer could almost picture an inquisitive raccoon dragging their supplies away, one by one. "Well, let's hope it's only being inquisitive and not murderous. It may have the axe as well." "It needs it for den renovations." Spencer didn't think the loss of their lantern was such a big deal; they were only staying one night. "We'll have to make do with firelight." "And flashlights." Jason held one up under his chin and pulled a scary face. "Not good for ambience, but they will do." "Now who's acting like a child?" Spencer laughed and sat back in his chair. Grabbing the whisky bottle, he topped off both their glasses. No reason he couldn't indulge a bit. "Wait'll you meet the twins. Then you'll understand where I get it from." "Your family is okay with you being gay?" "Yeah. I think they'd rather I wasn't, but they know there's nothing they can do about it. And my mum loves Thad. They have the same taste in accessories." "Oh, that's good." Spencer never should have asked. He brought the glass to his lips and slammed back its contents. "Which really is one of the reasons why Thad and I will only ever be friends," Jason continued. "The last thing I need is a boyfriend wearing a scarf that smells like my mum." "I can see how that would be a turn off." Spencer leaned forward and tossed another branch on the fire. "And, while Thad is fun, I prefer my men a little less flamboyant." Jason dropped his arm around Spencer's 112

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shoulders and pulled both him and his chair closer. "You'll like him, you won't be able to help yourself." The simple act of pulling the chair closer had Spencer forgetting all about why he disliked Thad. He could definitely get used to having Jason around. "Did we bring any marshmallows?" Spencer hoped it was a subtle change of subject. "I don't dare to look, in case I think I did and find they're not there." Spencer was laughing, again. He seemed to be doing that a lot with Jason. "Probably better you don't look then. They are a little messy anyway." "I have got chips." Jason pulled a bag of plain chips from the box of supplies next to his chair. "Think that will sustain you?" "It's a start." Spencer said reaching for the bag. "Chips and whisky, an interesting combo." "The staple diet of the average American male." Spencer popped a chip his mouth and washed it down with his whisky. "I'll just have to work it off later." "I'm pretty sure we can find a way of doing that," Jason said lightly and kissed Spencer's temple. He left the ring of their camp fire and returned a moment later with a couple of outdoor blankets, which he spread out on the dirt near the fire. He sat on one and patted the space next to him. "C'mere, it's pretty hard to star gaze from a chair." No-one needed to ask him twice. In one swift move, Spencer left the chair and settled next to Jason. He was 113

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amazed, as he always was, at how many more stars were visible here than back home. Home. "Fuck. I'm going to have to find a new place to live." No way in Hell was Spencer going to continue renting his place. Going back to pack his belongings didn't even sit well with him. If he weren't such a sentimental fool, he'd just leave everything and buy new. His new place would be bigger, nicer—more heavily defended against lunatic assholes. "You can stay with me." Jason lay back on the blanket. "What sort of boyfriend would I be if I left you homeless?" "I..." Spencer stopped and gawked at Jason. Stay with him? Tempting as that was, he didn't think it was such a good idea. They'd only really known each other for a week—any hopes for the relationship growing would be squashed. People needed to learn each other's quirks and peculiarities before cohabitating. Although, he was flattered Jason had offered. Waking up next to Jason on a daily bases would be extraordinary. Boyfriend? The rest of Jason's statement filtered into Spencer's recently overtaxed mind. Was that how Jason saw them? The thought made him smile, but it didn't change his mind on the subject of living together. "Thanks, but I think I should find my own place—for now." "And where are you going to find somewhere to stay on a Sunday afternoon?" "Good point." Spencer conceded. He could move into a room at The Madison until he found a new place. That would get pricey if he didn't find something right away, and the 114

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cheaper rates of The Ishtar would only be fun if Jason joined him. "Thank you for the offer." "I can sleep on the couch if you'd prefer," Jason offered. "Well, during the week, anyway." "I'm not going to have you sleeping on the couch in your own home." Spencer didn't want to elaborate anymore on the subject. He'd just wait and see how things went. If he ended up sleeping on the couch that was fine, however he was hoping for the best case scenario of sharing Jason's bed. "We'll talk about it later." Jason grabbed Spencer's arm and pulled him back, so they were lying next to each other. "Now for your astronomy lesson. You see those stars there?" He pointed to a group of stars; small pin-points of light right above them. "That's the penguin." "The penguin?" Spencer laughed. "There's no such constellation." Though, as he looked up at it, it did sort of resemble one. "There should be." "Maybe there should be." Spencer agreed. "I would love to know the mythology behind a penguin being immortalized in the heavens." "Well, long ago in the days of Emperor Ernie and his consort, Clive, there was a penguin. Not just any penguin, this was a magical bird... stood about seven foot six and all solid feathery muscle. Quite the stud he was, too... What?" Spencer stared at Jason in disbelief. "Emperor Ernie? Solid feathery muscle? What the fuck is that?" Before Jason could retort, Spencer continued, sitting up for added dramatic effect. You couldn't tell a decent myth when lying down next 115

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to someone you wanted to kiss. "I'll tell you the story of Emperor Ernie." Spencer grabbed the bag of chips and the whisky bottle. Taking a swig of the amber liquid, he thought about what he knew about penguin lore. "There once was an Emperor named Ernie." Spencer paused. "He was young, thrust into the position after his father's sudden death. Ernie was sheltered inside the palace, rarely interacting with anyone except in matters of the kingdom." A few more sips of whisky and the story took off. Spencer went on to tell about the young Emperor's sheltered life, how he never was allowed to socialize with anyone, especially not with people his own age, unless it had to do with matters pertaining to the kingdom. Animatedly, Spencer detailed how Ernie, being young and naturally curious, pilfered the shabby clothes of one of his servants and snuck out of the Palace and to the marketplace. There the Emperor met the equally young, and devilishly handsome, Clive. The two hit it off right away, causing Ernie to sneak out of the Palace more and more. Ernie and Clive moved past friendship to become lovers. "One day while sharing lunch, and kisses, in what they thought was a secluded area by the lake, a Palace guard spotted them and recognized Ernie for who he really was. Ernie was quickly ushered home, while Clive was thrown into the Palace Dungeons." Spencer took a break to eat a few chips and give his vocal chords a brief respite. He was enjoying himself; thrilled to have Jason's undivided attention. 116

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"That's not how the story goes," Jason interjected. "It's my myth, I oughtta know." "What's wrong with my version?" Spencer asked. His version was more appropriate. "Oh, nothing." Jason folded his arms under his head as a pillow. "Please, continue," he said with exaggerated politeness. Spencer drank took another sip of whisky and continued, glad Jason wanted to hear more. "Clive was locked away, but longed to be with Ernie again. Since Ernie was the Emperor, Clive didn't see much chance of that—or of being released. Word spread like wildfire that the Emperor had succumbed to some mysterious illness and was bedridden. It didn't look well for Ernie: he wasn't eating, drinking or talking to anybody. With the Emperor's absence, the Kingdom was falling to ruin. Clive wished he could see Ernie just once more and try to help his soul mate. During one of Clive's dreams, he became aware of a tiny penguin with slate blue feathers. Curious, Clive followed—it was a dream after all—and was surprised when the little penguin led him straight to Ernie's bedchamber." "Well, of course." Jason sat up, and took the whisky bottle from Spencer. After helping himself to a drink, he announced, "I think that A: you've had too much of this, and B: you've been reading way too many of those tacky romances. You've got it all wrong." Spencer feigned outrage. "I do not read tacky romances." He preferred to call them fiction. "And according to animal totems, penguins are associated with lucid dreaming and the 117

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ability to astral project." Taking the bottle back from Jason, Spencer took another hearty drink. "I have not had too much. I was just trying to think of something myth worthy for your penguin constellation." "My penguin constellation? I'll have you know that that constellation has been there for thousands of years. I didn't just make it up ten minutes ago." "The stars have been there for eons, but you made it a penguin." "I did not! It was... Galileo. A well known penguin freak, er... fancier." Jason grinned. "Ah, my mistake." Spencer enjoyed the comfort he had around Jason, he'd laughed more in the past week then he had all year. "Why don't you tell me the proper story then?" Rescuing the bottle from Jason, Spencer took one more drink before lying down on the blanket. "Well," Jason continued. "As luck would have it, Ernie was in his bedchamber and had only recently begun thinking about Clive and the mess of his life. At first, he thought he'd dreamed Clive appearing in his doorway, but Clive soon proved that he was real." He turned and lay over Spencer, kissing him deeply. "Much like that." "And how did Ernie respond?" With more kisses, Spencer hoped. "He tore all of his clothes off and begged Clive to fuck him." "I'm sure he did." Spencer didn't want to talk anymore. He wanted more kisses. Giving in to his urges, Spencer captured Jason's lips with his own. 118

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"Do I take it," Jason asked, licking his lips. "That you've lost interest in the penguin constellation?" Not wanting to bother answering such a silly question, Spencer wrapped his arms around Jason, pulling him close for another kiss. Jason moaned appreciatively and thrust against Spencer. "I ask again, who are you and what have you done with my shy boy?" he murmured between kisses. "Still the same guy," Spencer said, meeting Jason's thrust. He was comfortable, and insanely attracted to Jason. Was it wrong to want a little feast after the famine? "Mmm, good." Jason responded by nibbling Spencer's neck. "Let's take this inside the tent. You're gonna get cold when I rip your clothes off." "We're in front of the fire." Spencer shifted, exposing more of his neck for Jason. Going into the tent would cost precious time, time that would be better spent kissing and touching. "Exhibitionist, huh?" "No!" Spencer scanned their campsite, double checking to make sure they were, in fact, alone. The thought of even wildlife watching had Spencer on edge. "Maybe we should move this to the tent." Jason looked around quickly. "Food's away," he muttered. "Fire's low." He stood and pulled Spencer up and into his arms. "An early night never hurt anyone." The short walk to the tent seemed to take forever, each step making Spencer's heart pound against his chest with a mix of anticipation and anxiety. This was still uncharted territory for him and he didn't want to be a disappointment. 119

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The shelter of the tent removed a few of Spencer's inhibitions, while Jason removed most of his clothes. Pushing him gently from kneeling to lying down, Jason pulled off Spencer's shoes, socks and jeans last of all. Jason was unbearably gentle, with soft touches, whispers and kisses. Little nips to his skin kept bringing Spencer back from the soporific trance he'd love to slip into under Jason's ministrations. Then again, he also wanted to be aware of each and every wonderful thing Jason did: every experience, every touch, every word. Jason stopped touching him for a few moments while he took his own clothes off. Spencer could see dark movements in the small tent area but that was all, and he was disappointed that they'd misplaced the lantern. He'd ever get enough of naked Jason. Then Jason was back, warm skin against his. Jason's after shave was intoxicating, flooding his senses with its subtle scent. Hot hands ran over his body. Taking inventory? Checking for bits that weren't up to standard? Spencer gasped and jerked when one of Jason's hands settled between his thighs, thumb and finger tickling his balls. He moaned loudly. Jason laughed, warm breath fanning Spencer's face. "You like that?" Spencer nodded, not trusting his voice. The excitement, the nerves, the uncertainty all combined into one Hell of a rush. Every part of Spencer was bristling with desire and need. He settled his hands on Jason's back, slowly sliding 120

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them down and trying to commit every inch of skin to memory. Jason's hand slid along Spencer's cock and Spencer moaned again. He'd have to stop doing that, in case it attracted unwelcome animals. But who wanted to stay quiet when they had Jason jerking them off? Spencer wanted to tell everyone, take out an ad in Summerset Times. He wanted to... Oh God, Jason was licking his nipple. And biting it. If Spencer had thought it felt good when he was tweaking his own nipples while wanking, it was nothing compared to the feel of Jason's tongue and teeth. He hissed when Jason blew across his skin, the cold making his nipple even stiffer, if that was possible. "Okay?" Jason's voice was a husky whisper in the darkness. "Yeah," Spencer managed to reply. What was it with the stupid questions? He was in seventh Heaven, why wouldn't he be okay? "Mmm, good," Jason mumbled while nibbling Spencer's neck. Spencer tipped his head back. He loved the attention his neck received from Jason. He'd be putty in the clutches of a vampire. Jason would make the perfect vampire, with his love of biting necks and ability to see in the dark. "Nah, all done by touch and feel," Jason said softly, running a hand up Spencer's torso. Spencer had a brief moment of shock, thinking that maybe Jason could read minds too, before he guessed that he'd verbalized his thoughts. 121

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"But, if you want vampire, just ask." Jason's teeth gripped Spencer's neck and he sucked. Spencer didn't say anything. Jason probably already thought he was some kind of perverted freak right about now. What he'd suggested was bordering on role playing and good boys with healthy sex lives didn't do that. That was for people who needed something more and Spencer was having enough trouble coping with 'something' without worrying about the 'more'. "Don't talk," Spencer mumbled. The warm laugh in his ear melted Spencer into a pile of goo. He supposed that meant that Jason wasn't going to be quiet. "But then I can't say how hot you are, how much I'm loving this... that I want to fuck you so bad it hurts." "No!" Spencer froze. He was happy for Jason to do just about anything, but the thought of fucking was out of the question. The first time was sure to hurt, and the tent wouldn't make things any easier. Spencer would rather it happened in a large comfortable bed and with lots of alcohol to numb the pain. "Relax." Jason's voice was low and soothing. "I said I want to. One day, when we're both ready." "But... I, um..." Spencer was still finding it hard to think. His cock was controlling him. Always practical and matter-offact, Spencer was undone by carnal urges. "Plenty of time. Not going anywhere." Jason answered whatever Spencer had been about to say. "Good." 122

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Jason shifted and his blunt cock poked Spencer's thigh. Then it was alongside his own and Jason was moving lazily, thrusting them together. Both Jason's hands held Spencer's head still while they leisurely kissed. Nothing hurried, just a meeting of tongues and lips. Slow and sensuous and, to Spencer, the most erotic kiss he'd ever experienced. Jason's tongue slid against his and Jason kept moving against him, the delicious friction of skin on skin, cock against cock, being echoed with tongues and lips. Oh fuck, it felt so good. With his hips moving of their own accord, Spencer lost himself in the kiss. It was carnal lust, pure and simple. If it felt good, do it. And why not? There would be no consequences, nothing mattered but feeling great. Spencer wrapped his arms tighter around Jason's back and matched every thrust, every glide, with his own. "So... fucking... good," Jason mumbled. Spencer nodded, vaguely aware that Jason couldn't see him, but speech was overrated anyway. Little whimpers and moans had made him tense before he realized they were coming from him, but he was past caring. There could be an audience of bears, deer and fucking psychopathic stalkers watching and he wouldn't stop. "Oh, fuck... gonna..." "God, yes! Do it." Spencer gave in to his need. His come spilled between them, warm and thick on his belly. Seconds later, Jason grunted, tensed and captured Spencer's lips in a needy kiss. Messy and frantic with teeth and tongues mashed together, it was hot. Spencer felt Jason's come spurt onto him, mingling 123

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with his own, and smiled contentedly, before succumbing to lethargy. Unsure of how much time had passed, Spencer struggled to break through the all-I-want-to-do-is-sleep barrier. He opened his eyes and fixed his bleary gaze on Jason. "Nice..." he managed. "Nice?" Jason sounded indulgent, if indignant. Spencer nodded, then remembered that Jason probably couldn't see him. "Better than nice. Can't think of the word." "Tomorrow we'll look in a Thesaurus." Jason kissed Spencer tenderly. "Sleep now." [Back to Table of Contents]

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Chapter Eight Spencer's eyes snapped open. Despite being wrapped securely in Jason's arms, he looked around him. Something had made a noise. Not a sleeping noise, either. More like a something heavy shuffling in the leaves and twigs outside the tent noise. "What was that?" he whispered urgently. "Whawaswhat?" Jason mumbled back, before quietly snoring himself back into dreamland. Seeing he'd get no sense from his boyfriend—even wary, he got a kick out of thinking that word—Spencer stayed alert, eyes wide open and ears pricked. For several minutes, the only noises were the creek, a slight rustling from the breeze that stirred the trees, and crickets. A far off owl hooted to the silence. Deciding that whatever it was had gone, Spencer closed his eyes and snuggled back into the warmth that Jason offered. Then Spencer heard footsteps again. Slow, as if they were ensuring they'd not be heard, but footsteps nonetheless. They didn't sound like a bear or bunny. This time, they were definite steps, not shuffling ones. Spencer dug Jason in the ribs with his elbow. "Huh?" Jason woke with a start. "What?" Spencer shushed him. "Listen," he hissed. He couldn't tell whether Jason was actually listening or just humoring him or if he'd gone back to sleep. There were another couple of footsteps, heavy and faltering. "Hear..?" 125

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"Shh!" Spencer grinned, pleased that Jason didn't think he was a flake. "Well?" Jason hugged Spencer close, then let him go. "Sounds like something, but I don't think it's anything to worry about. I'll just stick my head out and check." Jason shuffled about in the darkness and Spencer heard him pull on a pair of jeans. The flashlight blinked on for just a second, just for Jason to ensure it was working, Spencer assumed. Then there was a quick hard kiss pressed to his lips. "Stay here, stay warm. I'm gonna be cold when I get back." He left quickly. "Fuck that..." Spencer found a pair of sweatpants—looking for clothes in a hurry was one drawback to sleeping naked— and pulled them on. Not being as brave as Jason when it came to the cold, he also pulled on a jacket. Mmm, Jason's. It smelled of him, his aftershave. He shuffled to the doorway of the tent. No way was he waiting in bed like the little woman. He'd seen too many horror movies to be caught there. Nope, out in the open where he could take his chances was a much better idea. Besides, he hadn't heard anything but Jason's stealthy footsteps around the tent. He shoved his feet into his sneakers and pushed open the flap that served as a door. That was the exact moment a gunshot echoed off the rocks and someone yelled in pain. Momentarily confused, Spencer looked at the tent flap. Then it dawned on him what the noise was. He froze. Jason! Oh God, please not him. 126

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"Jason!" Spencer yelled, his voice cracking. He prayed he'd get an answer. He wasn't sure he could sound so together if he had to call out again. The silence seemed to last for ages. Spencer had never heard such a sinister nothingness. It scared him beyond belief. "He's alive," a voice Spencer recognized, but couldn't put a name to, finally replied. "For now. Come out of the tent, Spencer. I forgive your little dalliance with him." "Jason!" Spencer called again as he all but fell out of the tent. The small camping shovel Jason had bought with them fell as he brushed against it. He grabbed it; better to go out there armed than unarmed, even though there wasn't much he could do with a fifteen inch light-weight shovel. "I'm okay." Jason sounded like he was forcing himself to sound normal. Spencer heard him breathing, rapidly and deeply. He looked over to where Jason's voice had come from and saw a dark shape on the ground. A shadow near him seemed to be pointing at Jason but was definitely facing Spencer. Spencer cursed the early dawn light, everything was still shadows, still too dark to see their attacker's face. "See, Spencer, he's okay." The voice sounded more familiar to Spencer now. He just had to make his heart slow, and stop pounding in his ears, so he could place it. "What..." Spencer croaked. He realized that what looked like a finger pointing at Jason's head was, in fact, a gun. An icy chill surged through him. "Um... what did you do to Jason?" 127

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"Shot him. He won't be so fucking perfect now." "Just my leg, Spence," Jason said slowly. "I'm not dying." "There's still time," the gunman snarled. "I should kill you for just daring to touch him." Jason lapsed into silence again. Spencer had never been so terrified. He had no idea what to say or do, but knew he should be helping Jason. If he'd been shot, he'd need to go to the hospital. He might die if he didn't, mightn't he? Spencer didn't know and he cursed himself for his inaptitude. A thousand thoughts were shooting through his head, all colliding and fighting to be recognized first. Spencer wanted the gun gone, or at least pointed somewhere other than at Jason's head. But what should he do? "What do you want?" The gunman barked a laugh. "You, Spencer. Every day you talked to me, said good morning and stopped for a chat. Every day we connected a little more..." "Shaun..." Spencer whispered into the stillness. The security guard from work. Tall, well built, friendly and oh so normal. Spencer had always thought himself to be a relatively decent judge of character. Hell of a time to screw that one up. "Until he took you away from me." Shaun gestured toward Jason with the gun and Spencer flinched. "He didn't," Spencer started and then cleared his throat, desperately wishing for some water; his throat was so dry. "He couldn't take me away from you. I, um... I didn't know. I thought... but it was you leaving me those notes."

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"Of course it was me." Spencer could almost hear Shaun rolling his eyes as he spoke. Then his voice softened. "I hope I didn't scare you." Not as much as you're scaring me now. "No, um... I was flattered." Spencer indicated the gun with a flick of his hand— the other hand wrapped firmly around the shovel—trying to seem casual about it. "Er, can you, um, put that down? Or something? He's not going anywhere." "He's annoyed me." "That's no reason to kill him." Was it worth trying to reason with someone as obviously unhinged as Shaun? "I mean, you'll go to jail and I'll... I'll miss you." Spencer figured that by telling Shaun what the man wanted to hear, it would definitely give him some thinking time and, hopefully, lull Shaun into feeling less threatened, less likely to shoot Jason again. Shaun shook his head. "No, I won't. Plenty of places to dispose of a body up here. No-one'd even know." As he'd seen every episode of Forensic Files, Spencer knew this wasn't necessarily the case. However, he didn't think now was an opportune time to debate the point. He did need to distract Shaun, get the gun and save Jason from imminent death. An easy task for a shy accountant. Why hadn't he taken Klay's advice so many years ago and taken Jeet Kune Do classes? Bruce Lee wouldn't have any problems in this situation—he'd make it look easy. The grim truth was that Spencer's options were limited. Running like a bat out of Hell into the woods had crossed his mind. Knowing the area like the back of his hand, he could make it easily to civilization. 129

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That would take time and give Shaun the motive to make good on his threat to dispose of Jason's body. There was only one thing Spencer could do, he took a deep breath and stepped in between Jason and Shaun. Not the wisest of moves, but he had to do something. Spencer tried to swallow around the lump in his throat, but the desert his mouth had turned into made that an impossible task. Different scenarios passed through his mind as he waited for Shaun's reaction. Each one had the security guard firing his weapon. In some Spencer dodged the bullet Matrix style, only succeeding in getting Jason shot, and in others Shaun just outright shot them both. Not even his brain could fantasize an escape route that saved them. What had he done to spark this obsession in Shaun? Had he lead the man on? Spencer couldn't think of anything that could even remotely be considered flirting. Was this somehow his fault? It was all going to end here, in his favorite area, surrounded by the Herkimers he loved. That thought depressed Spencer. His life flashed before him and it was a pathetic mess, Jason being the only bright spot. God, he was going to die—be murdered—and he hadn't even had sex yet! Shaun reached out and closed his hand around Spencer's forearm. "Don't stand there. I don't want to accidentally shoot you." "I don't want you to shoot anyone." Spencer tried to make it sound like he cared for Shaun's welfare rather than Jason's. He tried to ignore the hand gripping his arm, but it was a steel band. If Shaun wanted him moved, Spencer knew he'd move. 130

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"I want to shoot him." Shaun gestured at Jason, with the gun. "Did he hurt you?" Spencer heard Jason mutter something—something uncomplimentary if he'd heard the words 'fucking idiot' correctly. He glanced at Shaun, but the man seemed to be too focused on him. Waiting for something. Oh, an answer to his question. It took a lot of will power for Spencer not to roll his eyes and say something sarcastic. As if Jason would hurt him. He bit his lip instead and shook his head. "No... I don't think..." "'Cos he's a player," Shaun continued. "Out with different men every night. Drinking, drugs, sex. You deserve better." Shaun physically moved Spencer, letting go of his arm so he could run his knuckles down Spencer's face. "I'd worship you. Anything you wanted..." Spencer wondered if that was a cue so he could bargain for Jason's life. Or at least an ambulance. He was surprised he was keeping it together so well. It must be true what they said about adrenaline kicking in. Although Spencer didn't feel like a super hero who could take Shaun one handed, he did feel he was able to focus better. And, as no-one had been killed yet, it was looking good. "Um, can we get him an ambulance?" "Why?" Spencer glanced at Jason. He could see his boyfriend well by now. Jason was very white and had his eyes closed. His breathing was shallow. Spencer hoped he was just trying to conserve energy. The reasons he wanted an ambulance for Jason were too many to begin listing and he couldn't tell 131

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Shaun any of them, apart from the most basic. "He doesn't deserve to die." The look that Shaun shot Spencer made him think that he shouldn't have said that. "Don't tell me you liked what he did to you." Fuck yeah! "You were watching?" "As much as I could. I need to know..." "Fucking pervert," Jason muttered. That one, Shaun heard. His attention refocused on Jason and he pointed the gun with more intent. "See Spencer. Not worth saving. He's filth." Shaun's voice shook with anger. Spencer looked at Jason. The man was so very pale, his eyelashes dark against his cheeks. For the first time, Spencer got a look at the wound, or rather at Jason's hands covering the wound, trying to stop the blood-flow. His jeans and hands were bloodied, but the wound appeared to have clotted somewhat. Spencer assumed that was good. Jason was still conscious but obviously cold and in need of medical attention. Spencer wondered if he might die without it. "Let me call help for him and we can go." Spencer's fingers tightened around the handle of the small shovel. He had no intention of going anywhere with Shaun, so he needed to be ready for when Shaun's attention wasn't on him. "No," Jason croaked. "You're not going anywhere with him." Shaun turned to Jason, a menacing smile on his lips. "Looks like he's made his decision..." 132

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With as much strength as he could muster, Spencer grabbed the shovel in both hands and swung it so the flat part hit the back of Shaun's head. The security guard turned, a look of stunned alarm in his eyes. With adrenaline coursing through his veins, Spencer struck again, using his whole body to power the strike. The blow reverberated through the handle and along his arms when he made contact with the side of Shaun's head. The man crumpled, falling to the ground in a slow motion action replay, and staying there. "Oh, God..." Spencer dropped the shovel and nudged Shaun's prone body with his toes. Shaun stayed still and, to be honest, Spencer didn't feel like touching him to find a pulse. He just hoped that he hadn't killed the guy. He kicked the fallen gun closer to Jason, hoping that Jason knew how to use it, because he didn't and had no desire to learn. "Jason?" Spencer crouched in front of Jason. His fingertips touched Jason's shoulder and, for one horrible moment, Spencer thought his boyfriend was dead; he was that cold. Then Jason's eyes opened, looking slightly unfocused. "Please tell me he's dead." "I don't think so." Spencer cast a suspicious glance at Shaun, half expecting him to spring up and attack at any moment. "If he moves, shoot him." Spencer pushed the gun closer to Jason. "I'll be right back." A quick kiss to Jason's lips and Spencer sprang into action, setting off for the tent at a run. What did he need to help Jason? He needed to treat for shock, stop the bleeding and get help. And make Jason warm. He grabbed a blanket, their 133

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pillows, his T-shirt and cell phone and ran back to a, hopefully, still conscious Jason. "Jason?" Spencer's voice shook at the single word. He needed Jason awake and talking to him. "What, love?" Relief washed over Spencer at the sound of Jason's voice. "I'm gonna take care of you." He wrapped the blanket around Jason, cursing himself for not grabbing a sweatshirt as well. Jason nodded and used one hand to pull the blanket around him tighter. "Figures you'd have a first aid certificate, too." "It didn't really cover gunshot wounds." Spencer ripped his T-shirt and began to dress Jason's wound, doing his best to try and ignore the feel of blood on his hands. This was his fault. Jason had been shot because of him. How could Jason forgive him? More importantly, could Spencer ever forgive himself? "I have to elevate your leg, it's going to hurt." Spencer folded the pillows and gently placed them under Jason's leg. Satisfied that he'd done all he could, Spencer took out his cell phone, probably something he should have done first. "Fuck! No signal." Spencer stared at the useless phone before throwing it on the ground. What was he going to do? He wasn't about to leave Jason—or Shaun for that matter. No way was he giving that bastard an opportunity to escape. Did they have any rope? Could he lift Shaun and put him in the trunk? "Car's got that tracking thing," Jason said. "That's supposed to work where cells won't." 134

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Finding the keys in the pocket of the jacket he was wearing, Spencer ran to the car. After a few curse filled moments where he tried to figure out how to turn the tracking system on, Spencer eventually had a pleasant female voice asking him what the problem was. A quick description of the morning's events and the dire need for both medical and police intervention had the female voice assuring Spencer that help was on the way and to stay safe. Spencer left the system on as directed and headed back to Jason, where he belonged—not talking to some faceless woman who was trying to convince him that everything was going to be okay. "An ambulance and the police are on their way," Spencer said, sitting down next to Jason. Jason gave Spencer a shaky smile. "Thank you." He opened the blanket and wrapped it around Spencer as well, drawing him closer. "You're a good man to have around." "I don't know about that. It's my fault you're—" Spencer faltered. Instead he wrapped his arm around Jason and snuggled against him. There was a lot to be said for shared body heat. "I'll be okay." Jason laid his head against Spencer's. "Think you'll come camping with me again?" "I didn't think you'd ask me again." Jason laughed. "I can't promise it'll be as exciting as this time." "That's fine by me." Jason kissed Spencer's jaw. "I still want you to stay with me." 135

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Those few words thrilled Spencer. Their living arrangements could be discussed after more important issues were taken care of, mainly getting Jason to a hospital and Shaun to a jail cell. He was saved from answering by the sound of sirens. "They'll be here soon." Spencer kissed Jason, a soft touching of lips, and then reluctantly left the sanctuary of their blanket. "I should meet them, let them know where we are." [Back to Table of Contents]

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Chapter Nine Jason stayed conscious for long enough to see Spencer walk back up the track, the ambulance following him. He spared a quick glance for Shaun, just to ensure the man was still out, then closed his eyes and gave in to the overwhelming tiredness that had been trying to claim him. Not completely, though. He was vaguely aware of being talked to and answering questions. The bullet wound was bandaged and it felt like they pushed a spike into the back of his hand before he was transferred from cold, hard ground to a soft mattress. The odd sense of inertia that stole over him told him they were moving away from the campsite. Away from Spencer and that maniac. "Spence?" A young man—barely old enough to shave, it seemed to Jason—placed another blanket over the one already covering him. "The police are talking to him." Jason nodded. Though why the police wanted to talk to Spencer was beyond him. They should just be arresting that dickhead, Shaun, and be done with it. He hated to think of Spencer having to deal with the police by himself. The ambulance bounced slowly over the compacted dirt track away from the camp site and met the smooth asphalt of the road. "Okay?" the paramedic asked. "Warm enough? In pain?" "Yeah... no... I'm okay. Tired, though." "That's the pain meds. Sleep, you look like you need it." 137

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The next time Jason woke up, he was warm and comfortable. And stationary. It was very quiet and the air had a strange, antiseptically clean smell. He opened his eyes, blinked once or twice and focused on Spencer. "Okay?" Jason's voice sounded funny, croaky and faint, as if he'd been smoking and yelling at a rock concert all evening. He tried again. "Hi." "Hi." Spencer smiled and placed his hand over Jason's. "How are you feeling?" "Great." Jason clasped Spencer's hand. "Let's go dancing?" His right thigh throbbed in time with his heartbeat. The pain was bearable, but annoying. "I don't think you'll be dancing anytime soon, but I'll take a rain check." "Horizontal?" Spencer's resulting laughter echoed throughout the tiny room. "That could be arranged." Jason grinned. "Good." He turned Spencer's hand over in his. "They fingerprinted you? Bet that's never happened before." "There's a first for everything." Spencer blushed. "They questioned me, fingerprinted me and questioned me some more. Fingerprinting isn't as easy as you'd think it'd be. It took a couple tries. But you'll be happy to know Trooper Howard verified my story and Shaun regained consciousness and apparently suffered no long term effects from my actions. But, he will hopefully suffer from his." "All the girls love a bad boy." Jason winked. "And some of the boys, too." 138

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Spencer leaned forward, bracing his elbows on the hospital bed. "So, I'm a bad boy now?" "How many good boys do you know that have been fingerprinted and questioned at length by the state's finest? "Oh, God," Spencer suddenly looked stricken. "How can I face everyone at work?" Now that had Jason confused. "What do you mean? You're a hero, love." Spencer shook his head. "No, I had a psycho stalker, got you shot, bashed someone over the head with a shovel, and... maybe... outted you." "As long as it keeps Charlotte and Rosa from trying to get into my pants, I'm a happy man." Jason wound his arm around Spencer's neck and pulled him closer. "Besides, you're outted, too. And we're together." He kissed Spencer, losing himself in the taste of the man. A not so discreet knock on the already open door had Spencer springing away from Jason as if he'd been burned. "Sorry to interrupt," a young nurse said as she walked over to the bed. She checked the equipment and stuck a thermometer in Jason's mouth. "The police would like to ask you a few questions." "Now who's the bad boy?" Spencer sounded so smug that Jason turned to look at him. "And," he whispered. "You could be right about that 'loving a bad boy' thing." End. ****

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