Never Never Land

NEVER NEVER LAND

Treva Harte

www.loose-id.com

Warning This e-book contains sexually explicit scenes and adult language and may be considered offensive to some readers. Loose Id® e-books are for sale to adults ONLY, as defined by the laws of the country in which you made your purchase. Please store your files wisely, where they cannot be accessed by under-aged readers.

Never Never Land Treva Harte This e-book is a work of fiction. While reference might be made to actual historical events or existing locations, the names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Published by Loose Id LLC 1802 N Carson Street, Suite 212-2924 Carson City NV 89701-1215 www.loose-id.com

Copyright © May 2008 by Treva Harte All rights reserved. This copy is intended for the purchaser of this e-book ONLY. No part of this e-book may be reproduced or shared in any form, including, but not limited to printing, photocopying, faxing, or emailing without prior written permission from Loose Id LLC.

ISBN 978-1-59632-702-3 Available in Adobe PDF, HTML, MobiPocket, and MS Reader

Printed in the United States of America

Editor: C. B. Calsing Cover Artist: Croco Designs

www.loose-id.com

Chapter One Friday: Chris’s Condo

“Jesus, Chris, why can’t we spring for a meal at a restaurant once in a while?” Adam balanced cartons of takeout Chinese as Chris held the door open. “You are so freakin’ tight. And not in a good way.” Jake smiled as he watched from the kitchen. The Adam-and-Chris show was about to start. Chris grabbed at the teetering carton on top and hissed as the heat burned his fingers. “Not all of us have the money to spend on some expensive dinner every week. Just because you feel flush this week is no reason to change the routine.” “You have the money to spend. And how do you know I have money this week?” Adam plunked the cartons down on the kitchen counter. “Takeout from Lucky Three. How long have we all been meeting like this? We all know Lucky Three food means you have money.” Jake strolled out of Chris’s kitchen with three beers dangling from one large hand. He thrust one at Chris. “Use it to cool your fingers down if you don’t want to drink it. I put more in the refrigerator for when you two want some.”

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Chris nodded, put the beer down on a coaster, and drifted back to the kitchen. Jake could feel tension slowly slipping away from the back of his neck. Chris was in the kitchen; Adam was here. The weekend had begun. Adam grabbed for his beer and took one long, greedy gulp. “German import? You do have good taste in beer, Jake. That’s at least one good thing about you.” “Asshole.” Jake moved to the stereo and began to play with the dials. “Let’s see if I can find some decent music.” He was one of the very few people Chris would let touch his expensive audio equipment. Adam, who wasn’t among those trusted to handle Chris’s valuable toys, scowled at Jake and took another gulp. Music drifted out of the speakers. Nothing too kick-ass to start. Not that Chris had a lot of kickass in his CD collection. Jake glanced out the patio doors at the ocean. Chris was an orderly guy -- nicely decorated condo, beautiful view, perfect table settings, alphabetized CDs. Despite all that potentially boring precision, his place wasn’t dull. It was soothing. There was only one thing missing to make this just like every Friday night. And thank God for Friday night routine. Jake silently toasted to Friday routine and took another gulp. The buzzer sounded again. Adam bounded for the door ahead of Chris. “Jenni!” His exuberant hug almost knocked the pie tin from Jenni’s hands. “You’re the last one here. That’s so not like you.” Jenni always brought dessert when they went to Chris’s. Now everything and everyone was in place. Jenni laughed, hugged him back, and righted the tin before it slid to the floor. “I like to be able to have you three guessing once in awhile.” Jake glanced over at the others and, for a split second, saw them almost the way a stranger would. Tiny Jenni, hanging onto her pie like it held the answer to world peace. Adam, shorter than the other men, almost leaping off the walls with energy. Chris, only

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allowing a glimpse of his tall frame from the kitchen, puttered in the background, making sure everything was just right. Jake glanced over at the mirror, trying to see himself the way others would. He was close to Chris in height but built like the ex-football player he was. He had a five o’clock shadow making an appearance, no shoes on, and he was slouched against the wall, his eyelids drooping half-shut while he enjoyed his beer. No. He had no idea what he looked like to strangers. Probably a Neanderthal or a wino. Adam bent over Jenni’s pie tin, and the brief moment of seeing them with new eyes ended. These people were the three constants in his world, looking and acting just the way they always did. “What’s for dessert?” Adam sniffed. “Chocolate meringue pie. Low fat.” “Ewww.” Adam shrank back from the dessert. “We all could do with a little less fat. And I remember what Jake said after his last checkup.” “Oh, for God’s sake.” Jake looked at the tin in disgust. “I’m not going to die from having a slice of pie.” “Not from this pie, anyhow.” Jenni placed it on the carefully set table and then stood on her toes to brush Jake’s cheek with her lips. “And it tastes good. I promise. Chris darling, should I light the candles?” “Tastes good. That’s what they all say right before you swallow,” Adam said. “And you believe them every time, buddy.” Jake looked suspiciously at the pie and then even more suspiciously at Jenni. “So, what’s going on?” “Nothing special here.” Jenni carefully lit the first candle, not waiting any longer for permission. “You know me. Nothing much ever happens.”

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“Last I heard you’d met a new man. That should be special.” Adam pulled on one stray tendril of brown hair that dangled from Jenni’s pulled back bun. “New men are always interesting.” “Shut up, Adam.” Chris brought out the plates but didn’t begin serving the food. He watched Jenni instead. “Wha -- oh.” Adam looked at Jenni’s face. “What happened, sweetie?” “Nothing.” Jenni blew out the match very, very carefully, totally focusing on it rather than the circle of men around her. “Like always. It didn’t work out.” “Why not?” Adam asked. “I don’t know.” “You don’t know?” “All right, I do. Because I suck at being with men. That’s why.” “You’re with us!” Adam protested. “You’re not men. Uh. God, that came out wrong. I’m so sorry. No offense meant.” “Almost none taken, sweetie.” Adam picked up a fresh beer bottle. Jenni blushed. “You’re my friends. I mean that you guys are never going to have a relationship with me. So of course we’re fine.” “We do have a relationship with you, girl. A long-standing, very nice relationship.” Chris patted her shoulder. “But we understand.” “I hate sex. Sex screws up everything.” Jenni gulped and walked out onto the balcony, carefully shutting the French doors behind her. “She does sort of have a point there.” Chris looked at the other two. “Speak for yourself.” Adam shrugged. “All right, maybe she does. But it’s not a good point.”

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“Jenni deserves better than Friday nights with us. Even if that helps her avoid sex and screwups,” Chris said. Jake looked at the figure standing outside, resolutely staring out at the ocean waves, her back to them. They all knew she was trying not to cry. Jenni hated to cry. “Hey!” Adam said. “All right, shutting up. I assume you also have a point here. Enlighten us.” “We should find her someone.” Chris took a sip of his beer. The two men stared at him. After ten years Jake could count on his fingers, with digits left over, how often he’d seen Chris drink. But what he’d said was even more amazing. Chris had never been the “get in touch with his emotions” type, much less the “get in touch with someone else’s.” The silence didn’t last long. “We should? We can’t find anyone for ourselves!” Adam yelped. For once, Jake was sure Adam was totally, absolutely, one hundred percent right. “We probably should help her find someone, but I’m not sure I’m strong enough to handle that.” Jake shoved his hands in his pockets. “Please. If a guy walked in right now, within minutes Jake would have this intense nonsexual thing going on with him and then find out he’s straight or else he’d fall for my looks and charm --” “And run, screaming, less than two days later, sick of listening to you,” Chris broke in. “Or hit on Chris for a loan. All the kiss of death scenarios. How would we find someone for Jenni?” “God, I don’t know. Let me think.” Chris frowned. “Well, we can start with Jake. Jake has this anti-gaydar thing going for him. He can at least find us some straight guys.” How the hell did he suddenly take center stage in this insanity?

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“Thanks.” Jake flipped him the bird. “Before we start, shouldn’t we think about what Jenni would like?” “In guys?” Adam asked. “If she’d like us to do this for her.” “Hell, I’d love it if she’d set me up with guys!” Adam said. “Shut up, Adam,” the two other men chorused. “We can’t ask her.” Chris began to pace. “She’d fuck it up. She’s right about that. She sucks at relationships with guys she’s interested in.” “What if we fuck it up? What do we know about what straight women like?” Jake shuddered and took a drink. “Nothing.” “We know about Jenni.” Adam’s voice was suddenly serious. “She’s listened to us when we’ve screwed up, time and time again. She cares about us. We owe her.” “I hate to say it, but he’s right.” Chris glanced toward the balcony. “She’s lonely and she deserves better.” “We all deserve better,” Adam muttered. “Yeah, but I’m thinking Jenni has the best shot of getting better. She should have the best shot. We’re fuckups. She’s not. She’s a sweetheart, except she hangs out with us too much.” Chris looked at the other two, cleared his throat, and shut down again. This. Was. A. BAD. Idea. Jake knew it. “You may be right about the fuckup part, but why don’t we let Jenni go and do her own thing? Free choice and all that?” Jake looked at the other two. “She can make a choice. It’s just that she’s been standing on the diving board for years, saying she wants to dive and never doing it. We’re helping her.” Adam threw his hands up. What the hell was this, the Dr. Phil show?

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“No, we’re not. We’re interfering. She’ll kill us. She should kill us. I want to kill us for even having this conversation. I vote no.” Jake would have yelled, but Jenni might have heard him. “Jake, what harm is there in helping Jenni? She’s there for us. Who came and bailed you out that time you got in a fight in the spa parking lot? Who found you the lawyer when the customer threatened to sue you over his black eye?” “Don’t, Adam… All right, Jenni did. That doesn’t mean we stick our noses in where we aren’t wanted. We’d be acting like she can’t take care of herself.” “Who ran to take her out when she got stood up on her thirtieth birthday, and who threatened to track the guy down and smash his face?” “I did. We all did. But that’s a friend thing. This is a -- this is a -- damn it, you’re going to out-argue me because you can do that, but this is different.” “Jenni could use our support. How is that not a friend thing?” “Crap. I don’t know. All right, I can’t believe this, but I think I’m agreeing with you two. Just don’t drag this out any more. I don’t like it, but I give up.” Jake felt a little sick. “And please let’s try not to make fools of ourselves.” Adam waved dismissively. “Oh hell, we always do that. But let’s try not to make a fool out of Jenni.”

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Chapter Two Friday: The Restaurant

“I’m not doing this.” Jake stood in front of the crowded little restaurant. “This is insane.” He’d gotten through the week by not thinking about what his role was supposed to be tonight, but he couldn’t forget about it any longer. “If you have a better idea, tell us now. Quickly. Otherwise we’re absolutely doing this.” Chris pulled a neatly folded paper from his pocket. “Maybe we could just go to a bar and get really drunk and try to pick up some guys?” “Jenni isn’t a drinker. Bars are out. And we are not picking up guys for ourselves tonight.” “Chris, you’re the business exec. You must know some solid, reputable types.” Jake braced his shoulders, silently refusing to enter. Chris tapped the paper. “We made up the list. You know Jenni wouldn’t want business types. Besides, most of the men I know are married. She wouldn’t want that, either.” “Nice muscle flexing with those big shoulders. Very military, Sarge,” Adam commented. “However, while you can resist us all you want, you know you’ll end up doing

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this for Jenni. C’mon. This is a nice place. Not too fancy, not too downscale, not too trendy. Plenty of singles. I’ve heard good things about it.” Chris began to read from the paper. “Remember you want straight, single --” “I think I got that part down --” “Clean-cut, sincere, not a big drinker --” “Can I just go to a Boy Scout meeting instead?” Jake muttered. Chills were starting to run down his spine. This was so not going to work out. And somehow, everyone would decide it was his fault. “Hot.” Adam poked his shoulder. “I think Jenni deserves a hot guy.” “It would be good if he wasn’t totally freaked out by gay males, too,” Chris said thoughtfully. “I’d hate to have to give up seeing her. Oh, and not a tourist.” “God, don’t start adding more things for me to look for. It’s bad enough as it is.” Jake swallowed. “Not to worry, Jake. You stroll in there, and we’ll lay bets that you are going to strike up some conversation with a straight guy and probably spend hours chatting. It’s happened every other time you go to a restaurant on your own. Oh hell, forget the criteria. Pick someone you’d like to bang. You don’t have bad taste, just the gender preference gets a little screwed.” Adam slapped him on the shoulder. “It’s probably because you still look military. Guys figure you’re the all-American straight male. Dudley Do-Right.” “He was Canadian. Anyhow, once I find one, if I find one, what the hell do I do with him?” “We’ve gone over this. Chris and I will slip on in about a half hour from now with Jenni and scope him out. If we give the thumbs up, that’s when you pretend to have just seen us, come over and say hey. We’ll figure it out from there. Jenni will be her own charming self because she’ll figure he’s with you.” Adam smiled at him. “Now go get him. We have absolute confidence in you. We’ll go get Jenni.”

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Jake growled and almost tore the door off its hinges on his way in.

Adam looked at Chris. “Is he going to screw this up? I’m betting he screws it up.” “Maybe. But Jake usually manages to follow orders. We can but hope.” Chris waved his car keys. “Let’s get Jenni before she thinks we’ve stood her up. We don’t need her in a bad mood.” “Yeah. Dealing with Jake will be bad enough.”

***** Adam glanced over at the bar. Sure enough, a man was leaning on the bar, engaged in intense discussion with Jake. “Nice ass,” Adam mouthed while Jenni was staring at the menu. Chris took his finger and gestured a slit across his throat. “You ever been here before, Jenni?” “No. It seems nice enough. A little crowded.” Jenni looked first at Adam, then back at Chris. “Is something going on? Where’s Jake?” Chris put his menu down. “I guess traffic was bad on his side of town, which is another reason we shouldn’t go out to restaurants on Friday nights. Traffic is always bad when we try to go to places Adam picks out. He follows the crowd.” “Better than becoming a hermit, asshole. You’ve gotten too cheap to go anywhere lately.” “Boys!” Jenni shook her head. “You two need to lay off each other. I know you like to tease, but things have just gotten progressively worse between you for the last few months. I think we all need to talk about that since apparently you won’t do it on your own.” Chris opened his mouth. Shut it again. Adam stared over Jenni’s shoulder.

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“Um, yeah -- oh, there’s Jake!” Adam stood up and beckoned. “I think he abandoned us for some cutie at the bar.” Chris finally took a good look and nodded. “For once, I think Adam isn’t overstating the case. The man is seriously cute.” Jenni twisted her neck as far back as she could. “I can’t see him. Either him.” “No worries. They’re both coming over.” “And I still think we all need to talk. But not in front of Jake’s latest pickup,” Jenni said in a low voice before she leaned over Chris’s lap to hug Jake. “Hi, big guy! What took you so long?”

“Cole is a family name. Since I was the only boy, I got stuck with it.” He smiled, a tiny, masculine dimple showing. “I figure that was about the one thing my sisters couldn’t take from their baby brother.” That hint of a Texas drawl was a definite plus. Jake had always thought there was nothing like a good old Southern boy. “I like the name. How many sisters? And what things did they take from you?” Jenni was good at talking to people, making them open up. It wasn’t just her reporter instinct. She was genuinely interested in them. Jake had always been impressed by that. Unless a really good lay was the promised reward, he couldn’t talk to strangers easily. Sometimes not even that incentive worked. “Three older sisters. They say I was spoiled. But I’ve always said they’re why I went into the Navy. I had already learned to take orders from most everyone. More wine?” He raised the carafe, noticing her glass was empty. Good manners. Had they added that to the list? He didn’t think so. Jake gave himself more points for coming up with that on his own. He and the guys never thought about filling

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up Jenni’s glass whenever it was empty. They never even noticed Jenni’s glass. Maybe that’s what straight guys did. They were attentive without being sappy. “Yes, thanks. Guys, anyone else want any?” They all shook their heads. Jake’s throat was dry, but he wasn’t going to call attention to himself. This was Jenni’s show. It was going perfectly. “…yeah, even the ex agreed I knew how to handle women. As much as any man dares to say such a thing.” “You were married?” Jenni glanced over at Jake. He managed to smile. Yeah, Jen, I know. It’s fine. He hoped that’s what his smile looked like to her. She frowned and then turned back to Cole. God knows what she was thinking, but at least he didn’t have to say something. “Three years. Divorced two years now.” “Kids?” “No, ma’am. First because I was gone on tour too long to really make a decision on kids. Then we realized I was gone too long to make a marriage work. No baggage, no regrets. I’m still friends with her.” He smiled again. “I wouldn’t mind trying for kids sometime, though, if the right person showed up. It could happen. Now that I’m out, it finally looks like I’m going to be staying in one place for longer than a few weeks.”

Out? Jake almost dropped his beer. Oh. Shit. Out of the freakin’ Navy. “And you picked Never Never Land to settle down in? That’s what I call Ft. Lauderdale. You have to admit the name fits.” Jenni laughed. “You must be crazy.” “Never cold, great beach, pretty women…what’s not to like? My daddy used to say growing up ain’t worth…uh, the effort. Hey, isn’t Neverland what Michael Jackson called his place? I’m not sure I want to go there.”

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No. Cole wouldn’t fit in Neverland or the Land of Lost Boys. Straight. Nice ass, great smile, good attitude, fine with women, wants kids, and straight. He was perfect. Perfect for Jenni. Jake saw Adam give him the thumbs-up as discreetly as Adam knew how. Jake shrugged. And it was just his tough shit that he was already getting hooked on this straight guy. Again. When was he ever going to learn? What the hell was wrong with him? He wanted Cole’s twinkling blue eyes to be looking at him while they talked. He wanted Cole to notice if he needed something to eat or drink. He wanted to see that small dimple show up because of something he said. And he really, really wanted to take a bite out of that great, tight ass. He was an idiot. Why was it that the only men he ever wanted were the ones who would never be interested back? “So, is that all right with you, Jake?” Jenni looked at him. Jake blinked. He’d lost track of the conversation. “Uh…sure. Why not?” “Then we’ll see you next Friday night at Jake’s house, Cole. It’s his turn to host.”

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Chapter Three Friday: On The Way to Jake’s Apartment

“If we don’t stop sniping, Jenni is going to talk to us.” “I know. That’s why I said I’d take you to Jake’s house this week.” Chris kept his eyes on the road. “Okay. So, we’ll stop.” “It’s that easy?” “Sure. Why not?” Adam shrugged and stared out at the road as well. “It’s easier than Jenni’s talks.” “Great.” “Chris --” Adam’s throat tightened up. Why? But for once he couldn’t talk. Not about this. “All right. I’ll say it and get it over with. I was an asshole. I don’t drink because when I do, I’m always an asshole. An abusive, asshole jerk. I’m sorry about saying the things I did that night. Really. I apologize.”

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Adam saw his hair in the car mirror. It was standing up in spikes, a clear sign he had been raking his fingers through his thick curls. He folded his hands in his lap, willing himself not to give his emotions away. Just this once, no heart on sleeve, please. “What you said hurt because you used what you knew about me, about us being lovers, to score points.” Adam was faintly proud of how even his voice was. No anger this time. No hurt. “I appreciate that you were willing to stay friends with me afterward. Adam, that meant a lot.” Such careful words in return for his. Chris didn’t have to fight to make them sound dispassionate. Chris wasn’t the volatile one. Except, perhaps, when he drank. Or had he gotten drunk to excuse what he had said that night? “Yeah. It took awhile to get back to that, but we were friends first, before…before anything else. I’d hate to give that up, make Jenni and Jake and everyone else take sides.” Adam took a deep breath, then let it out through his nose. Chris would cut him out of his life if need be. Chris could do that. Not ever seeing Chris again would kill him. He’d faced that during those first awful days after the fight. But, strangely enough, Adam knew that it would hurt Chris a lot more. And he didn’t want to hurt Chris. He just wanted to know why. Why would Chris tear up the best thing they’d ever had? At least Adam knew it was the best thing he’d ever had. And it wasn’t like Chris had found anyone since. Not for long. Maybe not at all, as far as Adam could tell. “Yeah. Well, there’s Jake’s. Do you think Jenni took our advice?” Adam had his hand on the car handle. “Got the new hair color? Let her hair out of that damned knot?” He knew Chris had decided the apology was enough. I’ll say it and get it over with. That was so like him. Adam couldn’t ever ask why.

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Oh, fuck asking. Adam turned, catching Chris as he was pushing the latch on his seat belt. Adam pressed in, getting a glimpse of Chris’s surprised face before he pressed closer yet and kissed him. Hard. He forced his tongue between Chris’s slightly parted lips and stroked. Chris had always moaned when Adam did that. He moaned again this time. Chris twisted, whether to get away or get closer, Adam didn’t know. He took advantage of Chris’s momentary inability to move as the seat belt tangled him up, and unsnapped the other man’s chinos so he could slide his hand against Chris’s cock. Chris wasn’t going to push him away. He wouldn’t be able to. He was already getting hard. Adam knew this Chris just as well as he knew the aloof, quiet one. Not many people knew about Chris the moaner. Adam squeezed that thick cock just to hear another hoarse gasp let loose from Chris’s mouth. Then he moved his head enough to let his mouth skim the pulse at Chris’s throat. The beat of Chris’s blood hammered against Adam’s lips. He could taste Chris’s skin. No one else tasted just like Chris. Lost in sudden, swamping sensation, he felt Chris’s cock harden even more as Adam straddled his lap. Yes. Chris was as overwhelmed as he was. Chris bucked underneath him. Yes. Oh yes. Chris was just as needy. So long. It had been so long. One month, two weeks and -- too long. They rocked together, cock against cock. Adam’s erection strained against his jeans. He should have unzipped them when he was taking care of Chris. He fumbled for his fly with one hand, and his elbow hit the car horn as he jerked on Chris’s cock with the other hand. The horn’s blast made them both jump. Chris opened his eyes, got one arm free, and shoved. Adam didn’t move. Just then, he couldn’t. “Damn it!” Chris panted in his ear. “Get off me. What the hell are you doing?”

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Damn it. “Trying to answer a question.” Chris wasn’t turned off by him in bed. It wasn’t anything he’d done there. Back in the passenger’s seat, Adam wiped his face and tried to steady his breathing. They were still just as hot together as before. Why then? Damn it, why? “Answer it by yourself then.” Chris had already tucked his shirt back into his pants. “I’m going in to dinner. Idiot.” Adam watched Chris leave the car and head to Jake’s. Tight buns, but Chris walked like a poker was up his butt. It didn’t matter. On Chris it looked good. Fucking sexy. Chris shut the apartment door firmly behind him, leaving Adam alone. Only then did Adam turn and slam his fist into the dashboard of the car.

***** “Guys, I said tone down the insults, not stop talking,” Jenni hissed at them in the kitchen. “Between Jake losing track of the conversation and staring all moon-eyed at Cole and you two sitting there without saying a word, this dinner is not going well.” “Jake isn’t moon-eyed.” Chris slit open the pineapple with an efficient thwack of the knife. “He’s giving a good imitation of it, then.” “But he knows that -- never mind.” Adam grabbed the plate of pineapple and headed for the dining room. He stared over at Jake and Cole. No moon eyes at the blond newcomer there. Both of them were staring at Jake’s wall instead. That was odd. It wasn’t that Adam didn’t think Jake’s interior design skills could use work. Probably it could take hours of staring at the

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walls before what he’d done could be fixed. But other than that, Adam couldn’t figure out what was so fascinating about a wall with shelves of lined-up trophies. “…for losers.” Jake turned toward Adam and said, “Don’t you think so?” “What?” “Displaying the trophies you earned in high school and college is just for losers at a certain point. Don’t you think so?” “Is this a trick question?” Adam squinted over at the Wall of Fame. He’d been teasing Jake about those trophies for years. “I thought you loved being the king jock.” “God knows my mother has my stuff up still at her house,” Cole said. “Down to my Little League trophy for learning how to put on my uniform. Only thing more important than that was the clippings about me quarterbacking for my high school. Mama had them framed.” “Yeah. Well, parents are supposed to do that. Some parents. Mine aren’t that excited about having my name lingering around the house.” Jake glared at a large silver cup. “Anyhow, it’s been over a decade since I got one of these things. It’s probably time to throw them in a box and toss them out.” Maybe it was a full moon. Something was definitely off tonight. Jake would rather throw out his left nut than his trophies. “Oh, I dunno. If you toss them, you won’t have any decorations at all in the place. You have minimalist down to a fine art, Jake.” Adam waved at the off-white walls, the brown couch and rug. That was about it for the living room if you didn’t count the huge plasma TV. “The entire place would be Early American Bland without the commemoration of your youthful sports prowess. But more importantly right now, dessert is on. Such as it is. Chris decided fruit was what we needed tonight.” “I never should have mentioned my high cholesterol.” Jake shook his head.

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“I believe your doctor said you were the poster boy for how to get a heart attack if you didn’t change some of your habits,” Adam said. “I believe I said too much.” Jake glanced over at Cole. Was that what Jenni would construe as a moon-eyed stare? Adam decided he wasn’t in the mood to try to figure out what other people’s feelings were tonight. He had enough going on in his own gut. For once, Adam would have been happy to have everyone, including him, shut up while they ate, but Cole and Jenni seemed determined to go through a game of Twenty Questions during dinner. Of course, they were really good at it. There seemed to be no end to the Q and A. “So you all met in college?” Cole took a second helping of pineapple. “Statistics.” Jenni shuddered. “All my counselors said taking a business minor was a smart move. They never mentioned statistics. I clung to Jake and Chris for dear life.” “Not Adam?” Cole smiled over at him. “Adam was totally clueless. I sell things; I don’t quantify them.” Adam smiled back. Cole did have a killer smile. “I was clinging, right along with Jenni.” He’d been totally dazzled by his luck at getting into their study group. Jake had been the main attraction at first -- big, muscular, sexy as hell Jake. But then he noticed Chris. Really noticed Chris. Chris had always been thin. Back in college, he was too skinny. Too tall. Too quiet. Too serious. Adam didn’t even particularly go for brunets. Over ten years. God, he’d been wondering just what he saw in Chris for over a decade. Adam still didn’t know. But the two of them had been circling each other for a long, long time, refusing to connect. It seemed like when they even tried, they sizzled so hot that they both got burned.

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“Listen, I have an early interview tomorrow, guys, so I need to skip out early.” Jenni stood up. “Do you want me to give you a ride home, Adam?” He lived closer to Jenni than Chris, but Chris had picked Adam up this time to give Jenni a chance to be with Cole for the evening. He’d probably decided to “talk” to Adam at the same time. Chris was a big multitasker. He could say no. Make Chris give him a ride home. Break down and beg Chris to come in for the evening. Just the evening. No promises this time. No -Adam looked over at Chris’s set face. No. Just no. Chris wasn’t going to give in again. And there was no way he was going to beg if he wasn’t going to get what he wanted. He did a lot of things, but he wasn’t into humiliation. “Sure. I have some clients coming by early to look at a place anyhow.” Adam stood up. “Thanks, sweetie.” “I appreciate it.” Chris nodded at them.

He appreciated it. Fuck him. Adam headed for the door without looking back. The door’s slam reverberated through the condo. Jenni grabbed her keys and ran after Adam.

Chris, of course, made the apologies for everyone. Chris was good at saying the right thing. It hadn’t even occurred to Jake to make any. Adam was just Adam. If you thought about why he flew off the handle half a dozen times a week, you wouldn’t have time for much else. Looking at Cole, Chris said, “I’m sorry. Sometimes Adam is…volatile. He doesn’t mean anything by it.” “No call to say anything to me.” Cole shrugged. “Thanks. Listen, I should leave myself. My accountant needs me to fax some forms before noon tomorrow, and I still need to get them together. Jake, it was a pleasure.”

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“Yeah, sure.” Jake got to his feet. “As long as you’re being Ms. Manners, I guess I need to show you to the door.”

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Chapter Four

After Chris left, Jake felt his stomach clench with tension…tension, not anticipation, he assured himself. It was the first time since he’d seen Cole in the bar that they’d been by themselves. When Jake strolled into the kitchen after seeing Chris out, he realized Cole had started to load dishes in the dishwasher. His wife must have domesticated him. Or maybe it was the Navy. God knows he had been pretty much been a slob until the Army straightened that out. Jake leaned against the kitchen counter, trying not to scope out Cole’s ass. “I can do that. I’m used to it with that crowd,” he said. “You want a beer before you head out? I mean, you don’t have to go. But I just figured you would.” Casual. That was it. “I’m almost done. It gave me a chance to stay and ask you something anyhow.” Cole shut the dishwasher and turned toward Jake. Close. Really close. Cole had on a very nice aftershave. Jake liked the masculine scent underneath it even more. He tried to sniff without looking too obvious. “What?” Jake mumbled. “What’s going on here?” Cole wasn’t smiling.

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“What?” Jake froze. So he wasn’t the quickest thinker or talker. Jake straightened up from the counter and tried to think faster. “I don’t know what. You hit on me last week. At least, I figured you did. Then all of a sudden I was hanging out with your friends -- nice friends, too, I’m not complaining about that, and you’re in another room most of the time. So, I’m confused.” Cole looked him in the eye, all twinkle gone from his. “I thought about asking Jenni, since she seems to be in charge of talking instead of you, but I thought that was cowardly. So I’m asking you straight up. If straight is the word.” “Ahh.” Jake cleared his throat. “That’s the thing. You’re straight. I’m not.” Cole didn’t say anything.

God, don’t tell me I totally misread things yet again. “Right?” Jake prodded. “Used to be married, want kids, likes women…” “None of that means I’m straight.” Cole put his hands on Jake’s shoulders. Jake’s throat went dry, and his cock went hard. “Although I am.” Jake’s heart hit the knot in his stomach. “Usually,” Cole added. “What?” Jake managed again. He didn’t know what to think, feel, or say at this point. “I’ve been known to get me some strange now and then. If the guy attracts me. And buddy, you attract me, a whole lot.” Cole bent over and locked his lips on Jake’s. It was the softest, gentlest kiss Jake had ever had. The most romantic kiss he’d ever had. Cole paused, waiting, his head back a little, his hands still on Jake’s shoulders. What was the man waiting for? When Jake murmured something incoherent, Cole stepped back up and tried again.

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It wasn’t soft or gentle this time. His teeth bruised Jake’s lips before Jake opened them to a very insistent tongue. Cole’s body slammed into Jake’s and made him feel it -- no small feat. Jake heard -- he was sure he heard -- Cole’s heart thudding fast against his. “Jesus.” Jake moaned against the force of that kiss. “Take your pants off. I’m tired of you playing coy. You’ve been getting me crazier than a rat in a coffee can. I’ve had to wait a fucking week for this, and I want your asshole right this minute.” Jake was fumbling with his belt before he gave himself time to think about whether he should be following Cole’s orders. No. He didn’t want to give himself time to realize this might not be a good idea. “Take your own damn clothes off, Cole. Let’s see if you look as good you promise.” Cole chuckled and bit the sinews of Jake’s neck. Jake moaned louder this time. He wasn’t usually the bottom -- at least not on the first fuck -- but Jake found himself braced against the humming dishwasher and praying Cole had lube and a condom nearby. Prayer was appropriate, seeing as his head was resting against the kitchen counter, and his knees were bent. He heard Cole fumbling in his pockets. Looked like his prayer was about to be answered. “Ahh, yeah!” Jake shouted. Cole’s first thrust was slow but deadly accurate. “God, do that again. Just…like that!” Cole took him at his word. Again. Again and again. Jake’s legs began to tremble as Cole hit just the right spot each time. The man knew what he was doing and had just the right equipment to do it. Jake reached down for his cock as his balls began to ache. Cole’s hand covered his. “I’ll take care of that for you. I’ll take care of everything you need.” His breath hissed in Jake’s ear as they stroked together. Jake’s breath began to speed up too. Cole wasn’t letting

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up. The pressure built until Jake was banging his head against the counter in counterpoint to the banging Cole was giving his ass. “Are you about ready to blow? Because, damn it, you have a sweet butthole. Tight. Grabbing me. I know I’m gonna --” Cole trembled, and his hand clasped Jake’s cockhead hard. And then, with a scream, Cole thrust in once more, shoving Jake against the counter with his ferocity. Cole came, noisily, just as Jake felt liquid fire flow from his balls through his penis. He spilled semen over Cole’s shaking hand. Hard, long. As if it would never end and his insides were going to come out along with his semen. Cole collapsed on top of him, and they both panted. The dishwasher gave a noisy ping to indicate a new rinse cycle and began to vibrate again. Jake still felt little shudders going through his body. Had it been that long since he’d had sex? And had it ever really been that great before? Hell, he’d rather believe it was great now because he’d gone without for a long time. Especially if you only counted screwing someone you had a real yen for. “Want a wash?” Cole didn’t wait for a response and began to wipe his cock off with the dishrag. Jake turned his head back as far as it would go to get a peek. Even with his cock soft and dressed in his T-shirt and unfastened pants, Cole looked gorgeous. All lean muscle and silky golden hair. Impossibly, Jake began to get hard again. Cole chuckled against his neck as he leaned over to give Jake’s cock a few final swipes. Unfortunately, Jake wasn’t hard enough to shut off thinking this time. “This is a big fuckup.” Jake just didn’t have the strength to shake free from Cole’s embrace as he began to wipe down Jake’s balls. God, that felt good. Jake shut his eyes, wishing for some willpower.

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“Well, it was a big fuck. What’s wrong? You know we both wanted it. Looks like you still do.”

Yes. “No.” Jake managed to scrape up some of that damned willpower. “Why?” Cole pulled back from him and began to fasten his pants. Damn it. “Because -- because…” He couldn’t tell Cole about Jenni. Obviously, that plan was not going to work out. Jake took a breath and began to make his brain function again. “Because I’ve done this before, and it turns into a big fuckup.” “You haven’t fucked me before.” “I’ve fucked guys like you. The thing is -- this is a break for you before you pick up with your life. But for me, this is my life. Fucking guys is what I do. Fucking guys is a hobby for you before you find a woman to settle down with.” “You’ve never banged a woman? No little cheerleaders on the side back in high school?” “Well, yeah. But that was a long time ago.” “So? It’s not like this needs to be more than a weekend in bed now and then. We don’t know each other, although I like what I do know about you. But I’m not looking for more. You’re not looking for more. Right?” He probably would look for a lot more if this kept going too long. And that was exactly

why this was a fuckup. “Right.” Jake held his pants, not totally sure if he was going to drop them or put them back on. Oh, hell, Cole might actually be right. Jake wasn’t looking for more just this second. Except that his body was humming from a very good screwing, he wasn’t even sure he liked Cole right now. The guy had totally balled up his plans. He sure wasn’t going to like explaining this to Adam and Chris. And the fascination with the man’s body had been

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answered. It was a good body and now he’d had it. The quest to explore Cole had been completed. “So, you want a beer, maybe catch the game on TV? I’m real thirsty now.” Cole’s dimple flashed. “And tired. Maybe next time I’ll let you do the work.” Jake’s cock twitched again. All right, maybe he wouldn’t mind exploring just a little more of Cole. That bout had been great but fast. But sex. That was all. Yeah. There was nothing but sex between them. A few more fucks with Cole and the whole crazy desire for more would be totally gone. Along with Cole. “Sure. Why not?” He eyed Cole’s ass again as they headed for the television. But the few fucks would probably be really good while they had them.

***** “I’m sorry. I mean, I’ve met them. They’re funny and nice and all” -- Carissa took a huge bite of her Cuban sandwich and talked through the bite -- “but what’s the big attraction?” “It’s not attraction. We’re friends. You have friends you don’t have sex with and never will have sex with.” Carissa set down her sandwich and leaned forward. “They’re called girlfriends. I have girls who are friends because they can be friends. Not guy friends. Guy friends I always have sex with until we stop being friends. And I don’t spend every frickin’ Friday night with the same group of friends, ever. And I only worry about my friends’ sex lives if they plan to call me at midnight to cry about it or they want to steal my guy.” Carissa counted out the points with each finger. “No, I give up. I can’t list all the ways you are doing this so, so wrong.”

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“Which is why we only have lunch when you have nothing better to do, Carissa. And why you’re shallow.” Jenni sipped her latte. “But that’s all right. I like that about you.” “Maybe I’m shallow. But I get laid. You get gay friends and Friday dinner parties. I’m perfectly happy with what I end up with.” Jenni balled up her napkin. “They’re… well, they just need, I don’t know, a good friend who they aren’t trying to screw. Or a mommy. Or a keeper.” “And Saint Jenni comes to the rescue. They appeal to all your worst helper instincts, child. Listen to me. You are not Wendy with the Lost Boys, and none of them is Peter Pan.” Carissa shook her head. “Come out clubbing with me next Friday instead.” “I can’t do that. Something is going on with Adam. Or maybe Chris. Oh, both of them seem miserable. You know, even Jake sounded weird when I called to ask him if he was going to bring his new boyfriend over to my place this time.” Jenni stopped at the look on Carissa’s face. “And you’re going to say there isn’t anything I can do to help.” “Pretty much, yeah. And you’re going to ignore me.” Carissa stood up. “I like the red streaks in the hair, by the way. And the new haircut.” “The boys advised it. They actually wanted me to go completely red, but I just wasn’t quite up for that.” Jenni put her trash into the garbage. “Fine. Whatever. You aren’t listening. How about seeing me on Saturday?” “Isn’t that when you go planned to go out with -- um, Greg?” “Gary. And I’d go with you instead if you want. Besides, it would do Gary good not to be too sure of me. Sometimes white boys think we’re just too easy. I’m all for making him sweat.” Jenni hugged her. “Thanks, honey. I know that’s the ultimate sacrifice for you. But I’ll be fine.” “Think about it, huh? And take care.” “Sure.” Jenni waved as she headed out.

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Sometimes Carissa was a sweetheart. She usually did come through when things got bad. Jenni’s step faltered as she wondered whether Carissa offering to temporarily give up a man for her meant that Jenni’s life was desperate. Jenni stared at her reflection in the nearest store window. She was a little shorter than average and maybe a very few pounds over her ideal weight, but the extra fat had settled mostly on her breasts, so that was all right. Her skin always looked like she’d gotten herself a nice tan --not burned toast tan, but nice, even though she spent much too much time in the office. The red highlights had certainly added something to her dark brownish, nondescript hair. She was fine. Attractive enough. She certainly wasn’t the nerdy little wallflower she had been in high school, the one who had desperately tried to blend in with the walls since she couldn’t blend in with other people. She wasn’t supposed to be a part of the wall any more. She was supposed to work to stand out. Adam had recommended tighter sweaters and stiletto heels. Chris told her to wear contacts more. Jake had just shrugged and said she was always fine. And just why had she asked those three guys how to look sexier to straight men? Maybe Carissa was right. Carissa usually was right about men. And, unfortunately, she was usually right on the money about Jenni. Her cell phone trilled. “Yeah?” “Jenni, when you get home erase the phone message. Don’t even listen to Mom.” “Tonya, what’s up?” Jenni could already feel a headache starting. Tonya was all right for a baby sister. But Mom and phone messages were always trouble. “Nothing. Really.” “Something about you? The baby? Paul?” Tonya was settled but things in her life could go wrong. Thank God Tonya didn’t see how easily things could go wrong.

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“Nothing is wrong. Mom has a stupid idea in her head. We’re doing fine. Really. We don’t need anything.” Mom, need, and stupid idea. Jenni began to rub her forehead. “Tell me the stupid idea, girl.” “She’s just found a new way to hit you up for money. But I’m fine. I get Paul’s paycheck sent to me now that he’s on tour.” “She’s asking about a baby shower?” Jenni guessed. “Well, yeah. But she wants you to foot the bill for the shower and some stupid big gift, and don’t. Just don’t. It’s not needed. All right? I have a good support group here on base. If I can’t have Paul, they’re the next best thing.” “It’s all right, honey. Don’t get in a fret. It’s bad for the baby and all. I’ve handled Mom all these years. I don’t think I’ve forgotten how.” Tonya was all right. Mom was another story. There’d been plenty of fathers for Mom’s babies but no more husbands after Mom got divorced at age nineteen. Jenni hadn’t seen much of either of her parents after the divorce and just as well. A pregnant teenage white girl with no future plans forced into marrying a black teen who had already lined up scholarships for Harvard and never planned to return? It definitely hadn’t been meant for them to be a happy family. If not for Grandma, Jenni might have ended up like her brothers. But Grandma had kept Jenni on track and focused on the future, just the way she had Jenni’s dad. But with Jenni, Grandma had added a lot more lectures on not having babies until she was ready for them. Jenni had been old enough or maybe stupid enough to do her best for Tonya after Grandma died and Jenni tracked down the rest of her dysfunctional family. Jenni would like to think her being around for her half-sister had helped. At least, Tonya had pulled off what none of her other siblings had. She was nineteen, married, and pregnant, but all in the order

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Grandma had preached to Jenni. Better yet, Tonya had her head on straight, and she was with the man she wanted to be with forever. Tonya’s Paul was deployed and maybe in danger, but they seemed solidly together. As together as you could be when you were thousands of miles apart. “You know I plan to spoil that kid of yours, right? Mom doesn’t need to push on that.” “I love you, Jenni. Don’t let her get to you the way she does. You just stay out of touch.” “Right. She won’t get to me if I see her first. I love you, too, honey. Hang in.” Jenni switched off the phone and almost dropped it when someone pushed into her. “Pardon me.” A man’s voice interrupted her musing. Jenni stumbled and righted herself as the man next to her grabbed her shoulders. He looked a little dirty, but he smiled nicely enough. “That was very clumsy of me. Are you all right?” Was he checking out her butt? “Sure. No problem.” The man nodded and stepped back. Jenni wondered if that was going to be the extent of any male touching for the rest of the week -- not counting all the hugs she got from the boys. Of course, Carissa would say those didn’t count… “Excuse me, ma’am.” Another male voice spoke from behind them. “You may want to check your purse.” “Huh?” Jenni looked down. “Not so fast, buddy.” The second male kept a tight hold on the first one’s elbow. “My wallet is gone.” Jenni couldn’t believe it. How had she allowed that to happen? “I’d appreciate it if you’d come down to the station and file a complaint.” The second male -- who was obviously a cop though he wasn’t dressed that way -- pulled out the wallet from inside the first one’s jacket. “We’ve had a rash of pickpocketing in this area for the past month.”

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Great. The one male who had touched her this week was a thief. If he had checked out her butt, it was to see if she had any money in her rear pockets. “Is it going to take more than an hour? I have a city conference to catch at the Governmental Center… Morales. That’s your name, right?” Jenni squinted through her watering contacts but she was pretty sure the name and face had clicked together for her. “Luis. Luis Morales. You remember me, Miss…Harris, right?” Oh my God. It was the Luis Morales. Not even watering eyes should have let her miss that killer physique. “Harrison. Yeah, that’s me. You were a regular in criminal court when I was covering that beat.” Thank God she had an inoffensive reason for remembering him. But what she really remembered was his butt. No one who saw the photos could forget that ass. Of course, seeing him and that butt, even covered in a police uniform, had been a highlight of her day back when she did the crime beat. Luis Morales finished reciting the expected Miranda rights and efficiently snapped handcuffs on the squirming man in front of him. “I’ll try to make it brief as a favor for you, Miss Harrison. You did decent work back then. Excuse me while I call this in. You might as well come along. You won’t be far from your meeting.” “I still do good work, by the way.” Jenni let herself admire the muscle it took to efficiently bundle the pickpocket toward an unmarked car. “And if I’m late for my meeting, I’m going to call your supervisor. We’re pretty good friends, you know. I knew her back when she was new at Narcotics.”

She had to spoil things. Here he was, getting a nice fantasy going of having this tiny woman melt at his feet and tell him how strong and manly he was for rescuing her and her wallet. Then she had to go and mention his supervisor.

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The one who had managed to assign him to every asshole part of a really asshole job. And now, to add icing on the shitcake, he had to play hero and arrest a petty thief, which was not part of his current job. He was supposed to be keeping a low profile nowadays with his new assignment. His boss already pretty much had said she had her doubts that he could keep away from promoting himself in front of the cameras. Like he asked for all the publicity. Like anyone would ask to be called “the still-pretty Hispanic cop” in the newspaper. A real reporter like Jenni Harrison wouldn’t have done that to him. All right, he’d made a stupid mistake when he was younger. And his uptight, conservative family always reminded him he had brought all the consequences onto himself. His nude modeling career had made such a nice contrast to his dad’s illustrious career as an ambassador and then brother Daniel’s political life as a congressman. Luis was naturally vulnerable to any cheap shots that came along. What they didn’t say, but Luis knew damn well, was that the family would never protest to anyone. After all, laughing at the family black sheep meant no one was laughing at Danny. That worked out just fine for everyone else. Danny was going places. So it was open season on Luis Morales and had been for years. Yeah, he missed Jenni Harrison. After the new crime reporter came up with that description, he pretty much begged for a transfer out of his department and into more undercover work. The new reporter had probably hated his family’s politics and wanted to score points in his stories. Too bad he wasn’t covering city politics rather than Jenni. Jenni had always been a professional. She never would have done that. She was nicely put together, too. A lot sexier than he remembered, now that he was up close. Nice butt. Nice breasts, too.

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Luis scowled. Forget how sexy Jenni Harrison was or wasn’t. It wasn’t like cops were supposed to fraternize with reporters. He’d do better to think about damage control over what was going to happen next. After all, he was going to catch hell from everyone for this arrest. Some of it would be in fun and some not. The news had been publicizing the robberies for weeks -- too many people had been victimized, including a city council supervisor, who had been yelling for blood ever since. Then he had to make the arrest in front of a reporter, for God’s sake. He’d be back in the news again, all because he’d been in the wrong spot at the wrong time. Hell, he wasn’t even on duty -“Hey, Morales. You’re passing the station.” He turned the wheel, hard, and skidded into the parking lot. “Let’s go. I’ll try to expedite things.” He wanted to get this over with before everyone heard what happened. It would all die down fast enough. After all, this was the kind of story that usually got buried somewhere on the back page.

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Chapter Five Friday: Getting Ready to Meet at Jenni’s Patio

“I don’t believe this!” Adam hissed over the cantaloupes. “Why the hell did you pick now to finally find a guy who wants to screw you --” “I wasn’t trying to.” Jake grabbed some limes. ”And I did say I really did not want to start this conversation in a Publix grocery store.” “Don’t yell at the man. You knew we were going to be surprised.” Chris shoved the shopping cart a little too forcefully on its way, even though he sounded calm enough. “Although it was probably too much to expect we would land one the first time we tried to get a het man.” “I suppose you’re going to keep screwing him, too,” Adam muttered, throwing tonic water into the shopping cart. “Hey, I said I was sorry! And yeah, I’m taking a vow of stupidity. No, I’m not going to screw him again. We only did that time because he was hot and he took me by surprise!” Jake caught an elderly matron’s stare and flushed. He lowered his voice. “But it’s not like I’m stealing him from Jenni. Right now he’s pitching for the other team. And I didn’t invite him to our Friday dinner this time. I mean, what’s the point?”

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“Fine, fine.” Adam grabbed catsup. “So do we have a plan B?” “You meet men, Adam.” Chris looked over at him. “Men who have just moved into the area without ties, men who are solvent enough to buy a house here.” “I specialize in gay men who are looking for places in Wilton Manors.” Adam frowned thoughtfully. “Not exactly…well, hmmm -- no, nobody recent. I mean, real estate sales are slow anyhow right now.” “I can see I’m going to have to do all the thinking around here. Again.” Chris hurled three packages of hamburger buns into the cart. “Jenni is trying to go vegetarian this week,” Adam remarked. “Maybe we should get something besides beer, burgers, and buns --” “And gin. Don’t forget to stop off for that. Jenni must’ve had a really bad week. That’s her special request for dinner.” Jake headed toward the checkout aisle. “Jeez, it must have been bad. She’s asking for her equivalent of the hard stuff.” “Shut up, Adam. Jake. Both of you. I’m thinking.” Chris scowled into the shopping cart. Adam grabbed some potato chips as they turned the corner. “God forbid I throw off that delicate process.” “The personals.” Chris brightened. “Or Matchmaker.com. We can sign her up for that.” “Um…we’re going to cruise matchmaking sites for dates for Jenni?” Adam thought about it. “Well, if nothing else, I can get off on some of the photos.” “This sounds even worse than your last idea.” Jake took out his wallet and credit card. The other two silently pulled out cash and handed it to him. “How are we going to construct a profile that makes the right guy e-mail her?” “We know how to flirt with guys.” Adam put the first filled bag into the cart. “We could do it.” “But should we do it?” Jake put the next bag in.

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“Will we have to argue with you every time we try something to help her?” Adam asked. “I’ll get online tonight. I may need you guys around to second guess my picks,” Chris said. “Frickin’ executive types.” Adam looked at Jake. “They never let you argue.”

***** “Nice. Very nice.” Adam kissed his fingers Italian fashion as he looked at the front page of the Sun-Sentinel. “Too bad it wasn’t a color photo. The highlights really work for you.” “Shut up. They only did it to embarrass me. Trust me, it worked.” Jenni bit into her Boca Burger. “Hey, you guys ought to try this. It really isn’t bad.” “‘Isn’t bad’ isn’t going to cut it, Jen.” Jake gulped down his beer. “I’m already gay. It would be a bit much to become vegetarian too.” Adam turned the page. “What’s with all the foodie self-improvement lately anyhow?” “I’ve decided that when I die, it’s not going to be from anything that people can say bad things about -- ‘Oh, well of course she drank too much’ or ‘Too bad she didn’t eat right.’ No, I’m going to die because God smote me down for no reason at all.” “Very admirable. Good luck with that.” Chris flipped a burger on the grill, an acerbic note in his voice. “Hey, they quoted you!” Adam pointed to the newsprint. “‘Jenni Harrison, usually the one to report on the action, was swept up in a crime scene of her own…’” Jake craned his neck and read the first page out loud. “Damn, you and Morales both look hot in the photos, Jenni. Is that photo from his modeling days, or does he still look that good?” Adam ignored Jake and went to the quote. “‘I’m very grateful to Officer Morales for his quick action.’ Mmmhmm, I’d take some quick action of his any day! And I’d looove some

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slow action.” Adam whistled. “That is one good-looking piece of ass. I must say I appreciated that photo spread of him in Playgirl all those years ago. I always figured he was gay. Maybe I just prayed he was gay. What do you think, Jenni? Is he? Can you introduce us?” “I’m really glad you’re taking my total embarrassment so well.” Jenni grabbed the paper from him. “And it gets worse.” “Worse than having Officer Morales rescue you? Did he frisk you too? I could live with him being bi just for you, sweetie. We could share. I -- shutting up.” Adam cleared his throat. “I’m being stalked.” “What? Now that isn’t funny.” Adam leaned forward. “What happened?” Chris leaned forward. “Do you know who he is?” Jake scowled and bunched his fist. “It’s not dangerous. Well, I don’t think so. Men started e-mailing me once I got my face in that photo.” “Men are e-mailing you? Well, well, well.” Adam glanced over at Chris. Chris shook his head. “Shut up, Adam. Actually, it’s just a man.” “Not as good as men, but still worth something. Sorry, sweetie. I’ll try to be serious. What is going on?” “Nothing really. Someone who calls himself News Lover started e-mailing me about how he’s always enjoyed my work, and he’s sorry about all the trouble…nothing awful. I haven’t answered. I can’t trace the addy easily, but I haven’t tried that hard either. I’m ignoring it.” “Nothing creepy? No talking about your big tits or how he wants to crawl into bed with just you and the St. Bernard?”

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“Adam! No, nothing like that. Nothing sexual.” “Maybe you should answer him then.” Chris plunked the burgers down on the patio table. “Chris, how pathetic would that be?” Jenni protested, sniffing at the burgers. “He e-mailed you first. Besides, what difference does it make how it looks? You need to meet some guys.” Chris slapped Adam’s hand, effectively stopping Adam from grabbing the food, and placed the burger carefully between a bun before passing it on to Jake. “Online meeting might be a start.” “I think Chris is afraid plan B won’t work,” Adam muttered to Jake. “We’re trying a Hail Mary pass.” Jake, mouth full, mumbled and nodded. “Why don’t you let me decide how to meet my guys?” Jenni’s usual warm tones suddenly cooled. “I’m getting a little tired of hearing how I need to meet men. If I need someone to nag me about it, I can listen to my mother. In fact, I think I’m going to stop looking for awhile. So far it’s not getting me anywhere.” “Great work, Chris.” Adam mouthed the words to Chris. Chris gave him the finger when Jenni turned to look at Adam suspiciously. Adam wore his blandest look -- which still made him look sly. Adam could never pull off bland. “Whatever you think, Jen.” Chris plunked a hamburger under her nose. “You’re a grown-up.” “Damned right I am.” Jenni didn’t hesitate. This time she bit into the burger without any hesitation. Adam watched and brooded. Chris got her to chow down this time. He’d get her to a man, too. Chris knew how to play people and he had the patience to wait until the right time. He’d never be able to outplay Chris. No one could.

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***** Jake threw his car keys on the hall table and padded toward the bathroom. He’d barely finished getting rid of some recycled beer when the buzzer sounded. “Damn.” Jenni and Chris had stayed behind on Jenni’s patio, yakking away, but he wasn’t interested. He was tired. Still not ready for sleep, but tired. He liked his Friday nights just fine, but sometimes he wanted more. Not enough to go out and cruise for anything, but enough to want. Maybe a jack-off session or two with some movies… He opened the door. “Cole.” Jake kept his voice flat. Tried to keep any expression off his face. He wasn’t supposed to be glad to see the man. In fact, he’d just told the guys he wasn’t seeing him. “Hey. Can I come in?” “Uh. Sure.” Cole was better at this than him. He couldn’t read Cole’s face at all. “Anything wrong?” “Nope.” “We were going to see each other tomorrow.” Jake figured “see each other” was nicer than saying Cole was coming over, fucking Jake’s brains out, and then leaving. They’d pretty much settled into that routine before the end of the last weekend. They hadn’t even bothered to watch sports by Sunday. Cole had left without a word, but he was obviously interested in the sex. He’d even swung by midweek for a quickie. And Jake had been waiting. Any time, any place Cole wanted. Shit. What a loser he was. Lying to his friends so he could get laid. Jake made a note to go out to a bar, get drunk, and pick up someone else this weekend if it killed him. Doing this was not his style at all. “You were out late.”

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“It was Friday.” Possibly the one night each week he wouldn’t be home doing nothing or working late at the spa. “With your friends.” “Yeah.” “I’m not invited any more?” Jake smelled a little beer on Cole’s breath. That was all right. Jake’d had some himself. It didn’t mean Cole had been out partying without him. It didn’t matter where Cole had been. “If you feel like coming along again, I’ll ask. No big deal.” Damn it, now he was lying again. He wasn’t going to ask. And it was a big deal. He hated lying. He hated all of this. “Right now I just feel like coming. You up for that, Jake?” Cole’s lips curved, but it didn’t look like a smile. Whatever it was, though, it did look damn sexy. Jake’s answer didn’t need words. He slid his hand into the gap in Cole’s jeans, down to Cole’s ass, and squeezed. Cole shut the door and unsnapped his pants. “Hurry up, Jake. I’m horny as hell right now. This second. Now, damn it!” Even a quickie you would have to lie about was better than a jackoff session alone, right? Cole moved closer and yanked Jake’s own jeans down. Jake’s cock rose to meet Cole’s. The two of them moved, writhed against each other, friction already sparking more need. Jake choked as Cole’s tongue went down his throat. He wouldn’t have minded Cole’s cock next, except that the weight of Cole pressing him against the wall was too good. Cole grabbed both cocks with one hand and squeezed hard. “Urgh.” Their precum slicked them down. Blood hammered in Jake’s ears as the tension built. Cole wasn’t going to let up. While one hand jerked them both off, a finger from the other hand pushed into Jake’s asshole. Jake

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jerked forward with a hoarse sound. Cole ground himself against him as if Cole couldn’t get enough. Oh yeah. He could feel how good that was from his balls up to his chest. “Love that grunt of yours just before you come,” he heard Cole pant in his ear just before Jake exploded. Damn. That took five minutes, maybe. Jake might have been a little embarrassed, but he’d heard Cole take off right after him. Jake leaned against the wall and Cole leaned against him, both trying to catch their breath. Cole chuckled, just a little. Jake could hear the rumble of it in the man’s chest. “That really took the edge off. Thank God.” Cole swallowed and straightened up, still using both hands to hold himself off the wall, his hands braced on either side of Jake’s head. They looked at each other, face-to-face. Cole’s eyes were so blue, and they were staring right into his. Sweat dripped from Cole’s face and he smelled like a racehorse. Even that was a turn-on. God, he was so good-looking. Even now. Especially now. Jake wouldn’t mind staying right there for the next hour or so, just panting like a beached whale and looking at Cole. “You are a hell of a good lay. And a nice guy even when I’m not banging you.” Cole’s dimple showed. “Wish I could bottle you up and take you with me in my pocket everywhere.”

I think I’m in love with him. No. Do not go there. “You’re all right, too. For a squid. Hey, not that I’m complaining, but how did I manage to get you off so fast?” Jake asked. “I’ll take notes for next time.”

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“You didn’t, Grunt. Was out with someone just now. Really hot. And really a cocktease. I decided, screw that. Dropped her off early and figured I’d probably get some if you were back.” Jake shut his eyes. Shit. Now he was a cocktease’s substitute. A female cocktease at that.

Maybe it’s time to call this quits. “Maybe it’s time to try a bed,” Jake heard himself saying instead. God, he was stupid. He was standing here with his pants at his ankles, cum on his thighs, and that was all he’d ever get from this guy. While he was thinking this could be the one, Cole was signaling he was looking for pussy and planning to dump Jake’s ass as soon as he got some. Signaling with flares. But not only did he let Cole get off, he then begged for more. Would he do anything for a fuck? “Maybe we do. I still have some horny to work off.” Cole smiled again. “God, I’m glad I found you here.” Yup. Anything for a fuck. That’s what it looked like. It wasn’t love though. He wouldn’t let himself get that pathetic.

***** “I was so mad at Adam.” Jenni wasn’t sure how to respond. Everyone got mad at Adam. Everyone got over it. Chris was intense, though. Quiet and more likely to implode than explode. The wrong words now might spoil everything. She finally decided to keep it simple. “Why?” “He’s such a slut!” Jenni blinked. “You know, sometimes I wondered if that wasn’t mostly Adam talking. He couldn’t have had as many guys as he said.” “Oh yes, he could. And yes, he has. Any guy that catches his eye, he’s ready and willing. We were roommates during college, remember? I lost count in the first week. It was

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everybody. Even he and Jake had… well, never mind.” Chris glared down at his hands. “I’m not like that, Jenni. You know? I have to like the guy, know something about him, think this is maybe more than a quick fuck before I jump into anything. Adam used to call me a girl.” Jenni fought a laugh. “That’s a good way to go. I understand, Chris. Being a girl and all. But, you know, I don’t think Adam has been -- err, slutty -- for weeks now. Not since your fight. Not even before then.”

Back when I figured you two were finally sleeping together. “Yeah.” Chris was obviously not listening. “It’s ironic. I was ready to kill Adam. It was him. I’d finally given in and gotten caught. It was his fault. I knew it was him --” Jenni held her breath. Just let him talk. He’d tell her. But she knew now what he’d say, and she fought the urge to babble, to interrupt, to make him not say it. If he didn’t say it, it wouldn’t be true. “But it was me. I was the one who came back positive. I was mad at myself for sleeping with him when I knew what Adam was like. But I was madder at Adam. I didn’t let myself feel anything but the mad. Then Adam got his tests back. I’d been the control freak, the one who wouldn’t go bareback unless we were both clean. And he was fine. The fucker. Totally clean.” Chris buried his face in his hands. “It was me. I wasn’t…clean.” “Chris…” She touched his neck. His shaking back. “Oh, Chris, honey.” “And I could have killed Adam.” Chris gave a hiccup of a laugh. “I mean -- I could have killed him. Really. Thank God I was a control freak. That we were careful. That I made us be careful.” “You’ve been to the doctor and all? Are things under control?” “Yes, of course, I went. And no, they aren’t. Not yet. But we’re working on it.” Chris lifted his head, looking straight ahead, not at her. “I’ll have to tell Adam. Make sure he gets tested again to be sure. Unless…” “Unless what?”

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“Can you tell him, Jenni? It’s hard.” “Chris. Oh, baby.” Jenni wanted to touch him, but she was suddenly afraid they might both crumble. “If you couldn’t, I would. But you can. You need to. You love him.” He flinched. “I love him…very much.” She could barely hear the words. “Always have. Even when I don’t want to.”

***** From: News_Lover To: Jenni I can stop e-mailing if you want. I wonder if you are getting these e-mails at all. I suppose someone like you has to be careful. Careful is smart. You’re a smart woman.

Jenni looked at the delete button. She looked back at the e-mail. Sometimes you took chances and it hurt. It hurt like hell. But if you didn’t, if you shut down and didn’t do anything, then nothing happened. Nothing at all. Her guys took chances and screwed up. She loved them for it even when she wanted to cry for them. And sometimes hurting was better than nothing. It was later than she thought if she was letting herself feel that way. Chris hadn’t wanted to talk much after his confession but Jenni was now too wired to sleep. Maybe she should postpone a decision on the e-mail. She wasn’t thinking clearly right now. No. She might as well face it. She was scared. She had a job that sucked everything out of her life but getting the next story. So now she had a life that had always made her choose working, being safe, over taking a chance. Which could very well leave her with a long lifetime of nothing…

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To: News_Lover From: Jenni I got your e-mail. I appreciate having a fan and being thought of as smart. That story didn’t make me feel too smart, though. Or careful?

She hesitated. The e-mail didn’t mean anything. It was stupid to worry about it. Her reply was stupid. She needed to do something different with her life. This would go nowhere. It could be ugly. Delete. Send. Delete.

Send.

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Chapter Six Friday: Going to Chris’s Condo

Adam pulled out his pinging cell phone, checked the number, whistled, and punched the button. He was already on his way to Chris’s. Maybe he was supposed to pick up something before he got there. “No can do this time. Can’t run any damn errand whatsoever,” Adam said. “Not in a taxi. And yes, the car is in the shop again. Another accident. Damned Miami drivers.” “Where would you rather go -- a fancy restaurant or a dive?” Chris cut in without preliminaries. “Who’s buying?” “What’s your idea of a really romantic evening?” Chris snapped back. There was a long silence on the line. “This isn’t what it sounds like, is it?” Adam finally asked. “All right, I’ll play your silly game. Um, some wine followed by fucking in front of the fireplace? Preferably the fireplace is lit. Nighttime would be all right, too. The fireplace, nighttime, and wine is negotiable. But fucking definitely needs to be involved.” The cab driver looked at him in the mirror.

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“Not you, idiot. Jenni. I have to answer these compatibility questions for her. However, I must say that Jake’s answers were even worse. You’re my last resort.” “You’re going through with the date-by-computer method?” “I’m covering my bases. Fireplace and wine at night sounds all right. Jenni might go for it. The beach, too. I’ll put that in. She likes the beach. What’s the best characteristic you can have for keeping a relationship together?” “A hard -- all right, all right.” Adam cleared his throat. It didn’t matter. His next sentence sounded hoarse anyway. “Knowing a person inside and out and loving them anyway, the good and the bad. You think?” There was another long silence. “Sometimes, Adam, you surprise me. And give me hope.” Chris’s voice was soft. The cell phone signaled Call Ended.

***** “Chris’s place again. It seems like we were here last week,” Jake observed. Jenni buzzed the door. “Why do we never go to Adam’s apartment? Oh. Whoops. Forgot. It’s been so long since I’ve seen it. Now I remember. We wouldn’t be able to fit in his apartment. I don’t know how he fits.” “The man is a pig. It would put me off my food.” Jake pushed the door with one foot when it clicked open. “You know he’s busy. When he’s working, he easily puts in twelve hours a day.” “And when he’s not working, he just wallows in his sty.” Chris met them at the door. Jenni gave him a quick glance and then a big hug. “How are you, sweetheart?” She kept holding him, refusing to let go. “All right. How are you, Jenni?” She stepped back then, looked him over, and said, “I may have met a man.”

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Chris smiled. It looked like an effort, but it was a smile. “Well, for God’s sake, wait until Adam shows up to tell us. Otherwise we’ll have to hear everything five times instead of just four.” Jake headed toward the kitchen with the beer. “In great detail.” Chris said, “He’s coming by cab tonight. Apparently he had a fender bender in Miami.” “Oh Lord. How many of those has he had?” Jake asked. “It’s a wonder anyone will insure him.” Jenni bristled. “He drives a lot with his work. It’s not a surprise he has a few accidents. You boys are just being mean.” “He’s as careless in the car as he is --” Chris bit off his sentence as the buzzer sounded. “And here he is now.”

***** “Excuse me? You haven’t met him yet? And you don’t know his name for sure?” Adam crossed his arms. “I believe you gave me a lecture on knowing guys before you get involved with them back years ago, Miss Jennifer.” “You’re enjoying this.” Jenni tried not to smile. “I did say I may have met a guy.” “God, it might actually be a woman for all you know,” Adam interrupted. “Adam! Stop! It’s just…interesting. He’s interesting, okay? And there certainly isn’t any pressure.” “Still no comments on your big tits in his e-mails?” Jenni blushed. “Sometimes.” “All right, this guy, if he is a guy, may possibly be straight. That’s a start.” Adam shook his head. “Have you scheduled an assignation yet?” “Well, yes. No. Sort of. I wouldn’t schedule an assignation.”

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“Jenni, you’re just setting Adam up.” Jake stood up. “For God’s sake, go ahead and meet the man. You know you want to, or you’d never have told Adam. He’ll hound you until you do.” “Yeah. That’s true.” Jenni fished for her car keys. “I’m going to. He says he’s got business until next week. Then we’ll meet. I promise.” “Are you worried about it?” Chris asked. “Can we help?” “I’ll be fine, Chris. Yes, I’m worried, but that’s silly. I’m not expecting anything. Honest. Gotta go now.” Jenni leaned over to peck him on the cheek. “And let me hear from you this week. All right?” “Make sure it’s a nice, noisy, public place. All right, sweetie?” Adam leaned back on the couch and wiggled his eyebrows. “A girl can’t be too safe. At least for the first date.” “I’ll keep it in mind. I’m sure you follow the Safety First thing at all times. Not. I don’t have to worry about it soon anyway. What I do have to worry about is a speech to cover tomorrow. All about how one of our councilmen is totally about his family.” Jenni winked. “We won’t say just why he feels a need to say that very loudly.” “I’m sure we’ll hear just why from you in your next story.” Jake took his almost-empty bottle from the coffee table and took one last swig. “My weekend assistant is sick, so I have to open the spa tomorrow. A manager’s work is never done.” “Poor baby. Like you get upset about flexing your muscles all day with the gym’s weights and helping guys who want a massage.” “Shut up, Adam.” “Night, gang!” Jenni stood up and suddenly gave Adam a smack on the lips. “Love you, honey.” She whispered in his ear, “Be gentle, kiddo. Very, very gentle.” Adam blinked at her, and she was out the door a half-second later, Jake on her heels. He turned to Chris, who was carefully picking up empty cups from the floor.

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“All right. What did Jenni mean? And why did she leave without offering to take me home?” Adam stood up as well. “I don’t know what she just said, but I know that I need to talk to you. Seriously. Alone.” Chris faced him, his stance almost like a Western movie gunfighter. “All right then. I suppose that means I need to listen. Seriously. I thought you were done talking to me, though.” “Adam, please. Let me get through with this.” “Sure. I promise to be gentle.”

“You couldn’t have told me the second you heard? You had to freeze me out?” “I’m sorry.” Adam clutched the coffee table and breathed hard through his nose. He wasn’t going to throw the damn thing across Chris’s meticulous floor. He just needed a second to calm down. “Sorry. You made me wonder what the hell I’d done for the past six weeks, and you’re

sorry ?” Indoor voice. Good, Adam. Very adult. “I don’t know what else to say. I should have told you right away, the second I knew. It just -- I just -- it was a mistake.” “You tell me it was a mistake ? Not turning your library books in on time is a mistake. Cutting my heart out rates a little higher than a fucking mistake!” Screw adulthood. Screw Chris. Screw this so-called relationship of theirs… Chris doubled over. “Oh, Jesus.” Adam threw the coffee table and heard something smash as he scrambled for Chris. “Don’t. Jesus, Chris, don’t.” Chris was crouched on the floor, one arm over his eyes, one fist pressed hard against his chest. And he wasn’t crying. Chris better damned well not be crying.

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Chris never cried. God damn it, he never -Adam sprawled on the floor next to him, holding his lover. The man he’d loved off and on for years. No, always on. Forever. “Why, Chris? Did you think I’d toss you out if I knew?” Adam gripped him hard, trying to hold off the wracking sobs he heard strangling Chris’s throat. “How could you have believed that?” “I thought… you always thought…you always thought I was perfect. God, that sounds so egotistical. But I wanted you to think that. I wanted to be perfect.” Chris gasped the words out. “For you, I always wanted to be perfect.”

“Why do you sleep with every guy who looks at you twice, Adam?” Chris’s eyes bored into him -- confused, angry. As confused and angry as Adam felt. “Why do you ace every test in class? Because you’re you. That’s what you do best. Screwing guys is what I do best. Maybe it doesn’t compare to perfection, but some guys appreciate it.” He had planned to say more, but he couldn’t with a tongue down his throat. He didn’t know which one of them started the kiss. Somehow they were locked in a death grip that was as much combat as love. Blood trickled from Adam’s lip, and he didn’t even know if it was his or Chris’s. All he felt was the crazy roar in his ears, the rush to his cock. Finally.

That was the first time he heard Chris moan for him. First, last, always. There was no other sound like it. That first time Chris had knelt down and sucked him off. Looking at that brown hair brushing over his cock, looking at Mr. Perfect ready to service him… Adam came at almost the first wet touch, as if no one had ever sucked him off before. As if no one else ever could.

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“God, Chris. You always have been. Perfect. For me. You asshole. Now you’ve got me crying, too.” “Sorry. I’m sorry about everything. Making you cry. Making me cry.” “Loving me?” “No. Never sorry about that.” Chris buried his head into Adam’s shoulder. “I just wish --” “I wish I could love you as right as you make me feel.” When it works. When it works, there isn’t anything else than Chris. There’s no room for more. “Yeah. That. That’s what I wish, too.” Chris’s hand fisted in Adam’s shirt. “We’re probably going to fuck this up again, you know. We can’t ever seem to hold it together too long.” Adam wiped his eyes on his shirt and then wiped Chris’s eyes, too. “Go ahead and blow. It’s pretty much ruined anyhow.” “Why do we fuck it up, Adam?” Chris -- his fastidious Chris -- blew his nose on Adam’s shirt. “We’re fuckups, remember? But you can always tell me when you’ve screwed things up. It’s not gonna be a surprise. I’ve known you forever.” Chris laughed and then sobered again. “I think it’s because we’re scared. And we’re too intense. Sometimes I’m afraid we’re going to burn each other up. So we fight and back off.” “Okay. Yeah. That makes sense to me, especially since it kinda goes with what I was thinking. But could we try not to back off and refuse to see each other for years? Because that’s what’s always happened before.” “We do see each other. I mean, we always keep the friendship tie.” “You know what I’m saying. I mean, could we do the whole thing? Enemies, friends, lovers…all of it? The whole insanity?”

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“’Til death do us part.” Chris gulped again. “God, there it goes again. The intense thing. And the death thing.” “Well, you aren’t going to die. All right? Not unless I get to kill you first.” “All right. I can go with that.” Chris leaned over to Adam and kissed one eye closed. Then the other. “Sure, Adam.” Adam knew he was grinning like an idiot. His face hurt from smiling…and crying. God damn, Chris could twist him into a pretzel. “And we’re playing it safe. You’re playing it safe. Understand me?” Chris was scowling at him when he opened his eyes again. “I’m still waiting for the latest blood tests from the doctor. You’re going to get tested again, too.” “Please don’t tell me to just say no. I’m lousy at that.” “I’m going to wrap you in plastic before we have sex again, I swear it.” Chris kissed his ear. Adam shook. From a kiss on his ear. That was almost embarrassing. “Sounds kinky. But hey, I’ve been told I give a really great hand job. I’d be happy to help you brush up on the technique.” Adam unsnapped Chris’s pants. Chris leaned back to let him. “This is embarrassing.” “Why? You going to come in the next second or something?” Adam gripped the base of Chris’s cock and unsnapped his own pants. “Not that. To be honest I haven’t… let’s say I really haven’t been in the mood for anything in the last few weeks.” “I can take care of that, babe.” “That’s what’s embarrassing.” Chris looked down. “I’m already hard, and I want you like my next breath, and I’m scared. How do you do that to me? With a couple of words and the promise of a hand job?”

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“You feel like you’ve never had sex before in your life?” “Um…I wouldn’t put it like that.” Chris swallowed. “But yeah. Exactly like that.” Adam moved his fist up Chris’s cock slowly, very slowly, and smiled. “Because it’s exactly like that for me. Which is really embarrassing.” Chris let out a soft exhale, tried to catch it from becoming a sigh, and failed. Adam flicked his nail, just lightly under the head of Chris’s cock. “I -- damn it, Adam.” Chris half-rose. Adam began to pump his own cock and choked out. “I’m already close to coming, just like it’s my first time. You do that, Chris. Just lying there and sighing for me.” Chris closed his eyes. “Shut up, Adam. Just keep going. Don’t stop. ’S so good.” Adam looked down at Chris, who was lying next to him with his eyes shut, totally vulnerable to anything Adam wanted. Adam stopped jerking off to wipe his mouth before he could speak again. But he didn’t let go of Chris’s cock. He couldn’t do that. “Not ever, babe. And I really want to lick that cum starting to trickle off your cock.” “No.” Chris’s eyes opened, and he grabbed Adam’s wrist. Adam didn’t stop. “I just said I wanted to. I know you’re going to be excruciatingly careful until things are under control. You know, I kind of like that right now. We can fantasize we’re virgins.” Chris’s head fell back and he shuddered. “Back at school…you were the first guy I ever slept with that I loved.” Adam moaned this time. “Fuck.” “Truth.” Adam sucked in a breath and tried hard to talk. “You shut up this time, Chris. I’m trying…to get you off before I come. I’d planned a little more to this show, like persuading you to…push things up a notch, but you’re not helping --”

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Chris laughed and swore and shuddered again, fighting against pleasure. “Damn it, wanna…feel your hand on me longer. Want to feel you --” “That does it.” Adam’s voice shook. “Asshole. Fuck, God damn it, fuck !” His body rocked with pleasure. Cum hit Chris’s erect cock. And his shirt and pants and chin. At the first spatter, Chris inhaled, then fought for control, refusing to move any muscle at all. Adam stroked Chris’s balls and squeezed his cock. Chris exhaled on a roar, control gone, and semen sprayed Adam’s face. Adam sputtered and began to laugh. “Gotcha. Can’t believe I got you… forget a condom. If I promise…not to swallow now…willya do that again soon?” He kept laughing until he cried. Then he threw himself against Chris, hanging on in a stranglehold, still crying. Chris’s hand crept up to rub Adam’s back. His other arm reached out to grab onto his lover as tightly as Adam was holding him. They both kept trying to catch their breath. “I’m doing this until…we pass out…then we have to let go,” Chris whispered into Adam’s ear. “I can hold my breath a really long time, you know.” “Then do it. Because I don’t want to let go. Ever.”

***** “It’s not fair, by the way. I know that. But I’m going to ask. Again.” Adam sat up from where he’d been lying on Chris, almost asleep, listening to Chris’s heartbeat go from trying to jump out of his chest to a reassuring, steady beat. He rubbed his eyes with the heels of his hands. Here it came. The same old request. He knew what it was going to be because he was back into Chris’s head again, just like he used to be.

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“Just me, Adam. I can’t handle the other people. I don’t care if they don’t mean anything. And I know that’s even less fair to ask than usual because I can’t -- we can’t -- at least for now we can’t --” “Yeah, I know. I know the whole routine by now. You don’t have to say it.” Adam stared at the immaculate Oriental rug on the floor. Memorized the elaborate design in the center. “I know, Adam. You can’t promise. I know the whole routine, too.” Adam looked over at Chris, sitting on the floor with his back slumped against the couch. “I’ll try not to mind. I swear. I won’t let it get to me this time.” Chris didn’t look up. “I’m not perfect. God, we know that. I’ve done things I’m not happy about, either. But I don’t want us to fuck this up again.” He had to fall for a puritanical gay male. A puritanical, monogamous gay male. One who happened to be HIV positive. How hard was it to find one of them? “I’ll --” Adam took a deep breath. “Jesus, I’ll try, Chris. If it’s possible, I really will keep my hands to myself.” “It’s not your hands I’m worried about, despite the spectacular hand jobs.” “I said really great, not spectacular, although I’m happy to be upgraded.” Adam swallowed. “I mean it, you know, Christian.” Chris hated people using his full name. Adam only did it to piss him off or when he was really serious. “Me too, Adam.” “All right then.” “All right. We’re good?” Adam couldn’t help the sudden fear that hit him while he waited for the answer. “We’re great, lover.”

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Chapter Seven Friday: The Restaurant

“Meeting your mystery man is about the wildest thing you’ve done in years, Jenni. Congrats!” Carissa sipped her Diet Coke. “You know, wild doesn’t get you anywhere. I didn’t get out of the neighborhood we grew up in by being wild. I did it by working my ass off and not taking chances.” Jenni perused the menu. “Well, that might work for a nerdy almost-white girl, but I sure didn’t get out by playing it safe.” Carissa snorted into her drink at the thought. “I -- ooooh, now that is one nice-looking man. Seriously cute.” Jenni turned, stared, and waved. “Everyone says that about Cole.” “Oh my God! You know him?” Carissa hissed. “Definitely. But down, girl. He’s one of Jake’s --” Jenni broke off as Cole strolled closer to them. “Hi there, sailor! New in town?” He grinned at her. “New enough, Jenni. How are you? And how is your friend there?” “I’m Carissa.” Carissa obviously wasn’t going to wait for introductions. Jenni blinked, speechless.

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Carissa’s gaydar was usually perfect. Then again, Cole was giving off the interested waves that Carissa was so good at producing. In straight guys. But Jenni didn’t need to say much more. Cole included her in the conversation, but she could see Carissa was the focus of his attention. For a moment, Jenni thought about calling Jake, but she quickly decided that was not a good idea. At all. It looked like Jake had reeled in another catch he needed to throw back. Poor guy. It wasn’t like Cole hadn’t said at the start he was looking for a wife and kids. Jake had seemed fine with it then and she figured Jake knew better about how to handle things than she did. But maybe things had changed. And maybe that’s why he hadn’t said much about Cole for a long time. She’d just missed it with her own life starting to kick into high gear. Carissa stood up, careful to show off her legs, and leaned over to say good-bye to Cole. And Jenni, of course. “Give me a call later, girl,” Carissa said and whispered in her ear, “Jake’s what ? Straight friend? Because if that man is gay, I’m a lesbian.” “We’ll talk. I promise.” Jenni smiled as sweetly as possible and wiggled her fingers at her friend. “Hey, Cole, I need to get to work myself. It was so nice to see you here.” “You and the rest meeting tonight?” “Yes.” Jenni thought fast. She couldn’t think of any reason to say no to the request Cole was just about telegraphing to her with his body language. Jake hadn’t said he never wanted to see Cole again. Cole obviously didn’t think Jake would mind. What to do? Jake must know about Cole by now. She was sure Jake didn’t wait until the third date to hit on someone. Waiting until the third date was a girl rule. “We’re eating out again since it’s technically Adam’s turn. Nothing big. You interested in showing up too?” And she’d call Jake to warn him as soon as she left the restaurant.

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***** To: Jenni From: News_Lover

Why don’t I tell you who I am? Because you already know me. I want you to see me differently before we meet again. I’m hoping you get a little spark going when you look at me this time. The way I did when I saw you.

Jenni frowned into her computer screen. The problem was that she knew a lot of guys.

A lot of guys. But she didn’t notice them. No sparks. No one she knew set off sparks. What if the most interesting cyber person she’d met in a long time turned out to be one of the faceless, bloodless men around her? She glanced over at the reporters near her, all chatting, keyboarding, lounging. Nice guys. Smart guys. But… She’d take a look and yawn. God, she didn’t want to do that again.

***** “It’s not that I mind being the only woman in the restaurant except the waitress, but it’s frustrating when none of the guys here are going to notice me despite those odds.” Jenni signaled the other female in the place. “Man, I really could use a drink. This has not been a good day.” “Sorry. It’s just that I wasn’t going to get to see you on time unless it was near my last closing.” Adam gave her a peck on the cheek before he seated himself opposite her. “The food is good, if that helps.” “The drinks better be even better. Screwdriver, please. Heavy on the orange juice.” Adam mouthed the last words along with her. “Shut up, Adam.”

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“Sorry, love. You not drinking is very cute. One of the things I love about you.” “Adam, what have you been drinking? No, wait. I get it. Our boy is in love again. That always makes you mushy.” Adam just smiled. Then he looked over her shoulder, and his face lit up. Jenni’s eyes widened. Adam really was -“Hey, there. Two of my favorite people.” Chris slid into the booth next to Adam. He reached over and squeezed Jenni’s hand. Then he turned to hold Adam tight and slid his face against Adam’s jaw, just resting against the other man. “Good to see you.” Jenni took a hasty gulp of her just-served screwdriver. For Chris to indulge in any PDA was the equivalent of someone else stripping naked in public and screaming, “I love him!” “So, I take it you two have kissed and made up?” Jenni asked. Adam smiled again and, for once, didn’t say a word. Chris firmly linked their hands, put them on top of the table and said, “Good guess.” “Congratulations. I’m very happy to hear it.” Her voice wobbled. “In fact, I may cry. Please don’t let me do that. Distract me.” “Well, Chris has my left hand which is the one I use to give hand jobs -- damn, that would distract him, not you. Sometimes I get confused.” Adam leaned over the table and kissed Jenni again on the mouth. “Thanks, sweetie. We appreciate it.” “I think we need champagne.” Jenni kissed him back and then kissed Chris more discreetly on the cheek. She wasn’t sure how far Chris’s newfound exhibitionism would go. “What the hell do we need champagne for?” Jake was smiling, but he didn’t look all that thrilled as he strolled up. “Adam and Chris.” “While I might need champagne to wash down the sight of Adam and Chris -- oh. You’re shitting me. You two are finally a couple?” Jake slid in, next to Jenni, crowding her against the wall.

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“Looks like.” Apparently Chris was still going to do the talking. “Damn it. There went my chance to sleep with you, Chris. I’d been holding out hopes all these years.” Jake slapped Chris on the shoulder. “Adam, I hope your technique has improved, or you’ll never keep the man. Just remember me when you get tired of the guy, Chris.” “Asshole.” Adam didn’t move. Didn’t even twitch. It was like all his barely contained energy was completely relaxed as long as Chris was near. “You didn’t stand a chance. Chris happened to be holding out for my type. Everyone wants a smaller than average motormouth with bad hair. Besides, I am a spectacular lay. You just threw me off my stride, Jake, you were so bad in bed.” “Now that all the compliments are over, I think we ought to have champagne.” Jenni bit her lip to keep from laughing. “Sorry I’m late. Thanks for letting me show up.” Cole slid in the booth next to Chris. Jenni couldn’t help but notice his knees had to knock against Jake’s. And that Jake didn’t move his legs back. She so did not get any of this.

“Who would have thought love could make Chris talk and Adam shut up?” Jake said as he finished the cappuccino. “This one was a night for the record books.” “Yeah. The boys also made a really early night of it. I guess bed was calling.” Jenni really didn’t know what to say. Cole seemed determined to stick around, even though everyone else had left or was about to leave. “I think I need to go now myself.” “No, stay!” Jake looked really sincere and very immovable. She would have to climb over the table to get out if he wasn’t going to let her go. “Please,” Cole added, looking like he meant it. Okay then. Jenni sat and admired the fork on her napkin. No one said anything.

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This was going to be a much longer evening than she thought.

***** “I thought we’d never have the chance to leave. I want to get you home fast.” “Chris.” Adam looked up and met Chris’s eyes in the restroom mirror. “Yeah?” “We don’t have to go home just yet.” “What? I thought you wanted --” Chris scowled at him while tidily throwing his paper towel into the trash. “I want exactly what you want, lover.” Adam stroked the back of Chris’s neck, just for the joy of watching Chris swallow hard. He knew Chris loved that. Loved that. “Only I don’t want to wait until we get home. You’ve been touching me all night, priming me. Great. I’m primed. Let’s do it.” “Here ?” Chris’s voice cracked. “You could drag me into a stall if you’re shy. C’mon, Chris. Remember the dorm?” “Well, yeah, but that was college. And we knew no one was going to catch us at that time of the morning…” Chris let Adam box him against the counter. Adam cupped Chris’s balls and then ground his hips against Chris. They rocked together. Chris glanced toward the door of the men’s room but didn’t protest. “It got us both hot then. I can tell the idea is getting you hot now. No one will know. The gang probably figures we’ve left already.” “You know I’ve been wanting you all evening, Adam, but --” “A quickie, babe.” Adam pulled Chris into the stall. “The way we feel right now, we’ll be lucky not to come in our pants.” “Shit, Adam, you’re insane.” Chris unzipped Adam’s pants as he said the words.

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“Crazy about you… Chris !” He hadn’t expected Chris to drop to his knees and suck about four inches of Adam’s cock down his throat without preliminaries. “Condom, damn it.” Chris’s voice was muffled, but the words sounded good against the head of Adam’s cock. Besides, it meant Chris was going to go through with the whole damn nine yards. Adam almost wished he had nine yards. When Chris was in the mood, he’d deep throat. Twenty yards wouldn’t stop him. “Just a second more. Feels so good, babe.” Adam shut his eyes and fought the need to spew. “I love your mouth. Miss it like this.” God, he’d forgotten just how talented Chris’s mouth was and just how wild Chris could be when he decided to take on a dare. The fucker never let anything go half-done once he decided to do something. Thank God it was him Chris was going to do. Adam shoved forward, gripping Chris’s shoulders hard. In once. Out. Twice. Out. Ever so slowly out. Adam breathed in, out through his nose in almost the same rhythm and realized he was leaning heavily against the wall, trying to keep from falling. Chris followed him, sucking him in again. “Babe, I’m gonna --” “Condom!” Chris gripped his cock with a fist, circling it tightly. “If either of us touches me right now, I’m gonna blow.” Adam gripped the top of Chris’s head. “And I’m probably going to scream.” “Later.” Chris was rolling latex on him. Then he reached back and shoved a finger up Adam’s ass at the same time he fastened his mouth back on. Wanted to hold on. Make it last. Makeitlast. Make it --

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Chris’s hand was bruising his hips, holding on, letting Adam fuck his mouth hard. Chris. Oh God. Chris. “Jeeee --!” Adam howled. Chris stood up, clapped his hand over Adam’s mouth before Adam could finish the scream. This time, he ground himself hard against Adam. The zipper was slightly rough and so was Chris. Oh fucking yes. Chris was getting into it despite his inhibitions. Chris wanted him. Wanted him bad. Adam bit Chris’s hand as he let go, letting pure sensation wash over him and then out his cock. He let himself collapse against his lover. “Time to go, Adam. I forgot that you can’t help but be a screamer,” Chris whispered in his ear. “Yeah. Fuck you, Chris. You made me do it. And I see you didn’t even get undressed.” “That’s because I’m the smart one, lover.” Chris removed the condom, wiped him off gently, and then pulled up Adam’s pants. “Let’s get out of here before we get an audience.” “Spoilsport.” “Damn right.” “You aren’t even breathing hard, damn it.” “I might not be breathing hard but you can see there are other things that are.” Adam grinned. “I’ll make it up to you later. Promise. I know public sex isn’t your thing.” “I’m counting on you making up for it. Now let’s get out of here.”

***** “When I first met you guys, I wondered what was up.” Cole broke into the silence. “The group just didn’t make sense. None of you were hooked up -- not with each other, not with anyone else.”

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Jenni glanced at Jake and decided she was talking for them both this evening. “It happens.” “But you were all so damned hot for each other. I wasn’t totally sure who was hot for who or if you all just wanted to pile on each other or what, but you could feel it.” Cole glanced at them both. “But then, I could tell Jake wanted me. He kept backing off, but he wanted me.” “Jake liked you. Um, likes you.” Jenni looked at Jake. “Keep it past tense.” Jake cradled the empty cup in his hands, not looking at Cole. Or Jenni, for that matter. “I’m going to be way out of line here and I’m hoping you will keep Jake from punching me, but -- listen, I like Jake. No past tense. I don’t get him or you or any of you, but I like him. I like you, too.” Cole shifted, uncomfortably. “Am I crazy for wondering if you are interested in a threesome?” Jenni suddenly realized that during their long non-conversation Jake had stretched his arm comfortably out behind her on the booth, almost like he was hugging her. Obviously their position had just hit Jake too, because he jerked the arm back. Jake’s cup fell to the floor with a smash. “A --” Jenni remembered where they were and cut off her words. People were already looking toward them to see what had broken. “Yes, you fucking are crazy!” Jake half-rose from his seat. “Jake,” Jenni hissed. Cole slid away. “I knew this could be your reaction. But I’m not so sure I’m wrong, even now. Maybe you two need to think about it. I’ll be in the can. Maybe you’ll be here when I get back, and we can talk.” Cole didn’t exactly run away, but he didn’t stroll either. Jake stared at Jenni. “No, I don’t want to talk. At all.” He stood up. “I’m going outside for a smoke.”

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Which showed how upset Jake was. Usually he pretended in front of her that he never smoked. It was kind of their own brand of don’t ask, don’t tell. He never said anything, but he never gave himself a cigarette break in front of her. “Jake, it’s all right.” Jenni reached for him. He evaded her hand. “No, it’s not. The fuckwad. Just let me out of here for a minute. I’m not staying around for more of his conversation.” “All right.” At least he’d be safely away from Cole. She didn’t want Jake to have another jail experience. Or for her, either, which was a possibility if they were all in the same place within the next few minutes. The waitress came and stood in front of her cutting her attention away from the rest of the room, obviously wanting Jenni to notice her. “Anything else, ma’am?” Uh-oh. The place was starting to crowd up and it was obviously time to stop wasting space. “I think we’re done, thanks.” Suddenly, a really bad thought hit her. If Jake was willing to risk an anti-smoking lecture from her, then -- oh, damn, he hardly ever lied to her, but… She stood up, made sure she paid for her share of the bill, and headed for the sign marked “Restrooms.” The door to the men’s room was slightly ajar. As far as she could tell, it didn’t look like there was anyone there. Jenni hesitated. Maybe everything was all right. Obviously, there was no brawl going on among the urinals. Oh hell, why stop now? Might as well make sure. She stepped boldly in where no woman had gone before. “Excuse me!” A man -- fortunately a completely dressed man -- scurried for the door. “Sorry.” Jenni mouthed to him.

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“Jesus, and women call us kinky!” He glared at her, and Jenni shrugged helplessly. Well, that was embarrassing. But at least he hadn’t announced her presence. Then again, he might be indignantly speaking to the manager this second. She might not have much time. She didn’t want much time. The only occupant left was behind a closed stall -- thank heaven -- and his feet looked about as large as Cole’s. Dress shoes. No sandals. Jake always wore sandals. All right, maybe Jake hadn’t lied after all. On the other hand, here was her chance. She took a calculated risk. “I think you need to know something.” She stepped closer to the stall door. “Is that you? Cole?” She heard a grunt. “All right, then. The answer is no. Hell fucking no. Got it? N.O. And you want to know why? It’s not because you aren’t physically attractive, although I’m really repelled by your asshole attitude. And it’s not that Jake isn’t everyone’s dream, because he’s gorgeous, inside and out. Neither of us would screw you, separately or together, because you hurt him.” She banged the door for emphasis. “I don’t know why he put up with you at all and I don’t know what’s going on between you two, but as his friend, I’m telling you, don’t go near him again. He’s ready to try to tear you apart if he sees you, and you aren’t worth the effort. Have I spelled things out well enough?” This time she kicked the door. It swung open. Oops. Jenni stared. Now here was something she really hadn’t expected to see in this men’s room. “Oh no,” she whispered.

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“Oh yes.” Luis Morales leaned against the wall. He almost smiled. “Hello, Jenni. You want me to tell you your rights? Or should we take time first to find out if your friend really is going to try to tear someone apart outside?”

***** Jake ground the cigarette out under his foot and stared at the man in front of him. “I pulled you out here to warn you where Jenni can’t hear.” “You think you’re going to scare me, Jake?” “Shut up. It’s not that you disrespected me. I probably deserve it for putting up with you. But you’re not going to treat Jenni like that again. Ever.” Cole looked as serious as Jake had ever seen him. Not nervous, even though Jake wanted to grind him, not his cigarette, into the ground. Not sorry, either. Asshole. “I never meant to do that. Apparently I made a mistake but --” “She’s a good person and a good friend, and you…aren’t. No wonder you got us all wrong. You wouldn’t understand anything about what Jenni is and why we hang together.” “I know you’re not that into women but are you telling me you wouldn’t ever touch her? Don’t try to shit me.” Cole stared at him. “I’ve seen you two.” Jake took a deep breath and let it out. No. He was taking Jenni home, not getting thrown into jail. Not this time. “Well, yeah, you’re sort of right. I love her. She loves me. But that doesn’t mean I’d screw her. And never the way you had in mind. Not with you. Not because I wouldn’t ever be interested, because I’m a guy and I could see a time and a place when I might be. But because it wouldn’t mean anything with you around. And if it meant nothing, that means we’re not right for Jenni. She deserves better than me and damn well better than you.” “Jake --”

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“I wanted to punch your face in a few minutes ago. But fuck that. You’re not worth the energy.” Jake turned his head and saw Jenni staring at him. He gentled his tone down. “Hey, baby.” “Defending my honor, Jake?” She tried to smile. “Saying good-bye to an asshole and hanging on to a friend. That’s all.” He didn’t bother to see if Cole had left. It didn’t matter any more. He damn well wasn’t going to let it matter. “Funny thing about that.” The man behind Jenni sounded a little too amused. “I caught the lady in the men’s room defending your honor.” “Jenni, what the hell were you doing?” Jake took a second look at the guy and almost swallowed his tongue. “What the hell is he doing here?” And damn, the man was even sexier in person than in the photos. “Threatening to bust me.” Jenni looked around. “You know, I could really use a chair right now. My legs feel weak.” “Actually, I was on an assignment. The place is notorious for -- um, bathroom trysts. For narcotics, which is my department, and sex. Which, thank God, is not.” Luis gripped Jenni’s elbow. Jake was relieved to see he seemed to be trying to steady her, not cuff her. “Since she came in roaring that the answer is no, even though she did mention a threesome, I figured she probably wasn’t what I was trying to reel in.” “Damn, that’s a shitty assignment, Morales. In all kinds of ways.” “Tell me about it.” “But you’re right. Jenni doesn’t make a habit of hanging out in the men’s rooms. Especially gay men’s rooms. And you really don’t need another front page story in the papers. Right?” Jake gripped Jenni’s other elbow. Christ, he wasn’t going to let Jenni get thrown in jail today either. “I can take over from here, Morales. You can go back to hanging out by the toilets.”

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“I could definitely pass on another front page story. But I don’t get it. Jenni is usually a smart woman. I’d have said up until now she was careful, too. Careful is smart.” Jenni blinked at Morales like she’d never seen him before. “Oh no. Don’t tell me this,” she whispered. “Come to think of it, that sounds exactly like what a cop would say in an e-mail.” Luis smiled at her again. “I’m usually careful too. But some people don’t think I’m too smart. I take stupid risks every now and then.” “Jenni, do you want to stay or go? I’ll drive you back.” Jake gripped her harder. Then he half-smiled. Jenni was staring at Morales exactly the way Jake would if the guy had bothered to smile at him that way. “But I totally get why you’d stay.” Jenni felt a hot blush stinging up her face. “Uh, no. I think I’m dazed enough for one day. Morales -- Luis --” “Yeah?” Jenni rushed the words out. “I guess I’ll be seeing you. We can’t seem to prevent it. But preferably off duty next time. Besides, I…guess I promised to see you.” “Definitely off duty. And definitely seeing me.” Jenni looked at Jake. “Thanks, honey. Take me home. This has been wild. Maybe it was too much champagne.”

***** “Did you mean it?” “Mean what exactly? I’ve said a lot of stuff just now. I probably talked more in the past hour than I have all day. Maybe all week.” “You wouldn’t screw me?” “I said I wouldn’t screw you with Asshole Cole.” “But you would screw me?”

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“Ahhh, I hope you’re not looking for a demonstration right here and now. I think I said the possibility was there because I’m a guy and we tend to stick our peckers in first and think later.” “You wouldn’t screw me.” “Jenni, this is embarrassing.” “You wouldn’t stick your pecker in first and think later. You proved that today.” “You wanted to screw Asshole Cole?” “No! And I didn’t say that. It just… well, it’s just kind of confusing. I need to get this straight. I mean, I don’t think I ever thought of you that way. At least I didn’t know I did.” “Straight is not what you’ll get from me. Jenni, if we’re going to have some meaningful conversation where you get all pissed off at me, I’m going to stop the car and make you walk home right now.” Jenni patted his shoulder. “No, really, this totally throws me off. I always loved you and the other guys because you were safe. I thought. But maybe I really wanted you. Hmm. You know, if you guys had been interested in women, I probably would have slept with you a long time ago. No, I definitely would have.” “Jenni, I’m not liking this -- this -- it’s not a discussion because I’m not talking about this.” “But if I had, we probably wouldn’t have been friends for so long. Because, like I’ve said forever, sex screws everything up.” There was a long silence. “Jake, you’re chewing on your cheek trying not to talk.” Jenni giggled. “It’s all right, really. You know I love you. I know you love me.” “Almost home now,” Jake said in a brightly eager voice. “And we’re not screwing each other. Because if we did, it would end up meaning more than either of us want it to. And it would ruin a lovely friendship.”

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“Right. Whatever you say. Just another block. Of course if you do end up screwing Morales and ever feel a need to share, I’m first in line.” “Really?” Jake stopped in the middle of the apartment complex’s parking lot and stared at Jenni. “We are not having this discussion. Remember? In fact, it never happened.” “Totally understood.” “Are you going to screw Morales?” “Oh, now you want to get personal. None of your business…but, you know…since this has been a rather unusual evening, I’ll tell you I may have just that in my future.” Jenni looked down at her hands. “And look, I’m not scared. A gorgeous hunk like that and I’m not shaking.” “That’s good.” Jenni began to laugh. “I think it’s because Morales and I…we’re already hopelessly screwed up. I can’t think of anything we could do to make our nonrelationship any worse. If he’s going to put handcuffs on me, I want them to be purely for pleasure and not business.”

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Chapter Eight Sunday Night: Jenni’s Apartment

“Oh my God.” Jenni shrank back behind the door. “I didn’t expect you.” He hadn’t called since Friday. He definitely hadn’t e-mailed. She was starting to think he’d totally written her off. She would have, if she’d been him. And now? She had on baggy gym shorts, a ratty T-shirt, and that was about it. And he looked like a…well, a model. Even with his clothes on. “It’s next week. And I didn’t want to wait any longer.” Luis Morales smiled, this time a guileless “aren’t we friends?” smile that she trusted even less than his shark smile when he was threatening to arrest her.

I’m supposed to meet him in a busy place. Obviously he didn’t follow rules. And calling the police if things got ugly didn’t seem like such a good option. “Uh.” Jenni realized she had been totally lying to herself about not being nervous. “I didn’t tell you where I live.”

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“I took your police report, remember?” His smile faded. “Are you inviting me in? Are you coming out? Or is this as far as it goes? I’m not planning on crossing any lines you don’t want me to. I can forget your address, if that’s what you want.” “Uh.” Jenni tried to unstick her brain. Not out looking like this. Not staying in like this. But she definitely didn’t want to say this was as far as it went. She was supposed to look sexy and together for her meeting, damn it! That was from Dating 101 rules. “Come in with your eyes shut. You can open them when I tell you.” “Sounds interesting.” Obediently he shut his eyes and stepped forward. “Unfortunately, it’s not. I really was not prepared.” Jenni grabbed a few empty take-out cartons and tossed them behind the kitchen counter. The trash can was already full. “I need to change.” She cursed herself silently for leaving her apartment in its usual cluttered state. She always planned to work on her place when she had time, but she never did have time. And now Luis Morales was in the middle of her untidy floor. She scrambled for the bedroom, and as she leaped in, she remembered to say, “You can open your eyes now.” “Just a minute.” She remembered that hand on her shoulder from a few days ago. How did he get next to her so fast? “You aren’t going to change, are you?” “You peeked.” “Naw, I didn’t peak yet, honey, although I am getting hot. I really like what you’re wearing.” “I don’t have on any --” Jenni shut her mouth. He eyed her. “That’s what I like.” Jenni took a deep breath. “Let’s start all over again. This conversation is starting to make me very, very nervous. Would you like some coffee? Iced tea? Orange juice?”

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“Pick one for me. And I need to apologize. Showing up here like this was an impulse on my part. Obviously, a bad one.” He pulled a bouquet of flowers from behind his back. “I thought you’d like these. Listen, I can leave --” “Flowers? That’s so old school that I can’t remember when I last got any.” Jenni opened the covering to the package. “Tulips? How pretty! I did an article back in my fluff columnist days on the meaning of flowers and…” “I looked the article up. I think I’ve read all your stories. I do my research, Jenni, when I think it’s important.” He’d looked up her articles? Had he Googled her? Or -- God knows what he’d looked at. Cops had all kind of places they could search for info. “Tulips mean love and -- and passion.” Jenni looked up at him. “Luis, you’re scaring me. I should warn you when it comes to men, I scare easily.” Luis Morales looked serious. Then he moved closer. Very warm brown eyes looked into hers. “Remember they’re just flowers. Cheaper than roses but classier than mums.” He pulled her out of the bedroom. “Since I don’t think you want me to stay in here with you, let’s have a nice conversation in the living room.”

I’m not sure I want a nice conversation not in the bedroom. Jenni mentally slapped herself on the hand and went to put the tulips in water. “I don’t own a vase, but this pitcher should work. Thank you. They’re so lovely.” And now she was babbling. “How about I pour some orange juice for us both? Maybe add some seltzer water for fizz?” “Thanks. You’re the guest, and I should be pouring for you. I don’t -- sorry, I don’t have any beer or anything alcoholic to offer you.” “It’s not a problem. I’d hate to spoil my clean cop image for you anyhow.”

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“I’m afraid I’ve done my research on you, too. Your clean cop image is a little distorted by the naked photos.”

He tried not to wince. Of course he knew that she knew. Sometimes it seemed like everyone in the world had seen the photos. And while he’d thought he’d been anonymous at the time, it also seemed like most of southern Florida knew who he was, where he lived, and what he did for a living. He didn’t want to think how many contiguous states also had a pretty good idea. “That was a long time ago. I was eighteen and full of myself.” And angry and trying to

stand on my own with nothing to back me up. The itch that had told him to head for her door the second he had a few days off had been wrong. This Jenni wasn’t the one he’d seen last, the one ready to take on anyone and anything. This Jenni would never get him or what he wanted. He should apologize again and leave. Except that this Jenni, all big eyes and uncertainty, was starting to pull on him just as hard as the tough, smart Jenni. Hard was the word. Shit, it hadn’t been an impulse. It had been a fucking need. He had been itching for Jenni for weeks now. Seeing her in that damned restaurant had only intensified his want. He’d beelined for her the minute he’d been allowed enough free time to make sure of her. She tucked her hair behind her ear and he saw her breasts move under the shirt. And who was he kidding? He wasn’t going to leave unless he absolutely had to. That meant he had to get her over what the photos had shown to the world. Then he had to work on whatever insecurities she had lingering. “When was that? Six or seven years ago?” Jenni didn’t leer at him. She didn’t look disgusted. She looked interested.

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“Closer to eight.” “You’re still younger than me.” “That’s good. You probably need a younger man. I have enough stamina to keep up with you.” Jenni laughed. Whew. She took that well, considering how jumpy she was. He could feel the nerves crawling all over her. Nerves and, please God, enough interest to keep her from running. A change of tactics was needed. He’d been thinking with his machismo. Apparently Jenni needed a little more subtlety. “Let’s go to the beach.” He set down his empty cup on the kitchen counter. “What? Why?” Jenni blinked at him and the change of subject. “You must have been born here. People in Ft. Lauderdale start taking it for granted and stop looking at the ocean. You’ve forgotten the beach, the waves, the breeze. It makes you feel good. Remember any of that? C’mon.” Luis jumped up. “You aren’t dressed for the beach.” “The beach won’t care. C’mon, girl.” He could talk better while he walked and didn’t focus on her. They shouldn’t stay someplace where they could fall into bed. He knew he could get them there if he pushed, but he didn’t think that would keep them in bed long enough to satisfy his itch. Not nearly long enough. Jenni pulled out a kitchen drawer and grabbed some keys. She fingered them as she stared him down. “We take my car. And I drive.” Luis opened the door for her. “Always thinking. You’re smart. I like that.”

*****

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They had walked quietly out on the sand, watching the waves slap the beach and then smooth into the sand once again. Jenni wondered if she should say something. It felt right, just walking together without speaking. Almost too comfortable. Too right. He broke the silence first. “I’m not always smart. Or cautious. I told you that before, but plenty of other people will agree. That’s why I went ahead and did the photos. Using my real name. But then, I was just barely legal. I didn’t want to depend on my family, and I had zilch in the way of money or job skills. Or common sense.” “Why didn’t you depend on your family? I can’t depend on mine, but that’s only because of the poverty and booze and the occasional drugs. Oh, and the envy that I’m where I am.” Jenni stopped. “But enough about me. What’s with your family? They’re solid. Respectable. Lots of money. Or so I’ve always been told.” “They are. But I wanted different. They wanted me different. I don’t talk to them much any more.” “I --” Jenni stopped. “I guess that’s all I get for a first date, huh? Your body language says closed for discussion. I’m not asking as a reporter, just so you know.” Luis shrugged. “I thought so. I wouldn’t say anything if I thought you were going to splash it in the news. But that’s all you get about me and my family, yeah. There’s nothing more to tell. They’re your typical conservative apeshit Cuban-American family. I’m not typical. But I can be apeshit. We clashed. We’ve moved on.” “From nude model to narcotics squad. You moved on quite a bit.” “Yup. But the informal interview is over. I want to know things about you now. Like why men make you nervous. Excuse me. Why straight men make you nervous.” “Not all straight men make me nervous. Only straight men that make me hot.” Jenni looked directly at him. “And especially straight men that have e-mailed me off and on for weeks.”

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Luis smiled again, with all those shark teeth. “Luis --” “Yes?” “You are straight, right?” Just in case the boys weren’t joking, she wanted the disappointment up front. He stopped and stared at her. She stared back. All right, maybe that wasn’t the best question to ask someone under these circumstances. She tried to think of some way to take it back and couldn’t come up with a thing. He tugged her by the hand. “It’s getting dark. Let’s get out of here before we get arrested for loitering.” “Luis --” They almost ran to her car, his strong arm half-propelling her along. Within five minutes, she didn’t have the ability to say anything, much less apologize. Within ten minutes, she was so out of breath she didn’t even protest when he slid her back against the outside of the car door. But when he pressed her up against him, she yelped. “Luis, what --” “I’m answering you. I just needed a little bit more privacy.” His voice was impossibly deep as he leaned over.

Oh my God. His teeth pulled at her lower lip before he gently nipped it. Her mouth dropped open with the sudden painful pleasure, and he took over. Teeth, tongue, touch. She grabbed back, her fingernails biting into his back, and let her tongue touch his. She whimpered. Oh God. She wasn’t a whimperer. It wasn’t like she wanted to advertise it, but she always had to handle things herself, as it were, to get a climax. Maybe it wouldn’t be a problem this time.

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“Like that, mi corazon. Love that.” His voice was a little husky as he pulled away. Luis moved his head to skim her shoulder with his lips, and she shivered. Next he used his lips to trace the base of her throat. She wanted his lips to go lower, she wanted -He came back up to her mouth, and they were kissing hard, full out. That was good, too. She could feel a real moan rising. “Stop.” She gasped the command out. “Jenni?” The sexy voice suddenly switched to the cop voice, alert for problems. “Are you all right?” “I only thought I was going to pass out when we made the dash from the beach. Instead, I probably did for a second right now, that was so intense. I -- I think I was holding my breath.” She gulped for more air. Even in the dark she could see his grin. Well, he should be proud of himself. She’d never almost passed out from pleasure with a first make out session. In fact, she’d never almost passed out from pleasure from anything a guy had ever done. And how totally uncool to admit it! “Let’s get you home.” Without asking, he reached into her pocket, patted her down, not exactly regulation cop style, and came out with the keys. She didn’t even protest when, after gallantly opening the passenger door for her, he slid into the driver’s seat. He turned on the car, fiddled with the dials. Cuban music filled the air. Luis hummed under his breath, sang a word or two. “You know, I can’t speak more than a word or two of gutter Spanish,” Jenni said, “and I’ve forgotten everything else I learned in high school.” “No eres Latina ?”

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“No. I know that much Spanish. And honestly -- last name of Harrison? How nonHispanic can you get?” “That’s okay. I’ll cope even though Mama will be devastated to hear it. And I’ll teach you all the gutter Spanish you want, baby. C’mere.” “I’d have to unsnap my seat belt to do that. Isn’t that entrapment, Officer?” He chuckled and didn’t look at her. “Better stay where you are. I’d hate for someone on my team to catch us in public.” They pulled into her apartment parking lot. He stopped the car and put a hand on her cheek. “Mi alma, I want to go to your apartment. I want to stay. No more delays.” She swallowed. Nodded. Her pussy was still clenched, reminding her how deprived it was. “Still scared?” Jenni fumbled for the car door, wondering if her legs would shake when she stood up. Maybe she should pretend. Maybe not. He was standing right next to her, and cops knew how to sniff out a lie. “Absolutely. But I think you’ll be worth it.” “I’ll do my best.” He grabbed her suddenly, throwing her over his shoulder, her legs tight against his chest. She dangled, half-outraged, half-laughing, and eyed that really tight butt. Just for kicks, she leaned over and bit through the chinos he wore. “You’ll pay for that one, Harrison,” he said. “House keys?” “With the car keys.” And then they were inside.

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They were also in the dark. Suddenly everything was quiet. He drew her back up, over his shoulder, and slid her slowly down his body. She linked her arms around his shoulders, steadying herself. Holding him. “All right, Jenni?” His breath was hot against her skin as he bent down to ask. She got on her toes to draw out his lower lip and suck it into her mouth. And bite again. There wasn’t any place on him that wasn’t edible. “Damn it, I don’t know if I should go fast or slow with you,” he muttered. “Maybe I should do both.” He pulled her shorts off without any more preliminaries and squeezed her bare ass cheeks. “I’ve been wanting to do that since I first saw you in them. So sexy.” He skimmed his hands up and under her shirt and smiled down at her. “Sexy up here, too. Don’t ever wear underwear again, baby.” Her nipples perked up under his thumbs. Jenni breathed hard through her nose. She was not going to pant again. “I’m actually feeling turned on by being naked in front of you while you’re dressed, Luis, but I’d really like to see you without clothes, too. Really.” Was that Jenni Harrison talking? The one who always said or did the wrong thing with a guy she wanted? And this was a guy that she wanted with a need she hadn’t ever felt in her life. She’d said the right thing for once. His clothes were off almost before she had finished her sentence. He’d been worth a fantasy or two a few years ago in the centerfold photo. But here, in front of her, close to her touch, reality was actually better than fantasy. His shoulders had broadened since those long-ago photos. God, he’d bulked up in all the right masculine ways. There were more muscles, all put together deliciously. So many…muscles. “Whoooo.” She whistled. “That’s so big it’s almost scary. Almost.”

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“He’s really not scary at all once you get to know him.” Even in the dark, she could imagine the smile in his eyes. “Come closer.” She did. She heard him ripping open the condom package. All right, this was it. Honest to God showtime. Jenni waited for terror to hit, but before it could, Luis held out his arms, and she used them to climb up his torso so that they’d fit just… Right. He laid his forehead against hers, and they both panted. “I love how you feel just this way, all tight and close against me. I swear. But all this patience may kill me,” he announced. “If I don’t move soon, I may die. Like. Now.” How had he managed to go on in and take charge? She should be saying something. Being locked together with Luis wasn’t uncomfortable, unless you counted needing a climax soon or going out of your mind. But he was big, and it had been a while, although she was wetter than she’d ever been in her life… still -To hell with it. “I’d hate to kill you. Please. Be my guest.” “Baby.”

Bam ! She registered that her back was now jammed against the wall; he was nuzzling against her face gently and pumping his cock inside her not so gently. Jenni next realized her heels were locked tight against the indentation at the small of his back, and she was moving in rhythm to his thrusts. When had it ever been this easy to be part of someone? And when had her blood pressure risen to where she could almost hear it coming out through her ears? God, the sweat trickling down his back was making her heels slip down. She squirmed even tighter against him, using her hips, to prevent slipping further. Not to have Luis filling her just the way he was? What a tragedy that would be. “Sweet. And bad.” He panted the words in her ear.

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Yeah. That. He smelled like sweat and excitement and man. And sex. She rubbed her face against his chest and moved with him. Faster, harder, closer, closer, closer. “Ohmygodohmygodohmygod…” Her chant matched the speed of her racing heart. “Killing me --” His finger touched her clit and whooomp. She wondered if her brain exploded in the next second because everything really did go white around her. She thought she heard Luis shout in her ear. Or maybe she was shouting loud enough to hear over her heartbeat. And then she was shaking, coming, shaking even more. Coming harder and longer.

Thank you, God. Thank you, Luis. Eventually, Jenni cleared her throat and assessed the situation. She was on the floor, with Luis’s head pillowed on her thigh. And her back hurt, along with a few other spots. She had no idea what to say. Luis kissed her thigh and put his head back where it had been, resting against her hip. Apparently she didn’t have to say anything. So she shut her eyes and concentrated on letting her mind creep back inside her body. “Luis?” “Jenni?” “I think I’ll get some more orange juice. Want some?” “Sure.” “As soon as I can stand up.” “No hurry, mi alma.”

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“You feel like staying tonight?” There. That question pretty much broke the last of all her dating rules. She was pretty sure Luis was worth it. “Counting on it. I don’t know if I’ll be able to move before morning anyhow.” Yeah. Not moving until then. Not thinking until then. That would be all right. She let her hand tangle in Luis’s hair and then stroked his head. “You’re so fucking sexy, Jenni. Why have you been hiding?” He sounded drowsy. He was already learning things about her, things she didn’t like her boyfriends to know. Like she was hiding. Hiding so far away that she didn’t even want to know why she was doing it. On the other hand, he thought she was sexy. That counted. It counted big-time. “Have I? You’re the cop. Why don’t you find out?” “Maybe I will. Later. Right now I’m just grateful. Grateful you hid ’til I found you.” He kissed her stomach. Jenni smiled. He’d found her. It might be different later. Of course it would be. There was always later, and later never worked out. But this was now. And she was grateful, too. She’d always worried about what happened next. This time, she would deal with now. She’d lucked into catching an incredibly good-looking, skilled lover. How he’d gotten those skills and how long he’d stay with relatively unskilled, unattractive her just wasn’t her problem. Not now. This was a new, strangely irresistible Jenni, one who got climaxes when her lover found the right buttons…a Jenni who actually had the right buttons for a lover to find. The whole not thinking thing seemed to really work when it came to having great sex. She couldn’t pat Luis on the back for managing it without hideous embarrassment on her part, but she could secretly congratulate herself. She’d become a different self. She’d live this fantasy out, expecting it to end sooner rather than later, and not worrying about it. Knowing it was short-term and that what she did wouldn’t matter a month or so from now.

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That was how she could handle this relationship without fear. She could go back to the old Jenni later. She held her face down to be kissed and cried -- just one small little tear -- when their lips met. Now was so perfect. Right now.

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Chapter Nine Friday Night: Jake’s Apartment

This sucked. Jake stared over at the table. He sure as hell wasn’t going to be setting it for a party of four. Damn flu. Everything ached like a bitch, and he was clammy with sweat. He eyed his cell phone. He should call, even though the rule was you never canceled unless you were dying. He might not be dead, but he felt pretty close. He speed-dialed while he still could. “Jenni --?” His voice dragged. “Jake? What’s wrong?” “Flu. Feel like garbage. Gotta call off dinner tonight.” Another twinge hit, and he grunted. “I’m so sorry. I’ll tell everyone -- Jake? Wait. What are your symptoms?” Jake dragged another breath in, ready to drop the cell phone down and forget everything. He forced himself to answer. “Shaky. Hurts. Chest. Head…” “Really sharp pains, Jake?”

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“Sometimes. Fuck. Might throw up. Gotta go.” “Jake, are those pains in your chest?” “Yeah. Jenni, I gotta go.” “You have to go to the hospital, Jake! I’m not kidding you.” “Naw --” He couldn’t hold the phone any longer.

***** “They aren’t going to let us see him.” Adam tapped his fingers on the plastic seat beside him. “Stupid fucking hospital rules.” “Does he have emergency contacts set up?” Chris had long since stopped pretending to do the newspaper jigsaw puzzle. “I don’t know. If not, I guess they’d call his parents. They live in Tampa, I think. He never told me.” She refused to tap, the way Adam did. She couldn’t just sit quietly like Chris. So Jenni laced and unlaced her fingers. “Yeah, well, they’d be the last people he’d want to call.” Adam switched to drumming on his knee. “They stopped talking to him in college, back when he finally came out to them.” “I know. We all know. That was awful.” Jenni eyed her cell phone as if she could call someone who would help. “He knew this could happen. He knew his parents would be no help. Maybe he thought ahead of time and set things up.” “Oh yeah, our Mr. Jock think ahead about being sick? The odds are really good on that one.” Adam winced at a particularly hard thunk against his thigh and paused. “Shut up, will you, Adam?” Jenni snapped. “I don’t need your snide joking. I’m already terrified that the whole fight with Cole at the restaurant or the thing with me and Luis Morales in the men’s room somehow started Jake’s heart attack.” “Honey, you didn’t start his -- he fought with Cole?” Chris stared at her.

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“You and Luis Morales were in the restroom? The men’s room? You couldn’t have been doing what first springs to mind since he’s a cop,” Adam said, a half-second later. “Maybe you need to explain. I’m sort of sorry we left early that night and missed the fun.” “God, that was a stupid way to blurt it out. I waited to tell you guys because I wasn’t sure what Jake wanted to say but -- well, he and Cole fought and then I found Luis lurking in the men’s room doing a drug sting -- no. That was even worse. Let me try explaining this yet again.” “There were police in the men’s room at the restaurant?” Chris’s voice sounded very odd. “Ms. Harrison?” A thin woman with a tired smile stepped into the ER visiting room. “Yes?” Jenni looked up. “Janet Ellison, the head nurse on this shift. Mr. Powell wants to see you.” “He’s all right?” Jenni gulped. “He’s much better. We can give you a few minutes.” The woman looked at the two men next to Jenni. “He said to stop worrying so much, all of you. Dinner will still be on when he gets out again.” “That’s Jake.” Jenni’s shoulders relaxed from their tense hunch. “Take me to him.”

***** The other two silently watched her disappear behind the automatic door. Adam leaped up to pace. “Could you stop jumping all over the damn place?” Chris snapped. “Could you go fuck yourself?” Adam stopped. “Oh, hell. I didn’t mean that, Chris. These kinds of places make me incredibly antsy. And now I’m dying to find out what the hell went on. All I know for sure is that we didn’t get arrested so maybe it’s not as bad as I think.”

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“I didn’t mean it, either. We’re both worried. I know that. And no, we didn’t get arrested. Yet. Somehow you haven’t ever managed to put us in jail. I’ll probably kill you once I do find out just what was going on, though.” “You’re not really mad.” Adam took a quick look around and then dropped a kiss on Chris’s head. “Jake’s going to be all right, which is all we need to worry about right now. When Jenni comes out we’ll hit a diner or something, head for home, and we can go to bed. And I promise I’ll work out all this excess energy in a way you’ll like.” “Yeah. That would be a plan.” Chris put aside his newspaper and looked at Adam. “I may have to be in the hospital sometimes, you know.” “No you won’t. You’re healthy, your doctor is totally on top of things, things are basically pretty okay now. Don’t say stupid stuff.” “I’d like to put you in charge of my medical decisions if I can’t make them. Give you my power of attorney.” Chris swallowed. “If things go the way I’m hoping, I’d talk to my attorney about my will, too.” “God fucking damn it, Chris --” Adam stopped. “Yes. I mean, yes, I want you to trust me. You know that. I guess…maybe your lawyer could write up something for me, too. I know I don’t have anything like the money you do, Chris, but what I’ve got -- it’s yours.” “Adam --” “Who else would I turn to? But can we not have this conversation just now?” “All right.” Chris looked off in the distance, eyes narrowed. “And don’t start running through your insurance policies in your head and -- and filling out emergency contact forms. Stay with me here.” “You know me pretty well.” “I know you inside and out.” Adam sat down next to him. “I’d like to hold you right now, but it doesn’t seem the place.” “If you leave, Adam --”

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“I’m not.” “If you leave, Adam, my life would -- never mind. Crap. You’re right. Not the place.”

How the hell do you know? I love you but I’m scared as hell. It’s getting too serious, Chris. Too permanent. You’re fucking relying on me and it scares me shitless. And you know that, too.

***** “Jenni?” “Hey, Jake.” “In case -- I want you to be the one to take on things. In case.” His voice was a little slurred. “You know I will, sweetheart, but the doctors say you’re doing fine.” “There’s no one else except you and the guys. But you’re the one I want for this. All right?” “Sure, Jake.” He tried to smile, his eyes already shutting. “Lonely. Wish things were different.” “I know, sweetheart. It’s not fair.” She squeezed his hand, hard, and he pulled on her fingers. “You. Cole…” His head fell back on the pillow. Jenni waited a moment and then stood up. “Cole? Great. What the hell was that supposed to mean?” Was this one of the things that Jake wanted her to handle?

***** “Okay, guys, here’s the update as quick as I can make it. He’s doing better. We got him to the hospital before any major damage was done. They think. He’s going to be here for

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awhile until they’re sure. It wasn’t even a heart attack -- it was a-fibrillation, which sounds pretty serious to me, but isn’t as bad as what we thought it was. Jake just signed me up as his medical rep. You two are the alternates. Oh, and we can see him again tomorrow.” Jenni took a deep breath. “Cool! Listen, not to sound callous, but if he’s all right, then let’s go eat some real food, get home, get a shower and some sleep. We’ve done all we can do here for now. Maybe I’ll buy Jake some frou-frou flowers when we show up tomorrow. That will frost him.” “Wait.” Chris put his hand on Adam’s shoulder to hold him down. “Anything else we should know besides ?” “I -- no, nothing.” “You sure?” “Well…” She hesitated. “Let’s go to a diner and talk.” Adam pulled at both of them. “I can’t think here, and you look like we need a thinking kind of discussion.” “I’m not sure this is a discussion I should be having,” Jenni finally said as she was propelled to the door. “Who can you talk to if not us, babe? Your latest cupcake wouldn’t get it. He’s too new.” Adam kept them moving. She tried to imagine talking to Luis about Jake and Cole. Maybe he’d understand. She’d been surprised so far by just how much Luis understood about her. But this was about the boys. They all had an unspoken pact to not tell outsiders about the gang’s problems.

***** “What d’ya think about Jenni’s idea?” Adam began to unbutton Chris’s shirt. “I’ve been dying to loosen up that power suit of yours all evening, by the way.” He ran his hands down Chris’s chest and bent over to suck one nipple. Chris laughed.

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“You’re going to tighten up other things with an attitude like that, Adam.” “That’s good.” Adam turned his attention to the second nipple. “Laughing. You ever think of getting a piercing, Chris?” “Hell, no. I’m leaving all that whack stuff up to you, love. What do you mean, laughing?” “You were laughing. Lately, sex gets you way too serious.” He bit Chris’s nipple and enjoyed the flush that rose up his lover’s neck. He didn’t know if it was embarrassment or lust. He did know Chris liked the occasional bite. “I -- yeah, probably. I keep worrying about things I can’t help. Hell. I’m a pain in the ass, aren’t I?” “You can be. But when you are, I don’t complain. Believe me.” Chris laughed again and fumbled with his back pocket. He clutched the condom as he pulled his pants down. “Your turn,” Chris said, like he always did lately, and turned his back. Adam didn’t say anything more. He lubed his fingers, and then slowly pushed one inside Chris’s hot, tight asshole. Chris shuddered beneath him. “Good, Adam. Really…good. Love.” The second finger had Chris bucking against the wall. By the third, Chris was rocking against Adam’s hand, moaning, silently begging for more. Chris dropped the condom just about when he began to pump his own cock. Adam figured that was the right time for action. He scooped up the rubber, and ripped open the covering. “Please. Adam. Please.” Chris, with that note in his voice, always hit the trigger for him. Adam didn’t care what Chris was asking for any more. What Chris got was Adam’s cock, sliding in slow and

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then pumping hard. Chris’s outstretched hands on the wall slapped hard against the plaster when Adam got into full stride. He knew when he’d hit the right place because Chris tried his best to slam into the wall before he arched back into Adam again. That was the ticket. Heat and sweat and Chris losing control. Nothing was better than that. “Fuck! Adam. Fuck!” There was that wild, lost note in Chris’s voice that meant he was about ready to blow. Adam shut his eyes and let go, allowing all the lust and triumph and tenderness to roll on over and wring him out. “Fuck,” Chris said a few minutes later in a more normal voice. “Already did. You miss it?” “Shut up. There’s a delightful stain against my wall. Adam --” “You want me to apologize?” “No, baby.” Chris’s voice changed. “I should give you a medal. I’m not sure I could get it up for anyone but you. You’re magic.” Jitters ran down Adam’s spine. Triumph had long since been shot right out of him. A faint nervousness seemed to be what was left. “I’ll believe that when you stop being such a damn pig bottom. I seem to remember you topping a hell of a lot more often last time we got involved.” “Yeah.” Chris turned to face him. “It’s just -- I don’t know. It feels safer to me this way. I can’t -- shit, I don’t think I can get it up if I’m fucking you.” Adam resisted the temptation to hide his face in his hands. “Fine. Easy stages. It took me long enough to get you under me. But don’t try to say you aren’t happy with screwing now. All that moaning doesn’t lie.” Chris’s face turned red. “Yeah. I like it. I even missed it.”

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“News flash there. Maybe I should get Jenni to write something about how you suddenly rediscovered the joy of sex. Wild sex, even. Although I thought you’d swallow your tongue when she told us where Morales was hanging out and why.” “Asshole. Why did I ever miss you?” Chris leaned over and kissed his eyebrow. “But I did. I’m even glad you’re back.” “Yeah. Me too.” Not that he wanted to go too deep right now. He needed a change of topic. “Hey, as I was saying, do you think Jenni is right? That we should look up Cole? That Jake really misses him?” “It’s interfering.” “Excuse me? Who stuck us answering all those romance questions for Jenni’s potential boyfriend?” “We didn’t do such a good job.” “We did a terrific job considering it was us. We got Jake hung up on some straight jerk and pushed Jenni into finding some bi cop for a lover. Oh, and the matchmaking place decided Jenni was a closet lesbian and banned her from the agency.” “We don’t know he’s bi. She hasn’t even brought him over to visit yet.” “Want to make a bet? My gut is screaming it.” “No. You’d do your best to find out and I probably wouldn’t like the way you’d do it.” “Oh hell, if Morales was straight and I could change him, I’d do it in a minute --” Adam stopped at the tight look on Chris’s face. “Well, maybe not.” “Say definitely not and I’ll be a lot happier. I might even top next time.” “Oh fuck. Definitely not, then.”

***** “Hey.” Jake blinked. “What are you doing here?”

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He wished he sounded more unfriendly than just plain stunned. “Checking in. Heard you were feeling better.” Cole looked uneasy. Was the unease from seeing him or because it was a hospital? Being in the place gave Jake the willies. Of course, if it was from seeing him, why the hell was Cole here? “Yeah. I’m headed out today as soon as the doctor swings by with the all clear.” Jake shifted. He hadn’t expected to see Cole ever again. He definitely hadn’t expected to see Cole while he was dressed in just a hospital gown. Cole was dressed in a business suit that made him look upscale and professional. Life was unfair. They didn’t say anything for several minutes. What was there to say? “Jake.” “Yeah?” “I’ve been seeing someone you might know. A friend of Jenni’s.” Jake’s head jerked up. “What?” “A female friend. Carissa.” He remembered Carissa. Tall, cocoa-colored. Big tits. Big attitude. He tried to visualize blond Cole with her, and he could. Too well. “I know her, sure. She’s all right.” More silence. “It’s not serious.” “It’s none of my business.” Jake felt tired. Crushingly tired. “Jake.” “Yeah?” “I’m starting to wonder if you and me -- if that was serious. It hasn’t been right. You know, without you. And I miss you even though you made me feel like a shithead.”

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“I didn’t make you feel like squat. You were a shithead. But if that’s what makes you think things might be serious, maybe you were married too long.” Jake suddenly felt less tired. Confused, yeah. But a lot less exhausted. “It’s probably a case of wanting what you can’t have.” Cole stood up and walked to the hospital window. Since it overlooked the parking lot, Jake knew he couldn’t be that absorbed by the scenery. “Why can’t I have it? Why can’t we? I’m not sure if we’re going to go anywhere with this. Things click with us, and then they go to hell. But when Jenni said you’d talked about missing me when you first got here --” “I don’t remember that.” And he’d never thought Jenni would do something like that to him. “All right, maybe she didn’t say it that way. I don’t remember what she said exactly. Just that… well, I thought I’d look you up.” Cole turned around. “You want me to swing by your place later this week, make sure you’re doing all right?” Jake stared back at him. Damn Jenni. He was trying to get things back together by himself. Alone. Alone, no matter how frightening, sometimes was the way to go. He didn’t have energy for a lot of crap. It was time to say so. Past time. “There’s no point. Even if your playtime isn’t serious now, what you really want is a woman to be serious with. I can’t be what you want. I don’t want to pretend anything with you any more.” Jake let out a small whoosh of air. “Apparently my life might be too short for those games.” “Jenni gave me hell about playing with you. When she was done, I realized I had to decide. Decide whether what I thought I wanted all this time was really the thing I did want.”

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“Listen. I’m an up-front kind of guy and not always too smart. Especially with exes. You’re going to have to tell me flat out what you mean.” “I’m telling you I want to try. For real.” “Not if you’re seeing this as something on the side. That’s not for real.” “I…that’s hard, Jake. I always had this image in my head of a son. A man needs a son. I’m the fourth Cole in my family. I was figuring there would be a fifth. That I’d be taking my wife and kids home to visit on holidays…” “Yeah. I’m not the person people bring home to mother. I understand. I couldn’t bring you home to Mom, either.” Jake shut his eyes. “Thing is, that means I don’t go see the parents. Not that I look for what they want in a spouse.” “All right, Jake. Are you saying don’t come by?” Jake swallowed. Just tell him the truth. “I’m saying don’t come by unless you mean to stay. You could be too important to play with.” “I don’t know if I can do that.” Then there wasn’t anything more Jake could say. The two of them just looked at each other. The aide’s voice scattered Jake’s already jumbled thoughts. “The doctor is going to be by in about ten minutes, Mr. Powell. After that I’ll look in to help you get dressed and ready to go.” “Thanks.” Jake rubbed his hand over his face. “Damn, I need a shave before I go, too.” Cole smiled. He reached out and let his palm rub across Jake’s face, like a caress. “Yeah. You’re right. You need a shave.” Jake realized it was lucky they insisted on using a wheelchair to get people out of the hospital, even though he’d planned to protest when they wheeled one in, because, all of a sudden, his legs were weak.

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“Jake? What if I want you to persuade me? What if I need a push to decide to throw over everything I thought I wanted?” Temptation was blond and looked straight through you with concerned blue eyes. And Jake did love temptation. “Cole, the clicking part was fine. None better. But the going to hell part really was a piece of shit. I don’t know if trying again is worth it. Besides, I haven’t even had my special talk with the doctor to see if there’s any issue with me having sex anytime soon.” “I’ll give you a few days to decide. It’s up to you.” Cole sauntered to the door. “But it’s your turn to come to me. Call.” What the hell had Jenni been thinking of when she brought him right back into this mess?

***** Even while Jake rang the doorbell, he knew this was not a smart idea. Jenni might not even be home. And if she was, what was he going say -“What’s up, Jake?” Shit. And if she was with Morales, what was he going to do then? He hadn’t considered that at all. Damn, he wasn’t used to thinking of Jenni with some guy -- mmmmhmmm. Especially a Morales who had his jeans sliding off his hips and who looked very tasty. “Things are okay, considering. And you?” Jake hoped his limited ability to make polite conversation would hold up under the strain. Please God, don’t let Jenni be in bed waiting for the man. “Excellent.” Luis fastened the snap on his jeans and held the door open wider. Jake tried not to feel sorry about the wardrobe adjustment. “Hey, sorry. Jenni just left. She’ll be back soon. You want to come in and wait?”

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Fuck. He hoped this was after sex and not before. If you had to interrupt a couple, after sex was definitely the better way to go. Shit. It didn’t matter if he’d dropped in before, after, or during. Morales looked like sex. Damn. And he was never ever going to find out what that would be like. He wasn’t even going to think about it. This one was definitely Jenni’s. Morales smiled at him, all inviting white teeth and sweetness. Jake thought his toes might curl. “…is it all right with you?” Apparently Morales had been talking as well as smiling. Jake blinked and tried a weasel answer. “Probably. Why do you ask?” Jake could see the faint stubble where the other man needed a shave and he wanted to rub his face against it. He stared down at his feet, afraid somehow they’d walk right where he wanted to go. “Your place. Your friends. Jenni says it’d be fine for me to show up on Friday, but Jenni doesn’t always see what she doesn’t want to see. You know?” Was Morales talking about more than just an invitation to dinner? Jake knew he wasn’t going to be able to sort out whether Morales meant more than he was saying. Figuring out hidden meanings definitely wasn’t one of his strengths, especially when his cock was starting to take over his brain functions. Stupid cock. “Jenni likes to see what’s good about her friends. That’s one of the nicer things about her. Her trust. Her belief. You know?” Jake’s head hurt. He forced steady bursts of air into his lungs. If he had to think about breathing, he was getting way out of his depth. He was tired. Too tired for any polite shit.

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“Yeah. I know.” Jenni’s new guy nodded. “As long as you know that, we’ll get along fine.” Maybe too fine. Or not fine enough.

Shit. Morales stepped toward him. “I like you, too, Jake.” Luis wasn’t stepping away. Jake looked up and decided Luis was way too close for comfort. Jake really wished he wouldn’t do that. He wanted Morales to make everything simple. Jake liked simple. “Let’s not go there. Just not.” Hell, why tiptoe around what he was thinking? Why not make it very simple and clear? “Just so we both know --” Jake had to pause to catch his breath again and carefully did not look at the other man. “I do not spend my free time swapping boyfriends with Jenni.” Adam would be fine with a swap or a threesome. Chris would shrug off any of his special friends leaving him for someone else -- as long as it wasn’t Adam. But no. He didn’t pick any of the gang who wouldn’t care. Jake had to somehow get tangled up with Jenni’s men. Or was that his men with her? Jesus. Why the hell were all these guys attracted to both of them? Was Morales attracted? Or was this one just him and his fantasies? This was turning into some kind of sick joke. Maybe his gaydar really was permanently broken, the way his buddies said. He could talk around it all he wanted. Jake’s hands itched with wanting to touch Jenni’s boyfriend. That was the one thing he was sure of right now. “This isn’t the usual situation for me, either.” Luis shook his head as if he was coming up for air. “I’m not -- let’s say I’ve had more experience with a lot of different sexual scenes than some folks. But I’m old enough to be a hell of a lot more careful than I used to be. I make sure no one gets hurt. Usually. And I don’t want to hurt Jenni.”

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“Good. We can agree on that.” Jake shut his eyes and tried to make his cock agree, too. “But --”

But what the hell happened just now? It would be better to leave it. Just leave it. “But nothing. It’s done. Over.” “Claro. I’ll just tell Jenni I have to work Friday, right?” “Only if you feel like it. If this is done, then it’s done. If she’d like to have you there, it’s fine with me. I --” I can’t believe I’m going to say this. “Actually, I’m going to have someone over that night myself.” It didn’t have to be Cole. Crap. But you didn’t invite just anyone on Friday night. That was another one of the damn rules of the group. Who was he kidding? There was no one else. Cole was the only one Jake could imagine competing for his attention if Morales was there. Jesus God, he was calling Cole as soon as he got out of here. And he wasn’t going to even think about trying for Morales’s attention. Not then. Not ever. He didn’t want to think about the sneaking happiness he had about finally finding a reason to talk to Cole again. “Then I’ll show. This is kind of a test; I know that. I don’t want to disappoint her. I know you all mean a lot to her.” A test? He wished he could believe that was all this meant.

Apparently she means a lot more to me than most of the guys I’ve ever fucked. I can’t remember the last time -- if there was one -- I turned anyone down because someone else would feel hurt. Jake shrugged. “Mi casa es su casa. As long as Jenni is there with you and everyone leaves after dinner.” Jake smiled, just to show he was being polite. Morales smiled back the same way, all teeth and no warmth. “Everyone you want to leave will be gone, Jake.”

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“I appreciate that.” But the bitch of it was, no matter where Morales and Cole were by Friday night, Jake wasn’t going to want them there.

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Chapter Ten Friday Night: Getting Ready for Jake’s Apartment

“What do you think?” Jenni turned around. She nervously ruffled her hair. “No good?” Carissa had given the outfit her thumbs-up, but what Carissa liked wasn’t always right for Jenni. God. She hardly ever went the dress and high heels route, and she doubted the guys had ever seen her in the combination unless she’d had to go to some business dinner with one or the other. She couldn’t remember when she’d last been forced to be a “date” for one of them. It didn’t matter. They’d never been impressed. Neither was this guy. In fact, Luis was preoccupied. He’d been this way ever since he arrived. Her big purchase had been for nothing. She shimmied a little, feeling stupid, but hoping for some reaction. Her dress’s skirt twirled up, high, floating. He stared at her and she swore she saw his pupils dilate. Hot damn! She had his focus at last. “Just one thing.” Luis surveyed her from head to toe. He put his hand on her butt and patted it. “Turn around again.” “What one thing?” Something was wrong? What? She hardly ever wore red. Or fabric that hugged most of her skin. Or such a short skirt. Or --

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“Ahhh. I thought so. No underwear. Perfect. I like.” He grinned at her. “Why? Why do I even ask?” Jenni put her face in her hand. “I don’t know. You should have known you’d get me interested with anything half as hot. Jenni?” “Yes?” “We have almost an hour before we’re supposed to go to dinner. I want to do something for you. Just for you.” “What?” “Trust me. I only want to make you happy.” He had kept his hand on her butt, but he shifted and moved his hand to her thigh, resting against her skin. “Please? May I?” In her high heels, she was almost eye-to-eye with him. She saw his breathing change when he said please, and her heart rate began to speed up. Trust him? She’d as soon trust dynamite not to blow up. But trust might be overrated. “You may.” Her voice had changed -- grown husky. He bent to kiss her stomach. It fluttered. Then he knelt before her, and she gripped his shoulders. His mouth was so warm and sweet as he bent to kiss from the front to the back of her knee. One, then the other. Inch by inch, he kissed and licked his way up toward where his one hand still rested. Warm, hot, burning. The heat turned up as he got closer to where her thighs met. “Beautiful.” He murmured it as both of his hands slid behind her legs and gripped her ass cheeks. “You feel so good.” Oh yes. “You smell just like a woman should. Spicy. For me. Waiting for me.” “Big words for a man kneeling in front of me.”

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“Verdad.” He buried his nose in her pubic hair. “I want you to groan for me, too. Cry and shudder and scratch me. Then shatter. Please.” His breath tickled across sensitive flesh. Jenni clamped her lips shut. She wasn’t going to make things too easy for him. She wanted him to…work… His soft hair brushed her one thigh as he stroked his tongue against her pussy. He opened those lower lips protecting her clit and stroked again. Jenni shut her eyes and concentrated on not making a sound. His tongue and lips pushed her clit between them. Savored. Teased. “Jen-nee. Put your legs over my shoulders.” Jenni. Come. Oh, she wanted to. She wanted the thrill of the peak, then the crash. That beautiful crash. No, she didn’t want to. She wanted to stay, poised between pleasure and waiting for that pleasure. To have this beautiful man crouched before her all night. How many women had a chance to enjoy something like this? He didn’t seem to mind the wait. Slow, deliberate brushes against her clit… he would do this all night if she wanted. She wanted -The coil of pleasure tightened up yet another notch and another. Her mouth opened, but she didn’t scream. She didn’t have any voice. He took his thumbs and squeezed her clit tight, sucked it against his tongue. Yes! She found her voice then and screamed, her legs clamping around him. The heat rolled up, red and dangerous, crashing through her as she clawed his back. Closer, more. She wanted more, even while she shook from what she’d received. She wanted to drown in sensation, to have Luis keep on and on until she couldn’t stand a second more of the building pleasure mixed with the agony of desire.

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“Beautiful Jenni. So…beautiful.” He hummed the words against her clit, licking as he paused between words. Sucking when he stopped speaking.

Now. She was still shuddering through the last of her climax when he twisted and eased her down to the ground. He held her. His cock was hard and hot between them, and she shuddered again at the feel of it. Her hips rose up from the floor, seeking. “You’re beautiful, Jenni.” He kissed one tear from her face. “Believe me. You’re so beautiful.” No one ever. No one else ever. “You are, too.” Jenni stared down at her dress. He’d pulled it up so it was hardly even creased. “We -- we’re supposed to go. But you haven’t --” “We are going. And I haven’t. But we’re both going to spend all evening thinking about how you’re going to make that up to me.” Luis rocked her against his body. Hard and aroused and waiting. Waiting for her. “Yes?” “Oh, yes.” She felt loose and sated and excited and cherished. Itchy for next time. “Definitely yes.” He stood up, lifting her with one hand as he did. Jenni staggered for a moment, and he kept holding her steady. Then he smoothed her hair, flipped her skirt back down and put his face against her neck, letting her get some balance back into her world. “Maybe we can go home early?” He whispered it against her ear. “We don’t have to go at all.” She never skipped Fridays. But for Luis and sex… “Oh no. Waiting during dinner will be part of the foreplay. My pretty Jenni.” How had she gotten this lucky? A man who really understood foreplay. His hand rested on the small of her back as he opened the door for her. It was as if each finger in his hand was burning into her flesh.

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She’d never wanted to rush through her Friday night ritual before. But right now, the idea of waiting a few more hours to come back here again with Luis made her want to scream. Then again, she had the feeling that was the whole point.

***** “So, they’re both bringing someone.” Chris tapped his finger against the steering wheel. “That will make things different.” “Being polite to Cole will be hard enough. But now I have to be polite to Officer Buck Naked, too.” “I would try to be very polite to him, considering what he heard and probably saw before we’ve been formally introduced.” “Damn, I wonder what we can do once we are introduced? I hope he’s as pretty in person. It would be a shame if he were photo-enhanced.” “Like you’ll have the chance to find out what you’re thinking about.” “I’m just thinking about a new face, lover.” “Wish you had someone new to flaunt, too, Adam?” “Crap, Chris. This fucking insecurity of yours --” “Yeah. I’m insecure. But you’re not happy.” Chris didn’t turn the ignition key. “I’m boring. I get that. That’s why you pushed me into the bathroom sex thing, right? Because I’ve been holding back with you. I get that, too.” “Chris. Hey, calm down. Anything I pushed you into was just a love tap. We were both hot for each other.” Adam knew this Chris too. It’s just that he didn’t see him too often. Despite his words, this was dangerous Chris. Something was going to happen. But would it be good or bad? “But I scare you, Adam, even when I hold back. Why?”

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“You make me too important.” “You are important.” “Chris, you’re the smart one. The successful one. The responsible one. I’ve never been. Never pretended to be. I’m not worth all that -- that -- feeling you give me.” “You don’t feel the same for me?” “Hell, yeah, but that’s different. You deserve it.” Adam groped for words. He never did that. “You wouldn’t let me down.” “I did before. And I have now. You called us both fuckups before.” “I lied. There’s no we in there. It’s just me.” “Bull. I’m the fucked-up one here. I’m the one with the fucking disease.” “Will you shut up about that? Chris, you didn’t let me down. You never let me down. You never will. You can’t. I know you too well.” “Don’t you realize I know the same thing about you, Adam?”

But you’re wrong. Chris stared at him as if he were reading his mind. Adam shut his eyes and prayed, just once, that what he was thinking wasn’t going to jump out of his mouth or be clear from his face. Chris tapped him on the chin, and Adam opened his eyes. Chris was looking at him with narrowed eyes.

Danger. It wasn’t just a threat now. Adam caught his lip between his teeth. “You know, sometimes we talk things out way too much. I’m going to show you, asshole. What you are and what I am. What we are. Together.” Chris twisted his fingers into Adam’s hair and pulled his head back. “Get your pants off. I’m going to screw you blind.” That did it. Adam’s cock was already up and ready with just those growled words.

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“Shit. We’re going to get arrested in the parking lot of your condo. We got away with sex in public once -- and don’t tell me that little episode won’t come back to haunt us. But twice is pushing it. Officer Buck Naked will be reading us our rights before we make it to dinner.” But Adam unbuckled his pants anyhow, trying not to fumble with excitement. “It’s quiet right now. We’re not near the surveillance camera. If we don’t make a lot of noise, no one will find out.” Chris pulled out a condom and small tube from the glove compartment. “Hot damn, Chris. When you decide to make a statement you --” Chris kissed him, not very gently, but very completely. Adam decided to shut up. It was just as well, because Chris was shoving him into the backseat and damn near ripping his pants off. Adam’s attempt at wiggling out of his clothes only seemed to make Chris more determined. Chris pressed the button, and the seats pushed forward. He’d always loved automation. “Bend over.” Adam had never heard anything more romantic in his life. There was nothing like Chris being firm. Really, really firm. “You all right?” Chris was already halfway up his ass before Adam could even remember what he was supposed to answer. “Never…better.” Adam realized he was going to make some holes in those posh leather seats in another minute, he was clawing at them so hard. Jesus, fuck! What had Chris said about not making noise? Chris was hammering him into the leather car seats. The slide and slap of them hitting the back supports began a staccato rhythm as Adam slammed up against the seat and then pushed back, hard, onto Chris’s cock. Thank God for big back seats and luxury cars.

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Chris nailed his prostate again and Adam bit back a yell, covering his mouth with his arm. Oh merciful God, yes. That’s what he wanted. Chris needing him that badly. Heat and motion. That’s what they were. Together. Chris was snarling something incoherent and Adam knew he was grunting with each thrust, but the noise was blurring in his head as he got his sexual rush. Adam glanced down to see Chris’s hand clamped down over his, holding him tightly down. Chris doing exactly what he wanted to him. They both got off on that. No one else ever did it better. “Mine.” Adam did hear that. Chris was damn near shouting it right in his ear. Friction and the full length of Chris’s cock sliding in and out. That had always been his idea of heaven. Nothing better than Chris inside him. Part of him. Pushing him toward… “Yours.” Adam shut his eyes and let go.

***** “So, Jake.” “So, Cole.” What did it mean, that he’d called and Cole had shown up? Jake wanted to believe it meant something important, but wants and what was real didn’t always match up. “I’m here. Just like you asked. A little early even.” Cole put the wine bottle carelessly down on the counter. He sauntered over to where Jake was standing, holding a corkscrew. He leaned deep into Jake’s personal space and kissed him. The bottle opener dropped to the floor. “Don’t worry. It’s not broken.” Cole bent down. “While I’m here --”

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Jake looked down, and his mouth went dry. He hadn’t known just how much he wanted to see Cole on his knees in front of him. It took him a second to realize he’d gone absolutely still, and his lungs were burning. Apparently he wanted that mouth more than he wanted to breathe. Jake gulped in some air, backed blindly into the counter, and gripped it hard with two hands. Cole didn’t waste time. Within a half minute, Jake’s pants were down. Cole’s fingers teased while he pulled a condom on. Once it was carefully, much too carefully, fitted, Jake leaned back and watched Cole’s checks hollow out as he sucked Jake’s cock in without preliminaries. Jake’s neck whipped back with the sensation. “For someone who makes a hobby out of being with men, you’re pretty damn good.” “Pretty damn good?” Cole looked up, his blue eyes snapping. “Baby, you’re going to see me shoot up to number one cocksucker on your chart before we’re done.” He tickled Jake’s balls, lightly. Jake yelped and thrust his hips forward. Cole stopped. “Say please.” “Fuck, Cole -- all right. Please.” Damn, it was like Cole had never left. Except that this time Jake was enjoying a master cocksucking instead of a master ass-reaming. Cole was multitalented. Cole held the base of his cock in a tight fist and he alternately stroked and squeezed his balls with the other hand. And that mouth. Jake licked the sweat off his upper lip. That warm, suctioning mouth. Cole paused for a moment. “You’re hung like a bull, Jake. How come you’ve never tried putting that monster in me?” “You didn’t wait long enough for me to get around to it.” Jake tried to answer coherently.

More, damn it. More action, less talk.

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“That will have to change. Starting tonight.” Shit. Cole did have a way with words, though. Jake could feel the blood heading for his cock at the idea. Cole went back to sucking hard. Harder. God, Cole’s mouth was a place he could get used to staying in. But could he? Jake put his hand over Cole’s hand and squeezed even harder. Faster. Heat flickered and then boiled through his body. Cole’s head bobbed and Jake gasped, “Gonna --” Cole didn’t back off. So Jake shut his eyes and let go. Mouth, cum, Cole. Hot. So hot. Perfect. God. Cole. Cole was fucking perfect. Cole gradually, ever so gradually, loosened up and slid away. Even with the last of his cum trickling out, Jake realized he missed the contact.

Cole broke the long silence. “I wish I could have swallowed.” Jake tried to laugh. “Bet you say that to all the boys.” “Never wanted to say it to anyone before.” Jake reached over and smacked Cole’s ass, hard enough to get his attention. “Cole.” “Yeah?” “I’m not sure I’m gonna say this right because my brain isn’t all back yet, but -- listen, there’s a reason I was in the Army. I’m loyal. You must’ve had that, too, right? With your squad or your clusterfuck or whatever it’s called in the fucking Navy. You stuck with them. They watched your back, and you watched theirs. That’s how I am with my friends.” “And with your lovers?”

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“I never had any. Not really. Never found one who wanted to be loyal to me back.” It was the best he could do without actually asking. “You ready to find out, Jake? Because I am. I thought about nothing else all week, waiting to see you again.” The doorbell rang before Jake could think of the right thing to say.

***** Friday and the gang was here. Jake wasn’t sure if it was the old routine or the mindmelting blowjob he’d just had, but he’d never felt more relaxed in his life. He didn’t talk. Fortunately, no one expected him to be the life of the party, even when he hosted. Cole was hustling around, putting the food on the table, and Jenni was making sure everyone had chairs. He felt like patting the countertop in front of him. It was turning out to be his favorite place in the apartment. Instead, he just draped himself over the kitchen counter and sipped his beer, watching the group in front of him. It looked like Adam squeezed Chris’s ass when Chris was arranging the cups. Chris just gave Adam a sidelong glance and a half-smile. Good job. If anyone could take the stick out of Chris’s butt, it was Adam. Adam would at least have a good time looking for that stick. “Happy, Jake?” Jenni kissed him on the ear. “You’ve got a big grin on your face.” Jake thought about it. Was that what this loose, warm feeling was? “Seems like. How about you?” “Seems like for me, too.” “So Morales is a keeper?” “I didn’t say that. I’m not counting on him to stay. It doesn’t matter. Isn’t that how you work your relationships? It’s good for now, and that’s plenty good enough. Right?”

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“That’s all right for me.” Probably. “That doesn’t make it all right for you, Jen.” “It feels all right. And, by the way, you and Cole look sweet together.” “Sweet, my ass.” “I didn’t ask about your ass, Jake.” Jenni laughed and turned to look for her new lover. There he was, right at her side, as if he’d been waiting for a sign from her. Jenni took Morales’s hand. They looked good together. Sweet, like she’d said about him. Good God. Naw. Forget sweet. She was relaxed. She was smiling. A real smile. Morales was good for her. This could work. Luis whispered to her and then turned his head. He stared directly at Jake. Damn, the man was pretty. Jake raised his beer bottle in a silent salute. If there was a little twinge, it wasn’t a bad one. He’d survive not satisfying his curiosity about Morales. Luis gave him a half-smile and didn’t look away. What the hell was Morales thinking? “Jake?” Cole spoke behind him. Luis turned back to Jenni. Jake turned his head to look at Cole. It didn’t matter what Morales was thinking. What mattered was what they all did next. He loved them all. Each one of them. That didn’t mean he had to fuck them all. Or at least it meant he was going to stick to fucking one at a time. “I’m staying tonight?” Cole took the bottle from Jake’s hand, just brushing his fingers against Jake’s. Almost like holding hands. “As long as you want.” He might stick to fucking just one for a long, long time.

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“Good.” Cole finished the last swallow of beer in one long gulp and put his hand on Jake’s shoulder. “I’ll take you up on that. Pack a bag or two. Stay the weekend, maybe.” Jake put his hand on Cole’s hip, in a not-quite embrace. “You can stick around until you get tired of me.” “You willing to wait that long before you kick me out?” Cole looked oddly tentative. “Got nothing better to do right now.” “Jake! Hey, Jake!” Adam yelled. “Jenni wants to know if you and Cole are going to be showing up next Friday with some better beer than this.” “I didn’t say that, Adam!” Jenni protested. “Sure. We can do that.” Jake didn’t stop looking at Cole. “Make sure all the food gets upscaled too, if we have to get better than this.” For once, he could read Cole. There was lust and hope and more on the man’s face. Something good. Special. Something meant just for him. Damn. All this time he’d been priding himself on his honesty, and he’d been lying his ass off to everyone. Cole was the one who had told the truth, even when it wasn’t convenient. So was he telling the truth now about what he wanted from Jake? Could Jake believe that? He heard Jenni’s voice off in the distance as he stared at Cole. “I don’t know about upscaled, but it’ll be spicy. Luis promised to cook. He only cooks spicy.” All right. Why not be direct about what he wanted? “No problem.” Jake stepped forward and, for the first time in his life, gave his lover a kiss in front of his friends.

Treva Harte Treva Harte lives near a city with many, many attorneys. Thanks to Loose Id and her writing, she is now able to be a recovering attorney and spends her time writing, editing, raising adolescents, taking care of an elderly mother, and dealing with a hyperactive husband (he says he's just very energetic.) She is also co-owner and Editor-in-Chief of the epublishing company Loose Id. She and her husband both like writing in whatever time they have left, so they often fight over -- sorry, since he is still a practicing attorney they NEGOTIATE -- keyboard time. No wonder Treva’s particular brand of sensual romance is a bit offbeat and usually mixed with fantasy.