Playing the Market

Playing the Market - 1

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental and beyond the intent of either the author or the publisher. Playing the Market SCREWDRIVER An imprint of Torquere Press Publishers PO Box 2545 Round Rock, TX 78680 Copyright 2008 © by Drew Zachary Cover illustration by L. Clements Published with permission ISBN: 978-1-60370-535-6, 1-60370-535-X www.torquerepress.com All rights reserved, which includes the right to reproduce this book or portions thereof in any form whatsoever except as provided by the U.S. Copyright Law. For information address Torquere Press. Inc., PO Box 2545, Round Rock, TX 78680. First Torquere Press Printing: November 2008 Printed in the USA

Playing the Market - 2

Chapter One There were a few things that Lyle Bridge was passionate about. His job. His clothing, and the acquiring of more. Making money, both for himself and for his clients. Working out. That was about it, really. The job took care of the making money part, and the money took care of the wardrobe. Working out and staying fit was the only thing he had to carve time out of his day for, and that wasn't really a hardship. During the week he simply went to the gym in his apartment building, usually before anyone else was up. Only twice had he had to wait to use the elliptical machine, and he'd never had to share the free weights at all. He spent an hour each morning waking up and getting his endorphin hit for the day, then went back to his apartment to shower and get ready for work. Twelve hours later, he would be home again and ready to settle in for the night. On the weekends Lyle would take his workout to the streets, jogging for an hour or so along Toronto's downtown waterfront. It got him out of the building, kept him in touch with the city, and if he really wanted to, he could kind of make his way back to the office for a few hours, if he wasn't completely gross and sweaty. This wasn't going to be one of those days. It was hot, the sun already baking down at eight in the morning. He'd run, though, making sure to keep his water bottle at the ready, and he'd take in the sights. "Oh, man, running in this heat. You're either dedicated or insane." The voice was low and smooth and the words were followed up by a friendly laugh. There were precious few trees on the waterfront, but the owner of the voice was lying halfreclined beneath one, wearing a pair of ragged cut-offs and sunglasses. A ripped belly and a decent chest with two dark little nipples topped the shorts. Lyle slowed and then stopped, taking the opportunity to drink more water as he took in this particular sight. "Dedicated," he said as he looked down at the man and grinned. "Desk job." He lifted the hem of his shirt to wipe sweat away, showing off his own abs. "Oh, man. You have my sympathies." The guy licked his lips. "At least you have a nice place to run." "It's not bad." Lyle drank again, his throat working. "I don't mind the desk. But I'll have to shower before I go back to it today, that's for sure." One eyebrow arched up over the top of the sunglasses. "It's Saturday, man. The weekend." The ground was patted. "Sit a spell."

Playing the Market - 3

Lyle had a little internal debate. He had his day all planned, and his run wasn't even half over. But. Hot guy. Really hot guy, with a tan and no shirt and shorts that looked really soft. "I work every weekend," he said as he sat down. "By choice. But I can take a bit of time, I suppose. Water?" He offered his bottle and wiped at his forehead again. "Sure. Thanks." Hot guy took the bottle and tipped his head back, throat working as he swallowed. Oh, very nice. Very nice indeed. Wiping his mouth with the back of his arm, hot guy handed the bottle back and then held out his hand. "Rupe." "Lyle." They shook and Lyle appreciated the firm grip, the rough skin that proved Rupe worked with his hands. "Not a desk job, huh?" He leaned back, stretching his legs out in front of himself. Rupe laughed and shook his head. "I'd die, man." The way he said it, it didn't sound like a euphemism, but as if Rupe really believed it. Lyle tilted his head. "How come? I mean, I know working inside an office isn't for everyone, but I love my job. Enough to work six or seven days a week, if I can manage it." "I can't imagine being cooped up inside all day. Just showing up at seven a.m. every day is hard enough." "I show up around then and they make me wait in the lobby," Lyle said with a laugh. "They make me wait until half past before they'll let me go up to my office. What do you do, if you're working outside? Something that keeps your body moving, obviously." That got him a nod in acknowledgement of the compliment. "Construction. I'm working on that new building on Young and Front Street." Rupe pointed his chin in the general direction. "What about you -- what's got you chained to a desk seven days a week?" "Stockbroker." Lyle wasn't quite able to keep the joy and pride out of his voice. He was made to make money, to watch it grow and break down and be built back up. He loved the pace of the trading floor, the trends and charts and the delicate maneuvering. "There's no chain involved, just the game." "Better you than me, man." Rupe shook his head; he might have even shuddered a little. Lyle shrugged. "Wouldn't catch me swinging a hammer. To each his own, I suppose." He took another swallow of his water and moved to stand up. "Enjoy the sun." "Oh, I will." Rupe pulled his sunglasses down his nose and gave Lyle a slow up and down over the top of them. "I don't suppose you want to go get something to eat?" Tilting his head again, gaze fixed on Rupe's bare belly, Lyle found himself nodding. "Define 'eat'." If the man hated office jobs, he might hate decent food like eggs and cheese, too. "What?"

Playing the Market - 4

"You asked if I wanted to eat. I'm asking what you had in mind." "Um... food?" Rupe stood, stretched up to about six-three, forehead crinkled. "You know, like at a diner or something?" Lyle looked up, a little surprised. At six feet even, he didn't often have to look up. "So, eggs and cheese and coffee and real food like that? I was a little worried that you'd be all about whole wheat and complex grains." Rupe laughed, the sound sweet. "I've got nothing against whole wheat and complex grains, but I prefer bacon and eggs with hash browns for breakfast." His shoulders flexed as he bent his arms and tugged his T-shirt on, the cotton fitting snuggly as it covered up the tan. "I know just the spot." Lyle started walking. "Might be busy, though. Or we might beat the rush. The heat will keep some people in, I expect." Man, if he was going to eat a full breakfast, he'd better plan some gym time into his day to make up for only doing half his run. Rupe strolled along next to him, long legs eating up the path. The man had long brown hair pulled back into a tail at the nape of his neck; the tail slid down his back as Rupe tilted his face up to the sun. "It's a beautiful day, man." "It is." Lyle suddenly wished he wasn't dressed for running, or that he'd at least showered before going out, though it made sense to wait until after running to shower. Really, how often did a person have to be pretty to run? He didn't particularly make a habit of picking guys up first thing in the morning, and now he could feel his T-shirt starting to stick to his back. Very attractive. "What were you planning to do with the day, aside from sitting under trees and watching dedicated joggers?" "Go find a beach and swim. Or see if I can find someone with a boat to take me out." Rupe laughed. "Definitely nothing that resembles going in to work." Lyle rolled his eyes and didn't bother trying to explain that working wasn't any particular hardship for him, let alone that it was his number one choice. "Do you sail?" "Nope. But it looks like it would be wonderful." "What makes you think so? I mean, if you've never done it?" Lyle thought about boats and all that came to mind was complicated rigging, sinking, and having to swim for shore. "Well, for a start, the boats are beautiful. And the way the wind fills the sails? I'd love to feel that in my face, feel the movement of the boat under my feet. It looks like great fun." Rupe grinned. "Have you ever sailed?" "Nope." Lyle shook his head emphatically. "Strictly a dry land kind of man." Though he kind of thought he wouldn't mind seeing the wind in Rupe's face, maybe tossing his hair around. Lyle's

Playing the Market - 5

hair was far too short for that sort of thing. "This way, a couple of blocks," he said, leading Rupe off the path and onto the sidewalk. "What do you do for fun?" Rupe asked as they crossed Front Street.

"Work. Work out." Lyle shrugged. "I wasn't kidding, I love my job. It's exciting and dynamic

and I spend all day thinking. It's fantastic."

"So you're one of those workaholics." Rupe smiled, looking at him a little like he was a display

in a museum. Man Modernas: Workaholicatus.

"Nah." Lyle grinned. "Maybe. Yeah, okay, I am. And you're one of those free spirits I keep

hearing about." He looked right back, giving Rupe a slow once over.

"Free as a bird, man."

"Birds are kind of pretty." Lyle almost bit his tongue, but he was too late, the words already out

there.

Rupe gave him a look and then laughed. "You calling me pretty, man?"

"I guess I am, yeah." There wasn't much point in denying the obvious.

"I don't think anyone ever has before. It's the crooked nose. Oh, is this the place?" Rupe asked as

they stopped in front of a small diner tucked between a couple of stores.

"Uh-huh. Best breakfast in an eighteen-block radius. And I like your nose -- it's got character."

Lyle looked slightly up into Rupe's face. "I like it a lot. And your abs." In for a dime, in for a

dollar. It got him a beaming smile, so he figured it was a dollar well-spent.

Rupe's sunglasses came off as they went in and that nose was put to work, Rupe groaning a little

at the smell of the greasy spoon.

"Told you. Best breakfast around." Lyle grinned and headed right to a booth by the back wall.

"And the coffee is rich. I'm going to have to double my run tomorrow."

Rupe sprawled in the seat across from him, long legs bracketing his. "I can think of more fun

ways of burning off a few calories..."

That sounded promising. "I hope we're not talking about sailing?"

The man laughed, warm brown eyes shining. "No, something far more strictly dry land."

Lyle grinned and settled back, reaching to turn his coffee mug over so it could be filled.

"Excellent. Though dry is optional -- I need a shower."

Playing the Market - 6

"I like showers." Rupe turned his cup over, too, smiling as a frazzled looking waitress with a coffee pot came over and tossed them menus. "Coffee?" she asked, already pouring, and putting little creamers from her pocket onto the table. "Yes, thanks. And I'll have a three egg omelet, mushrooms and spinach, heavy on the cheddar. No toast, just a side of bacon." Lyle felt his stomach grumble. "And then a very long workout." "I'll need a couple more creams, please, honey." Rupe took the menu and glanced through it. "And I'll have... um... oh, the scrambled eggs with sausage and bacon and hash browns. White bread toast and cheese on the scrambled, please." Lyle beamed as the waitress nodded and took off, stopping to fill someone's coffee as she headed to the kitchen, already yelling the order out. "See, that's what I'm talking about. That's food at its very best, just to be enjoyed. Construction must keep you more active than I thought, or you don't eat like this very often." Rupe started putting creams in his coffee. Five of them. "Oh, I work hard and I eat hard. I have a high metabolism, too -- I'm always hungry and I don't ever need to work out." "But... don't you... You know. Like it?" Lyle added cream to his own coffee -- only two -- and then sugar. "I'm totally not one to deny myself, but working out is good. It feels great." "Yeah?" Rupe shrugged. "I like playing sports. Swimming, that kind of thing. I don't know that I've ever actually 'worked out'." "There isn't a pool in my building or I'd do that. I enjoy swimming." Lyle sipped his coffee. "I don't like team sports, and if I'm going to do something just for me I might as well do it where it's convenient, you know? I like the feeling of working my muscles; need it to wake up in the morning. I use the machines, lift some weights, think." "Yeah? What do you think about?" Rupe had his arms out along the back of the booth, looking like a big, lazy cat. Lyle rolled his eyes at himself and admired Rupe's arms. They looked nice and strong. "Work," he admitted. "What's changed since the night before, what it means, how whatever's on the news will affect the market." "You really are committed." Rupe gave him a lazy grin and reached for his coffee, taking a few mouthfuls. "And you suspect I should be committed." Lyle grinned to show he was teasing and watched him swallow his coffee. "So, construction isn't like that, I assume? It doesn't drive you?" "Hell, no. I work May through September and then I'm good until the following spring."

Playing the Market - 7

Lyle almost dropped his coffee mug. "What do you mean? You can live without it until then, or you find something else?" He was pretty sure that kind of instability, the lack of structure, would drive him crazy. "I make enough money during the summer to carry me through to the next summer. It's great. I get on my hog and just go, you know?" "Hog." It took Lyle a moment to realize what Rupe meant. "You have a bike? Cool! Where do you go?" "Wherever the mood takes me, man. I winter most often in B.C. Camping and shit. But I've been right across the country, up north, too." "That sounds... really free." Lyle shook his head ruefully. "Guess you kind of take 'free' to a whole new level. Where do you store your stuff while you're riding the open road?" "I've got saddlebags on the bike, man." Their food arrived and Rupe offered a smile for the waitress. The man had a great smile. "Thanks, honey, this looks great." Lyle was back to staring, but not at his plate. "But your things," he spluttered. "Your clothes, your books, your music and stuff. Your furniture." Rupe chuckled. "I haven't got any furniture, honey. I do have library cards though, and an iPod." The waitress filled up his coffee mug and only stayed long enough for Lyle to nod his thanks. "Wow," he said to Rupe, not sure what else to say. "I don't think I could fit even just my clothes into my car." "I don't need much." Rupe shrugged. Lyle dug into his eggs. "I suspect I'm a little more... high needs than you are. I need a few things. Like a bed, preferably really big and made of heavy wood. And somewhere to house it." "I don't have anything against beds. Especially big ones." Rupe gave him a slow look and then put some ketchup on his plate and dug in. "Mine's huge. Well, really big. I'm sure there are custom ones out there that are bigger, but it's pretty big. Want to see it?" Lyle looked at his plate as he waited for an answer, not sure why exactly he was pushing to get a guy who was clearly nothing at all like himself. Maybe it was that opposites attracting thing. Or maybe it was just that he wanted another look at Rupe's tan and abs. "I do -- I mean you've talked it up now and I have to have a look." He could hear the smile in Rupe's voice. "I can talk up a lot of things." Lyle ate with renewed energy. "I have a really great shower, too. It's got hot water and everything."

Playing the Market - 8

"I bet no one knocks on the door and yells at you to hurry up just as you're getting your happy on either." "Nope. If that happened I'd wonder if I had company I'd forgotten about." Man, that would suck so much, sharing a bathroom with someone who didn't want to just climb right in. "You got roommates or something?" "Live in a boarding house. Lots of guys, two bathrooms. We get good meals, though, and it's cheap." The eggs on Rupe's plate had disappeared, as had the sausages, half the bacon and most of the hash browns. The man really could pack it away. Lyle stopped talking and ate, if only so they'd finish up at about the same time. The omelet was the best thing he'd had in ages; he hoped Rupe would top that list in short order. "I only have the one bathroom," he said as he set down his fork, his plate empty. "But there's never a fight to get in there first. And there's definitely no one knocking to get in, so the only time limit is when the hot water runs out." "Why do I have the feeling it pretty much never does?" Rupe grinned and spread honey on his toast, licking his fingers after, pink tongue teasing the tanned skin. "Because I look like the kind of guy who likes really, really long showers?" Lyle watched Rupe lick his fingers, then shifted on his seat, his cock waking up. "Because you seem like the kind of guy who pays so that he doesn't run out, no matter how long his showers are." Rupe caught him looking and grinned. His index finger was pulled right into his mouth, Rupe's cheeks hollowing as he sucked. "Or that." Lyle spoke weakly, the words said without a lot of thought because all of his attention was taken up with watching Rupe go down on his finger. "Are you almost done eating?" That finger slowly slid out of Rupe's mouth, and he was given a wide smile. "I could be." "Oh, good." Lyle raised his hand to the waitress who indicated she’d seen him and grabbed her pad from her apron pocket as she came over. "Are you almost ready to leave, then?" he asked, still looking at Rupe's mouth. "Have you got to get going, honey?" Lyle blinked. "I thought maybe I could give you a tour of --" He glanced up at the waitress and blinked again. "Where I live," he finished, the words as lame as how he now felt. He tried to cover his sudden flush by unzippering the small pocket on his jogging shorts and getting out his emergency cash, careful not to drop his two keys. It would really suck not to be able to get into his place. "Oh." Rupe grinned suddenly and nodded. "I'd like that. And yeah, I'm done."

Playing the Market - 9

"You confuse me," Lyle told him, paying for breakfast. "But it might be in a good way." Rupe pulled out his wallet. "Want me to leave the tip?" The man didn't say anything about his being confused. "Sure, that works." Lyle stood up and swallowed the last of his coffee. He didn't care who left the tip, he just wanted to get out of there and hopefully into a shower. He wasn't really one to just grab random men off the street, but if he squinted he could pretty much convince himself that Rupe had picked him up, instead of the other way around. Rupe left a bill on the table and followed him out, sunglasses slipping back on his nose. "You live around here?" "Sort of. I took the bus to the park. We can either walk about ten blocks, or we can grab a cab. Personally, I vote for the cab. It's a lot faster." "Usually I'd say there was nothing wrong with walking, but I've got to admit I'm pretty anxious to see this apartment of yours." A quick glance confirmed that yeah, the man was awfully anxious. Well-hung, too. "I'm pretty sure we can figure out some other kind of way to work off breakfast. As I think you said earlier." Lyle stepped to the street and flagged down a cab as quickly as he could. He kept thinking about the way Rupe had licked honey from his fingers and there wasn't any doubt that he was anxious, too. "I've got lots of ideas about that." Rupe gave him a hot look as he sprawled out in the back of the cab, long legs taking up a lot of room. "Yeah? Me, too." Oh, he so did. Ideas like showers and licking and sucking and then a lot of rolling around on his bed. "God, you're long." Lyle sat back and let his legs splay, one thigh pressed tight against one of Rupe's. Rupe grinned. "Yep. Long everywhere." Lyle checked. "That's no lie." He grinned and checked again. "Lucky for me." Rupe’s cock seemed to like the attention, the long bulge in those cut off jeans jerking at his look. Rupe's long-fingered hand landed on his thigh, squeezing nice and firm. "Just a couple more blocks." Lyle's voice felt like it had dropped right into his belly and he looked out the window to see where they were. Thank God for low weekend traffic. He looked back at Rupe's lap and rested his own hand on a strong thigh, tanned from the sun and toned from work.

Playing the Market - 10

The muscles under his hand flexed and Rupe squeezed his thigh again. "Good. Good." "It will be," Lyle promised. He slid his hand a little higher, pushing firmly. "Almost there." "You sure as heck are." Rupe laughed, the sound happy, sexy. Lyle glanced forward to make sure the cabbie wasn't actively scoping them out, then he cupped Rupe's balls for a moment. "Here? Oh, here!" The cab slowed to a stop in front of his building and Lyle let go, his grin turning into a smirk as he reached once more for his cash. Rupe's laughter followed him out of the cab, the man not seeming put out in the least that he'd stolen a grope. Lyle led him into the building and right to the open elevator that was standing ready. "This is my elevator," he said expansively, going into full tour guide mode. "And this is my button." He pushed the button for the fifteenth floor and the doors slid closed. Rupe stepped up close to him and nodded over to the panel on the side of the elevator. "That's your button? You sure?" One big hand closed over his package. "I thought this was your button." "That's the best button I've got. Feel free to push it all you want." Suddenly breathless, Lyle arched his back a bit, leaning onto the wall. "Really." "You got it." Rupe stepped up closer, crowding him as that hand squeezed and kneaded him through his thin workout shorts. "Oh, shit." Lyle gasped, blood rushing and pooling. He'd known he was hard and that he wanted, but damn. There was hard and then there was really, really hard. He grabbed a hold of Rupe's wrist. "Don't make me come in the elevator." "I'm just touching, honey..." Rupe's hand stilled, though, cupping him tightly, but not moving. Head bending, Rupe pressed their mouths together, lips soft, warm, with a hint of honey lingering on them. "Touch." Lyle licked delicately, looking for more honey, and couldn't come up with anything resembling a good reason not to let Rupe touch all he wanted. The hand on Rupe's wrist let go and slid up his arm, right to his broad shoulders, and Lyle's hips started to move. The elevator came to a smooth stop, making a soft noise as it stopped and the doors opened. "Still don't want to come in the elevator?" Rupe asked, those brown eyes dark and liquid with want. "Huh?" Lyle tangled his hand in Rupe's ponytail and tugged him back down for another kiss, not caring at all where they were.

Playing the Market - 11

That big hand started moving, going back to kneading, working his prick as their lips played and pressed together. Lyle groaned and pushed back, mouth clinging and cock throbbing. Rupe's hair was soft, his hand big and strong, and if he rubbed right there for a moment longer Lyle would be needing a shower in an even worse way. His leg started to shake and his kiss grew sloppy. "Oh, yeah," he moaned into Rupe's mouth. "Almost." Rupe's hand disappeared, but before he could protest, it pushed down his shorts, grabbing his cock and jacking him. Thank fuck for the wall holding him up. Lyle's head fell back and he closed his eyes tight, going up on his toes. "Yes, yes, yes," he chanted through gritted teeth. "Fuck, yes!" Every muscle tight, he still almost fell over as he let go, cream spilling over Rupe's fist in hot spurts. "Oh, don't you look pretty when you come." Rupe licked the side of his mouth. "Do I?" He had no idea. He had no ideas at all right then, other than collecting more kisses. A little trembly and a lot happy, Lyle held on and tried to catch his breath. "Thanks." The elevator doors closed and the elevator started heading down again. "Oops." Rupe grinned, slowly letting go of his cock and wiping that big hand on the hem of his T-shirt. Lyle stared at the numbers as they went down and blinked rapidly. "Oh, God. This place stinks of sex!" He made sure he was put away and felt his face heat up, fast. "Oops." It didn't seem to be affecting his grin, though. "You friendly with your neighbors?" Rupe asked as the elevator continued inexorably toward the lobby despite a push or two to the button for the fifteenth floor. "About to be a lot friendlier, I guess. I hope they're only going up a couple of floors. I don't actually know any of them, aside from Mrs. Ball on sixteen. Everyone knows Mrs. Ball." Mrs. Ball was about a hundred and twenty years old but thought of herself as a young and hip party girl. When she was awake, anyway. Rupe let his hands drape casually around his prick, which was still visibly trying to beat its way out of the man's cut-offs. "Lemme... help with that." Lyle edged Rupe into the corner and stood in front of him as the doors slid open. The man didn't have to show it all off, even if the elevator did stink of sex. "Oh, hello, Mrs. Ball. Out to get the Saturday paper?" Mrs. Ball stepped slowly into the elevator and peered at him. "Young man, I am on my way home from Friday night dancing."

Playing the Market - 12

"Of course." Lyle smiled at her and leaned back, trying to catch Rupe out of the corner of his

eye.

"That must have been a good party -- I haven't been to an all night rave in an age." He could hear

that wide smile in Rupert's voice, even if he couldn't see it.

Mrs. Ball peered around Lyle and looked at Rupe. "You missed a fine party. There were many gentlemen waiting their turn." She pushed the button for sixteen and looked back at Lyle. "It smells odd in here." Lyle smiled and nodded. "We were just saying that."

Rupe coughed. Hard.

Mrs. Ball looked up, clearly alarmed. "Are you okay? You don't have a cold, do you? Maybe the

smell is getting to you?"

Lyle bit his lip and pushed fifteen again, praying the elevator would hurry up.

"I do think the smell is getting to me, ma'am." Oh yeah, Lyle could tell it was, despite the old

lady's presence, Rupe was still hard as a hammer against his ass.

Lyle couldn't help it. He rubbed a tiny bit, shifted his weight and pushed back. "Almost there."

Mrs. Ball sniffed again. "It's odd, I think I might have smelled it before."

"Sweet Jesus, is this the slowest elevator in history or what?" asked Rupe, voice strained.

"Just a couple more floors." Lyle ignored Mrs. Ball, who was still sniffing the air and looking

thoughtful, and reached for his pocket to get his key out. "Oh, sorry," he said with great insincerity, his hand rubbing along the side of Rupe's cock as he fought with the zipper and the key. The sound Rupe made was strained. Luckily, the elevator had arrived at the fifteenth floor, so neither of them had to explain themselves. "Nice to meet you," Rupe told Mrs. Ball, nearly shoving Lyle off the elevator.

"Bye, Mrs. Ball!" Lyle pointed and almost ran down the hall to the third door on the right. "Here,

here." Key out, he jammed it into the lock, his fingers almost shaking.

Rupe's hand covered his, stilling his tremors, helping him turn the key in the lock. The move had

the added benefit of bringing that big body up close against his back.

"Oh, man." Lyle pushed back again. "Inside. Come on." The lock finally gave and the door

swung open. "Do you want a tour now or later?"

Playing the Market - 13

"Later. Much later." Rupe pushed him up against the back of the door, hips grinding against him as their mouths pressed together. "Good." Lyle opened his mouth wide and let Rupe in, wanting to taste. He reached for Rupe's hips and held on, guiding his thrusts and keeping him close as they kissed. He was sticky in his shorts, but it didn't seem to matter; Rupe was enough to get him going again, for sure. Rupe's tongue swept into his mouth, licking and exploring. His hips were all business, though, that hard prick pushing against him over and over. Lyle stopped the kiss long enough to say, "I won't break," and then he went back to the sharp, biting kisses. With one hand he grabbed for Rupe's ass, hard like stone, and with the other he started working to get at the man's cock. Harder than stone, it felt like. Rupe thrust harder, one hand tugging his shorts down. The waistband caught on his cock, but Rupe kept pulling and finally it broke free, slapping up against his belly. Long. Oh man, way long. Lyle reached and petted and stroked and finally wrapped his hand around and started pumping, his strokes long and fast and tight. "Fuck! Yes!" Rupe rocked, pushing the long, hard flesh through the tunnel of his hand, tongue fucking his mouth in time. Sucking hard on Rupe's tongue when he could, Lyle jacked him from root to tip and pressed into the slit, gathering up slickness to spread around. The sound Rupe made was muffled by Lyle's own mouth and then heat splashed over his hand, Rupe's prick pulsing. Lyle stroked him through it, getting as many twitches and throbs as he could before Rupe started to soften a bit. "That's it," he said, breathing hard himself. "Just like that." "Yeah, that was it all right." Rupe grinned at him. "That Mrs. Ball of yours was going to give me fits." "She's a hoot. You should see her when she's had something to drink and decides it's New Year's Eve." Lyle kissed him again and grinned widely. "Can I interest you in a shower?" "You can indeed." Rupe gave him a grin, and another kiss. "I want to see what hot and wet do to you."

Playing the Market - 14

Chapter Two Rupe followed Lyle to his bathroom, not really paying attention to the decor. He was more interested in the toned and tight ass in snug workout shorts he was following. He looked forward to checking out all those promised muscles. The bathroom was large and modern. Very male, very high class. It had a nice big shower, though, all glassed in black tile with gold chrome. As soon as they got to the bathroom he tugged off his T-shirt and pushed down his cut-offs; he didn't see any reason to be shy. "Told you it was big," Lyle said, not looking at the shower. No, his gaze was roaming all over Rupe, top to bottom. The workout clothes were coming off fast, too, landing in the corner by the door. Rupe chuckled, as he definitely fit the adage of "big feet, big hands, big nose, big dick." He was starting to fill again, too, because Lyle was indeed very nicely maintained. The man had wonderfully cut abs and great definition -- all over. Rupe reached out, fingers drawn to the dark little nipples that stood out in Lyle's otherwise fairly pale skin. "Oh, nice." Lyle's breath made a sharp hissing sound as he inhaled. He urged Rupe toward the shower, but didn't try to evade the fingers, not one little bit. In fact, he moved into them, reaching for Rupe's skin; shoulders, belly, hips. "Sensitive?" Rupe asked, twisting the right nipple a little. Some guys were, some weren't. It was fun when they were -- made them little happy buttons. Lyle gasped. "Can be. And you?" But he didn't reach for Rupe's nipples. His hand wrapped around Rupe's cock instead, pulling him slowly. He groaned, leaning against the dark tile and gasping at the cold. "That is. Nipples a bit." "I'll keep it in mind." Lyle reached over with his free hand and turned on the water, the cold spray warming up quickly. "It'll get hot in a minute." He dipped his head and licked over Rupe's left nipple, his hand neither slowing nor speeding up. He put his hand behind Lyle's head, keeping that mouth right there, and let his eyes close. It had been a while since he was able to indulge in more than quickies, and he was going to enjoy every second of this. Lyle's tongue scrubbed over his nipple for a moment, then teeth. Just as Lyle started to suck in earnest, the pull going right to Rupe's balls, the water kicked in nice and hot and the hand on his cock tightened and sped up.

Playing the Market - 15

His hands dug into Lyle's shoulders, and he let the sensations wash over him, enjoying every bit of it. He could do this all fucking day, yes he could. With his free hand Lyle directed water over each of them, rinsing off, his teeth and lips still tugging sweetly. Rupe could hear him making soft sounds and he could feel Lyle's cock, hard and hot again, rubbing against one thigh. Finally, he started touching Lyle back, hands sliding down along the slick back, finding the top of Lyle's crack and teasing it. Lyle lifted his head and groaned, pushing closer. "God," he said roughly, his hips grinding on Rupe's thigh. "Best morning run in ages." His hands moved over Rupe's chest, petting and squeezing. "I love construction." Rupe laughed, hands sliding down to cup Lyle's ass and pull him in tighter. "Yeah? Construction likes you, I think." "Good to know." Lyle's mouth latched onto the skin just under Rupe's collarbone and sucked hard for a moment before Lyle looked back up at him. "How do you like it?" "Any way I can get it, man." Didn't really matter as long as everyone got off. "Awesome." Lyle grinned at him, a huge, happy as a dog with a bone grin, and started mouthing his way south. "Want a taste." "Oh, yes, please." Yeah. He took what he could get, but a blowjob was always a good time. He spread his legs a little, still leaning back against the tile. His cock jerked and bobbed, trying to get Lyle's attention -- he had a bone for Lyle, all right. Water hit his chest and streamed down, following Lyle's mouth. Over his belly, down to his balls and then down his thighs. Lyle's hands petted him, but his mouth... that went right to work, licking and nibbling right up his cock. Eyes closing again, he curled his fingers around the man's shoulders, holding on and making all sorts of happy noises. Lyle licked him, nuzzled his balls and licked his cock, and sucked on the head until Rupe went up on his toes. Then, Lyle took a long, sucking pull and went back for more, his head bobbing and swaying as he worked his mouth down. "Christ. Lyle. Uh-huh." He was a little incoherent. Maybe a lot incoherent. Shit, that felt good. A hand cruised up the inside of his thigh to his balls, squeezing gently as the suction increased. Lyle's legs splayed wide, his own cock standing away from his body in a hard arch, the tip ruddy. When Lyle was done with him, Rupe was going to do some sucking and exploring of his own. The man's tight body was worth checking out, and he wanted to get up close and more personal with Lyle’s hard prick.

Playing the Market - 16

With a happy hum, Lyle added a lick to each suck, pressing all along the underside of Rupe's cock and dipping into the slit before taking him in again. Dark eyes looked up at him through the shower spray, all bright and shiny. He wanted to tell Lyle it felt so good, wanted to warn the man that if he kept that up, he'd be coming down Lyle's throat. All that came out were more noises, his brains obviously already sucked out his dick by Lyle's mouth. Lyle growled, looking at him. Then he winked and a finger delved behind Rupe's balls, stroking around his hole. The water didn't make everything slippery and slick, but it did make for a very interesting sensation as Lyle played with him and teased at his ass. He muttered "gah", his hips starting to jerk, pushing him deeper into Lyle's mouth. The finger pushed in. Not far, maybe only to the first knuckle or just past, but far enough that Lyle could get him rocking between mouth and hand, taking him nice and deep, pretty mouth stretched wide. Rupe could feel Lyle's groans and moans, each one vibrating along his prick. He held on to Lyle's head, hips sawing back and forth faster and faster as the pleasure shot through him. With a shout, he came, hips pumping as his spunk poured down Lyle's throat. Lyle took it, still looking up at him as his throat worked and his tongue slid along Rupe's cock as if to make sure he'd gotten it all. When Lyle let him go it was with a soft popping sound, a gasp, and a heaving chest as he leaned back and pretty much sat on the shower floor. "God, oh, God," he chanted, his hand going right to his own cock and squeezing hard. If he hadn't had the shower wall to hold him up, Rupe would have been on his ass right next to Lyle. He waved toward where Lyle's hand worked his prick. "Gimme a minute and I can help with that." When everything stopped being so boneless and mushy. "Promise?" Lyle looked up at him, his whole body straining as he let go of himself. "Not sure I have a whole minute. Hang on." He closed his eyes and looked like he was concentrating, his chest still rising and falling rapidly. "You could fuck me," Rupe suggested, his cock jerking weakly at the thought. It had been a long time since he'd done it with a real person, though he did have a dildo in his backpack, thinner than Lyle and an improbable pink. Lyle's eyes flew open. "In the shower?" Rupe shrugged. "Or in bed -- whatever you want." He'd gotten off -- he was feeling mellow, and now he just wanted to get fucked, to feel Lyle's hot dick inside him. With surprising agility Lyle scrambled up and shut off the water. "Lube and condoms are in my room," he said, reaching for towels. "Plus, I can show off the really big bed that I couldn't fit in the saddle bags of a motorcycle."

Playing the Market - 17

Laughing, Rupe dried himself off, admiring Lyle's hard body and harder cock. It felt good, having come twice, knowing they were going to fuck, but not feeling like he had to do it now, fast, quick. He imagined Lyle might feel a bit of that urgency, but if he was lucky the man might let him explore, play a little. Lyle rubbed himself with a towel, not doing a very thorough job, and headed out of the bathroom. Rupe followed him down a short hall, past a couple of closed doors, and into the bedroom. "Ta da!" Lyle threw himself onto the bed, a king-sized mattress covered in a pale green comforter. "Big bed. Four poster. As advertised." "Nice. You ever tie anyone up?" He could see Lyle tied to the posters, all spread out. It made a very pretty picture. "Once or twice." Lyle rolled over and crawled toward a nightstand, his cheeks pink. "Nice view," Rupe muttered, kneeling at the end of the bed. Lyle wiggled his butt and pulled open the drawer, flinging rubbers and lube onto the pillow. "Thanks. Now, let me see yours." When he flipped himself over his cock bobbed and swayed, then stood firmly at attention. "How do you want me?" Rupe asked. "Naked, on your back, heels in the air." Lyle grinned again. "Or you know. However you want it." He was already tearing a condom wrapper open. Rupe lay on his back. "Two out of three so far. I might make you work a little for three." He winked. "Lucky for you, I happen to love working." Lyle kissed him hard, fumbling to get the rubber on as he crawled over Rupe to get between his legs. "Now, let me see. Slick stuff goes here..." He laughed as he spread lube on his fingers. "And then here," he added, sliding two wet fingers into Rupe. "Yes!" Oh, yes. He spread, bending his knees to give Lyle plenty of room, and rode those two fingers. "And that's almost three." Lyle beamed at him and twisted the fingers in his ass, crooking them like Lyle knew exactly what he was doing. "Want more?" He moved with Lyle's fingers, wanting Lyle to find what he was searching for. "Yes. More." The pressure increased a bit, his hole stretching, and Lyle's laughter turned dark and rich. "That's it, nice and slick," Lyle murmured just as he found the right spot.

Playing the Market - 18

"Fuck!" Rupe bucked up hard and then pushed down just as hard, wanting Lyle's fingers to hit that spot again. "Yep, as soon as I can." Lyle stroked into him again, his fingers pressing and rubbing. "Jesus, you're tight. You're going to feel amazing around me." "Gonna be good for both of us." Rupe cried out as Lyle's fingers pegged him, the pleasure spreading out from his ass, making his whole body tingle and his spent cock perk right up like he hadn't already come twice. "That's the goal. Maximize productivity." Lyle bent low and kissed Rupe's belly, and then the tip of his cock. "Hang on, I might need another hand." He fumbled one-handed with the lube, still fingering Rupe happily with the other. "Slick me up, man." Rupe grabbed the tube and got one hand wet, wrapping his hand around Lyle's covered cock. It was hot and hard and he could hardly wait to have it inside him. "Easy!" Lyle yelped and froze, his cock twitching in Rupe's hand. "Be gentle," he cautioned, stabbing into Rupe again with a laugh. "Want you wanting it real bad, okay?" He loosened his grip on Lyle's prick, barely stroking. "I want it. I'm not going to pop if you touch my cock, not like you, but I want it." "Yeah, well. Let's see if I can get you there." Lyle bent once more and started sucking at Rupe's dick again, his fingers spreading his hole and fucking him open. It had to be awkward, bent like that so Rupe could still touch him, but Lyle didn't seem to mind, his mouth and hands busy, his legs now swung around beside Rupe. They were totally messing up the neat bedcovers. That was the best thing about sex, really. It was messy and spontaneous and you curled yourself into impossible positions, all just to get what you wanted. Okay, so not the best part, but it was a good part. Rupe laughed, amused as all get out, enjoying the sucking and the finger fucking. Shit, life was good. Lyle laughed too, his mouth full of cock and that felt funny in a good kind of way. He came off with a slurp and licked at Rupe's belly, his hand still going, his fingers still magic. "Hey, can I ask you something?" he said, looking at Rupe's cock. "Uh-huh." Kind of a weird time for twenty questions, but whatever floated the man's boat. Rupe wasn't judgmental. "You're not like an insane stalker killer, right? Because it would really suck if the first time I picked up some random hot guy he turned out to be a murderer." Lyle's tongue darted out and started lapping at the sweet spot under the crown of Rupe's prick.

Playing the Market - 19

It wasn't easy to laugh and gasp and moan all at the same time, but he managed somehow. He finally managed to gasp out a couple of words. "No. Not." "Oh, good." Lyle sound very relieved and pleased, which was even funnier. "Going to fuck you now, if that's all right?" He sucked a little harder for a moment, his tongue rubbing that same hot spot and his fingers going deep. Rupe jerked and cried out, focus shooting immediately back to his cock and ass, to the hard prick in his hand. "Yeah. Please. Let's do it." Lyle moved, and moved fast. Rupe barely had time to lie back and readjust his legs before Lyle was between them, his fingers slipping out and the blunt head of Lyle's cock nudging at Rupe's hole. "Heels in the air," Lyle said with a groan, pushing Rupe's knees back and slamming in. "Oh, fuck. Don't move." "Just do it, man." Nothing compared to a real cock inside. "You asked for it." Lyle's eyes were closed tight and he had one hand braced on Rupe's leg, the other planted firmly on the bed. "Let's go." He started moving, fucking hard and fast, the strokes deep and rapid like the man was trying to get off as best he could. Like he knew what would get him there and he was going to take it. Rupe got one leg hooked around Lyle's shoulder and tugged him in even closer. Aside from that he rode it, enjoying every fucking second. "Shit, yes. Yes." Lyle was in his own zone, apparently, fucking with intent. It was only moments before his movements got jerky and lost their steady pattern. "Feel so good." Lyle's eyes opened and he looked down at Rupe, his pupils dilated. "Can you do it again?" he asked, panting as he shifted positions so he could stroke Rupe's cock. "Shit, yes." With Lyle touching his cock and nailing his gland? Fuck, yes. He bit his lower lip, riding hard, feeling his climax building. "Gotta..." Lyle grunted and slammed into him again, suddenly picking up the pace. His hand was tight and slippery, jacking Rupe hard. "Oh, fuck, now!" He plunged deep and stayed there, his cock throbbing deep inside Rupe's ass and his eyes tightly closed again. Rupe wrapped his own hand around Lyle's, jacking himself a bit more, and then he was coming too, ass squeezing Lyle tight. "God, yes." Lyle's voice was hoarse and rough, his breath coming in gasps as his body trembled and shook. "That's it, like that." He got his hand wet with Rupe's come and smeared it a little when his body finally relaxed into a loose sprawl, right on top of Rupe. "Man. Yeah." Rupe petted Lyle's back and hoped the man didn't mind if he crashed for a bit -- but three orgasms in a row and he couldn't move. "Good," he said, his petting slowing.

Playing the Market - 20

"Mmhmm. Best Saturday morning in ages." Lyle didn't sound too awake, either. "Gonna work with a smile on my face, later." "I'm gonna sleep with a smile on my face." There. If the man wanted him out, he could just say so. Lyle’s head wedged into Rupert's neck. "Sleep first. Work later. Always with the smile." There was a short pause and Lyle added, "Right after I clean up. Ew." He rolled away and reached for tissues. Rupe laughed, feeling himself start to sink into the really comfortable mattress. He liked his life and wouldn't want to change it, but there was something to be said for being able to fuck in the shower, and for having a huge, amazingly comfortable bed. Lyle came back in a moment, apparently clean enough to sleep, and curled into his side. "Hey," he said softly. "That was fun. Don't let me sleep too long, okay? Wake me up when you're done napping." Rupe blinked. "Um... I might nap awhile." "Okay." Lyle didn't sound bothered. "There's food in the fridge if you get hungry." "Cool." He tugged Lyle in a little closer and closed his eyes again. Very cool. *** Rupe woke slowly, enjoying the way the mattress under him was soft and the air was cool on his skin. He had that well-fucked-feeling-good-all-the-way-to-his-toes sensation going on. He blinked his eyes open to see that he was on a big bed in a big bedroom, everything solid and masculine and ritzy. Right. Lyle. He turned over and chuckled. He was alone. The guy was up -- probably working or getting ready for work. Man. He just didn't get that. He stretched, arms up over his head, toes curled, then lay there, blinking slowly as he woke up completely. A glance at the clock said it was just after two p.m. He'd love to find Lyle and maybe go down and walk by the water, or play chess on the balcony or something. Fuck again and have supper. He was easy. Rupe chuckled as he climbed out of bed, his ass a bit tender. Yeah, he was easy all right.

Playing the Market - 21

He'd left his clothes in the bathroom, so he padded out into the hall in his altogether. One of the doorways they'd passed going from the bathroom to the bedroom was now open, so he glanced in. Lyle was there, wearing dress slacks of some kind and looking intently at shirts. A lot of shirts. Like, a rack of shirts. There was another rack that only had what looked like suit jackets on it. The man had a room full of clothes. It looked like a store in there. Rupe knocked softly on the open door and went in, looking around in amazement. He'd never seen so many clothes in one place outside of a mall. He had to look like the worst sort of rube, standing there with his mouth hanging open in amazement. "Oh, hey!" Lyle looked delighted to see him and came right over with the shirt he'd apparently picked out held in one hand, his chest still bare. "Sleep well?" "Yeah, man -- you've got a great mattress." He opened his arms and stepped forward slowly, giving Lyle plenty of time to duck the hug if he wanted. But Lyle didn't duck it, he kind of flowed into it, his face upturned for a kiss. "Glad you liked it. Hungry? I just have to sort out a couple of things in here and we can go hunt up food in the kitchen." "That'd be great." He bent and took Lyle's lips in a nice kiss. Not quick, not hard, just nice and long, a little bit lazy -- kind of how he felt -- good and easy. Lyle kissed him back, the hand holding the shirt going around to Rupe's back. "I think I have sandwich stuff," he said between kisses. "Maybe some leftover Chinese." "Sounds good, Lyle. I'm not a picky man." Not picky at all. "I should probably chase down my clothes, though." They had to look a sight, him butt naked and Lyle in the fancy dress pants. "If you must." Lyle grinned at him. "I suspect that my clothes, though admittedly many, wouldn't cover you very well. Your ankles and wrists would show." Shit, he wouldn't want to wear any of the stuff he saw here, anyway. "I'll be more comfortable in my own clothes." He hoped that was diplomatic enough. "I'll go get 'em and meet you in the kitchen, eh?" "Sure. I'll just be a minute." Lyle frowned at the shirt in his hand and picked two more out of the rack, taking them to another rack that had pants. It looked like he was making up outfits for the week. Rupe figured there was probably a maze of shoes somewhere in there, too. He was pretty sure he didn't want to know about socks and belts. "I'll make myself at home, 'k?" He could put together some sandwiches while Lyle fussed with his clothes.

Playing the Market - 22

"Of course." Lyle sounded distracted as he looked at his choices. "There's... uh, there's bread and stuff on the counter. You can use the sandwich maker thing, too, if you want." Sandwich maker thing. Right. "Okay." He headed for the bathroom and pulled on his cut-offs, tucking the end of his T-shirt in his back pocket, and then wandered through the place on his way to the kitchen. It wasn't showy or anything, but the place still screamed of money. Somebody with lots of it lived here. There was a huge flat screen TV in the living room, leather furniture, and a sound system that he had to really look for to locate as the speakers were hidden about the room. Chuckling, shaking his head, he made it to the kitchen. Mid-sized and spotless, everything new and modern. Besides the sandwich maker thing were another dozen kitchen gadgets. Man, he didn't even know what most of the stuff here was for. The fridge gave up some sliced ham and provolone. He grabbed that and the mustard, looking for some sprouts, or at least some lettuce. He didn't find any of those, but there were a couple of tomatoes and some sad looking green onions. There was fancy bread from some bakery sitting in the breadbox. Twelve-grain by the looks of it. Yum. He couldn't find any butter or even margarine, but there was olive oil in one of the cupboards. He put together two sandwiches, brushed them with the olive oil and stuck them in the “sandwich maker thing,” which was in fact a panini press. Whistling, he searched for plates and glasses and something to drink. "Find anything good?" Lyle walked in, fully dressed in what he probably thought of as “business casual” clothes, but was really more of a “man, you couldn't pay me enough to dress that fancy” statement. The pants were ironed, for God's sake. At least he wasn't wearing a tie. "Yeah, though I have to tell you that your fridge is sorely under-stocked, man." Their sandwiches were starting to smell good. "I don't eat here much, really," Lyle admitted. He sniffed the air. "Oh, much better than the takeout I usually grab on my way to work." Rupe lifted the lid on the panini press. "Oh, look at that. All marked nice and pretty." He plated the two sandwiches and set them on the little marble-topped table. "You've got ginger ale or Perrier water in your fridge." "Water for me, thanks." Lyle crossed to a cupboard. "Look, I even have glasses." He got two out and put them on the table, his hip bumping against Rupe's. Rupe grinned and dropped a quick kiss on the top of the man's head.

Playing the Market - 23

They settled at the table, he with ginger ale, Lyle with his water, and dug into their sandwiches. "So you're really headed into the office, eh?" Lyle nodded happily. "Best time to get the files in shape, to study the trends in peace. I don't take the phones much on the weekend, unless the client is someone who I know needs me right away. There are weekend traders and brokers, of course, but I pass that off when I can." He looked up suddenly and blinked. "Did you want to do something?" He sounded vaguely curious, like the idea of not working on a Saturday was new and exotic. He shrugged. There wasn't anything specific... "We could come up with a plan, I'm sure." One eyebrow went up as Lyle looked around his kitchen. "I showed you the bathroom and the bedroom," he said, starting to smile. "And you saw the dressing room. I'm not sure there's much else here. We might have to leave." Rupe grinned. "We could walk by the water, check out an amusement park, see a movie. Stay in and fuck. Whatever." "Or we could mix it up. We could go see a movie, walk by the water and come back here to fuck." Lyle grinned right back, showing his teeth. "But I'll warn you, I'll be up at five a.m. I want to be at work by seven tomorrow morning to make up for the lost time." "Tomorrow's Sunday." Man, there was being a workaholic and then there was being ridiculous. "Exactly," Lyle said earnestly. "The last day before the regular work week starts back up. That time is invaluable. So, what movie do you want to see?" "I'm easy, man. Though I have to warn you, if it's arty I might fall asleep." Lyle was a freak. That was the only answer. Sure, he had nice shit, but seven days a week in an office? No fucking way. "Arty? Like foreign? I was thinking more of the dollar theater and whatever version of Die Hard is there now." "Oh, I could go for that." He grinned and nodded. The dollar theatre was totally his style, too. Maybe Lyle wasn't a complete freak. "Cool." Lyle wiggled a bit and finished off his sandwich. "I'm ready. You need anything first?" Even as he spoke, a buzz from his pocket had him pulling out a cell phone and checking the display with a frown. Rupe watched, bemused, as he pulled his T-shirt on. Lyle's frown deepened. He pushed a few buttons, leaning on the table. "Huh." He pushed another couple of buttons, apparently sending a message to someone, and then turned the phone off with a blush. "Sorry. It's kind of ingrained. I'll leave the phone at home. Although when my heart starts to race from too much relaxing, I'm counting on you to make me feel better."

Playing the Market - 24

"I can make your heart race for a completely different reason." He winked and teased, but he had to admit he was pleased that Lyle was willing to give up the phone, even if for a couple of hours. "I do think that you've already proven that." Lyle smirked at him and leaned close. "But you can prove it again. In different ways. I'm kinda easy now that we've broken the ice. Bridge, by the way. That's my last name that you could find out by looking at my mail on the counter." "Mine's Tarragon." Not that he expected it mattered all that much -- he was hardly going to be calling Lyle by his last name any time soon. "So, you ready to head out and watch some explosions?" Lyle was blinking at him again. "Your last name is an herb? Suddenly this whole down to earth, free as a bird thing makes sense. And yes, I'm ready for explosions. And popcorn." Rupe chuckled and slipped his feet into his sneakers, which he'd found by the door. Lyle was pretty different than his usual type, being a workaholic and all, but he knew "different" was often good. It sure seemed so this time. He'd have to play it by ear and see how it went.

Playing the Market - 25

Chapter Three Lyle was in his zone. He was playing the game, he was focused, and he was winning. He was beating his own projections and he finished the day with very happy clients, a nice bonus in the making, and an office that was in dire need of being tidied up. However, it was after ten at night and he had no intention of staying any later just to clean. Maybe he'd come in early. Well, earlier. Or stay later. Later. Something. The fact was, he was heading home to his apartment right then, and right to bed, where he'd probably whack off for an hour or so before finally crashing. Just like every other night lately. He thought about Rupe so often that he was having dreams about construction sites. His first wet dream since he was a teenager, and it had featured rebar. He was pretty sure he'd never, ever tell anyone that. Ever. Except maybe Rupe, if he happened to find him again. Not that he'd looked. Well, he'd looked some. Okay, a lot. But there weren't that many construction sites on the way to and from the office. The man was totally worth finding again, though, so Lyle made a note to actually start tracking him down in earnest. Of course, that meant that he had to ignore the fact that Rupe knew where Lyle's apartment was, and so forth. Apparently never being home put a damper on meeting up. Yeah, that was it. Rupe was just not there when Lyle was. Lyle rolled his eyes as he left his office building, his high plummeting as he started thinking about his personal life rather than the game of making money. Really, that was backward. Wasn't it? Lyle was damned if he knew. As he drove past the front door to the parking garage, he thought he saw a tall figure leaning against the wall. Lyle parked, making bets with himself. Ten dollars said that the person was gone when he went around to the door. Twenty said the person was there, but it wasn't Rupe. Fifty dollars and a pair of new shoes to be chosen at a later date said that it was Rupe, and he was horny, and Lyle was going to wind up face down on the bed. Lyle had a knack for making money, but he tended to lose bets with himself when he'd only had the barest glance at the information. He walked quickly, his shoes clacking on the cement as he rounded the corner, ready to see if he'd lost a ten to himself or if he had to head to Kenneth Cole in the morning. The tall figure detached itself from the wall as he approached and hey, it looked like he was going shopping. "Hey, man. I was beginning to think you didn't really live here."

Playing the Market - 26

"You just cost me about three hundred dollars in footwear," Lyle said, feeling himself start to grin. "Want to come up for a bit? I bought food. Sort of." Rupe frowned, looking down at Lyle's feet. "What did I do to your shoes? And yes, I want to come up." "You didn't do anything to my shoes, I just lost a bet with myself and now I have to shop." Lyle gave up on trying to explain and let them both into the building. "It's good to see you. I've been, uh, thinking about you. A lot." He glanced at his watch as he called the elevator. "It's too late for Mrs. Ball to be around, I think." Rupe laughed, arm going around Lyle's shoulders. "Is that a hint?" "Just a hope. I really am going to keep it together this time, at the very least until we're in my apartment." Oh, wow. Rupe was warm and right there. Nice. And he smelled really, really good. "No coming in the elevator? Shame, that was fun." Rupe gave him a wink and they went into the elevator together when it showed up. "I dropped by a couple times this week, but you're never home. It's a nice night tonight, so I figured I'd wait you out." "I work a little late," Lyle said, pressing the button for his floor. "And leave a little early, too. I can see why there was a problem finding me." His heart had done a funny little fluttery blip, knowing that Rupe had been looking for him. "I'm glad you're here, now." Oh, yes, he was. He smiled and leaned closer, looking for a kiss or three. Rupe's lips pressed against his, tongue slipping in, soft and easy. "Really, really glad." Lyle let Rupe in and tasted back, inviting more. It might have been getting late, but his body was wide awake and ready to prove it. It helped that Rupe tasted as good as he smelled, and felt even better. "Mmm..." The elevator dinged and Rupe pulled back, smiling down at him before sauntering out. "Been thinking about you," Rupe said, leaning against the wall as Lyle opened his apartment door. "Been whacking off to the memory of your mouth around my prick." "I had a dream about rebar," Lyle blurted. He felt his face heat up fast as he unlocked the door and let them in. "I mean. I've been thinking about you quite a bit and spending a lot of time on solo action." "Rebar?" Rupe laughed. "Oh, honey, that would hurt." "I know that." Lyle rolled his eyes and dragged Rupe into the apartment. "It was symbolic. Want to symbolic my ass?"

Playing the Market - 27

"I want to literally do your ass." Rupe grinned and kissed him, this time it wasn't soft and easy at all, it was hard and eager, Rupe's prick pushing against his hip through the layers of their clothes. "Even better." The words were lost in the kiss, but Lyle didn't care. He figured Rupe knew what he meant or would figure it out fast, especially as Lyle was undoing buttons and shoving clothes aside. "Bedroom." That was a word he wanted heard. Rupe didn't say anything, merely kept kissing him, but as Lyle broke their kiss long enough to get the T-shirt over Rupe's head, he realized Rupe was haphazardly walking them down the hall in the right direction. "Yeah, that's it." Lyle figured that was good enough for verbal encouragement and went for the physical next. He grabbed Rupe by the waistband and pointed to the bedroom with his free hand, dragging Rupe along all the while. "In there, naked, on the bed, and God, it's been a long few days." It really had been, but apparently he'd learned how to drag a man, walk and get his own belt and pants undone all at the same time. He really was a focused kind of guy. Rupe just laughed again, an easy going rumble. He helped with their clothes along the way, so by the time they were by his bed, they were both naked, pricks high and hard, eager for attention. Lyle tugged him to the bed and climbed on top, touching wherever he could. "You know, you're really, really sexy. Just in case that wasn't clear already." Rupe grinned up at him, big hands sliding over his shoulders and down his back. One stayed to play with his ass and the other came around to his front, pinching and twisting his nipples. "It's always nice to hear." "I can say it again," Lyle offered, though the last word was lost in a gasp. "Do that again." Oh, yeah, that tweak went right to his balls, made his cock throb. Rupe kept playing with his nipples -- one and then the other, and then back to the first, grinning up at him and looking as happy as anything. His big cock was hard, bumping up against Lyle's balls as Rupe shifted beneath him. Getting breathless, wanting, Lyle rocked against him. "Want to fuck me?" he offered, his cock lifting for a moment when he said it. He'd gotten off more than once or twice thinking about Rupe inside him. More than once he'd been thinking about what Rupe had said about the fourposter and being tied up. "Yeah, I do." Rupe's hands slid to his waist and hoisted him over toward his side table drawer. "Get the glove and the slick, honey." Looked like someone was pretty eager. Lyle reached, his thighs already clamping around Rupe's. "Me on top?" Oh, please, yes. Get so deep that way.

Playing the Market - 28

"That works for me." Rupert grinned suddenly and winked. "I'm pretty easy." "You don't say?" Lyle laughed and got the lube. "You take care of that part," he told Rupe with a wide smile. "And I'll get this rubber where it's supposed to be." It was the perfect excuse to play with that big cock for a bit, see if he could make Rupe's body twitch. "Sounds like a plan." Rupe got his big fingers all slicked up and then reached behind Lyle, getting his crack all slippery before one solid finger pushed into his body. "Oh, God." Lyle's eyes went wide and his hand paused in its exploration. He hadn't even gotten the damn wrapper open yet, and there he was, pushing himself back to get more. He'd better hurry up or Rupe would wind up doing all the work. Rupe didn't seem concerned though, that finger going deep as it pushed into him a few times before a second one joined in, getting his gland when they curled upward. Lyle gasped. "There, right there." He was sure Rupe didn't need directions, but they couldn't hurt. Trying to focus on anything other than his ass, he tore the wrapper open and forced his hands to work properly. Damn, but Rupe's cock was pretty. Smooth. Hot. Big. As soon as he got the condom smoothed on, Rupe pushed in another finger, spreading them apart and stretching him wide, working quickly. Just as impatient as Rupe seemed to be, Lyle lifted himself up, his knees braced on the bed. "In, in, in." He was already panting, trying to move up far enough to get Rupe's cock where he wanted it. Rupe chuckled, but the sound was a little strained. And then Rupe was helping, taking his cock in his own hand and rubbing it along Lyle's crack. Lyle's eyes closed and he moaned softly. "Yeah," he whispered. He rocked his hips a tiny bit, little shocks rolling though him every time Rupe's cock skated over his hole without going in. "You're a tease." "You don't like this? Don't like knowing it's coming, but not knowing when?" Rupe's cock pushed at his hole, but didn't go in, and then went back to rubbing across it. With a long shudder Lyle nodded, forced to admit that he did like it. A lot. His fingers dug into the bed. He couldn't quite bite back a moan. He was ready, so ready, and being made to wait was just making his prick that much harder. "Good." Rupe's cock breached his hole, just enough for him to feel the stretch and burn, and then it was back to rubbing against him. Oh, fuck, it was going to make him insane.

Playing the Market - 29

Lyle forced his eyes to open wide and look at Rupe's face. He might be loving it, and he might even get off harder than ever when he finally managed to get Rupe's cock deep inside, but that was no reason not to pretend to still be in control. "Now," he said, trying for a commanding voice and failing completely. "Like this?" Rupe asked, cock pushing in and then fucking disappearing again. Rupe's grin was a little wild. "Close." Lyle couldn't keep back the moan this time. "Fuck." He wanted to reach down and stroke himself off, but he was pretty sure that he'd lose his balance and wind up falling. His skin felt hot and tight and his hole was twitching every time Rupe teased him. "Please?" "You're on top, honey, all you need to do is ride." Lyle gritted his teeth and waited for Rupe's cock to hit the right spot again, then shoved back, fast. "Fuck!" He threw back his head and yelled, praying to God that Rupe would just stay still long enough for Lyle to impale himself. Hands sliding up above his head, Rupe stretched, arched up, cock going deep. "Oh, yeah. Now gimme a ride, moneyman." "I think I prefer 'honey'." Lyle circled his hips and groaned. "God, that feels good." With a deep, shaking breath, he put his hands on Rupe's chest and lifted himself up to feel the pull of Rupe's cock on his ass before sinking down again. "Okay, honey, whatever you want." Rupe's hands grabbed at the pillows, fisting them as a low grown vibrated up through Rupe's chest. "Moneyman is probably more accurate, though," Lyle said, his voice rough and his thoughts fragmenting as he lifted himself again, thighs straining. This time he pushed back faster, squeezing around Rupe's prick. "Uh-huh." Rupe didn't sound very convinced. Or maybe it was just that the man didn't care. Rupe's mouth dropped open and he licked at his lips, thighs flexing, hips bucking up to meet his next drop. It pushed a grunt out of Lyle, his whole body going tight as pleasure flowed through him in a fast wave. "God, right there," he muttered, concentrating on getting Rupe's cock to hit the same spot next time. "Touch me?" He hoped he didn't sound like he was begging, but he really didn't care that much; his cock was throbbing, leaking all over Rupe's belly. "Uh-huh." Rupe released his death grip on the pillows, one wrapping around Lyle's hip, the other doing the same to Lyle's cock. Babbling, Lyle worked himself between hand and cock. He'd broken out in a light sweat, his legs lifting and dropping his body down faster and faster as he fucked himself on Rupe. Exercise had

Playing the Market - 30

made him strong, given him endurance. He could do this for a long time, if only it didn't feel so good that he'd go off like a rocket long before his legs gave out. The hand on his hip helped pull him down and every now and then Rupe's thumb would press against his slit. Low moans and sweet grunts came out of the big body; even though Rupe wasn't saying anything, there was no doubt he was enjoying it. Shudders began to roll through Lyle with every thrust. His balls felt tight and he'd figured out the perfect angle to get Rupe hitting him just right each time. Panting harshly, his cock swelling even harder, he felt his rhythm falter and break. "Gonna come." There wasn't any stopping it, he could feel his orgasm gather at the base of his spine. "Good. Need it." Rupe gave a short, quick nod and tightened his grip around Lyle's prick, squeezing him good and tight. "Oh, fuck." Lyle barely had time to get the words out before he slammed himself down hard, his hips grinding on Rupe's. "Yes," he yelled, every muscle in his body going tight. When they suddenly let go, his orgasm plowing through him and out his cock, he couldn't even manage shouting. All he could do was shudder, shooting hard and coating Rupe's chest. "Yes!" Rupe's roar echoed his. He could feel that big prick swell a tiny bit more, and then it throbbed as Rupe filled the condom. It was a long moment, or maybe a very short one, before Lyle let himself fall forward, not caring that he was getting his own come all over the place. He was still panting, still tingling, but he couldn't keep himself upright any longer. "God," he whispered. "That was... wow." "Yeah. You're pretty fucking hot in the sack, honey." Rupe's hands slid over his back, one going as far as his ass so the long fingers could touch his hole where it was still stretched around Rupe's prick. "You're not so bad yourself." Lyle moaned and twitched, his ass just as happy as could be. "Can't tell you how pleased I am that you came by." "And I can't tell you how pleased I am that you came home. Eventually." Rupe chuckled. "Actually, yes, I can. I'm very pleased you came home." "Me, too." God, was he. He might even consider coming home a little earlier, if he could get laid like this more often. "Stay?" he asked before he'd really thought about it. "If I can raid your fridge tomorrow morning for my lunch, sure." Lyle nodded, pretty sure there was decent food in there. He'd done groceries. Well, he'd ordered them delivered and had put them away. "Yeah. You can do that." He yawned hugely. Maybe there would be morning sex. That would rock.

Playing the Market - 31

Groaning, Rupe slid out of him and dealt with the condom, tossing it in the general direction of the little bamboo garbage can near the door. "In that case, I'd love to stay." "Excellent." Lyle flipped over on his back and groaned, his body disgustingly happy. He was pretty sure he was grinning like a maniac. "I get up early," he warned, despite knowing Rupe was well aware of the fact. He reached for Rupe and tried to get close, both of them still sticky. "Maybe we should shower." "I have to be at work at seven, and we don't need to shower if we're only going to do it again in the morning." Rupe turned to his side and tugged Lyle close, eyes closing as he settled. "'Sides, I like how you smell with sex on you." "Works for me." God, did it ever. Lyle rolled away only long enough to turn off the lights, then melding his body to Rupe's. "Good night, Rupe." He closed his eyes and, still smiling, relaxed into the pillow, more than ready for sleep. *** When Lyle woke up it was still mostly dark, which was typical. Even in summer he beat the sun, though it would be light by the time he got to the office. What wasn't typical was that he was pinned to the bed by a heavy arm. It only took a moment to remember why there was a big body in bed with him, and then the smile came back, full force. "Are you awake?" he whispered, shifting a little so he could rub against Rupe's thigh. Rupe grunted, and moved, pressing closer. "Time 'zit?" "Five-thirty, about." Lyle kissed Rupe's shoulder. "Time to get up." Rupe stretched, groaning and slipping a leg between Lyle's thighs. "I'm up. So're you." "Uh-huh." He so was. They both were. Lyle nudged his hips against Rupe's, their cocks sliding. "We should do something about that." He could come up with a few ideas. Rupe rocked back against him. "Seems like we are." Lyle kissed Rupe's shoulder again, grinding his pelvis back. "Makes for a good morning." So much better than just taking himself in hand. Rupe smelled warm and like sleepy sex, nice and ... comfortable. That was new. He put the thought aside and rubbed again, looking for friction. One of Rupe's big hands landed on his ass, shifting him slightly. Oh, just perfect, right there. "Yeah, very good morning." Rupe kissed him, lips warm and soft on his.

Playing the Market - 32

Lyle kissed him back, still smiling, and let their pace stay nice and easy. He loved the way Rupe moved, almost as if he was dancing. He was graceful and powerful at the same time, and the fact that there was no coyness was enticing. With another kiss, Lyle put a hand on Rupe's hip, guiding and holding him. "Mmm... yeah, good morning." Rupe kissed him a little harder, hips moving a little faster. That was it. Just like that, with Rupe's prick alongside his, their legs tangled. Lyle could ride his thigh like this, which made his balls very happy indeed. "Little more," he whispered encouragingly, his fingers digging into Rupe's hip. "I won't break." He might make a huge mess - again -- but that was the point. Rupe pushed him over slightly so he was almost on his back, and the big body moved against his, nice and hard. Breath whooshed out of him and then caught. "Oh, yes. Like that." Really, had Rupe done anything yet that he didn't like? It was almost crazy, how well they fit together in bed. Lyle bucked up against him, giving back whatever he got, delighted. The hand on his ass tightened, Rupe groaning and moving faster. "Gonna be over soon." "Bet you get off before me." Lyle gritted his teeth, trying his best to hold off. Rupe laughed. "Oh, honey, it's not a competition." Rupe started jerking, totally losing the rhythm. Heat splashed up between them. "Might not be a competition," Lyle said with a gasp, "but I still win." He grunted and started to come, nice and easy, adding to the flood. Rupe kissed him through the last of his orgasm, and when he was done and their lips parted, gave him a lazy grin. "We both do." "Good point." Lyle sighed happily and kissed him. "Want the shower first? I need to pick out my clothes, since I got all distracted after work last night." "Yeah, sure." Rupe gave him a full body hug. "You can join me when you're done if you want." "That sounds wonderful." God, it did. Lyle was pretty sure that grabbing a shirt and pants would only take him about thirty seconds. Things were pretty well organized in his wardrobe. "Then, breakfast. I have eggs." "Sounds good. I've got to leave about six-forty-five -- job site's pretty close to here." "It is?" Lyle looked at him and blinked. "I've been looking. On my way to work."

Playing the Market - 33

"Moved to King and Bloor. I'm there from seven 'til five most days." Rupe got up and stretched, body long and naked and just a little mesmerizing. Lyle stayed in bed and watched. "What do you do after five?" That left a lot of workday left. Five was merely time to stop for a snack in Lyle's world. "Sometimes they want us to stay on. We're already pulling overtime by staying until five as it is, but they need the job done fast. If I'm not asked to stay, I usually grab a sausage or a burger or something from the street vendors and go walk along the water. Read." Rupe shrugged. "You know, stuff." Stuff. Lyle tilted his head, not sure if he was intrigued or confused. But then, their jobs were very different, and it would be difficult for him to put in that many hours of manual labor. "What do you read?" he asked, finally getting out of bed. God, he needed a shower. And to hit the gym. Having company over was throwing off his routine. Rupe headed out to the hall with him. "Mysteries, horror and suspense, historical stuff. I like non-fiction as much as fiction. Really, I'll read anything -- a library card can be a man's best friend." "Libraries are open at the wrong time for me." Lyle wandered toward the room that held his clothes. "The internet is my shopping friend." "Well, I don't have the space for a lot of books." Rupe gave him a wink and caressed his ass before turning into the bathroom. "Don't be long. We just might have time for some soapy fun." "Trust me, I'm planning on it." Lyle sped up a bit and grabbed his clothes, still absently trying to wrap his mind around not having things, yet having a lot of time. It was... not the way he lived. Not bad, but not something he was used to or preferred. He did, however, prefer a naked and wet Rupe in his shower over picking clothes. That was a fact. And when he got to the bathroom, that's exactly what he got. Rupe was naked, wet, and soapy, those big hands running over his rugged body. Lyle paused for a moment, watching. It was really hard not to stare, as there was just so much to see. Tanned muscles, beautiful skin, soap bubbles catching on intriguing places. But touching was more fun than watching, so he hung his clothes up on the back of the door and climbed in. "Need some help washing your back?" Rupe gave him a grin and handed over the soap. "Sure." Lyle thought his second most favorite thing about Rupe was how damn agreeable the man was. His first favorite was how eager and willing he was to have sex. Lyle liked his games to be work related: making money, winning the day. Sex shouldn't be about head games.

Playing the Market - 34

He soaped up his hands and looked at the expanse of Rupe's back. "Any ticklish spots?" he asked as he started touching, sliding and kneading. Rupe chuckled. "If I tell you, are you going to be merciless?" "I'm always merciless," Lyle teased. He pushed a handful of suds down Rupe's spine and over his ass. "Well, at work, anyway. Not so much outside of the office, I guess. God, you have a fantastic ass." The ass in question pushed back into his touch. "And you've got great hands." "Not as great as yours. I like your calluses." Lyle cupped and stroked and nudged a slippery finger between Rupe's hard, smooth ass cheeks. Rupe groaned and spread for him, hands resting against the tile to brace himself. "Hard physical work'll do that." He sounded distracted. "Uh-huh." Lyle tried to come up with a way to explain that while he simply wasn't suited to physical labor he was very appreciative of the results, but talking didn't seem terribly important right then. Instead, he stroked his fingers over Rupe's hole a couple of times, just to see which sounds he could get as a reward. Rupe pushed back against his touch, little whimpers coming out of the big man. "Don't suppose you grabbed a condom?" Lyle looked around, pushing his fingers in slowly. If not, he had other ideas he hoped Rupe wouldn't object to; the end result would be the same, after all, and they'd go to work happy. Rupe gasped out a "no", taking his fingers in, ass squeezing around them. "Okay." Lyle smiled to himself and started happily fingering Rupe open anyway, careful about the lack of anything really slippery. When he started biting and licking his way down Rupe's spine, he kind of thought Rupe might know what his back-up plan was. "Oh, shit." Rupe bent some and spread a little wider for him, making happy noises. Lyle kept going, his hand slow and his mouth fast, sucking at the very top of one perfect ass cheek. "Don't fall over." He licked down Rupe's crack, easing his fingers out so he could hold Rupe open. "I'll try. Damn." Rupe's thighs went rock hard. Lyle could feel the anticipation in the air. He hoped Rupe did try hard, because Rupe falling down on top of him wouldn't be as fun as this. He licked again, teasing, then moved the half inch lower he needed to go and dragged his tongue right over Rupe's hole once before using only the tip to circle the puckered skin.

Playing the Market - 35

Rupe pushed back, obviously wanting more and, given the inarticulate sounds coming from him, not able to express that with actual words. Awesome. Lyle licked him without mercy, getting off on the sounds Rupe was making and the way his body was moving. He moaned, scrubbing Rupe's hole, and wished he had enough hands to keep Rupe open, jerk him off, and reach for his own cock. It was surprisingly frustrating, in the same over the top needy way that Rupe teasing him the night before had been. "Touch me. Please." Rupe whimpered, hips jerking. Plunging his tongue into Rupe's ass and groaning, Lyle did as he was asked. With one hand he held Rupe's ass open to his mouth, and with the other he reached for Rupe's cock, holding him with a tight fist. "Fuck!" Rupe shouted. He started sawing back and forth into Lyle's hand and then back onto his tongue. Growling, Lyle tongue fucked him as best he could. He hoped Rupe was getting what he needed because his own coordination was shit. He couldn't seem to get his hand to match Rupe's jerking, so he merely held on and did his best. Lyle's cock was begging for attention but he ignored it as best he could, knowing he'd get his turn. Rupe cried out suddenly, going stiff as his ass clamped down around Lyle's tongue and heat shot out over his hand. The jerking slowed to a gentle rocking, Rupe moaning softly. Lyle resisted the urge to bite Rupe's ass and contented himself with stroking and playing, scattering kisses on smooth skin instead, working his way up to Rupe's tailbone. He was almost afraid to touch himself, his cock rigid and leaking, almost ready to go off just from listening to Rupe and tasting him. "Okay?" he asked weakly, kissing Rupe again and trying to get to his feet. "Uh-huh." Rupe finally straightened and turned, giving him a lazy grin. "Oh, hey. You've got a swelling problem there." "I noticed that, too." Lyle looked down at himself and tried to laugh, but he needed relief too much to make a real joke. "God. Help me out here?" He leaned back on the shower wall and shuddered as the stream of water hit his cock and balls. "Ohhhh, that's good, almost." "I think we can do better than that." Rupe soaped up his hands, moving far too slowly for Lyle's peace of mind. Or piece of cock, really. One hand wrapped around his prick, Rupe stroking him nice and easy.

Playing the Market - 36

"Better." Lyle gasped and watched the big hand slide up and down his cock and the thumb that swept over the head. "So much better." Water was spilling over his balls, and Lyle couldn't help but rock into the touch, primed and ready. "Won't take long." "We've got a few minutes, take your time." Rupe bent and sucked the water off one of his collarbones, tongue sliding on his skin. "Don't think I can." He really wanted to, but sometimes a body had other plans. He grabbed at Rupe's arm for balance and shook, his balls tight. "Oh, God. Hard and fast. Please." His head hit the wall with a thunk and his body grew tight and hot, his cock aching. Rupe obliged without teasing or arguing, just jacked him nice and fast, hand tight around his prick. "Shit. Shit, yes!" Lyle went up on his toes, reaching and getting dizzy as he shot over Rupe's wrist. It was a good thing he had a tight hold on Rupe's arm and the wall, or he would have landed on his ass for sure. Rupe rinsed his hand off and then stood in the spray, tugging Lyle up against his big body. The water was hot, and Rupe even hotter and boy, did it make him want to linger, but he couldn't. He had to get to the gym, and he had to get to the office. "I'll make you breakfast," he whispered, looking up for a kiss. "Sounds good." Rupe's mouth covered his, the kiss quick but thorough. "Not as good as what we just did, but good." "Best start to the day in a long, long time." Lyle kissed him again before stepping away, wondering if there would be another one. Wondering if he really wanted there to be a series of mornings like this, with a man who could just get on his bike and go at any time. It was time to get to work. He'd put thinking and looking for perspective on his mental list for the day and deal with them later. Meanwhile, there was breakfast to cook and the sight of Rupe's fine, fine ass to enjoy as the man bent to dry off his legs.

Playing the Market - 37

Chapter Four Rupe waved at the guys as they all went off the clock around seven p.m. Twelve-hour shifts were for the fucking birds, but they'd needed to get the girders set before they finished for the day. The overtime had been authorized and would come in handy, he was sure. He stopped at the corner and tried to decide if he'd go right or left. Left would take him to the boarding house he was living at, and right would take him to Lyle's. He grumbled at himself for not having made any sort of arrangements with Lyle, or even having picked up the man's phone number. He could use a shower and a change of clothes, but he could also eat a horse, so he wanted dinner first. The question was, did he risk Lyle not being home yet and head there -- they could do take out or hit that diner they'd done brunch at when they'd first met -- he was dressed well enough for that. In the end, he let his prick decide and turned right. Worst came to worst and he'd just have to find somewhere to eat around Lyle's. The job site was pretty close to Lyle's and he was there in no time, pressing the doorbell. Shockingly, Lyle actually answered. "Hello?" His voice sounded thin through the speaker, and a little surprised, like he didn't get many callers. "Hey, man. It's Rupe. I know we didn't have plans, but..." He trailed off, realizing suddenly that maybe Lyle didn't want to see him again so soon. The pause was flatteringly brief. "Come on up, I was just making some food." The door buzzed and opened easily, an elevator standing open in the deserted lobby. Fucking A. He hit the button for Lyle's floor and leaned against the back of the elevator. Lyle home and food being made -- satisfaction for his cock and his stomach. He was a lucky man. He made his way to Lyle's door and knocked, grinning happily. Lyle opened the door for him, smiling broadly. "Hey, hope you like Italian from assorted cans and packages." He was wearing his work clothes still, but the tie was gone and the sleeves of his shirt were rolled up. "I'm not much of a cook, really." "I've only had a couple of donuts between noon and now -- I'll eat the cans if I have to." He gave Lyle a wink and wandered in. "I think I can do better than that. How was your day?" Lyle took him into the kitchen where there was a pot of water boiling on the stove and a smaller saucepan with sauce in it standing ready. "Did you just finish up?"

Playing the Market - 38

"Yeah. Fucking long day. Smells good." And it did, his stomach rumbling loudly. "Check the shelf on the island, see if there's a decent wine." Lyle dumped pasta into the water and gave the sauce a bit of heat. "You work late, and I'm home early. Do you want to clean up or anything before we eat?" "I'm actually really hungry." Besides, he didn't have anything to change into. He possibly should have gone home first. "Hey, I should take your number so I can call you instead of just showing up." Lyle nodded as he got a couple of wine glasses down. "Don't suppose you have a cell number you can give me?" he said as he scrawled a phone number on a piece of paper by the phone. "Nope. But I can give you the number of the place I'm staying." He grabbed a bottle of red from Lyle's shelf, figuring if Lyle had bought it that automatically made it decent, and rattled off the boarding house phone number for Lyle to write down. "I can at least call and let you know when I'm heading home, see if you’re interested in company." Lyle passed him the slip of paper, which had three numbers on it. "Home, cell and office." "Cool. That works." He settled at the little table, stomach growling again. Shit, he was being a rude asshole. "Sorry, man. I should have grabbed a bite before heading over." "Ah, but then the food would go to waste, and it doesn’t take much time at all to cook." Lyle smiled and leaned over to kiss him. "Should be done now. Open the wine and pour while I get this on plates?" "Sure." He reached out and wrapped his hand around the back of Lyle's neck, taking another kiss before letting the man go. Lyle gave him the corkscrew and he opened the wine, pouring into the glasses. Pretty fancy. He tended to be a beer man himself. The pasta that Lyle put in front of him was tender and filled with cheese and meat, the sauce spicy. "I have no idea what it is," Lyle admitted, "but it looked good." Rupe laughed and speared some pasta with his fork, making sure it was covered nicely in the sauce. "I'll eat pretty much anything." "Me, too." Lyle dug in as well, pausing to sip his wine. "Well, almost anything. I'm not crazy about some vegetables. Like Brussels sprouts. But this is good." "This is fantastic." He ate quickly, his stomach quieting as he filled it.

Playing the Market - 39

"It is. I really should write down what I got so I can remember next time." Lyle ate almost as fast, though less actual food, and was draining his wine glass pretty fast, too. Rupe only sipped at his -- he really wasn't a big fan. He emptied his plate and sat back with a happy sigh, patting his belly. "I don't suppose you got anything sweet for dessert?" Lyle chased a bit of pasta around his plate and finally stabbed it. "Sure. I was thinking sex. Or, if you prefer, I might have some cookies around somewhere." Rupe chuckled, his stomach and his cock both perking up. "I can't have both?" "Only if I can find the cookies. I'm pretty sure I know where the sex is." Lyle stood up and swallowed the last of his wine. "Man, I should have had lunch. Or maybe not drunk so fast." "You tipsy?" He stood as well and made quick work of clearing the table. He figured they could skip washing them. "Not quite, but I could be." Lyle laughed. "I'm not much of a drinker. It makes it hard to think, so I just don't." He reached for the wine and stuck the cork back in the neck. "And now this will sit around until I get fed up and dump it. Oh, maybe I can cook with it. Of course, that would mean learning to cook properly and then finding the time to cook." Rupe gathered Lyle up, hands looped around the trim waist. "How about a proper hello now that we're fed?" Lyle nodded and leaned close, his mouth sealing over Rupe's immediately. "Hello," he said when he leaned back again. "It's nice to see you. Kiss me some more." Laughing, Rupe brought their mouths back together again. Just a few kisses and his cock was already up -- pushing at his jeans. He turned them, pushing Lyle back over the counter. That got him a long moan and Lyle trying to scramble up to actually sit on the counter, legs spread to wrap around his hips. His hands were braced on Rupe's shoulders, holding on and keeping Rupe close. Rupe took advantage of the position and ground their pricks together. It felt damn good and grabbed Lyle's ass, rubbing harder. He heard something on the counter fall over, but it didn't matter. Lyle was rubbing back, his legs winding around to pull him tight, the hands on his shoulders digging in with strong fingers. "Yeah," Lyle panted and attacked Rupe's neck, just below his ear, with a hard, sucking kiss. Rupe's head went back, giving Lyle more room because if the man wanted to do that, Rupe sure as heck was going to let him. He thought about getting their pants open, but it was a fleeting thought, soon buried beneath the way what they were doing felt.

Playing the Market - 40

Lyle's teeth scraped over his skin, the sucking growing strong and rhythmic. It was going to be a beauty of a mark. He could hear and feel Lyle moaning against his skin, and the man was bucking harder against him, grinding and wiggling like he was going to go mad. Hot as hell. He tugged Lyle even closer, the friction getting harder and hotter between them. And the man's ass cheeks felt good in his hands. Shit, a man could get off doing this. He thought maybe he'd be proving it. "Harder," Lyle insisted, one foot firmly against Rupe's thigh. Then he bit, teeth hard on Rupe's neck. Rupe jerked, pulled Lyle even closer, pulling the man's ass nearly off the edge of the counter and really grinding them together. Oh, shit. He cried out, coming in his jeans. "Oh!" Lyle let go of his neck and looked at him, eyes wide. "Oh, man." Then his eyes rolled back a bit and Rupe could feel him coming too, his cock pulsing alongside Rupe's. Rupe chuckled, feeling easy in his bones now. They were just like a pair of teenagers, they were, getting all randy and doing it without taking the time to even unzip. "Oh," Lyle said again, though this time it was followed by a happy sigh and a kiss. "I could get used to that for dessert. I really could." He seemed content to stay on the counter, arms and legs wrapped about Rupe. "Can't do it in restaurants, though." Rupe laughed good and hard at that. "No, you can't. Say, I hope you have a washing machine here." It was one thing to go to work tomorrow in today's dirty clothes, quite another to go anywhere with come drying up inside the fabric. "Uh-huh. Just down the hall." Lyle kissed his neck. "Mmm, I made a mark. Oops." "I don't mind having a hickey or two to show off." "Really? Cool." Lyle moved to the other side. "I'll make you match, later. While we're waiting for the laundry to dry." Rupe laughed, and goosed Lyle, who jumped and let go, legs falling away as he yelped. "Hey!" Lyle chuckled as he got off the counter, sliding down Rupe's body. "How're those jeans feeling? Nice and comfortable?" "Nope. I can't wait to get 'em off." To that end, he started stripping. "If I wash the T-shirt and socks, too, I would have an entirely clean outfit in the morning..." Not that he was inviting himself over. Oh, hell, sure he was.

Playing the Market - 41

"That would be handy. The only trick is remembering to get them out of the dryer before we fall asleep, or you'll be walking the halls naked. That would be neat." Lyle grinned at him and moved just out of reach. Rupe finished stripping and gathered up his clothes. "You gonna get naked, too?" "Yep." Lyle headed across the room to a long table under a window. "Just as soon as I check two things. Give me... about six minutes and I'll be all yours." Rupe shook his head. Lyle worked too damn much. "Just send me the right way for your washing machine, man and I'll be out of your hair while you work." "It's... " Lyle turned and looked at him, a crease between his eyes. "You're not in my hair. I just need to check a couple of things and I'll shut it down." "No problem, man. Which way to the washer?" Lyle sighed. "It's on the left. Detergent and stuff is on the shelf right above." He pointed and turned back to his computer, typing rapidly. Rupe wandered down and found the little laundry room. He didn't put any of Lyle's clothes in, because he wasn't sure how picky the guy was and his clothes were pretty dirty, aside from the come. He poured in the detergent and got it going and then wandered back out, prowling naked around Lyle's living room, checking out the art and the books. "Almost done," Lyle said, still typing away. "Wow. You're really... " He trailed off and the typing faltered. He turned and smiled. "Hmm?" "Distracting. In a very, very good way." Lyle shook his head ruefully and typed for another moment, and then clicked something with his mouse. "I'm calling the work day over." "Oh, good, does that mean little Lyle can come out to play?" "As soon as Lyle washes his most playful parts, you're welcome to the playground." Lyle snorted and started to laugh. "That was a lot less lame in my head." "Invite me to shower with you and you're forgiven." He loved Lyle's big shower with its seemingly endless supply of hot water. And not having anyone banging on the door yelling at him to hurry the fuck up was pretty special, too. "That does seem to be the logical place to start the playing, yes." Lyle beamed at him and headed to the bathroom, unbuttoning his shirt as he walked. "And I even remembered to buy suitable lube."

Playing the Market - 42

Oh, ho. Lyle was buying stuff for them to use together. Awesome. "You got condoms, too?" Not that he hadn't enjoyed what they'd done this morning, but it would have been even better if Lyle had fucked him. "Uh-huh. I only need to miss out once before I learn my lesson." The shirt came off and hit the floor, the rest of Lyle's clothes following quickly.

Lyle had it timed just right, the last stitch of clothing coming off as they hit the bathroom, and

Rupe grabbed himself a nice double handful of ass.

"Playtime," Lyle whispered, pushing back into his hands.

"Yep. Work is over." He nibbled at Lyle's neck, thinking about returning the hickey favor.

"I might get to liking this short workday thing." Lyle's head tilted, giving him access. "Whatever

is the world coming to?"

"Short workday..." He knew for a fact that Lyle had gone in at the same time he had. "I don't

know about the world, but I'm hoping we're both coming this evening."

"Oh, hell yes." Lyle nodded fervently. "At least once each. Maybe more. Shower?"

"Yeah, I want you to do me."

"In the shower? I can do that." Lyle grinned over his shoulder and went to turn the water on,

dragging Rupe by the hand. "Lots of room for it."

"Yeah. I could get used to this shower."

"It's pretty nice." Lyle rinsed off as he adjusted the temperature. "Another shower head would be

cool." He turned and moved aside so Rupe could get under the spray. "It's had a lot of action

recently, much more enjoyable than my usual fast wash and jack off."

Rupe grinned. "I'd enjoy being a fly on the wall for that." He stepped under the spray, humming

as the hot water slid over his skin.

"Maybe someday. When you're bored and tired and ready for a little hands off entertainment." Lyle watched him washing, already holding the lube in one hand. "Not tonight, in other words." He did like a man who didn't pussyfoot around.

Turning, Rupe reached for the tiles at the back of the shower, leaning and spreading his legs.

"This what you were after?" he asked, looking back over his shoulder.

Playing the Market - 43

"Oh, yes." Lyle was looking right at his ass, eyes bright and cock filling right up. "That's where I want to be." He stepped forward, pressing against the length of Rupe's body, knee to shoulder. "The apartments, by the way, are pretty soundproof. If you were wondering." "Well, cool -- you go ahead and make me scream, honey." "I hoped you'd say that." Lyle's fingers suddenly pushed in, the sound of the water having masked any sound of him opening the lube. Rupe jerked and tightened up for a minute, and then he relaxed and pushed back, getting his legs nice and spread. "Good start." "Thank you." Lyle kissed his shoulder, his fingers stroking in slow and steady. "You've got an amazing ass. I've told you that right? Tight and firm and I just want to bite it. When I don’t want to fuck you stupid, that is." "You can bite it if you want. Liked the way you ate it this morning." He rocked back, moving with Lyle. "Me, too." There was a growl in Lyle's voice and his fingers went deep. "Loved the sounds you made." Lyle reached around him and got a condom from the soap dish. "You're not a shy one, are you?" "Nope. Not a bit." "Thank God for that." Lyle held the rubber up. "Open that for me, if you'd be so kind." Then he started licking his way down Rupe's back to his ass. "And don't take your time." Rupe laughed. "You're not shy yourself." He used his teeth, opening the package and then handed it back. "Nope." Lyle took the condom with his free hand, stroked fingers right over Rupe's happy spot, and bit one ass cheek, all at the same time. "Kind of bossy, actually." Rupe jerked and groaned. "You are a little pushy," he teased. "You bring it out in me." He almost sounded sincere. "Now. Relax." Rupe could feel him moving, down there near the floor, then Lyle's tongue swept over the bite, around the curve of his ass and then it met the fingers. Lyle licked at his hole as the fingers slipped away, rimming like he'd done the morning. "Fuck, that's good." He pushed back against Lyle's tongue, his fingers curling against the tile. His cock bobbed against his belly, in full, hard agreement. Lyle made a noise like he was agreeing, but all it really did was add a lot of really nice vibrations. Rupe's ass was spread wide as Lyle licked and nipped, a fingertip slipping into him

Playing the Market - 44

now and again. Lyle, clearly, didn't have any issues with eating ass. More power to him. Rupe closed his eyes and rocked slowly, enjoying every second of it. Tongue and fingers kept teasing him, alternately light and rough until Lyle groaned deeply. Then his tongue grew stiff, pushing into him again and again, while hard, strong fingers held him open. He could feel teeth brushing against him, sending tiny shocks to his balls. Lyle went to town on his ass, getting frantic. "Fuck, honey. Any time now." Not that he wasn't enjoying just this, but damn, he wanted more, he wanted to feel Lyle's cock inside him again. Lyle groaned before pulling away. "Jesus," he muttered, struggling back up to his feet, using Rupe like he was a ladder. Fingers pushed into Rupe's ass again, quickly and then back out. "Want. You're so... God." Rupe could feel the head of Lyle's cock slip over him and then find his hole, nudging in. "Hang on tight." "I won't break." Rupe grinned back over his shoulder and then let his head hang between his shoulders, his hands braced on the tile. "Good thing. Hey, didn't I say that?" Lyle paused then snorted. "Just hang on." Hands held Rupe's hips and Lyle's cock filled him up, going in deep. "You did." He groaned as Lyle pushed in. "Yeah, just like that." "Like this?" Lyle eased back out, slowly. "Or this?" Hips jerking, slapping against his ass, Lyle drove into him, hard. "Uh-huh. Yes." He nodded and started pushing back to meet Lyle's thrusts. "Good." Lyle set up a pace, going deep and pulling out almost all the way before diving back into him until he was grunting with every stroke. "You're so fucking tight," Lyle said between panted breaths. "I think I'm going to make it a point to come at least once before I fuck you next time, just to keep from blowing too soon." Rupe tightened around Lyle's cock, making it even tighter for him. "Oh, fuck." Lyle pounded into him, his fingers holding on hard enough to leave bruises, maybe. It felt fucking amazing and Rupe kept pushing back, adding his strength to the thrusts. He managed to get one hand around his prick and started jacking himself. "Yeah." Lyle's voice was rough and thready. "God, yeah. Come on." He slammed in again and again, hitting Rupe's gland. Rupe shouted, nice and loud, letting it all out as he came hard, come hitting the tiles in front of him.

Playing the Market - 45

Grunting, Lyle fucked him through it without grace. His head rested between Rupe's shoulder blades and he could feel Lyle's pants on his skin. Finally, Lyle froze deep inside, not making a sound as he shot, not even breathing. Then he let it all out in one long exhale, warm air on wet skin, a kiss pressed against Rupe's back. He reached back, patting Lyle's hip. "Damn," Lyle mumbled. "Just... damn." He eased out but didn't back away, staying close.

"Seems I have a new hobby."

Rupe laughed. "I don't think I've ever been anyone's hobby before."

"I've never had one before, so go us."

He leaned against his hand on the tile, grinning and happy. He did like Lyle, liked him a lot.

"Just how long is this hot water going to hold out?"

"Long enough to get actually clean, if you want. There's shampoo and stuff." Lyle didn't let him

go, just stayed where he was, catching his breath and petting him occasionally.

"Clean is good." So was standing in the hot water with Lyle, all relaxed and easy. That was good,

too.

"This is good," Lyle said softly. Just before he went completely still and quiet.

Rupe chuckled -- looked like they were on the same wavelength. He petted Lyle's thigh again

and closed his eyes, just enjoying the moment.

Playing the Market - 46

Chapter Five Lyle was off his game, and he wasn't happy about it. He wasn't happy about having his concentration waver at odd moments, and he wasn't happy about the weird feeling he got right around six in the evening, when people with other jobs were either already home or heading there. In the time he'd started to think about as “before Rupe” -and he wasn't happy to be thinking like that, either -- he would've been still plowing through work and happy to be doing just that. But now... now he found himself glancing at the clock and trying to figure out ways to not diminish his productivity and still get home before ten at night. It wasn't a comfortable feeling. Rupe was comfortable, though, and that was a problem, too. They were far too different for Lyle to want to spend time with him. They really had nothing in common, and there was the tiny, completely impossible to ignore fact that Rupe was not only a man who Lyle wouldn't be able to have any real, long-term relationship with, but also a man who was going to just get up and go one day and not come back. At all. Rupe was a free bird, Lyle told himself. Restless and curious and not at all given to staying in one place for long. Of course, Lyle's body didn't care about that. Not one bit. The two of them fit physically in many exciting and climax inducing ways, and Lyle's body was quite happy to just go with that. His head, not so much. So, there he was. Half past six, and an hour or two of work ahead of him, and for the first time he was resenting the papers and the numbers. He had Rupe's number. He'd had it for a couple of days and hadn't called. He'd been trying to get things worked out in his head, so both his head and his cock could be happy. He hadn't had a lot of success. With a frustrated growl, Lyle tossed his pen to his desk and reached for the phone. This was just stupid. Still frowning, he pushed the buttons to call Rupe's boarding house, hoping someone would pick up so he could leave a message if Rupe wasn't around. The phone was picked up, but it was a woman who answered. "Hello?" Lyle leaned back in his chair, passing a hand over his eyes. "Hello. Would Rupert Tarragon be in?"

Playing the Market - 47

"Just a sec'." He wasn't sure if she'd made any attempt to cover the receiver or hold it away, but

he got an earful as she shouted for Rupe. "Rupert! Phone!"

It was all quiet for a minute, and then another. Just when he was starting to think that maybe

Rupe wasn't home and the girl on the line had wandered off, Rupe spoke. "'Lo?"

"Hey." Oh, that was totally not a breathy squeak. Flushing, Lyle cleared his throat. "It's Lyle. Did

I catch you at a bad time?"

"Nope. Was out on the roof, shooting the breeze with the boys, having a few beers. How's

work?"

"Funny thing about work. It's annoying me. That's new. How's the weather out there?" Lyle

shifted in his chair and turned it away from his desk, facing his closed door.

"It's a gorgeous evening, man. You should come on out and play. I'll save you a brew."

"That sounds nice," Lyle admitted. "But I've been slacking off. I'm... " He looked at his desk and

frowned at it. "I can probably finish up in less than an hour. Will you be around then?" Goddamn

stupid body.

"Sure. You want to come over?" Rupe chuckled. "It's not fancy like your place but we've got a

nice view of the sunset up on the roof."

Lyle found himself nodding. "A change of scenery might be nice." And slightly strange. "We can

always come back to my place later, if we want to. Give me the address. I should be there in less

than an hour and a half." If he managed to find his concentration for a while, anyway.

"Sounds good." Rupe rattled off the address and warned him about a street closing that would

detour him a little. "Okay, the sun sets around nine and you don't want to miss it."

"I can be there by then," Lyle promised, reaching for his pen. "Save me a beer. And ignore the

tie, all right? I'll be a little more dressy than the rest of you."

Rupe's laughter poured down the line. "They are removable, you know."

"Ah, but then what will we do with it?" Lyle grinned, knowing exactly what he'd like to do with

it.

When Rupe answered, the laughter was gone, his voice low and intimate. "I can think of a thing

or two, Lyle."

"So can I." Lyle's mouth went dry. "Maybe we can share our ideas in person."

"I'd like that. I should let you go now so you can get your ass in gear and get over here, eh?"

Playing the Market - 48

"Yeah." Lyle swallowed hard and gripped his pen. "The sooner I get this done... see you in a bit, Rupe." "Sure thing. Nine o'clock." Rupe hung up the phone. "Nine." Lyle looked at his phone and hung up, then looked down at his lap, his cock nudging at his fly. "That's just over two hours. You just go back to sleep until I can get this stuff done." He nodded once, realized he was talking out loud to his prick, and rolled his eyes. Then he pulled his file closer and bent over it, putting everything sex related and Rupe related out of his mind. More or less. By the time he finished to the satisfaction of his ever-lowering standards, which were admittedly still pretty high, it was just after eight and he had time to double-check his directions before setting off. Getting a cab wasn't a huge issue, though the street closure proved to be a bit more challenging than he'd anticipated. Either that, or the cabby was screwing him over for a higher fare. He didn't think that too likely, though, given that Lyle knew the city too and didn't see a faster way around. When he paid the driver off and climbed out, it was earlier than he'd hoped, about fifteen minutes before nine. He could have done a bit more work, his mind helpfully pointed out. Then he found himself loosening his tie and figured, no, he couldn't have. With a grin, Lyle went up the short flight of steps to the door and knocked loudly, not seeing a buzzer. An older woman in a pair of shorts and a T-shirt, graying hair done up in a ponytail, answered the door. "Hey there. You must be Rupe's friend -- he mentioned you'd be coming by. They're up on the roof." She pointed to the stairs. "The access is on the third floor." "Thanks." Lyle smiled at her and nodded as he went past and up the wide set of stairs. On the second floor he turned and walked down a short hall lined with closed doors to get to the next set of stairs, which went up above the first. He wondered if one of those closed doors was Rupe's. The second flight was narrower, and on the third floor there were a couple more closed doors and one that stood open. He glanced in as he passed and saw a TV on a stand and a microwave on a counter; then, he followed the sound of voices to yet more stairs, leading to an open door. There was a tiny roof garden across the way, and a set of patio furniture -- a table with an umbrella that was currently folded down, and a half dozen chairs, four of which were currently occupied by Rupe and three other guys all in shorts and nothing else. There was a two-four of Rickert's beneath the table with a host of empty bottles next to it. The guys were all laughing as one of them told a tale, hands waving, beer bottle in hand. Lyle stood in the doorway, the heat from the sun still streaming on them all. He wasn't sure if he hated the way his suit was making him hot, or if he loved it for hiding his immediate hard-on

Playing the Market - 49

from looking at Rupe, sprawled and half dressed. He took a tentative step forward and reached for a chair, waiting for Rupe to see him. Rupe wiped at his eyes as the tale came to an end, still chuckling. Then the man caught sight of him and grinned wide, eyes happy. "Hey, Lyle! Guys, this is my friend Lyle. Lyle -- Peter, Brad, and Sulinder." Rupe pointed to each man in turn. "Grab a brew, man." He thought that was Brad, if he’d gotten Rupe’s pointings right. "Hey," Lyle said, nodding at each of them. Beer in hand, he pulled his chair over to Rupe's and sat, one hand undoing his jacket. "How're you all doing? Nice night." "Man, you've got to be fucking hot in that get up." Peter -- at least he thought it was Peter -pointed at him with a beer bottle. "You just come from a funeral?" "Work." Lyle laughed. "You get used to it." He loosened his tie and undid the top button of his shirt. "Bad enough I have to get up at all in the morning," complained Brad. "Thank God I don't have to squeeze into one of those as well." Rupe grinned at him, winked. Lyle rolled his eyes and winked back. "It's not so bad," he said mildly. He took a large swallow of his beer, loving the icy cold of it. "I usually manage to change before I sit on rooftops to drink beer, though." "Do this a lot, do you?" Rupe asked, eyes twinkling. Resisting the urge to stick out his tongue at Rupe for calling him on his bullshit, Lyle inclined his head. "I have my moments." He winked again and drank his beer, and looked around. "You're right, the view is good." Rupe pointed out to where the sky was just beginning to change colors with the setting of the sun. "There's a lot of pollution tonight -- the sunset's going to be spectacular." Lyle shook his head ruefully. Trust Rupe to find the joy in pollution. The other men kept talking, but Lyle couldn't really follow them; he didn't know the people or the terms and he could only assume they were talking about their work. He drank his beer and eyed Rupe discreetly, letting the sun keep him warm and the beer keep him cool. It was far better than being at the office, and he wasn't sure if he liked that. Again. Everyone quieted down as the sunset became really spectacular, just drinking their beer and watching the show. The sky changed surprisingly quickly once the sun began to go down in earnest and it really was quite beautiful.

Playing the Market - 50

Lyle watched the pinks turn to orange and the blue deepening to dark gray. He let one hand drop down beside his chair, brushing Rupe's thigh as he did so. The sky was pretty, but it wasn't holding his complete attention. Rupe's hand found his briefly, squeezing before letting go. The sun finished its descent, the air not getting any cooler -- it was just too humid and hot. It seemed to be the signal to end the party, though, because the guys started gathering the beer bottles up, calling out goodnights. "We can stay up here a bit longer if you want, honey." Rupe gave him a wry smile. "It's pretty damned stuffy in my room." Lyle stayed in his chair as the others left. "Sounds just fine to me." He did, however, sit up and take off his jacket. "It's not exactly cool out here. I can't imagine what a closed up room would be like." "No picnic. If summer wasn't the best time to pick up jobs, I'd ride out to the Maritimes and spend my summer there." Rupe shifted his chair closer once his friends had gone, hand coming to rest on Lyle's upper thigh. "Thanks for coming, honey." He could feel the added heat from Rupe's hand through his trousers. "I was... I've been thinking about you a lot," he said quietly. "I'm not sure if that's good or not, to be honest. But I really, really wanted to see you tonight. Thanks for inviting me over." "I wanted to see you, too." Rupe's hand began stroking him, sliding up and down along his thigh, moving a little closer to his crotch with each pass. "What are the chances one of those guys is going to come back out here?" Lyle tried to finish his beer and watch Rupe's hand at the same time, his prick pushing up against his zipper. "Pretty slim. They all start early and are hitting the hay." Rupe's fingers brushed the bottom of his balls. "Can I talk you into a hand job?" Lyle moaned softly, his legs spreading. "Don't think you'll even have to talk." He put his empty bottle down and undid his belt with a jerk. "Of course, you can talk. I like your voice." Rupe chuckled, his own beer bottle dropping to the rooftop with a clunk. The big man shifted his chair even closer. "Love how your cock feels in my hand, honey." "Me too." That was no lie. His own hand had felt a little substandard the last couple of days. Lyle pulled his zipper open and eased his boxers out of the way, his prick pushing right up into the open air. "Not to mention how much my cock likes it."

Playing the Market - 51

Rupe leaned over and planted a kiss on him, hand wrapping right around his cock just as easy as you please, fingers hot, rough. Lyle's mouth opened wide and he moaned into the kiss, his hips rocking up without hesitation. He slid an arm around Rupe's shoulders and held on tight, wanting to feel the smoothness of his sun-warmed skin. He wanted to be closer than the chairs were allowing, but there was something wonderfully obscene about getting jerked off with just his cock out of his pants while Rupe was mostly undressed. Outside on a rooftop, where anyone could look out a window at any time. His cock flexed and he moaned again, starting to leak. Rupe's hand moved faster, slick now from his precome, and his mouth was filled by Rupe's tongue sweeping in and touching his teeth, his gums, sliding on his tongue. Oh, God. Lyle groaned and put his free hand on the arm of the chair for balance, one foot slipping as he tried to fuck Rupe's hand. He felt like he'd been hard for hours, and maybe he had; it didn't matter. The only thing that mattered was that Rupe had hands that worked, rough and calloused, and that Rupe knew exactly how to touch him. Lyle's balls pulled up and could feel himself starting to sweat, his whole body flushing. With a gasp, Lyle's head fell back. "Soon. God, soon." His eyes closed tight and he dug his fingers into Rupe's shoulder. Rupe's hand tightened around him, moving faster. "Come on then, honey. Let's see what you've got." Lyle bit his lip to keep from yelling as his gut cramped and he started to come, spilling over Rupe's hand and getting the tail of his shirt wet. "Oh, God. Yes. Good." His chest heaved as he tried to get enough air. "Mmm... you smell great." Rupe slowed his strokes, pulling every last bit of sensation out of him. "You feel great. I feel great." Lyle felt wrung out and calm, for the first time in days. He got his heart to stop pounding and struggled to sit up a bit. "Now you." "I do have a little swelling here you could help go down." "Uh-huh." Shaking a little, Lyle turned and slid out of his chair, which fell over as he got to his knees. "Gimme," he said, reaching out and petting Rupe's belly, heading right for his fly. Rupe's legs spread wider, and the big fingers popped open the button on the cutoffs Rupe was wearing.

Playing the Market - 52

Lyle leaned forward, not caring that his trousers were going to get trashed by crawling on a roof, not caring that his wet shirt was going to wind up sticking to him. He hadn't even put his own cock away before fishing Rupe's out, the hard flesh straining toward him. "Oh, nice." He breathed on it, inhaling the scent of sex and soap and sweat from sitting in the sun. "Yeah." Rupe grunted, hand landing on his head and encouraging him to take Rupe's prick in. Opening his mouth, Lyle lapped at the head for a moment before sucking lightly at the crown. He had to shift again to find a good angle and then he went for it, licking and sucking and pushing Rupe's legs wide with his hands. The chair under Rupe creaked and groaned, promising to squeak when Rupe started rocking. Lyle hoped to hell that the other boarders were asleep or that the sound wouldn't carry. Or that at the very least he and Rupe wouldn't get their asses kicked. With a moan of his own he took Rupe in as far as he could, grunting when the broad cock hit the back of his throat. Good. Rupe obviously thought so, too, because that's exactly when the rocking started, Rupe's chair indeed squeaking rhythmically as the strong hips pushed. Opening as wide as he could and finding the rhythm so he could breathe, Lyle let Rupe fuck his mouth however he wanted to. He let go of Rupe's thighs and went right for the heavy balls instead, rolling and massaging them, pushing his fingers back and fighting with the denim of his shorts. "Fuck, yeah, Lyle. Yeah." Both of Rupe's hands held his head down, now, Rupe’s hips working hard. God, he loved this. Loved the way Rupe felt, the way he sounded. Loved the way he tasted. Moaning and sucking and taking it all, Lyle managed to get two fingers behind Rupe's balls and he pushed up hard, rubbing the soft skin. He could feel the barest suggestion of Rupe's hole, just out of reach. He wanted in there, and soon. "Oh, yeah." Rupe's whisper filled the air and the big body jerked, cock pushing up hard against the back of his throat as Rupe came. Lyle swallowed and sucked and licked and swallowed again, listening to the soft sounds and heavy breathing. He could feel Rupe's legs shake against him for a few moments, and when they settled down he kissed the head of Rupe's cock and looked up, captivated by the sheen of sweat on the tanned skin. Rupe reached for him. "Come sit, honey." Lyle nodded and without thinking about it crawled up his body until he was in Rupe's lap, which was probably very bad for the chair. Lyle didn't care. "I needed that," he whispered in Rupe's ear.

Playing the Market - 53

Rupe's arms went around him, holding him in an easy grip. "You don't get out enough, and you work too hard. It's bad for the heart." "I used to really like keeping long hours. I mean, really like it. I loved it, I thrived on it. Now... I'm all over the place." Lyle sighed and rested his head on Rupe's. "I shouldn't be telling you this." "You think I might take advantage of your change of heart?" Rupe nuzzled his neck, nibbled on his earlobe, and whispered, "You're right, I would." "Oh, good." Lyle managed to stem his outpouring of thoughts that didn't make sense, even to him, and let Rupe nuzzle him. "I'd hate to think that I'd wind up at home all alone and bored." "We can't have that -- you'd wind up going back to work. And you know what they say about all work and no play..." Rupe's hand slid down over his arm, petting almost absently. "You know I was thinking..." Lyle approved of that. He didn't want to be the only one thinking. "Hmm?" He approved of the petting, too. That was nice. "What're you doing for the weekend? We could throw a change of underwear in the saddlebags and head up into lake country." "I usually work." It was the truth. But... "Let me... let me take a breath and think about it for moment. Because... well, for a lot of reasons." Even taking a moment to avoid saying no as the only possible answer was huge for Lyle. Could he really just take a whole weekend off? "No computer? No cell phone to check my e-mail?" "Just you and me and the woods. We could roast marshmallows over a fire, fish, swim." Rupe's voice dropped. "We could lie under the stars and fuck like rabbits." "Okay." Lyle blushed and tried not to laugh at himself. "I mean. Oh. On your bike?" That was whole other adventure, wasn't it? "Damn it, you and my cock are going to make all the choices for me," he teased. Rupe chuckled, chest moving against him. One big hand slid to pat his cock, which was still hanging out in the air, just like Rupe's. "I like the way he thinks." "He thinks that being somewhere less of a chair would be a real good idea right about now. Your place or mine?" "Mine's just down the stairs. We'll have to be quiet, though, the walls are thin." Rupe tucked him back into his pants, and then did the same himself. "Now did I hear you right -- you said you'd take off for the weekend with me?"

Playing the Market - 54

"I think I agreed to that, yes." Lyle got off Rupe's lap and nodded slowly. "If I get weird or go into withdrawal or something just... fuck me again or something." Rupe put his head back and laughed, the sound loud and unselfconscious and free. "You got it, honey." He hauled himself up out of his chair and looped an arm around Lyle’s shoulder. "Now, come on. Let's see if I can make you scream on my little bed." "I have no doubt about that whatsoever," Lyle told him, heading to the door. "Not even one." He might have doubts about how deeply he was involving himself, but he was sure Rupe would make him enjoy it while it lasted. Even if they woke up the whole damn house.

Playing the Market - 55

Chapter Six Rupe got the bike packed up with a couple days food, some fishing line, a sleeping bag and blanket, matches, and a T-shirt and a couple pairs of underwear. There was a spot up north that belonged to a buddy of his, and he happened to know it would be empty, Rick's wife being about fifteen months pregnant if the size of her was anything to go by. Poor girl. He dialed up Lyle's number, not wanting to pull on his jeans or his leather jacket before he had to, thanks to the heat. He glanced at his watch as he waited for Lyle to pick up. Almost a quarter after five, which gave Lyle fifteen minutes grace from the time when Rupe had told him they'd be leaving. "I have no idea what to bring," Lyle said instead of any form of greeting. He sounded a little frantic. "None. And do I need bedding? God, how do you do this? I take a suitcase to go overnight! I assume you'll laugh at me if I bring shit for my hair?" Rupe was laughing at him now. "Honey. I've taken care of everything. You need to be wearing jeans because of the bike. Bring a pair of shorts, a T-shirt and some underwear. Oh, and your toothbrush. I swear that's all you'll need. I'm leaving now and I'll be there in ten minutes." It was a weekend on the lake in the middle of nowhere. Lyle didn't need to worry about what he was wearing or how his hair looked. He just needed to worry about... "And lube and condoms." There was a long pause. "That's it? Really?" Lyle was kind of adorable when he was confused. "You know, if I leave the underwear I could probably bring more lube." "Works for me, honey -- easier access." He waved at Peter as the man walked by the shared phone, overnight bag slung over one shoulder. "And just throw it all in a grocery bag so it'll fit in the saddle bag. Okay, I'm hanging up now and I'll be outside the front of your place in ten minutes." He hung up before Lyle could find something else to protest about or try to stall for more time so he could check his email one last time or something. Making quick work of changing into his jeans and tugging on his leather jacket, Rupe made sure he had the extra helmet and then headed out, making it to Lyle's place in just over ten minutes. He turned the engine off and settled with the bike, trying to see if Lyle was in the lobby yet. He could see the side with the elevator doors, and grinned when they slid open to reveal Lyle, in jeans for the first time that Rupe had seen, and Mrs. Ball. Lyle looked harried and like he was trying very hard to be polite, but only just holding off from running away from the woman. Slowly, Lyle and Mrs. Ball made their way to the door, Lyle spotting him and raising a hand in a wave, which made Mrs. Ball look over at him. Her eyes widened as she saw the bike and, still behind the closed glass doors, she rounded on Lyle and started talking to him, her hands waving.

Playing the Market - 56

Lyle merely nodded every few seconds until he finally shrugged and said something briefly, then left her there. "God, that woman," Lyle said as soon as he was close to Rupe. "Hi. Stuff." He held up his grocery bag and made a face. "I have never gone anywhere with this little." "Oh, you'll manage." Rupe leaned back and opened one of the saddlebags for Lyle to drop the bag into. "What did the raunchy old bat want?" "To know if you're my boyfriend and didn't I know how dangerous bikes are and how more dangerous the men who drive them are? She insists that the fact you have a bike means that you're going to break my heart and possibly my body." Lyle rolled his eyes and stuffed his bag where Rupe showed him. "So." Rupe made sure the saddlebag was properly closed and then patted the back of his seat. "I haven't had an accident yet, honey. Of course I usually don't have a sexy guy snugged up against my ass..." He winked and patted the leather seat again. "Is this a good time to tell you I've never actually been on a bike before?" "Never? As in never ever? You, my friend, are about to have a wonderful experience." He laughed. "Hell, it might even change your workaholic ways -- you just might get addicted to the feeling of the hog between your legs, vibrating against your dick, the wind whipping at you..." He handed over the second helmet and helped Lyle secure it properly. "Just sit up tight, and wrap your arms around me. All you have to do is move with me and it'll be fine." Lyle took a deep breath and carefully climbed on behind him, almost instantly melding to his back. "We've had pretty good luck moving together so far. How long are we driving for?" "A couple hours once we're out of the city. If you need me to stop for anything, tap my belly a couple of times, okay?" It felt good, having Lyle pressed up against him. "Okay. I suppose tapping lower would be bad, right?" Lyle's hand petted his belly briefly. "Let's go, then. Before I hear my job calling me." Rupe gave Lyle's hand a squeeze, and put his gloves back on, and then started the engine up again. "Here we go!" he shouted, easing the bike out into traffic. Lyle's arms tightened like a vise and didn't let up any for at least three blocks. But after they made it around one left hand turn, leaning into it and going as smooth as silk, Lyle seemed to catch on that they weren't about to die. By the time they'd reached the on ramp to the highway, Lyle was almost close to relaxing. Sort of. Rupe figured Lyle would have sore muscles to rub when they stopped.

Playing the Market - 57

It was slow going at first -- he hated city driving, especially during rush hour -- but they were eventually out of the city and on the highway, going well over a hundred, the wind roaring in his ears. Oh, he'd needed this. And to have Lyle plastered to his back, arms around his waist, was icing on a very nice cake. The sun was hot, the wind not making a huge dent to cool them off; it didn't help that as Lyle relaxed, his hands became less like a belt around his waist and more like a lover holding him. Not that Lyle did anything to tease him as he was probably still too nervous on the bike for that, but his hands did splay on Rupe's abs, and there wasn't any way to miss the very occasional shift of Lyle's weight that pushed Lyle right up against his ass. Lyle, pretty obviously, liked what a bike between his legs felt like. It was hot and sexy and Rupe knew better than to focus too much on it. If they wanted some nookie on the bike, it could wait until they'd stopped and he had the kickstand down. He made a bet with himself that Lyle would ask to get fucked while bent over the bike, although if Lyle wanted it the other way around he'd be more than happy to bend and spread. His own cock was enjoying his thoughts, the man snugged up tight behind him, and the vibrations of the bike between his legs. There was just no bad here. None at all. He slowed down and turned into The Silver Lake Bait Shoppe. They had another half hour or so to go, and this was their last chance to fill up on gas and grab a bite to eat. He also knew from experience that they had awesome pies for sale, and he had a hankering to feed one to Lyle once they were there. Engine cut, Rupe pulled off his helmet and twisted around, grinning at Lyle. "You feel like stretching your legs and grabbing a bite?" "Only if that's the only option I have." Lyle's helmet came off and his eyes were dark, totally dilated. "Not sure I can walk right now, but I'll make the effort." Rupe chuckled sympathetically and got off first, giving Lyle a hand. "Food here's good, but we can't linger over it. We need to get there before it gets dark." "Are we close?" Lyle got off the bike and stretched, his hands way up high over his head as soon as he'd put the helmet on the seat. "God, I'm still vibrating, I think." "Feels good, doesn't it? You really know you're alive on a bike." He opened his jacket and started heading for the shop cum diner cum bait store. "We're about a half hour out -- we turn off a few miles up the road, though, and it's dirt road from there on in." "Dirt?" Lyle followed along, looking around. "I don't suppose there's electricity, is there? And indoor plumbing?" Rupe had to look to check if Lyle was kidding -- he wasn't.

Playing the Market - 58

"Honey, we're staying in the woods by the lake out in the middle of nowhere, or at least as close

to it as we can get on a few hours ride. What do you think?"

Lyle sighed. "I think my fondness for your ass has gotten me to where no one ever has before.

Tell me there's room in those saddlebags for a beer or two. Please?"

"Already have a six pack in there. We'll dump it in the lake to get cold." He held the door open for Lyle and nodded at the waitress by the counter. "Anywhere?" he asked her, pointing at the four tables that crowded around the big picture window at the back of the building. "Yeah, take your pick -- I'll be with you in a minute." Lyle led the way to a table and sat with his back to the room. "This is kind of cool," he said,

looking around like he'd never seen a place like it. "I bet they have awesome breakfasts here."

"We could find out Sunday morning, after we've put in our fishing time." He'd have to remember

to pick up a pail of worms as well as the pie. "The burgers here are quick and good."

"They sure are." The waitress smiled as she dumped two sheets of plain paper that served as

menus in front of them. "What are you having to drink?"

"I'll have some ginger ale, please. And the burger platter."

"Same," Lyle said, smiling up at the waitress. "But I'll take a Coke instead. Can I get vinegar for

the fries?"

"Sure. We got malt and regular."

"Regular, thanks." Lyle's smile turned into a full on beam. "I'm suddenly starving."

Rupe relaxed back in his chair, letting his legs sprawl out. "We'll get a pie to bring with us. It's

the best in Canada."

"You haven't met my Grandma yet." Lyle looked out the window and rested his elbows on the

table, still smiling. "Her apple pie will send you to heaven."

"Oh, cool. Your grandparents are still alive?"

Lyle nodded. "Three. My dad's parents are alive and well and enjoying being snowbirds. Mom's

father is a bit older, but he keeps busy. He's in Manitoba. What about you?"

"It's just me and my sister -- my folks were in a car crash when I was eleven. She was eight. We

made the foster care rounds, but I basically looked after her until she graduated college. She's

been looking after me since."

Playing the Market - 59

"Oh." Lyle blinked at him for a moment. "I'm sorry about your parents. That had to be... awful.

What's your sister's name?"

"Lisa. She's great. She's got four kids of her own now." He dug his wallet out of his jacket pocket

and opened it to the little pictures, passing it over.

"Oh, wow." Lyle looked at the picture with something close to awe. "Look at them all." He

glanced at Rupe and grinned. "I'm an only. One of these ones named after you?"

"Oh, hell no. There's Jason, he's the oldest. Devlin and Steward are twins. That little angel is

Suzanna. She might be her Uncle Rupe's favorite." He winked, and turned the photo holder to the

picture from Lisa and Dave's wedding. "That's my sister and her husband David."

Lyle looked and grinned. "She doesn't look a thing like you. Pretty, though."

Rupe threw his head back and laughed. "And that's why she's pretty. Can you image a girl

saddled with this nose?"

"I like your nose!" Lyle’s smile turned warm. "It suits you. Now, on her it might not work as

well, but on you... yeah."

He smiled back, something warm and happy blossoming in his belly. And it wasn't just a need

for food, either.

Which just happened to be coming, their waitress carrying a tray with their plates and their

drinks. She set them down in front of them along with ketchup, mustard, vinegar and salt and

pepper. "You guys need anything else?"

"We'd like a pie to take out with us -- what kinds have you got?"

"Oh, we've got apple and peach, but my favorite's the rhubarb and there's only one of them left."

"We'll take that then, and a piece of apple with ice cream when we've finished our burgers."

"You got it."

Lyle was already chewing a mouthful of burger, making happy “yummy” noises. When he

swallowed and reached for his Coke he asked, "We going to have more to eat than pie and beer?

You're not going to make me hunt, are you? Because we'll be very, very hungry."

Rupe nearly choked on his mouthful of hamburger. Wiping his mouth with a napkin, he shook

his head. "No, I've got dogs and steaks in the saddle bags."

"Good lord. Is there anything you can't fit in there?" Lyle attacked his burger again, apparently as

hungry as he'd said he was. "Aside from running water and electricity, I mean."

Playing the Market - 60

"I don't have stove, or a tent." It occurred to him suddenly that Lyle might not realize that when he'd said under the stars, he'd literally meant under the stars. "Oh, well, as long as there's beer." Lyle's French fries were vanishing as fast as his burger until his hand froze, half way to his mouth. "Rupe?" Rupe swallowed his mouthful and took a drink before asking, innocently, "What?" "Where, exactly, are we staying again?" "Out by the lake." Lyle fixed him with a steady stare. "I got that part. But I think I assumed... shelter of some kind. A cabin. A tent at a minimum." Rupe shook his head. "We don't need anything like that -- it's just the weekend and it's the middle of July. I've got a sleeping bag and a blanket. I even brought the bug spray." "I see." Lyle looked at his plate and shrugged, then started shoving fries in again. "I'm a city boy, Rupe. I don't think you quite get what that means." He looked at Rupe, his eyes twinkling. "But you're going to." "I seem to remember somebody saying something about fucking it out of you whenever you started whining..." He winked and downed the rest of his ginger ale. "Uh-huh. I think you'll need a vacation from your weekend off. Because with no shelter, no toilet and no Starbucks? I'm going to whine. I'm pretty sure I won't be able to help it." Rupe shook his head. "It's going to be great, man. Communing with nature -- that's not just a catchy phrase to sell books." "The closest I come to communing with nature is watching the city workers weed the gardens on my way to work, Rupe. But I'm here, and I'll try. Hurry up and eat, I want pie." "I'm almost done," he pointed out, shoving the last quarter of his hamburger into his mouth. He only had a few fries left -- he'd been as hungry as Lyle. The waitress must have noticed, too, because she was coming toward them with two heaping plates of apple pie, generous scoops of ice cream half on, half next to them. "Ohhh, that looks good." Lyle shoved their plates out of the way, stacking them up as Rupe grabbed the last of his fries. "Thank you." Without even waiting for her to leave, he dove into the pie. Rupe hadn't seen him eat so much in one sitting, ever. Mind, he hadn't really shared more than a couple of meals with him, so it was hard to judge.

Playing the Market - 61

Besides, the apple pie here was worth digging into enthusiastically, and Rupe did, after handing over their plates and giving the waitress a smile. They didn't have much to say to each other as they dug into their dessert, the pie as good as he remembered, maybe even better. He wondered if they were making their own ice cream now, too. "Good lord, that was phenomenal." Lyle dropped his fork and leaned way back in his seat, groaning. "If the pie we're taking with us is as good, I might survive this weekend after all." "It's even better. Unless you don't like rhubarb." "Then I'll be fine. I love rhubarb. Especially stewed down and put on vanilla ice cream." Rupe nodded. "There's a ton of stuff you can do with rhubarb. It's got that nice sharp, sour taste to it." He wiped his mouth and sat back, smiling at Lyle. The man looked more comfortable now that he'd been fed, and Rupe couldn't wait to get him out into the woods by the lake and have his wicked way with him. "You ready, honey?" "As ready as I'll ever be. Half an hour more, you said? If the dirt road doesn't kill me, we're good to go, I think." "You're going to be just fine -- I won't let the bears have you." He got up and ambled over to the cash, pulling his wallet out again. "We're ready to tally up -- can you add a bucket of worms to that, please?" "Tell me the worms will go in the saddle bags and I get to hold onto the pie." "Oh, they'll both fit. There's enough in the one bag to put the pie flat across it. I'll even put the worms on the other side." He gave Lyle a wink and paid up, leaving the waitress a nice tip. They headed out together and he got everything put away and did up his jacket. "Hold on real tight through this next part, honey. It's easier to get out of balance on the dirt." "Trust me," Lyle said, swinging onto the bike. "I'll be like glue. If you can't breathe, just let me know." He looked Lyle up and down. "I'll be just fine, honey -- you do your best to be that glue." "You say that like you think I'm not about to just plaster myself to your back." Lyle put his helmet on. "Come on, already. I think I could get to like this part." He settled on the bike, waiting for Lyle to get on and snug up nice and tight behind him.

Playing the Market - 62

Lyle did just that, fast and easy. Arms looped around, he took a moment to tease with the palm of one hand before being good and holding on properly. "Ready." He sounded pretty cheerful as his legs came up behind Rupe's, feet on the pegs. "Take me to the scary wilds." "Here we go!" he shouted as he started up the engine and took them back out onto the road. It was only a couple of miles to the turn off onto Blue Lake Road and he eased back on the throttle, slowing a little for Lyle's sake. He knew the man was already freaked out about the whole great outdoors thing, he didn't need to add breakneck speed on the dirt road. After only a couple of minutes of bouncing and taking it easy, avoiding the larger potholes on the road, Lyle's hand splayed flat on his belly. "Rustic," Lyle's voice came, mixed in with the engine and the wind. But Lyle seemed to be liking it, holding on and looking around now and then, his fingers almost kneading Rupe's abdomen. It honestly had never occurred to him that Lyle might not like it. It was the lake, there wouldn't be too many people around, and it was a perfectly typical hot July -- what was there not to like? But their conversation at the dinner had him wondering, just a little. Oh, well. He'd meant it when he'd said he'd love any whining out of Lyle. He loved camping out at the lake and he'd make sure Lyle did, too. It was closer to forty-five minutes before he took a right onto the “driveway” of Mark's cabin. They by-passed the place and kept going on the narrowed trail until it ran out. That's where he parked the bike. Cutting the engine, he pulled off his helmet and pointed. "About a twenty second walk that way is the lake." "Uh-huh." Lyle took his own helmet off and stayed where he was, pressed up close against Rupe's ass. "It's... um. It's pretty?" He looked around, not moving. "Yeah, it's pretty." Rupe pulled off his gloves and reached down to pat Lyle's hand. "Listen to that, man." "To what?" Lyle sounded confused. "There's no city noises. Only the birds and the breeze in the trees. If you listen really closely, you can hear the water lapping at the shore." He just loved it when the city noises completely disappeared. For a long moment, Lyle didn't say anything at all, then he nodded. "It's quiet," he agreed. "How close is the nearest neighbor?" "Couple miles in either direction. It hasn't been much developed yet." And he hoped like hell it never was. There weren't enough places like this. "We should get camp set up," he suggested, patting Lyle's hand again.

Playing the Market - 63

"And how, exactly, does one set up a camp when one doesn't even have a tent?" Lyle dropped his hand to Rupe's lap. "Also, what if I start screaming when a bear comes by? Who'll save us? We're all alone out here. Do deer bite?" Rupe just laughed. "The screaming will scare the bear away. And deer don't bite unless you're made of wood or berries and leaves. And if you'd get off the bike, you'd find out how we set up camp." He had a hunch Lyle was stalling, but he really did want to get the fire dug out and their food hanging up in the tree, nice leaves under their sleeping bag before it got dark. "But I like the bike!" Lyle wiggled against him and finally sighed dramatically. "All right. Show me where to put myself so I can learn from the master. I went to summer camp, you know." He swung off the bike and took a couple of steps, looking up at the treetops. "This ain't your city slicker's summer camp." Shit, that man worked too hard and just didn't know how to get out into the world and relax. Rupe climbed off the bike and undid the saddlebags, putting them up over his shoulder. "This way." The path was faint but there, and about ten yards in the trees opened up into a half-moon clearing around one of the prettiest lakes he'd seen. It even had a little bit of a sandy beach, and he knew the sand lasted about ten feet into the water before it became rocky. It looked like the fire pit he'd dug out last year was in pretty good shape -- it wasn't going to take them long to get settled at all. "So... what do you think?" "Well, if you throw up a bunkhouse, a mess tent, running water and a proper bathroom, it looks like the camp I went to. If we're going without, then I think it's damn pretty. The trees'll keep any wind back, and as long as the wildlife doesn't mind me, I won't mind it. How's the water for swimming?" "The water's perfect. In fact, I can hardly wait for us to be set up before stripping out of these hot clothes and taking a skinny dip. I sure hope you'll join me for that." He could definitely handle being naked in the water with Lyle. Oh, yeah. "Now, that's not an offer I ever got at summer camp." Lyle looked around the clearing again. "Okay, so what do we have to do? Aside from sinking the beer in the lake." "You do that," he suggested, handing over the beer. "I'll get the fire pit cleaned up." He set to work and in no time at all had a fire blazing away, Lyle searching the trees for more firewood, getting out their sleeping bag and blanket. He left the food, minus the pie, in the saddlebags, hanging them over a branch he could easily reach. The bugs weren't too bad -- it was just too hot for them this time of year. Rupe looked at the pile of branches of every size by the fire. "This'll probably do us 'til tomorrow at least, honey. You ready for that dip?"

Playing the Market - 64

"Yeah, I'd say so." Lyle was looking at the water again, his brow furrowed. "Did we bring salt in case there's leeches?" Rupe's eyebrows rose. "Just get naked." He started taking his own advice, stripping off his jacket and T-shirt, shimmying out of his jeans. Fuck, the air felt so damn good against his skin. It had been too long since he'd last been bare outside. He had half a mind not to get dressed until they had to go. Lyle was watching him closely, eyes full of appreciation. "I could get to really like this part of camping," he said, leering a little. Then he blinked and blushed, hands busy as he finally started to get his own clothes off. Which he folded neatly and left on a rock. Rupe's own clothes were in a pile where he'd dropped them, but he didn't say anything, just held out his hand and, when Lyle took it, strode out into the water. It was cool but not cold and felt damn good on his hot, sweaty body. "Oh, shit." Lyle sounded blissed out and he wasn't shy about going right in and getting wet. "Nice water. Yes." He tugged at Rupe's hand and pulled him along. Laughing, Rupe flung himself in as soon as it was deep enough, moving onto his back so he didn't have to worry about treading water or anything. "Man. Nice water." He got splashed as Lyle started swimming, his front crawl nice and strong. He clearly had no idea what "relaxing" meant. Rupe shook his head, floating and moving himself a little with his hands and arms. He kept a half an ear on Lyle, just making sure the man didn't run into any trouble, then closed his eyes and let everything go. He wasn't sure how long he'd floated when a hand clamped around his ankle for a second, Lyle laughing at him as he tugged. "No sleeping in the lake." "Not sleeping -- relaxing. You should really try it sometime." "I'm relaxed." Lyle flicked water at him. "Not working." "You were exercising. I'm just floating." He used his foot to send a wave of water in Lyle's direction. "You relax your way, I'll relax mine. And then we can relax together." Lyle took off again, this time using a breaststroke as he swam in wide circles around Rupe. Rupe just shook his head and kept floating. His cock was taking an interest in the “relax together” part of Lyle's statement, firming up nicely and coming out of the water to lie against his belly.

Playing the Market - 65

Lyle's circles started to get smaller, if the gentle motions of the water were anything to go by. Rupe moved himself around with his hands so his head was toward the shore and, with tiny motions of wrists and ankles, started slowly moving back. Lyle followed, like he was being led on a string. Within about three more of those smaller and smaller circles, he was swimming slowly next to Rupe's legs. Rupe smiled over. "Time to get out and do that together relaxing thing, eh?" "Well, seeing as how parts of you aren't exactly relaxing anymore, yeah." Lyle laughed, his face wet with lake water. "Now that we're all cooled off." He righted himself, his feet hitting the sand, the water about waist high. Oh, he'd timed it perfectly. He started walking, still backward, eyes on Lyle. "Time to get heated back up again." "Tell me you don't mean anything having to do with fire." Lyle lifted himself out of the water too, matching his pace, also walking backward. His erect cock was matching Rupe's too, which was just pretty. "Oh, I think we're going to be making some fire, yeah." His feet hit the shore and he glanced back, eyes finding his T-shirt. That would do just fine as a towel. "How are we going to do that?" Lyle walked a little faster, coming up on him without hesitation, unhindered by walking backward. "Rub two sticks together?" "You catch on pretty quickly for a city guy." He winked and grabbed his T-shirt, started drying off. "I'm kind of smart about some things, I guess." Lyle stripped water off his arms and legs with his hands, not bothering to use cloth at all. "How much sun do we have left?" None to speak of. They were already losing light. "Just make sure you get the sand off your feet before they go in the sleeping bag or we can't sleep naked." Sand got into all sorts of places you didn't want it to if you got it in your sleeping bag. He knew that from painful experience. Lyle shook more water off, then picked up his shirt. "No sand in the sleeping bag. Got it." He rubbed his hair with the shirt and eyed Rupe, his eyes flashing. "Where's the lube?" "In the sleeping bag." He'd never been a boy scout, but he was prepared. He watched Lyle getting dry, admiring the well-honed muscles. "Fantastic." Lyle grinned at him and winked, then tossed the T-shirt to the side. "Who's on top?" He stroked his own cock a couple of times and headed to the sleeping bag, picking his way over the ground.

Playing the Market - 66

"You could do me." He wasn't very picky. As long as he occasionally got a turn at the doing, he was just fine being the done-to party for the most part. He wiped his own feet and slipped into the sleeping bag, holding it open for Lyle to join him. It was an extra large as he was so big himself, and that way he always had plenty of room if he happened to have a partner. Lyle carefully cleaned off his feet and got in, pressing close and almost rolling right on top of him. "Gonna keep me warm all night?" he asked, one hand finding Rupe's nipple and the other taking his weight. "Uh-huh." His own hands landed on Lyle's ass and he tugged, encouraging Lyle to put more of his weight on Rupe himself. "I am." "Oh, good. I hate being cold." Lyle twisted his nipple and licked at his collarbone. "Love summer," he said, settling down and shifting his hips a little so they lined up together. Rupe jerked and groaned, fingers digging into Lyle's ass as he got them moving -- nothing too energetic yet, but enough to make their pricks slide together nicely. "Do that again," Lyle whispered to him, tweaking his nipple once more. "There's no one around, you said. We can make as much noise as we want." His hips circled and Rupe could feel Lyle's cock flex against his own. He jerked at the pinch, hips bucking a little this time. "Do what again?" "That. And the groan is good." Lyle shifted down a bit, curling on him to lick and bite at his chest. "You taste like the lake," he said, laughing. "Cool." He kept one hand on Lyle's ass, kept their hips moving together, and slid the other hand up to the back of Lyle's neck. The short hair was still a little damp and felt good under his fingers. Lyle bit down a little, nipping at the tender skin, and his hand dragged down Rupe's side to his hip. "Feels good," he said, his voice muffled by skin and the sleeping bag. He kept on licking and sucking, his hand working its way between them until fingers traced over the head of Rupe's cock. Rupe went with it, eyes closed, mouth open on one gasp after another. There was nothing out here to distract them from this. Not a damned thing, and he loved it, getting all wild and natural in nature. He laughed and moaned and gasped some more, moving beneath Lyle. "That's it," Lyle said, working his mouth back up Rupe's body. "God, yes. Make noise for me." He was breathing hard too, his hips grinding down. "You like that." He groaned, bucking up to meet that grinding, seriously getting off on it.

Playing the Market - 67

"Fuck, yes. Love the way you sound." Lyle groaned and moved, his legs straddling Rupe's hips as he rocked. "Harder. Show me you want it." "I fucking want it." He did. He put both hands back on Lyle's ass, working them together with all his strength, groaning and moaning for Lyle, letting it all hang out. "Yes." Lyle hissed and bent low, hanging over him to suck at his neck. "That's it. Fuck, you're hot. Want to fuck you so hard." His hand moved, patting around, searching. "Bottom of the bag. Let's just do this and then you can..." He bucked hard as Lyle bit his nipple, and cried out, hips moving faster. Lyle yelled too, urging him on and grinding down, their cocks leaking and slipping. "Come on," Lyle ordered. "Give it up. I want to watch you do it." He thrust harder, friction picking up, and bit before looking down at Rupe with dark, dark eyes. Rupe met those eyes and lost it, his hips snapping as he yelled and came, ropes of jism shooting up between them. "Fuck. Oh, fuck." Lyle gasped and swore over and over as he grabbed for his own cock and squeezed it ruthlessly. "Jesus. So fucking hot. That's it." With his free hand he rubbed the come into Rupe's skin, his chest heaving as he looked down at Rupe. "Don't move, or I'll blow." "Not moving is my number one option, actually." He grinned lazily up at Lyle, feeling like he was sinking into the ground, boneless and lazy. "Wouldn't mind a kiss, though." Lyle didn't say anything, just kissed him, long and wet. It started almost gentle, despite the way Lyle was almost vibrating, but it ended hungry and with Lyle gasping against his mouth. Rupe spread his legs, pulling them up slowly 'til his knees were at his chest. "I can't make the offer any plainer, honey." "Where the fuck are the rubbers?" Lyle sounded desperate, his voice breaking between words. "Bottom of the bag, honey. Here." He let one leg go, foot rooting around for the lube first, which he grabbed with his toes and brought up. He handed it over and then sent his foot back down to find the box of rubbers. He picked it up the same way and then handed it over. "You're lucky I hadn't totally lost my brains and could still do that." He winked, hand coming down to smack Lyle's ass. "Yeah, you're a prince." Lyle seemed a little distracted as he got the rubber on. "Just so you know, the only reason I'm stopping long enough for lube is 'cause I'm gonna want to fuck you a lot this weekend and don't want you too raw." Slick fingers pushed in, just as Lyle stopped babbling.

Playing the Market - 68

He couldn't answer, not with actual words when Lyle's fingers were in him, so he just moaned, letting Lyle know he was good with this plan. He grabbed hold of his knees and rolled into each thrust of Lyle's fingers. Lyle went right back to babbling, stroking inside him with long fingers that knew just where to touch, and using words like "sexy" and "hot" and "fuck" a whole bunch of times. Then the head of Lyle's cock was pushing in and Lyle was pulling him by the hips, his own back arched as Lyle looked at the sky and made a rough noise. He reached out for Lyle's cheek, but it was too far away, so he settled for stroking Lyle's chest, fingers wandering from side to side so he could tease the little nipples that were nicely hard, like they were reaching for him. "Rupe." Lyle said his name like it was magic, his hips already stuttering and losing their smooth motion. "Oh, God, yes. Oh, fuck." Lyle fell forward, his cock slamming in with quick, sharp jerks. "Yes!" Rupe could feel him start to come, the pulse and twitch echoed in the way Lyle shuddered all over, groaning loudly. "Yeah, that's it, honey. Give it up right here in the forest, let nature hear you scream." Lyle shuddered again and thrust a tiny bit deeper, his cock still jerking. "Rupe," he said again, the groans giving way to gasps. "Oh, man." "Right here. Yeah." He stroked Lyle's belly, his back. "God, there's no such thing as even just okay sex with you, is there?" Lyle lifted his head far enough to kiss him, his mouth sloppy and lazy. "It's sex, Lyle. If it's 'just okay' you're not doing it right." He took another kiss, feeling just as sloppy and lazy as Lyle. "Then I've known some guys who do it wrong. But not you." Lyle slipped out and took a moment to rid himself of the rubber before curling in close. "The stars aren't out yet. But that's Mars, isn't it?" He nodded, pointed. "There's Venus, too. And just you wait for the stars. Hell, you should come farther north with me. Another two hours and we lose pretty much all the light pollution from Toronto and the sky is something else. You can't see the milky way at all in the city." Lyle settled against him, warm and slightly sticky, looking up at the sky. "It's going to be really dark. Cool. I'll try not to trip on you when I go to the little boys' tree." He snorted and tugged Lyle a little closer, their legs getting all tangled up together. "How about a nap and then we can have our pie. I got marshmallows to toast, too -- thought you might like that."

Playing the Market - 69

"Ohh, sugar." Lyle kissed him, nodding. "That sounds perfect. Just don't make me sing campfire songs, and you'll have beaten summer camp, despite the whole lack of plumbing thing." "You sure on the campfire songs?" He started to sing "Kumbayah." Long pointy fingers dug into his side. "Stop! I'm really, really sure. I may not be sure about sleeping outside, but I'm really sure about not singing. Although your voice is nice." Rupe chuckled and hummed a little longer, his voice fading out as his eyes closed and sleep stole over him.

Playing the Market - 70

Chapter Seven Lyle awoke to a sore back, a rock pressing against his kneecap, birds chirping with far too much joy and the distinct feeling that it was far, far too early to be awake, even by his standards. When he tried to move away from the rock he backed right into Rupe, which was the only thing right about the morning so far. He liked Rupe. He did not like the ground. Not at all. Opening one eye, he saw the sky, still gray and kind of dark; the trees around him were still dark too. There wasn't even enough light to make out colors yet. "Stupid fucking birds," he muttered, trying to bury his head in the sleeping bag. Rupe grunted and shifted, patting him twice before settling again. In another moment, the man started snoring. Lyle opened both eyes and stared at nothing. Lovely. That sure helped with the noise issue. He wiggled again and got one arm untangled. Maybe if he draped it over his head he'd be able to block out some sound. It was cooler in the morning. Not cold, thank God, but cooler. Cool enough for a few bugs to be out and biting. "Goddamn it." Lyle pulled his arm back and tugged at the sleeping bag again, thoroughly unhappy. Rupe snorted and curled around him, pulling him in close. "Why're you 'wake?" "Because the birds are loud. There's a rock under my knee. My back hurts, you snore and I just got three bug bites." Lyle clamped his mouth shut and reminded himself that he was going to have fun this weekend. Rupe tucked the corners of the sleeping bag so just the tops of their heads were showing. It was dark, almost cozy. Then Rupe's hand wrapped around his prick, started tugging. "This might help..." Fun. Oh, that was fun. That was really fun, actually, and suddenly the bug bites didn't itch. "You might be right," Lyle said thoughtfully. "We should find out. Keep going." Rupe chuckled, hand working him, thumb sweeping across the head, little finger hitting his balls on the downward stroke. "Told you I'd make you like it." "I've always liked this. It's the camping I'm not so sure about. Oh, a little tighter. Yeah." Rupe breathed into his neck, all warm and good against his back. Lyle rested against him, eyes closed, and let Rupe play. He loved the way Rupe's hand felt, all strong and rough, and he could feel the man getting hard against his ass, too. There were worse

Playing the Market - 71

ways to wake up, he figured, forgetting that he had woken up a worse way. It was amazing what a hand job could make him not care about. Rupe's hips got into play, sliding his hardening cock up and down along Lyle's crack, the tip hitting his lower back. Soft, open mouthed kisses slid over his neck, Rupe's tongue wet and hot. "Oh, that's nice." Lyle gave Rupe's mouth room to work and slipped his hand over Rupe's. "Good morning to you, too." He wiggled his ass and crooked one leg as best he could, moving back. "Mmm..." Rupe licked and mouthed him, hand working nice and slowly. There was nothing rushed about it, but they were getting hotter nonetheless. Lyle could hear the birds kicking it up a notch, the singing and chirping getting louder. He wasn't sure he cared, what with Rupe's hand on him and his own hand following along, making the flutters in his belly get stronger. There was a low down tingle happening, letting him know that he was alive and that was a damn good thing. Rupe's leg slid over top of his, the rocking against his ass getting a little more serious, and every time Rupe's prick slid against his lower back, it left a drop or two of precome, making the next glide slicker. "Yeah," Lyle whispered with a sigh. "Feels good. God, you feel good." He did. He felt so comfortable and right. It wasn't like Lyle would go camping for a weekend with just anyone, after all. And right then, he was pretty sure he'd agree to any little thing Rupe would come up with. Rupe moaned against his skin and moved a little faster, hand and prick sliding against him in tandem, making each touch like an echo of the other. "That's it." Lyle breathed in the feeling, the smell of them together, somehow different when they were outside. "Close." The flutters grew frantic and Lyle's muscles started to jump a bit. "Please." "So give it up, honey." Rupe said it like there was nothing easier in the world to do. Maybe there wasn't. That big hand squeezed him tighter, the rocking getting faster. Lyle nodded, feeling oddly like he was floating. He forgot about his aching back, and even the too loud birds faded away as he came in long, shuddering waves, relief swamping his senses. Heat sprayed up along his crack, and his back, Rupe moving slickly behind him. "Mmm... good morning, honey." "It is now." Lyle snuggled down, suddenly a lot happier. "All it needs now is coffee." "Oh, I can help you out there, too. In a bit, though -- I don't wanna move."

Playing the Market - 72

"As long as it happens before noon." Lyle relaxed and scratched at his bug bites. "Go back to

sleep, love. I'm going to listen to the damn birds."

"We got something going on at noon I don't know about?" Rupe shifted, rolling onto his back

and tugging Lyle around to rest against him.

"Caffeine withdrawal will make me horrible by then. But if we want to schedule, I think I could

be talked into sex."

Rupe tilted his head, taking a kiss. "Coffee soon, I promise."

"Okay." Lyle snuggled back a little, not even caring that his back was wet. It would come off in

the shower. He blinked and revised that to the lake. "God, we're going to be a mess when we get

back to the city," he said, thinking about stubble and grime.

"Yep. All part of the experience."

"Huh. All right then." He peeked out at the trees, which were finally coming out in shades of

green and brown. "Usually my new experiences come with room service or fine wines. You

should be flattered."

Rupe patted his hip. "I am, honey. I'm real happy you agreed to come with me."

Lyle smiled again. "And right at this moment, I'm real happy you asked." He did, however, plan

to take a nap at some point.

"That's great, honey. Now shh... sleeping."

Lyle snickered and fell silent, listening to the birds and the lake, feeling Rupe's breathing even

out behind him. Really, aside from the sore back, the rocks under him and the kind of terrifying

noises he'd heard most of the night, things were okay.

He did wish there was a bathroom, though. At least they'd brought toilet paper.

*** The sun was sunny, the coffee was gone, and Lyle wasn't moving an inch. If he moved an inch he'd find another rock and that would be bad. So, he lay very still on top of the sleeping bag and attempted to nap. There was a spider on him, he just knew it.

He opened one eye and tried to see if without moving his head. It had taken him four minutes -he'd counted -- to get really comfortable, and he wasn't about to mess it up. But. Spider. "Um.

Rupe?"

Playing the Market - 73

Rupe was sitting, just sitting, staring out over the lake. He had been for ages already. "Hmm?"

"Is there a spider on my right shin?" God, that sounded stupid. But seriously, how was he

supposed to sleep when there was a spider on him?

"You want me to move and check?" He could hear the laughter in Rupe's voice.

Lyle rolled his eyes and fell silent, resolved to nap. Then the spider moved. Or maybe it was a

beetle. It couldn't be anything as large as a snake -"I'm going to swim," Lyle announced, springing up and marching to the lake. God. He hated

snakes.

"I could float," murmured Rupe, standing and pulling off his shorts. He stretched, long body

reaching up to the sky, muscles rippling.

"Let me know if you figure out how to float and sleep without drowning." Lyle splashed out and

dove in, reaching for a decent breaststroke.

"I just don't need to be moving all the time, honey. I never met anyone so busy."

"I'm not busy. I'm tired, and there are bugs and rocks, and it's better to swim." He shook his head

to get water and hair out of his eyes. "I'll try again later."

"You had rocks on your side?" Rupe stood and trundled back up to their little "camp". "I can fix

that for you, honey," he called back.

Lyle rolled his eyes. "There are rocks all over, Rupe." But it was really kind of sweet, Rupe

going to fix it.

The sleeping bag was moved and Rupe did God knows what while he swam, but every time he

circled back toward their little beach, Rupe was still at it.

It was a little disconcerting, really. Rupe was up there, all naked and pretty, making things more

comfortable for him and he was still in the water, more or less sulking. That kind of sucked. "Get

it together," Lyle told himself, swimming toward shore. "And grow up."

He dripped his way up the tiny little beach, shaking water off. "What are you doing?"

"I widened the area I took the rocks out of, and I went deeper, too. Then I worked up the ground

so it's softer and now I'm just adding leaves. You should have said you weren't comfortable,

honey. This doesn't have to be uncomfortable." Rupe gave him a smile and spread the leaves out.

Lyle blinked. And then he blinked again. "When you're done that, can you lie down a bit? On

your back?"

Playing the Market - 74

"Sure, honey. You got anything in mind?" Rupe's eyes twinkled at him. "Your cock, my mouth for a start." Lyle grinned. "Thank you. It never occurred to me that it could be fixed." Rupe's prick jerked and started rising impressively at his words. "You're welcome." Rupe shook out the sleeping bag and then laid it out again, grinning at him as the big body settled down. "Perfect." Lyle looked at him, taking in every inch. Every hard, tanned, toned, smooth inch. "God, you're the most beautiful man I've ever seen," he said, not thinking about it. Right from the gorgeous long hair to the tips of his fingers, Rupe was perfect. Rupe smiled up at him. "You're good for my ego, honey. And for other bits," he added, grabbing his prick, jacking it lightly. "Keep doing that." Lyle sank to his knees, between Rupe's feet, and watched. His own cock was stretching out and making itself known; he ignored it, watching Rupe instead. There was lots of time to play. "You like watching, honey?" Rupe's fingers kept moving, sliding on his skin. "There's lots of things you like." "I'm a pretty easy guy. I like a lot of things, yeah. Right now I like watching you." He so did. God, who wouldn't? A nice big cock in a big hand, moving slowly. Gorgeous. Rupe's other hand started sliding up over the long chest, fingers creeping toward those dark pink nipples. Lyle swallowed hard. "Yes," he whispered, reaching between his own legs and cupping his balls. "Touch yourself. Let me see." "Feels good -- not as good as your hands on me, honey, but I know what I like." One nipple was pinched, and the other, Rupe playing and twisting, hips pushing the big cock through his hand. "I'll make you feel good," Lyle promised. "In a moment." He leaned closer, watching juice bead at the head of Rupe's cock, checking out the shadows below his balls. "What's your favorite thing? What gets you off harder than anything else?" "Shit, Lyle, you want me to choose?" "Uh-huh. I do." He leaned even farther and licked Rupe's hip. "Tell me. I'll do it." "If I've got to choose just one thing, I guess it would be getting sucked off."

Playing the Market - 75

Lyle laughed, his tongue already on Rupe's sun-warmed skin. "Now, I gotta wonder if that's just the power of suggestion or something else." But he stretched out, his body almost getting tingles as it didn't press into rocks, and started licking Rupe's balls. "Don't know, but your mouth is really good, honey." Rupe shifted, pushing his balls into Lyle's face. "Thank you," Lyle said politely, not lifting his head at all. He traced up the inside of Rupe's thigh with his fingers and sucked one nut into his mouth. It was a good thing that Rupe liked this, because Lyle loved it. He hummed and sucked and licked and nuzzled the heavy sac, teasing with his fingers. Groaning, Rupe's legs spread wider for him, and one hand dropped onto his head, Rupe's fingers cupping around Lyle's scalp. Lyle moaned and started feasting on Rupe, eating him hungrily and taking long licks up his cock, then going back down to his balls and dipping behind them. There was just so much of Rupe to enjoy; Lyle was going to have his fill. "Yeah, yeah, that's good." Shifting and stretching, bucking sometimes beneath his tongue, there was no doubt Rupe was enjoying it as much as he was. Reaching for his own cock and stroking it quickly in a loose fist, Lyle moved up and took Rupe into his mouth, sucking hard. He growled as he opened his mouth, trying to get as much of Rupe in as he could, wanting Rupe to take what he needed. "Shit!" Rupe jerked, cock pushing deep. "Do that vibrating thing again." Lyle looked up at him, his mouth full of cock, and growled again. He jerked himself harder, staring up at Rupe's face. God, he wanted. He wanted hard and rough and he wanted to hear yelling. "Oh, fuck!" Rupe's eyes seemed to roll back in his head, and his hips pushed, shoving the big cock in harder, deeper. Whimpering, still trying to growl, Lyle shifted for a better angle. He had to let go of his prick to do it but that was fine, he'd get off when he got off. Didn't have to right then. He went down on Rupe, fingers going to tease at Rupe's ass. "Yeah. Oh, yeah." Rupe spread even wider for him, heels digging into the ground as he pushed into Lyle's mouth over and over again. The hand on Lyle's head opened and closed, Rupe whimpering and muttering encouragement. With a long, deep groan, Lyle came off Rupe's cock only long enough to lick over his hole and suck on his fingers for a moment. Then he went back to sucking him off and plunged two fingers deep into Rupe's ass, hoping his aim was good.

Playing the Market - 76

"Lyle!" Rupe screamed his name and both hands landed on his head, Rupe shoving into his

mouth with jerky, out of control thrusts.

That was it. Oh, God, that was it. Add in a little tug to his hair and Lyle was a happy guy. Almost

as happy as Rupe seemed to be, actually. Lyle licked and sucked and swallowed, humming

happily as Rupe kept coming for him.

Finally Rupe went limp, panting loudly as his entire body sank into the sleeping bag. "Damn."

Lyle kissed a path up his body and lay right on top of him. "Thank you for fixing the bed," he

said sweetly, teasing.

"You got anything else you want me to do? With thank yous like that -- just name it."

Lyle laughed and shook his head, dripping lake water still. "Not that I can think of right now, but

I'll let you know, okay?"

"Yep, works for me." Rupe rubbed his shoulder, and then settled, arms wrapped around him.

"Thanks for coming, Lyle."

Lyle snickered. "Thanks for dragging me out of the city," he said finally, closing his eyes. Maybe

he'd get that nap after all.

Rupe patted his shoulder. "That was entirely my pleasure."

"Oh, I don't know. We're about even there, I think." Lyle yawned and enjoyed the sun on his

back. "Don't let me get sunburned on my ass, okay?"

"I promise. I've got plans for that ass."

Lyle smiled broadly, his eyes still closed. "Oh good. Does it involve the bike at all? That could

be a thing."

"The bike would make a nice alternative to the sleeping bag..."

"See, that's what I was thinking, too. If it's sturdy enough. Because, Christ. Yeah." Lyle

wriggled. "That'd be hot."

"Perv."

"You say that like you didn't know." Lyle was pretty sure he knew. What with all the aggressive

fucking they'd managed to fit in, anyway. "I haven't even gotten the rope out yet."

Rupe cackled. "You did not bring rope."

Playing the Market - 77

"Shit, I didn't even bring deodorant. But I have rope under my nice four-poster bed at home. You should stay with me Sunday night." "You got a deal." "Good." Lyle snuggled down some more. "I'm going to nap now. While I'm sleeping you can decide which of us is going to get tied up." Rupe's soft chuckle followed him into sleep. *** Lyle napped just as hard as Rupe did, letting the sun bake down on him and soaking up all the heat. He woke up slowly, too, grateful for the nap and the body all tangled up with his. He was kind of liking the way he couldn't hear any traffic, though it was still weird. But it was a good weird, he thought. He took a fast swim to finish waking up and stayed naked as he walked around the immediate area looking for firewood. There didn't seem much sense in dressing, other than his sneakers, and it was a neat way to dry off. Well, if he stayed out of the trees, anyway. "Are you getting hungry?" he asked, dropping a couple of more branches on the pile he'd made by the fire pit. "I might be hungry." The look Rupe gave him was... well, incendiary. Lyle's mouth went a little dry. "Oh, good." He swallowed hard and fought back a blush -- they were well past the blushing stage. "For anything in particular?" Rupe's eyes dropped south of his waist. "Been awhile since I had your ass." Lyle found himself nodding, his breath catching in his chest for a moment. "True," he said, brushing his hands off. "We can take care of that." They so could. A couple of times, even, if Rupe wanted to. Rupe stretched up tall, the long cock already rising. Lyle was right with him, watching and getting pretty hungry himself. He took himself in hand, stroking lightly as he admired Rupe's body. A day or so in the sun and Rupe's tan was richer than ever before, his tan lines less stark. "Where do you want it?" Rupe asked, cupping his own balls, and letting his hand slide up over the long prick.

Playing the Market - 78

Lyle blinked slowly, mesmerized and matching Rupe's speed with his own. Where did he want it? Did it matter? He just wanted. He was going to say just that when a part of their earlier conversation came to mind and his cock pulsed in his hand. Grinning, he said, "On the bike." Rupe grinned right back, chuckling at him. "Good call. It's in the shade, too." He bent and grabbed a condom from where they were stashed at the bottom of the sleeping bag and then those long legs ambled toward the bike. "Wait for me!" Lyle followed along, his cock bobbing and pointing the way. "Is this actually going to work? It would really suck if we knocked the beast over." "She's steady." Rupe grabbed him and place him just so, bending him over the leather seat. "Just don't take your feet off the ground and we'll be fine." Rupe's fingers lingered on his skin, stroking him. "I'll do my best." Lyle's voice quavered a bit and he shifted his weight to plant his feet more firmly and get his cock out of the way. He could smell a faint hint of grease and gas mixed in with the earthy scent of nature all over the place; oddly, it seemed right. And really, really sexy. He lifted his hips a little and held on tight, waiting. "Mmm... now that's a pretty picture." Rupe's hands moved over him, touching here and there, fingers sliding along his crack before reaching between his legs to cup his balls and stroke his cock. "Next time, we should bring a camera." Oh. Lyle's eyes went wide and he grinned so wide his face hurt. "Ohhh, yes. A camera. Bike thing first, though." God, he loved Rupe's hands. Rupe laughed softly. "You really are a perv, aren't you?" It didn't sound like a complaint. "You know, I think I might be. Maybe it's because of you. You bring it out in me. And you have a bike." Lyle closed his eyes, still grinning, and wiggled his butt. "Are you gonna do me? I thought you were hungry." "I am. I was just savoring my meal first." Rupe's chuckle was fond. It was also warm, Rupe's breath sliding across his ass. Lyle let out a long breath and told himself that the sound he made was totally not a whimper. "You can dig right in. I really don't mind. Promise." "Oh, I think you'll do better than 'not mind'." Hands landed on his ass, spread his cheeks, and then Rupe's tongue did exactly that -- dug right in, licking and lapping at him like he was a first class meal. "Oh fuck, yes," Lyle said in a rush, the words all blended together. He went up on his toes, his ass pushing back and his fingers digging into the seat of the bike. Rupe's mouth was warm,

Playing the Market - 79

relentless, absolutely perfect. Lyle's cock got harder and he closed his eyes tight, wanting this to last. Then, it got even better, Rupe's tongue pushing into him, spreading him and wetting him and making him feel unbelievably good. Lyle made all kinds of noises as he rocked back and forth. He didn't seem able to stop and there wasn't any need to, was there? He was gasping within seconds, his hands opening and closing rhythmically. "Yes. Yes, like that. God, yes." If he could have, he would have let go of the bike to jack himself, but it would really, really suck to fall over. Rupe's tongue-fucking ended, but that was okay, because two fingers pushed into him, and that tongue slid down to lick all over his balls. "Rupe!" Lyle yelled, his back going tight and straight. Perfect. Absolutely perfect, and yet it kept getting better. He yelled again when Rupe hit his gland just right. One of his balls was drawn into Rupe's mouth, the wet heat like a furnace, and then the other, the long fingers spearing him over and over, hitting his gland most times, but not every time. Lyle moved, beyond words, his sounds reduced mostly to gasps and moans. His cock ached, his balls wanted Rupe to do that forever, and he was pretty sure that if Rupe touched his prick he'd go off like a rocket. His legs were starting to shake, but he didn't care; he just wanted more and harder. "I think you're ready now," murmured Rupe, fingers and mouth disappearing. "Don't go," Lyle begged. "God, don't stop. Please, don't --" Logically, he knew Rupe wasn't stopping but his body was in overdrive and Lyle wanted release so badly. He felt empty, strung tight, like he was going to fly right apart. "Now, honey, you know I'm not going anywhere." No, no Rupe wasn't. Lyle's hips were grabbed and canted up just so, and that hard cock pushed against his hole, spreading him open. Lyle gasped, his eyes going wide open as he was taken. "Harder," he said, trying to throw himself back onto Rupe's cock. "Shit. Fuck me." "I'm the one doing the fucking, Lyle -- I'll do it however I want and you'll take it however I want." Rupe's hands tightened on his hips, holding him in place as that long cock slowly filled him all the way up, pushing deep. With another whimper, Lyle nodded. God, yes. That worked. Tossed over a bike in the middle of nowhere, told how to take it and not being able to turn the tables... That really, really worked. Lyle's cock was like iron, leaving streaks on the bike when it rubbed, when Rupe pushed him forward. Best fucking thing about camping, bar none, Lyle decided.

Playing the Market - 80

Rupe moved slowly, sometimes pulling all the way out, sometimes not. He thrust hard, he thrust gently, he kept mixing it up, not settling into a rhythm, keeping Lyle guessing. "Rupe." Lyle moaned and swore and let himself be held up by the bike. "Please." He was begging, he knew, but he couldn't really seem to help it. Rupe felt amazing in him and every time Lyle opened his eyes he saw the bike or a tree, or something that underlined where the hell he was, and it made his cock twitch. "Gonna come soon," he warned, not sure if he'd be able to hold out for much longer. "So come, honey. I'm guessing you'll get it up again when I do this over and over again." "This" was a hard, deep thrust that sent Rupe's cock skittering across his gland. Lyle's mouth dropped open, but the yell didn't make it out as he came in strong jerks. His cock throbbed, not even touched. Lyle nodded, panting. He'd get it up again; hell, he wasn't even going down as Rupe fucked him right through his orgasm. Rupe kept up a steady rhythm now, nice and easy and slow, but steady, hands pulling him back onto Rupe's cock over and over again. Lyle laughed, his whole body suddenly lax. Well, except for his cock. "Like this?" he asked, trying to look over his shoulder. "This how you want me? Pliable and taking it the way you give it?" He could do that. This time, anyway. Lyle was pretty sure he'd get bossy on his own again, but for a fuck over a motorcycle in the middle of nowhere, he'd take orders. Oh yes. He squeezed hard around Rupe's cock. "Uh-huh. Just like this." Rupe moved a little faster and then a little faster again. Soon, the man was pounding into his ass for all he was worth, fingers squeezing his hips hard enough to bruise. Gasps and grunts filled the air, Rupe's breathing loud and sexual. Grunting right along with him, his eyes starting to cross every time Rupe slammed into him, Lyle got brave and reached for his cock. "That's it. Come on. Make me feel it." He was back to giving orders, he noticed, but whatever. He was setting up to come again and he figured Rupe didn't mind. It seemed Rupe didn't mind at all. In fact, Rupe fucked him harder. "So fucking pretty, bent over my ride." "I am your ride." Lyle laughed breathlessly and stroked himself with a tight fist. "And you're mine. Best ride there is." Rupe started laughing, losing the rhythm a little, and then that cock just slammed into him as Rupe shouted "Yes!" Lyle grunted and nodded. That was a yes. God, was it. Hit him just right and he was almost there. "Once more," he coaxed, his hand flying on his cock. He was so close, and he wanted to get there as close to Rupe as he could manage it.

Playing the Market - 81

Rupe didn't slam into him again, but there were small pushes, gliding the tip of Rupe's cock

across his gland over and over and over again.

"Yes, yes, yes," Lyle chanted in a whisper. "God, yes." Fire was moving down his spine, jagged

and sharp. "Fuck. Now!" His orgasm took him harder than he'd expected, every muscle going

tight as he started to come again.

Rupe kept moving, pushing him right through the orgasm and making it last and last.

Wrung out, exhausted, riding a huge wave of endorphins, Lyle fell over the bike and panted.

"Mmmhmm," he managed, smiling to himself.

Rupe patted his back and slid out, one hand staying in contact. "There's only one problem with

fucking over the bike."

"No troubles," Lyle slurred. "None at all."

"Sure, for you -- you've got the bike to hold you up." Rupe hauled him up against the tall body,

shuffling them back toward the sleeping bag.

"You want to be... not standing?" Lyle guessed. "You can walk? I did it wrong, then."

"I was the one who 'did it', man. And as I'm having to hold you up, I'm guessing that I did it

right." Rupe flopped right down onto the sleeping bag, bringing him along.

"Right. Uh-huh." Lyle curled into Rupe and nuzzled whatever bit of the man was closest. "So, so right. Damn, that was... right." A hand patted him lazily. "Gimme a half hour to nap a bit more and then I'll make you the best steaks you have ever tasted."

"Steak." Lyle nodded, his eyes closed and his breathing finally even. "Sleeping a lot this

weekend, aren't we?" Maybe that was a good thing. It felt good, anyway. Lyle decided to go with

it and he let himself relax completely.

"It's called relaxing, Lyle." Rupe's soft chuckle followed him as he drifted off.

Playing the Market - 82

Chapter Eight Rupe picked up Chinese on his way to Lyle's place, pondering the news the foreman had just given him. There were only two more weeks of work left on the job, bringing them right up to the end of August. He'd worked a ton of overtime, though, and didn't really need to look for more work. Of course, he also had a reason to linger in the city a little longer this year. He figured he'd do what he always did -- play it by ear and see what felt right. He'd let Lyle know what was up and see what the man's reaction was. Who knew? Maybe Lyle was just waiting for him to finish here and take off again so he could get back to life as he knew it. He rang the bell -- Lyle hadn't given him a key or anything, so maybe that was a sign. "Rupe?" Lyle called. "Coming up, or should I come down?" "I've got take-out. You can either let me up or come on down and we'll eat in the park." There was a short pause and then Lyle said, "Be right down. We can come back, after." Well. That was happening every once in a while. And Lyle didn't even sound guilty when he relaxed anymore. Well, not every time, anyway. In a minute or so the elevator doors slid open and Lyle came out, smiling. He'd even changed, his suit gone and replaced with a T-shirt and longish shorts. He really was in a mood to relax. Rupe was almost ready to think Lyle didn't even have his cell phone with him. He pulled Lyle up close when the man came out the front doors, taking himself a nice, long kiss, right there by the door. "Hey," Lyle said, melting against him. "Good day?" "Yeah, it was. You?" He looped his arm around Lyle's shoulders and started them walking toward a nearby park. "Better now." Lyle smiled at him and walked along, arm around Rupe's waist. "Work was good. I think tomorrow will be a long day, but I knew I could leave tonight without causing issues. Remember way back weeks and weeks ago, around the dawn of time, when I made it a point to stay at the office forever?" "I still think you do," he mostly teased. It was nearly seven after all and he hadn't been sure Lyle'd be home yet. "Nah." Lyle slapped his ass playfully. "I'm home by midnight all the time now, and at least three nights a week by eight. Now, if I start taking both Saturday and Sunday completely off, call in some professional help because I'll no longer be me."

Playing the Market - 83

"I'm still not sure that cell phone isn't surgically attached." "It didn't go camping with us," Lyle pointed out. "And I hardly ever work on my laptop in bed." Rupe chuckled, knowing they were talking about fundamental differences between them. "While I never work on mine in bed." He winked and pointed to a tree that was throwing some good shade. "No, you don't." Lyle went with him to the tree, then moved a few rocks out of the immediate area. "And you're always happy to entertain me when I get bored with 'relaxing'." "That entertainment is the best part of relaxing, honey." He set out the food and opened a box of noodles, using the chopsticks to grab a bunch of them and offer them to Lyle. "Thank you." Lyle ate them with a grin, then started opening other boxes. "Oh, wontons. Fabulous. So, anything exciting happen today? Strain any muscles you might need massaged later?" "If I say no, will you still massage me?" He ate a wonton before nodding. "But, yeah, the foreman gave me the news that the job'll basically be done at the end of the month." Lyle stopped chewing for a moment. "Oh?" He sounded very casual, but his gaze slid away to the tree. "Is that early?" Rupe shrugged. "The construction season lasts 'til October, but some jobs finish earlier than others. I've done a ton of overtime this summer, though, so there's a lot in the bank." Lyle grabbed a carton. "That's good," he said, spearing... something. "Money is good. You won't have to worry about gas or keeping the bike in good shape. I'd worry about you, driving thousands of kilometers, if you didn't have it all spiffed up and ready to go." "I take good care of her, honey. She hasn't done me wrong yet. I was thinking of heading east this winter, but I was talking with my sister yesterday and she cheated -- put the kids on to talk to their Uncle Rupe." "That'll do it, every time." Lyle's mouth flickered into a smile. "So, west it is." He sighed and looked into his carton. "Is this chicken?" "Yeah, I think so." He looked at Lyle, tried to meet the man's eyes. "Is that all you have to say about it, honey?" Lyle shrugged and didn't look up from his food. "Don't know what else to say. We both knew you were going to go, and that you really should -- you wouldn't be happy staying in one place, let alone Toronto in winter." He sighed, his voice quiet and sad. "But I'm going to miss you, and I guess I'd hoped that you wouldn't have to leave so soon."

Playing the Market - 84

"I don't have to go right away. I imagine there's other job sites I can sign on to for a few weeks." Usually he'd be chomping at the bit to go, to get out of the city and take advantage of the early layoff, but all he was looking for at the moment was a reason to stick around a little longer. Lyle's head came up, fast. "You'd... maybe stay a bit longer?" "If I was wanted here, sure." "Do you doubt it?" Lyle tilted his head to the side, looking serious. "I work a lot, yeah. But that doesn't mean I don't want you, don't care about you. I'd like for you to stay. As long as you want. Or as long as you can without going crazy in the city." He smiled widely. "Okay, then. I'll stay." "Really?" Lyle stared at him, and then beamed. "Like, with me? At my place? Because that would be awesome." "Really?" He echoed Lyle's question. "You want me to come stay with you 'til I go back west? That would be awesome." He'd not expected that. Not at all. "Well, yeah. I mean. I should have asked you ages ago, but I didn't want to get too used to you being there 'cause it'd be worse when you left, but I just kinda got that kick to the gut and I know you're going to go, but if you're going to stay for a while then I want you near, and I never babble like this. So, yeah. I'll get a key made." Lyle turned red and looked back into his carton. "It looks like chicken." "I probably can't pay you half the rent, but I can give you what I've been paying for my room at the boarding house." Lyle was going to make him a key. The man really did want him to stay. "Whatever you want." Lyle didn't seem too concerned about it at all. "Even help with picking up the groceries when I forget would be cool." He thought about that, thought about how whatever he contributed would probably be no more than a drop in Lyle's money-hat anyway. "I could bring home the bacon." Lyle started laughing, right away, sounding just tickled. "That'd be perfect. Bring it home, take good care of me. And we can both be barefoot in the kitchen -- I think your toes are sexy." That had him laughing, too. "I'm going to remember that and spend the day soaking them in the tub." "Just don't go getting a pedicure." Lyle put down the food and crawled over to him. "That'd be weird. Kiss me." "Seal the deal?" Rupe asked, pushing his lips against Lyle's without giving him a chance to answer. Lyle tasted like noodles and kung pao chicken and happiness.

Playing the Market - 85

"Best deal ever. I like the rate of return." Lyle pushed him back to the ground and kissed him again, not rolling away until a person walking by made a comment they both ignored. Rupe chuckled. "Maybe we should take this party indoors. I don't want to get arrested." He poked Lyle in the side. "See? There are advantages to roughing it." "Like the bike." Lyle's voice went all dreamy. "That was a good advantage. Come on, we can eat this afterward." "You're just a pervy slut," he noted, gathering up the containers.

"So you keep telling me, and yet there are still unused ropes under my bed and an empty camera.

I can't be that pervy." Lyle grabbed the last of the food and winked at him.

"I'm up for ropes anytime you want. I'll try anything twice."

"Twice?" Lyle looked at him and walked a little faster. "That mean you don't mind rope burn, or

that you can tie a decent knot?"

"Never done either before, honey, but I'll give it a chance."

Lyle gave him that shining grin again and nodded. "Awesome. We'll see what happens, then. Can

we hurry up a bit? People are staring at my shorts."

Rupe took a look, and stared himself, speeding up. "That's quite the boner."

"It's your fault. Damn, I can hardly get my key out!" Lyle was laughing as he tried to balance

food and get his key out of his pocket, an act that drew even more attention to his cock. "Remind me not to wear these shorts around you," he added as they went into the building and headed for the elevator. "I don't know -- I'm kind of enjoying the view." And he was -- coming and going. "Flattery is so going to get you laid." Lyle pushed the elevator button and leaned on the wall,

hips forward.

"I sure hope so." He waited 'til the doors slid closed, then went to his knees, mouthing Lyle

through his shorts.

"Oh, fuck." The food hit the floor, thankfully not spilling out of the containers, and Lyle's hands

went right into Rupe's hair, holding him there. "This thing better not stop for anyone."

"Better come quick, honey." He was pretty easy going, but getting caught giving a blow job on

an elevator wasn't something he wanted in his resume. Tugging on Lyle's shorts, he freed that pretty cock and took it in his mouth.

Playing the Market - 86

Lyle's fingers dug in, pulling his hair, and Lyle didn't hesitate at all. He rocked his hips, held Rupe right where he was, and pretty much just fucked. There wasn't any yelling, not in an elevator, but Lyle was breathing hard and moving fast, taking what he needed. "Rupe. Damn it. Take it." Lyle's legs went tight and stiff and he started to shoot, groaning like he couldn't hold it in any longer. Rupe swallowed Lyle right down, taking it all and grinning around Lyle's prick. "If we weren't about to get to our floor, I'd be completely embarrassed for coming so soon." Lyle was petting his hair and smiling down at him. "Thank you." He pulled off, tucked Lyle back into his shorts. "You're welcome. I'm sure turnabout will be fun." He winked, picked up the food cartons and sauntered off the elevator as the doors slid open. "You can count on it." Lyle was a lot calmer as he walked up and unlocked the door, his walk almost a slink. "And I think we can just take the food right on in to the bedroom, too." "Oh, look at you -- home before eight and eating in bed. You are loosening up." He let Lyle, and his own prick, lead him straight to the bedroom. "I'm not gonna eat in the bed," Lyle told him as he put all the food on the dresser. "You are." He reached for Rupe and shoved him onto the bed with a laugh. Rupe bounced on the mattress, his hard-on pushing against his jeans. "I am? What are you gonna be doing?" "Feeding you." Lyle's grin grew wicked and he tugged at Rupe's clothes, licking the bits of skin he exposed. Rupe got distracted by the licks, his hands sliding on Lyle's head and his back. Lyle didn't seem to mind at all. He kept tugging at clothes, shoving at fabric, and loving every part as it appeared until Rupe was naked and Lyle was suckling on one nipple, his hand playing with Rupe's balls. "Stay here," Lyle whispered, sliding over him and pausing to rub a bit along his hip. "Reach for the top of the bed." Then he was gone, to the floor. "Huh?" Rupe did as he'd been asked, wrapping his hands around the headboard and stretching, arching a bit to hump the air. "Shhh, it's okay." Lyle popped back up with a fist full of ropes. "Just hands and feet, nothing fancy." Then he crawled back on top of Rupe and licked his cock, root to tip. "Oh, if you're going to do that you can tie me up as much as you want." Lyle licked him again and sucked at the head for a moment before letting him go. "I'm totally going to do that. Promise." He shimmied his way up Rupe's body. "Wrists first."

Playing the Market - 87

He chuckled, tickled. Lyle was really into this, and he was really into Lyle, so it worked for him.

Lyle only took a moment to get his hands tied to the bedposts, crawling from one side of the bed

to the other. "Too tight? Okay? Enough slack? Too much?"

He tugged on them experimentally. "Yeah, it's okay."

"Good." Lyle looked pleased. He also looked hungry and vaguely predatory. "Legs next." But he

didn't move down that far; instead he plunged his tongue into Rupe's mouth and kissed him hard,

his hands moving over Rupe's bound arms.

Rupe pushed up into the kiss, arms tugging at the bonds as he tried to touch Lyle without

thinking.

Lyle moaned into the kiss and pulled back with a nod. "Yeah. Like that." He winked and slid

down the bed, pausing to lick Rupe's cock again as he played with the ropes in his hand.

Groaning, Rupe arched, pushing the thick cock toward him.

"Wait for it," Lyle murmured against his thigh. Then, he bit. Not hard enough to hurt or even

make a mark, but there were definitely teeth on Rupe's thigh and a very strong hand clamped

around his calf.

He jerked, the bite zinging through his entire body and settling in his balls. "Lyle!"

Lyle didn't say anything until he had both Rupe's ankles tied up tight. "Remember the bike? How

you were in charge and I just had to take it?" His voice sounded dark, rich.

"Uh-huh." Of course Lyle was pretty bossy in bed, so that was a bigger switch, he thought.

"I liked that. Just so you know." Lyle licked up the inside of Rupe's right thigh. "And I like this."

He nipped again, then licked over the spot, his cheek nudging at Rupe's balls.

Rupe groaned. "You're touching me, honey, so I like it, too. A lot."

He got another lick, over the crease of his leg, and then Lyle kissed the head of his cock. "I like

that you call me 'honey’," he whispered, just before he sucked Rupe in deep.

Well, anything he might have answered to that was lost in his cry, and he bucked as best he could -- which wasn't very well, all trussed up the way he was. It turned out Lyle was a tease. He'd suck for a while, licking and slurping, and then he'd let go and rock back on his heels to just look.

"You've got a mean streak, honey," Rupe teased, voice thick with wanting.

Playing the Market - 88

"Oh, hell, yes." Lyle smirked at him and got off the bed. "Are you hungry?" "What?" Rupe's eyes went wide and he looked from Lyle and back to his poor, dark red, needy prick. "Honey, we're busy here on the bed." Lyle nodded and got back on the bed, but he'd brought food with him. "Uh-huh. And I'm gonna take real good care of you, I promise. Want a wonton to chew on?" Rupe pouted for a half a minute, and then figured what the hell -- he was pretty sure Lyle wouldn't leave him wanting all night. Besides, he was still hungry. "Sure." "Good boy." Lyle looked pleased and he held a wonton to Rupe's mouth. "Don't choke. That would be bad. Swallow it down and I'll swallow you." Oh, he could get behind an incentive like that. He made quick work of the wonton and then opened his mouth and stuck out his tongue so Lyle could see it was good and swallowed. "Oh, nice." Lyle darted forward kissed him, sucking hard on his tongue. Rupe could feel Lyle's cock drag over his own belly, leaving a slick smear. He groaned as he automatically reached for Lyle again, only to be stopped short by the ropes. Lyle moaned right back, the kiss getting sloppy. "Can't touch. Can't move. Can only take it when I give it." Lyle dropped his head to Rupe's neck and started sucking. "Should've done this ages ago." "Please, honey. My cock." He needed. He really did. "Shhh, it's okay. I've got it." Lyle sucked at his neck again, but a hand curled around Rupe's cock and held him tightly. "Shh. Wanna come? Want me to suck you off?" Without waiting for Rupe to reply, Lyle started wiggling his way back down the bed. "I do. Yes. Please. I want you to suck me off." He babbled and moaned, hips pushing up as high as he could manage; there couldn't be any doubt in Lyle's mind he wanted it. "God, I love it when you ask." Lyle's mouth bit and sucked and kissed at his belly. Rupe could hear the way Lyle's breath was catching. Then heat surrounded him, warm hands on his balls and thighs, and finally Lyle's mouth on him. Lyle sucked him hard, his head bobbing and his tongue slipping and sliding, and each pull on Rupe's cock was taking him in deeper and deeper. He closed his eyes, pulling hard at the ropes as he tried to buck, his cock about ready to explode. "More, please, honey."

Playing the Market - 89

He felt Lyle growl around him. Then Lyle's throat was around the head of his cock and he could feel Lyle swallow -- and two fingers pushed up behind his balls, one nudging right into his hole, dry and slow. "Lyle!" He shouted his lover's name, spilling down Lyle's throat. Lyle took it, swallowing and moaning and licking and sucking. "God, yes." With another gasp,

Lyle stretched out, mostly on top of him as Rupe caught his breath. "You're so beautiful."

He chuckled at the idea that he was beautiful. He was tall and gangly and had one hell of a nose.

He went to pat Lyle's back, the damn ropes stopping him. Again.

Lyle laughed softly, though the sound was a bit strangled by the unevenness of his breathing.

"Are your arms okay? Do they hurt?" He was moving again, rubbing up on Rupe and wriggling

like he was going to go a little crazy.

"I want to touch you, honey."

"Yeah." Lyle reached up, tugging at the ties. "Yeah, it's time for that," he agreed, his voice thin

and needy. He was rubbing on Rupe's hip, reaching for the second tie. "Game over."

He started touching Lyle as soon as his hand was free, groaning as he slid over warm, damp skin.

"Please," Lyle whispered. His hands slid down Rupe's hips, and his fingers dug into Rupe's

thighs. "Touch." But then he slipped away, his hands fumbling at Rupe's ankles, trying to get him

loose.

He sat up, reaching for Lyle, touching randomly while Lyle worked his legs free.

By the time Lyle got Rupe's left ankle free the gasps and moans had given way to what sounded

more like frustration and desperation. "There!" Lyle finally got the tie undone and promptly

threw himself against Rupe's body. "Stupid idea, rope."

Rupe rolled them, putting Lyle beneath him as he found Lyle's mouth with his own.

Lyle kissed him hard, his hands roaming all over Rupe's back and plunging into Rupe's hair.

"Want."

"I know, honey." He reached for the lube and a condom, and then rolled them again, handing

over the slick stuff as he humped up, rubbing against Lyle.

"Beautiful," Lyle whispered again. His fingers were shaking as he got Rupe open and wet.

"Beautiful and warm and...." Lyle's voice faded and he kissed Rupe again, his mouth hungry.

Rupe managed to get the condom package open and smoothed the rubber down over Lyle's cock.

Playing the Market - 90

"That's it," Lyle whispered, moving and rocking against Rupe in short, jerky motions. His fingers slipped away, leaving Rupe momentarily empty, but with a grunt and a hard jab Lyle pushed home. Rupe wrapped his legs around Lyle's hips and tugged him in. "Come on, honey, you know I won't break." "Thank fuck for that." Lyle braced himself on his hands and started moving, his hips slapping against Rupe's ass. It felt so good. He arched his back, meeting the thrusts with enthusiasm. Lyle babbled at him. He fucked and he talked, and all Rupe really heard was gasped words around the muttering chant of "Good" and "Yes, so good." He pretty much agreed, his cock hard again, his ass squeezing tight around that fat cock. "You have the best ass ever," Lyle told him, nailing him again. "Could fuck you forever. Anywhere. Anytime." "I'll let you, honey." His heels dug into Lyle's ass. "Hard to do when you're away -- but Goddamn, I'm going to keep you busy while you're here." Lyle groaned and slammed into him again, his hips making a tight circle. "Rupe. Oh, God. Rupe." "Come on, honey. Less talk, more coming." Lyle made a gasping kind of sound, a whimpering keening that got louder until he was shaking with it, his arms trembling like young trees in a strong wind. "Rupe." The sound of his name was lost in the sudden squeak of the bed frame as Lyle thrust and rocked, fucking him furiously for maybe all of five seconds before stilling, his cock throbbing and twitching in Rupe's ass. Rupe grabbed his cock, jerking himself off rapidly, his ass squeezing hard around Lyle's cock as he shot. "Oh, fuck." Lyle seemed barely able to make words without slurring, but they came out anyway. Then he lowered himself down, still shaking with aftershocks, still in Rupe's body. "Going to kill me." "Nah, the overworking'll kill you." "I don't work too hard," Lyle said blandly. Rupe could feel him smile against Rupe's skin. "Or too much. I just have different joys than you, that's all. But I like that we share this joy. Mmm, yes."

Playing the Market - 91

"Yeah, honey, me, too." He'd have to go eventually, but for now he was really happy right where he was. Lyle didn't even have to use the ropes to make him stay.

Playing the Market - 92

Chapter Nine October was a lot warmer than usual for the season; for some reason summer just kept on going. The leaves were turning color, however, and it was a pretty safe bet that one morning Lyle would walk out of his apartment building into frost. It was about time for Rupe to hit the road, really. He'd been making some noises about it, and Lyle had known full well that it would happen; he was okay with it. He really was. Mostly. What he wasn't okay with was the idea of what winter in the city would do to Rupe, what being tied down would be like for him. Lyle wasn't willing to do that, not on any level. He was thinking about that as he let himself into the apartment one Friday night near the middle of the month. He was home early, even by Rupe's standards; it was still light out, even. "Hello?" he called as he closed the door behind him. Sometimes Rupe went out for long walks. "Lyle?" Rupe came out of the kitchen in an apron, carrying a mixing spoon. "What's wrong?" "Nothing." Lyle blinked at him and grinned. "I really do like that apron. It's a good look on you. What are you making?" "Supper." Rupe gave him a wink. "You're early, honey. You sure everything's all right?" "Yeah." Lyle tugged off his tie and went right over to kiss Rupe. "Everything is fine. I thought maybe we could go out tonight. There's a street fair, if you want to walk around and people watch." "Oh, honey, that sounds like fun. Supper can go in the fridge." Rupe looped his arms around Lyle's middle, tugging him close and taking a long kiss. Lyle was happy to kiss him back; hell, Lyle would stand there all night kissing Rupe. On the other hand… "This isn't going to get me changed out of my suit," he pointed out between kisses, his own hands sliding over Rupe's ass and holding him nice and close. Rupe pushed him up against a wall, hand tugging at his belt. "I can help with the getting naked part of getting changed." "You're so smart." Lyle helped him out by staying very still. "But what happens when you get me undressed? Right here in the hall." "Well, if we're going out to this fair, I figure we'll want to have the edge rubbed off a little." His belt was opened, and then the top button of his pants, the zipper loud as it came down.

Playing the Market - 93

"Rubbed off. God, you're funny." Lyle laughed breathlessly, his cock pushing right out. "But brilliant." "That's me." Rupe winked and then kissed him, undoing his jeans and pushing aside the apron. Then that big hand wrapped around the two of them, Rupe's cock silky and hot against his. Lyle groaned. "You. You and me." He thrust a bit, his cock flexing as they slid together. He squeezed Rupe's ass and held him close, his legs bending to get a bit more leverage. "You feel so good. Going to make me wreck yet another pair of pants with my bad aim." Rupe just laughed at that, the sound rich and husky and cut off as Rupe's mouth covered his. He tasted like something with tomatoes and herbs, Lyle thought. Then, he stopped thinking in favor of kissing back as hard as he could and feeling Rupe up, enjoying being with him. Rupe's hands cupped and squeezed, then moved around to help jerk them off. He squeezed and stroked, big hand working them like a pro and getting him off pretty damn quickly. Lyle went up on his toes, pushing hard through Rupe's hand. His legs were shaking and it was all he could do to hang on with one hand, the other busy teasing over the head of Rupe's cock. "Oh, God," he said with a gasp, suddenly spraying come all over them both. Laughing, still shaking, he smoothed fluid over Rupe's hand and both of their cocks. "Your turn, baby." "Yeah. Yeah, honey." Rupe groaned, hips jerking as more come fountained up over Rupe's hand. Breathless, Lyle kissed him, then lifted his hand and started licking come off his fingers. "Ruined my clothes." He didn't really care and it came through in his voice, which sounded more or less delighted. Rupe kissed him again, trapping his fingers between their mouths. Rupe's tongue was hot as it slid through his fingers. "You're the most amazing person I know," Lyle whispered, kissing. "You think so, honey?" Rupe beamed at him, and Lyle took his fingers out of his mouth so Rupe could kiss him breathless. Lyle kissed him back as best he could, holding on tight. "I know so," he said when he could. "You really are." "I love you, too, honey." Rupe slapped his ass. "Now come on, let's get you changed. You promised me a street fair." Love. Lyle fought back a blush and headed for his wardrobe. Rupe loved him. Well. Didn't that just make the world a bright and happy place?

Playing the Market - 94

Changing only took a couple of minutes and a fast wash, and Lyle hadn't stopped grinning by the time he was done. Rupe was waiting for him at the door, apron gone, hair pulled back into a little tail at the back of his neck. The usual T-shirt was covered by a sweater. Rupe was ready to go. "Excellent." Lyle made sure he had his wallet, left his cell phone on the counter, and grabbed his coat. "We can walk from here, I think. It's only a few blocks. Should be music and food and art, I think." "Sounds great. How'd you find out about it?" They wandered down the hall and Rupe pressed the button to call the elevator up. "There was a poster up in the lobby at work." Lyle shrugged. "It said something about celebrating the end of summer and the last harvest, so I thought it would be fun. It'll be too cold for street fairs, soon." "Yeah. It'll be rainy and sleety and wet and miserable." Rupe gave him a look as the elevator doors opened and they went in. "Won't be safe for biking once we hit November." Lyle sighed. "Yeah. I know. To be honest, I kind of wanted to make sure we had done one more really fun thing before you have to leave. Another memory." Rupe took his hand and squeezed. "They got this new-fangled machine, Lyle. It's called a phone. In fact I believe you have the cell version surgically implanted on your person." Rupe's eyes danced. "It's not with me right now," Lyle pointed out, smirking. "But trust me -- with you on the other end of the line, I'll be using the Bluetooth earpiece so I'll have both hands free." Rupe's laughter filled the elevator, and his hand was grabbed, swallowed up in Rupe's big one as they arrived at the lobby and headed for the street. "Head thataway," Lyle said, pointing. "And stay out of the alleys and such. We'll never get there if you keep pausing to molest me." "Would I do that?" Wide eyes blinked at him. He thought maybe Rupe was trying to do innocent. "I really, really hope so." Rupe really couldn't pull off innocent. It was cute when he tried, though. "It's too cold to be molesting you outdoors. You just wait 'til we get back home, though. Oh, I can hear music!" Rupe sped up. "Rats." Lyle chased after him, actually being dragged the last half block.

Playing the Market - 95

They turned a corner and ran right into the fair, a half dozen streets roped off from traffic with all sorts of street vendors with booths and tables, buskers doing their thing every block or so, and a bandstand right in the middle with a group belting out songs. "Oh, this is great." Rupe took it all in, big smile on his face. "I thought you'd like it." Lyle beamed at him. "Food first? Music? See the art? Whatever you want." "Let's grab some food and then wander. Oh, look, little fried doughnuts." Rupe tugged him toward an old-fashioned looking contraption that was making and frying up the doughnuts, a pretty girl behind the thing, grabbing the cooked dough as it came off a little conveyor belt, dipping them in powdered sugar. "That is so not healthy," Lyle said as he bought them. "Tomorrow, we'll double up on our veggies." Man, he loved these things. The music, the doughnuts, the way Rupe was smiling and taking it all in. It was really kind of great. "It's a street fair, healthy doesn't come into it." Rupe grabbed the bag and pulled out a doughnut, getting powdered sugar all over his fingers and his mouth, his shirt, too. "Nor does clean and tidy." Lyle got himself a doughnut and spread more sugar around. "Come on, dance with me. Well, walk with me. I don't dance." Rupe shot more sugar around as he laughed at Lyle, and then grabbed his hand, Rupe not seeming to care who saw them. "You know, if you weren't totally about to ride off in the metaphorical sunset I'd buy you one of those." Lyle pointed with his doughnut at a vendor with posters. "I know it's kinda crap, but really -- a bird flying over maple trees? Totally you." "Well, why don't you get it for your place? To remember me by." Rupe wandered over, looked at the other posters the man had and began to bargain for the cheesy bird and maple trees one. Lyle shook his head and smiled. He'd wind up spending about a hundred dollars on glass and framing, he just knew it. But, yeah -- the poster would remind him of Rupe and that would be cool. Rupe talked the guy down to four dollars and fifty cents, passing the money over and then presenting it to him like it was a huge prize. Rupe's eyes twinkled happily. "Should I hang it above the bed or in the bathroom?" Lyle asked. "I want to be able to see it, you know." "Then you should take it to work and hang it in your office, honey."

Playing the Market - 96

Lyle blinked. "Yeah. You're right." He held the poster with one hand and took Rupe's hand with the other. "I'll have to pull down assorted certifications, but yeah. You and the sky, right there." Rupe swung their hands easily between them, stopping here and there to check out the various booths. They added deep fried candy bars, Pogos, sausages on buns and French fries to the things they ate, and once they'd made a circuit of the place, they wound up sitting on the benches by the bandstand, listening to one bad rock cover after another. "Well, it may not be healthy and it's not camping, but it's outside and it's kind of fun." Lyle leaned into Rupe. "You smell like sugar." "Does that mean if I take you home you'll eat me all up?" Rupe's hand strayed to his thigh. "God, yes. Every inch. You know I will." Lyle dropped his voice to a whisper and leaned closer. "Eat your ass, suck your cock... you know I will." "I think I've had enough of the fair. How about you, honey?" "I think it's a good thing we live close." Lyle took a fast kiss and stood up. "Think we can get home fast?" "I think we can run once we're away from the crowd." Rupe stood as well, and then headed off, using those long legs to propel him through the crowds. Lyle laughed and raced to catch up. "You really start to run and I'll be left way behind, admiring the view. Which, you know, isn't a bad thing at all." "I have my key." Rupe dangled it. "I can let myself in if that happens. I don't want to get too far ahead of you, though. It's better when we come together." He could hear the laughter in Rupe's voice. "See, I really like that part, too." Lyle hurried along, eyeing Rupe's ass. "Got any ideas how you might want to do that?" "Huh? Oh, a few. You know me, honey, I'm easy." "That is possibly one of my most favorite things about you," Lyle teased. "The others being your smile, your hair and the way you make me go out and do stuff sometimes. Oh, and the way you cook. I like that, too." "Yeah, I've noticed that." Rupe moved faster when they turned the corner and started putting distance between them and the fair. "I like cooking for you." That came out sounding as dirty as Rupe's "come together" comment. "How do you do that?" Lyle marveled. "Say something that's actually about sex and I'll probably come in my pants."

Playing the Market - 97

Rupe tilted his head. "I love the way your tongue feels on my ass."

Lyle's cock twitched and he laughed. "Yeah, like that. Me too, by the way. But I guess it takes a

little bit more to actually get me shooting. Frankly, I'm shocked."

"Yeah, so am I." Rupe winked and sped up.

"You know, you could make it a goal. A nice little winter project. You can plan out filthy things

to say to me over the phone and then just call me up in the middle of the day and try 'em out." Lyle chased after him again. Rupe slowed way down at that, letting him catch up. "You'd let me call during the day?"

"Of course." Lyle looked at him. "Call whenever you want. If I really can't talk, I'll let it go to

voicemail and call you back as soon as I can. I promise."

"Wow, letting me call while you're at work. I am flattered." Rupe was teasing him, but he could see, too, that Rupe was pleased. "You should be." Lyle kissed him, holding his hand tight. "Take me home."

"I have," Rupe said quietly, pointing. They were across the street from his apartment building

already. "Now you take me upstairs and show me how wicked you can be."

"I do like a challenge," Lyle said softly. He took Rupe's hand and led him into the building, right into the elevator. "Although I'm pretty sure you know all about what I can do, already." "Have you showed me everything?" Rupe asked, crowding him into the corner of the elevator. "Well, lemme think. Fucked you just about every way but sideways, licked your ass, sucked your cock, jerked you off, tied you up and let you fuck me over a bike." Lyle could feel himself getting harder with every word. Groaning, Rupe started rubbing them together, pushing his ass into the back of the elevator. "Fucked you dry, fucked you with my fingers, sat on your cock and let you fuck me," Lyle whispered. "Had you in my shower, in my kitchen, in the great outdoors. Gonna have you right

here, aren't I?"

"Been there, done that." Rupe groaned, shoving him one last time before the elevator came to a

stop on his floor.

"Doesn't mean it can't happen again," Lyle whispered. "But if you're really fast we can get to the

apartment before it happens. Living room, maybe? Over my desk."

Playing the Market - 98

Rupe's eyes narrowed and he nodded, grabbing Lyle's hand and tugging him along after the big body. "You wanna top?" Lyle asked, not sure if he was poking the beast or not, but sure as hell having fun. "I don't care. As long as someone's cock goes in someone's ass and we both come, I don't care." Rupe got the door open, and he was dragged through it. "Easy. Fantastic." Lyle tore at his own clothes, his shoes skittering down the hall as he headed right to his desk. "I think maybe you should bend over." His shirt went flying, one seam tearing a bit. "You better go get a condom while I get naked," Rupe suggested, gaze like a brand against him. "Uh-huh." Lyle shoved his pants down and reached into the pocket. "Done," he said, holding up the rubber. "Now you." Rupe's eyes went wide, his eyebrows climbing up into his hairline. "You..." Sputtering, and then laughing, Rupe stripped off. "You're so good about things like this," Lyle said, laughing harder. "Now, bend over my desk and let me at your ass. Best ass ever; I want to really enjoy it." Rupe did as he was told easy as pie, bending over Lyle's desk, spreading his legs wide. That put Rupe's awesome ass right there, with easy access to the man's cock and balls, too. "I love the way you share." Lyle ran his hand over Rupe's ass, fondling his balls and teasing at his hole. "Think you can hold it if I lick you?" "No, I don't, but I think I can get it up again." "Close enough." Lyle dropped to his knees and dove in, happy as could be. He loved rimming, just loved it. Mostly because of the way it drove Rupe absolutely bugshit crazy, but also because it was the most intimate thing he could think of. Rupe started moaning right away, ass rocking back toward his tongue as the sweet sounds filled the room. God, Lyle could spend months jacking off to that sound. Well, he would, to the memory of it anyway. He pulled away as soon as the thought occurred to him. "Stay there," he ordered, making a leap to his computer. "What the hell? Lyle, come on. Work can wait!"

Playing the Market - 99

Lyle choked out a laugh. "It's not work, baby. Trust me. I'm a fucking genius." He clicked on a

program and opened a new file. "Recording. Make a lot of noise, okay? You're going to get me

off until next year sometime."

Rupe's eyebrows went up, and then he started laughing. "Oh, honey, you're something else. You

really are."

"You love it." Lyle beamed at him and then scooted around behind him again. "Now, this is how

it's gonna work. I'm going to eat you and you're going to make noise. And then you're gonna

come and I'm gonna fuck you. You can keep up the noise. Okay?"

"Whatever you want, honey." Rupe settled back down, ass pushing toward him. "Just do it."

"You know, I think the fact that you just let me do this stuff is quickly becoming my favorite

thing. I'll make a list sometime." Lyle grinned again and slid back down, holding Rupe's ass open

so he could lick over the tight hole again and again.

Rupe groaned. The noises started out quiet, but quickly grew louder, graduating to moans.

Lyle licked faster. Perfect. He nipped one cheek and teased Rupe's hole for a moment, licking

with the very tip of his tongue.

Rupe jerked when he bit, moans changing in tenor, becoming needy.

Moaning himself, Lyle licked and lapped and finally started fucking him with tongue and

fingers, looking for sounds he could keep.

"Fuck! Lyle!" Rupe whimpered and groaned, noises loud and random.

Oh, that was it. That desperate, needy and demanding sound. Lyle wrapped a hand around Rupe's

cock and tongued him quickly, wanting to hear Rupe come for him.

"Honey. Oh." Rupe sawed between his hand and his tongue.

Squeezing, groaning, Lyle jacked him and slipped a finger into Rupe's ass, pressing on his gland.

Rupe shouted, whole body jerking as he came, spraying Lyle's desk.

"Yes, yes, yes..." Lyle scrambled up and nudged the head of his cock into Rupe's ass, holding

still as he felt the last of the spasms. "Fuck, yes. God, so sexy." He rested his head on Rupe's

back and waited.

Rupe reached back, patting his thigh. "Come on, honey. Come on."

"If I move I'll come. That would just... be embarrassing."

Playing the Market - 100

Rupe chuckled and patted his hip again. "Take your time, then. You feel good inside me."

Lyle drew in a shaky breath and slipped in, going slowly. "Goddamn. You're so, so tight. Smooth

and perfect."

"Less talk and more action, honey."

"You just hush and let me fuck you." Lyle kissed Rupe's shoulder. "Hang on tight, okay?" He

rolled his hips back and thrust in, deep and hard.

Rupe groaned for him. "Oh, yeah. If you're going to fuck me like that, I can do that."

Lyle did it again. "You know, one of these days, I'm going to just stand back and watch you get

fucked -- maybe get you to use a dildo on yourself, seeing as how I don't even want to think about someone else's hands on you." "Perv," Rupe accused, voice husky as he pushed back into Lyle’s next thrust.

"You love it." Lyle hissed and plunged into him again. "It amuses you. God, squeeze me, okay?"

He dug his fingers into Rupe's hips and pulled him back, hard.

Rupe bucked and cried out, ass going tight around his cock.

"Again!" Lyle's eyes closed as his body went tight. "Rupe!"

Rupe pushed back, ass squeezing him with every thrust, low noises starting up again.

Lyle wasn't sure, but he thought he might have been whispering encouragement; he decided he

didn't care. All that he really cared about was going faster and going deeper and harder. He was so close, right there, that he could feel it coming up from the base of his spine, and he was going to just go and go and -- "Rupe!" Lyle yelled, his back arching as he shot, his orgasm wracking his body like lightning. It took Rupe a little longer to join him, ass continuing to work him as Rupe jacked himself off. Finally, Rupe shouted again, body jerking and squeezing.

"Oh, God." Lyle held on, petting him. "I kind of lost my concentration there at the end, didn’t I?

Left you to finish up. Good thing you're pretty when you do it."

Collapsed onto the desk now rather than just leaning over it, Rupe chuckled. "Long as we both

get off, we're doing all right, honey."

"That's like a motto for life." Lyle tried to catch his breath. "Hold still." He reached way over and

tried to reach his mouse. "Damn. Still recording."

Rupe started laughing softly.

Playing the Market - 101

"Say something for the ages," Lyle said, laughing. He leaned the extra bit and snagged the mouse. "I love your ass, have I told you that?" "I love the way you love my ass."

"Awesome." Lyle giggled and twisted, the cursor finally getting where he needed it to be. When

he clicked to stop recording he kissed Rupe again and slid out carefully. "Shower before bed?"

"Sounds good, honey. I think I've got powdered sugar in all sorts of nooks and crannies." Rupe stood and stretched, tall body going even longer. Lyle admired him, drinking in every line. "Beautiful. No denying it."

Rupe reached out and tugged him close, kissing his lips before looping an arm around his

shoulders and heading them for the shower. "I'm glad you think so, honey."

"I do. I so, so do. And if I can manage it, I'm taking a whole pile of pictures before you have to

go."

"Better do it tomorrow, then. The long range forecast doesn't look good." Rupe smiled over at

him, a tinge of sadness in the look.

Lyle nodded slowly. "Tomorrow then. You and me, all day. Please."

"Yeah, I'd like that. I'd like it a lot." Rupe's lips covered his, warm hands grabbing his ass and

squeezing it.

A day to build months worth of memories on.

He hoped it would be enough.

*** Lyle leaned on the edge of his desk and looked at the living room floor, where all of Rupe's worldly possessions were laid out. He'd kind of thought that he'd offer to store some things for Rupe, but it didn't look like there would be any need. "You really don't collect a lot of stuff, do you?" he asked, more to say something than from any real need to state the obvious. Again. "I'm not a collecting sort of guy." Rupe came out of the bathroom, showered, shaved and wearing leather pants. He looked edible.

"You can start collecting leather," Lyle suggested, not really kidding. "I wouldn't mind."

Rupe looked at him and chuckled. "Another fetish, honey? I'm starting to think that's your true

collection."

Playing the Market - 102

"You look pretty, is all." Lyle fought off a blush and reached out a hand. "Do you mind my collection of kinks?" Rupe took his hand and stepped close, squeezing his fingers for a minute. "I've enjoyed them all so far, honey, you know that." "I do." Lyle tried to smile at him, tried to pretend that they weren't doing what they were doing. "I really suck at this," he finally admitted. "I'm usually pretty good at good-byes. But then... well, there's more baggage with you than usual, eh?" "Apparently so." Lyle's eyes felt gritty and his throat was dry. "Sorry. Didn't mean to hold on so tight." Rupe's big hands cupped his cheeks, warm and solid, tilting his head so their eyes met. "I wanted to stay, Lyle. I've already stayed longer than I usually would have. I just... I can't. I wish I could, but I can't." "I don't want you to be miserable. I don't want to put you in a cage or tie you down. I don't want to change you." Lyle looked at him and put his hands on Rupe's hips, feeling the leather under his palms. "But I do want you to come back." "Hey, I've been coming back to Toronto most summers long before I met you. Now I have incentive." Rupe's words ended with a kiss, a lingering, long kiss that Lyle could feel all the way to his toes. Lyle kissed him back, following Rupe back a couple of inches and drawing it out even longer before letting him go. "Good. I'll be here. And you know you can call me whenever." He really hoped Rupe would, and that he wouldn't get fed up when Lyle simply had to let calls go to voicemail. There really wasn't a way to avoid that happening. "I know, honey." Rupe grinned suddenly, stepping back and grabbing a T-shirt, pulling it over his head. "Besides, you'll be back to working too hard and won't even know I'm gone." Lyle rolled his eyes. "I don't work too hard, I work just as hard as I need to. You need to ride, I need to play with numbers and make a lot of money for a lot of people. And trust me -- I'll know you're gone." He smiled, oddly comforted by knowing how true that was; it felt good to know that Rupe was important enough to miss as much as Lyle was going to. He'd never missed anyone like that before. "Good. Because I'm going to miss you, too. It's nice to know that's not one-sided." Rupe made short work of packing his worldly goods into the saddlebags for his bike, holding back a pullover, a pair of leather gloves and a worn leather jacket. "It's never been hard to go before."

Playing the Market - 103

Lyle folded his arms across his chest, hugging himself. "It's never been hard to show someone out before." He took a long, shaky breath. "Will you call me in a couple of days? Please." Rupe gave him a startled look. "I can't call tonight?"

"I didn't want to sound pushy." Oh, there was the blush. "Call me tonight. As soon as you stop.

Okay?"

"I will." Rupe's eyes glinted with mischief. "I'm betting there's another fetish in your collection that we can mine." "I'll make sure I have the lube handy." Lyle grinned. That one was too easy.

"You got a nice thick dildo, honey? One you can pretend is me while I talk dirty to you on the

phone?"

Maybe not so easy. Lyle swallowed hard and nodded slowly. "Uh-huh." Damn it, now he was

going to spend all day glancing at the phone.

"All right, then. I will call you and we'll prove you're a perv all over again." Rupe put the

saddlebags over his shoulder and checked his pocket for his sunglasses. "All right, honey. I

should go before I burn anymore daylight."

Lyle crossed to him in a rush and kissed him again, hard and fast. "I love you. Ride safe."

Rupe cupped his cheek again, thumb sliding across his lower lip. "Love you too, honey. You

take care of yourself. I'll talk to you tonight."

"I'll be here." Lyle stepped back. "I'll be here, Rupe."

Rupe nodded, and for a moment stood there, looking at him, as if Rupe were memorizing him.

"Bye, honey." Then he was gone.

Playing the Market - 104

Chapter Ten Rupe parked the rental car in short-term parking and headed over to the arrivals terminal. He checked the board, grinning as he saw the status on Lyle's plane flip from on-time to arrived. Excellent timing. The place was packed -- it was Christmas, after all -- but he found a pillar to lean against where he had a good view of the doors Lyle'd be coming out of. Most days being tall had its advantages. It had been a couple months since he'd left Toronto, and even though they talked several times a week Rupe couldn't wait to see the man in person again. Touch. He missed touch. And the way that Lyle smelled. And the crazy things he liked to do in bed. Oh, better not think about that kind of thing, not unless he wanted to give everyone an eyeful of hard dick behind his zipper. People started coming through in dribs and drabs -- business travelers with only carry-on bags or Sky Checked small cases, then the first few who'd been lucky enough to get their bags off the carousel without having to wait. It was a couple more minutes before Lyle showed up, pulling a suitcase, a bag slung over his shoulder, looking around expectantly as he walked. Rupe stepped away from his pillar and waved. He could feel the grin spreading his cheeks. Damn, but Lyle looked good. Lyle saw him, if the way his face lit up was any sign. He made his way right over to Rupe, almost taking out a small child or two in the process. He didn't even look rumpled from travel; he looked like he did when he got home from work, really. Energized and pleased and... and really happy to see Rupe. Seemed like there was an abundance of hard cocks. In a fit of happiness at seeing the man and not giving a damn what anyone thought, Rupe wrapped a hand around the back of Lyle's head, tilted it, and took a quick, hard kiss. "Hey, you." Lyle didn't seem to care, either. "Hey, you," he said back, echoing Rupe exactly and kissing him again. "Get me out of this airport and to a place where I can look at you. I've missed you." Chuckling, Rupe grabbed Lyle's bag and headed for the exit. "I'm about an hour and a half out of town. I hope you don't mind a drive, but if you want, we can hit a restaurant first." "That sounds good." Lyle reached for Rupe's hand. "What are we driving?" "I rented a car. I didn't figure you'd have packed light enough to fit everything into the saddlebags. Besides, it can get pretty nasty if the temperature drops to freezing. Lots of icy road conditions and shit."

Playing the Market - 105

It wasn't raining at the moment, though it was threatening, and Rupe headed across the lot to where he'd parked. "And are we going to have time to be alone before we have to be around people?" Lyle asked, sticking close and looking at him with intent eyes and a broad smile. "Yep. My sister lives here in Vancouver. We'll drive in for Christmas Day and stay overnight. Up 'til then and after that, though you're all mine." He hoped Lyle liked his place. It wasn't really roughing it, he had all the amenities, but it was in the country, built into a hill and back to nature-ish. "As long as I get some energy out of my system before I have to be polite and try to get your family to like me." Lyle grinned at him and winked. "Damn, you look good. Your hair isn't as long as I thought it would be, though; I don't know why I thought it would be longer." "It's called scissors, honey." He shoved Lyle's bag in the trunk and used the cover provided by the lid to molest Lyle a little, groping at his cock and ass, taking a long kiss. "I don't know if I can wait an hour and a half, Rupe." Lyle was pushing into his hands. "Already been months." "I know a place with good food and clean bathrooms. Ten minutes." He squeezed Lyle's prick again, knowing he couldn't wait an hour and a half either. "Awesome. Get us there." Lyle groped him back, his breath already coming in quick bursts. "God, I missed you." Lyle stepped back and rushed to the passenger side of the car, adjusting his cock as he went. Rupe went a little more slowly, letting the rain that had just started falling hit his cheeks in stinging bites. That helped a little, enough that he could probably drive to the Moonlight Diner. He slid into the driver's side and started up the car. "The flight was good," Lyle told him, sitting still on the other side of the car. "And work was good. I only had to field one call at the airport before boarding. My phone, by the way, is off and will stay that way until at least tomorrow morning, when I'll check my mail and turn it back off again." He glanced over at Lyle in surprise. "Really? That's wonderful, honey." "I haven't seen you in far too long and we have less than a week. I love my job, don't get me wrong -- but I want this time to be about us, Rupe. I'm not going to waste this trip." He beamed over at Lyle, feeling warmed all through at that. "Thanks, honey. I know how much that means, you giving up the phone and work like that."

Playing the Market - 106

"Get me to that bathroom and I'll prove to you just how happy I am to make the noble sacrifice." Lyle's smile turned downright perverted as he looked pointedly at Rupe's lap. Rupe shook his head, and tried to ignore that wicked grin as he paid for the parking. He also tried not to speed as he made his way to the dinner. "Just keep holding that thought, honey. The thought, not either of our cocks." "I think those thoughts a lot." Lyle was laughing at him, slouching way down in his seat. "I think them when I'm in bed, and I think them at the office, looking at your poster, and I think them in the gym in my building. I think them and I touch and I sometimes call you up and share. You like that part." "I do, honey. I like that part a lot. It's way better in person, though. And no touching until we get there." He had to grip the wheel hard to keep from reaching over and feeling Lyle up. "Not even myself?" "No, that wouldn't be fair." "Oh. Well. I'll just think about it really hard. About going down on you in a few minutes and tasting you and smelling you and hearing you." "Lyle..." He growled the word out, stepping on the gas to streak through the tail end of a yellow light. Shit, he was going to get the traffic cops on his ass if he wasn't careful. "Sorry." Lyle sounded completely unrepentant. "I'll be good." That was an open ended thought if Rupe had ever heard one. He knew Lyle would be good. But would he stop talking about how good he would be? Finally, finally, they pulled into the parking lot of the Moonlight Diner. It was just a small place, but it shouldn't be too busy at the moment, and he knew the bathrooms were clean; they were at the back of the place, too, so they could make a little noise and not be overheard. A little noise -he had a hunch he might need to gag Lyle. "I assume you're not going to make me eat first?" Lyle said, out of the car almost as soon as it was parked. "Yes, as a matter of fact, I am." He wasn't talking about food, though. He headed into the diner and leaned over the counter, giving the waitress there a smile. He was a semi-regular here, came in once a month for groceries and stuff and usually did lunch here. "My friend and I would like a couple coffees and a menu, please. But he just got off the plane and the airport was really busy and we need to take care of business, if you know what I mean. Can you give us a booth at the back?" "Sure thing, Rupe."

Playing the Market - 107

He nodded at her and headed off to the bathroom, knowing Lyle was hot on his heels. "Please tell me she thinks we're doing typical bathroom things, and you didn't just tell her we're going to have sex back here." Not that Lyle waited for an answer before grabbing at Rupe's fly. He locked the door, and leaned against it, sucking in his belly to give Lyle more room to get to his cock. "This isn't a typical bathroom thing?" he managed to tease, voice rough as sandpaper, his cock nearly punching Lyle in the face as it pushed out of his open leathers. "It is for us." Lyle moaned and started licking right away, his hands as busy as his mouth, tugging at Rupe's clothes. Rupe wrapped his fingers in Lyle's hair, biting his lip to keep from crying out as that hot tongue slid over his cock. "Oh, honey, I'm not going to last long." "Don't care, we can do it again." Lyle moaned and sucked him in, one hand on Rupe's balls, his mouth hot and wet. "Uh-huh." He jammed one of his fists into his mouth at that point, muffling his shout as he came hard, spilling down Lyle's throat like he'd been wanting to for weeks and weeks. Lyle kept sucking him, licking him clean and swallowing around him until Rupe's legs were shaking. Then, with trembling hands, Lyle pulled himself up. "God, touch me." He was panting, his eyes wide and dilated. "Hold on, honey, you don't want to be stuck with a mess in your pants." He worked Lyle's pants open, careful not to jostle the hard bulge too much, and then wrapped his hand around Lyle's prick the second it jumped out at him. "Oh, God." Lyle didn't say it so much as gasp it as his whole body twitched. "Rupe." With one hand Lyle grabbed Rupe's arm and with the other he pulled Rupe's head down close enough to kiss. Rupe had barely tasted himself on Lyle's tongue before Lyle was coming, shooting right over his wrist. He kept the kiss going, tugging on Lyle's tongue, sucking it as the dick in his hand twitched a few more times until Lyle was finally sinking against him. "Mmm... yeah. That hit the spot, honey." "For now." Lyle leaned into him, seeming content to stay there for a while. "Just a hint of later, yeah? Let's eat and hit the road. I have a lot of thinking I want to share with you. More of the same, mostly, but lying down and in the shower and stuff." "Oh, I do like the way you think, honey." He kissed the top of Lyle's head. He liked it a lot.

Playing the Market - 108

***

Rupe pulled up into Lisa and David's driveway and grinned at Lyle. "You ready to meet the brood?" He was looking forward to this meeting, to seeing what his sister thought of Lyle and vice-versa. "They're going to hate me." It wasn't the first time Lyle had said it, but it was the first time he sounded like he might possibly believe it. "I'm not like you. They're going to wonder what the hell you've gotten yourself into." "Honey, that's just not true. First of all, you're a great guy, that's why I'm with you. Second of all, my people aren't judgmental -- they're going to like you because you're important to me." He reached over and squeezed Lyle's shoulder. "You're bringing gifts, man; the kids are going to adore you right off the bat just for that." Lyle laughed nervously. "I hope I got good gifts. Kids can turn on a dime, you know." He took a deep breath. "Okay. Let's go meet the family. God, your sister better not hate me. I can deal with kids not liking me, but your sister... Oh, boy. Okay. I'm good. Let's go." "I don't have time to blow you before we go in, man. You need to settle down and just accept that you're a likeable guy, okay?" Rupe undid his seat belt and opened the car door. He could see the kids in the window and knew that the longer they stayed out here, the more his sister would think that Lyle didn't want to meet her. "You gotta promise to do it later, though." Lyle scrambled out of the car and opened the back so he could grab the presents. "Okay, there are a lot of bags. I might have over-shopped." Rupe laughed and helped. They'd exchanged gifts already, both of them finding sex toys in their stockings. He and Lyle had obviously been very good boys. "Do you think they'll notice that there isn't anything for you here? I should have gotten you a pair of gloves or something." Lyle shook his head. "Let's get this started. Do you think there's beer in there?" "Relax, Lyle. Everything is going to be just fine." He gave Lyle a quick kiss, and then headed up the stairs to the porch. The front door flew open, all four kids crowding in the doorway. "Uncle Rupe's boyfriend brought presents!" Rupe saw Lyle blink and then start beaming. "What, this stuff?" Lyle looked at the bags in his hands and shook his head. "This is dinner. Your uncle told me that you guys didn't have any food or anything and that if we were going to have supper I'd have to bring it. This is turkey and goose and stuffing and potatoes."

Playing the Market - 109

"That's not true!" Suzanna wasn't fooled. "Uncle Rupe wouldn't lie! It's presents!" She squealed and bounced right up into his arms. Rupe grinned over her head at Lyle. "They're smart, my niece and nephews." "I don't know." Lyle looked doubtfully at Suzanna. "He can be an awful fibber, you know. He told me you were smarter than you are pretty, and I don't know if anyone can be that smart. You're awfully pretty." Oh, Lyle was laying it on thick. The man obviously still didn't believe him that they were going to like him, but a little sugar never hurt anything. Suzanna obviously didn't think so. She leaned out of his arms to put a kiss on Lyle's cheek. "I like you," she declared. "Uncle Rupe, I like your boyfriend. Vicki Watson said that boys didn't have boyfriends, but I told her they did if they wanted to and she said that made you the bonimable snowman. Are you the bonimable snowman, Uncle Rupe?" "Nope. Some folks might mistake me for a Sasquatch, but I'm not snowy enough to be a snowman." Lisa rolled her eyes and shooed the boys out of the door so they could come in. "Vicki Watson is just repeating stupid things that her mother says. Hey, Rupe." She gave him a hug and a kiss and then looked pointedly at Lyle as he closed the door and set down the bags of gifts. "Now introduce us to your man." "Lisa, this is Lyle. My boyfriend. Lyle, this is Lisa, my sister. That's David coming out of the kitchen, Suzanna having her Uncle Rupe ride and the boys are Jason, Devlin and Steward. You all be nice to Lyle, now, he's not used to a big family with lots of children." "Hi," Lyle said, looking like he'd rather just deal with Suzanna alone than any of the rest of them. But he gathered himself up and put the bags down, his hand going out to Lisa first and then David. "Thank you for inviting me. It's really nice to meet Rupe's family." "Well, we've heard a lot about you, and Rupe's never brought anyone home before." Lisa gave him a warm smile. "No one's ever put up with his... peculiarities before." Rupe rolled his eyes. "You make it sound like I have a hump, a bad eye and Tourette syndrome or something." "Nah, just a tendency to twitch at the thought of owning more than two books at a time." Lyle grinned at him. "Did you tell them about my entire room of just clothes? They probably think we're the classic example of opposites attracting." "A whole room of clothes?" Lisa took Lyle's arm, leading him into the living room and leaving Rupe with all the bags. "You sound like a man after my heart."

Playing the Market - 110

"Don't tell Rupe, but after he left I kind of had to reclaim part of the closet in the bedroom, just

for my new shoes. Retail therapy, you see."

Well, that seemed to be going well.

Lisa's laughter floated back and Rupe looked at Suzanna. "Looks like your mom likes Lyle."

She nodded solemnly. He put her down. "Now, you should help me with these bags of gifts -- get

them under the tree, eh?"

"Your guy gonna want beer?" David asked.

Rupe nodded. "Yeah, he could probably use one. He was stressing over meeting Lisa and the

kids."

David grinned. "Can't say I blame him -- I remember when I first met you I felt about the same."

Rupe laughed and clapped David on the back before grabbing all the bags but the one Suzanna

was dragging across the floor.

Lyle and Lisa were sitting on the couch and Lisa seemed to be listening intently to something

Lyle was describing, his hands spread wide apart. "And it took him about ten minutes to even

notice, but he liked it when I finally found the instructions."

Rupe frowned and hurried over. "You two have found something to talk about, I see."

"Yes." Lyle smirked at him. "You look scared."

"What? No, of course not. I was just wondering what had you so animated." He knew Lyle

couldn't be talking about anything to do with sex, but still.

Lyle looked delighted. "I was telling Lisa about you teaching me to use all the gadgets in my kitchen. You know, the ones I buy because they're cool and you actually use." "Oh. Right." He grinned sheepishly and started taking the presents out of the bags, handing them to the kids to put under the tree. "No peeking at the tags," he warned.

"He thought I was talking about something else," Lyle whispered loudly to Lisa. "Oh, Rupe. Can

you put Lisa and David's gift near the back, please? It's breakable and I know the kids will be

moving things around a lot. Well, if they're like I was, anyway."

"Sure." He had to get down on his hands and knees to do it, and it wasn't until his ass was

sticking out from under the tree that he wondered if Lyle'd had ulterior motives.

The long silence behind him was enough of an answer. Lyle and Lisa really seemed to hit it off,

and that was a bit more frightening that Rupe had anticipated. He shoved the gift as far back as

Playing the Market - 111

he could, hiding the little box he'd brought for Lyle behind it, and crawled back out to send an "I know what you're up to" look at Lyle. Lyle smiled at him innocently. "So, can Rupe help you in the kitchen?" he asked Lisa, laughing. "I'm not very good at cooking, clearly." "No, that's okay. Everything's ready and either cooking or waiting to be cooked. I think the best bet is to do the tree. The kids had their stockings this morning, of course, but they've been dying for you guys to show up so they could have a crack at the tree gifts." David came in with four beers. Rupe took his, gulping a nice chug as he sat next to Lyle. Suzanna immediately climbed onto his lap. "You can help me open my gifts, Uncle Rupe." "Thank you, Suzie, I appreciate that very much." Lyle sat back, apparently content to watch the family do their thing and just drink his beer. He commented on the gifts, laughed at the twins as they plowed through three presents in a row and were told to wait a few minutes before they opened more, and helped Suzanna stick bows to her uncle's head. In short, he seemed to have gotten over his fear of meeting the family. Suzanna was the one who found his little box for Lyle, crawling under the tree and coming back to hand it over. "How come it says your name is Lill?" Rupe bit his lip to keep from laughing as Lisa explained that it was pronounced "Ly-le". "Oh, okay. This is for you." Lyle thanked her and took the box, looking confused. "Rupe? What's this?" "Just a little something to show you I'm serious." And giving it to Lyle in front of Lisa and David made it the biggest commitment he'd ever made to anyone besides his sister. Lyle gave him a long, steady look. "I know you are." He didn't look away as he tore off the paper, his eyes only dropping as he opened the box. "Oh. Oh, Rupe." Lyle looked down at the ring and blinked rapidly. "It's beautiful. Celtic." "Yeah, the knots don't end, you know? Eternal." Rupe shrugged, feeling silly all of a sudden. "I just wanted..." he shrugged. "Does this mean you're marrying uncle Rupe?" Suzanna asked. Lyle nodded at her, then turned bright red. "Kind of." Still blushing furiously he leaned forward and kissed Rupe quickly. "Told you I'd put my foot in my mouth," he mumbled, clutching the box. "Sorry."

Playing the Market - 112

Rupe pulled Suzanna into his lap. "It's a promise more than a marriage. It means I'll be coming

back to see Lyle every spring."

"Like the geese?"

He laughed and gave her a hug. "Yeah, just like the geese."

Lyle laughed and nodded, too, looking at the ring. "Exactly that. Every spring, he's coming back

to me. And I know it's true because he promised." He smiled at Suzanna and then at Rupe. "It's

the best promise, ever."

"I don't know, the one where I know you'll be waiting's a pretty good promise, too."

One of the boys made a gagging noise, or maybe it was David; Rupe didn't look to see because

Lyle was putting his ring on and kissing him again, keeping it polite but making his point.

And that was all that mattered.

Playing the Market - 113

Epilogue Lyle was sitting at his computer, files spread out all over the living room floor. He'd finished with most of them hours ago but he hadn't taken the time to clean up as he finished, choosing instead to just keep on working. If he kept working he could finish. And if he could finish, he wouldn't have to worry about a single blessed thing the next day. The day Rupe was due home. He'd pulled long nights at the office and long nights at home. Earlier and earlier days. Lyle always worked long hours, thrived on them in fact, but the two weeks of clearing up so he could have a solid couple of days with just Rupe was something else. This was a promise. He'd work while Rupe was home, of course; April to October was a long stretch of time. But the first couple of days... those were just for Rupe. So he worked and he made a mess he'd have to clean up in the morning and he drank a lot of coffee. It was a very small chore with a great reward. Craziest damn relationship he'd ever heard of, but it sure worked for them. The clock chimed the hour just as Lyle finished the last spreadsheet. God, eleven. How had it gotten that late? He'd have to sleep in until seven just to be sane. He had at least an hour of cleaning up to do. There was a loud knock on the door and then someone fiddling with the lock. Lyle froze. If someone had buzzed in a stranger, he was going to lose his temper at the management. He certainly hadn't buzzed anyone in. Oh, man. Maybe one of the old goats was lost. Again. With a sigh he got up and headed to the door, wondering if it was a wrong floor this time or a transposed apartment number. Before he could get to the door, it opened, Rupe's tall form filling up the hall. "Hey, honey, I'm home." He had no idea what to say, but it hardly mattered as he couldn't move. Frozen in place, Lyle could just stare and blink stupidly. Then sense returned in a rush and he yelled, "Rupe!" just before he launched himself at his lover. Rupe caught him, leather creaking, the door shutting with a slam behind him. Their mouths met, the kiss long and hard and sloppy. "Oh, God. Oh, God. You're early. Good. Yes, good." Lyle's brain was rabbiting, going almost as fast as his hands as he made sure Rupe was there and all in one piece. "Hi. God, missed you. Kiss me."

Playing the Market - 114

Three long months with nothing but phone calls and his own hand and Rupe had never tasted so good. Rupe's hands landed on his ass, tugging him up off the floor as they kept kissing, as Rupe headed for the bedroom. Lyle could go with that. He really, really could. He wrapped his legs around Rupe's hips and held on, kissing and licking and petting all the way there. He wasn't even sure if he cared that they were going to be fully dressed when they got off the first time. "Needed to see you," muttered Rupe. "Needed to be home." Nodding, Lyle moaned and held on tighter. "Need you here. Need you. Love you." He didn't care that his leg got bumped as they went through the bedroom door. They were in the bedroom and that was all that mattered. He landed on the bed, Rupe right on top of him, grinding down against him. Lyle grunted and pushed right back, giving Rupe all he had. "Please," he whispered. "Rupe. Mine. Yes." Rupe pushed a hand between them. His prick rubbed against Rupe, hot and hard, silky. Good. Kissing Rupe until he had to stop for air, Lyle held on. He could smell leather and the road and Rupe and he was right there, in their bed, and with another jerking thrust of his hips Lyle started to come, crying out again and again. "Oh, damn. I love that smell, honey." And with that Rupe came, too, landing heavily on him as they panted together. "Me, too. Love all these smells. Love you. Love the fact that you're on top of me and didn't even see the mess in the living room. I've got tomorrow off. Wanna do fun things like stay home and in bed?" Rupe put his head back and laughed and Lyle hadn't heard that sound since Christmas, that fullbodied I love you and you make me happy laugh. "As long as it's with you, I don't care what we do, honey." Lyle rolled a bit, then crawled around until he was nicely draped over his favorite person. "Oh, good. Because I really did make a mess of the living room." He kept smiling as he kissed Rupe again, welcoming him home. "I'm glad you're here." "That's good, honey, because you're stuck with me for the next six months." "It won't take us that long to clean up. We'll have lots of time for sex." Lyle snuggled in and kept right on smiling, unable to stop. "I made sure to get the newspapers this week so you can see where the big construction is going to be this year."

Playing the Market - 115

"Oh, I don't want to think about work yet. I've got some exploring to do first. Make sure the landscape is how I remember it." The way Rupe's hands traveled over him made it clear Rupe was talking about him. "Don't let me keep you from making sure the terrain is familiar." Lyle touched back and took a long look at Rupe's face at the fine lines and his wonderful nose. "God, you are so beautiful." That chuckle was just the way he remembered it, the sound coming with crinkled eyes and a wide smile. "Let's get naked, honey. It's going to be a long night." "Yeah!" Really, what else could he say to that? Getting undressed was as easy as scrambling off the bed and tossing his clothes aside. Rupe had leather though, and that took a bit more work. That was okay, though, because they had all the time in the world to touch, to love, to be together. It might be the craziest damn relationship ever, but it was theirs, and that was good enough for him. End

Playing the Market - 116