Secret Lovers

SECRET LOVERS

…Alex fumbled for a towel from his gym bag, draped it over his lap, and shoved down the penis straightjacket. His erection sprung to freedom, tenting the towel. He sighed with relief and curled his fingers around it, offering a stroke in apology. The greedy cock wanted more. It wanted attention. It wanted to come. It wanted Sam’s lips around it, his fingers caressing it, his ass begging for it. He tried to tuck his penis between his clutched thighs. Not only was it impossible with the jock strap wedged down, but Alex couldn’t drive that way. And if he kept toying with his dick like this, someone was bound to see him. He pressed the towel over his lap, then tucked the edges under him. It was hopeless. Nothing would deflate the menace. Well…one thing would. Alex left the towel draped over his lap and pointed his truck toward home. A white-knuckled grip kept his fingers around the steering wheel. His unruly penis kept pushing its head up as if to help drive. And when he pulled into his driveway, it looked like every neighbor within a five-block radius had decided to be outside. Killing the engine, he pulled his jock into place as best he could, then used his gym bag as a shield while he darted inside. Thankfully, no one did more than wave at him. It was his lucky day; hopefully, in more ways than one. He pressed his back against the door after he’d closed it

and stripped his shorts off where he stood…then slid to the tile with his hand wrapped around his cock. The cold floor did nothing to shock his system to a controllable level. If anything, he’d swear the heat from his body melted the ceramic back into slurry. He imagined himself splayed before Sam, at his mercy to do with whatever he wished, whatever he commanded…

ALSO BY C ASSIE S TEVENS Model Behavior

SECRET LOVERS BY CASSIE STEVENS

AMBER Q UILL PRESS, LLC http://www.AmberQuill.com

SECRET LOVERS AN AMBER QUILL PRESS BOOK This book is a work of fiction. All names, characters, locations, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination, or have been used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, locales, or events is entirely coincidental. Amber Quill Press, LLC http://www.AmberQuill.com All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be transmitted or reproduced in any form, or by any means, without permission in writing from the publisher, with the exception of brief excerpts used for the purposes of review. Copyright © 2007 by Cassie Stevens ISBN 978-1-60272-152-4 Cover Art © 2007 Trace Edward Zaber

Layout and Formatting provided by: Elemental Alchemy

PUBLISHED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

SECRET LOVERS

CHAPTER 1 Alex Randall held his breath. It was the last shot of the last game in the Over 30 Basketball League. Firefighters versus Marines. Championship and the bragging rights that went with it were on the line. There were only six teams in the league, so bragging rights were as good as it got. It was down to a free throw shot, thanks to Batuski fouling Marine forward Sam Blevins on a shot. Sam made the basket, tying their teams, and got a free throw for the foul. They were screwed, and everyone knew it. Sam never missed a free throw. And while a couple of Sam’s teammates might get cocky about that fact, Sam never did—yet another plus in all the wonderful things there were to like about the man. 1

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Captain Sam Blevins, United States Marine… six feet, four inches of sweet, sculpted muscle that glided in perfection like a well-oiled machine. His brown hair was shorter than Alex’s, as per military regulation. His sky blue eyes, mesmerizing, especially when he laughed. And he had an ass that cried out to be clutched. Considering how fit the man was, Alex has some serious fantasies about the thrusting action of those butt cheeks. And the curves and angles that defined every muscle on Sam’s body begged to be mapped by a tongue…or rather, Alex’s tongue begged for that pleasure. Alex had remained mute on the subject…so far. That was going to end this afternoon. Whether Sam made that shot or not, Alex was determined to see the handsome Marine went home with him after the postseason barbeque at Carter’s house. As for what happened then… All Alex could do was pray he hadn’t made a mistake. The last twelve weeks had been hard, in more ways than the obvious one. They’d met by chance at the site of a four-car traffic collision. Alex’s truck had responded; Sam had been a witness. Meeting again during the subsequent follow-up reports seemed like fate to Alex. Still, he’d learned long ago signals could be misunderstood, and he sure didn’t want to lose a good friend…someone who’d rapidly become his best friend. But Alex wanted him so badly, he had to do something, had to say something. He’d been walking around with a steel pike of a hard-on every time the thought of Sam wiggled through his heads. And being near him? Thank God for jock straps, athletic cups, 2

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codpieces…anything to keep the damn thing tamed. Alex tried not to smile as he watched Sam lay up the shot, measuring, aiming. He was magnificent. Those long fingers holding the ball. Alex imagined them around his testicles, weighing them as Sam’s tongue licked Alex’s cock like an allday sucker. So much for the jock strap. Things were getting more than uncomfortable. His thoughts flashed to Sam kneeling before him, peeling the annoying elastic off him, freeing Alex’s erection to his waiting lips. God, this was killing him. Just shoot the damn ball so we can get the fuck out of here. Sam’s knees flexed. He balanced the ball on his palm, then sent it sailing toward the net in a perfect arc. It plunked in without kissing the rim, and the buzzer sounded, amid groans and cheers to end the game. His fellow Marine officers surrounded Sam with back claps, handshakes, shoulder nudges. Alex’s team took the loss in stride and closed in to add their congratulations. It was all in fun, something for the over-thirty “boys” to do. Some were married with children and needed the outlet. Others were single and tired of hanging out at bars trying to hook up. And then there was Alex, who fit neither of those categories. Single, yes. Looking for a hook up, yes. But not any most of these guys would accept, except—he prayed—Sam. Alex liked hanging out with his co-workers. He liked male bonding just as much as the rest of them. If any of them ever 3

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learned he was gay, though, he’d be out like a shot. Yet he couldn’t help wonder how many of them harbored that same secret. It was hard to cut through the bullshit joking they gave each other. Sam… It just felt different. Alex knew if he didn’t take the chance, he’d regret it the rest of his life. The high school gym cleared out fast. The players were always anxious to get home to shower since they weren’t authorized to use the facilities on-site. The only people who ever attended the games were family members, a few friends, women—and a few men—looking to score, and the sports writers for the local newspaper. Their league was definitely small time, but it was a hell of a lot of fun. Anything that put Alex closer to Sam was a godsend. “So, I’ll see you at Carter’s in about an hour?” Alex asked as he and Sam walked out to the parking lot. “You bet.” Sam clasped him on the shoulder. Was it Alex’s imagination that he kept it there a few seconds longer than was the norm? “How about I pick you up?” Sam suggested. “It’ll save having yet another vehicle in front of Carter’s house.” “Sounds great.” His heart ka-thumped against his ribs. “Great. See you in an hour.” There was a subtle squeeze to Alex’s shoulder before Sam dropped his arm and walked on to a blue Buick sedan that matched his eyes. Alex somehow managed to make his body move. He felt like a walking hard-on, tight all over. The jock strap cut off his circulation. He fought the urge to adjust things. His dick and balls got claustrophobic real fast when they didn’t have the 4

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freedom they wanted. Every step toward his compact white pick-up was agony. He lifted a parting wave to another team member, then seated his key and swung the door open. Getting behind the steering wheel was another painful issue. After a quick look around to make sure he wasn’t being spied on, Alex tugged and pulled at the support while he slipped into his seat. It only made things worse. Now the elastic nailed the head of his cock at the wrong angle. Alex fumbled for a towel from his gym bag, draped it over his lap, and shoved down the penis straightjacket. His erection sprung to freedom, tenting the towel. He sighed with relief and curled his fingers around it, offering a stroke in apology. The greedy cock wanted more. It wanted attention. It wanted to come. It wanted Sam’s lips around it, his fingers caressing it, his ass begging for it. He tried to tuck his penis between his clutched thighs. Not only was it impossible with the jock strap wedged down, but Alex couldn’t drive that way. And if he kept toying with his dick like this, someone was bound to see him. He pressed the towel over his lap, then tucked the edges under him. It was hopeless. Nothing would deflate the menace. Well…one thing would. Alex left the towel draped over his lap and pointed his truck toward home. A white-knuckled grip kept his fingers around the steering wheel. His unruly penis kept pushing its head up as if to help drive. And when he pulled into his driveway, it looked like every neighbor within a five-block 5

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radius had decided to be outside. Killing the engine, he pulled his jock into place as best he could, then used his gym bag as a shield while he darted inside. Thankfully, no one did more than wave at him. It was his lucky day; hopefully, in more ways than one. He pressed his back against the door after he’d closed it and stripped his shorts off where he stood…then slid to the tile with his hand wrapped around his cock. The cold floor did nothing to shock his system to a controllable level. If anything, he’d swear the heat from his body melted the ceramic back into slurry. He imagined himself splayed before Sam, at his mercy to do with whatever he wished, whatever he commanded. His balls tightened at the thought, pushing drops of pre-cum to the gaping slit at the top of his rigid dick. Alex brushed his thumb over the head, smearing the sticky residue around until it glistened. He shoved the other hand between his legs, kneading his sac, which was now as hard as the penis waving above it. He slipped lower, to the tight hole beneath, pushing for entrance while he fisted his erection. Back to his testicles, weighing, massaging, delving between them. That’s what Sam would do—shove him wide and gobble him up. Another surge sent fire racing along his erection. Pre-cum dribbled down the shaft, moistened his fist so he could go faster, tighter. His hips pumped, slapping onto the tile floor in time to his heartbeat. God, why didn’t he have more hands? His hard nipples rasped against his cotton T-shirt. Lips sucking, teeth raking over them would have felt oh-so 6

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wonderful! Fingers probing deep in his ass. Sam’s hand stroking him. Alex wedged into the corner by the door, feet flat on the floor, while he pivoted his hips into his imaginary lover. He grappled for the towel and wadded it over his cock. The soft terry kissed his skin. He pressed it against his balls and squeezed tight. Taking both ends, he raked it over his erection. Skidding up and then down, until each breath was nothing more than a gasp. How would it feel when—if—Sam’s weight covered him? When his cock dueled with Alex’s? When his arms…his lips… Orgasm shot out of him in fiery jets that soaked the towel. Alex’s hips flexed with every spurt. He lay there panting, dark spots clouding his vision, blood roaring in his ears. This was how he wanted his evening to end—with Sam right by his side.

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CHAPTER 2 Sam Blevins could barely think above the pounding of his heart. Every ounce of blood in his body had pooled in his crotch. His balls were as hard as his dick, and that was pretty damned hard—a near constant state for the last twelve weeks. His brain had shut down the moment he’d locked gazes with Alex Randall three months ago. One of those random events had placed Sam at the scene of a major accident. It’d taken a mere glimpse in Alex’s direction when the fire truck responded. Even decked out in bulky firefighter regalia, Alex cut a damn fine figure. He topped out at a lean, but muscular six-two. Dark brown eyes never missed a thing. God, Sam loved it when those eyes sparkled with humor. 8

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Who the hell was he kidding? He loved everything about the man. The double-hell of it was—Sam had been too afraid to tell him that. Mistakes were something he couldn’t afford. Notwithstanding the fact a mistake would jeopardize his military career, Sam also didn’t want to lose his new best friend. But things had reached critical mass for Sam. Every night he’d jerk off to the fantasy of having Alex by his side. And every morning he’d do the same when he imagined rolling over into Alex’s arms. He’d gotten into the habit of touching Alex more and for longer each time they were near…and they spent a lot of time together. His actions were bound to make someone suspicious. The fact that Alex didn’t seem to mind bolstered his hopes and spirits to the max. The man absorbed his every waking minute, and most of the sleeping ones, too. Today was his shit-or-get-off-the-pot day. The barbeque had been planned for weeks. If he screwed this up, Sam knew he wouldn’t have to face seeing Alex at basketball practice or games again. They could each drift their separate ways— heartbreaking though that would be for him—if Alex told him to fuck off. He was gambling on their friendship being enough to buy Alex’s silence, if Sam misstepped. So far it didn’t look like he had. The look on Alex’s face when Sam squeezed his shoulder seemed to say he felt the same; he wanted the same thing. He didn’t pull away, not even a shrug. He stood before Sam, smiling, not once breaking eye contact. Lips were slightly parted, the tip of his tongue just visible. Sam swore his hard9

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on had ripped his jock strap. If anything, it had stretched the elastic so far it would never be functional again. It’d been all Sam could do not to haul Alex to him right there in the parking lot in front of the world and plaster a kiss over those tempting lips. To cup his tight ass. To wedge his cock next to Alex’s. Talk about a career-busting move. Somehow he’d managed to smile, to unseal his hand from Alex’s shoulder, and to walk—not limp—to his car. The ten-minute drive home had been sheer torture. The promise of a shower and the chance to relieve the burning ache in his balls kept him partially sane. And the Good Samaritan in him thwarted Sam’s goal. As he pulled into his driveway, he saw Donna Touchet fighting to fix a flat tire. The petite blonde might have weighed one hundred pounds soaking wet. She stood on the tire iron, trying to use her diminutive weight to loosen the lug nuts. A pixie would have had better luck. Sam swung out of his car. “Do you want help, or are you trying to make a statement?” Green eyes glared up at him. Sam couldn’t help but laugh and trotted across his yard to help. Donna didn’t hesitate to step aside. “Thanks. I’m supposed to meet my folks in Vegas and I’m more than frazzled.” She sniffed. “God…you reek. Did you at least win?” “And you wonder why you don’t get asked out more often?” Sam smiled. “We did win. And you’re no rose either.” She peeled her T-shirt away from her body. “I was doing yard work when Mom called to surprise me. As if I don’t have 10

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a life. Well…I don’t, but still. I should have begged off. At some point I know I’ll get the whole settling down lecture. Maybe this was a sign.” Sam glanced up. “Maybe it was.” He knew that lecture well. He’d heard it enough from his mother, even after he’d quietly explained to her that he was gay. The woman was persistent in her quest for grandchildren, even suggesting that he “find a donor/surrogate/something.” If she ever met Donna… Donna chewed on her cheek while she watched him work. It was hard not to laugh at her. In less than five minutes he had the spare on her car, the flat in the trunk, and the tools put away. “Of course, maybe it was also a sign that I showed up at the right time to help you change the tire.” That earned him another glare. Laughing, he hurried away before she could slug him. For a little person, she did pack a punch. “You owe me one,” he called over his shoulder. “Add it to my tab,” she called back. “Will do.” He added a thumbs-up, then retrieved his gym bag from the car and went inside. Taking the time to help her had only temporarily calmed his libido. Behind closed doors, it raged out of control once more at the thought of seeing Alex soon. Sam stripped off clothes as he strode toward his shower, leaving a trail in his wake. That alone screamed of his desperation. He was normally a little more fastidious. Not 11

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obsessively neat, but neater. By the time he reached the bathroom, he was down to his socks and hopping alternately on one foot and then the other to pull them off. He shoved his generic red-and-blue striped shower curtain aside with one hand, while he twisted on the faucet with the other. A blast of hot water jerked him back. He ducked the flow, turned on the cold water, then shoved his face into the spray. Water sluiced down his body like the caress of a lover. His nipples pebbled under the flow. He brushed his palms over them, then tweaked to make them harder. Pleasure-pain zinged to his cock, lifting its purplish head higher. His balls hugged his body, harder than granite, more sensitive than nitroglycerin. He imagined Alex on his knees before him, water cascading along the sculpted planes of his shoulders and back, while his lips nibbled the under-ridge of Sam’s cock. He’d toy with Sam’s sac, dividing the two balls and massaging back and front before he sucked one into his mouth. His fingers would spread Sam’s butt cheeks and tease their way into the tight hole…determined…thorough. Sam soaped his hands and then fisted his erection. He’d thread his fingers through Alex’s hair, anchoring his head in place, while he thrust into his hot mouth. Alex would finger-fuck him with slow precision, going deep to massage his prostrate with careful circles. Hard nipples would stab into Alex’s inner thighs, parting the hair like tiny scythes. His knees would buckle and Alex would catch him, lowering Sam 12

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down and never letting go of his cock once. When Sam was flat on his back, Alex would lift Sam’s knees, push them into his chest while that hot mouth explored lower, rimming where his fingers delved. Sam slapped his hand against the shower wall to hold himself up. His other hand flashed over his cock. His balls tightened all the more, as if they were trying to crawl into his dick. His hips snapped forward with the force of his orgasm. Cum spurted in thick jets, hitting the wall, pouring over his fist…and leaving him gasping for breath. Sam’s knees quaked. He braced his forehead next to his hand and let the water bring him back to earth. The roaring in his ears subsided as his blood cooled. He knew one glance at Alex would send it boiling again. Pulling in a deep breath, Sam grabbed his washcloth and soaped it. Time was growing short. He still had to shave—no whisker stubble allowed on what he prayed was a successful first date—and pick up the house a little…in case they wound up here instead of at Alex’s. Clean, crisp sheets would be a plus. Towels, too. Food…did he have something besides bread and peanut butter for breakfast? Coffee…check. Eggs…check. His mind blanked. They could go out for breakfast. Nothing abnormal about that. They were friends. Friends had breakfast all the time…right? They’d met for breakfast before. They’d spent more times than Sam could count hanging out. Most weekends the rest of the men would be at Sam’s house or Alex’s house watching whatever game was on TV. What would make this 13

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instance any different? No one would know they’d spent the night fucking each other crazy. If it got to that point. Sam dropped soap and cloth, sank to the bottom of the tub, and buried his head in his hands. He was agonizing over things that hadn’t happened. He wasn’t one hundred percent certain Alex was gay. It wasn’t something a guy just came out and talked about. At least it wasn’t something Alex talked about. He had too much to lose by doing so. But there were the subtle touches between them that went beyond the male bonding ritual. Discreet I-want-you glances—at least Sam wanted to believe that’s what those were. He was confident in this move he’d taken, confident Alex wanted what he wanted…and scared to death of being kicked to the curb, not to mention losing his military career. He could turn away and not pursue this any further. He’d pick Alex up as promised, they’d go to the barbeque, he’d bring him home—end of story. No chances taken. No risk involved. His heart ached with disappointment at the thought. And his penis flared into an erection that screamed at being denied what it wanted. “Fuck. Just do it,” he muttered and grabbed his washcloth. His heart raced now, anxious to get moving before indecision weighed him down. His foot hit the wayward bar soap as Sam scrambled upright. He fisted the shower curtain to keep from falling. Rings snapped. His legs shot out from under him, plunging him backward. 14

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CHAPTER 3 Alex paced a groove between his kitchen and living room. Sam was late. Very late. And with each second that ticked by, Alex’s anxiety grew. His stomach churned into a knot. For someone who was timely to a fault—always fifteen minutes early—this didn’t bode well. Alex tried to reason that maybe Sam had forgotten he was going to pick him up. That, too, didn’t wash. Sam was reliable. Alex also discounted the possibility that Alex had changed his mind—the man was too courteous not to have called. Hell, the man was a freaking Boy Scout. That left only one conclusion—something was wrong. He snatched up the cordless and dialed Sam’s home. Four rings later, the answering machine caught the call. He 15

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disconnected without leaving a message and called Sam’s cell phone. How sad was it that he’d had both numbers memorized from the instant he’d received them? Again, no answer. He hit the off key and was about to toss the phone onto the couch when it rang. Caller ID said it was Batuski. He jammed the on key as he shoved it to his ear. “Yeah?” “Your phone manners suck,” Ski shot out. “Where the fuck are you?” “Since you called my home phone, where do you think?” he snapped back. Ski thought that was hilariously funny, judging from his chortle. Obviously, he’d popped the top on one too many beers already. “Sam was supposed to pick me up and isn’t here yet,” Alex told him. “Is he there?” “Wait one.” Alex held the phone away from his ear when Batuski screamed out Sam’s name. “Nope, not here,” he said. “You need a ride? I can get someone to come get you.” “No, I’m on my way, but I’m going to take a run by Sam’s place first. He’s not picking up on any of his phones.” “Maybe he’s got a little action going with that cute neighbor of his. If she was my neighbor, I’d be doing her in a heartbeat.” Alex had to wrack his brain to figure out who Batuski was talking about. He still drew a blank. The only thing he noticed 16

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when he’d been at Sam’s house was Sam. “Only a dead man wouldn’t go after that,” Ski went on. Or a gay man? That knot in Alex’s stomach tightened. Any scathing comeback he could throw at Batuski was lost in his turmoil. “Yeah, well, I’ll make sure I make a lot of noise before I go charging into his house.” He hung up and tossed the phone aside. In ten minutes, he was standing outside Sam’s door, debating on whether to knock, call again, or march right in. Sam’s car was in the driveway. A peek through the front window got Alex a lovely view of the backside of the drapes. Steeling himself with a sharp intake of breath, Alex rapped on the door. A muffled response filtered his way. Relief quickly faded into anger. The door swung inward. Alex got a glimpse of Sam with a dark blue towel wrapped around his hips before he yanked open the screen door and pushed his way inside. “Do you have any idea how worried I was about you?” he shouted. Eyes wide, lips parted, Sam took a step back. Water clung to his smooth chest. Several droplets trickled downward, wicking into the hair that dusted from his navel and dipped behind the towel. Alex longed to catch the drops on the tip of his tongue and lick them off. He raked his gaze up the carved expanse of muscle, right to the lips that were still parted. That’s when he noticed the bag of frozen peas Sam held against his head. 17

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“What happened?” God, he felt like an idiot. “Believe it or not, I slipped on a bar of soap and hit my head. I was out cold until a few minutes ago.” Alex skimmed his hand up Sam’s arm and gently pulled his hand away for a closer look. They were close enough to feel Sam’s body heat, close enough to inhale the fresh-washed scent of him, close enough to have their cocks duel…if Sam was as hard as Alex was right now and not confined by towel and clothing. “It’s not cut or bleeding, but it’s quite a goose egg. We should get you to the emergency room.” Sam could have a concussion, a fracture, subdural hemorrhage. “I’m gay.” Alex’s gaze locked onto Sam’s blue eyes. Yes! “Have we been barred from medical care now?” The bag of peas plopped to the floor. Alex cupped Sam’s neck and drew him closer, even as Sam wrapped his arm around Alex’s waist and did the same. Crotches touched the same moment their lips did. A simultaneous gasp froze them for a second before their mouths covered one another’s. It was a simple kiss that said volumes—a nip of each other’s lips that promised more. They kissed again, daring more while they tightened their embrace. A shared, muffled groan linked their tongues. Alex forced himself to take his time, to memorize every millimeter of Sam’s warm mouth. It was a feat only a superhuman could manage, especially since Sam’s hand was locked onto Alex’s ass, kneading with those long fingers he’d lusted after. 18

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There was too much material between them. Alex wanted hot skin, wanted…wanted so many things all at once he couldn’t pin one down. He pressed his hand along Sam’s ribs, following the divot of muscle until his thumb reached Sam’s nipple. Alex flicked over it. Sam’s moan rumbled from his throat, sending shock waves of pleasure to Alex’s cock. He raked his mouth downward after tracing the bow of Sam’s lips, the jut of his strong chin. Down to circle the peak of his Adam’s apple, the well at the base of his throat, the line of his collarbones. Sam grabbed the hem of Alex’s shirt and hauled it up. Alex wasted no time ripping it over his head. He flung it aside and pulled Sam’s beaded nipple between his lips, suckling gently. Sam cupped Alex’s head, long fingers deep in his hair, while he cradled it to his chest. He’d never felt more treasured. He captured Sam’s nipple between his teeth and lashed his tongue over it. Sam thrust his hips forward, nudging his bulging erection into Alex. Alex grabbed the towel around Sam’s waist and yanked it away. A log of hot velvet fell into his hand. Sam arched his neck on a hard groan, then clamped his hand around Alex’s wrist. “Get the rest of your clothes off now before I rip them off,” he said through clenched teeth. The force behind the words sent a rush to Alex’s cock. He swore he was going to come. Hands shaking, he took a step back, toed off his sneakers, and shoved pants and boxers down. Sam’s fingers wrapped around his dick the second it was free. His knees buckled with the surge. Sam locked one 19

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arm around Alex’s waist, holding him in place, while his other hand dipped lower to cup Alex’s sac. “Oh, God!” he gasped out. Sam anchored Alex’s clothing with his foot, and Alex tugged his legs free. One of them pulled, the other pushed—it was impossible to know who did what—and they were on the carpeted floor side-by-side, cock nestled against cock. “I can’t promise you a slow fuck,” Sam said. “I’ve wanted you too long.” Alex dug his fingers into Sam’s ass and ground his pelvis into Sam’s. “There’s always later. I need this…now. I need you now.” Sam’s lips were on his again, tongue taming Alex’s into submission. His heart beat so hard, Alex thought it would pound from his chest. That’s when he realized—he loved Sam. The emotion pierced through his soul. He wanted to shove Sam to his back and ride him like a cowboy. Wanted to yank Sam’s body over his and give him everything he demanded. A pivot slid their cocks against each other’s. It felt like a lick of flame. Sam’s grip on his ass shifted and tightened, fingers delving between Alex’s butt cheeks. Another surge scorched Alex’s erection. His balls were on fire—hard and nudging into Sam’s. Their pre-cum mixed. In the lustshrouded corners of Alex’s mind, he saw the slits of their cocks kissing, exchanging fluid. They rocked into each other, erections gliding like two parts of a whole. In unison they deepened their kiss, kneading hard as they pivoted wildly into one another. Alex’s balls beat 20

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into the cushion of Sam’s—his just as hot and hard as Alex’s. His mind went numb. His pounding heart drowned out the world. Alex felt the climax pool in his lower back scant seconds before it shot forward. He jerked his lips from Sam’s. Hot jets of cum spurted from him, mingling with the gusher that came from Alex. They rubbed together, smearing it around and around as their cocks twitched from yet more ejaculate. They relaxed into each other with each pant for breath that cooled them down, each kiss and caress that bound the moment. Then, with a sigh, they hugged. A blast from Alex’s cell phone shattered the moment. “That’ll be one of the guys wondering where we are again,” he told Sam. Sam nodded and released Alex so Alex could grab the call. As Alex rolled to his feet to snag the phone, Sam stood to retrieve the towel. He staggered and would have fallen if Alex hadn’t braced him. “You’re going to the ER.” Sam gave a weak laugh. “Can’t blame a guy for being light-headed. All the blood was in my crotch.” “Yeah…good excuse, but I’m not buying it.” He punched the talk button. “Hey, Ski. It’s gonna be a while. The big guy fell in the tub and whacked his head. I’m taking him to the base hospital to get checked out. We’ll get there when we can.” He ended the call and caught the towel Sam tossed him with his free hand. “Don’t even think about arguing with me,” Alex told him. 21

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Sam laughed again. “I wouldn’t dream of it.” “Hmm…why do I feel that has more to do with Marine Corps policy regarding injuries than my powers of force and persuasion?” Sam shrugged. “I’ll never tell, but don’t count yourself short.”

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CHAPTER 4 Sam knew Alex was right—going to the emergency room on the Marine Corps base was smart, for many reasons. But the last thing he wanted to do was leave the house. He’d waited so long to be with Alex, all he wanted was to be with him now. And there was still the barbeque to deal with afterward, if they didn’t spend hours at the ER. So here they were, back in public, all their feelings and emotions locked away once more. At least they had the privacy of Alex’s truck to talk. But Sam didn’t know what the hell to say. I’m glad you’re gay? I’m glad we had sex? I want to fuck you all night long? Yeah, great conversation starters. He longed to reach across the small space between him 23

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and touch Alex. Public displays of affection weren’t smart— for either of their careers. While Alex wouldn’t lose his job because of it, there might still be social ramifications. “It’s a real blow to my manhood to tell people I slipped on a bar of soap,” he mumbled as he watched the passing landscape. Alex chuckled. “I’ve heard worse.” Being a firefighter, Sam bet he had. Sam saw his share, too. Some of the injury investigations that came across his desk made him question why some people were allowed to procreate. He eased his head against the headrest, adjusting to avoid the bump. It hurt, but was more of an annoyance that anything else right now. “God, I hope there’s not a line of duty investigation on this.” “Maybe it’ll be nothing.” Alex held his hand out to Sam. Sam stared at it, wondering if he was trying to offer comfort, wondering if he dared take it. They were in the truck, but someone still might see. “The MP,” Alex said. “The front gate. Your military ID?” “Oh…yeah.” God, he felt stupid. Face burning, he averted his gaze as he fumbled for his wallet and the military identification card inside that would allow them on base. Alex grabbed Sam’s forearm once the MP waved them through. “I would never compromise you, Sam. I know how much your military career means to you.” His thumb rubbed the underside of Sam’s arm, out of sight, but devastating to his senses. Again he was at a loss for 24

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words. Each circle of Alex’s thumb shoved common sense farther and farther away. Sam wanted to tell Alex what was in his heart. His timing sucked. “You’re my best friend,” he finally managed to say. “I don’t want to lose that.” “You won’t.” Alex dropped his hand and steered onto the main road leading to the Naval Hospital. “You’re my best friend, too. I can’t imagine a day without you in it.” In the last twelve weeks, there hadn’t been one. They were always on the phone or hanging out. And in all that time neither had breathed a word to the other about their sexual preferences. That alone proved Alex was as good as his word—Sam’s secret was safe with him and vice versa. More emotion choked Sam. Damned if he didn’t feel like crying, wrapping his arms around Alex and pouring out his heart. He cleared his throat against the threat of tears and stared out the window once more. His thoughts were so churned Sam didn’t realize they’d reached the hospital until Alex parked. “Need a wheelchair?” Alex asked with a smirk. “Smart ass. I’m embarrassed enough.” “Not nearly enough,” Alex replied. “Imagine how you’ll feel if you pass out, and I have to carry you inside.” Sam laughed and rolled his eyes heavenward. “You can’t lift me. I’m a Marine…and I’m bigger than you.” Alex splayed his fingers against his chest. “I am a trained professional firefighter, fully capable of rescue carry.” “It’s comforting to know I’m in such capable hands.” He 25

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smacked Alex’s shoulder with the back of his hand. “Come on. I want to get this over with and get to the barbeque before Ski eats all the food.” The joking eased any residual tension between them. Sam shouldered opened his door. They could do this—friends in public, lovers in private. No sweat. Yeah, but can you do it forever? The thought froze him halfway out of the truck. That’s what he wanted with Alex—forever. Anxiety weighed him down. A forever of living in the shadows. He’d accepted that when it was only himself he had to worry about. But a forever of never letting the world know Alex and he were a couple? What’s better? A forever of being alone? “You okay, buddy?” Sam glanced up into Alex’s brown eyes. Alex’s hand was on his shoulder. He was frowning, worried. That overwhelming urge to burrow into Alex’s arms hit Sam in the gut. “Yeah. Fine.” “Come on.” He clapped Sam on the shoulder. “Let’s get you inside. Judging from the lack of cars, we might find it’s not crowded.” Sam pushed to his feet. The instant of dizziness made him glad Alex had talked him into coming. They walked into ER side by side, close enough for Alex to catch him if he toppled over, but not too close to start rumors flying. Sam resented the restriction society placed on them. 26

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*

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*

Alex hid behind a three-month-old copy of Sports Illustrated as the nurse took Sam to the back to check him in. It was the only way Alex could keep from watching the man’s ass. Though they were miraculously the only souls in the ER, Alex still didn’t want to get in the habit of casting longing looks Sam’s way. Not that he hadn’t been doing so for the last twelve weeks, but now Alex knew what lay behind those looks. He didn’t want to give anything away. The look Sam had given him when Alex held out his hand earlier had chilled Alex to the bone. What the hell did Sam think Alex was going to do? Give him a hand-job right then and there? Pull off to the shoulder and fuck him in front of the world? They’d been friends for three months. Alex thought he’d know better. But the rules of the game and their relationship had changed that afternoon. They were lovers now, at least Alex wanted them to be. As long as he had breath in his body, Alex was determined that this afternoon was not a one-time shot. He was in this for the long haul. Whatever it took to make Sam realize it, Alex would do. And yet he’d stopped short of telling Sam that he loved him. He tossed the magazine aside and leaned forward, forearms resting on knees, fingers loosely laced. The magazine slithered off the minuscule excuse for a table and landed at his feet. Alex left it there. It gave him something to stare at while he pondered his sad attempts at recovering from his earlier faux pas. Maybe he hadn’t done so badly after all. 27

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The two of them needed to have a serious, no interruptions talk. That wasn’t going to happen until after the barbeque…if Alex could even manage to convince his gun-shy potential lover to come home with him, or vice versa. The best thing that could happen right now would be for the doctor to take hours with Sam. That would put them too late to make the party. They could grab a bite to eat somewhere, head home, talk. Alex would lay it all out there— tell Sam how he really felt. Then what? They couldn’t go public. Outing themselves would be disaster for Sam. It wouldn’t be much better for Alex. He’d be cut off and shut off from everyone at the fire station, not to mention the department. So, what did he do? Offer love, but to live in secret? What the hell kind of life was that to give the man of your dreams? The squeak of shoes on linoleum pulled his head up. Alex suppressed a groan. Henry Carter was headed his way. Carter was a good guy, fun to be around, but he took his role as Marine Corps major very seriously—too seriously—and had earned the nickname “Major Dad.” The Marines didn’t dare call him that to his face; the civilian men didn’t have that problem. To his credit, Henry took the ribbing in good stride and kept right on doing what was second nature to him— assigning himself as caregiver. He’d wasted no time insinuating himself into their little basketball league as soon as he’d heard Sam talking about it. Thank goodness he hadn’t tried to take over. Alex didn’t know if any of the men would have stood for that. As things were, it 28

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had taken a bit to soothe their feathers when Carter had first shown up. He’d sucked up fast to everyone, opening his house to all the parties afterward. And he and his wife knew how to entertain. “Batuski told us what happened to Sam.” Carter slipped into the seat beside Alex. “Thought I’d better come down.” “As his friend, or his superior officer?” Alex couldn’t help the sarcasm in his voice. “Both?” “Is there such a thing in the Marine Corps?” Alex leveled a cold stare the other man’s way. Much as he might like the guy, he resented his intrusion here. Alex wanted to care for Sam, not pass him off to someone else. “Honestly speaking?” Carter asked, his dark eyebrows lifting a bit. “That would be appreciated,” Alex snapped back. Carter sighed and shifted his gaze to the reception desk. “When the colonel heard about this Over-30 basketball league, he freaked because it wasn’t military-sponsored. He was concerned about the men injuring themselves off duty, concerned about possible fraternization of officers and enlisted, and wanted to forbid the activity. I talked him out of it by promising to monitor everything. He’s going to freak when he hears Sam got hurt.” Alex was more than glad he’d never joined the Marine Corps. “He fell in the shower, not as a result of the game, or the league, or any other person. That should ease your colonel’s mind.” 29

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Carter gave a wry chuckle. “Then you don’t know my colonel.” “And I don’t think I want to.” That wiped any potential smile off Carter’s face. “In any event, I’ve got this. Go on and enjoy the barbeque.” “You know what, Henry? Fuck you. I’m not going anywhere.” Sam was embarrassed enough. If he needed help, he’d want it from a friend, not someone for whom duty required it. He snatched up the Sports Illustrated and shut Carter out.

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CHAPTER 5 All in all, Sam was in and out of the ER in no more than an hour. Not bad for a late Saturday afternoon. The doctor diagnosed him with a mild concussion, which Sam expected since he’d lost consciousness. If any other symptoms appeared, the doctor recommended a CT scan. Otherwise, Sam was supposed to take Tylenol for any headache, make sure someone stayed with him tonight—that had made him smile— and the doctor had given him a light duty chit for the next week—which didn’t make him smile. The colonel was going to have a cow. At least he hadn’t hurt himself playing ball. That might have screwed things up for everybody. The big guy was a stickler for shit like that. He 31

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was going to have a field day as it was over Sam’s bathroom injury. But not much could dim his joy over the fact that he had a good reason to have Alex stay the night. That is, until he stepped from the examination room area into the waiting room and saw Henry Carter sitting next to Alex. Alex didn’t look too pleased about it either. Henry sure had become a bit of a pain in the ass since he’d pinned on the gold oak leaves. Both men stood when they saw him and gave each other wide berth. “Well?” Alex asked. Sam gave them the rundown. “No sweat,” Alex replied, as the major drew breath to say something. “We’ll take a run by my house, let me grab a few things for the weekend, then I’ll be all set to baby-sit you.” “As if I hadn’t been unmanned enough,” Sam replied sarcastically. Inside, his heart did cartwheels. Sam raised his palm as Carter drew another breath. “Before you get an ulcer, just think of all the paperwork the colonel will slide onto my desk from yours.” Head cocked, Carter drew back, eyes glazed at the possibility. Then he grinned. “See you back at the barbeque. Don’t be long.” “My head’s killing me,” Sam said to his departing figure. “I’m begging off tonight.” Carter turned around. “You coming?” he asked Alex. Alex jerked his thumb toward Sam. “You heard the doc. Someone’s got to keep an eye on him.” 32

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“I’ll have Patty throw together some food and then bring it by. She’ll kill me if there are a lot of leftovers.” Worry shaded his eyes. Patty loved to entertain, could cook like a dream, and loved to feed the world as it existed around her. “Tell her to load us up,” Alex said. “We’ll stop by on our way back to Sam’s.” That satisfied Carter enough to have him leave with a smile. Alex cupped Sam’s shoulder as soon as the door closed behind the major. “Ready? Are you really okay, or was that for his benefit?” “Yes, to all questions.” He’d be even more okay once they got alone. “Having Patty pile on the food is quite a coup for us,” Alex said as they started for the parking lot. “I wonder if she’d be willing to cater our whole weekend.” Sam snickered. “That’d be great. I love her cooking. But the last thing I want is Patty Carter up my ass all weekend.” “Is there someone else you’d want there instead?” Alex gave him a playful nudge. Sam tossed back a hearty laugh. There was no stopping the erection that blossomed in his jeans. “Don’t get cocky.” “Ohhh.” Alex clutched his chest with his laughter. “That was painful.” “Are you going to need mouth-to-mouth?” Alex unlocked the truck doors. “At least.” Sam managed to slide into the passenger seat without breaking his dick. “Then you’d better get driving before the 33

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doctor comes rushing out here wanting to know why I started walking with a limp.” Alex’s chuckle died when he glanced out the window. Sam pulled his gaze in that direction and saw Carter waving as he drove by and then out the parking lot. “Problems?” he asked Alex. “I don’t much care for him. I don’t think anyone else does either.” He snapped his seatbelt closed and started the engine. “I’ve known him for a while,” Sam replied. “He’s always been by-the-book, but an okay guy…until he picked up major. No matter what pressure the colonel’s given him, I think Henry’s torn between wanting to still be our friend and having to be our superior officer. It’s a fine line. Some Marines have no problem with it. Others can’t find the balance. I hope I’ll be able to find the right mix.” “I just always feel like he’s watching, intruding, waiting…” He shrugged. “Never mind.” Sam knew what Alex meant. He lived with that worry constantly. Talk about finding balance. He wanted to say that this was how they lived—hiding in the shadows, keeping a low profile, living in fear someone would out them. In reality, it was how he’d chosen to live. Sam snorted as Alex drove toward the main road. “Here I’m supposed to be this tough Marine and I’m afraid to come out of the closet.” “If you came out of the closet, you wouldn’t be a Marine any more,” Alex replied quickly. “At least I’d still have my job, but it sure wouldn’t be much of one considering how 34

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everyone would act toward me once they knew.” He stared out the window. “What are we doing then, Alex?” He spanned the distance between them and cupped Sam’s arm liked he’d done earlier, tracing circles on the underside with his thumb. “We’re living our lives as best we can.” Sam wrapped his hand over Alex’s. “In secret.” “Only from the world, not each other, and that’s all that really matters.” Sam’s heart tripped into double-time. “God…no wonder I love you so much.” “Aw, man alive,” Alex groaned and slumped in his seat. “You say that when I’m driving, when we’re in front of the world, and I can’t even grab you tight and kiss you hard. That has to equal S&M in anybody’s book.” He dropped his hand to Sam’s thigh. “Buddy, I love you, too.” Sam’s cock strained for freedom. He longed to wiggle down just a little to feel Alex’s fingers against his balls. Suddenly, a stop at the Carters, even for Patty’s great cooking, didn’t sound as appealing. There wasn’t much choice if they wanted their privacy later…and Sam sure as hell wanted that. Once he got Alex in his arms, he only wanted to have to come up for air. “Drop me off at my house first,” he said, then smiled when Alex frowned. “It’ll give you the excuse to not have to linger at the barbeque. The sooner we’re alone, the happier I’ll be. If 35

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anyone asks—” “I’ll tell them your head hurts,” Alex said with a smirk. “There you go.” No one needed to know which head.

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CHAPTER 6 Sam awoke to the feel of soft, warm lips on his and the aroma of food. Both stirred him to life. He draped his arm around Alex, pulling him down as he deepened the kiss. Alex pressed into Sam, his cock the perfect match to the one throbbing for release from Sam’s jeans. Alex slowly peeled his lips from Sam’s and brushed his thumb over Sam’s cheek. “You shaved while I was gone. That’s cheating.” Sam ran his hand up Alex’s shirt, then tucked his fingers into the back of Alex’s jeans. “You shaved when you showered earlier. I never got the chance. So, technically, I was merely catching up to you.” 37

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Alex gave a quick glance around. “And cleaned the house.” “I straightened.” Lifting an eyebrow, he rubbed his erection against Alex’s, smiling when Alex’s breath hitched. “I’d thrown my clothes every which way before. I didn’t want to leave them lying around. Besides, I was—and am—hard as a rock. I wanted to make sure I stayed that way for you rather than indulge in a quick hand-job…which is what I’ve had to do without you the last three months.” “I think I’m flattered.” Leaning back, he stroked his palm down Sam’s cock. “Very flattered.” Sam sucked in a gasp and thrust into the caress. “God, just thinking about you is enough to make me want to shoot. Having your hand on me…” “I know, babe. Trust me, I know.” Alex slid his tongue between Sam’s lips and kissed him slow and sweet while Sam rocked into his hand. Too soon the kiss ended. Alex butted his forehead against Sam’s. “Come and help me carry the rest of this food inside. We’ve got enough to last us for a week.” Sam was only hungry for Alex. After shoving his feet into the flip-flops by the front door, he followed Alex outside. Patty had filled six copy paper boxes with disposable containers, foil packets, and plastic bags of food. Three types of cookies, brownies and blondies, coleslaw, taco salad, potato and macaroni salads, deviled eggs, six bags of chips. Then came the meat—hamburgers, brisket, chicken breasts, ribs. “Shit, no wonder Carter runs ten miles a day.” 38

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“There’s a case of beer and two cases of soda in the back.” Alex jerked his thumb toward the rear of the truck. “We’re going to be slugs come Monday morning.” “I’d like to say we’ll be working it off, but that’s one hell of a brag.” Sam hoisted a box in his arm. Alex laughed. “I’ll do my part. Looks like Patty’s fixed it so all we have to do is lock the doors and enjoy.” “Now that’s my kind of weekend.” One he’d been dreaming about since he first laid eyes on Alex Randall. By the time they finished putting everything away, the refrigerator was crammed and the counter overflowing. Nerves settled in. Sam wanted to take his time and love Alex thoroughly. Thinking and doing, however… He wrapped his arms around Alex and drew him close, lips nibbling as he cupped Alex’s ass and kneaded slowly. Alex sighed and deepened the kiss ever-so slightly, teasing his way into Sam’s mouth with licks of his tongue. One hand wandered up Sam’s T-shirt right to his nipple. Alex traced his thumb around it over and over. Each caress pulsed down to Sam’s cock, hardening it to the breaking point. He wanted Alex in his bed…now! But the heaven in this moment was too sweet to leave. Sam lifted the hem of Alex’s pullover and splayed his fingers over the other man’s lower back. Muscles toned by hard work and a top-notch fitness regime flexed beneath Sam’s touch. He traced the sculpted lines to Alex’s spine, then mapped his way upward…then down. The waistband of Alex’s jeans kept him from going lower. Sam slid his hand to 39

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the front. A single flick of his thumb opened the fly button. Alex’s hand and mouth froze on his groan. He thrust gently forward, cock begging for release. Sam kneaded Alex’s lips beneath his, tongue looping around, while he eased Alex’s zipper down a tooth at a time. Heat from Alex’s thick cock poured over his hand. Sam could smell the musk of Alex’s arousal…or was that his own? He turned his hand and palmed a stroke down Alex’s erection. Alex yanked his mouth away from Sam’s on a gasped, “Oh, God!” The fingers pressed into Sam’s chest flexed into the pectoral muscle, scoring pleasure right to Sam’s balls. He tightened his hold around Alex’s cock and stroked up. Precum soaked through his white boxers. Sam knew he was just as wet. “I’m going to pull your jeans down and set you loose to my mouth.” Sam’s voice rasped out the words. “Then I’m going to suck that beautiful dick of yours liked it’s never been sucked before. Once you’ve come, I’m taking you into my bed and never letting you go. I’m going to fuck your ass so slowly you won’t know whether to call it pleasure or torture.” Alex pulled in a ragged breath and nodded. “Yes…please.” Fists grappled for Sam’s T-shirt and then hauled it up and over his head. When Sam pulled free, Alex tossed it aside and combed his fingers through Sam’s hair, gently urging him down by tugging on the short strands. Sam slid his fingers into the waistband of Alex’s jeans and teased the clothing over Alex’s hips. Alex toed off his 40

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sneakers and kicked them to one side. Released from its denim and cotton prison, Alex’s cock burst free, the wet tip thrusting against Sam’s stomach. His penis throbbed for attention, ignoring Sam’s command to wait. He sank to his knees, taking Alex’s clothing down with him. Sam winced as his cock and balls were squished by his jeans. Alex must have sensed his distress; he didn’t move until Sam did again. When Sam shoved Alex’s jeans and boxers to his ankles, Alex tugged free and slung the garments aside. Sam wasted little time. He’d waited for this moment too long. He dusted his hands up Alex’s calves, marveling at how soft the dark hair actually was, how smooth the skin was beneath it. Sam blew against Alex’s leg, smiling when goose bumps followed Alex’s groan. Glancing up to the heavy balls perched at the apex of Alex’s thighs, Sam watched them clench. More pre-cum oozed to the tip of Alex’s cock, promising to drip right into Sam’s mouth if it were open and waiting. He feathered his tongue up the inside of Alex’s thighs— first one and then the other. Alex widened his stance, fingers fumbling to touch Sam anywhere they could reach. Sam cupped his crotch, rubbing hard to appease some of the burning ache there. “Let me,” Alex whispered. “We could go into the bedroom, stretch out, and—” Sam licked Alex’s sac, cutting off further discussion. Alex’s knees quivered with the groan he tossed back. Braced against the counter, he opened his thighs more, twitching with 41

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the tongue-lashing Sam gave. Sam left no surface untouched, even delving deep into the natural divide between the testicles before sucking one into his mouth. Alex pivoted his hips in a steady rhythm; gasps and moans alternated with each other. Sam looped one hand around Alex’s cock, the other wandered behind his sac, fingers kneading at the sensitive spot there. Alex clutched Sam’s head and thrust his penis into Sam’s fist. “Please…” Sam let his groan be his response. Cupping Alex’s balls, he rubbed circles behind them while he nibbled his way up the under-ridge of Alex’s cock. He flashed his tongue over the tag of flesh beneath Alex’s glans. “You’re gonna have cum all of your face if you don’t suck me soon,” Alex said on a rush of breath. “And you’re gonna have cum all over your foot,” Sam replied with a chuckle. He tucked Alex’s leg into his crotch and rubbed his cock against it, alternately blessing and damning the jeans that still encased it. Alex’s husky laugh died on a groan as Sam wrapped his mouth around Alex’s cock. He sucked it in slowly, cushioning the glide with his lips and tongue. A squeeze to Alex’s sac discouraged the man’s attempt to take over. Sam rewarded his obedience with a finger-probe in his ass. Alex cried out and bucked forward. Pre-cum salted Sam’s tongue. His cock surged in response. He sucked harder, fisting the base of Alex’s penis to give him that extra special grip he needed, finger-fucking him right into his prostate. 42

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Hands nailed to either side of Sam’s head, Alex pumped his hips wildly. His cock grew harder, hotter. Eyes closed, Sam willed himself not to come with Alex. Yet he clutched that leg between his and rode him like a horny dog. He felt the nerve twitch on the underside of Alex’s cock, felt his impending explosion in the way Alex’s balls hugged his body and the contractions in his anus squeezing his finger. Sam’s thighs gripped Alex’s leg, quivering. “Arrgghh…” Alex thrust forward as hot semen shot from his dick into Sam’s greedy mouth. He swallowed it down, only to have more replace it. Tension seeped from Alex’s muscles with the third spurt. Sam caressed his thumb over Alex’s sensitive sac as he pulled his hand away. He licked and swallowed as Alex grew flaccid, his pants for breath falling on Sam’s head like a benediction. Somehow Sam managed to stand. He grabbed the back of Alex’s neck, holding him in place, while he sealed their mouths in a tonsil-tickling kiss that had Alex’s cock perking back to life. Then he laced his fingers through Alex’s and led him toward the bedroom. Alex never hesitated. With each step, he toyed with Sam’s ass, rubbing it through the denim, or he’d dot kisses along Sam’s shoulders. Once they crossed the threshold, Alex whipped off his shirt, peeled off his socks, then yanked the bedcovers down and fell into the bed. While Alex removed Sam’s jeans, Sam smiled down at the gorgeous man, marveling in his perfection, his love, the light shining in his 43

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eyes…and the semi-erect penis lifting from its nest of dark curls. Alex raked his hand down Sam’s chest, right to that beautiful cock. Smiling, he stroked it. Cum rushed Sam’s cock. He squeezed it into submission. “God, you make me want to come,” he said. “Isn’t that the point?” Alex smiled and fondled his balls. “I want to fuck you,” Sam forced the words out through a haze of fire. “Then…” Alex lifted his knees and parted his thighs, showing his asshole. “I know you won’t disappoint me.” Sam’s hands shook as he yanked the draw open on the night table. Lube and condoms waited there. Eyes locked to Alex’s, Sam ripped open a packet and slid the condom on. Alex held his hand out. “Better give me one, too. We don’t want to have to change these nice, clean sheets so quickly.” Sam chuckled and gave him one, then grabbed the tube of lubricant and nestled between Alex’s thighs. After Alex covered his cock, he lifted his knees, exposing himself more fully to Sam. His sighs and groans nearly undid Sam as Sam spread lube in and around Alex’s ass, then smeared more on his own cock before tossing the tube back into the open drawer. Grabbing his dick, Sam poised the tip against Alex’s ass. His breathing came in sharp gasps. Heat swamped him. Sweat trickled down his back. He pushed slow and steady, feeling the band of muscles easily give away, then just as quickly squeeze around his cock. 44

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Alex’s erection swelled to full staff. “God, just fuck me,” he gasped out. Four simple words had Sam clenching tight against orgasm. He lowered himself across Alex’s body, forearms quivering from the effort to keep premature climax at bay. Alex wrapped his arm around Sam’s torso and kissed him. Sam pulled his cock back to the crown, then seated himself in another deep stroke that had them groaning into each other’s mouths. He’d wanted to take his time and fuck Alex so well it would pale the memory of any previous lovers. But the ass clutching his cock, the warm body and hard dick pressed into his stomach, the lips that pulled one kiss after the other from him… Ripples of pleasure wiggled over his body as Sam pumped into Alex’s tight hole. His hard balls bounced against Alex’s, sending more ripples outward. Alex’s tongue fucked Sam’s mouth, a perfect parallel to the action below. They clutched each other tight, nails gouging into each other’s skin. The erection wedged between them felt like a log of steel—hot steel fresh from the forge. Sam pistoned faster, his penis now fully in control and damned demanding about it, too. Alex rocked with him, rubbed his erection over Sam’s stomach in time with the stroke going into him. Perfection. Synchronicity. Love… They plunged together as they came, whimpering, moaning, thrusting again and again as more jism exploded from them. And when the last tremor died, they peeled their lips away from each other’s and said the only thing they could 45

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say… “I love you.” They chuckled slightly and kissed again, before Sam eased his weight from Alex. Sam brushed his fingers through Alex’s hair, reveling in the warmth and love that blazed from the other man’s eyes. “This is what I want forever…to have you by my side. But being in the military means—” “Living in secret,” Alex jumped in. Sam laughed lightly. “Like neither of us is doing that now.” He traced his finger around Alex’s lips. “What I was going to say was… Being in the military means overseas duty, deployment, moving from one base to the other. It’s a lot to ask of another person to uproot their lives, especially when that person already has their own life and career established.” Alex smiled and draped his arm around Sam. “Life’s not easy, but it’s much, much nicer living it with the one you love. If staying in the Marine Corps is what you want, I go where you go. If you go where I can’t, I’ll keep the home fires burning. We’ll work the logistics out as things happen.” Emotion clogged Sam’s throat. “How the hell did I get so lucky?” “I was thinking the same thing.” Alex kissed him. “Man…I don’t think I can move a muscle right now.” “Not even for one of Patty Carter’s oatmeal chocolate chip cookies?” That pulled Alex to his elbow. “Okay…maybe for that…and to make a bathroom run.” 46

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Sam mirrored his position. “Speaking of which… How do you feel about joint showers?” “Considering how clumsy you were today, someone needs to shower with you, if only to save you from yourself.” He gave Sam a playful smack to the butt and rolled out of bed. “Very funny.” Sam swung his feet to the floor and followed. *

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Alex made it to the bathroom mere steps before Sam. Still he’d managed to get into the bathtub and twist the shower on before Sam got there. This was one of his major fantasies over the last three months—sharing the bath, soaping each other, bringing each other to orgasm while they did so. In Alex’s mind, the intimacy involved in joint bathing bonded people. And while he’d already come twice—actually, four times today, three with Sam, one by his own hand—and wasn’t sure he had another orgasm in him right now, Alex still wanted— needed—the bonding. “Good thing I managed to get the shower curtain back up while I waited for you to come home,” Sam said as he stepped into the tub with him. Home. Alex liked the sound of that. “I’ll never complain about your cleaning up again.” Grabbing the bar of soap, Alex skidded his hands over it until they were filled with suds, then rubbed his fingers over Sam’s chest. Sam’s nipples beaded in an instant, tempting exploration. Alex loved their pebbled surface, the way they 47

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elongated under his touch. Sam sighed like a contented cat, letting Alex have his fill. Alex smeared more soap over the sparse hair that arrowed from Sam’s midsection down, thickening when it neared his navel. His cock saluted above the nest of coarse curls. Alex lathered suds there, watching the heavy erection bob with every stroke. He dove lower and Sam spread his legs to give Alex better access to his balls. Alex weighed them in his hand and his own cock started yet another rise. “I want to fuck you now,” he said softly. “Right here. Right now.” But everything they needed was in the other room. He should have realized he wouldn’t have had enough of Sam yet. Hell, a lifetime could pass and he still might not have enough of the man. “I’ll be right back.” Sam shoved the shower curtain to one side. He didn’t bother with a towel as he strode from the room. Alex stroked his erection while he waited, imagining his cock buried in Sam’s ass, on all fours, while the shower washed over them. They were tall men and the tub was small, but where there was a will, there was a way, and Alex had enough will for a thousand men. Sam shoved open the curtain once more and stepped inside. Alex wrapped his hand around the lube and condom packet. He pulled away from the shower long enough to dry his penis and shove the condom in place. His back to Alex, Sam braced his hands on the wall. Alex squirted lubricant on his fingers and slid them down the crack of Sam’s ass. Sam groaned at the first touch against his hole. 48

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Alex circled slowly, then probed inside to make sure Sam was good and ready. One thing he knew…this wasn’t going to be a quick fuck—he’d come too many times already. He wrapped one hand around Sam’s hip and tucked his cock between Sam’s legs. “Let’s take it slow. I don’t want us both back in the ER.” Sam nodded through a hoarse laugh, and together they knelt on the tub floor. Once Alex was sure they were secure, he pierced his cock into Sam’s tight ass. Sam groaned hard, then louder when Alex reached the hilt. When Sam grabbed for his own cock, Alex’s sharp whack to the ass put Sam’s hand back on the tub floor. “I’ll take care of that,” he said, then wrapped his hand around Sam’s dick. He fucked him slow and steady, pumping Sam’s rod through a hard orgasm that threatened to stop the blood flow to Alex’s penis. Alex’s balls tightened. He rubbed them against Sam’s and growled when Sam’s cock hardened again. Pulling out, he eased in again. Nice, slow strokes had them both groaning in no time. Making love in an easy rhythm while the hot water turned to cold and their bodies turned the cold to hot. They came together in a silent gasp, then sank into the tub in a tumble of legs. “Boy…we’ve got to get a bigger tub,” Alex said. Sam laughed. “We’ll put it our list of things to do.” And they did have things to decide, starting with…how to handle the whole moving-in-together thing. Wanting to do so was one thing, but the realities… Neither of them could afford 49

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missteps. They patted each other dry, kissing and licking errant water drops, then hauled their jeans back on and went to the kitchen to feast. Everything that had gone into the refrigerator came out. Before they could take their first bite, the phone rang. Sam snatched the cordless from the counter and glanced at the display. “Batuski,” he told Alex. “I’ll put him on speaker.” He punched the key and the call connected. “What’s up, Ski? And be careful, I have a witness.” “How’s your boo-boo?” Ski asked. Alex snickered. “You are so fucking drunk.” “Swear to God, I’m not. Only two beers.” “In the last hour,” someone shouted. “Patty’s rationing us,” Ski said. “Actually, I think she sent all the beer to you two.” “And you want it back.” Sam gave Alex a wink. “Nah, we’re just checking on you,” Batuski replied. “I’m okay. Just a bit of a headache. And the knot on my head looks like a little booby.” “Cool.” Batuski turned from the phone to pass the word. Laughter followed the word “booby.” “They’re so predictable,” Sam told Alex. “Yep…great distraction, by the way.” He tilted a nod Alex’s way. “Thank you.” “Hey,” Ski said as he came back on, “you guys want to watch the game tomorrow?” “Sure.” Sam shrugged, even though Batuski couldn’t see. 50

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“You guys come over here. After all, we’ve got the beer and food.” “It’s a deal. Speaking of little boobies, do you suppose you can get that pretty neighbor of yours to come over?” Sam laughed. “She might be out of town, but if she’s home, I’ll see what I can do.” “Boy, if you can hook me up, I’d owe you. We’ll be there at one tomorrow. Make sure you guys are decent. I don’t want to walk in and find you both in your underwear scratching your balls.” Alex laughed. “You’re just jealous.” Batsuki snorted. “I am jealous. I ain’t had a friend like that since college.” Maynard howled in the background. “I’ll scratch balls with you, Ski.” That garnered more laughter. Alex looked at Sam and they shrugged. “Come on over, Ski. You can scratch balls with us. We’ll close our eyes,” Sam said. “Nah, wouldn’t want to come between the two of you. Once you get a load of my physique…” More howls. “They are so drunk,” Alex said with a laugh. Sam smiled. “You’d make it easier for all of us if you two would just move into the same house,” Maynard shouted. “That way we don’t have the pressure of wondering where to watch the game every week.” 51

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Sam stared at the phone, then at Alex’s open mouth. “Well…” He chose his next words carefully. “That’s… wow… never occurred to us to even consider it.” Alex tossed back a silent laugh, then leaned closer to the phone. “We’ll think about it tonight, while we sit around in our underwear and scratch our balls. See you tomorrow.” Sam punched the off key and sat back. “He makes it sound so simple, doesn’t he?” Alex unwrapped the short ribs and stabbed his fork into one. “For him it is. Anything that puts him closer to your neighbor.” He bit into the rib. Sam popped the lid on the coleslaw. “She’ll eat him alive, but I suspect he’ll love every minute of it.” Sam wiped his finger over the barbeque sauce at the corner of Alex’s mouth, then brought it to his own lips and sucked it off. Alex’s heartbeat tripled. God, he loved his man, his best friend. “We can do this,” he whispered. “Damn straight we can.” Sam spanned the short distance between them and kissed him, barbeque sauce and all.

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CASSIE S TEVENS

Author Cassie Stevens writes gay (M/M) erotic romance. She lives in California and is married with two sons. You can visit Cassie’s website at: http://cassiestevens.com *

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