Page 8 of Joey’s Trick

8

T hey slept very little that night, each of them taking the other multiple times over the hours until dawn. It wasn’t until they both collapsed from exhaustion, did they get a couple of hours consecutively. The sound of the shower cutting on woke Joey, and he saw sunlight filtering in around Trick’s blackout curtains. Rolling over, he stretched, his muscles burning from constant use. Sliding from the bed, he entered the bathroom to see Trick soaping his chest. He leaned a shoulder against the door, a smile hovering on his lips, as he watched.

“Why don’t you join me?” Trick said, turning his head toward Joey.

Joey entered the shower stall, closing the door behind him, and wrapped his arms around Trick from behind. He nuzzled at Trick’s throat. “Good morning.”

“Good indeed,” Trick murmured, leaning back into him. Joey ran his lips over Trick’s bare shoulder in a gentle caress. “Do you want to order breakfast in?”

Humming, Joey slid his palms along Trick’s chest, over his abdomen and lower to his half-mast cock. “Insatiable, are we?”

“Can’t get enough of you,” Trick replied, turning his head to kiss Joey. It was awkward, but damn if it wasn’t hot. Joey lightly stroked Trick, squeezing the shaft coming to full hardness.

“Surprised you have anything left in these,” Joey said, using his other hand to fondle Trick’s balls.

“I don’t,” Trick said, rutting into Joey’s grip. “But damn if I care.”

Joey laughed, kissed Trick’s shoulder, and stepped back a little. “Let’s get cleaned up, go get some breakfast, and give them a chance to revive.”

Trick turned toward him, pouting. The look seemed so incongruous on the face of such a masculine man, but Joey couldn’t help the way his heart melted. He still couldn’t forget the realization he’d come to the evening before, but he was nowhere near ready to admit it out loud. To himself or Trick. “We can always come back after breakfast instead of playing hoops,” Joey said.

“Deal,” Trick said, the pout disappearing. Joey shook his head while smiling.

The shower took a little longer, both of them wanting to clean the other. They ignored their simmering desire, instead drawing out the anticipation. Trick dried Joey off slowly, running the terry cloth towel over every muscle, every nook, and every inch of skin. Joey couldn’t ever remember feeling so… cherished was the only word he could think of.

Once they’d finished drying off and were dressed, they headed out of Trick’s apartment and down to his truck. They walked with Trick’s arm around Joey’s waist, not speaking, and just enjoying being close to each other. Joey saw him a split second before he attacked. Trick cried out when a tire iron slammed into his back, the sharp end raking across the skin and leaving behind a large gash. The impact of the weapon sent Trick careening into someone’s car, setting off the car alarm. Trick fell to his knees beside the car. “No!” Joey cried out, lunging in front of Trick to stop Vince from hitting him again.

“Why?” Vince screamed. “How could you fuck him? You’re mine, Joey! We’re meant to be together! You know it’s true or you wouldn’t have made love to me!”

Vince tried to hit Trick a second time, but Joey grabbed the iron, wrenching it from Vince’s grasp. Tears poured down Vince’s cheeks, and he flung himself at Joey, fists beating at Joey’s chest. Joey tossed the tire iron in the back of Trick’s truck and tried to restrain Vince, struggling to capture the tiny fists hitting at him. “You’re mine! He can’t have you,” Vince screeched. “Not after what he almost made you do!”

Shock held Joey immobile. “What?”

Vince glared at Trick, who’d managed to get to his feet by holding onto the car. “You told me what he did to you. How it’s his fault you tried to kill yourself! How could you forgive him, Joey? He doesn’t deserve you!”

He tried to get past Joey to Trick again, but Joey forced him back. How the fuck did Vince know about that?

“Joey?” Trick said behind him. “What’s he talking about?”

Joey heard sirens getting closer and knew someone must have called the cops with the shouting and the car alarm going off. Vince sneered. “He told me all about you and what you did to him. How you almost destroyed him and how he was so depressed that he tried to kill himself because of you!”

“When the fuck did I tell you any of that?” Joey demanded, ignoring the intake of breath behind him from Trick.

“You came over to my place after the Graves’ party and stayed the night,” Vince said, still staring murderously at Trick. “Don’t you remember? You made love to me and then told me about him . That he’s the reason you have that tattoo on your back.”

Joey shook his head and tried to remember. It had only been a short time ago. The Graves’ party had been to celebrate the signing of a new high-profile client. Joey knew he’d had a few drinks that night, but he hadn’t remembered going to Vince’s. Or telling Vince anything about Trick.

Before Joey could say anything else, a police cruiser pulled into the parking lot and things became hectic and messy for the next half hour. The police arrested Vince for stalking and battery. Vince was still yelling as they handcuffed him and put him into the backseat of the cop car. They also called in a First Responder to check out Trick. Though it wasn’t life threatening, they cleaned and bandaged the wound and suggested he go to the hospital to get checked out to make sure there weren’t any other issues.

Trick remained quiet unless answering questions from the police. Joey knew he would have to explain things to Trick. Things he had never wanted to tell anyone again. The only people who knew the truth were his college roommate and his therapist. Trick refused a ride to the hospital in the ambulance, so Joey said he’d drive him there.

When Joey tried to take Trick’s hand in the truck, Trick pulled away and Joey’s heart ached. Damn Vince. He knew wishing he’d never hooked up with Vince wouldn’t change what had happened, but he regretted the little twink more than ever. “Talk to me, Trick.”

Silence reigned for several long breaths. Then Trick asked, “Did you try to commit suicide because of me, Joey? Because of what I said?”

Swallowing hard, Joey tightened his grip on the steering wheel. “After overhearing you, I went into a terrible depression. Things were rough.” He stopped at a red light, staring straight ahead to avoid Trick’s gaze. “I-I loved you, Trick. When I found out you hated me for being gay, for being attracted to you, it broke something in me. I turned to alcohol and sex when I got to college. But none of it helped dull the pain. Eventually, it became too much and in a moment of weakness, I cut myself.

“But I passed out from the pain,” Joey rushed on. “My roommate came back and he called an ambulance. I woke up in the hospital a little later. After that, I started seeing a therapist. She’s helped me a lot.”

When Trick remained quiet, Joey glanced at him to see such hurt and anguish on Trick’s face. “Trick?”

Haunted eyes met his. “I’m the reason for the tattoo on your back.”

Joey reached out and took Trick’s hand. This time Trick didn’t pull away or fight his hold. “It wasn’t just about you, Trick. I had previously untreated anxiety and depression. That, combined with my first broken heart… well, it didn’t go well together, but I chose to live. To get help.

The tattoo… it was a reminder to myself to be strong and to not let my depression push me toward that cliff again.”

Yes, what Trick had said about him had been cruel, but Joey realized it wasn’t only Trick’s words which had sent him on the downward spiral. “You didn’t know I’d overheard you or know about my mental health issues. I don’t blame you.”

“How can you not?” Trick asked, his tone dull. “I’m the reason you almost…”

“Because it wasn’t your fault,” Joey replied. “You were a scared teenager, Trick. Just trying to make it through high school and life in one piece. After everything you’ve told me, I know that now. I can see that you aren’t the person I thought you were back then. Hell, you weren’t even that person at all. We all do stupid shit when we’re scared. Please don’t blame yourself for the choices I made.”

They pulled into the hospital parking lot and Joey found a spot, guiding the truck into it and putting the vehicle in park. He turned off the engine and faced Trick. “Yes, you hurt me. Unintentionally. It was a long time ago and I want to move on from it. With you. If you still want me after knowing what I’ve done. And after being hurt because of my carelessness with Vince.”

Trick’s expression crumpled even further, and he leaned over the console, wrapping his arms around Joey and burying his face against the side of his neck. “How can you still want to be with me after I’ve hurt you so badly?”

Joey gently embraced Trick, running a hand over Trick’s shoulders, careful to avoid the slice across his back. He took a deep breath, knowing what he was about to admit would leave him wide open to having his heart ripped out again. “Because I… I still love you, Trick.”

Anxiety dug hard into Joey’s chest and belly. He held his breath as he waited for Trick to process his words. Trick yanked backward, staring at him wide eyed, his lips parted in shock. “How?” Trick asked.

Shrugging, Joey glanced away from Trick. “Doesn’t the phrase go, ‘it’s a thin line between love and hate’? I kind of shocked myself when I realized it last night.” He looked back at Trick. “I never stopped loving you, but my mind channeled the feelings into what I took for hate because I didn’t know how to process still being in love with you. Especially believing you didn’t want me.”

Trick leaned his forehead on Joey’s shoulder, a shudder wracking his large frame. “Jesus, Joey.”

Joey frowned. “Is that a bad Jesus?”

A wet chuckle issued from Trick. “No, baby. Not at all. I’m just grateful you’re giving me a second chance.” He raised his head and snared him in the slightly damp, dark sapphires Joey loved so much. “I may not know if I love you yet, Joey, but I want a chance to find out. If you’re serious about still wanting me.”

“More than anything.”

Trick captured Joey’s lips in a soft kiss, no heat, just emotion behind it. When they broke apart, Joey caressed Trick’s firm cheek with his thumb, his palm resting on the curve of Trick’s jaw. “Let’s get you inside and get you checked out.”

They exited the vehicle and after an hour in the waiting room, a nurse finally took Trick back to be examined. The doctor ordered a couple of tests just to make sure there were no problems besides the slice on Trick’s back. They applied new bandages, prescribed some antibiotics, and sent them on their way.

“Let’s go back to my place,” Trick said tiredly.

Joey cursed Vince for what he’d done and himself for getting involved with the little fucker. He drove again with Trick dozing in the passenger seat on the short ride to Walgreens to pick up the prescription and then on to Trick’s apartment. He wouldn’t be leaving that day. Leaving Trick after he’d been hurt because of him didn’t sit well with Joey.

After getting Trick settled in his bedroom, Joey shot off a quick text to his boss, letting him know he’d be returning a day late because of a family emergency. Trick had already passed out by the time Joey stripped down to his boxer briefs and curled up beside him. Thankfully Vince hadn’t hit Trick in the head or he may have seriously or fatally injured Trick. Joey’s heart ached at the thought of Trick dying. He curled around Trick, pressing his face against the back of Trick’s head and breathing in the scent of Trick’s shampoo.

He drifted in and out of sleep, never releasing Trick. The shadows grew long across the wall as the day floated by and eventually, Trick stirred, causing Joey to waken. “Hey,” Joey murmured, his voice deep and husky from sleep. “How are you feeling?”

“I’m okay,” Trick said. He turned to face Joey, placing his palm on Joey’s chest. “Don’t you have to leave?”

Joey shook his head, yawning. “I texted my boss. I’m staying until tomorrow.”

Trick frowned. “Are you going to get into trouble?”

Snorting, Joey gave Trick a droll look. “I’m like their star agent right now. Plus, I told them it was a family emergency.”

Humming, Trick burrowed into Joey, sliding his arm around Joey’s waist. Joey ran his fingers through Trick’s dark chocolate locks, enjoying the silky feel sliding over his skin. “That feels nice,” Trick said, eyes closed.

Joey continued playing with Trick’s hair, memorizing the feel of Trick’s warmth beside him. He knew he had to go back home, but he hadn’t guessed just how hard it would be for him to find the desire to leave. Not now. He couldn’t help the huffing laugh he made and Trick looked up at him, questioning the sound. Smiling, Joey said, “I’ve done a complete one-eighty.”

“What?”

“On the way down, I couldn’t wait to go back home. Hell, I wanted to do a U-turn in the middle of the turnpike and go back before I’d even gotten here. Now… I can’t stand the idea of leaving.”

Understanding dawned on Trick’s face, and his features softened. “But there’s always the weekends and phone and texts. Like we talked about.”

“Not the same as getting to touch you,” Joey said. “It can’t compare to the feel of your body on mine”—he tugged Trick closer—“the smell of your skin”—he ran his nose along Trick’s bare shoulder—“and the taste of your lips”—he brushed his lips over Trick’s.

Trick moaned and deepened the kiss, pushing his tongue inside Joey’s mouth. Soft, wet muscle slid over soft, wet muscle. Joey sucked gently on Trick’s appendage, reaching down to grip Trick’s hip and pull him tighter to him, their rapidly hardening cocks aligning. “Joey,” Trick groaned.

Rolling his pelvis, Joey rutted against Trick, pleasure tingles racing through him. He reached between them to free both of their shafts, gripped them in a firm hold, and stroked them together. “Can’t get enough of you,” Joey said, his voice a low growl.

“Don’t stop touching me,” Trick said, undulating his body.

Joey reached over Trick to grab the bottle of lube on the nightstand. He popped the top open and spilled some over their cocks before closing the bottle and tossing it aside. Tightening his grip, Joey jerked them faster, desperate to feel the hard throbbing of Trick’s dick as he shot his load. Trick caressed him everywhere he could reach, his calloused palms smoothing over Joey’s skin and sending fine shivers through Joey.

Their ragged breathing sounded harsh in the apartment’s quiet. Sweat quickly built on their skin despite the air conditioning. Sheets rustled from the frantic movements Joey made to get them both off. Joey could feel Trick’s cock grow harder, thicker, getting closer to the edge. “Cum for me,” Joey demanded.

Trick released a keening cry as he climaxed, his shaft twitching in Joey’s palm as hot spurts of semen pulsed between them. The warmth, the erotic noises from Trick, and the scent of Trick’s seed sent Joey headlong into his own orgasm. He shouted his pleasure to the room as his balls emptied all over him and Trick. Joey collapsed, releasing their shafts and panted, his spunk covered hand resting on his stomach. “Fuck.”

“Yeah,” Trick murmured, pressing close to Joey and laying his head on Joey’s shoulder. “I think my SunPass will be getting a work out really soon.”

Joey chuckled. “Yours and mine both.”

“Did you call your parents?”

“Way to kill the mood,” Joey groused. “Don’t talk about my parents right after we both busted a nut, babe.”

Trick grinned tiredly. “I figured they may be a little worried since you were supposed to be back to pick up your stuff and leave already.”

Joey glanced at the clock on the nightstand and cursed. “Shit, I totally spaced. I’ll call them.”

He left the bed long enough to grab his cell from where he’d tossed his jeans and cuddled back with Trick before hitting the contact for his mother’s cell. “Joey? Where are you? Are you guys okay?”

He rushed to assure his mother they were fine and then explained to her about Vince, the hospital, and how he wasn’t leaving until the next day to stay with Trick. “Good Lord,” she murmured through the phone. “I had a bad feeling about him after you left yesterday. I’m just glad the both of you are all right!”

“We are. I’ll see you both tomorrow.”

They disconnected the call after she made him promise to call her immediately if something else happened. He heard Trick’s stomach growl, which triggered his own. “You want to order in or go out and get something?”

“Order in,” Trick said, yawning again. “I’m too tired and too satiated to get dressed and go somewhere.”

Joey smirked. “I wore you out, huh?”

“Mmm, you certainly did.”

He knew Trick was tired from more than just the orgasm Joey had given him, but he wanted to keep things light. Joey used his phone to place an order through one of the delivery apps. When the food arrived, he insisted Trick stay in bed while he got the food.

They took turns feeding each other little bites until they were both full. Joey cleaned everything up, put away the leftovers, and climbed back into bed. Trick was out like a light within minutes. Reality settled in, and Joey couldn’t stop trembling. He’d almost lost Trick before they’d even begun. Vince could have seriously hurt him much worse if he’d hit Trick in the head or even possibly embedded the end of the tire iron in Trick instead of just taking out a couple of layers of skin. He pulled Trick tighter to him, who mumbled in his sleep, and he nuzzled at the crown of Trick’s head.

Sighing, Joey spent the majority of the night merely dozing, jerking awake whenever Trick made a noise or moved. His eyes felt gritty by morning, and he knew the drive back was going to be rough. After he made breakfast for both of them, Trick drove him to his parents to pack his stuff and say goodbye to his family.

“You better come visit more often,” his mother said, scowling at him. “I expect to see you down here for every holiday, you hear me?”

Joey laughed. “Every major holiday, Mom. I can’t come down in the middle of the week for the smaller ones. I’ll also come down some weekends, too. Okay? I’ll make it up to you.”

She hugged him tightly. “You better, Joseph, or I’ll have your father drive me up there so I can tan your hide. And no more tattoos!”

Rolling his eyes, Joey returned the hug, noticing Trick’s smirk at his mother’s reprimand. Joey flipped Trick off behind his mother’s back. He got a backslapping hug from his father next, along with a generic goodbye. His father really never had been great at displaying emotions. He moved on to his brother and Veronica. “You better snap this one up, bro.” Joey pointed at Veronica. “She puts up with your bullshit.”

“Hardy, har, har,” Anthony groused.

Veronica chuckled and kissed Joey’s cheek. “I like you.”

“Back at ya,” Joey replied. “Keep him on a leash so he doesn’t wander off.”

Anthony growled again and took a half-hearted swipe at Joey. “Shut up, squirt.”

Trick loaded Joey’s bags in his trunk and stood by Joey’s driver’s side door. His family headed inside after one last round of hugs, leaving Joey with Trick. Joey walked up to him, sliding his arms around Trick’s waist.

“I really don’t want you to go,” Trick said, a slight pout on his face.

“I know, babe, but we can see each other next weekend.”

“Call me the second you get home.”

Joey laughed. “I will.”

Trick took Joey’s mouth in a crushing kiss, wrapping one arm around Joey’s waist while gripping Joey’s ass in his other hand. When he brought the kiss to an end, Joey was panting and his entire body shook. “Now I gotta drive home hard. Thanks a lot.”

“We can take care of it together over the phone,” Trick said, winking at him, then reluctantly pulled free and opened Joey’s door for him.

Joey moved to enter the car, but hesitated, turning to look at Trick again. “This can work, right?”

“We’ll make it work.”

Nodding, Joey lowered himself into his seat and closed the door. He didn’t look away from Trick for several minutes as Trick stood there watching him. Then he backed out of the driveway and headed down the street. The farther away Joey got, the more his heart ached. He wanted to turn around, but he knew he needed to be realistic. They weren’t ready for anything beyond getting to know each other again and seeing where things took them.

He cranked the radio up for the almost three-hour drive, only stopping for gas and a drink once. When he reached his house, he popped in one of his earbuds, took out his cell, and called Trick. “Hey, baby. You make it home all right?” Trick said in way of greeting.

“I did. Just got into the driveway.”

Trick chuckled. “I didn’t literally mean call me the second you got home.”

“Needed to hear your voice,” Joey said while exiting his car and grabbing his bags from the trunk.

“Me, too,” Trick replied, his voice dropping several octaves. “The weekend can’t come fast enough.”

Joey agreed. He remained on the phone with Trick while unpacking and putting together something for lunch. Eventually they had to disconnect the call, but Joey felt better about things working out between them. They wouldn’t always be able to talk for hours, yet hearing that Trick’s anticipation was as considerable as his own settled something inside of him. He looked forward to the time ahead and relearning everything there was to know about Trick. Agreeing to go home for his parent’s anniversary had been the best decision of his life and for the first time in a very long time, Joey looked forward to the future. A future with his Trick.