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Chapter Two

GRAHAM

I check my rearview mirror for the hundredth time. Tyler agreed to follow me back to my place from the bar, but I’m still relieved every time I see his truck behind me. Ten minutes feels so much longer tonight.

When I finally turn into my driveway and see him pull up along the curb, I let out a breath. For some reason, my heart is set on this guy.

No, not my heart. It’s way too soon for anything like that. Tyler might be intriguing, but we have a lot of getting to know each other to do. My cock, however, is fully onboard. It’s been longer than I’m willing to admit since I hooked up with anyone.

Tyler meets me on the porch and stands right behind me as I work to unlock the front door. Hopefully, the darkness hides the shakiness of my hands. I’m not kidding when I say it’s been a while. Traveling around for work seems like fun until it’s time to pack up the boxes again. It also doesn’t attract the kind of person interested in more than a few fun evenings together. Not that Tyler has said anything about looking for more, but a man can dream, right?

The front door opens, and we stumble into the house. I don’t even get the light on before he pushes me up against the wall and attacks my mouth. I’ve been thinking about this for the last two hours, and it’s much better than I anticipated. This guy can kiss.

It’s not just his mouth, though. He takes full control, from the way our tongues twist together to the way his body presses against mine. It doesn’t matter that he’s shorter than me or looks like I could throw him over my shoulder and haul him off. At this moment, he has all the power, and I’m happy to let him take over.

Maybe I’m out of practice, but I don’t remember kissing being this good. I shift my weight so my cock presses against his stomach. Tyler moans into my mouth, the vibrations carrying through my entire body. Even in our rush, he takes the time to explore every inch of my mouth. I’d let him do this all night long, but eventually, I break away to catch my breath.

“Can I suck you?” Does he really need to ask? I’m not going to turn down an offer like that. At this point, he can do anything and everything he wants. I nod, unable to form words. My brain is offline. Tyler kisses me again, this time his movements more controlled and gentler.

I barely notice his hands sliding down my body until he works my jeans open. I help him pull the pants and briefs down to my knees. Thank God I thought to put on a nice pair of briefs before the event, even though I didn’t expect to end up with anyone. I groan as my cock bobs free, standing up straight against my stomach. Tyler sinks to his knees, his gaze never leaving my erection. He licks his lips, and a drop of precum appears at my slit. A devilish grin crosses his face as he leans in to lap it up.

“Oh, fuck.” There’s no way this is going to last long. I want to take in every bit of Tyler and enjoy the way his mouth feels as he explores me for the first time. Instead, I can tell this is going to be quick and dirty. I sure hope there’s a next time so I can get the chance to savor him properly.

His tongue runs over my head, lapping at precum and swirling around my sensitive tip. I can’t seem to stop the pornographic sounds coming out of my mouth. He hasn’t even fully taken me into his mouth, and I’m already so close. “Please.” I’m not above begging. I want to feel his mouth on me. “I want… I need…” I can’t seem to form a coherent thought between swipes of his tongue.

Either he takes pity on me or reads my mind because he sucks me down, taking my whole cock in one go. Tyler swallows, and his throat tightens around me. I slam my eyes closed, trying to hold back from thrusting into his mouth. The way he’s devouring me, I’m sure he could take it, but I love the way he’s controlling me now. My partners tend to let me lead in the bedroom. It’s nice to be on the other side.

I hope to God there will be a second and third time, though, because I want my chance to take charge of the situation. He slips a hand down to play with my balls, and I’m done. There’s no way I can keep from coming. “Gonna…” I manage to pant out, giving him the opportunity to pull away if he doesn’t want to swallow. If anything, he doubles his efforts, hollowing his cheeks and sucking me harder.

My orgasm rushes through me, and I call his name as I drop my head back against the wall. He swallows down my cum and keeps my spent cock in his mouth, running his tongue across my oversensitive tip until I shudder.

I’m barely managing to stay upright. Thankfully, the wall holds my weight as I sag against it. I haven’t come that hard in… ever. When I manage to look down, Tyler’s gazing up at me with a heated look and licking up the bits of cum clinging to the edges of his mouth.

Damn . He looks good like that. I yank him up and lick his lips before capturing his mouth in a rough kiss. It’s a huge turn-on being able to taste myself on his lips. I’m not sure I’ve ever gotten off on that before, but Tyler brings out a possessive streak in me that I don’t remember feeling before. Like the way it felt in the bar watching him almost leave with another man.

He rocks against me, his cock still hard, and I make quick work of his belt. Once I have his pants open, I spit in my hand and shove it down his pants. I take his cock in my fist and stroke him a couple times. “What do you want?” His head falls forward against my chest, and he lets out a deep moan that makes my cock twitch even though I came less than two minutes ago.

“Fuck. Graham. Please,” Tyler says, panting. I keep stroking him, adding a twist at the top of my stroke. Next time, I want him naked—in my bed—so I can have my way with him. See how many times I can bring him to the edge and pull back before he begs me to let him come. His body starts to tremble, then he gasps, and cum spills over my fist. I stroke him through his orgasm, taking my hand away before he becomes too sensitive.

Damn, there better be a next time.

TYLER

It takes several minutes before I can stand up straight on my own. I’m pretty sure my brain shut down when I orgasmed, and I’m not sure how to get it started again. All I can do when Graham asks if I’m okay is to say, “Uh-huh.” I’m better than okay at this point. This is in my top ten best hookups. Maybe even the top three. I’ll have to think about it when the post-orgasm haze clears.

Mreow . A gray, long-haired cat stares up at me expectantly.

“Gulliver, what are you doing?” Graham asks.

“Gulliver?” I raise my eyebrow. Aren’t cats supposed to be named something cutesy? Like fluffy or blackie?

“I know it’s not the most creative. Technically, my sister named him. He ended up with me after my nephew developed a severe cat allergy.”

“I see.” The furry thing is still looking at me. I lean down and offer him my hand. He sniffs it, then takes a few steps away. “I probably smell like cum.” I don’t know why I care if the cat likes me. I’m never going to see this guy or Gulliver again.

“I’m kind of hoping the cat doesn’t know what that is.” I snort as Graham says it. To be fair, I didn’t really think about that one. “Though, I’m surprised Gulliver’s out. He usually hides when I have company over. You must be special.”

I don’t know how to respond to that, but thankfully, Gulliver bails me out by meowing angrily. Maybe I could like this cat?

“Yes, yes. I know it’s past dinner time.” Graham manages to pull his pants back up and rounds the corner. Gulliver doesn’t move. He continues staring at me with wide yellow eyes.

“Should I—” I have no idea what to do with a cat. Do you pet them? Pick them up? Provide it with a human sacrifice?

“Pspspsps. Here, Gulliver. I have your dinner.” Gulliver’s ears perk up, and he turns and runs toward Graham. I guess that answers my question. I take the opportunity to get my jeans fastened and pull myself together.

“So, I should probably get going,” I call loudly, unsure if he can even hear me. Feeding a cat must be difficult if he’s still working on it. I always assumed you just dumped some kibble in a bowl.

“Oh, do you have to?” He steps back into the entryway, still looking thoroughly debauched. And yet, he still somehow looks put together. It’s an odd look and makes me want to work a little bit harder to take him apart. No one should look this good after sex. “I was hoping you’d stay a little longer. I could get you a drink? Or a snack?”

“I’m not sure that’s a good idea.” What am I saying? I want to stay and see if I can break down that perfect appearance. But anything more than a quickie tends to become… complicated. The last thing I need in my life right now is a distraction. Or heartbreak. Everything’s finally working out my way. Work, friends, volunteering. It’s all settled. Not exciting, I know, but having it be boring after a period of too much excitement is strangely enjoyable.

Do not tell past-me .

“Why not?” He tilts his head to the side, and I let out a sigh. I don’t have an excuse. At least not a good one.

“Okay, but just for a little while. I have work early in the morning.” It’s not a complete lie. Early is subjective. Nine is early to me.

“Perfect. Me, too. It’s one of the last days with the woman I’m filling in for. She’ll be out on maternity leave starting next week.” He pauses. “Unless the baby decides to come sooner. I hope not, though. I need the orientation time.” Graham shoves his hands in his pockets and nods for me to follow him. He leads me around the corner, through the kitchen, and into the living room.

“Wow. This place is—” I can’t find the word I’m looking for.

“Bland? Yeah, it’s a corporate rental. The company decorates it in the most boring, minimalistic gray possible.” He sits down on the sofa and pats the seat next to him. “With a short-term lease, it’s not like I had a lot of options.”

I eye the seat next to him before sitting, putting at least a foot of space between us. “Oh, so you don’t live in Cardinal Falls?” That should reduce the chance of an awkward encounter in the next few months. For a city, sometimes it seems like a small town.

“Not permanently. I mostly do temporary contracts—filling in for people when they’re on leave or serving in interim roles until they hire a permanent person.”

“Doesn’t that get lonely? Always moving around?” I know I’m spoiled living in the same city where I went to college, with the same group of friends I’ve had for a decade. Having a routine and places that I know and love helps keep me focused. If I get bored, I can always travel.

“Sometimes, but I like meeting new people. Plus, I stay in this general region, so I can go home or visit people easily. My jobs tend to have a lot of flexibility.” He crosses his legs and shifts a little bit closer. “Though, I do find it hard to do anything resembling dating. That’s part of why I’m trying to find a permanent position now. The moving around was great for a while, but I’m ready to settle down.”

I swallow the lump in my throat. Is it hot in here? Stupid speed dating. Keyword: dating. Not hooking-up. Of course, he was there to meet the love of his life. Luckily, Gulliver is willing to rescue me a second time. He hops onto my lap and curls up into a ball. I hold my hands up, unsure what to do with my new friend. Then the little beast starts to purr.

“I’m sorry, I swear he usually hides. I figured once he got dinner, he’d make himself scarce.” Graham reaches toward Gulliver, and the purr turns into more of a growl. “I think he’s attached to you now.”

“Well, I’ll have to trust you on that.” It’s definitely too hot in here. “Is he going to be mad when I get up to leave?” This would be an excellent time to find out. I’m ready to make a beeline for the door and get to the safety of my own apartment.

“Maybe, but I guess we’ll both have to get over it.” I don’t miss his use of the word both . If I’m honest, I’m not ready to go either. As much as my flight instinct is kicking in, there’s something comfortable about being with Graham. Sitting on this couch with Graham and Gulliver is the perfect way to spend a night. Not just tonight, either. It’s easy to imagine doing this repeatedly.

And that’s why it’s time to go. “Well, I guess he’ll have to find another bed.” I gently nudge him off my lap. He looks at me incredulously before hopping down and slinking out of the room. “It really is late.”

“Can I get your number? Maybe we can meet up some night when we don’t have work in the morning?” He holds his phone out for me.

I stop myself from asking him why. “Sure.” I put my number into his phone, stopping short of texting myself. It’s easier to ignore my feelings if there’s not a constant reminder in my inbox.

Graham walks me to the door. “Can I kiss you goodnight?” A guy I recently sucked until he came down my throat is asking permission to kiss me? That’s the kind of romantic shit I only see in movies. Clearly, I’m dreaming. Though, as far as dreams go, this is a damn good one.

“Of course,” I say because it’s the only right answer. He leans in and kisses me so gently that it’s barely a whisper over my lips. It’s the opposite of everything we did earlier, but somehow perfect. When he pulls away, I nearly cry at the loss. How can something so soft be too much?

“Have a good night. Drive safe.”

I nod as I walk out the door and back to my truck. Graham stays in the doorway, watching until I start the truck and drive down the block.

I make it all the way around the corner before I let myself look in the rearview mirror. For the first time in years, I long for a relationship.

No, not a relationship. For Graham.