Joe lifted the last box before heading to the door. He was surprised he wasn’t waddling, considering the amount of food Stuart had threw at him for breakfast. He chuckled quietly, checking around not wanting Stuart to catch him laughing at his expense. Joe was at the stage of calling Stuart a feeder. With one exception, Stuart couldn’t cook for shit.
Brad, on the other hand could, clucking over Joe like a mother hen fussing over her chicks and that meant feeding him. Brad was supplying their meals daily, and Joe couldn’t be happier. His taste buds and stomach were in full agreement. He’d tried stopping him in the beginning, albeit not very hard, not wanting to put Brad out. Brad had told him to shut up in no uncertain terms, so Joe had let it be.
Brad also encouraged Joe to go over daily and use their home gym. Their love of all things electrical had forged an instant bond. Brad’s inquisitive nature about computers allowed Joe to repay some of his kindness.
Joe felt overwhelmed by the generosity surrounding him after the months of drought he’d suffered. He felt he had been stuck in a desert, a flower slowly dying of dehydration, only to find an oasis with an abundance of water that made him flourish. It was such a welcome reprieve and helped with his depressive thoughts that caught him unexpectedly, dragging him into its black depth. Those episodes had decreased tenfold over the past few weeks, along with it would seem his wilted libido, which had awakened at the most inappropriate time.
Distracted by the feel of sweat dripping down his back, Joe felt his clothes sticking to his back, exasperated by how much effort it was taking to shift a few boxes. Who said moving house was easy, shitting hell. Martin was only moving fifty yards away, across the road, so why did it feel like ten ruddy miles away? Joe grunted, almost hearing his muscles begging him to stop this nonsense. He ached in places he didn’t even know could.
Grinding his teeth, he gripped the box tighter, heaving it up. Joe huffed and puffed under the exertion, feeling his earlier smugness dissolving with each step. He may have regained some of his strength and weight since arriving three weeks ago, that, it would seem, still didn’t stop his arms from feeling like a wet noodles.
Joe stepped up to Brad’s home. He was still shocked by the contrasts of the exterior to the interior. The interior was something else, and that was before you added in the happiness factor. He could feel it everywhere; you could practically swim in it. The thing was it just added to his torture with Stuart.
The mixed messages Stuart was sending were more confusing than Morse code. His trembling hands caused the box to wobble. Joe tried to concentrate on not dropping it when the spike in his pants, at thoughts of Stuart, made it hard for him to walk. His heavy sigh at his misbehaving body did little to appease. His distinct dark spiced, musky scent lingered in the air whether Stuart was there or not. Everything about Stuart tempted him, clothes, body, smell, voice, everything taunted Joe. The long and the short of it was Stuart was driving him nuts.
Joe scowled, peering over his shoulder at Stuart’s house thinking about scents. The scent Stuart had all over him last night had most definitely not been his own, or Joe’s for that matter. The flowery smell hinted at female, but there’d been a distinct masculine undertone to the aroma. Joe growled, feeling the box dig into his chest when the questions he couldn’t answer made him want to punch something, preferably the owner of that scent.
He just couldn’t understand why Stuart was flirting with him when he was evidently going out dicking about with someone else. Joe’s knuckles cracked as they flexed around the box. Joe wasn’t Stuart’s keeper, but he’d rarely spent a night at home this week.
Stuart might have some good qualities, okay some great ones, but it appeared he couldn’t keep his dick in his friggin pants, a real fucking Lothario.
The sudden heat that bloomed on his cheeks had Joe checking that no one could see him as he moved into Brad’s home. Joe felt the unwelcome rise in his blood pressure. Jealousy, when had he ever been jealous of anyone? He stalked towards the kitchen, blaming Stuart for his confused thoughts. He couldn’t explain why anyone else touching Stuart or vice versa had a red mist cloud his judgement.
Joe tensed as he walked into kitchen. Brad’s shout from above had Joe giving a confused look at the two men who stood in the kitchen. “I’m not deaf, you know, squirt, indeed.” Feeling a little excluded from the joke, he thudded further into the kitchen feeling two sets of eyes on him, both conveying completely different questions. Hiding his eye-roll, Joe wasn’t prepared to answer either question.
“This seems to be the last of it.” Hesitating, he waited for Martin to direct him.
Seeing Martin’s concern that instantly sprang forward whenever Joe entered a room was wearing on him. Joe watched Martin warring with his back off look. Holding his breath, Joe let it out in relief when Martin let it go. He could read the deepening hurt, giving Martin a pleading look for a little more time.
“Just plonk it over there, that would be great. We’ll figure it all out later after Sarah gets back with the pizza.” Martin pointed to the far counter; his words sounding subdued.
Disinterested in any more food, Joe had eaten a massive breakfast thanks to Stuart and Brad.
Searching for something to do Joe avoided eye contact, looking anywhere but at the two men he could feel watching him. He systematically opened the boxes spread across every countertop.
That was it, Martin had officially moved in with Brad, and left him alone with Stuart. His gaze lingered a second too long on Stuart’s white blond hair.
Aware that Martin was checking out his appearance for the umpteenth time, Joe let out an obvious guilty sigh. Martin knew him better than even his parents. He knew he couldn’t hide the haunted circles around his eyes. They had decreased, but nightmares were still taunting him on occasion making sleep difficult.
Martin had always been good at laying the guilt on thick and now was no exception. How could he explain that he thought not speaking about it was in Martin’s best interest? Joe was embarrassed by his past behaviour, and he didn’t want Martin to be disappointed in him for his stupidity. Their easy camaraderie was the only thing that was saving him, along with Brad.
Joe gave Martin a reassuring smile, deciding when everything had resolved he would spill the beans, but not before then. Aaden had rung yesterday saying there had been a few hiccups, unable to elaborate further, due to the unsecured line. Joe had felt his tension. He prayed nothing sinister was going on, not sure he could take any more problems.
The smell of cut wood mixed with dark spices shrouded him a second before he felt arms brush him. Tensing his muscles he held stock still, Joe held on to his breath trying not to inhale. His jumbled thoughts had him wondering if Stuart had been messing with the Aga stove when the smell of wood lingered.
Stepping sideways, trying to regulate his breathing, Joe was grateful his body faced away. The heat now pulsing in places he wished it wouldn’t only reminded him what had gotten him into a tangled mess in the first place.
His body, however, didn’t seem to care, if the heat-seeking missile in his pants was anything to go by. It had locked on target, and it appeared nothing was going to stop it from taking off. Groaning in despair, fuck, could this get any worse, stuck in the same house? Tormented by the bronze sculpted body, Stuart seemed to love to parade around the house with next to nothing on. Feeling his teeth rip his lip and bloodying it, Joe forcibly released it, his mood fraught as he pushed the images away.
Avoiding touching himself intimately was taking a toll on him too, but he refused to pleasure himself using pictures of Stuart, he just couldn’t. It was messing with his head, and now his balls were practically hanging to his knees. Fiddling with the box in front of him, he sniffed himself, was he giving off some pheromones because every time he had thoughts of sex, Stuart seemed to materialise.
His head whipped towards the door, grinning in pleasure at the sounds of Sarah clomping through the hall.
“I’m back. I hope someone has the wine chilled because I am parched.” Sarah sailed in all sunny smiles.
Joe latched on to her, his life raft in a stormy sea, grateful when she returned his grin. They’d known each other for years. Martin had introduced them not long after Joe had arrived on the base.
Joe had been wary in the beginning, but when she’d treated him the same as Martin, he’d quickly learned to love her open friendly way.
Being an only child, he’d spent most of his life with older children and adults in formal settings. Not used to their dynamics, it was difficult at first to grasp that the constant bickering was normal. They had given him a constant headache, but the love they held for each other was solid.
Sarah had shared that love with him as if it was nothing, giving him so much. Wrapping his arms around her, tears sheened his eyes; blinking them away, he held on tight. Pleased when she understood and let him gather himself together. Her dainty hands rubbed circles on his back, offering silent support.
Sarah wanted to sigh and demand answers, but she knew better. As far as she was concerned, Joe was a part of their family, and Martin needed to dig past this stupid barrier Joe had built right now. Her eyes automatically connected with Martin’s. Raising brows making it clear, pull your bloody finger out of your ass and sort this, her brothers were hurting.
Joe was distracted when Stuart spoke harshly, his tone at complete odds with the question he was asking of no one in particular. “We need to clear the table if we’re going to sit and eat.”
What the fuck was his problem, someone needed to take the stick out of their ass, that was for sure. All eyes swivelled towards Stuart, but Joe noticed he just ignored everyone in the room.
What an arse!
Brad’s look of concern had Joe wanting to slap Stuart upside the head. Brad hated any discord, though he did have a feisty temper when he let go.
Stuart’s glorious smile aimed at Brad had Joe hunching defensively, feeling pissed for no reason. What the fuck did he care if he looked at Brad as if the sun shone out of his ass? Joe’s felt his pulse thump in the same way he wanted to pound his fists into Stuart face for flirting. For fuck sake, could he be any more obvious, and right in front of Martin.
Joe attempted to convince his aching heart he was upset for Martin. Failing miserably, Joe plonked himself down next to Martin, needing his reassuring presence.
Joe felt genuine affection for Princess. He watched her saunter in, small hips swaying, humour glinting out of her pretty blue eyes, heading straight towards Joe. Jesus, she was a sassy little madam, he also loved her habit of winding Stuart up. Her kiss my ass move classic, he couldn’t wait for Brad and Martin to go on holiday so he could have her all to himself.
Jumping up, Princess nestled into Joe’s lap. Stuart’s envious scowl comical, having her offer a sneer back. Her inability to resist winding him up was becoming second nature. Her instincts told her he understood there was more to her, though Princess wasn’t sure why. She knew neither Brad nor Martin would discuss her true nature. In fact, they acted as if the incident never happened, just accepting it and her for what she was.
Princess preened under Joe’s fingers, his loving touch had her purring in seconds. She moved to make sure he caught just the right spot. She watched in delight, Stuart’s greened eyed jealous looks at Sarah every time she stroked Joe’s arm. Princess knew she had an ally in Sarah. Settling down she watched in delight at the antics around the table.
Joe hid his smile when everyone chose not to notice Brad’s attempt at lap dancing on Martin’s lap.
“It appears we’ve outstayed our welcome.” Sarah’s chortled words had Brad’s cheeks heating, hiding his embarrassment in Martin’s neck.
Princess gave Joe a knowing look when his cock bucked under her. Mortification heated his cheeks, moving her to avoid poking her. Joe was appalled with his body’s reaction to Brad’s antics, glad to be side-tracked by the others at the table.
Joe couldn’t help his smile when Brad hid his own embarrassment in Martin’s neck.
Martin chuckled, “It’s a bit late to be hiding, baby, since you have been humping my leg for the last five minutes.” Brad peeked out, his eyes dancing with humour as he smacked his lips. “But you’re just so HARD to resist.” The sexy grind had Joe exhaling past his own building lust. They looked smoking hot together.
Martin’s loud exhale and waving hands had them all moving.
“Out, all of you, now, get out.”
Chairs clattered, everybody laughed as they made a quick dash for the door, none of them brave enough to stop.
Joe missed Princess’s warmth as she pranced away. Feeling a little exposed, Joe was unsure how to deal with the throbbing ache between his own legs.
“Hey, Joe, you ignoring me?” Sarah’s small fingers snapped in front of his face.
Joe paused on the garden path giving her a sheepish smile. Unprepared, he staggered as she jumped on him, his breath whooshing out, but his arms automatically caught her. Sarah’s hips nestled against his arousal, realising his mistake a second too late. Joe’s cheeks flamed as she wiggled down, giving a dramatic sigh.
Her lips brushed his ear, hot breath ghosted over his face when she whispered in his ear. “If only you weren’t batting for the other team, I’d come over and show you what my sexy little ass could do with that pole your waving at me.”
Sarah’s mischievous giggles had Joe groaning in despair of her antics, he tried to push her away.
Sarah hid her grin when her eyes locked on Stuart’s scowling face. Well, well, it seemed Stuart had a little problem with her and Joe. Sarah took in his rigid stance, fisted hands, and grim expression. Never able to resist having a little fun, she gave Joe a quick squeeze, thinking he needed a little something to make him shake off his funk. Thinking on her feet, she darted a quick look under her lashes at Stuart. A plan forming in her mind, trying not to over think it, her fingers danced down Joe’s side digging in, she attacked his ticklish sides with relish.
Gales of laughter pealed out of Joe as Sarah attacked mercilessly, not letting Joe have time to draw breath or stop her.
Joe found his hands useless, unable to fight past the laughter, tears ran down his cheeks. Breathlessly he gasped for her to stop. “Please…. stop…. I’ll do …. anything …. stop.” His words were lost under his laughter. His begging seemed to only make her worse, he fell to his knees on the grass, panting, hoping to escape her tiny fingers.
Sarah followed him down and pouncing, making Joe topple over on to the grass. Completely defenceless, he watched through watery eyes her straddle his hips, pinning him to the ground. Joe begged, “Nooooo …. pleaseeee ….. stoppppp.” Breathless giggles increased when her hands slid under his top. He struggled to get up while not hurting her, knowing she was going for sensitive armpits, but his laughter sapped all his strength.
Tear stained, his face turned, his watery eyes searching for any weapon he could use. Stuart’s unamused charcoal eyes locked with his, Joe stretched out his hand without thinking. “Helppppp …. meeeeee …… pleaseeee?”
Joe instantly thought Stuart wasn’t going to help. Regarding him for a second as emotion filtered quickly across Stuart’s stern features but were gone before Joe could decipher their meaning.
He sighed in relief when Stuart’s strong hands lifted Sarah of his body, plonking her down before lifting Joe into his body. The show of strength weakening Joe, knowing he was in trouble if he didn’t get Stuart to put him down, now. Joe’s hands though didn’t appear to be cooperating, creeping up they circled Stuart’s neck, holding on tight. Joe found his body wasn’t listening to common sense either, finding his chest plastered to Stuart’s, his legs hugging around Stuart’s waist.
A loud cough behind Joe had his head swivelling around. His flushed, wet face showing he’d completely forgotten Sarah was there for a second. Not appearing at all concerned by the change of events, if anything Joe thought she was looking pretty smug right this minute. He considered her as she wiped her hands together before, flicking her tangled hair over her shoulder, saluting them both.
“Joe, it was my pleasure, as always. Stuart, I’ll be seeing you, and soon, I’m sure.” Sarah locked on to Stuart letting her intentions be known, the warning clear in her eyes. She turned to Joe with a bright smile before walking to her car, whistling “here comes the bride.”
Joe followed her hypnotic swaying hips, uncertain what the hell that was all about. Joe felt at a complete loss to what had happened. The rev of her sports car broke the silence, interrupting his confused thoughts.
Reality crashed back in, Stuart’s spicy scent and strong arms pulling at his senses. Joe forcibly loosened his hands attempting to pull back. Casting a quick look around to see if anyone was watching their antics, he breathed easier seeing the cul-de-sac was quiet. Grateful no one had witnessed to his easy knockdown by Sarah.
Stuart shifted under him pulling his attention back to him. The slight friction causing heat to spread, firing his libido into action. Joe gave a quiet groan when the heat spread to his groin. Dipping his lashes, hoping Stuart hadn’t noticed his reaction, Joe found himself held captive in the searing depths of charcoal. The air simply disappeared. Joe struggled to breathe past the intense burning lust setting his insides on fire.
Feeling his lips tingle with Stuart’s hot spicy breaths, Joe gasped. Mesmerised, the heat held him captive, allowing Stuart to slowly stroke his lips over Joe’s. The sudden urge to move away lasted all of one second before Stuart increased the pressure. His hot, moist lips teasing Joe, encouraging him to open, his low moan escaped before he could stop it.
Scorching flames licked at his body when Stuart’s tongue pressed deeper into his mouth. Shuddering in pleasure, Joe sought to taste Stuart. The hint of garlic and pepperoni lingered from the pizza, but underneath he found the distinct flavour of Stuart, dark and spicy, it consumed him. Losing himself in the sensations, Joe felt the desire shimmer behind his closed lids, lighting him up like a firework display.
Rioting feelings flooded Joe making him want more, not resisting, he deepened the kiss, caressing Stuart’s tongue with his own. Seeking more contact, Joe’s body moulded to Stuart’s, feeling a rush of pleasure as their bodies melded perfectly together.
The slow deep caresses Stuart was using to torment him had him wanting to swoon like an actress from the golden age of films. Who the hell taught him to kiss like that? Joe could feel his brain melt into a puddle of goo as Stuart continued to torment him in the best possible way. The romantic way he held Joe made him feel like the most precious thing in the world. His sudden thought bringing him back to earth with a thump. Joe struggled to get his drugged mind to focus on what would happen if he let his lust rule his head. The cold reality sank past his craving, having the desired effect of cooling his libido.
As if sensing the change in him, Stuart stopped kissing the life out of him, moving back slowly. Joe wondered if he looked as debauched as Stuart. Puffy lips glistened wetly, his eyes deep pools of desire against his flushed skin. Joe quaked against Stuart’s heated body, revelling for another minute before his arms loosened their hold, sliding down to the ground. His body rejoicing in the rigid firmness it could feel before he forcibly stepped back. Joe took a big inhale, hoping to calm his racing pulse.
What the hell had he been thinking, or not in his case? He fidgeted when he couldn’t seem to find it in him to regret it. Sensing the danger of his thoughts, he stepped away out of harm’s way.
Joe sucked in another breath that didn’t have Stuart’s intoxicating scent attached to it, willing it to help calm his raging hormones. Not daring a look at Stuart’s lust filled face, his willpower not strong enough to resist him again. The promises he’d made to himself taunted his lust-addled mind.
His stilted words filled the silence. “Thank you for saving me from Sarah. I’m tired, so I’ll just head up to bed, I’ll see you tomorrow.” Turning away before Stuart could respond, Joe all but ran as if the hounds of hell were chasing him, desperate to escape before he succumbed to Stuart’s smouldering stare. It didn’t help that it was laced with confusion making him look so adorable.
Stealing himself, Joe felt his hands fist at his sides as he willed his head not to turn back. Breathing a little easier with each step he took away from Stuart, who clearly clouded his judgement. It is for the best, it is, he reassured himself. He blatantly ignored his body begging he go back and finish what they’d started. Shaking himself, he wasn’t going to let his cock rule his head again, ever. It didn’t matter that his chest ached at the loss of Stuart’s warm hold. No, he needed to remember what would happen. Ruthlessly pulling up images of injures Joel had inflicted. Joe disregarded the nagging voice at the back of his mind telling him this was different.
Finding he couldn’t resist one final glance, instantly regretting it, his insides knotted at the grim determination on Stuart’s face. The utter fierceness of need had Joe racing inside, bolting his bedroom door when he reached it.
“It’s for the best, it is, it has to be for the best. It does.” Joe didn’t fail to hear the note desperation. The internal litany that said he was making a mistake didn’t help either. Lying down on the bed, tears spilt on to his icy cheeks dampening the cotton under his head. Curling into a ball he willed the ache of loneliness away, not entirely convinced he hadn’t made a big error of judgement when it came to Stuart. Rolling over, he pulled the duvet over his head, hiding in a cocoon, willing that when he woke up, things would be different, though not sure how.