Chapter 3

AS THOMAS led the way to the bedroom, he was surprised at his own eagerness. He’d had no plans to bring anyone home from the bar, but Zachary felt natural and right.

From the moment Thomas caught sight of him at Mata Hari—his warm, wide-set brown eyes looking at him from the end of the bar, the wind-tousled, light-colored hair curling around his ears and near his neck, that beautiful face, wide shoulders, and narrow waist, his long and surprisingly thick fingers—Thomas was drawn to Zachary. Of course he looked young and inexperienced, but when Thomas asked Randy and it turned out he was twenty-seven, Thomas gave himself permission to explore the attraction. It took no more than pointing Joe toward Zachary, where he stood alone by the piano with his drink, and Joe was off like a shot to bring him over.

In Thomas’s mind Joe was the ultimate litmus test. Anyone too hung up on himself to accept Joe’s kindness at face value, or egotistical enough to think Joe was trying to pick him up, wasn’t worth knowing. Zachary passed that test with flying colors and seemed not only happy to have met Joe, but also able to understand how special Joe really was. Combine good looks with that generosity of spirit, wit, and intelligence, a bit of sass for Randy—who could be intimidating as hell—and Thomas decided Zachary was someone he wanted to know better.

Of course the sex was strictly a one-time thing, but Zachary had the potential to become a friend afterward. Friendship was all Thomas could offer, thanks to Charles fucking Rumson, but friends were much harder to find than bed partners, anyway. Even after just a couple of hours of talk in the bar, he hoped Zachary would be one of those very few who lasted beyond the sex.

Thomas felt guilty, though, even as he drew Zachary into his bedroom. He realized he’d broken his own rule by bringing a man home without making clear that he let no one stay the night, he didn’t date, and he didn’t fuck anyone twice. It was a point of pride that he always warned his partners for the evening to steer away those who fantasized about something emotional and to avoid complications once they’d found their pleasure together.

Why didn’t I warn Zachary?

He wasn’t sure, unless…. Could it be he was unwilling to scare Zachary off until they’d had a night together? Perhaps, but if so, that streak of selfishness troubled him. Nevertheless, he decided not to ruin the moment by bringing it up.

In the bedroom Thomas quieted his mind as he turned on the low bedside lamps. He liked just enough light to keep the mood intimate while allowing him to see the body and face of the night’s partner. His bedroom shades were open to reveal a stunning view of the Capitol dome, all lit up and glorious, but Zachary didn’t seem to notice. He had eyes only for Thomas, who unbuttoned Zachary’s oxford shirt while they kissed again. Their tongues stroked each other as he spread the shirt open, pushed it off Zachary’s shoulders, and let it drop to the floor.

Thomas broke the kiss to admire Zachary’s broad shoulders and long, lean muscles. His torso was winter pale and nearly hairless, and his nipples showed in relief as wide circles of brown against his marvelously smooth skin. Thomas gave in to the tingling sensation in his hands, which ached to stroke over lovely skin. He ran his fingertips lightly along Zachary’s neck and his chest and then down to his narrow waist. Zachary’s nipples pebbled around the edges as the nubs firmed like small erasers.

“You have a beautiful body, Zachary. Are you a swimmer?” Thomas asked in a low voice.

Zachary nodded. “Yes, for most of my life. I swam competitively in college, but I keep it up now.” He licked his lips, and his hands twitched. “Is it all right if I touch you?”

“I’ll be very disappointed if you don’t.”

Thomas pulled his own shirt off and enjoyed Zachary’s intake of breath in reaction to his body. Thomas worked out hard and knew the results were good. He was used to compliments, to the point they no longer did anything for him. But there was something in Zachary’s expression that went beyond mere admiration and was almost… predatory as he ran his eyes over Thomas’s body. That look made his cock thicken in his pants again. He was always the one in charge, the one to set the pace, but there was something about that look that made Thomas wonder what it would be like to be the prey instead of the hunter.

But that wouldn’t do—not in the short time they’d have together. Zachary leaned forward but hesitated, his desire clearly at war with his caution. Thomas murmured, “Don’t be nervous. I want this as much as you do.”

He took Zachary’s hand and pressed it to his own chest to stroke his nipple with the fingers of that hand. Zachary swallowed hard and then took over. He squeezed tightly and rolled the nipple between his fingers as he came in for another kiss, more passionate than nervous. Thomas opened for Zachary’s tongue and felt it slip into his mouth as Zachary’s confidence grew and they caressed each other’s bodies. He could feel Zachary’s erection against his thigh, and he was so hard himself that he thought he might injure his dick if he didn’t get it freed soon. So he broke the kiss again and stepped back to unfasten Zachary’s belt. Zachary kicked his shoes to the side and pulled off his pants. Thomas did the same and then reached one hand into his own black briefs to grasp his throbbing cock.

“What do you want, Zachary?” he asked, letting his eyes smolder. “Tell me. Let me make you feel good.” Zachary looked down at Thomas’s hand inside his briefs and reached out to tug off Thomas’s underwear. He lowered himself slowly to his knees and focused his eyes on Thomas’s erection.

“God, that’s a perfect dick. Will you put it in my mouth?” Zachary asked as he raised his eyes up to Thomas’s face and opened his jaw wide.

Thomas gripped the base of his thick cock, ran the head around Zachary’s lips, and left silver threads from the moisture leaking out of the slit. Then he moved his hips forward and slipped into the warm, wet mouth on offer. Zachary kept his gaze on Thomas’s face as he sucked gently. He ran his hands up Thomas’s thighs while he bobbed his head and took Thomas deeper and deeper into his mouth each time. Zachary swirled his tongue over the head and into the slit. Then he opened his jaw wider and swallowed the entire cock all the way into his throat.

“Shit, you’re talented,” Thomas swore under his breath. “Suck me. Yeah, like that,” he pleaded as he rocked his hips slightly. Not many people could handle Thomas’s girth the way Zachary just inhaled him, worked his tight throat muscles around the sensitive head, and brought Thomas toward climax too soon. He watched his dick disappear into Zachary’s mouth and then slip back into sight, all wet and glistening in the low light. Zachary’s lips stretched around the thick tube of flesh, and his tongue rasped lightly against its lower side as he moved his head forward and back to take the dick into his throat each time.

It almost killed Thomas, but he gently withdrew from Zachary’s mouth and whispered, “No way I’m going to come this soon. I want to see your cock.” He tugged Zachary to his feet and slid his hands down Zachary’s waist to push his boxer briefs to the ground.

Zachary’s long, slim erection was revealed, and as Thomas took it in his hand, he said admiringly, “Now that’s a prize at the bottom of a Cracker Jack box.” He stroked the smooth, velvety flesh.

Zachary grinned and thrust his hips so he moved in Thomas’s hand. “I’m glad you like my dick,” he murmured. “I like what you’re doing with it.”

Thomas kissed him again and smiled against Zachary’s lips. “Would you like to feel my mouth on this beautiful piece of meat?”

“God yes,” Zachary sighed, and Thomas maneuvered them to the bed. He pushed Zachary down so he was stretched across the comforter and then climbed between his thighs and guided his dick into his mouth. Zachary groaned as Thomas tightened his lips below the head and sucked on it. Zachary bucked his hips and shuddered. His muscles tensing, he put one hand on Thomas’s shoulder. “I’m so turned on. I’m afraid I’m going to come too fast.”

Thomas lifted his head off Zachary’s dick but encircled the shaft and ran his hand up and down the warm flesh in a twisting motion as he asked, “Do you want to come this way? Or maybe you’d like to get fucked.”

Zachary gasped, and his cock jerked in Thomas’s hand. “Holy shit. Just the thought of you inside me—”

“Good. I want that too.” He flattened his tongue and licked all around the head of Zachary’s dick to clean off the precome that welled up. Then he retrieved a bottle of lube and a condom from the nightstand, placed the condom in Zachary’s hand, and positioned his body to give him access to his cock while he returned to licking Zachary like an ice cream cone.

He poured some lube on his hand and rubbed small circles around Zachary’s hole. Then he took Zachary’s big dick back into his mouth and worked it, guided by the groans he was evoking. Zachary was loud and responsive, which Thomas appreciated in a bed partner.

Zachary’s hole spasmed as Thomas slipped one finger inside his ass. He felt Zachary lick up the length of his cock again, then roll a condom over his shaft, take the bottle of lube from Thomas, and coat the sheathed erection. Thomas added a second finger.

Zachary gasped, “Oh shit, Thomas. You’re gonna make me come. Please. I want to feel you slide into me.”

Thomas squeezed the base of Zachary’s cock tightly to delay his orgasm as he repositioned himself between Zachary’s smooth, warm thighs. Zachary lifted his legs onto Thomas’s shoulders, and Thomas moved forward until the shaft of his cock slipped along the crease of Zachary’s ass. He smiled at the handsome young man sprawled beneath him, all wanton and yearning.

“You’re a wonderful surprise, Zachary,” he murmured. “I had an intuition that we’d be good together, but I didn’t suspect you’d be quite this free.” He grasped his gloved shaft and rubbed the head in circles around Zachary’s rim. “You really turn me on.”

Zachary threw his head back and shut his eyes as he thrust his hips to try to capture Thomas’s cock and moaned, “You’re killing me, Thomas. Fuck me. Oh God, just fuck me.”

Thomas stopped his tease and positioned the thick head of his cock against Zachary’s opening. He applied pressure as he leaned forward, and he almost sighed as the head slid inside Zachary as smooth as silk. Most men resisted his size, but Zachary was so worked up that he seemed to draw Thomas in.

Zachary groaned again, and then his eyes were open and intent on Thomas’s as he said hoarsely, “That feels fucking amazing. You’re so damn thick. I want it inside me—all of it. Please, Thomas.”

“You got it, Zach,” Thomas said through clenched teeth. Then he pushed steadily until his cock was fully inside and his balls rested against Zach’s upturned ass.

Wait, when did he become Zach to me?

Never mind. He’d think about it later. “God, you feel good,” he moaned and pulled back so he could thrust forward again. Zach clenched his muscles to milk Thomas’s cock as he withdrew. “Jesus, that’s hot.” He stretched Zach’s thighs farther back so they could kiss as they fucked.

Zach surprised him by using his teeth to capture Thomas’s tongue gently, and that sent a surge of pleasure all the way down to his cock. The mischief in Zach’s eyes was enchanting as he compelled Thomas to keep his head still even as he rocked his hips. Zach’s long, hard dick was pressed between their bodies, and wetness from the tip smeared his belly. Zach reached up with one hand, found Thomas’s nipple, and squeezed and tugged on it in time with Thomas’s thrusts inside him to egg him on to fuck faster and harder. Even though Thomas was on top, Zach seemed to be in charge, and he pulled Thomas forward as he guided him toward a beautiful orgasm. That was as unexpected as it was new to Thomas, and it spurred him on to greater effort. He flexed his cock as he thrust upward with his hips and was delighted to see Zach’s eyes roll back.

Zach released the tongue between his teeth to gasp, “Shit, Thomas. I can’t hold off. Oh shit, oh shit,” and then his cock shot what seemed to be a gallon of come up his chest so it splattered against his chin, the pillows, and even the headboard behind him.

“Fuck,” Thomas cursed as his orgasm hit too and he felt his load empty into the rubber. He was pressed so deeply inside Zach that he was almost afraid he’d puncture an internal organ. “Ah, Zach, that’s too good,” he cried out as wave after wave of his orgasm washed over him and out his dick. Zach’s eyes were half-closed in ecstasy, and the glow of pleasure on his face warmed Thomas to the core.

Zach wrapped both arms tightly around him and held him until his body stopped trembling and finally stilled. With a groan Thomas shifted positions to allow Zach to lower his legs. Then he held the end of the condom as he slowly withdrew from Zach’s body.

Holy shit.

As he rolled onto his back, he pulled off the condom. He tied the end, threw it in the nearby wastebasket, and sagged back down onto the bed, still breathless. Something about the way Zach gave and took pleasure was utterly unique, and Thomas had to squash the thought, More….

Zach reached for him and then stopped with a chuckle. “Umm. I’m all sticky here. Do you have a towel?” Thomas gave him a quick kiss and got up to fetch a wet washcloth and a dry hand towel.

He knelt down by the side of the bed and ran the warm cloth over Zach’s body to carefully wipe off the river of come from his chest, his stomach, and then finally the head of his long cock. He followed up with the dry towel and took care of the lithe body in his bed as he made sure Zach was dry and comfortable.

Thomas’s stunned response to the way they fit together alarmed him, and he knew he had to pull his patented dick move. Yet he found himself delaying as he made sure Zach felt good.

He quickly swiped at his own chest and belly, swabbed at the headboard with a low laugh, tossed the washcloth and hand towel into the bathroom, and then climbed back into bed. Zach pressed his long, lean body against him and rested his head on Thomas’s shoulder. He whispered, “That was amazing. Thank you.”

His body fit perfectly, and Thomas held tight for one moment longer. He kissed Zach’s brow and told himself it was best to rip off the Band-Aid quickly. In a louder voice than he intended, Thomas turned his head and said, “You’re a tiger—I didn’t see that coming. I’m glad we had this chance, Zach. You’re going to have a lot of fun out there.”

He felt Zach freeze against his body as he clearly caught the unspoken message, “Out there with other guys. Not here with me.” After a long moment, Zach rolled his face away from Thomas and asked in a quiet tone, “Do you want me to leave?”

His disappointment made Thomas ache. “You’re more than welcome to stay the night this one time,” he answered and only then realized he had broken another one of his entrenched rules. For the first time in Thomas didn’t know how long, he wanted to see more of this surprising young man.

Would it be so bad?

He choked down the thought as well as the regret he felt at pushing Zach away. What if he were wrong again? What if Zach were just putting on an act of normalcy and naïveté? Thomas couldn’t take the risk because, even dead, Charles Rumson was still fucking up his life.

“You’re a beautiful man, Zach,” he said into the silence that lingered between them.

“So you said.” Zach climbed out of bed to look for his underwear. If Thomas had hoped to ease the awkwardness, he failed. Silence stretched. Zach’s long legs and lean flanks glowed in the dim room, and Thomas wanted to reach for him, even though he knew he would merely prolong things.

Zach suddenly whirled to face him, briefs in one hand and shirt clenched in the other. “Did I do something wrong, Thomas?”

Thomas’s resolve disappeared at the sadness he heard in that question. He stood up from the bed and reached out to touch Zach’s waist. “No, nothing wrong at all,” he said in his most reassuring voice. “This is just how it is with me. I don’t date. I don’t do repeats. With anyone.”

“God, I’m such an idiot,” Zach sighed. “I have so much to learn.” The disappointment was rapidly turning to hurt. That was par for the course. Normally Thomas would just let it alone, but he didn’t want Zach to beat himself up over Thomas’s issues.

“I’m sorry, Zach. I should have made it clear before we left the bar that sex is a one-time thing for me. I’d like to be your friend, but I can’t do anything more.”

Zach looked at him, and a little frown line appeared between his eyes. “Can’t? What does that mean?”

Well, shit. The man is quick. I should have left it alone after all.

“Nothing. I’m just an asshole. Okay? Ask Randy. He’ll tell you this is absolutely about me and not you. And I know that sounds like a cliché, but it’s true. Please don’t take it as an insult or a slight. You’re a hot man, Zach, and you’re going to meet a lot of other hot men. It’s what I said earlier—you should be a kid in a candy store and lick every lollipop you can find.”

That earned him a little smile. “I was always more partial to pop rocks,” Zach said, and the slightest smirk stretched his beautiful mouth.

Thomas relaxed a bit and stroked up and down Zach’s side. “How do you feel about Sweet Tarts?”

“Well, you were kind of tasty,” Zach teased. “Or are we still talking about candy?”

Relief washed over him. Good. Zach got it. Maybe Thomas would actually manage to keep a friend out of his own fucked-up situation. He hoped so, anyway because Zach had depths worth exploring. As a friend.

But maybe a little more time together first wouldn’t hurt? This one night?

Thomas grinned as he said, “I deserved that. Look, Zach, I’m being honest here. You can leave, which I completely understand, and I hope the next time we run into each other at Mata Hari, you’ll have a drink with me and give friendship a shot. You could also ignore me, which I would regret, and chalk this up to a life lesson.” He still had his hand on Zach, and he carefully began to stroke toward Zach’s chest. He didn’t quite graze his nipple, though he could tell it was getting stiff again. “But it’s only two in the morning, and I’m betting you don’t have to be up early on a Sunday. There was big talk earlier about taking the second round a little more slowly….”

Zach sank down onto the edge of the bed and bit his lower lip. Thomas sat beside him and looked at him with his best puppy-dog eyes as he let his hand drift down Zach’s firm belly. His fingertips grazed the wispy hair at the base of Zach’s hardening dick.

“You really are an asshole, aren’t you?” Zach observed, but a smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. “Well, if all I get is one night with the most handsome man in the world before I do a walk of shame in the morning, I’d better make it count.”

He fell forward and pushed Thomas onto his back. He brought his hands up around Thomas’s head and tightened his fingers in his wavy hair.

ZACHARY WOKE up in thick, white blankets and looked around the stark room, confused… until Thomas walked in with two mugs of coffee.

“I don’t know how you take it, so one is black and one is cream and sugar,” Thomas said as he held out both cups.

Zachary ran a hand through his hair and said, “Black is great, thanks.” He took the proffered mug and inhaled the strong aroma that wafted out. “That smells great. Thank you.”

“My pleasure.” Thomas took a sip from his mug, his eyes on Zachary’s neck. The silence stretched between them awkwardly. Finally Thomas said, “Help yourself to the shower, if you want. We worked up quite a sweat.”

Zachary nodded. “I will. Thanks.” He drank deeply from his mug, set it on the nightstand, and climbed out of bed. He hesitated and then said, “I’d better get cleaned up and out of your way.”

Fifteen minutes later Zachary buttoned up his overcoat, pushed open the glass door from the lobby, and emerged onto the street. He looked left and right as he tried to get his bearings, and then he started toward the Capitol. He felt the need to take a long walk while he figured out how he had misjudged the evening so badly.

Of course he had known Thomas was too sexy to find him worth pursuing. But he had felt a connection beyond the physical. Thomas did too. He was almost sure of it.

He tried to let the disappointment go. Maybe Thomas knew what he was talking about. Maybe Zachary needed to grow up, move on, and enjoy the bounty of good-looking men in the city. Be a kid in the candy store indeed.

But it would be hard to forget Thomas’s hands on his body or that look of wonder he gave Zachary when he came.

Zachary headed into the chill morning breeze, his head down in thought. He was completely unaware of the man in the silver-framed glasses who trailed after him.