Chapter 16
“Well, that wasn’t how I expected this afternoon to go.” Ford pushed into Trevor’s arms and leaned on him.
“How did you expect it to go?” Trevor rubbed circles on his back and kissed the side of his head.
“I don’t know.” Ford shrugged. “I guess I thought we’d go over there and they’d be upset on the inside but courteous on the outside and I’d talk to them and they’d get to know you and then they’d be less upset but still need time to process everything and we’d drink tea and come home.”
“That’s pretty much what happened.”
“Were we at the same place?” Ford stared at Trevor disbelievingly. “Because I remember my father saying my career and my life were essentially over and acting rude to the point of yelling, which never happens, and then suddenly flipping a switch and being perfectly fine with my being gay and marrying a man and then launching into a marathon election planning session, which ended only because my mother refused to cancel their dinner plans.”
“Right.” Trevor nodded. “That happened too.”
“Care to clarify those seemingly conflicting descriptions?” Ford arched his eyebrows in question.
“One applies to your mother and the other to your father.”
“True, which is also weird.” He furrowed his brow. “I’d have expected my mom to be more understanding about this.”
“From the short period of time I spent with your parents, I’d say your mother is more…” Trevor tried to think of a description that wasn’t insulting. “Sincere in her religious beliefs while your father is more…” He went through his mental thesaurus again. “Devoted to politics. So she’s worried about your soul and eternal damnation while he’s focused on getting you elected.” Trevor’s bank account would help with the latter, but not the former.
“That’s probably a fair summary. I’ve worried about both of those things over the years.”
“Are you still worried?” Trevor lowered his hands and kneaded Ford’s backside.
“About my soul, no.” He shook his head. “Being with you is a gift, not a sin. My mom’ll figure that out once she spends more time with you.”
“She told me she’d pray for us.” Trevor cleared his throat. “I’m not completely sure if she meant it as a good thing.”
“She did. My mom doesn’t use God as a weapon.”
Which made her different from most religious people Trevor knew. “That’s good.” Trevor unsnapped and unzipped Ford’s chinos and then slipped his hands down the back of his underwear.
“What’re you doing?”
“Playing with your ass.” He squeezed both cheeks, spread them apart, and then squeezed them again. “What about the election worry? Do you still have that?”
“Election worry?” Ford pushed back against Trevor’s hands and whimpered.
“Mmm hmm. You said you’ve worried about it over the years. Do you still think coming out’ll make you unelectable?”
“It’ll make it more difficult, that’s for sure, and running as an independent means I’m on my own, no safety net. But if you’re serious about making up for contributions I’ll lose—”
“You don’t need that safety net. You have experience, intelligence, and commitment; your net was on the ground anyway. But, yes, I’m serious about funding the entire race, start to finish.” Trevor tugged Ford forward and met his gaze. “Whatever you need, I’m here.”
“Then I’m winning no matter how the election turns out.” Ford kissed the underside of Trevor’s chin. “But, yeah, I feel pretty good about my chances for the Senate.”
“I’m feeling pretty good about my chances too.” Trevor rocked against the erection nudging his hip and dipped his fingers into Ford’s crease. “Really good.” He slanted his lips over Ford’s and slid his tongue into his mouth.
“Mmm,” Ford moaned. “Trevor.”
“Let’s take this into the bed—”
A ringing phone interrupted him.
“That’s one of my sisters.” Ford rested his forehead against Trevor’s and tried to catch his breath. “I’d ignore it but my guess is my mother called them and shared the news, so if I don’t answer, they’ll show up at the door.”
“Take the call.” Trevor kissed Ford’s cheek and stepped back. “I’ll go rummage through the kitchen and see what there is to eat.”
If Ford’s sisters knew about their engagement, it was only a matter of time before word got to Trevor’s parents. He didn’t want them to be caught off guard, so he reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone as he walked. His mother didn’t answer but he knew she’d call back. Sure enough, by the time he was pouring milk down the drain, his phone rang.
“Hi, Mom.”
“I missed your call.”
“Yes. Give me a second.” He turned the water on hot and stuck his tongue underneath it, hoping to wash away the horrific sour flavor.
“Trevor? Are you okay?”
“I’m fine.” He turned off the faucet and wiped the back of his hand across his mouth.
“You don’t sound good.”
“My taste buds are rebelling because I exposed them to bad milk.” He spit into the sink. “I’ll be okay.”
“You should really check the expiration date before drinking dairy. Do you have something strong to get rid of the taste?”
“I did check the date. It was supposed to be good until tomorrow. And I’m at Ford’s place, so there’s no chance of finding tequila, which is the only thing that’ll get rid of this flavor.”
“You’re at his house?”
“Yes. In St. Louis.”
“Be careful, Trevor. It’s not DC but people might still see you and then they’ll have questions. If he isn’t ready to answer them…”
“That’s why I’m calling, actually. He’s ready.” He pulled a paper towel off the roll and scrubbed it over his tongue. “I’m going to bring him over to meet you and Dad, but I have appointments in San Francisco this week and I don’t know if Dad’s traveling, so I want to tell you now.”
“He’s going public with your relationship?”
“Yes.” Trevor’s chest swelled. “We’re getting married.”
“Married?” His always composed mother’s voice cracked. “Oh, Trevor. I’m so happy for you.”
“Thank you. I’m happy too. Really happy.”
“Good.” She cleared her throat. “What’s his plan?”
“His plan?”
“Yes. I’ve heard whispers about Bradford Hollingsworth retiring, presumably because of the Aceve mess. I assume Ford will run for his seat?”
“Yes, he’s going to run for the Senate.” Trevor didn’t bother asking how she got her information. His mother knew things almost before they happened. “But Ford said his father’s stepping down because he’s sick. He didn’t mention a thing about Aceve.” He opened the refrigerator and looked for something to take away the horrible flavor still coating his tongue. “I have no idea if that’s true, but I guess it doesn’t matter now.”
“It probably doesn’t for purposes of the election, but I’ll keep my ears open. You did tell him though, right?”
He picked up a bottle of orange juice. “Tell him what?”
“You told Ford about William Brody’s allegations and what you did to stop him from going public about Bradford Hollingsworth’s role?”
“No.” He got a glass from the cabinet and poured the juice. “We took care of it. Telling Ford about it will only upset him.”
“Trevor Moga,” his mother snapped. “You know better than that.”
“What?” He froze, the glass halfway to his mouth.
“What did we teach you about trusting family?”
“We can only trust each other. Nobody else,” he repeated by rote.
“That’s right. The world is full of people who use you and cast you aside. The only ones you can trust without question or hesitation are family, but that only works if you tell each other the truth always and in all things. There are no such things as white lies made to spare feelings. Do you understand what I’m saying?”
“Yes.” Trevor set the glass down and reflected on his upbringing, once again realizing that what he had dismissed as a shadow of a relationship between his parents was actually deeper and stronger than anything he had seen on television.
“If you’re marrying him, that makes him family, Trevor. Omissions are lies just the same as mistruths. You have to be honest with him about the allegations and everything else from now on. No exceptions.”
“You’re right, Mom. I’ll tell him.”
“Good.” She cleared her throat. “When you have your schedule worked out, let me know. In the meantime, I’ll look into the election landscape in Missouri so we can be prepared to talk to Ford about the race. We don’t have much time to put a campaign together.”
“His father said the same thing. He’s already making plans.” Trevor chuckled and shook his head. “Bet you never thought you and Dad would be teaming up with Senator Hollingsworth for anything.”
“That I didn’t, but you know what they say. Politics makes strange bedfellows. It seems the opposite is true too.”
“Bedfellows make strange politics?”
“That’s right. Congratulations, Trevor. You made a great choice.”
Yes, he had.
“So you threatened him?”
“I’m not sure threatened is the right word.” Trevor clasped his hands together and clicked his tongue against the roof of his mouth. “Yes, I guess it is the right word.” He nodded. “I threatened him. He went away. Problem solved.”
Ford blinked rapidly. “I don’t think I like that. Threatening people is…” He shook his head. “I shouldn’t need to do that. Doing the right thing means not hiding what I do.”
“Well, you didn’t do it. I did. And you’re not hiding anything.”
“But you think my father is?”
“I honestly don’t know. Does it matter?”
Leaning back against the couch, Ford frowned. “I don’t know. He’s sick. That’s not a lie.”
There wasn’t anything else to say. Ford’s father had health issues and they were either the cause of his retirement or an excuse for it. The bottom line was he was done with politics. Digging up whatever skeletons he had buried from his time in office wouldn’t help anyone, least of all Ford.
Reaching for a distraction, Trevor said, “Shouldn’t you be thanking me?”
“Thanking you?”
“Yes.” Trevor nodded. “I scared away the bad guy. That means you need to show your gratitude.”
“We shouldn’t call him a bad guy. He’s a person who might have made a bad decision.”
“You’re adorable.” Trevor gazed at Ford fondly. “And I’m still waiting for my thank you.”
“Thank you?”
“That sounded like a question.” Trevor grinned and lunged for Ford, grabbing him and rolling onto his back with Ford on top of him. Then he locked his legs around Ford’s, holding him in place. “Say it like you mean it.”
“How exactly do I say it like I mean it?” Ford smiled and circled his arms around Trevor’s neck.
“Blow jobs usually work if you want to sound sincere.”
Ford snorted. “I’m not in the best position to do that right at this second.” He lightly pushed against Trevor’s legs.
“Hmm. Good point. Guess I better release you.” Trevor pressed his lips to Ford’s. “Let me just do this one thing first.” He slid their mouths together again and again, occasionally darting his tongue out or nipping at Ford’s lips. “You taste good.”
“I think you’re hungry for dinner.”
“That’s true. Your kitchen is completely bare.” He released his hold on Ford and thrust his hips up. “You’re free.” And Trevor was hard. “Get to work.”
“You mean bring you food?” he asked cheekily. “I have cereal.”
“Don’t.” Trevor’s stomach rolled. “I can’t think of cereal without thinking of milk.”
“What’s wrong with milk?”
“Usually nothing, but when I was in the kitchen earlier, I tried yours and—” He shuddered.
“It was bad?”
“Let’s just say you’re out of milk, and if I get sick, we’ll know why.”
“Aww, poor baby.” Ford combed his fingers through Trevor’s hair, his eyes sparkling. “Do you need me to make you feel better?”
“Yes.” He bucked again, shoving his erection against Ford’s belly.
“Soda water?”
Trevor shook his head and circled his hips.
“Alka-Seltzer?”
Another head shake, and this time, he dropped one leg to the floor, creating plenty of room where he wanted Ford’s attention.
“Tea?” Ford smirked.
Trevor grunted in frustration.
“What could possibly make you feel better?”
“Your mouth on my dick.”
Ford’s cheeks reddened, which only served to ramp Trevor up higher. He loved Ford’s shy side, especially in bed. Loved how dirty talk turned him on, how eager he was for it, but how he was still embarrassed and bashful. The contrast of hungry sexuality and sweet innocence pushed all of Trevor’s buttons.
“Do you need help?” Trevor squeezed his hands between their bodies, unfastened his pants, and shoved his underwear under his balls. “There. I’m ready.”
Ford glanced down and shivered.
“Like what you see?”
“Yeah,” Ford groaned. “I like it a lot.” He rose and sat on his heels. “You’re so beautiful, Trevor.” He skated one finger from the head of Trevor’s cock to the base. “I love looking at you.” He circled his fingertip across Trevor’s glans and over his slit. “Touching you.” He raised his finger to his mouth and lapped at the wetness. “Tasting you.” He closed his eyes, his expression blissful. “You’re my fantasy.”
Moaning, Trevor pushed at Ford’s shoulders, nudging him down. “You need to suck me before I embarrass myself.”
“Happy to help.” His gaze still fixed on Trevor’s dick, Ford licked his lips and bent down. “Mmm.” He suckled on Trevor’s crown and then held onto his cock and lapped at it like a Popsicle. “Trevor,” he whispered reverently. “Love this.”
Though he tried to hold still and let Ford work at his own pace, the gentle ministrations and erotic image in front of him snapped his control. He tangled his fingers in Ford’s hair and tugged him into place. “Suck me.” He grabbed his cock and swiped it across Ford’s lips. “Open.”
With a happy whimper, Ford agreed. He parted his lips and took Trevor all the way in, surrounding his cock in wet warmth.
“Yes,” Trevor hissed and rocked his hips, pushing himself in and out of Ford’s mouth. “Ford, love you.”
“Mmm.” Ford moaned happily as Trevor took charge, holding him captive and using his mouth.
Saliva dripped down Trevor’s shaft. “You’re drooling for me, honey.”
Lust-filled eyes gazed up at him, and Ford parted his lips farther, opening himself for whatever Trevor wanted to take.
“That’s good.” Trevor gentled his hold and petted Ford’s hair while pumping in and out of his mouth. “I’m close. You ready to swallow me down?”
Hungry noises fell from Ford as he flared his nostrils, slapped his tongue against Trevor’s shaft, and moved his hips, humping thin air.
“Yes, you are.” Trevor arched his back and increased his pace, moving faster as he chased completion. “Here it comes. Here it comes. Here it—” He lost his words and his breath as bliss swept his body and shot out of his dick. “Ford!” He grasped Ford’s head and held him in place as he shot into his mouth. “Ford,” he said more softly once he could breathe again. He gentled his hold and caressed Ford’s hair. “Ford.”
“Trevor.” Ford’s chest heaved, his expression wild. He scrambled for his pants and freed his dick. “Trev.” He looked at Trevor wide-eyed and desperate. “Please.” Ford’s shaft was dark with blood, the skin stretched so tight it looked painful.
With energy he didn’t know he possessed, Trevor shoved him until he toppled onto the couch, back first, and then he crouched above him and sucked him down.
“Trevor!” Ford shouted, his entire body shaking.
Trevor didn’t tease or wait. He set a fast pace, rolled Ford’s balls, and pushed his fingertips against his perineum.
“I’m going to,” Ford said breathlessly just before he keened and hot seed pulsed onto Trevor’s waiting tongue.
“Love that.” Trevor licked his lips. “Love everything about it.” He kissed Ford’s balls and then scooted up and lay on top of him so they were face-to-face.
“I think you broke me. My legs don’t work.” Ford flopped his arm across his forehead.
“You make the best noises.” Trevor licked a swath up Ford’s cheek.
A buzzing sounded, and Ford said, “That’s not me.”
“Mph.” Trevor flicked his gaze around. “It’s your phone.”
“Oh. It’s probably my family again.”
“Do you need to get it?” Trevor buried his face in Ford’s neck and sucked on his skin, making sure to keep it light enough that there wouldn’t be marks.
“I should.”
But Ford didn’t make any effort to move, so Trevor rucked his shirt up and flicked his tongue over his nipple.
“Didn’t you already talk to them?” he mumbled against the pebbled nub.
“That was Kimberly who called so this time it’s either Laura or Judy.”
“How did Kimberly take the news?”
“Fine.” Ford combed his fingers through Trevor’s hair. “She mostly wanted to make sure I was okay.”
“You’re way better than okay.”
Ford snorted and smiled. “I don’t think she meant it the same way you do.”
“Hopefully not.” Trevor tugged on Ford’s lip with his own. “Are you okay, though? This was a big day.”
“Yeah, I am. I was ready.” He let out a deep breath. “How about you?” He petted the back of Trevor’s head. “Are you all recovered from your first ‘Meet the Parents’ experience.” Ford frowned and bit the side of his lips. “This was your first time meeting a guy’s parents, right?”
“Yes, it was, and you’re never allowed to tease me about being jealous again.”
“I’m not jealous.”
Trevor arched his eyebrows.
“Fine, maybe I’m a little jealous.” Ford glanced away. “I’ve probably had less than a dozen encounters my whole life and you’ve been regularly dating for what? Twenty years? Twenty-five? That’s a lot of guys I’m competing with.”
“You’re not competing with anyone.” Trevor tipped to his side and wrapped his arm around Ford, keeping him close so he wouldn’t roll off the couch. “Nobody holds a candle to you.”
Ford gulped and looked at Trevor from underneath his lashes. “Why?”
“Why?” Trevor scrunched his eyebrows together.
“You’re a catch, Trevor.” Ford curled his palm under Trevor’s chin and gazed at him. “You’re gorgeous and brilliant and the nicest person I’ve ever met.” He rubbed his cheek against Trevor’s. “I’m not sure what I did to get your attention.”
“You have a great ass.”
Ford barked out a laugh. “You are not with me because of my butt.”
“No, I’m not.” Trevor looked at him, making sure to keep his expression neutral. “I like your dick too.”
“Stop it!”
“Fine. You’re loyal and honest to your core. You’re smart and driven. You’re sweet and sexy. And I promise, you have nothing to worry about when it comes to other guys, but if you’re ever concerned, remind me and I’ll show you how much I mean it.”
“How are you going to show me?”
“I’ll write you a sonnet?”
Ford arched his eyebrows and chuckled. “Do you even know what a sonnet is?”
“It’s a poem.”
“What kind of poem?”
“Uh… Something about a girl from Nantucket?”
“Maybe you better stick to something you know.”
“I’ll buy you a struggling company and make it successful?”
“I’m going to have a rich husband. I don’t need a struggling company.”
“Hmm.” Trevor pressed his lips together and pretended to think it over. “How about I bury my face in your ass and lick you until you’re wet and shaking and coming all over my hand. Would that work?”
“That,” Ford croaked and then cleared his throat. “That should do it.”
“Okay, good. We have a plan.”