All right. James officially had my attention. He’d probably had it from the moment I’d opened the door. He was a handsome man. I’d always had a thing for smart-looking, professorial types, which was funny because I’d never really dated one. My ex had the muscular build anyone expected from someone who’d worked construction his whole life. And the ex before him was Sharon, a beautiful brunette who owned a tattoo parlor. James had nothing in common with either of them. No doubt his collared shirt had some fancy label attached to it from a designer that no one outside of Los Angeles had ever heard of. He struck me as a peculiar combination of sophisticated and slightly…how shall I put this? Nerdy.
Yet he had the balls to walk into my kitchen and ask what kind of kinky shit I was into. Sure, his cheeks were as red as the tomatoes my mama put in her famous hot chili, but I had to give him credit. He only flinched a little when I set the wooden spoon aside, then leaned against the counter with my arms crossed.
“Interesting question, James. I suppose it depends on the moment and on my partner. How about you?”
“Um…”
I held his gaze intently and watched his Adam’s apple slide in his throat like he was trying to swallow a whole grapefruit. After a long moment, I gave him a reassuring half smile I hoped translated as a life preserver, so he wouldn’t panic and run out of the room. The storm outside was raging, and it had only just begun. We were stuck together for the next twenty-four hours or more, and I didn’t want him to be uncomfortable. Hell, I didn’t want either of us to be uncomfortable.
“You don’t have to answer that. Your kinks are your business. It’s personal,” I said kindly.
“Right. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have asked. That was awkward,” he huffed, licking his lips nervously. “I apologize.”
“No need to apologize. It’s all good,” I replied, reaching for the wooden spoon.
“No, really. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have—”
“You apologize one more time, and I’m gonna paint your back porch red,” I chided playfully as I wagged the wooden spoon at him.
James chuckled, but his cheeks went a shade pinker. And fuck, that was cute. He lifted his wineglass to his mouth and took a long drink before setting it on the butcher-block-topped island. He stuffed his hands into his pockets and inclined his head meaningfully.
“The kitchen is amazing. It’s so bright and airy,” he said in a somewhat businesslike tone that didn’t quite match the compliment.
“Thank you.” I stirred the chili absently but couldn’t resist adding one more teasing remark. “So we’re done talking about kinks? That’s too bad, ’cause as thrilling as it was to tear out the old cabinets and get these new ones up, it just doesn’t really compare to bondage and puppy play.”
James threw his hands in the air and planted himself on one of the metal barstools at the island. “Okay, okay. I get it. I’m a dork. I swear, I’m normal in my everyday life. These photo shoots for Clay always get me turned around. Usually it’s okay because I can hide behind my camera, but some days…I wonder why I do it.”
I gave a half laugh as I pulled a loaf of French bread from the bakery bag. I set the bread in the oven before turning to my guest.
“Oh, come on. Who wouldn’t want to get paid to take photos of sexy, naked men? If I had an ounce of your talent, I’d do it in a heartbeat.”
He shrugged sheepishly and inclined his head. “Yeah, well…thanks. I guess it’s a good gig.”
“I bet. I might be jealous. Although I imagine the mechanics of getting the perfect shot takes away some of the sexiness.”
“So we’re still talking about this?” he asked, tugging at the collar of his shirt in a faux “it’s hot in here” gesture.
I chuckled softly. “We don’t have to.”
“It’s okay. You’re right. Giving a series of commands like ‘Tilt your head to the left’ or ‘Put your hand on his ass…no, lower’ is just…work. It’s titillating and provocative for sure, but hey, I’m a professional. I can handle a few naked men without getting a hard-on.” He waited a beat before adding, “Most of the time.”
We both snickered, then started when a clap of thunder seemed to shake the house. The lights flickered a couple of times, and wind lashed at the windows ferociously. I’d been through my fair share of weather, but something told me the California kid was new to this.
“Don’t worry. We’ve got everything we need here.”
“Are you sure? It sounds like the storm is on top of us,” he said weakly.
“It might be, but we’re prepared either way. We’ve got plenty of food and a brand-new generator. We’ll ride this out in style. Trust me. This isn’t my first rodeo. Let’s eat. The chili is nice and warm. I can make a salad real quick and—”
“That’s okay. Chili and bread is perfect.”
I pulled two large bowls from the cabinet and filled them to the brim before rescuing the bread from the oven. I gathered utensils and napkins, then slid both bowls across the island.
“Here you go. Would you like some more wine?”
“Yes. I’ll get it.” James stood and headed toward the bottle of Pinot on the counter near the sink. “Are you going to have some too?”
“Sure. Why not?”
“Where are your glasses? I’ll pour.”
“Second cabinet on your right. But you’re not supposed to be serving yourself. You’re my guest. There’s probably a rule against it somewhere,” I joked.
He huffed in amusement as he filled a wineglass. “We should probably let those rules go tonight. This doesn’t feel like an ordinary situation. The more I have to do or think about, the less I’ll freak out…over the storm, of course.”
“Of course.” I thanked him for the wine just as a bolt of lightning flashed through the kitchen window, followed by an immediate boom. The poor guy nearly jumped out of his skin.
“Holy crap.”
I squeezed his shoulder reassuringly and held his gaze when a zing of awareness shot through me. James obviously felt it too; his eyes widened as he licked his lips nervously. I didn’t want him to be scared. Of the storm…or me. “Come sit down.”
We settled next to each other at the island and tucked into our meal, chatting amicably about the weather until another round of thunder and lightning interrupted us.
James went perfectly still this time before fixing me with an incredulous stare. “How are you so relaxed? That’s crazy shit out there.”
I raised my brows expressively. “Yep. Crazy shit indeed. There’s no sense worrying about it. Mother Nature is gonna do her thing whether you like it or not. Try to get in your happy zone for the next twenty-four hours.”
“How?”
“Tell me about something that makes you smile,” I suggested, spooning a bite of chili.
“Okay. Um, cookies, puppies, funny movies, and a nice glass of wine after a long day. How about you?”
“Same. But I’d add a few things…like my first cup of coffee in the morning, a roaring fire, a raging storm, the quiet afterward, a warm bed, good whiskey, and wild sex.” I winked before lifting my spoon to my mouth.
“Minus the storm, I agree.” James fixated on my lips, then met my eyes and blushed.
Damn. That was…hot. I wiggled on my barstool to ease some pressure from my overworked zipper. My attempt at neutral, soothing conversation wasn’t going well. I had to switch topics again. Fast.
“What’s your favorite holiday?” I asked.
“Hmm. I guess Halloween.”
“Why?”
“It’s easy and fun. You can participate or not. Up to you.”
“So you like the noncommittal aspect,” I said.
James tore his bread in half and quirked a smile. “Maybe. No other holiday gives you that freedom. Except maybe the fourth of July.”
“I never thought of it that way, but I s’pose you’re right. But those are the things I love about big holidays like Christmas. I don’t see my family as much as I used to, so it’s nice to get together. I might not always look forward to hangin’ out with the in-laws, but we can usually set aside our differences for the day and help assemble gifts for the kids while Mom fusses in the kitchen and Dad snoozes on the recliner in front of a football game. It’s the one easy day out of the year. A truce day of sorts, ya know?”
James shook his head with a wistful look. “That’s cool, but I can’t relate. I don’t really have a family to hang out with. My mom is usually traveling, and I haven’t seen my dad in a long time.”
I narrowed my eyes as I twisted to face him. “Christmas is next week. What are you doing this year?”
He shrugged. “I was invited to a friend’s house for dinner. They do a small gift exchange and…it should be fun.”
“Your tone says the exact opposite,” I huffed before sipping my wine.
James let out a half laugh. “Don’t feel sorry for me. I make it fun.”
“How?”
“A Christmas movie or two followed by a Harry Potter marathon is high entertainment in my book.”
“Hmm. What’s your favorite Christmas movie?”
“Elf,” he replied quickly. “What’s yours?”
“A Christmas Story.”
“I’ve never seen that one.”
I gave him the “What the fuck?” look he deserved. “How can that be? Are you really telling me that you’ve sat alone on Christmas day more than once and not watched the best movie ever?”
James snickered. “Well, does Home Alone rate? I watch that one every other year for sure.”
I smacked my palm on my forehead and groaned. “It’s good, but I’m not sure it’s gonna erase what I just heard. I’ll see if I can find it on cable tonight or tomorrow. You need some educatin’, boy.”
“Boy? You sound like an old man…or a cranky old teacher.”
“You’re using the word ‘old’ liberally,” I singsonged in a faux-menacing tone. “Are you trying to start something?”
James pursed his lips as if to hold back his laughter. “I wouldn’t dare. How old are you, anyway?”
“Thirty-seven.”
“I’m twenty-nine.” He widened his eyes playfully. “Geez, I guess you really are an old man.”
“Where’s that wooden spoon when I need it?”
James grinned as he held his hands up in surrender. “Sorry. I’ll be good. And I’ll even watch an old Christmas movie with you if you want.”
“Excellent. You won’t be sorry. It’s a good one. But if it’s not on, I’m sure we’ll find something else we can agree on. How do you feel about Die Hard?”
“I love it,” he replied before launching into an enthusiastic speech about unexpected holiday movies.
I propped my foot on the bottom rung of his barstool and studied his animated features. James was one of those good-looking guys who became model handsome when he relaxed. His gorgeous smile highlighted his full lips and brought a spark of mischief to his pretty blue eyes. He seemed to visibly open up. He spread his knees a little farther apart as he rested his elbow on the back of his stool. I caught the hint of a tattoo on his forearm when he unbuttoned his cuff to roll up his sleeves. I almost asked if he was too warm, but I didn’t want to interrupt him and pull him out of the moment. Thunder rattled the windows at least twice more, but he didn’t seem bothered or nervous. I wanted to keep it that way.
When I segued into my recent Netflix binges, I accidentally sparked a whole new round of conversation. I gathered our bowls and didn’t argue when James insisted on helping me clean up. Standing side-by-side at the kitchen sink while he broke down his favorite cooking shows, dramas, and comedies as we washed and dried our dishes was surprisingly…nice. He was easier company than I imagined, and I wasn’t in a hurry to part ways for the night.
Thankfully, the storm was on my side.
Crack. Boom!
“Jesus Christ!” he yelped, flattening his hand to his chest. “I have a feeling I won’t be getting much sleep tonight.”
“You’ll be just fine,” I assured him. “There’s a big flat-screen in the family room if you want to watch TV. I’ll just see to the fire in the living room and—”
“I’ll come with you. I’m a little too jumpy to watch anything. Unless…shoot. Sorry. Were you ready to go to bed? ’Cause if you are, that’s totally cool. I’ll be fine. I should probably read the script anyway. Just tell me where my room is and—”
“Hey, relax. I’m not going anywhere, and you don’t have to watch TV. Why don’t you join me by the fire? Bring your script. I can help you study your lines.”
He rolled his eyes. “Thanks, but I’ll save that for later.”
“Do it. It’ll be fun.” I hooked my arm over his shoulders companionably and handed over his wineglass, then led the way back to the formal living area.
James paused to grab his computer bag while I opened a new bottle of Pinot. I refilled our glasses before adding another log to the fire. I dusted my hands on my jeans, turning as he settled into the chair he’d vacated earlier.
He held up a sheath of papers with a crooked grin. “Thank God for wine. This could be ridiculously embarrassing.”
I sat next to him and let out a sarcastic huff. “If you ask me, admitting you haven’t seen A Christmas Story is a hell of a lot more embarrassing than reading about two guys who have the hots for each other. That is what this is about, right?”
“No idea, but it looks like he included a synopsis,” he replied, turning over the first page. He cleared his throat dramatically and began to read. “Damien and Mark are madly in love, but when Mark’s spending habits threaten their relationship, Damien proposes an unconventional fix to get them back on track. Note to Jamie…black-and-white film, three proposed settings with three props. Living room, bedroom, woodshed. Collar, Japanese bondage rope, belt.”
“Damn.” I rolled up the sleeves on my sweater and whistled. “You’ve got my attention, Jamie.”
“Uh…maybe a movie would be a better idea,” he said in a raspy voice.
I held up my palm. “How about if I read it?”
He hesitated for a moment, then handed it over. “I might need a safe word.”
“Hell, I might need a safe word. All righty, let’s see what kind of smutty things kids are into these days.” I folded back the first page, glancing up at him briefly before continuing in a low theatric voice. “It was a dark and stormy night…”
He snickered. “I know Clay. It does not say that. Try again.”
“Okay…here goes. Setting one. Argument in living room. Damien confronts Mark about spending habits. Damien says, ‘We talked about this. We agreed to consult each other about big-ticket purchases.’ Mark’s name is next, but there’s no dialogue,” I reported.
James furrowed his brow. “That’s weird. Maybe I skipped something in the notes.”
I turned back and reread the first page. “Oh, yeah. It says it’s a one-way reading. ‘Damien will deliver the line, and Mark will respond. Read cues.’ Like an ad-lib thing, eh?”
“That’s strange. Clay never does that.”
“Let’s try it. I’ll be Damien. You be Mark,” I suggested.
“All right,” he conceded with a wry smile. “But if this gets too weird, I’m out.”
“Deal. What’s your safe word?”
James cocked his head curiously. “I was kidding.”
I shrugged. “Let’s go with ‘thunder.’ Just in case.”
“And what’s yours? ‘Lightning’?”
“Oh, yeah. I like that.” I waggled my brows lasciviously. “Here we go. ‘You spend too much money’…blah, blah, blah. Your turn.”
“Um…I didn’t mean to. It was a great deal and I couldn’t refuse.”
I pointed at the text. “There’s an asterisk that says you’re supposed to say you tried to call me to explain.”
James rolled his eyes. “I tried to call you.”
“You’re lying. There were no missed messages on my cell. We can’t keep doing this, babe. Maybe we should call it quits.” I peered over the script and motioned that it was his turn. “Now you grovel.”
“Grovel? Oh, for fuck’s sake,” he groused.
“C’mon, you got this.”
He let out a beleaguered sigh and tried again. “No, please.”
“Nope. Say it like you mean it.”
James shot a piercing look at me. “You’re enjoying yourself, aren’t you?”
I made a funny face and then a scared one when the wind gusted fiercely outside. “Yep. I can’t wait to see what happens next. Relax and have fun with it. It’s just pretend…babe.”
He snort-laughed and nodded. “Okay. What was the cue?”
“You’re groveling.”
“Right. ‘Um…please, no,’ ” he said stiffly. “That’s not what I want.”
“ ‘Me either.’ And we have another cue. This one is circled in red ink. I think you need to scoot closer. He filled in some lines for Mark. Ooh, sexy ones too. Something tells me it’s about to get kinky in here,” I singsonged, casting an amused glance at James when he shifted uncomfortably. I moved the small table between us and pulled his chair next to mine before continuing in a serious tone. “I don’t want that either. What if we tried taking on more traditional roles like we talked about?”
James leaned sideways to read the part I indicated. “You mean where you’re in charge of…everything?”
“Yes, but it would be a mutual agreement. We’d set rules together and consequences for not following those rules.”
“Like what? Are you going to spank me if I don’t obey you?” James read, flashing a deadpan glance my way.
“Yes. Discipline would play a big part in our relationship. If you refuse to follow the rules, I’d be in charge of setting you straight.” I smirked. “This is so fucking corny. I love it. I think you’re supposed to say the next line in a breathy voice.”
He played along, twitching his nose in amusement. “What would you do?”
“We’d discuss it. No surprises. The overspending thing is getting to be an epidemic. I’d spank your bare ass till it was bright red for sure.”
“Fuck. That’s kind of hot,” James said in a low tone. I wasn’t sure if he’d realized he’d spoken aloud, because he was definitely off-script. He raked his teeth over his plump bottom lip and read, “I don’t know. That sounds kinky. Not much like punishment. I think I’d like it.”
“There’s such thing as a balance between pleasure and pain.”
“Yes. I know. I’d rather explore the pleasure part. I have an idea. Let’s try it. Let’s do the whole daddy thing. I’ll let you be in charge. We can do the whole collar and whip thing. I’ll let you tie me down and have your way with me. And if I’m naughty…I’ll let you take me over your knee.”
James and I shared a look that backfired on both of us. The sexy dialogue, the brush of his arm against mine, and the warmth of the fire set the stage for romance or something like it. I cleared my throat, intending to crack a joke. But that wasn’t how it went down.
“Are you into that?” I asked.
He narrowed his eyes. “Is that question in the script?”
“No. That’s me wondering if this is your kink.”
James twisted to face me, sipping his wine before replying, “Yeah. A little. I haven’t done much, but I admit, just reading about this stuff is, um…kind of a turn-on.”
I reached behind us to set the script on the table. “What have you done?”
I thought for sure he’d chastise me for veering into personal territory. We weren’t friends. We were strangers. But not the kind who could claim complete immunity. We were part of a business transaction of sorts. I was basically a stand-in for my parents, for fuck’s sake. Getting too personal with a guest was a no-no. But the storm and circumstance had given us a unique opportunity to explore something we certainly wouldn’t have otherwise. I had a feeling he sensed it too.
“My ex was into toys. Dildos and butt plugs mainly, but he brought handcuffs home one day and that was…really hot. Until I realized they probably belonged to his brother-in-law, who happened to be a cop,” he said with a self-deprecating half laugh.
“If they belonged to a real police officer, wouldn’t he need a key?”
“For all I know, he had one. It’s hard to keep track of the details when your hands are bound, your legs are spread, and you’ve just been—oh. Oops.” He snickered softly and sat back in his chair. “I think I’m tipsy. I’ll behave.”
I swallowed hard and gave him a thorough once-over, lingering for a long moment on his mouth. “No need to behave on my account, but…maybe we should find a Christmas special on TV or—”
Crack!
James widened his eyes, then shook his head. “No. Let’s keep reading.”
I smiled. “All right. Where were we?”
“I think you’re going to spank me. I mean…Damien is going to, um…” He took a deep breath and released it with a nervous laugh. “This isn’t that big of a deal. The initial part of the shoot is a setup for the real action. There’s usually a sensual lead-in. If this scene takes place in the living room, it’s going to be something tame…ish.”
I willed my dick to behave as I reached for the script again.
“Let’s see. Um…I’m gonna skim a few pages to get the gist. It looks like the boys agree to add discipline to their relationship. The scene you’re supposed to photograph is Mark with his shirt off in Damien’s arms. He has notes here, like kiss and hug. And then he wants a series of shots with Mark undressing and—holy fuck. I’m getting a hard-on,” I deadpanned.
James threw his head back and laughed when I tossed the script at him. He sobered quickly when he read on. “Mark should be wearing boyfriend briefs. Damien is wearing jeans and…okay. That’s…very sexy.”
“How far do they actually go?” I croaked. “I mean, is he going to spank his boyfriend or is it just implied?”
“It’s a photograph, not a video. You’re supposed to fill in the blanks yourself. If Clay wants black-and-white film, it won’t matter. The viewer won’t see pink cheeks. But Mark and Damien are real-life boyfriends and they’re not shy, so yeah…he’ll spank him.”
“Wow. That’s…”
“Too much?” he intercepted. “I warned you.”
“You did.” I picked up my wineglass and swirled the burgundy liquid. “So, how many photos will you take?”
“Dozens. It’s not about capturing the action. It’s about the tone and the mood. The way they look at each other, hands on skin, and contrasts in coloring and expression. Every photo should pull you in and make you want to turn the page.”
“Hmm. How do you begin?”
“Like I said, this is the lead-in scene. I’ll probably set it in front of the fireplace. Those windows provide great natural light, and if it’s cloudy tomorrow that’s even better.”
“Are they going to sit or stand?”
James jumped up abruptly and moved behind me with his hands spread like he was framing a scene. “Stand, definitely. I’ll want the chairs out of the way.”
I got up and pushed the chairs and the small table aside for him. “How’s that?”
“Good. That should work. Would you mind being a stand-in for a second?” He motioned for me to step toward the fireplace. “Move to your right. A little more. That’s perfect. Damien is muscular like you. He’ll probably wear jeans and a T-shirt.”
“I can take my sweater off,” I suggested with a half smile.
“That’s not necessary. I can—”
I slipped the garment over my head and tossed it over the back of the chair. “Does this help?”
James licked his lips and stared at my chest for a long moment without speaking. “Um…yes. Could you put your hand on the mantel?”
I struck a casual pose. “Like this?”
He closed the space between us and gently adjusted my elbow. “Yes.”
“Where will Mark be?” I asked softly.
His Adam’s apple slid theatrically in his throat as he inched closer. “Here.”
The scene was set. Two long-term lovers had agreed to something they hoped would strengthen their bond. They’d introduced a new set of rules with a twist.
I didn’t give a fuck about Damien and Mark, but James fascinated me. His quirky intensity appealed to me on a level I didn’t really understand. Or maybe it was the implied element of danger. A sexy stranger didn’t turn up on my doorstep in a storm every day. This felt bigger than us somehow. Like an opportunity we were supposed to take. And the hungry look in his eyes and the furtive glance at my crotch made it clear he felt this too.
“Then what happens?”
He cleared his throat before studying the page again. “I’ll take a few pics to show Damien, um…taking control.”
“How do you show that without words?”
“It’s in the look. I might ask Damien to raise his hand, like he’s beckoning Mark closer.”
“Like this?” I hooked my finger, pleased when James closed the distance until we stood toe to toe.
“Yes. I’ll probably take a few photos of him unbuttoning Mark’s shirt and…”
“Like this?” I held his gaze as I undid the first few buttons on his oxford shirt.
Yes, I’d officially crossed a line. This was where he’d tell me to fuck off and back the hell up. I didn’t think he would, though. He was wound so tight with need, he practically vibrated. The urge to pull him against me and stick my tongue down his throat was strong. But he had to give me the reins. I held my breath and waited for him to decide what came next.
James nodded. “Y-yes. But then he stops.”
I stopped. I raised my hands, noting his unsteady breath when he opened his mouth and closed it…twice.
“Good call. If it were me, I’d tell him to undress himself. Slowly,” I said in a huskier than normal voice.
“You would?”
“Yeah. It’s a balance of power. It’s given freely…with trust. He wants to please his lover and himself at the same time. Am I right?”
He licked his lips. “Yes. That’s it. He’ll tell him to take his clothes off. One piece at a time. He’ll demand it.”
I pulled the script from his hands, fixing him with a no-nonsense look before inclining my head meaningfully. “Unbutton your shirt, James.”
“Me? What are you—what are we doing?”
“What do you want to do?” I countered. “Be honest.”
“I…I…uh.”
“Okay. I’ll go first.” I dropped the script on the side table, then brushed my thumb over his stubbled chin. “I want you.”
“But you don’t know me.”
I flashed a pirate’s smile. “You’re right. That doesn’t change anything. I feel like I’m supposed to know you. Like there’s something painfully familiar about you. Some kind of déjà vu. Like we’ve been here before, but we didn’t get it right. Don’t ask me what that means. I’m not sure. I’m dizzy and hard as a fucking rock right now. Maybe the rush of blood to my dick is messing with my head.”
James lowered his gaze, lingering on my crotch for so long, my cock twitched hopefully in my jeans.
“So that’s for me?”
“Yeah. Go on. You can touch. I won’t bite…unless you want me to,” I teased.
His nostrils flared and his hands shook as he curled his fingers around my denim-clad hard-on. “Fuck, you’re big.”
“That’s your fault.” I chuckled. “You’re doing a number on me with your naughty story. It doesn’t help that you’re so damn beautiful.”
“Me?” he asked incredulously.
“Yeah, you. Your eyes, your mouth, and that sexy body. Maybe I’m getting this all wrong, but if you feel it too and if you want to do something about it, I’m here. I can be your model or your muse…” I caressed his jaw tenderly before flashing a wicked grin. “Or if you just need a good old-fashioned spankin’, I'm happy to oblige.”
James barked a quick laugh and tightened his grip on my shaft. “Yes.”
“Yes, what? Be specific. Tell me what you what me to do,” I commanded.
“I want—” He paused, then shook his head as if embarrassed. “I can’t do that. Specifics make me blush and feel like a teenage idiot, which of course, makes my dick shrivel. I can’t be specific about anything unless I’m behind a camera. But hey…anything you want to do is fine by me.”
“Anything? Well, let’s start here.” I pulled him against me roughly and crashed my mouth over his.
He hummed into the connection, licking my lips and pushing his tongue into my mouth. I tilted my hips, lining my obvious erection alongside his. The friction was pure bliss. James groaned at the contact and wrapped his arms around my neck. In spite of what he’d just said, James seemed to know exactly what he wanted. He gyrated like a pole dancer as he twisted his tongue in time with the rhythmic sway of his hips.
I bit his bottom lip, then licked his jawline before moving south, tugging his shirt from his khakis. The second I finished the tedious chore of unbuttoning, I was all over him. My hands were in his hair, roving down his back, kneading his ass. I surrounded him and took control. I pushed the fabric over his shoulders and met him thrust for thrust as he humped me, devouring him with passionate kisses until the need for oxygen had us gasping for air.
“Oh, fuck. You feel so good,” he gulped. “More, please.”
“No more. Tell me what you want.” I smacked his ass. “And don’t lie to me.”
“Did you just spank me?”
“I did. And I’ll do it again if you don’t tell me the truth.”
James shivered slightly and let out an orgasmic moan. “I’m never telling the truth again.”
I chuckled, pulling him against me in an impromptu hug that was more affectionate than anything. I couldn’t help it. He was cute as fuck.
“You are one sexy motherfucker. I’m not sure I’ve ever met anyone like you. You’re a man on the edge. You’re used to sitting on the outside looking in, but you want a taste of everything you photograph, don’t you?”
He pushed back slightly and pursed his lips. When he didn’t reply, I smacked his ass again, accidentally forcing his erection against mine. He hummed as he swayed into me and kissed my neck.
“I want to follow the script,” he replied breathlessly. “No strings attached.”
“So you want me to fuck you, suck you…spank you. What else? You said ropes and a collar. You want me to tie you up, make you mine?”
The air suddenly seemed thick. The fire flickered and crackled beside us, rain poured, and the wind howled outside. We were safe and warm and dry, but something dangerous had begun. All it took was one word from him.
“Yes.”
I smiled before sucking his bottom lip. I licked it better, then whispered, “Undress for me and get on your knees.”
James froze. Maybe he was weighing potential consequences, maybe the wine got to him. I didn’t blink and I didn’t speak. I waited. Ten minutes later…okay, ten seconds later…he toed off his shoes, unbuckled his belt, unbuttoned and unzipped his khakis, and shoved them down his legs. I stared at the wet spot on his boxer briefs and motioned for him to remove them too.
“What about you?”
I didn’t respond. He must have sensed I wasn’t going to. He lowered his gaze in a funny act of contrition, then gripped himself through the cotton briefs. Before I had a chance to scold him, he hooked his thumbs under the elastic and freed his thick cock.
“Fuck, you’re gorgeous,” I said unthinking. He was damn perfect, actually. Long, thick, veiny, and slick with precum. I swallowed hard and crooked my finger. “C’mere, baby.”
James obeyed. He lifted his chin and closed his eyes when I kissed him. He opened his eyes with a gasp when I curled my fingers around his shaft and stroked him languidly.
“So good,” he moaned.
“Mmm. Yes. But don’t make me repeat myself,” I warned, tracing his crack with one hand while I brushed the tip of his leaking cock with the other. He whimpered softly, thrusting his hips into my fist and wiggling back in a wordless quest to get his ass in on the action. I released him, nipping at his jaw playfully before stepping aside.
James got the message. He fell to his knees on the Persian rug in front of the fire and stared at my overburdened zipper, then looked up at me expectantly. I pulled my T-shirt over my head and threw it toward the chairs a few feet away. I unbuckled my belt and paused with one hand on the thick leather strap to set my free hand under his chin. And damn, his sex-hazed expression nearly brought me to my knees. Want, need, trust, and so much fucking desire.
“Can I suck you?” he asked breathlessly.
“Yes. Unzip me.” I waited for him to comply, pleased when he glanced up for further instruction. “Pull my jeans down, leave my boxers on.…That’s good. Now put your mouth on my cock.”
“Like this?” James licked me through the cotton barrier, humming as he mouthed my shaft and nudged my balls with his nose.
I chuckled when he used his teeth to tug at the fabric and expose my wide mushroom head. I pushed his forehead back slightly to slide my boxers over my ass. Then I gripped myself at the base and tapped my cock against his cheek before rubbing it across his lips, painting the seam of his mouth with my precum.
“Do you like to suck cock?”
“Yes.”
“Are you good at it?”
“Yes. I’m very good,” he assured me, flicking his tongue over the crown and twirling it.
I grabbed a fistful of his hair to stop him ’cause I had a feeling that once we got started, slowing down would be damn near impossible.
“I’m gonna let you show me just how good you are, and I want to see you jack yourself at the same time. Can you do that for me?”
“Yes.” He dove for my dick, growling in frustration when I pulled away.
“One more thing. When I say stop, you stop.”
“What if I don’t?”
“I’ll have to punish you.”
James trembled slightly, tightening his hold on my cock. I braced for him to swallow me in one greedy gulp, but he had a few tricks to show me first. He stroked me slowly as he sucked my balls, one at a time. Then he flicked the sensitive skin underneath with the tip of his tongue before licking me up one side and down the other. The brush of his scruffy jaw against my upper thigh was a nice contrast. I liked everything he was doing, but I wanted much more. And thankfully, he knew it.
He glanced up at me with a devilish grin, licked his palm, and stroked himself a few times before kneeling up and swallowing me whole. I held on to the mantel for purchase and watched his head bob in time to the slide of his fist on his dick. He pulled back for air, stroking us both as he gazed at me.
“I’m getting close.”
“Not yet, baby. Give me a little more.” I grabbed his hair again and tapped my dick on his lips. It was a risky maneuver ’cause I was on the edge too. But somehow I knew he wanted me to push his limits. He opened his mouth wide and got to work. He caressed my balls and squeezed my ass meaningfully. And that was when I let go. I tilted my hips and thrust gently at first. When he hummed in approval, I fucked his mouth in earnest. Christ, he was beautiful. So open and free…and mine. I frowned at that thought and immediately lost my rhythm.
I pushed him back and met his confused gaze with a matching one. What the hell was I thinking? James wasn’t mine. I didn’t know him. I shouldn’t know exactly what he wanted right now. But I did.
I quickly kicked off my shoes and stepped out of my jeans before pulling him to his feet and into my arms. James clung to me as I spread his cheeks, massaging his hole while we made out in a passionate frenzy. He reached between us to grip us both, smearing our combined precum and jacking us in unison just as I pushed my finger inside.
“Oh, fuck. Can I come?”
Holy shit. I bit his chin and licked until James met my gaze. I hooked my finger and wrapped my other hand around his and fucked our fists and nodded.
“Now.”
Cum spurted between us, shooting over my stomach and hand. I thought it was all him at first, but a wave of intense pleasure hit me at the same time. I roared with the force of my orgasm, holding him close as we rode out the aftermath.
I brushed my nose under his jaw, then kissed him tenderly and stepped back. James opened and closed his mouth twice.
“That was…amazing. And so messy,” he commented, glancing at the cum dripping on his fingers.
“Messy is good. How do we taste?” I asked. He licked his hand, then offered it to me, groaning aloud when I sucked his thumb. “Delicious.”
“Yes. Very delicious.” James chuckled. “I’m torn between wishing I could’ve held off longer and wishing I’d come sooner.”
I gave him a crooked smile. “You’re just a good boy who wants to be bad, aren’t you?”
“Maybe so.” He looked away, then bent to pick up his clothes.
“You goin’ somewhere?”
“Uh, well…I’m not sure where to go. I don’t even know where my room is…or what that says about me. Believe it or not, it’s not normal for me to get buck-ass naked in a foreign place with the first attractive guy I meet. I’m very picky and relatively classy, but…wow. Look at me.”
“I am, and I think you look classy as fuck,” I drawled, turning to bank the fire and gather my clothing.
“Yeah, well…”
I kissed his cheek and grinned when he wiped his hands on my T-shirt. “Come on upstairs and clean up, classy boy.”