NELSON STUMBLED through the door of his hotel room. He dropped his coat on the floor, kicked off his shoes, and face-planted on the bed. He was so damn exhausted he barely had the energy to roll over, but with his nose pressed to the soft down comforter, it was either muster up the strength or suffocate. An hour and a half of sleep in two days simply wasn’t enough to function on. He’d kicked ass with the crashed computer system, even if it took him twelve hours to get them back up and running. Sad thing was it should have taken half that time, but the constant interruption and questions from SG’s IT department guaranteed Nelson earned his pay for the day and then some. He curled up on his side, and the instant he closed his eyes, the darkness sucked him down.
Nelson jerked awake, scanning the dark room, wildly trying to figure out where in the hell he was. It took him a second to realize he was in his hotel room, and someone banging on the door had woken him. He slid from the bed, still in a sleep-induced haze, and wiped the drool from his chin. Damn, he’d been out, like, dead for…. He glanced at the illuminated red numbers on the digital clock—ten after nine. He’d only been asleep for an hour and a half.
Without bothering to check the peephole or ask who it was, Nelson flung open the door and was instantly wide-awake when he found Luke standing there with a dimpled grin and looking too good for mere words.
Luke ruffled Nelson’s hair as he stepped past him. “Now I see why you didn’t answer your phone.”
Nelson did his best to smooth down his bed head. “Someone kept me up past my bedtime last night,” he grumbled and shut the door.
“Whatever! I slept like a champ, all warm and snuggly.” Luke surveyed the room. “I see dinner hasn’t been delivered yet.”
“Dinner?”
“Yeah, I ordered room service for us. I had this sneaking feeling you were sleeping, so I figured you wouldn’t be up for hitting the restaurant.”
Nelson rummaged in his bag, looking for some clean clothes. “Ever think maybe I had dinner with my client?”
“I thought we agreed to have dinner together.” Luke cocked his head. “Did you already eat?”
“No, but…” Nelson pulled out a pair of jeans and a T-shirt, tucked them under his arm, and stared at Luke, trying to come up with a witty response for his oversight. Obviously he wasn’t as awake as he thought because he had nothing. “I’m starved,” he finally admitted.
Luke flopped down on the couch, propped up his feet on the coffee table, and grinned smugly. “See, all the years removed, and I still know what you need.”
“Mmm-hmm. If you know me so well, let’s hear what you ordered for me.”
“You hate most vegetables except potatoes and corn, which, by the way, I don’t consider real veggies. You’re a total meat, potatoes, and bread kind of guy. You dislike your foods to touch each other on your plate. You start with one thing, eat it all before moving to the next thing on your plate, and always save your most favorite—which is usually the meat—for last.” Luke tapped a finger on his chin, staring up like he was looking for information in the ceiling. He suddenly snapped his fingers. “You think yogurt is disgusting—both the taste and the word—and if you smell cabbage cooking, you get physically ill.” Luke’s smug grin grew. “How’d I do?”
Nelson stared at him with his mouth open, completely in shock. How did Luke remember all that? Hell, to this day, his mom still couldn’t remember what he liked. It wasn’t a huge surprise when he’d come home from college and she’d made stew, the ingredients all swimming together, touching. Yuck! Nelson remembered eating a lot of pizza, chips, and junk when he and Luke got together. Sure, they often checked out what their moms were cooking, then decided where to eat, but honestly, Nelson couldn’t remember the meals, only that Luke was always sitting next to him.
“Holy shit, I can’t believe you remembered all that,” Nelson remarked in awe. “But as impressed as I am, you didn’t answer my question.”
“I ordered a bit of everything and some wine to wash it down.”
Nelson’s shock grew. “You’re kidding me, right? I can’t afford that, and there is no way my boss is going to pick up that tab.” Way to go, big mouth. He should have just maxed out his credit card rather than admit he was broke.
Luke waved him off. “I charged it to my room. Now will you quit worrying and go get showered? Our food will be here soon. And toss me that remote, will ya?”
“I can’t let you pay for my dinner two nights in a row,” Nelson insisted. “I’ll cover dinner tonight.”
“It’s not open to discussion. Now toss me that remote,” Luke repeated.
Unwilling to argue about it, Nelson picked up the remote from the bedside table and lobed it to Luke, who caught it easily. After turning the screen so they could see it from the couch, Nelson headed to the bathroom.
Beneath the hot spray of the shower, Nelson thought about the conversation he and Luke just had. Nelson remembered a lot about Luke, but what he ate obviously wasn’t a priority back then. He did remember Luke always ate a lot because he seemed to be hungry all the time, but not what he ate. Nelson wondered what other minute details he missed because he’d been too busy fantasizing and drooling over Luke’s hot bod.
That wasn’t true. Sure, it was the one thing he remembered the most, but Nelson had been able to look past his raging hormones once in a while. He knew Luke had a big heart, had been the big man on campus yet a champion of the underdog. He was always been a great listener and always had Nelson’s back.
Oh Jesus. Maybe it was hero envy he’d had and not love. What did a kid of thirteen know about love? About as much as Nelson knew at twenty-three.
A SOFT rap on the door, followed by “Room service,” had Luke clicking off the TV and going to the door.
A young man in a suit complete with bow tie stood on the other side of the door with a cart piled high with silver-covered dishes. “Good evening, sir.”
“Hi, c’mon in,” Luke instructed. He stepped back and allowed the man to push his cart into the room.
“Where would you like me to set up?”
Luke walked over to the cart, picked up one of the silver domes, and deeply inhaled the scent of oregano and basil wafting up from the spaghetti. His stomach growled in response. “I’ll take it from here,” Luke informed him. He pulled a twenty from his pocket and handed it to him.
The server nodded. “Thank you, sir. Have a good evening.”
Luke pulled the small table into the center of the room, pushed the cart up next to it, and placed two chairs side by side. He set the candle in the center of the table, followed by dishes, silverware, then poured them each a glass of wine.
“Something smells good.”
“It’s me,” Luke teased. He looked up to find Nelson standing next to the bathroom door, his damp hair slicked back, his skin still flushed from his shower, looking even more delicious than the meal.
“You bathing in spaghetti sauce these days?” Nelson laughed.
“Maybe.” Luke gestured toward one of the chairs. “Your dinner awaits you, sir.”
“Awesome. I’m starved.” Nelson sat in the chair, laid a napkin on his lap, and picked up his fork. “This looks amazing.”
“Steak, potato, and bread—none of which are touching the other—for you, and spaghetti for me,” Luke commented and took the seat next to Nelson. He picked up his wineglass and held it up. “To finding each other again.”
Nelson picked up his glass and clinked it against Luke’s. “I’ll drink to that.” He took a sip, and Luke couldn’t help but laugh at the way Nelson wrinkled his nose.
“I told you it grows on you.”
“Uh-huh. I think I’ll stick to bourbon or water.”
Nelson pinched off a piece of bread and popped it into his mouth. He licked his finger, causing Luke’s breathing to increase, and he had to look away. Fuck, even watching Nelson eat got him revved up. He picked up his fork and twirled it in his noodles while his brain scrambled for a conversation topic to distract him for way his dick was tingling and filling.
“So tell me about this dream of yours to open a bakery. You know, I’m a decent cook myself.”
Nelson finished his bite of steak before answering. “You cook?”
“Yeah, I find it kind of relaxing. Although I don’t get a lot of opportunity since I’m rarely home. I should clarify I’m good with a skillet or pot, but the oven and I are not friends.”
“Baking can be a bit… trying. It’s all trial and error, really. I love trying to create new things, and it doesn’t hurt when they work. I have a bit of a sweet tooth.”
“So do I.” Luke refilled his wineglass and took a large sip. “I was serious. You’ll have to make me something warm and gooey.”
Real or imagined, Luke caught the way Nelson swallowed hard and the way he shifted in his seat when he nodded. Luke also didn’t miss the way Nelson suddenly seemed interested in the food on his plate. Was he thinking the same thing Luke was? Warm and gooey could describe what he’d enjoy lying in bed with Nelson. Probably not. He doubted anyone had their mind in the gutter as often as he did. Nelson’s nearness and the hint of his freshly washed skin was enough to ensure Luke’s mind stayed down in the sludge.
Luke pulled the cover off another plate. “We’ll have to settle for hotel-made pastries rather than homemade, I’m afraid.” He picked up the plate as well as his wineglass. “C’mon, we’ll get comfy on the sofa and watch TV while enjoying these.”
Nelson dropped his napkin on his plate and followed Luke.
KICKED BACK on the couch, Luke patted his belly. “Now that was a damn fine meal.”
“I see you still eat like it’s a sporting event.”
“I’m a growing boy.”
Nelson rolled his head to the side and gave Luke a disbelieving look.
“What? I am.”
“Uh-huh.”
A comfortable silence fell over them while they let their food digest. On TV the Red Wings were in an exciting overtime match with Vancouver, yet Luke’s attention kept straying toward Nelson. He smelled so damn good from his recent shower. That smile, that look, the alcohol….
He turned his head and took another sip of his wine. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t ignore the heat radiating off Nelson or the look of lust—real or perceived—on his handsome face. Both, either, didn’t matter. All Luke knew was his skin tingled and his throat had gone dry. He took another healthy drink. No one affected him as acutely as Nelson. Perhaps it was the remembrance of youthful desires. That time in Luke’s life seemed so full of wonder, exploration, and excitement.
Staring at Nelson, memories of shared sloppy kisses, fumbling fingers, and the feelings he had for Nelson came rushing back and refused to be ignored. He downed the rest of his wine, set the glass aside, and before he could think better of it, gave in to those old desires. He leaned over and pressed his lips to Nelson’s. Whether it was the alcohol, the memories or true attraction, Luke wasn’t sure. Apparently the reason didn’t matter as he threaded his fingers through Nelson’s hair and moved closer.
It was the last thing Luke had expected to do, but he couldn’t deny how right it felt to be kissing Nelson again. It was as if he’d been transported back ten years to his small bedroom, and nothing in the world meant more to him than his best friend.
Luke brought up both hands to hold Nelson’s face, the feeling both familiar and foreign. He’d explored every inch of Nelson’s body, touched and tasted, but the stubbled jaw, the skill of the kiss—no longer sloppy and awkward—reminded Luke they were no longer children. The clink of glass on wood, then hands pressed against Luke’s chest, pushing him down onto the couch. Luke was bigger, stronger, and he could stop this if he wanted to. But he must not have wanted it to stop because he lay back, Nelson nestling into him, chest to chest, groin to groin, as they continued to explore each other’s mouths. Luke’s hard cock twitched, and he moved a little, seeking some friction.
Nelson ended the kiss, sat back, and straddled Luke, reminiscent of the position Nelson so often took when they were in another room in another time and at another place. Luke’s breath hitched when their erections rubbed against each other and saw heat flare in Nelson’s eyes.
Luke settled his hands on Nelson’s hips. “Damn, I always loved it when you gave me that look.”
“What look?” Nelson asked. He splayed his hands on Luke’s chest, rocking a little, and the lust caused those light-blue eyes to darken as his pupils dilated.
“That one. The one screaming that you like what I’m doing to you. How good I’m making you feel.”
“You always made me feel good,” Nelson replied. His words were a little slurred. Luke hoped it was the pleasure that caused it and not the wine.
Luke tightened his hold on Nelson’s hips, encouraging him to move faster, enjoying the look of bliss on Nelson’s face nearly as much as the friction on Luke’s cock.
However, a moment later, Nelson was biting his bottom lip, breathing harshly through his nose, and he was digging his fingers into the muscles on Luke’s chest. “You gotta slow down a little or else I’m going to blow in my pants,” Nelson panted but kept rocking, thrusting his cock against Luke’s. “Drive me out of my mind.”
Luke slid his hands down to Nelson’s thighs, pressed down hard to stop his movements. “Don’t you dare. It’s been far, far too long since I’ve had my hands on your body. Ain’t no way you’re coming till I’ve had my fill.”
Nelson tried to thrust, but Luke held fast. Nelson huffed a heavy breath. “You always were pushy.”
“Off,” Luke demanded, shoving Nelson.
Nelson went to his feet, a frown marring his brow. Luke didn’t let him question the situation for long. He stood, grabbed the hem of Nelson’s shirt, yanked it over his head, and tossed it aside. Luke then bent, wrapped his arms around Nelson, and took his mouth in a blistering kiss. Luke ran his hands down the warm flesh of Nelson’s back, moaning his pleasure as he slid his fingertips across every bit of skin he could reach. He explored Nelson’s mouth with his tongue as greedily as he explored his flesh with his hands, only ending the kiss when he’d maneuvered them to the bed. He pushed Nelson down on top of the mattress. He pulled off his shirt before joining Nelson. Those lust-filled eyes never left him, taking in each movement. Luke dipped his head to circle one hard nipple with his tongue.
He listened to Nelson’s breathing increase for a minute before hooking a finger in the waistband of Nelson’s pants. “You still have far too many clothes on.”
Nelson managed to kick his shoes off and rid himself of his pants and boxers, even though Luke never stopped licking and nipping at Nelson’s nipples. Only when Nelson was gloriously naked did Luke roll onto his back and rid himself of shoes and pants.
Nelson watched him from beneath long lashes and took his dick in hand, stroking himself. Luke knocked his hand away. “Quit that.”
“It feels good,” Nelson murmured. He closed his eyes and arched up. His long, slender cock slid through his loose fist, a clear drop of precome glistening at the tip, just begging to be tasted. “You used to like to watch me stroke myself.”
“Yes, well….” Luke slid down the bed and flicked out his tongue, tasting bitter sweetness. “Right now I’d rather taste you.” Nelson moaned, the deep husky sound like a strike of heat to Luke’s groin, so he did it again, this time opening his mouth around the head, teasing his tongue over the slit, searching out more of Nelson’s delicious flavor.
Nelson vibrated beneath him, muscles tense as if he were holding back the urge to thrust into Luke’s mouth. Luke wasn’t having it. This was a familiar dance. Nelson had been his first kiss, his first exploration, his first crush, if one could consider the fumbling of adolescents as a relationship. Luke took more of him in. Sliding his lips down, he carefully covered his teeth as he slid his hands under Nelson’s ass, urging him to move.
Nelson thrust, an audible hiss escaping him. He put both hands on Luke’s head, tightening his fingers in Luke’s hair painfully. “Jesus, you sure you had a girlfriend and not a boyfriend?” Nelson asked. Luke started to raise his head, but Nelson fisted Luke’s hair harder still, keeping him from moving farther away. “Oh my God, I’m such an idiot. Who cares? Forget I asked.”
Luke tugged slightly, loving the little sparks of pain Nelson’s grip produced, then greedily sucked Nelson down. He quickly relearned what Nelson liked. When Luke licked him, Nelson made small, needy sounds, and he would jerk his hips when Luke took him deeper. The hold Nelson had in his hair now was more petting and stroking than pulling. However, when Luke pulled back, he tightened those fingers again, not allowing Luke to move away too far. It was hot as fuck, and Luke pressed his palm to his dick, needing a little friction of his own but not stroking, knowing it wouldn’t take much to get off. He’d been amped up all night, and now that he was giving in to those old desires, they created new ones, brighter-burning ones. He didn’t want it to end. Plus there was no way he was going to blow until he got Nelson off.
Nelson began babbling incoherently, moaning and whimpering, his hips in constant motion. Luke slid one of his hands down and wrapped his fingers around Nelson’s balls, squeezing gently.
Nelson gasped and pushed Luke’s head back. “I’m going to—” Nelson arched his back, then went completely still for a heartbeat. The first blast of come landed on his chest, and he shuddered and jerked through each pulse of his release.
Luke pulled his hand away from his crotch and gritted his teeth, trying to hold off the inevitable. The sight of Nelson giving in to pleasure was almost enough to make Luke blow, and he didn’t want to miss a second of Nelson’s pleasure. When the tension in Nelson’s body relaxed and he lay there panting harshly, Luke rolled over onto his back next to him. Luke wrapped a fist around his cock, stroking it from base to tip. Heat shot down his spine, pulse racing, and he squeezed his eyes shut. Once, twice, and then he felt Nelson pushing his hand out of the way. Luke opened his eyes to find Nelson propped up on one arm, looking down at him.
Luke didn’t know how he’d lasted this long, but Nelson’s hand on him, jerking him, and the way Nelson was looking at him was enough to push Luke over the edge. His orgasm wrung out of him in one perfect stroke after another until spent, and his eyes fluttered closed.
“That was…. I don’t even know what to say,” Luke slurred. He was tingly and sleepy and just felt so fucking good he didn’t want to move. Wasn’t sure he could, even if he wanted to. He thought he heard Nelson grunt or say something. He might have even left the bed. Luke wasn’t sure. He was floating on a high of postorgasmic bliss and alcohol and was crashing fast. The last thing he was aware of before giving in to his need for sleep was the warmth of Nelson’s body against his and the smile it produced.