Chapter 23

 

OPENING his eyes was the last thing he did. First Eli stretched, arching his back against the mattress, feeling the tension and release vibrate from one end of his body to the other. Good God, but he felt fantastic—exhausted and fantastic. He slowly became aware of his perfect place between the sheets, sliding his legs and arms across them, welcoming the luxurious feel of them against his skin, relishing the weight of the comforter on top of him. His arm brushed over the cooler, left side of the bed, and he knew Alec wasn’t next to him, but still he didn’t open his eyes.

He simply rolled over and buried his face in Alec’s pillow, embracing it and breathing in his scent. He pressed his satisfied penis into the mattress, hardly believing it was stiffening again as he recalled Alec’s lips around it. He remembered the feel of Alec filling him, stretching him. He flexed his inner muscles, felt that ache, and smiled.

Next he allowed his ears to reach out. He didn’t hear the shower running, but he heard noises from the next room, or maybe the kitchen, faint and distant. And then the aroma of coffee reached him. His eyes came open then and found the room dim, muted light sneaking through the drawn curtains. Eli rolled over again and looked at the curtains. They’d been open to the night sky when Alec had taken him, the French doors slightly open, allowing a breeze to blow in from the balcony, across the bed and their naked, sweaty bodies.

He smiled and laughed a bit as he remembered how loud he’d been when he came, and how loud he’d been during the twenty minutes before that. Had they heard him on the street below? Had they figured out what he was doing or what was being done to him? Later, after a nap, they’d made love again, less hurried but just as passionate and the ending just as happy. Now he could smell a proper fry-up—or Alec’s version of one—and he realized he was starving. He sat up in bed and looked around the room. He could get used to this.

“Coffee?”Alec asked, appearing in the doorway wearing a T-shirt, pajama bottoms, and slippers, and bearing a mug with steam rising out of it.

Eli nodded. “Yes, please,” he croaked, then cleared his throat. Alec sat on the edge of the bed and passed the mug to him. Eli took a sip and sighed. Then, self-consciously, his hand went to his hair, which was, as he suspected, truly fucked. He smiled. Just like me.

“How’d you sleep?” Alec asked, reaching out and stroking his bare arm.

“Don’t remember sleeping.” Eli leaned forward and kissed Alec. “I just passed out. How about yourself?”

“Much the same. You wore me out, Mr. Burke.”

“Sorry,” Eli said, taking another sip and giving Alec a wicked smile. He was not sorry.

“No need to apologize. That kind of exhaustion I’ll always welcome.”

They kissed again, this time lingering and unwieldy, Eli rising up on his knees and almost spilling the coffee. They broke apart, laughing.

“Here,” Alec said, laughing and reaching for the mug, “let me take that. Hungry?”

“Very. Where are my clothes?” Eli looked around the room.

Alec was already at the door. “They’re in the chair, there, but I thought we might lounge around some, watching movies, eating, drinking—making love?” Eli smiled. “You’ll find some sweats and T-shirts in that dresser, there, and your cane is—” Alec pointed to the nightstand on Eli’s side of the bed.

“Thanks. I’ll just pop in the loo and join you at the table.” Alec nodded and disappeared. Eli slid out of bed, grabbed his walking stick, and approached the bathroom door, the bulk of which was frosted glass. He slid aside the pocket door and stepped over the threshold into an elegant space. As he remembered from his previous visit, there was no tub, just that grand shower. But he did take note of the evenly spaced hand rails set in the shower’s tiled wall. Those weren’t there before. To his right were dual sinks with oval mirrors above them framed in dark wood, possibly mahogany.

The room had a subtle masculine feel to it. The color scheme reminded him of a forest with its pale green tiles, warm brown walls, and dark wood trim. The vanity resembled a piece of furniture more than something you’d normally find in a bathroom. Eli ran his fingers over the surface, smiling appreciatively.

There was a small closet to his left, right before the shower, that he suspected held towels, and at the back of the room, beyond the shower, was another door. Eli went over and opened it, finally discovering the toilet. When he was done relieving himself, he stopped at one of the sinks to wash his hands and face. Curious, he opened the central medicine cabinet and found a toothbrush still in its package.

He fingered it thoughtfully, then glanced down at a silver cup on the vanity that held what was obviously Alec’s toothbrush. He closed the cabinet door and went back into the bedroom. He went to the dresser and fished out a pair of sweatpants and a T-shirt. Both were a bit big on him, but he tightened the drawstring on the pants sufficiently. He was about to search for his socks and shoes when he stumbled across a pair of leather slippers tucked neatly under the bed on his side.

He picked them up and examined them—they were his size. Not exactly a subtle invitation. Eli struggled between being annoyed or being thrilled that he was welcome.

“Eli, the food’s getting cold!” Alec called from the kitchen, so Eli put the slippers on and went to join his boyfriend.

The table was still in the living room by the windows, but the tablecloth was gone, revealing the glass beneath. Alec poured orange juice as Eli approached, and instead of candles, there was now a glass vase with a few roses in it. Eli took his seat, smiled at Alec, and began to eat. The food was delicious and still sufficiently hot. He cocked an eyebrow at Alec, wordlessly asking a question as he ate.

Alec grinned shyly. “Breakfast I can do.”

“I’d say so.”

They continued in silence for a while, both desperately needing sustenance. Then Alec spotted Eli’s footwear through the table top.

“Oh… you, uh…” Alec said, wiping his mouth and quickly sipping some juice, “you found those, I see.”

“Yes, and how odd that they’re in my size. And how very strange that there’s an extra, brand new toothbrush in your cupboard and hand grips in your shower.”

Alec grinned shyly. “Well, yes… I wanted you to have everything you’d need when you’re here.”

“When I’m here?”

“Eli, I’m not going to lie to you.” Alec sighed. “I would love for you to move in, to live here with me, but I know that has to be your decision. I’m not pushing.”

“Just making it damn near irresistible.”

“I’m not apologizing for that,” Alec said, smiling. Eli returned it, watching fondly as Alec unconsciously raked his hand through his hair to get it off his face. He was suddenly reminded how frightful his hair must look. Haircut, next thing on my list.

When they finished their meal, they carried the dishes to the kitchen, and Eli began filling the sink with hot water, adding a squirt of liquid soap.

“I have a dishwasher,” Alec said.

“It’s just a few things. I’ll help.”

As the suds grew in the sink, Eli added the dishes, and Alec stepped up behind him, close behind him, encircling him with his arms and reaching around to shut off the water. Alec’s hands covered Eli’s in the hot, soapy water. Together they grabbed a sponge and slowly began washing a plate. Alec nibbled Eli’s earlobe, causing him to shiver, grin, and lay his head back against Alec’s shoulder.

He felt so at home in those arms. “What movie would you like to watch?”

“Movie?” Alec asked.

“You said we’d be lounging and watching movies.” Eli stopped washing and turned within Alec’s arms to face him. “You don’t have a game today?”

“Uh… there’s a friendly scrimmage this afternoon, but I’m not going.” Alec’s lips found Eli’s neck again. “I’d rather stay in with you.”

“Good to know,” Eli said as he gripped the back of Alec’s head with his sudsy hands and brought their mouths and tongues together. He raised his leg, wrapping it around Alec a bit to bring him forward, pressing them more tightly against each other as Alec’s hands, still hot from the water, slid past the waist of Eli’s sweatpants and cupped his bottom, squeezing and pulling a moan from him. Alec’s grip and the rim of the sink held Eli safely in place as his cane leaned unattended in the corner where the oven met the counter.

“You know, the other day,” Alec panted, as Eli kissed him between his words, “I was daydreaming at my desk.”

Eli grinned against Alec’s lips. “Tell me,” he whispered.

“I had you in the shower, and we—”

A knock at the door cut him off, and both he and Eli groaned out loud. They smiled and rested their heads against each other, waiting, hoping, that whoever it was would move on. But when the knock came again, followed closely by the doorbell, they sighed and released each other.

“I’ll meet you in the shower,” Eli said, grabbing his cane and following close behind Alec to the door. He kept walking as Alec paused in front of the door, tamping down his arousal before opening it.

Eli was nearly to the bedroom when he heard Alec say, “Dray?”

 

 

ALEC’S stomach dropped when he saw Dray’s bright smile, and he almost groaned out loud. Not now! From the corner of his eye, he could see Eli had frozen and turned back around.

“Hey, Alec,” Dray said, gliding through the door, carrying two coffees. “Conley had to go to the field early, and I thought maybe I could give you a ride to the scrimmage.”

Bracing himself, Alec glanced at Eli, but his boyfriend was simply standing there watching them from the hall. “D-Dray, I’m not going to the scrimmage.”

“Really? Conley said he’d call you for me. I was working late last night, or I would have done it myself.” Alec saw a brief puzzled look pass over Dray’s face when he spotted the table for two by the windows, but the man recovered quickly and smiled brightly. “Coffee?” He held one of the cups out to Alec.

Before Alec could respond, Eli did. “We’ve already had our coffee,” he said, stepping from the shadow of the hallway.

Dray’s eyes widened. Obviously he hadn’t expected to see him. “Erby! How are you, love?”

“I’m great, Dray,” Eli said, slowly advancing. “Fucking fantastic! Bloody brilliant! Now what the f—?”

“Eli—”

“No, Alec! Enough!” He pulled his eyes away from Alec and looked directly at Dray again. “You are to stay the fuck away from Alec. Do you hear me?”

Dray sipped his coffee and grinned. “Now, Eli, don’t get so worked—”

“Up? Don’t get so worked up?!” Eli took several steps closer to them, and Alec moved to intercept his boyfriend. He knew Eli had a temper, but he’d never seen anything like this. The shift in him from how he was mere moments before was staggering. “You pulled the same shit with Bennett!”

“Eli,” Alec said, taking hold of his shoulders and holding him in place and away from Dray, “I’m not interested in Dray.” He gently shook Eli, forcing him to meet his gaze. “I’ve told you that several times.”

“It’s true, Erby. He’s told me more than once he’s not interested.”

Alec ignored Dray. “Why don’t you believe me, babe?” he asked, gazing into Eli’s eyes and stroking his face. He could feel the tension in Eli, a low hum of fury running through him, and he still didn’t understand it, not completely.

With him blocking Eli’s view of Dray, his boyfriend softened. “I’m… I’m sorry. He just… he has this… this way of—”

Alec kissed Eli deeply. “Trust me,” he whispered. “Trust that I love you.”

Eli smiled, closed his eyes, and melted against Alec. “You love me?”

“Absolutely,” Alec said, kissing him again.

“I don’t think you’ve ever said that before.”

Dray sighed more loudly than necessary. “Well, I’ll take my leave. Sorry I interrupted your lovely—whatever this is.” He turned to leave. “Don’t be too hard on him, Alec. He’s just insecure. He’s afraid you won’t be able to resist me because he couldn’t.”

Alec felt Eli go rigid within his arms and pull away.

“What?” he asked, finally turning to face Dray as his words sank in. “What did you say?” Alec watched Dray grin pleasantly—no, wickedly—at Eli, then his hazel eyes widened in shock.

“You didn’t tell him! He doesn’t know, does he?” Dray asked, and then he burst out laughing. Alec glanced between the two of them. Eli looked like he was going to be ill and was backing away from them.

Alec laughed weakly at Dray. “What are you talking about?” He turned to his boyfriend. “Eli?” But Eli wouldn’t look at him, so he turned back to Dray. And for the first time since he’d moved to London, Alec felt like he was invisible, because Dray was glaring happily at Eli, ignoring him, and obviously delighted by whatever had just happened.

“Good Lord, Erby, if I’d known Alec didn’t know, I would have said something sooner.” Dray’s eyes grew even wider as comprehension dawned. “That’s it! All this time I thought you were worried about him succumbing to my charms, formidable though they are, but you were afraid he’d learn of our little encounter.” He began laughing again. “You didn’t want him to know you’d cheated on Bennett—with me!”

“No!” Alec spoke up. “He told me… he told me he knew what you were up to, that you were using him just to get close to Bennett. He saw right through you, Dray.”

Dray smiled sadly at Alec and nodded in Eli’s direction. Alec turned toward his boyfriend and found Eli had gone ghostly white. He was backing away and shaking his head, his eyes cast down.

“Eli,” he said, stepping toward him. Eli held up a hand to stop him where he was. “Eli, you said you told Dray ‘No’.”

Dray chuckled. “Well, he didn’t say ‘thank you’, but he didn’t say ‘no’, either.”

“Dray!” Alec roared, rounding on him.

“Leaving now.” The door closed, and Alec rushed forward to lock it. When he turned back, Eli had disappeared into the bedroom. Alec ran back into the room. The first thing he noticed was Eli’s clothes were no longer in the chair by the bed.

“Eli?” he called, heading straight for the bathroom. He tried the door, but it was locked. “Eli, please talk to me.” Alec listened at the door. He heard movement and then a phone ringing. He heard Eli answer it but couldn’t really make out the conversation. He waited for several minutes, and then the door opened. Eli stood before him, fully dressed and talking into his cell.

“Tell Casey I’ll be right there.” He hung up. He wouldn’t look at Alec.

“Eli—”

“I just found two messages from Casey,” Eli said, moving swiftly around him. “I’d turned my mobile off… last… n-night. She’s been trying to reach me for two hours.” He continued walking, out of the bedroom, heading for the apartment door. The way Eli refused to look at him had Alec panicked, so he rushed by him and blocked his way.

“Eli, talk to me. Look at me.”

He didn’t look at him.

“That was the hospital just now.” Eli stepped around him. “I’m on my way there.”

“Please, let someone else handle—”

“Some tourists were injured in a car accident—Americans. The boy is deaf and the parents are in surgery.”

“We need to talk. Let me drive you.”

“No!” Alec cringed at the volume of his voice, and Eli continued more quietly. “I’ve called a taxi already. Should be downstairs any minute.” He reached for the doorknob, but Alec grabbed his shoulders and spun him around, pushing him back against the door.

“Tell me,” Alec pleaded, gently gripping Eli’s chin and raising his face to look at him. “Tell me, and I’ll believe you.”

“Dray and I fucked,” Eli said matter-of-factly, his eyes filling with tears. Alec tried to keep his expression from changing, but he failed. “I cheated on Bennett. I broke his heart.” Alec’s hands fell away, and Eli turned his back to him and opened the door. “And four months later, I lost him.” Eli left the apartment, shutting the door behind him.

Alec stood frozen in place.