Chapter One

 

 

 

Peter lounged against a column in the airport, near the doors where the arrivals spilled out. He was going for casual, although he was anything but. Christian, the man he’d been having a relationship with via email, text and Skype, was on leave and coming for a visit. It wasn’t something that happened every day. Or ever, in Peter’s experience.

Ten days. Ten whole days where they didn’t have to talk in code. Ten days where they didn’t have to be furtive, or steal quick moments to say what they really meant. Ten days to see if Christian really was the sub Peter believed him to be. Ten days to revel in that sexy, untried body and blow Christian’s mind. Among other things. Peter grinned to himself.

He took a breath, calming the nerves in his belly. It was nine parts excitement and one part nervousness. He was totally looking forward to finally meeting Christian in person and seeing if they were as compatible as they seemed. The nervousness was mostly worry—what if Christian changed his mind? What if he chickened out? Peter shook his head. That last one was not going to happen. To chicken out would go against everything Christian saw as important. That much Peter knew about the man.

He glanced at his watch. Christian’s flight had landed nearly fifteen minutes ago. Even allowing time for the plane to taxi from the runway to the gate, Christian should be coming along soon. Peter focused back on the people streaming from the doors. He found himself admiring a huge, broad-shouldered man, eyes dragging over the tiny tight hips encased in paper-thin jeans, the obviously ridged six-pack under a simple white T-shirt. If he wasn’t waiting for someone, he could tap that, no question.

His gaze dragged back up to the stud’s face and his eyes widened in delighted surprise. It was Christian. He’d only ever seen Christian’s face and shoulders via Skype, never this delicious body. Smiling widely, he straightened from the column and offered a brief wave as he slowly made his way forward.

Christian nodded once, cheeks going the barest bit pink as he gave Peter a once-over. Peter walked slowly toward Christian, letting the guy look his fill. He knew those cheeks were going to go much darker when he gave Christian a big hug. He would refrain from the hello kiss he’d been planning, though, not so much because it would be pushing Christian’s boundaries, than because he wasn’t sure he’d be able to stop all that easily once he started. Online, Christian had called to him, Peter’s instincts shouting at him that he was just what Christian needed and vice versa. In person, that call was a thousand times stronger and his entire body was on high alert, ready to jump Christian’s bones.

Christian held out hand out as Peter got closer. “Mr. Titus, I’m Sergeant Bradshaw. It’s nice to meet you.”

Peter shook his head, ducked the hand and went in for the hug, wrapping his arms around Christian and holding on tight for a moment. Christian stilled like a startled dog, then relaxed into the embrace. It was more than Peter had expected, and he patted Christian’s back gently before stepping away. “I think we’re on a first name basis by now, don’t you, Christian?”

“I suppose we probably are, sir. Habit, I guess.”

More nerves than habit, was Pete’s guess, but he understood.

“Well, Peter or ‘Sir’ will do, okay?” He started moving them forward, the baggage claim and parking area in the same general direction. “Do you have any checked bags?”

“No, sir. I travel light, as a rule.”

Peter knew the ‘sir’ was more what Christian was used to than a sub addressing his Dom, but the word still felt right, felt good to hear, and it made him smile. “We’ll go right to the car, then. I know they don’t feed you on planes anymore. Did you want to stop somewhere for a bite?” He was very proud of himself, for making the offer instead of simply taking Christian home and slamming him up against the nearest wall. The anticipation would serve to make everything sweeter, anyway.

“I could eat, absolutely, and before you ask, I’m a soldier. I eat anything.”

“Yes, but you’re a soldier who’s been deployed a long time. No Middle Eastern food?” he asked. He could imagine that Christian might be craving good old American meals.

Christian snorted, but the sound wasn’t mean at all. “How about a burger?”

“That sounds totally doable. There’s a burger joint just a few minutes from the airport. We can stop there.” And World of Burgers didn’t sell much more than burgers, but they did them in a huge variety of ways, from choice on buns and meat to any topping combination you could dream up. Peter had seen some of the weirdest things on burgers thanks to them.

“Works for me.” Christian looked around, eyes searching constantly.

Peter touched Christian’s hand lightly, but didn’t try to take it. “It’s got to be hard, coming home from a war zone.” How exactly did one turn off the high alertness? The worry that someone who intended harm hid around every corner? That was a part of his job here, though. He was the Dom and he hoped to help Christian relax.

“It’s good. I have three more months before it’s over for good and then it’ll all be easy.”

“They not sending you back?” Peter hoped not. He worried about Christian being in a war zone. Maybe they’d never met in person before now, but he cared a great deal for Christian already.

“No. I—” Christian stopped speaking, lips going tight. “I think it’s about time I start being a civilian.”

“I can get behind that sentiment.” He clapped Christian on the shoulder and squeezed, then nodded as they came up to his dark blue SUV. “This is me.”

“Nice ride. My truck’s in storage.”

“It gets me where I need to go.” Peter grinned and unlocked the doors. He actually loved his ride. It had all the custom features he could want and he could drive through any weather feeling totally safe.

Once they’d both climbed in, he locked the doors and leaned over. Grabbing the back of Christian’s neck, Peter tugged him in for a kiss—he couldn’t wait any longer and this was as private as they were going to get until they got back to his place.

Christian’s gasp was utterly shocked and the hands that landed on his chest almost—almost—pushed him away. Christian didn’t, though, and Peter took that as a good sign. A very good sign.

He slid their lips together, then pressed his tongue between Christian’s, taking advantage of the fact that Christian’s gasp had opened them. Christian’s chest worked like a bellows, the huge muscles moving against him. He didn’t stop kissing—there was only one first kiss and he didn’t want it to end anytime soon.

It took what seemed like forever, then Christian surged forward, pushing into his kiss with a wild cry. Peter opened up, letting Christian in, his tongue tangling with Christian’s, the taste of peppermint on his lips. Someone had hoped for this kiss. He loved that and he put his hand behind Christian’s head, holding him there as he began to suck on Christian’s tongue. They kissed for a little longer, but he didn’t want to get too carried away, not in a public parking lot.

Christian pushed against him, moaning low in his chest. “I need to think.”

“Oh, I’m thinking you don’t need to think. It probably gets in your way,” Peter teased. Christian had a lot of different life views on what a man was, between his upbringing and the army, and Peter was damn sure none of them included being a submissive, even if that was what Christian so desperately needed.

“Yes, well… I don’t do things like this. Ever.”

“You’re doing it now.” He gave Christian another hard kiss. Then he put on his seat belt. “Buckle up, I’m buying you a burger.”

“I like burgers. I can buy, though.”

“Sure.” Peter was easy and he knew there’d be plenty of opportunities for them to treat each other to food.

He started the SUV and pulled out of the lot. Christian’s eyes were wide, watching everything. His own gaze was mostly on the road, though he kept stealing glances at Christian. God, the man really was a stud. Stacked and solid, firm and ripped—Peter could push Christian to his limits, stretch them and open Christian up to things he’d never even dreamed of.

Peter still had the first texts.

 

I’ve never done this before.

I don’t know if I can.

I have these dreams.

 

It made him hard, just thinking about them while having Christian right there next to him. Peter slid his hand off the wheel for a moment, squeezing Christian’s thigh, and Christian jumped about a mile off the ground.

“Easy, boy,” Peter murmured, keeping his voice quiet like he was gentling an animal.

“Sorry. Sorry, I’m not used to…this.”

“I know. You need to breathe, though. And there’s going to be a lot of touching over the next ten days.” And that was a promise.

“Yes, sir.” Christian took a slow, deliberate breath.

Peter had to smile at Christian’s straightforward response to his words. He’d told Christian to breathe, so Christian had. He slowed down as they approached the restaurant, turning into the parking lot. The scent of the burgers hit them right away, amazing, rich and spicy. His stomach growled and he figured this had been a good idea. They could feast on the food then go to his place and feast on each other.

Christian got out of the car, waiting until he locked the doors to follow him in. They were seated in a booth and that suited him fine—he didn’t need to have a window, everything he wanted to see was right here at the table with him.

Christian looked around restlessly, hands in his lap, this quiet, worried mass of a man. Peter was going to help banish that worry, the edginess. Christian had shared his deepest secrets in their chats, had whispered in the dark across the internet. He knew that Christian needed to be taken out of himself, loved into fucking oblivion. He also knew that Christian was, at best, an ashamed submissive. At worst, he was a pissed-off one. Either way, Peter was here to push and pull and help Christian find himself.

The waitress came, interrupting his thoughts. “Good afternoon. Can I get you drinks?”

“Sure. I’ll have a Coke, please.”

“Coffee and water, please ma’am,” Christian said.

God, that was adorable.

“You have a chance to look at the menu yet?” the waitress asked.

“Not yet, but we’ll have an order of onion rings to start, please.” They were awesome here and he bet they’d be a huge treat.

“You got it. Be right back with those drinks.”

“Thank you.” Peter waited until she’d left before turning back to Christian. “When’s the last time you had onion rings?”

“They make them at the mess hall sometimes, but I haven’t had restaurant ones in a long time.”

“They’re really good here. Take a look at the menu and see what you want. I’m having a barbeque bacon cheeseburger.” Peter knew what he liked.

“I like bacon more than is reasonable.” Christian looked at the menu, eyes widening. “Damn. So many options.”

“I know—it’s amazing. And everyone loves bacon more than is reasonable.” He grinned and pointed out the PB&J burger. “And some of these options are crazy.”

“Yeah, I’m not feeling that adventurous. I’m going to go with bleu cheese and bacon.”

“I’m glad you didn’t say onions or I’d have had to have them on mine, too.” Not that he’d have let onion breath deter him from more kisses. And of course, they were having onion rings, so it was a moot point, really.

Christian’s eyes—which were blue as the sky—crinkled up at the edges. “I did bring a toothbrush, man.”

Peter chuckled and elbowed Christian. “Good thing. I plan on doing a whole lot of kissing.” Among other things. Among a lot of other things. He spread his legs to accommodate the growth in his pants.

Peter waited for the waitress to bring their drinks, take their order and head off before leaning forward. “So tell me, boy, are you really a virgin?”

Christian turned bright red, all the way to the top of his head. That was a yes if he’d ever seen one. He didn’t want to get the answer from reading Christian’s body, though. He wanted to hear his boy admit it.

“Well?”

“We already discussed that. Online.” Christian’s voice was low, obviously not wanting to be overheard.

“Yes, and we’re going to discuss it all again, in excruciating detail.” Online wasn’t the same thing as in person. At all. “So you can answer my questions now, or I can beat them out of you later.”

Peter didn’t think Christian could possibly blush darker, but he managed it somehow.

“I promise I’ll beat you anyway, as I know that’s what you want,” he teased softly.

“I’ve never been with a man. Just one girl with my fingers. That’s it. I got troubles keeping it up with girls.” Christian kept his gaze on his drink.

“That’s because you’re gay, Christian. There’s no shame in it, but girls just don’t do it for you. And I’m glad you’re a virgin.” He let his eyes travel along Christian’s fine, fine body.

Christian looked around, obviously worried about being overheard. Or maybe he was worried that people would know what was going on, just by looking at them. Or hell, maybe he was simply keeping a watchful eye out for any enemies.

“You’re not overseas anymore. And you aren’t wearing your uniform. You’re your own man.” And Christian could do what he wanted—Peter was simply lucky that what Christian wanted fell in line with what he did.

“I realize that. I’m just…not used to being so…” Christian sighed. “Maybe I’m not meant to do this.”

“If you want my opinion—you were made to do this. You’re right, though. You’re not used to being so easy, so open. I get that. It doesn’t mean I’m going to stop pushing you and making you uncomfortable. It’s kind of what I’m made to do.” And Christian needed him to push, to open Christian up.

“How…? Did you have trouble getting the time off?”

“No. The advantages of being an entrepreneur and being able to set my own hours. And having an assistant who doesn’t really need me to be there. You have my full attention from now until I put you back on the plane.” Not that he hadn’t enjoyed being a firefighter, but that was a younger man’s game and he loved being his own boss.

The onion rings arrived, along with refills for their drinks. Christian’s nostrils flared, and Peter wasn’t sure if it was for him or the food. Maybe it was for both.

Grinning, he pushed the plate of rings toward Christian. “Go on. Have a real one.”

“Thank you. I didn’t have an appetite yesterday. Nerves.”

“I was nervous to meet you, too,” he admitted, hoping to help ease Christian some now. “Mostly excitement to be finally meeting you, though.” He nodded to the rings. “Go on. I want to watch you eat it.”

Christian’s cheeks turned bright red—again—but he took a ring, dipped it in ranch dressing and took a bite. “Oh, dear God. Good. So good.”

That was the look Peter wanted to see when he made love to Christian. “I could watch you eat that entire plate.”

“You need to share, though,” Christian insisted.

“Yeah, they look too good not to,” Peter admitted, snagging one to pop into his mouth. It was almost too hot, but so good, the outside crisp, the onion inside soft and sweet. He wasn’t a ranch dressing fan, but obviously Christian was.

He took a ring every now and then, but mostly watched Christian devour the fried goodies. When he noticed a bit of ranch dressing on the side of Christian’s mouth, he wiped it away, then sucked the ranch off his thumb. Christian’s onion ring fell to the table with a clunk.

Holding Christian’s gaze, he sucked a little harder, pulling his thumb into his mouth and pretending it was Christian’s cock.

“I-I… Bathroom. I’ll be back.”

“Don’t get up. If you need to pee, then by all means, go ahead. But if you’re going to the bathroom because you’re hard, because you’re so fucking turned on you can hardly see, then you stay right there.”

Christian moaned, the sound deliciously loud in the restaurant.

Peter licked his lips, and drew in a deep breath. He swore he could smell Christian’s arousal. “That’s a good boy. My good boy.”

“Don’t…”

“Don’t what, boy?”

Before Christian could answer, the waitress returned with their burgers. Christian’s lips snapped closed and Peter had to grin.

He gave the waitress a nod and a “thank you” then focused on the food. It smelled great and looked amazing. He wanted to watch Christian take his first bite before he got distracted by his own. He grabbed a fry and pushed it in his mouth, but kept his gaze on Christian.

Christian cut his burger in half, then took a bite, eyes closing. Peter was damn glad he was here for this, and that they’d done this first. Now they just needed to chow down so he could take Christian home and take his virginity.

A reluctant sub who hadn’t played at all. Like ever. How fucking exciting was that? Very. Peter couldn’t wait to get Christian home and begin.