Dareville After Dark
by
Leigh Ellwood
Dareville After Dark © 2009-11 Leigh Ellwood
All rights reserved under the International and Pan-American Copyright Conventions. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
This is a work of fiction. Names, places, characters and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, organizations, events or locales is entirely coincidental.
DLP Books
www.DLPBooks.com
Cover art assembled by Kathryn Lively
Second Edition
Published May, 2011
Produced in the United States of America
10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Warning: the unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a fine of $250,000.
Author’s Note
Hello, friends of Dareville!
This is second edition of Dareville After Dark.
Dareville After Dark is a guide to all the books and stories in the Dareville series – the people, the stories, and the great romances. It will be reissued as more is written. Enjoy!
Stay daring,
Leigh
Part One
Some were born here, some came to visit and ended up staying, others left and returned. Whatever their stories may be, one thing is clear: once in Dareville, it’s difficult to leave. Come meet our town’s more illustrious citizens.
Regulars
Brady Garriston
Brady certainly needs no introduction, but unless you’ve been stranded on a desert island or listening only to polka for the past thirty years, here’s one for you! A rock and roll legend, Brady is perhaps one of the best known singer/songwriters in the world. With countless gold and platinum records to his name, Brady continues to burn up the album charts with his unique style of smoky vocals and bluesy piano.
A transplant from New York City, Brady came to Dareville to find inspiration. He still finds it today with his lovely wife and closest friends, and he calls Dareville home when he’s not touring the world and performing to sell-out crowds.
Appears in: Truth or Dare, Dare Me, Daring Young Man, Dare to Dream, Don’t Dare the Reaper, Daring Hearts; briefly seen in The Dares That Bind and Where Angels Dare to Tread; mentioned in Dulce.
Ellie Shaw
Ellie is hometown girl at heart, born and bred in Dareville yet not afraid to venture out for a bit of excitement on occasion. Luckily for her, she didn’t have to go far to meet and fall in love with one of the most famous musicians in the world. She loves her town, too, and is always happy to support it. Formerly a teacher at Dareville’s prestigious primary academy, Ellie now works as her husband’s business partner and number one fan.
Appears in: Truth or Dare, Dare Me, Daring Young Man, Dare to Dream, Don’t Dare the Reaper, Daring Hearts; briefly alluded to in The Dares That Bind.
Cal Briscoe
A sought-after studio musician, Cal has performed with some of the top names in the music industry. You might not recognize his name or face, but assuredly you’ve heard his heart-pounding bass line on a number of Top 40 hits over the last few decades. These days, Cal prefers the not-so-quiet life in Dareville and spends time with his own band, the Cal Briscoe Four, playing to delighted crowds around town and throughout Virginia Beach. That is, of course, when he’s not playing around his with lady love.
Appears in: Truth or Dare, Dare Me, Daring Young Man, Dare to Dream, Don’t Dare the Reaper, A Daring Kiss, Daring Hearts; briefly alluded to in The Dares That Bind, Where Angels Dare to Tread and Dulce.
Sue Carmichael
All her life, Sue Carmichael held a fascination for beauty and a desire to preserve it. From her first photography class in high school she was hooked, and now Sue runs her own studio in historic Dareville. Stop by her gallery and see Dareville through her eyes in the beautiful photos she’s taken over the years. If you need somebody to photograph formal events, weddings, or family portraits, Sue’s your gal.
Appears in: Truth or Dare, Dare Me, Daring Young Man, Dare to Dream, Don’t Dare the Reaper, A Daring Kiss, Daring Hearts.
Lauren McKenna
Lauren is a born teacher and planner. If you need something done, Lauren is the one who can arrange everything. It’s no wonder her peers at Dareville Primary Academy consistently praise her zest for learning and community pride, though these days Lauren teaches the finer points of a healthy diet to customers at Jake’s Organic.
Appears in: Truth or Dare, Dare Me, Daring Young Man, Dare to Dream, Daringly Delicious; briefly alluded to in Daring Hearts.
Jake Marbury, Sr.
One of Dareville’s favorite sons, Jake is one of our town’s most respected and loved businessmen. The proprietor of Jake’s Organic, Jake is an active volunteer around town and always ready to lend his services and products for charity drives and benefits. You’ll find him driving to work every day in his trusty pick-up with a friendly smile, and he has absolutely no plans to retire.
Appears in: Truth or Dare, Dare Me, Daring Young Man, Dare to Dream, Daringly Delicious; briefly alluded to in Daring Hearts and InDarePendence Day.
Claire Walker
“Local girl makes good.” That’s what everybody said when Claire Walker left Dareville for New York City and a career as a high-powered attorney. These days, though, we find she’s more attracted to the quiet life she couldn’t wait to escape. Will her next visit become a permanent stay?
Appears in: Truth or Dare, Daring Young Man, Dare to Dream; mentioned in Dare Me.
J.J. Marbury
J.J. has a big heart and big ideas, but both are the perfect size for small-town living. J.J. likes to claim he knows Dareville like the back of his hand, and it must be true since he’s the top real estate agent in town. Tell him what you want in a home, and he’ll go the extra mile to get it for you.
Appears in Daring Young Man, Dare to Dream.
Kate Robeson
Lively and lovely, Kate just might challenge J.J. for the “Knowing Dareville” title. Kate is the foremost expert on Dareville’s history and curator of Dare House. There isn’t anything Kate doesn’t know about Dareville’s founding, the fascinating Dare family or their bloodthirsty feud with the Wynns. Go ahead, try to stump her.
Appears in A Winter’s Dare, Dare to Dream, The Dares That Bind, Dare and Dare Alike.
Redding Marbury
Publisher of the Dareville Shopper, Red loves words and is finally starting to love life again. Surrounded by friends and family, he’s there with a helping hand and is learning a few things about accepting help as well.
Appears in Daring Young Man, Dare to Dream, A Daring Twist, InDarePendence Day
Jared Wilton
Jared is new to Dareville, having come from New York City to freelance in Web design and PR. He enjoys the scenery, and in particular one special person in the foreground...
Appears in Truth or Dare, Dare to Dream, InDarePendence Day
Marlene Robeson
A talent with numbers and fiercely protective of family, Marlene sometimes allows her passions and beliefs to restrain her judgment. Nursing the wounds left following her longtime husband’s desertion, Marlene seeks comfort in her work, always hopeful for the day her reserves will melt and she can find love again.
Appears in Daring Young Man, The Dares That Bind, Handle With Dare; briefly alluded to in Dare to Dream
Dominic Petrocelli
Need a lift? Now you can arrive anywhere in the greater Dareville area in style with Big Apple Limousine. Proprietor Dom Petrocelli lends his own sense of big city elegance to his fleet of towncars and stretch limos. If he likes you, and chances are he will, he’ll strike you a deal.
Appears in Dare to Dream, Daringly Delicious.
Rob Petrocelli
Dom’s son Robbie is eager to help the family business succeed, but it seems lately he’s more interested in a family of his own. He’s smitten with a particular lady and determined to make her his, even if it means breaking a few rules for that to happen.
Appears in Dare to Dream, Daringly Delicious.
Lupe Santiago
Indispensible and dependable. That’s how people would describe this South American beauty who types with the speed of a cheetah and speaks several languages. Once an international secretary for a New York firm, Lupe is now content with a quieter, small town life as receptionist for Big Apple Limo. Smaller towns are great places to hide secrets.
Appears in Dare to Dream, Daringly Delicious.
Lola Santiago
Where Lupe is reserved and professional, younger sister Lola is a colorful tornado. Wild and uninhibited, Lola can’t understand why Lupe doesn’t want to live life to the fullest as she does. Her definition, of course, involves lots of sex. It will take quite a man to tame this beauty.
Appears in Dare to Dream, Daringly Delicious.
Semi-Regulars
Devon Williams
While not a resident of Dareville, Devon is a frequent visitor. A history student at Hampton University, Devon can be seen mostly at Dare House researching the family’s involvement in the Civil War. However, we think he might be there to spend as much time studying the pretty curator...
Appears in A Winter’s Dare.
Tish Richmond
Tish is your go-to gal for a chocolate fix! Founder of Tish’s Riches, Tish uses her gourmet skills to tempt chocolate lovers all over the country with succulent truffles that are simply to die for! You can order these fine artisan candies online or get them at Jake’s, or at Tish’s first shop opening soon in the historic downtown district.
Appears in Daringly Delicious; alluded to in Daring Hearts.
Vinnie Petrocelli
Head mechanic at Big Apple Limo, Vinnie is skilled with his hands in more ways than one. When he’s not rotating tires or polishing fenders, he’s polishing off a few truffles to satisfy his sweet tooth. He doesn’t worry about getting fat, though. It’s fun to burn calories.
Appears in Daringly Delicious.
Victoria Robeson
An aspiring writer, Kate Robeson’s younger sister doesn’t have much of a life beyond her job and what free time she has for her words. One night with a mysterious, handsome man, however, changes her life completely. The young woman who once wallowed in self-doubt now lives in eternal Spring.
Appears in The Dares That Bind.
Alton Weiss
It’s the successful man who knows immediately what he wants, and wastes no time getting it. Alton is a frequent visitor to Dareville for business and pleasure, and enjoys both with equal zest.
Appears in The Dares That Bind.
Charlene Marbury
A native of Dareville, Charlene is a loving wife and mother to two beautiful daughters. Looks, however, can be deceiving, and by all accounts she should have a happy life. It takes an awkward revelation at the wrong moment to release months, perhaps years, of heartache. With the healing love of friends and family, Charlene hopes for her happy ending.
Appears in Dare to Dream; mentioned in Daring Young Man, A Daring Twist, InDarePendence Day.
Carole Douglas
A native of Dareville, Carole works for The Dareville Shopper. Much as she loves the small town life, there are occasions when she yearns to get wild and have some adult fun.
Appears in Where Angels Dare to Tread.
Bella Reeve
New to town, Bella comes to Dareville for the Black Rose Festival and a Brady Garriston show, but decides to stay on for more appealing scenery.
Appears in Where Angels Dare to Tread.
Darien Robeson
Dar to his friends (and enemies), this half of the notorious Robeson twins is the town cut-up. Playing only by his rules, and setting his own schedule, Dar makes use of his natural good looks and high-powered sex drive to carve out a decent living. If not for his twin’s constant harping, he’d live free and clear of annoyances.
Appears in Dare and Dare Alike.
Derek Robeson
Check the other side of the Robeson twin spectrum, and you’ll find Derek. Mild-mannered, hard-working, everything that Dar isn’t best describes this professional, handsome young man. This doesn’t mean, though, that Derek isn’t capable of letting loose once in a while.
Appears in Dare and Dare Alike.
Jimmy Carvana
Another nephew of Dominic hired to help out at Big Apple Limo, Jimmy is adjusting to his new home and enjoys working with family. Dealing with Lupe’s crafty matchmaking schemes gets under his skin at times, but once in a while she manages to hit the right mark.
Appears in By the Chimney With Dare.
Trey Jeffries
A friend of the owner of Dare’s Destiny Vineyard, Trey loves to volunteer for local events, especially if there’s a chance he will benefit by meeting an eligible bachelor.
Appears in By the Chimney With Dare.
Other Characters of Note
Cindy Marbury – Late wife of Jake Marbury, Sr. Seen in flashbacks in Daring Young Man and alluded to in Truth or Dare, Dare Me and Dare to Dream.
Polly Dare – Spinster heiress of the Dare family property in the Reconstruction Era. Seen in ghostly form in A Winter’s Dare.
Athena – House servant of the Dare family in the 19th century. Seen in ghostly form in A Winter’s Dare.
Chet Robeson – Father of Kate and Victoria, former husband of Marlene. Mentioned in Daring Young Man and The Dares That Bind.
Kerry Franklin – Toll collector, friend of Victoria’s. Appears in The Dares That Bind.
Neil Randall – Musician, friend of Cal Briscoe. Appears in Dulce.
Candy – Waitress in a Venezuelan restaurant. Appears in Dulce.
Chelsea – Internationally renowned jazz singer. Appears in Dulce, mentioned in Truth or Dare.
Gil – The Grim Reaper. Appears in Don’t Dare the Reaper.
Mick – Owner of Mick’s. Appears in Dare and Dare Alike and alluded to in other stories.
Jeff – Bartender at Mick’s. Appears in Handle With Dare.
Part Two
All Dareville titles are available in eBook format, with select works available in trade paperback. Here follows synopses of each title in the order they were published, which is not necessarily the chronological order (see Part Three). This section also excludes free works, which are presented later in their entirety in this book.
Truth or Dare
Published December, 2004; Second Edition, 2009
Available in Audio Format!
Dare you let the truth get in the way of love? Rock and roll legend Brady Garriston is in a slump, career-wise and in his love life. He is desperate for a comeback (and a “come” back), and finds a possible solution in masquerading in small town Dareville, where he can clear the slate and start fresh. Brady finds his muse in the lovely and uninhibited school teacher Ellie Shaw, and soon the two are making more than just beautiful music together. But will Brady’s deception bring on a sour note to their relationship? And what of the secret Ellie is keeping from Brady?
Dare Me
Published July, 2005; Second Edition, 2009
Studio musician Cal Briscoe has it bad for his best friend’s girl, and when Brady Garriston announces his engagement, Cal realizes he will never have a chance with the lovely and exciting Ellie Shaw. Losing interest in his work and discouraged with his love life, he decides to leave the city behind...and hopefully his feelings for Ellie. He accepts Brady’s offer of use of the Garriston/Shaw home in Dareville, and is shocked to discover one amenity...Ellie’s friend Sue Carmichael. Seems Ellie neglected to mention that she had allowed Sue to stay there, too!
Cal and Sue are the Odd Couple of Dareville, dancing on each other’s nerves as they try to make the best of the situation. But how long will it be before Sue and Cal kill each other...or wind up in bed?
Dulce
Published August, 2006
When musician Neil Randall rolls into Caracas at three in the morning, it is with the intent to commit wanton acts of kindness until he can barely mount his motorcycle again. That the lovely and legendary singer Chelsea is in town further inflames his desires to get back at his ex for her infidelity.
Yet a chance encounter in a hotel hot tub with a lovely young expatriate throws Neil for a loop. Suddenly he is torn between leaving a girl in every port and leaving the port with this girl. Are Neil’s feelings for the one everybody calls “Dulce” genuine, or is he fooling himself?
Note: While not an official Dareville title, Dulce alludes to the Dareville universe and is therefore included.
Double Dare
Published September, 2006
Vegas just got a bit more daring.
They say what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas, but when the newly wed Garristons and Briscoes get together to kick off a joint honeymoon, it becomes a sexual adventure that takes them all over Sin City, and each other! Join Brady and Ellie and Cal and Sue for the wedding, and wedding night, of the year.
A Winter’s Dare
Published December, 2006
Holed up in Dare House Museum, Kate Robeson is content to live with the ghosts of the past. Finding a man can wait, much to her mother’s consternation. Yet, when Kate discovers the ghosts haunting the oldest house in Dareville have their own plans for Kate, she quickly reconsiders her solitary position, and yearns for the missionary one!
When Devon Williams happens upon Dare House for a research project, Kate is instantly struck. The secrets he reveals of his connection to Polly Dare and her servant Athena are shocking, yet with a little push from some otherworldly friends, Kate comes to see that all work and no play makes for a dull winter, indeed.
Daring Young Man
Published June, 2007
Having weathered a bad marriage, Lauren McKenna is ready for a meaningful, loving relationship. Not with just anybody, either...she’s set her sights, and her heart, on Dareville’s favorite grocer, Jake Marbury—a man nearly twice her age.
It’s been a year since Jake lost his wife to cancer, and he is hardly interested in starting over with a new love. Despite pressure from family and friends to retire, Jake is happy running the store, and looking forward to expanding to a new location. The need for help inadvertently leads him to Lauren, who takes the opportunity to win Jake.
Can Lauren convince the silver fox with the heart of gold that he’s not too old to love again? Will Jake be able to find more to fill his heart than work?
Daringly Delicious
Published September, 2008
Coming Soon to Audio Format!
When it comes to chocolate, Tish Richmond delivers the goods. Her home business, Tish’s Dishes, is booming, and a new contract with Dareville’s popular grocery store allows her the opportunity to expand her reach. Happy as she should be for the exposure, Tish longs to stop her waistline from expanding further so love can reach her.
Gorgeous Vinnie comes to Dareville to work for his uncle’s limousine company. One look at Tish and he’s struck by the sexy, voluptuous entrepreneur. Can he convince Tish that the size of her dishes don’t matter to him, and will she let him satisfy his sweet tooth?
Appears in the anthology, More, More, More!, from Phaze Books.
Dare to Dream
Published November, 2008
An act of pure humiliation drives Claire Walker from the big city to her native Dareville, and a tearful reunion with family and friends. Everyone is overjoyed to see the prodigal daughter return, and Claire contemplates making the visit permanent, but there’s just one score to settle.
J.J. Marbury never stopped loving his high school sweetheart. Seeing Claire again after nearly fifteen years sets his passion to overdrive, and he’s determined to make sure that Claire doesn’t leave again.
Can a love lying dormant be revived? Will Claire find the closure she needs in her personal and professional lives so she can start over? Is there room for J.J. in this future?
Welcome back to Dareville, the little town that proves Virginia is for romance lovers.
The Dares That Bind
Published April, 2009
Victoria Robeson is content to live at home and work her dead-end job, despite dealing with her overbearing mother, just as long as she has time to write. When she meets the handsome and mysterious Alton Weiss as Dareville prepares for Brady Garriston’s big concert, Vic is unnerved and intrigued by how well he knows her personality and desires.
Alton introduces her to a world of sensuality and submission, encouraging her to become a new woman. But is Alton merely a weekend distraction, or the promise of a better life?
Don’t Dare the Reaper
Published September, 2009
En route to a sexy Halloween soiree, Cal and Sue Briscoe are involved in a car accident and die...or do they?
Stranded between layers of the veil, they cling to each other with the hope that whatever happens, they will stay together. As the Grim Reaper—a handsome fellow introducing himself as Gil—tries to discern their fate, the Briscoes take advantage of the moment out of time to celebrate what could be their last chance for love...or the beginning of a new life.
Where Angels Dare to Tread
Published October, 2009
October’s Black Rose Festival comes to Dareville, along with a sexy party Carole Douglas can’t wait to attend. While she hopes to catch more than a few interested looks with her skimpy angel costume, meeting the enchanting Bella Reeve has her ready to turn in her halo. Will the town’s first Vamp Ball bring her love at first “bite”?
By the Chimney With Dare
Published November, 2009
Alone for the holidays, Jimmy Carvana accepts a volunteer gig with his uncle’s limousine service, shuttling party guests to and from the local vineyard. When he’s asked to pick up Santa, he’s surprised to find a handsome, dark-haired man in a red suit as opposed to the stereotypical jolly old elf.
As Santa, Trey Jeffries delights young and old, but alone in a cozy cabin on the outskirts of Dareville, he’s willing to offer Jimmy the gift that keeps on giving!
Handle With Dare
Published January, 2010
Thinking a night of self-pity soaked in vodka will bring her out of her funk, Marlene parks on a barstool at Dareville’s favorite hangout. She enjoys watching Jeff, the handsome younger bartender, but when he offers more than a sympathetic ear she’s hesitant. Marlene doesn’t consider herself a “cougar,” yet one look at Jeff’s lean body has her wanting to test her claws.
Dare and Dare Alike
Published July, 2010
Identical twins Darien and Derek Robeson may look alike, but the similarities end there. Where Derek is hard-working and responsible, Dar is reckless and carefree. When Dar's chosen profession in adult entertainment causes yet another mistaken identity hiccup in Derek's love life, one brother gives the other an ultimatum - quit the sex business or else.
Dar enjoys the freedom and money earned from a career in the sex trade, but respects his brother enough not to hurt him intentionally. However, when a hunky film star makes Dar an offer he can't refuse, Dar's left to wonder if blood is thicker than gold. What he doesn't realize, too, is that a local video company has made Derek a similar, more profitable offer, and Derek's interested!
Perhaps the Robeson twins are more alike than they thought?
Part Three
The most important thing to note when reading the Dareville books is that the events in each story are either concurrent with or consecutive to other stories in the series. For example, Truth or Dare is set in the spring of 2005, with events running through late spring/early summer. Its sequel Dare Me, takes up right after the event in the end of the first book. As of this writing, the timeline of the Dareville stories (excluding free stories) so far ends in the spring of 2008 with Handle With Dare.
For the reader who prefers to read books in chronological order, here is the current line-up for Dareville (excluding the free stories):
Truth or Dare
The Dares That Bind
Dare Me
Daring Young Man
Double Dare
Dulce*
Dare to Dream
Daringly Delicious
A Winter’s Dare
Dare and Dare Alike
Don’t Dare the Reaper
Where Angels Dare to Tread
By the Chimney With Dare
Handle With Dare
Part Four
Over the years I’ve offered a few free short stories set in the Dareville universe. Many have coincided with different publisher promotions or holiday specials. All shorts are available on my website in PDF format, and are included here as well for your reading enjoyment.
“Look up.”
Sue Briscoe darted her gaze upward and a smile split her features. Taped to the top of the doorway dividing the living room and kitchen was a tiny sprig of mistletoe. Quite small, too, as she would have missed it completely had not her husband Cal corralled her in the threshold.
“Why, Cal Briscoe,” she drawled, teasing, “I never pegged you for a sentimental soul.”
Cal chuckled and drew his wife into a tighter embrace. “I like to keep you guessing.”
“I’ll say.” She peered past his shoulder and fought to suppress a laugh at the unusual holiday decor of their living room. Three weeks in, and the sight of the half-Christmas tree taking up one corner continued to bring a flutter to her stomach. She’d been well aware of her husband’s upbringing—born of one Christian and one Jewish parent—and it only made sense Cal would express his heritage in a humorous way.
The half-menorah, situated on the coffee table, looked ready to teeter from the weight of its candles. Sue still marveled at its structure.
“Yet,” she said aloud, “this mistletoe is whole.” Miniature yet grandly pungent for its size, Sue inhaled the
musky outdoor scent and searched for any sign of such tampering.
“It better be, for what I paid for it,” Cal muttered, and Sue playfully jabbed in the ribs.
“Well, I think it’s sweet. And, underused, wouldn’t you say?”
Like they needed mistletoe to kiss. Several months after the wedding, the honeymoon continued, with every room of the new house being christened. And rechristened. Still, Sue was a sucker for Christmas traditions, and looked forward to celebrating her first with Cal. She couldn’t wait to observe favorite rituals, and create new ones.
She closed her eyes and puckered, and waited. When no lips brushed against hers, when she felt no rough patch of five o’clock shadow deliciously scrape her cheeks, she pried one eye open. Cal leaned back, watching her with fascination.
“What?”
He shook his head and smiled. “It’s not that kind of mistletoe,” he said.
“Oh? I wasn’t aware there was a different genus or species. So, what kind of mistletoe is this? Do we shake hands instead?”
“I hope not. Otherwise I’m taking it back. No, for this kind of mistletoe you do something very different,” Cal said, sinking to his knees. “Something I think you’ll like more.”
It certainly looked promising, Cal on his knees and playing with the zipper of her jeans. She braced her stance and wriggled in time to his ministrations so the denim slipped effortlessly over her hips and down her legs. The lace thong she wore proved no inconvenience for Cal as he wiped the transparent patch away to reveal her shaved pussy.
Stepping out of the jeans, she grasped the jamb and braced for impact. Cal traced a finger up and down her inner labia. A gust of hot breath sent shivers across her skin and she twitched, feeling the moisture slicking up her pussy.
“Merry Christmas,” Cal said, and devoured her whole. His lips clamped over her pussy, he attacked her with his tongue. Broad, flat strokes swiped up her pussy lips, encouraging her to part so he could reach her clit. Sue felt her knees threaten to buckle. The sensation of Cal’s nether kiss ignited a fire bound to consume her.
Her nipples tingled under her shirt, but she didn’t dare let go of the jamb to pinch some relief into them. Spreading her thighs wider, she granted Cal deeper access, crying out as his tongue plunged into her slit to drink from her. Then he was back at her clit, tapping it rapidly and groaning his approval of her taste.
The orgasm stewing inside her grew too big for her balance. The shockwave hit and sent her rocking on her heels, but Cal clamped a hand to her backside and kept her standing as he continued to lick her. Wave upon wave shot upward and lit her skin. She felt brighter than the half-tree blinking behind them.
When finally the pleasure fire faded Cal fell backward with a gasp, rubbing his spine against the other jamb. “I love you, babe,” he said, catching his breath. Sue could no longer keep her strength and crumpled to the floor beside him.
“I love you, too.”
Cal pointed to the ceiling. “And,” he added, “we are never taking that thing down.”
Brady Garriston settled on the couch opposite his best friend, Cal Briscoe, and nursed his after-dinner cocktail. He let the dwindling ice cubes swirl and clink together in the golden amber Scotch before savoring a sip. “Dinner was fantastic, as usual,” he complimented the chef—Cal’s wife Sue—as she joined them. “What’s for dessert?”
“Don’t you mean who?” came a playful retort from behind him. Brady’s wife, Ellie, leaned down to drape her arms about his neck. She planted a gentle kiss on his neck and purred laughingly as he reached back to press her into him.
The foursome had enjoyed a delicious pasta dinner with a bottle of Viognier from the local vineyard. Yet with it being Valentine’s Day, all present knew the night was far from over. Despite having just eaten, appetites stood far from sated. Ever since their double wedding—to be exact, their no-holds-barred double wedding night in a limo circling the Las Vegas strip—the two couples continued to enjoy sexually charged play sessions. This holiday for lovers promised another eventful night of lovemaking, and Brady could feel the anticipation crackling in the air.
Sue Briscoe had in her hand a thin, red box, soft as velvet and tied with a wide, ornate ribbon. “I did get a cheesecake from Jake’s,” she said, “but as I was leaving Lauren handed me this box of truffles. Said they were too good to resist.”
Brady set his drink down, then leaned over to study the box as Sue squeezed in between the two men. A challenging task to pay attention, as the low cut blouse Sue wore provided a more enticing view than the package. Now, those creamy breasts could melt in his mouth as easily as any confection.
He recognized the Tish’s Riches logo, embossed in gold leaf on the lid. “I wouldn’t doubt that,” he agreed, and settled back to allow Ellie to take a seat on his lap. The local chocolatier made excellent concoctions. “Break ‘em open.”
“Dibs on coconut,” Cal called, helping Sue with the ribbon and receiving a slap for his eagerness.
“Is coconut even kosher?” Sue chided.
Cal shot her his patented evil grin. “I’ve eaten a lot of things that weren’t.” His voice rumbled low, and Brady could sense the affect on Ellie from the way the skin on her bare arms prickled.
That earned a second slap, to which Cal responded with a sudden searing kiss on Sue’s parted lips. Brady rescued the box of chocolates just as they appeared ready to tumble from her loosening grip.
“Oh-kay, what do we have here?” Brady peeled away the top paper layer to reveal twelve round truffles, each an inch in circumference and individually decorated with a tiny valentine. The different colors used for the hearts promised a dozen different, tempting flavors.
A small slip of paper provided the key to decipher the bon-bons. “Here you go, buddy.” Brady plucked a corner dark chocolate candy bearing a white heart. “Coconut. And for Ellie…what’s that?”
Cal already had broken into the candy shell and scraped a sliver of chocolate from the corner of his mouth. “Whah’s wha?” he asked around the bite.
“There’s a picture in the wrapper where your truffle was.”
Three heads now bent close to Brady to see. Sure enough, lining the bottom of the brown, ridged paper cup was an image of a woman’s bare breasts, cut in a circle to fit. Even though the picture was small, the bust on display looked just as mouth-watering as the candy that hid it.
Ellie let out a loud chuckle. “Methinks Tish really has the Valentine theme nailed down with this truffle selection.”
“Sure, if you’re giving candy to a guy, or a lesbian,” Sue said, laughing in kind. “But this isn’t Tish’s style…” her voice turned quiet and suspicious, “and Lauren’s the one who gave me the box.”
Cal licked the remains of the truffle from his fingers. “You sure this box was meant for us? Maybe she’s getting dirty pics taken of her again, and this was really Jake’s gift?”
That theory brought more laughter, all around, then a negative consensus. “No,” Sue shook her head, “she was adamant about giving me this, for free.”
Ellie, as though wanting a surprise, didn’t peek at the key as she selected a blue-topped candy. “Wonder what goodie I’ll get, and what flavor this is.” The candy cup revealed a small photo of an erect cock, sheathed by a pair of cherry-red lips.
“Whoa! Please tell me that’s not Jake,” Cal said. Brady’s laughter shook the box.
“No,” he said, and pinched the photo so that he could lift it free. “These are magazine clippings. Looks like Lauren sent you home with something extra sweet.” He winked at a smirking Sue.
“Actually,” Ellie held forward the half-eaten truffle to reveal its orange filling, “it looks to me she’s provided us with some kind of visual guide to Valentine’s Day.”
Her free hand snaked under the box, in between her husband’s legs. She cupped his semi-hard erection and fondled his balls through his gabardine slacks. “It’s like some kind of sexual Advent calendar,” she explained. “You pick a candy, you do what you see.”
Brady smiled and eased the box to Sue’s knees. “I most certainly see,” he nodded, and edged his ass forward on the sofa so Ellie could have better access to his bulge. He let a quiet groan escape as Ellie worked his cock free from his now open fly. Popping the remainder of the truffle in her mouth, Ellie chewed quickly before lowering to capture the reddening tip between her lips.
Brady hummed, satisfied at first contact. “I’m starting to gain an appreciation for fine, artisan chocolate.” A side glance to his friends told Brady that Cal had quickly caught on to his visual instructions. Part of Sue’s blouse was pushed aside, exposing one breast which Cal nibbled and sucked.
“Your turn.” Brady nudged Sue.
Sue undid her blouse the rest of the way and pinched the unattended nipple. “Pink’s never let me down,” she said, and selected the corresponding bon-bon. The picture in the cup presented a clear shot of a shaved, spread pussy.
“Nice. Now I can’t decide what to eat first.” Sue looked at the candy in her hand, then at Ellie. The unspoken communication between them prompted the latter’s release from Brady’s cock. Ordinarily he would have expressed disappointment, but the night was young and he had the candy box now. The added bonus of watching Sue lick his lovely wife’s pussy further stoked the fires within.
Ellie shucked her slacks and thong and lay back on the carpet, knees high and elbows propping her upper body. Once Sue extricated herself from Cal’s oral hold, she slid to the ground and crawled between Ellie legs. She fingered Ellie’s pussy lips, as though to encourage her juices to flow, then eased the rounded tip of the truffle into Ellie’s slit.
The candy still in place, Sue kissed the top of Ellie’s clitoral hood, then pried the folds apart with her tongue and licked. The truffle burrowed deeper into Ellie until Sue finally removed it and took a bite.
“Mmm, caramel and sea salt. Lauren’s done her homework.” Sue grinned, then buried her face again into Ellie’s nether lips.
Brady selected a truffle bearing a green heart, expecting perhaps mint filling. The bonus treat unearthed was another hard-on.
“Interesting.” No lips, no toys, no map included. Did the cock represent his own, or Cal’s?
He looked at his friend, whose jeans and underwear now pooled around his ankles. His cock stood at attention, wavering only slightly as Cal fingered the base.
Brady bit into the candy. Yep, mint. Good enough to flavor a kiss, which he obliged for Cal. Tongues mated and twirled around each other, and Brady felt the tip of Cal’s shaft brush his hand. “What do you think?” he asked when they broke free.
“I think you should use yours on me,” Cal said and kicked off his shoes.
Brady set down the box and crossed the living room to his hanging jacket for a condom and the trial-sized bottle of lube he’d brought. Cal readied himself by stripping completely nude and sinking to the floor, leaning on the couch and presenting himself for Brady. All the while Sue continued to eat Ellie, jamming two fingers in and out of her slit as she did so.
Oiling a forefinger, Brady readied Cal’s anus while his free hand sought the truffle box. He plucked a red-hearted ball to reveal another pussy, then tossed it at Ellie’s head. “You owe her one, too,” he said.
The ladies got the message. Sue rose only briefly to reposition herself so they could sixty-nine. By then, Brady had his pants down and the condom fastened. He rubbed the tip against Cal’s hole, encouraging him to widen so he could slip past the outer ring. It wasn’t long before he could fully seat himself.
“God, that feels so good,” Cal said on a groan, and pushed his ass into Brady to direct the movement. He reared his head back in an apparent attempt to reach Brady for a kiss. After one hard pump of his cock, Brady leaned forward so they could brush lips.
“Alright, I’m ready for seconds.” Cal kept one arm braced on the couch while the other searched the truffle box. The paper cup of the orange-heart confection stuck to the bottom, and Cal had to shake loose the picture to see something fleshy and pink Brady couldn’t quite make out.
“What is it?”
“Looks like a backside,” Cal murmured, grunting with each thrust of Brady’s cock inside him. In the backdrop the keening cry of Ellie’s climax disrupted them, and Brady turned in time to see Sue collapse on top of his wife.
“Baby.” Cal crooked his neck, beckoning his wife closer. “Get your back…back here.” He rose slightly so Sue could kneel on the couch, her ass to his face. Curving her back so her buttocks raised high, she leaned over the sofa and let out a satisfied moan when Cal’s tongue delved into her cheeks. She used one hand to pry them apart so he could have better access for rimming her.
Ellie came behind a thrusting Brady and kissed her shoulder. “So where do I go now?” she pouted, close enough for Brady to smell Sue’s tempting musk on her.
“Do what the candy says,” he said. “You know, sex is like a box of chocolates…”
“I know. Full of gooey stuff and nuts,” Ellie finished. “Speaking of which…”
She snatched the candy decoder and glanced at it, then grabbed the brown-heart bon-bon from the box. Biting it open, she showed Brady the non-eaten half and the accompanying picture of a man’s scrotum. “Almond joyful,” she bragged. “If you’ll excuse me…”
Brady nudged Cal’s legs, and both men spread wide enough so Ellie could slide underneath him. Lying on her back, she raised her head high enough to take Cal’s swaying balls into her mouth.
“Fuck, yes!” Cal hissed before returning to pleasuring his wife. Sue jostled on the cushions, rubbing her clit furiously and mewling the onset of a coming orgasm.
“That’s it, babe,” Brady told her. He wasn’t far behind. His own balls tightened, the first sign of impending release. Ellie’s reach toward his sac as he continued to slam into Cal’s ass served only to speed along the inevitable.
“Shit, I’m gonna come.” Soon as the words were out of his mouth, though, Brady did just that. It started with a fire in the pit of his groin that exploded through every nerve ending in his body—he felt as if he could come forever. When the sensation passed he fell limp against his friend, lightly feathering kisses down Cal’s spine.
Cal twitched around him, prolonging the ecstasy a bit, but soon Brady sensed Cal’s rough departure.
“Sorry, bud, I can’t hold it much longer. Screw the candy.” Cal wrenched free of Ellie and Brady, turned Sue around and lay her on the couch. The candy box overturned in the melee, and Cal leaped on top of his lady love. With one bold thrust he was inside her, seating his cock deep into her pussy.
Sue gasped and arched in her supine position. “God, I love you,” she cried. More than likely Cal was the one she addressed, but Brady knew their feelings transcended their marriages. They all loved each other, and Valentine’s Day had given them another opportunity to share their passions.
That, and a box of candy. The remaining bon-bons lay scattered on the carpet, separated from their paper cups.
Brady picked up a photo of a cock embedded in a pussy. He grinned at his wife. “Here’s one to try. What do you say?”
Ellie cupped his balls and massaged him to another erection. “I say, I can’t wait until Easter.”
“Some people claim that there’s a whoaaaaaa-mon to blaaaame...and I know! Oh, yeah, I know, baby!”
Clearly drunk out of his gourd, the singer of this rollicking karaoke version of “Margaritaville”—the fifteenth such rendition delivered so far at Mick’s Cinco de Mayo celebration—punctuated the song’s bridge with an awkward shake of his skinny ass. So lost was he in the rhythm that he missed his cue for the final line.
“Shit!” The ad-libbed expletive shot piercing feedback through all speakers, causing a collective wince through the crowd. “It’s my own da-yum fault!”
Mick Swanson, bar owner and quasi-celebrity host of the bar’s annual “Parrothead Idol” contest, didn’t wait for the song to finish before relieving the blue Hawaiian-shirted contestant of his microphone. “It most certainly is, bud.” To the crowd, “Let’s give it up for Robbie ‘Margaritaville’ Mack. Rob-bie!”
A smattering of applause followed, low enough for Redding Marbury to hear the muttered aside to his right.
“Robbie sounds like he should give it up and go back to driving trucks or whatever.”
Red snickered into his own margarita at that, careful not to suck any of the tart liquid down the wrong pipe. After a sip, he leaned to the side and replied, “I wouldn’t worry, you heard the crowd reaction. I doubt the needle on the Applause-O-Meter moved an inch.”
“If there is one. This whole thing is fixed, I’ll bet. You know Mick’s gonna give it to the girl with the huge tits.”
“Yeah, and maybe he’ll give her the prize money, too,” Red cracked. This earned an equally riotous response, and when his barstool neighbor’s drink moved into his line of vision Red realized the guy wanted to toast the lame joke.
That’s when he turned and locked eyes with a beautiful, dark-haired man. Really, beautiful could be the only word to describe him—the way the jagged tips of his hair dusted his t-shirt collar, soft brown eyes that looked as though they could ripple like puddles if touched, and pouting full lips. Hispanic in origin he had to be, guessing by his features. Red took in his strong, bare arms and flawless latte-colored skin and hesitated before speaking. Whoever the young man was, he’d taken Red off his guard.
“Cheers,” he mumbled, clinking his glass against the proffered longneck Bud.
“Vive Dareville.” The man took a long pull from his beer bottle and slammed it on a damp coaster. “Miguel Guererro,” he said, his voice crisp as he extended his hand.
Red accepted his warm, strong grip. His pulse quickened a beat and he suddenly felt flush. “Red Marbury. You local? I haven’t seen you around town.” Indeed, as the owner of Dareville’s only newspaper, he knew practically everybody.
Miguel shook his head. “Passing through,” he said. “I heard about the karaoke contest and thought I’d take my chances.” A mischievous smile curled those tempting lips. “You sing?”
“Hell, no.” Red fidgeted in his stool. The rising heat of Miguel’s appraisal sparked a self-consciousness he wanted to overcome. Every day since he and his wife Charlene had decided to open their marriage to accommodate new lovers—largely to satisfy Red’s homosexual yearnings—Red wondered if each look, each perceived blink equaled an innuendo.
Tonight, with their daughters spending the evening at Charlene’s parents’ house, his wife likely suffered similar jitters on her dinner date with a co-worker she liked. Charlene had encouraged Red to use this opportunity to explore the attractions he had repressed over the years, and he actually went to a gay bar at the beach. Fear, however, got the better of him, forcing him to take refuge in the familiar atmosphere of Mick’s annual Cinco de Mayo bash.
What could he possibly say to another man in a gay bar, anyway? He had no experience in the meat market, gay or straight. He and Charlene had dated all through high school and married shortly afterward. How could a man unable to correctly discern a silent come-on from a blink to get rid of dust succeed in the dating game?
The shrieking coda of an off-key blonde in a bikini top and shorts—shining strands of red, white, and green beads hanging from her neck—interrupted Red’s woes. The tanned, tilting beauty had just asked the audience, “Which way do I steer?” as the final strains of “Cheeseburger in Paradise” faded. Mick took her mic and escorted her off-stage.
“Which way to steer? How about toward rehab, or voice lessons?” Mick joked, though Red figured there was some degree of stern sincerity in the remark. But the crowd laughed anyway and light applause signaled a dismal effort for the contestant.
Clearly the host tired of the event. Mick’s voice reflected his weariness. “Okay, last but not least...” he consulted an index card, “here to sing—oh, thank God it’s something we haven’t done yet.”
“That’s what she said!” roared a detached voice from the crowd.
Mick quickly rejoined with, “Thank you, sweetheart. You better head back to the balcony now. I hear Statler’s getting worried.”
Nobody laughed at that, not even Miguel. Feeling it his duty, Red crooked his neck toward the stage. “The Muppet Show,” he said. “You know, those two old guys who heckled everybody...”
“Oh, right. Right.” Miguel nodded and smiled, and Red realized that show must have aired when the young man was but a babe, or long before that. God, he was too old to start over. He should be home with his wife and kids.
Then again, that wouldn’t be fair to Charlene. He couldn’t give her what she really wanted out of their marriage.
Mick continued to ramble on with the final introduction. “Okay, kids. Three more minutes and it’s all over. Let’s bring out Miguel Guererro. Miguel!”
Miguel slid his nearly empty bottle next to Red’s drink and pushed loudly from his stool. “Watch that, please?” he asked with a gentle brush to Red’s hand. The touch sparked an electric sensation that shocked Red’s senses. The short hairs on the nape of his neck stood to attention—his cock was certain to follow.
“Miguel?” But the young man couldn’t hear him. Red watched him sashay around bodies about to topple. That firm, delicious ass, encased in faded jeans, moved with the grace of a cat, and Red saw his shoulders flex and pull his t-shirt tighter across his back. He had a hard body—would it melt in a man’s embrace?
Knock it off. Red knew nothing of “gaydar” or signals. For all he knew, Miguel was a horny college student who banged a different pussy every night.
What couldn’t be denied, though, was Miguel’s incredible singing voice. Deep tones overpowered the twangy melody of a Jimmy Buffett song Red didn’t immediately place. Many of the karaoke contestants kept to the obvious hits about margaritas and cheeseburgers. Miguel’s choice began slowly and teased the audience with its down-home raunchy exuberance. The words came naturally—when Miguel sang for a barmaid to bring another round, Red half expected one of Mick’s shorts-clad ladies to join him on stage bearing a heavy tray.
It seemed as though Miguel scanned the crowd for a glimpse of him. Red detected laser heat aimed directly at him as their gazes locked from across the bar. His hearing numbed at the suggestion sung directly at him.
Honey, why don’t we get drunk and screw?
Riotous whooping and cheers erupted in the pit near the stage. Shaking hands held aloft beer mugs and margarita glasses, sloshing alcohol everywhere. The tang of salt and yeast assaulted Red’s senses and he grasped the brass rail lining the bar for balance. Miguel maintained control of his attentions, clearly knowing what Red himself had yet to admit out loud.
The boy knew about Red, knew he was interested. A subtle wink provided Red’s answer of his own desires. Red’s palm sweat against the railing and he slid a few inches before catching himself. Feet tucked around the posts of the stool, he turned back to the bar, breaking eye contact so he could finish his drink and plan his next move.
Out the door? Bodies thickened the easiest pathway there. Miguel would surely catch him, but Red knew he wanted that to happen.
Before he realized it, the song ended to a high-decibel reception, more cacophonous than any other contestant had received. “That’s it, I’m calling it. The rest of you didn’t come close,” Mick bellowed. “This year’s winner of Buffett Idol is Miguel Guererro!”
The crowd didn’t seem to mind. The cheers continued long after the stage lights dimmed and canned music rose to fill the air. Red did his best to keep it all behind him but a forceful slap to his back brought the party crashing into his consciousness.
“Check it out,” Miguel drawled, flipping open his prize envelope to reveal a check and a thick packet of gift certificates.
“Congratulations, you earned it,” Red told him. “You were better than anybody else, that’s for damn sure.”
“You got that right.” Miguel signaled the bartender over and tossed a bill on the counter. “I got his,” his tapped Red’s shoulder, “and gimme a bottle of Cuervo Gold for the road.”
Red’s heart thumped at the additional contact. He turned slightly to see Miguel’s hand still palmed him. “You didn’t have to do that, but thanks.”
“You deserve something, too, friend.” Miguel leaned over the bar and snatched a whole lime from the drink well. Grabbing a nearby salt shaker, he nudged Red to stand. “C’mon.”
“Where are we going?” Red would have followed him over a cliff at this point, he realized. The boy was just too damn beautiful for his own good.
Miguel grinned two rows of perfect white teeth. “It’s Independence Day for my people, amigo. What’s a holiday without some fireworks?”
* * * *
As the owner of the town paper, Red knew damn well Dareville had planned no such display for Cinco de Mayo. Townsfolk considered themselves lucky to see a show on the Fourth, given the council’s reluctance to explode things within town limits. Red liked to believe, too, he possessed enough smarts to know he could expect a different type of “bang” in Miguel’s room at the Dareville Inn.
The drive, following Miguel’s pickup truck, proved mercifully short and devoid of many side streets to allow a timid escape. Red kept his breath held as they silently made their way to a second floor room. Blood pounded in Red’s ears as numerous questions jarred his mind. What if Miguel turned out to be some kind of hustler, and mugged Red? Should he have called somebody to let them know where he was? Who to call, Charlene? Certainly not his father or brother. Maybe he should have let Mick in on his plans.
No, not Mick. Nobody was to know about this.
Besides, people talk, and Red didn’t need the publicity.
Miguel casually tossed a ring of keys on the nearest table by the door and strolled to the desk on the opposite wall. He unloaded his booty on the paper blotter and reached for the mini-fridge. “Have a seat,” he said. “Get comfy.”
Seeing as Miguel had obviously rented the inn’s economy suite, Red had no choice but to get “comfy” on the edge of the queen-sized bed. The mattress yielded easily to his weight, forcing Red to jostle for balance as he sank into the softness.
Miguel chuckled. “You are funny, Red. You know that?”
“Unintentionally,” Red countered. “That’s not always a good thing.”
“It’s cute. I like you.” Miguel poured two shots of tequila, then sliced the lime into wedges with a jackknife from his pocket. “You could use something strong, too, I can tell.”
Like an elephant tranquilizer? Red kept silent. He didn’t want to come across as a comedian. True, humor often proved a strong shield during times of anxiety, but one false wrong might send the night into a disappointing tailspin.
And what did he expect to happen anyway? Sex? Teenaged style necking at the most? The amorous electric charge filled the room. Red could feel the affect of Miguel’s musk on his own skin. His cock stirred slowly to life, his nipples ached under his shirt...but he held fast to the bed comforter. Whatever was destined to happen tonight, he decided Miguel would take the lead. The young man exuded confidence, a casual nonchalance that Red envied. He needed to learn that.
Miguel grabbed the salt shaker and turned. “Hold out your hand,” he ordered in a gentle voice. “No, like this.” Miguel demonstrated a loose fist, thumb curled upward. Red obeyed.
Miguel sprinkled some salt along the rim of Red’s fist. “You have to have done this some time in your life.”
As opposed to what? Red had to admit, though, Miguel could read him well. Truly he must look the part of the shy virgin unsure if he was being seduced. Of course, Red was no virgin in the traditional sense—he and Charlene had enjoyed a strong sex life until these old desires resurfaced—yet he had never acted on the alternatives now apparently open to him.
With Red’s knuckles now properly seasoned, Miguel took one of the hotel glasses, a fourth of the way filled with Cuervo. “Lick it.” He bent down to tongue away the salt. Red thought his heart might burst.
Finishing with an exaggerated smack, Miguel said, “Slam it,” and downed the shot.
Red understood what came next. No mistaking Miguel’s grin, either.
“Suck it.”
And Miguel drew Red closer for a searing kiss. Red loosened his jaw on a gasp and Miguel easily plundered the open cavern, probing deep and moving his lips over Red’s. Red could only melt into this kiss, thinking how similar the sensation felt to kissing a woman...yet the hint of facial abrasion and scent of raw masculinity clearly defined this experience.
Red hoped it would last. But, just as his arms rose to bring Miguel closer the young man broke away with a satisfied smirk. The taste of tequila and salt lingered on Red’s lips and he pursed tight to preserve the memory. He watched Miguel’s gaze drop to Red’s left hand, shocked when Miguel lifted it higher. Another grin.
“So, you’re funny and naughty,” Miguel teased. “What secrets are you hiding?” The charge confused Red, then he realized Miguel had noticed the obvious band of white at the base of his ring finger. Charlene had advised him to leave his wedding ring at home tonight, in the event. He supposed now it didn’t make a damn bit of difference. To Miguel he typified the repressed husband on the prowl, taking whatever the little lady at home refused to give. Red’s protective feelings for Charlene compelled him to speak, even though he had no idea he’d see this guy again.
“There are no secrets to reveal, to the people who matter most to me,” he said, his voice a strong whisper. “She knows, and understands.”
Miguel’s expression softened. “I don’t mean to make you uncomfortable, Red...”
“You’re not, I’m just naturally so.” Red smiled, relieved to see Miguel respond in kind. “And as you can tell, my inexperience in all manners of seduction is plainly obvious.”
“I think you just need to relax.” Miguel handed him the other shot, but before Red could down the tequila Miguel tsked. “No, gotta do it the right way.”
He sprinkled some salt on his own curled thumb, then held it up to Red’s mouth. “You remember what to do?”
Yep.
Lick it. Miguel’s skin felt slick and cool under his thickening tongue.
Slam it. The Cuervo ignited a line of fire down this throat, but Red did his best not to cough away the flames.
Suck it. The alcohol amplified Miguel’s delicious taste. The kiss lasted longer this time, with Red surprising himself by taking the lead. He pinned a hand to the back of Miguel’s head to prolong their bond, breathing deeply in time to his partner’s growing interest.
Their bodies melded easily into each other’s. Arms snaked around waists. Legs and thigh twined, and jockeyed slightly for balance. Not that Red minded—if they ended up a bruised heap on the hotel rug he wouldn’t stop his exploration of Miguel’s form. The longer they kissed, the more natural his reactions appeared. His fingers fanned over the back of Miguel’s jeans, noting the curves and softness of his ass.
He touched a man’s backside, and enjoyed it. He touched as though he had been meant to do for so long.
Miguel broke the kiss and nibbled down Red’s neck. “I’m ready for another shot,” he whispered, his breath hot in Red’s ear. Red’s cock stirred in answer. “How about you?”
He would have preferred to remain in place, but Miguel gave him no opportunity to protest. Miguel slipped free of his hold and poured two more shots of Cuervo.
But when Red held out his fist for the salt, the other man shook his head. “No, let’s try something else.” Rather than reach for the glasses, Miguel turned toward him and deftly unbuckled Red’s belt.
Red swallowed. He knew to expect this eventuality, and the thought of seeing Miguel in similar stages of undress caused him to harden underneath his partner’s gentle touch. By the time Miguel had the pants and boxers off, Red sported a full erection, the tip tender and aching.
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