“Uh, no,” Nero replied.
Forrest stared at him. Or rather, they stared at each other. It was unnerving, but not in a bad way. Nero was unable to—didn’t want to—break their connection. Parts that weren’t banged up from a thrill ride down a hill and across a field were abruptly very aware of Forrest Cooper.
The man had changed into a clean pair of worn Levi’s and a black t-shirt with Don’t Make This Ginger Snap across the chest. Nero let his gaze fall downward to Forrest’s narrow bare feet and then travel back up. The attraction he’d tamped down earlier flared, and Nero knew it showed in his expression. But he couldn’t stop himself.
One scruffy red eyebrow rose upward. “Like my shirt?”
“Um,” Nero said, his mouth suddenly dry. And wow, another brilliant statement on his part. Maybe he should give up podcasting altogether.
A wicked smile shaped Forrest’s lips. “I’m going to take that as a yes.”
“The shirt’s okay,” Nero finally managed. “I like the person wearing it more.” He did, he admitted to himself. He liked Forrest Cooper quite a bit.
Forrest closed the distance between them so that they were only a few inches apart. Even though he hadn’t showered yet, the scent of him was heady. Nero breathed deep, taking as much in as he could. As if he could memorize a smell.
“I’m about to kiss you. As you can tell, I’m not very good at asking for permission.”
Nero had read about kisses that consumed a person like wildfire. Kisses that lit a person up from the inside. Kisses that were addicting. But he’d never experienced one before. From the first brush of Forrest’s lips, he knew he was in trouble. This was somehow different from the other night, but maybe it was the near-death experience. Maybe it was just—Forrest Cooper.
NINETEEN
Forrest – Saturday Evening
Shutting his eyes, Forrest leaned into the kiss and wrapped his arms around Nero’s strong body to keep himself from falling to the floor. Or maybe it was to keep himself from dragging Nero to his bedroom. He needed to demonstrate some self-control.
Didn’t he?
Nero was strong, he’d hold them both up. Or in place.
Nero felt incredible against him. Under his fingertips. Against his skin.
Dropping one hand but keeping his mouth fused to Nero’s, Forrest skimmed underneath the cotton t-shirt he’d loaned him, reveling in the feel of his bare skin, of the tangible muscle he carried and the curve of his back. Nero groaned and copied Forrest’s action. Luckily for them, Nero was already leaning against the counter. Then he wrapped a leg around Forrest’s calf, bringing them even closer.
“Damn, Nero,” Forrest muttered.
They were both erect. Their cocks brushed against each other, sending a hot wave of need up Forrest’s spine. Time fell away as they licked into each other’s mouths, their tongues lunging, parrying, and thrusting as they tasted each other’s desire.
Forrest hadn’t experienced this level of deep attraction in years, maybe ever. He knew they should slow down, maybe even have a conversation, but he didn’t want to stop. He couldn’t bring himself to even pause. Then one of Nero’s hands slipped between their bodies and began to caress Forrest’s cock, and they thrust against each other.
“Bedroom?” he asked between desperate kisses.
“God, yes,” Nero rasped before nipping Forrest’s lip. “We’re going to end up on the floor at this rate.”
“As exciting as that sounds, I’m too old. My back will make me regret it.” Forrest’s back twinged in agreement, but he ignored it.
Grabbing Nero’s hand, Forrest practically dragged him to his bedroom. He didn’t even take time to worry about how long it’d been since he’d changed the sheets.
Once in the room, they got tangled up trying to undress each other.
“Fucking clothes.” Forrest gave up and ripped off his own damn shirt and jeans.
Nero laughed as he also divested himself of unnecessary attire.
Finally, they were both naked. Forrest dived on to his bed like a kid. Nero followed suit but a bit more slowly, laying down next to Forrest.
“I knew you were trouble,” Forrest grumbled, “the minute I laid eyes on you.”
“I knew you were trouble before I ever saw you,” Nero said.