Page 25 of Off the Clock

“I’ll be there.”

Chapter Thirteen

Tony

A pre-planned hookup was a novelty for Caleb and me, not to mention the prospect of an actual bed. I parked at Eric’s as usual after a shift, fighting the temptation to arrange my pillows in the shape of a sleeping form like some teen in case someone came looking for me. It was bad enough Caleb made me feel reckless and wild, a youth I’d never had. I’d spent so much time responsible for my sisters and later for my team as I’d moved up the Ranger ranks that I’d never had the chance to let loose or sneak around beyond the few clandestine high school encounters I’d joked about with Caleb.

I headed straight to Caleb’s after parking because if I went into Eric’s house, the chance of being waylaid by teens or friends was far too great.

I wanted Caleb, professional and personal risks be damned, and I broke into a brisk trot on the early-morning walk to his little pink rental house. I arrived on his doorstep at almost the same instant as him.

“Hey.” He unlocked the door, ushering me inside. His expression was uncertain, gaze shifting, hands moving restlessly, almost as if he’d expected me to ghost him.

“Cute place,” I said for lack of anything better to say to reassure him. While small, the living space had a welcoming feel with a khaki slip-covered couch, an older recliner, and bookcases filled with some sci-fi titles I recognized and a popular action thriller series.

“It was close to the school and cheap.” Caleb shrugged. “Scotty says it’s too tiny.”

“It’s cozy. Way bigger than a lot of barracks quarters I had over the years.” Another time, I could see myself enjoying hanging out here, talking books and movies. I gestured at the framed prints on the wall near the TV. “And you’ve got some actual decor going.”

“Thanks. Garage sale finds and my mom’s basement, but I tried to make it homey for Scotty.”

“I get that.” My chest suffered an unfamiliar pinch. Caleb was trying so damn hard for an uncertain—and likely ungrateful—reward. “But Scotty isn’t the only one who deserves a nice place.”

“How well is taking your own advice working for you?” Caleb shot me a pointed look like he knew exactly how little effort I’d put into making a home for myself over the years.

“Not very,” I admitted. “Right now, I’m staying in what used to be the primary bedroom at Eric’s with a hodgepodge of bedding, gaps where pictures used to hang, and walls an odd shade of avocado. I’ve got no clue what my own taste would even look like.”

“Ha.” Caleb’s blue eyes sparkled. Now that the door was locked and we were making mundane small talk, he’d visibly relaxed. “You need to flex your imagination more.”

“Among other things,” I drawled while putting some heat into my gaze, reminding us of the real reason for my early-morning visit.”

“Dick dying from underuse lately?” Caleb chuckled as he stepped closer to stand directly in front of me.

“Ha.” I laughed at the assumption that my cock ever got around. “You’re the most action I’ve seen in years.”

A slow smile crept across his face. “I like knowing that.”

He draped his arms around my neck, kissing me softly before steering me toward a short hallway off one side of the living area.

“No making out on the couch?” I asked the question in large part to watch his pale skin blush. He was fun to rile up.

“Nope. Better not start anything out in the open in case Scotty changes his mind about working.” He led me to an open door. “My room.”

“Nice. It’s cozy like the rest of the place.” I didn’t have to fake admiring the space. “Welcoming.”

The room had pale peach walls in keeping with the house’s pink scheme, but the space managed a friendly rather than overtly feminine vibe. Caleb had a queen bed without a headboard, but he had hung a colorful tapestry behind the bed, and the brightly striped comforter further added color and energy to the room. A pile of folded T-shirts sat on the dresser while a heap of books was precariously stacked near a bedside lamp on a low table.

“Welcoming. That’s funny. You’re my first guest here.” He grinned as he flicked the doorknob lock. A family photo sat on the mismatched dresser with a lively watercolor above it. Catching me looking, Caleb gestured at the print. “Another yard sale find.”

“You’re good at that.”

“I’m good at lots.” Caleb gave me a surprisingly sultry look as he stripped off his T-shirt. Like me, he’d showered and changedout of uniform at the end of his shift, shirt still so fresh I caught a whiff of his detergent.

“You are.” I followed his lead and pulled my shirt off. I was far more interested in watching Caleb, however. I’d seen tons of naked guys in locker rooms around the world, but this was the first time I could reallylook.Caleb was shorter than me and slightly stockier, a thick build with muscled thighs and arms. No matter his disdain for sports, he clearly spent time in the gym.

His blond hair was matched by pale nipples and faint fuzz across his pecs. He had a few freckles, enough to make me want to play connect-the-dots with my tongue. As he shimmied out of his jeans and briefs, I dropped my gaze to admire the blond bush around his cock. Yeah, I liked being able to look my fill. My mouth watered with the memory of sucking him. Never would have expected how much I loved that particular act.

“Gonna show me something else you’re good at?” My voice was more tease than sultry invitation, but Caleb’s eyes still heated, a flush spreading across his chest as that tasty cock of his pulsed harder.

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