Page 22 of Protecting Paul

“Same as always.” Sam shrugs and rests his head on my shoulder. It’s a simple move, but it makes my heart skip a beat. “I’m exhausted, though. We have two officers out sick right now, so we’re all working extra hard. I’m ready for my day off tomorrow.”

“I bet. Knowing you, you’re probably working harder than anyone else,” I laugh and close my eye. I imagine a future where this is my normal, and I love it. I don’t know why I torture myself like this.

“Maybe, but I don’t mind,” Sam replies. He never minds going out of his way for people. He acts like it’s nothing, and that’s something I adore about him. He genuinely doesn’t realize how much better he is than most people. “I was going to go visit my dad and Mark tomorrow. Do you want to come with me?”

I freeze a bit. I haven’t seen either of them since high school. I know I’ll be awkward and shy if I do. Sam would be by my side, though, supporting me if I am. But… it’s such an intimate offer. Hanging out with Sam’s dad and best friend feels like something we’d do as a couple.

We can’t be a couple, though. We can’t put a label on something temporary. Maybe it’s just Sam’s attempt to get my mind off things. Hell, he probably doesn’t mean anything more by it. He probably doesn’t want me moping around his apartment alone all day.

“Paul?” he asks. I realize I’ve been quiet for a suspicious amount of time. “You don’t have to if you don’t want to. It would just be for lunch. I promise we won’t put you to work.”

“You think I can’t hack it on the ranch?” I respond and turn around to face him. He keeps his arms wrapped around me. I smile teasingly at him in an attempt to hide my doubts.

“You don’t strike me as the kind of guy who would want to play cowboy,” he laughs. “But you’re welcome to help with the farm work if you want.”

“As tempting as recreatingBrokeback Mountainwith you is, I’ll pass,” I say. Sam laughs a deep laugh that vibrates my chest in our close proximity. “Lunch sounds nice. I’m a little nervous, though.”

“Why’s that?” Sam asks. He slips his hand under my shirt and strokes my back soothingly. He always does that, and I love it. It calms me down in an instant. “They’re super chill. They’re also aggressively gay together, so you don’t have to worry about that.”

“I know, I know,” I sigh. Shockingly, it’s the first time I haven’t worried about people in Shafter Falls judging me for my sexuality. “I guess it’s more the fact that I haven’t seen them in so long. I’m awkward around new people.”

“Paul, listen.” Sam shakes his head. “My dad is the most introverted guy in the world. I still can’t believe he found love. He was single for his whole life. If you’re a little awkward, it’ll be fine. It’s pretty damn cute when you’re awkward.”

“Oh, shut up,” I grumble and look down. “That does make me feel better. I only met your dad a couple of times, and it wasn’t under the best circumstances.”

“Then it’ll be the first time you get to meet my dad in good circumstances. That’ll make it even better in my book.”

“See, this is why your charm is annoying.” I look up at him with a smile. “You can convince me of anything.”

Instead of using words, he replies by kissing me deeply. I hum against his lips. All my doubts slip away as I taste his lips. I pull away, and he starts to protest until I drop to my knees. That shuts him up.

I undo his belt and pants, letting them fall to his feet. His underwear soon follows. I stroke his cock until he’s fully erect. His soft moans fill my ears. I wrap my lips around the head of his cock and suck softly.

His fingers tangle in my hair, and he gently tugs to urge me on. I bob my head steadily until his cock hits the back of my throat. Something about that must turn him on because he gasps, moaning huskily.

I fiddle with his balls softly, sucking as I swirl my tongue along the length. As much as he appreciates my blowjobs, I appreciate the taste of his cock just the same. His hold on my hair tightens, and his moans grow deeper.

I peek up at him, taking in his look of pure bliss. He glances down at me, and our eyes meet. There’s pure lust in his hazel eyes.

“Paul…” He mumbles my name so sweetly and gently I could cry. I feel his cock throb and pulse, the taste of precum dripping on my tongue. “Fuck, Paul. I’m close….”

I let his cock hit the back of my throat again, sending him over the edge. We maintain eye contact as he cums in my mouth, and I swallow every last drop. I pull my mouth off of his cock and wipe any remnants off of my mouth.

I stand up slowly as he falls back against the couch, clumsily pulling his boxers and pants up. He grabs my hand and pulls me down with him. I settle into his lap, and he kisses me again.

“Give me a minute, and I can return the favor,” he mumbles against my lips. “You’ve got my head spinning.”

“Don’t worry about it, Sammy,” I say, kissing the corner of his mouth. “You can return it later.”

And he does. Before bed that night, he gives me some fantastic head. I fall asleep in his arms as I listen to his heartbeat.

The next day, we head to his dad’s ranch. I’m wringing my hands nervously in the passenger seat. He reaches over and grabs one of them to stop me. He doesn’t let go until we arrive.

“Hey, calm down,” he says as we approach the porch. He hasn’t let go of my hand the entire walk up. “Try to enjoy yourself. I’m right here.”

He kisses me gently and squeezes my hand. As always, his affection gives me strength. My nerves are still there, but they’re significantly reduced.

“Dad?” He calls out as he pushes the door open. “Mark? Where y’all at? You better not be doing anything nasty.”

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