Page 40 of Tied

Chris

After brunch, Tyler asked if I wanted to try to grab that coffee. As we walked along the city streets, things were more relaxed. Our conversations were plentiful this time. We laughed, joked, talked about some of the silliest stuff, and that was only within three blocks.

It was a longer walk to the coffee shop than I’d expected, and for some reason, I thought we’d be turning the corner for a little Mom-and-Pop shop. Something with mismatched chairs, doilies for table cloths, and chipped tea cups. Turning a corner, with Central Park on one side, and dark brick apartment buildings on the other, we enter a bright and airy lobby.

“Good afternoon, sir.” The man behind the desk greets, inspecting me from head to toe. “You’re back from brunch early today. Is everything all right?” He’s sizing me up. He’s wondering if I belong there—If I belong here beside Tyler.

“It’s great. Thank you, Brent. How’s your day so far?”

“Terrific, sir. Terrific.”

Bypassing him and pushing the button for the lift, Tyler smiles my way.

As we wait for the elevator to arrive, Tyler asks, “Tea, right?”

“A tea sounds good.”

With the doors opening then closing, and us confined in the tight space, I laugh at the elevator music. It’s a goofy tune I know well from a popular movie. Humming along, bobbing my head, I count the floors above as we rise.

Fourteen, fifteen…

Twenty-two, twenty-three…Before we finally stop on twenty-seven.

Somewhere along the walk we’d held hands, and now I look down at our still joined hands.

Before last week, I was afraid to show the world who I really was. Realizing I’m comfortable for probably the first time in forever, I’m relaxed.

Releasing my hand and reaching into his pocket, Tyler steps out and directly to a door across the hall. P27 in beautiful pewter adorns the door. Unlocking it, then standing to the side, Tyler smiles apprehensively. I’d be fearful too. Not like I’ve had the best track record since I’ve met him for smart ideas, great relationship decisions, and quiet companionship, so I’d say it’s warranted.

“Come on in.” Walking past me, he heads into the space. “Make yourself at home while I start up the machine.”

“Thanks,” I say as he walks off towards the kitchen.

Looking out the windows at the picturesque Central Park with its historic beauty and brilliant hues, I don’t notice as Tyler approaches from behind me.

Softly touching my shoulder, he places a kiss on the back of my neck, then brings a hand around my waist. With a gravelly voice, he says, “Don’t turn, or I might change my mind.”

I stay still, though it’s taking everything in me to do so. Breathing by my ear seductively, he says, “How about we take this off.” Grasping the edge of my shirt, Tyler slowly, inch by inch, raises the material, along with my increasing heart rate. Once it’s high enough, I toss it over my head.

As commanded, letting it fall to the floor beside me, I stay still. I want to move as his hand searches the soft skin of my chest. I want to touch him, but I’m fearful of wrecking this subtle moment.

“It’s been a very long time for me, Chris. I’m afraid that trusting you is wrong. Tell me I’m wrong to trust you with my body and I’ll stop right now.”

Exploring my freshly shaven chest, searching out a nipple and the sensitive skin that trails to my navel, I have difficulty staying put. My breath hitches.

“I could never harm you. If we’re rushing things, then stop. I’ll drink the tea, put on my shirt and leave with a raging hard-on, but I’ll do it, Tyler.” As the warmth of the sun hits my chest, and the cold air tickles my back, I shiver slightly.

Twisting my torso, I turn my head, wanting him to see the truth of it in my eyes. It’s a vow I won’t break.

As his hands still search my body, I ask, “We’ll take it slow then?”

Seeing the truth—or the truth as he wishes to see it—Tyler nods, satisfied with what I give.

Slow is always, more fun anyway. Agonizing, but fun.

Moving his hands, and feeling his breath teasing the skin on my back, I’m excited beyond belief.

Pushing his body forward, crowding me, Tyler moves us closer to the bank of windows. “Hands on the glass, Chris.”

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