Page 39 of Still Bruised
“Can I get you boys a drink?” Jason asked. “I’ve got wine, beer, and soda.”
“A beer would be great,” Jude said.
“Two,” Anton added, holding up two fingers.
“Coming right up,” Jason said, walking to the other side of the island. He reached into a sink that was apparently acting as a cooler and came up with two icy cans.
Someone stopped Jason before he could return with their drinks. Anton spun to face him and pointed to the mask. “White masks are bottoms. Black tops. Checked are switches.”
“Somysterious,” Jude muttered.
“Can you not?”
Jude clenched his jaw. He ran off at the mouth when he was uncomfortable. It was just who he was… but that wasn’t helping Anton. He bit his lower lip and told himself to be cool. He leaned closer to Anton. “Is Jasontheguy?”
After hesitating a second, Anton nodded. “Yeah.”
“Not someone I would’ve seen for you.”
Anton chuckled. “Me either. And don’t you say a word about the age gap. I don’t want to hear it.”
Jude tucked that one away for later. “This his place?”
Anton nodded again.
Jude glanced around again, noting the luxurious furnishings and the fixtures. The well-tailored, expensive-looking clothing of those who were still somewhat dressed. The hundreds, if not thousands, in food displayed on the island.
“I know, I know, you don’t think we belong here,” Anton said. He turned to Jude. “I’ve told myself that, too. But after we met, he’s been insistent we see each other again. I ran out of excuses why I couldn’t.”
“You ran out of excuses? You’re allowed to say no if you didn’t want to come.”
“I didn’t want to say no,” Anton murmured.
Jude eyed Anton, not accustomed to seeing that side of him.
“It’s just sex… but I stupidly hope it might be more than that.” He turned to survey the other men there, most of which were closer to Jason’s age from their appearance. “I’m a fucking fool because we both know it won’t happen, but I can’t seem to stop his gravitation pull. I figure I’ll ride this train until it stops.”
Or crashes.
Jude kept that thought to himself.
“Do what feels right,” Jude whispered. “And listen to your gut.”
“I don’t think I would’ve had the nerve to knock on the door if you weren’t with me,” Anton said seconds before Jason finally returned. “Thanks.”
“Sorry about that.” Jason handed over the cans. “I hope these will do?”
“Perfect. That’s our usual brand,” Jude said.
Jason leaned an elbow on the island and smiled at Anton, his eyes twinkling. “I know.” He reached out and tugged on Anton’s shirt before glancing at Jude. “Feel free to look around and tour the place. The main action is going to happen in the parlor behind the kitchen, but the bedrooms are open for use upstairs, too. There are already a few folks who’ve gotten started in the parlor if you want to peek in first.” He paused, eyeing Jude’s backpack. “I can tuck that away somewhere safe for you.”
“That’s where I put my clothes,” Jude said. “And keep my necessities.”
“There are bowls of condoms all over as well as plenty of lube in every room,” Jason said. “You can take off your clothes now, if you’d like.” His gaze traveled to Anton’s. “Both of you, actually. No need to keep everything covered.”
Jason peeled out of his robe and tossed it onto the back of a nearby stool, bearing his body first. Jude gave him the once over, impressed. For an older guy, he was in incredible shape. Glancing down, he saw Jason was well above averageandready for action.
Jude eyed Anton.Lucky bastard.
