By G.A. Hauser

Copyright © G.A. Hauser, 2010 Cover design by Angel Loveday ISBN Trade paperback: 978-1453-6403-8-8 The G.A. Hauser Collection

This is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or business establishments, events or locales is coincidental.

All Rights Are Reserved. No part of this may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

WARNING
This book contains material that maybe offensive to some: graphic language, homosexual relations, adult situations. Please store your books carefully where they cannot be accessed by underage readers.
First The G.A. Hauser publication: December 2010
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Chapter 1
Rufus Jennison hated his job. It didn’t matter. Soon it wouldn’t be there. The company was closing its doors and moving south, like a migrating bird.

He felt old, yet at thirty-five, he wasn’t. It was the loneliness which was worse than his sense of aging. Though he’d been in a relationship with Marley Racine for two years he chose to leave it behind when his partner cheated. Adding to the insult was his boasting about it. The burn made him hesitant to get out there into the dating game again.

He didn’t often drink in a bar alone but tonight was an exception. The heat and humidity of this Ohio summer was adding to his frustration. How was anyone expected to run or bike in this weather? I preferred it when it was seventeen degrees and icy. At least then I could layer up. What am I supposed to do? Run naked?

The thought actually brought a smile to his lips. Anyone remember streakers?
It felt odd to smile. Lately he didn’t have much to make him happy. Soon to be unemployed, no one to keep him company, constantly being tired and doing nothing but going home and sleeping. What was there to jump up and down about?
What is it about human nature? Always the worst case scenario? Murphy’s Law, whatever you call it. If it can go wrong it will go wrong.
Rufus leaned his elbows on the bar. He could have opted for a booth and sat alone, but it would be too obvious he was ‘solo’ for the night. The bartender was decent looking but also had a gold ring on his finger. Would be nice to get laid.
He broke up with Marley three months ago. Has it been that long? Rufus finished the rest of his beer. He got the bartender’s immediate attention. The man had a tag on his chest that read ‘Guy’. Is that identifying your gender or your name? Ha ha very funny, Rufus.
“Would you like another round?” Guy asked.
“Yes, please. And can I see the dinner or bar menu?”
“Sure.” Guy placed a plastic covered menu in front of him.
While Rufus perused the selection, thinking of the caloric intake of the deep fried goo it offered, he noticed someone sit down near him, leaving the obligatory one seat between them.
Guy placed Rufus’s fresh drink down for him, moving to the new man quickly.
While Rufus stared at the salad selection he heard the other man ask for a big brand name light beer. Rufus tried not to shake his head in dismay. All the locals had a thing for the mega company ‘diet’ beer yet ate like pigs. It was the classic diet cola order with a super-sized portion of junk food. Insanity.
He folded the menu and tried not to be obvious as he took a peek at the man who was waiting for his low calorie booze.
He was strikingly handsome. Dark hair, broad shoulders and casually dressed in a pair of faded jeans and a t-shirt. A protruding belly was the only fault Rufus could see instantly. But that was the norm. In Rufus’s opinion, the man was still very attractive.
Obviously feeling the inspection, the man met Rufus’s gaze.
Rufus immediately turned away.
“Hot out, isn’t it?”
Rufus looked at him again. “Yeah. I can’t stand this weather.”
Guy gave the man his beer and asked Rufus, “Would you like to order anything?”
“Just a garden salad, fat free ranch dressing on the side.”
Guy nodded, taking the menu.
Rufus heard the man next to him chuckle.
“Don’t laugh at me. You ordered low calorie beer.”
The man smiled. “I did. But I’d love to drink it with a double bacon cheeseburger.”
At the man’s candor, Rufus laughed and held out his hand. “I’m Rufus Jennison.”
“Stockton Hastings.” He reached for Rufus’s hand and shook it. “But everyone calls me Stocky.”
“That’s cruel.” Rufus made a sour face.
“I don’t mind. Heck. More of me to love.”
“You’re not fat.”
Stockton gave Rufus a pained look.
“Well, not compared to most of the people around here.” Rufus estimated Stockton was in his mid to late thirties and, in his opinion, growing more handsome by the minute. Rufus enjoyed his soft features and dark eyes.
“I should work out…” Stockton drank his beer.
“Don’t beat yourself up about it. If it was easy, everyone would be a fitness fanatic.” Rufus sat up as his salad arrived.
“Are you?”
“I try, but lately it’s too hot.” He stabbed a cherry tomato with his fork and ate it.
“There’s a pool at my complex. But all I do is stand in it. I don’t do laps. With this heat there are too many people in it to get any exercise.”
Rufus nodded, chewing.
“Am I bothering you? Talking to you while you eat?”
“No. Not at all. I like the company. Nothing worse than eating at a restaurant bar all alone.”
Stockton smiled. “Divorced?”
“No. Never married.” Rufus couldn’t even imagine telling this man he was gay.
“Me neither.”
When the bartender came by to check on them, both he and Stockton stopped talking. “You guys doing okay?”
“Fine.” Rufus smiled and heard Stockton say the same.
The interruption had halted the communication. Rufus wondered if it would seem awkward to start it up. Behind them the booths and tables had filled with couples or trios of friends. Rufus didn’t know how Stockton felt, but if Stockton hadn’t shown up, Rufus would have gobbled his salad, slurped down his beer and went home to his empty rooms.
Letting his focus stay on his meal, Rufus figured that was the end of their chat and it was time to go.
Stockton called the bartender back. “Maybe I will have a hamburger and fries.”
“Okay.” Guy nodded.
“Thanks.”
Rufus peeked at Stockton. “Too hard to resist?”
“I’m starving.”
A couple lingered behind them. Due to the chair left between them, Stockton had separated two seats. Rufus could see the anxious pair eying them and getting annoyed.
Their conversation became louder until Stockton overheard it as well. “I can move over.” Stockton pointed to the vacant seat next to Rufus. “Do you mind, Rufus?”
“No. Not at all.” Rufus shifted his silverware and glass closer to himself.
“Thanks.” The woman looked less irritated now that Stockton took the hint. She and her companion sat at the last two seats on the end of the bar, which was filling up and becoming noisier.
Stockton scooted over, bringing his light beer and coaster with him.
Rufus caught his scent of cologne or deodorant and tried not to be obvious he was sniffing.
“Let me know if I crowd you. I know I’m a big guy.”
“Will you let up on yourself? You’re not that big, Stockton. And I am not calling you Stocky.”
Stockton appeared shy suddenly. A plate of food was placed in front of him.
Rufus eyed the meal and could see its appeal instantly. Now he wanted a hamburger and fries. The salad was gone and he was still hungry.
Stockton took a bite of his burger.
“Good?”
He wiped his mouth with a napkin and said while he chewed, “Excellent.”
“I should have gotten one.”
“Have a fry.”
“You sure?”
“Sure, I’m sure.” Stockton nudged his plate over.
Rufus took one, eating it. “Damn that’s good.”
“Do you starve yourself?” Stockton took another big bite.
“No. Well, not really. I do get paranoid about gaining weight.”
“You’re not fat.”
“I know. It’s stupid. It’s just that both my parents had heart problems. My dad passed away from a heart attack when he was fifty, and my mom isn’t doing too well either. And they’re both, well…”
“Big?”
“Yes. Not overly. You know.”
“Like me?” Stockton appeared amused.
“Will you shut up?” Rufus laughed.
“Here. Eat another one.”
“If you let me, I’ll finish them.” Rufus chewed on another French fry.
“Be my guest.”
Rufus was beginning to be very attracted to this ‘big guy’. “You’re a sweetie, aren’t you?”
At the look on Stockton’s face, Rufus wondered if he had just tipped the ‘gay-dar’ radar.
“I try.”
“You succeed.”
Stockton took a paranoid glance around them before asking, “You, uh…if you ever want to go grab a beer or something, you know? I’d be okay with that.”
“Me too.” Rufus took his wallet out his back pocket and removed a business card. “This is my cell phone number and email address.”
Stockton brushed off his hands and used a napkin before he took it. He read the information. “I thought that company was picking up and moving to Atlanta.”
“They are. I’m living on borrowed time.” Rufus ate another one of Stockton’s fries, telling himself to stop devouring the man’s food.
“Are you moving with them out of state?”
“I don’t want to. I don’t like the job.”
“Good luck finding a new one in this market.” Stockton finished his burger and wiped his mouth and hands again.
“What do you do?”
Stockton chewed, swallowed and washed it down with his beer. He said, “Plumbing.”
Rufus immediately imagined Stockton crouched down exposing his ‘plumber’s crack’.
As if Stockton knew his thoughts, he said, “Don’t say it,” laughing.
“I didn’t say anything.” Rufus held up his hands in defense playfully.
“My ass isn’t that big, is it?”
“Stockton.” Rufus’s smile dropped and he shook his head. “You’re a very attractive guy. Will you quit the insults to yourself?” At the look of panic on Stockton’s face, Rufus knew he said one line too many. Men obviously didn’t tell other men they were attractive unless they were gay. Right?
Rufus flagged Guy down and asked for his check, hoping he didn’t end up with a punch to the mouth if he kept tipping his hand.
“Here’s my card,” Stockton said to Rufus.
Though the offer caught Rufus by surprise, he took the business card Stockton handed him. He thought he had blown any chance at a friendship by acting too gay. Maybe not.
Seeing Stockton’s name and ‘Hasting’s Plumbing’ on the logo, Rufus asked, “Do you own it?”
“Yeah. I work with my brother and a couple of other guys on and off if we need the help. We’re not a big business but we do okay.”
“Cool. I wish I was trained in something other than pushing paper. A lot of good that will do me when the company folds and moves.” Rufus put his credit card on the counter and Guy took it. As an afterthought, Rufus told Guy, “Let me pay Stockton’s too. I ate all his food.”
Guy nodded.
“You don’t have to do that.” Stockton’s cheeks blushed.
“I want to. I finished most of your fries.”
“Better you than me.” Stockton patted his belly.
Rufus was about to scold him again when the credit slip arrived. He signed it, took his copy and put his card back into his wallet.
Awkwardness hit again. It felt like something needed to be said, but Rufus had no idea what that was. He stepped off the chair and smiled. “See ya.”
“See ya. Keep cool.”
“I’ll try.” As he walked behind Stockton, who was still seated, Rufus touched his back lightly. Immediately Stockton looked over his shoulder.
Rufus waved and turned away. You moron. Touching the guy? What are you nuts? You’re lucky he doesn’t hunt you down and kick the shit out of you.

Right before Rufus left, he glanced back into the bar area. To his surprise Stockton was looking his way. They smiled and waved one more time.

The moist July heat hit Rufus like a sponge. ‘Air you can wear’. The weatherman had coined the phrase. It was not comfortable. His Toyota was boiling hot to the touch. He blasted the air conditioning and backed out of the space. Driving home to his house in Oakwood, Rufus wished he could have invited Stockton back to his place to watch a movie, or baseball. Something.

Twenty minutes later he pulled into his driveway, depressing the garage door opener button on his visor as he did. Even the inside of the garage was hot. Nothing felt cool without air conditioning.

Once in the house, he kicked off his shoes and removed his shirt as he walked to his bedroom. He turned on the ceiling fans even though the air conditioner kept the interior reasonably cool. He stripped down to nothing and slipped on a pair of shorts. He wanted to run, to bike, to do something, but it was just too hot.

Removing his wallet and keys from his pants’ pockets, he put them on the dresser and the trousers into the hamper to wash. As an afterthought he opened his wallet and took out the card Stockton had given him.

He placed it on the dresser as well.
Washing his hands and face and retrieving a bottle of water from the fridge, Rufus sat at his computer and looked up Stockton Hastings, plumber extraordinaire.
There was no website, but plenty of listings on business directories. Rufus checked his email box and then stared at the card again. The urge to call Stockton right then and there was present. But he didn’t want to seem too desperate.
He’d been out of the dating scene so long…
“Dating?” Rufus scoffed at himself. “He’s a straight plumber from Ohio. What am I insane?”
He shut down the computer and headed to watch television. Anything to stop him from thinking about his life.
~
Stockton didn’t hang out at the restaurant much longer. The whole establishment seemed to be occupied by couples and families. He gave Guy a tip and headed out. The humidity made him uncomfortable instantly. He checked his mobile phone to see if he had missed any calls. The bad acoustics of the bar would have masked any sound of his ringtone. One missed call was waiting for him from Jacob, his brother. He dialed as he used his key fob to unlock his pick-up truck.
“What’s up?”
“I just wanted to tell you I finished the job over in Kettering.”
“Good.” Stockton started the truck and blasted the air, lowering the windows though it was as hot outside the truck cab as inside.
“Where are you?”
“I stopped at Jason Alexander’s for a burger.”
“Why not at a fast food joint?”
“They don’t sell beer.” Stockton raised the windows as cool air blew through the vents.
“You could have stopped by here.”
“I know, but I feel like I’m living at your place sometimes. I’m there every weekend.”
“So? Lisa and the boys don’t mind you hanging out.”
Stockton needed his own life. He didn’t want to live his brother’s. “See you tomorrow, Jacob.”
“You need a girlfriend, Stocky.”
Stockton rubbed his forehead tiredly. Get a clue! You’ve been my brother since you were born, thirty-six years ago, you moron! “No thanks. See ya.” He disconnected the call and put the phone into his cup-holder. On his drive to Washington Township, Stockton kept thinking about Rufus. The guy is fantastic, most likely straight, and in no way interested in having a beer with a fat slob like me.
“You were just being nice. I know.” Stockton chewed on his fingernail as he waited at a traffic light. He’d surfed the net for dates. Every time a photo was exchanged they never emailed back.
He didn’t lie. He didn’t want to put his high-school photo on line and then have the men come over and see he was thirty-eight and not a muscle-bound hairless boy. So, he was honest. He told them his real height, real weight, and yes, he had hair on his chest. “I’m not waxing it. No way.” Stockton kept driving when the light changed. Why can’t people like me for who I am? Jesus. Am I that horrible?
Okay, he had to admit, when a man shared his photo and he was even bigger than he was, he didn’t email back. But, bigger than me? Come on. I wouldn’t date a guy as large as Jacob. No way.
He was guilty of the same shallowness other men showed him. And they didn’t even know his personal problems. He didn’t want to share that to some on-line hook-up.
“How hard is it to get your cock sucked around here by someone who isn’t repulsive?”
Stockton pulled into the steeply graded driveway of his townhouse. It wasn’t a big place, two bedrooms, two bathrooms, but it was good enough for one. He parked outside the garage. Inside the garage was all his tools, supplies, work-shit. He climbed out of the truck and entered his home. Sitting on the sofa he unlaced his beige work boots and yanked off his socks and shoes. He groaned tiredly and noticed a spot of grease on his t-shirt. “Good one, Stocky. I bet that impressed Rufus.” He rubbed at it but it didn’t budge.
He pulled his shirt off and stared down at the hair on his chest and his stomach. In frustration he threw down the shirt and sank into the sofa cushions. They’d never have a beer. They’d never see each other again.
It would be like everyone else he tried to begin a friendship with. Excuses. Promises not kept. What was the point?
“There is no point.” Stockton closed his eyes and tried to destress. But it wasn’t easy.
Chapter 2

Stockton reloaded his truck with supplies first thing in the morning. A black SUV pulled up, blocking his driveway. Jacob and their helper, Clyde Croswell, exited the truck and walked towards Stockton.

“Hey.” Clyde greeted Stockton and stood by as he continued to haul tools out of the garage.
“Hey.” Stockton wiped at a drop of sweat on his forehead. It was only eight a.m. but the heat and humidity were relentless. “Go grab the two white buckets in there, Clyde.”
“K.” Clyde headed into the garage.
Jacob put Stockton in a headlock, wrestling him.
“Cut it out. It’s too fucking hot.” Stockton escaped without a fight and straightened his shirt. His brother, Jacob, easily weighed over two-hundred and eighty pounds, bigger than Stockton in weight and shorter in height.
“Man. Get up on the wrong side of the bed, Stocky?”
“Just tired. If we don’t finish this job, we’re stuck working the weekend.” Stockton took the two buckets filled with fittings from Clyde and swung them into the bed of the truck.
“We’ll git er done.” Jacob laughed. “Right, Clyde?”
“Right.”
“Go. I’ll follow you there.” Stockton took his keys out of his pocket.
“Where the hell is it again?” Jacob asked.
“Huber Heights. That apartment complex we’ve been working on.”
“Oh. Right.”
Stockton watched his brother and Clyde head to the SUV. Seeing the size of his brother from behind, Stockton looked down at his body and shook his head, hoping he didn’t look like that. He hoisted himself into the driver’s seat and started the truck, backing out of the driveway. He wanted to get the job done today. A weekend without work sounded good at the moment. Unless an emergency job came up, it was looking like free time.
~
Rufus sat at his desk checking his in box and answering emails. His phone rang and he picked it up. “Rufus Jennison, can I help you?”
A co-worker, Ashley Beaumont, appeared at his door. She noticed him on the phone and waited before stepping in.
Rufus beckoned her to come closer, pointing to the chair.
Ashley sat, paperwork in her hand.
“I’ll make sure that work is done before we begin relocating.” Rufus caught Ashley’s eyes. She appeared as sapped and exhausted as he felt. The whole staff looked the same. Zombies.
The client said, “I heard that before. I want to make sure, because once you leave Dayton, you’ll leave us hanging.”
“No. We won’t. We’re being very meticulous about this change and no one will be left hanging. Let me take care of it now. I’ll call you back this afternoon.”
“Okay. I’ll expect the call.”
When the client hung up, Rufus made a face of frustration at Ashley. “We can’t do all of this work and move simultaneously.”
“I know.”
Rufus rubbed his eyes. “What’s up?”
“These are for you.” She handed him the stack of invoices.
He thumbed through them, wondering if he didn’t deal with it, if someone else would when he left the job. Thinking that would be exactly what he would do, he placed them on the corner of his desk and looked back at Ashley.
“You sure you’re not moving with us?”
“I’m sure.”
“They want you to.” Ashley’s eyes watered but Rufus knew it was because she was tired, not emotional.
“I would if I loved this…this work.” He gestured to the papers. “I don’t. After fifteen years, I need a change.”
“Marley is moving to Atlanta.”
Rufus flinched at his name. It was bad enough they still worked in the same building after they ended their relationship. “We’re not together anymore.”
“I know. I don’t know why you guys broke up. I think he really misses you.”
“He hasn’t even stopped by my office, called me, or sent me an email. I think he’ll survive.”
Ashley looked sheepish at the information. “Sorry.” “Don’t be. I ended it.”
“Neil and I are already looking for a place in Atlanta. But nothing is selling here. I think we’re screwed.”
“I have no idea what to tell you.”
“I have to go to Atlanta. I make more money than Neil and with the two girls just starting class in the fall again, I want them moved before September.”
Giving her a sympathetic noise, Rufus nodded.
“It’s harder with a family.”
“I know.”
“Where will you work?”
Rufus shrugged. “I have no clue.”
Heaving a loud sigh, Ashley rose to her feet and said, “Right. Back to the grind.” She stopped at the office door and glanced back. “Everyone’s got the ‘I’m out of here’ attitude. No one is getting anything done.”
“I don’t blame everyone. This is disrupting so many lives.”
“What can you do? The economy sucks.”
“True.”
Once she left, Rufus stared into space imagining Stockton lying under a sink with a wrench. That actually sounded like a good job. Using physical exertion, not just brain cells, to make a living. He wondered how Stockton liked his work.
I can’t call him. He probably thinks I’m gay and won’t go out with me. I screwed up yesterday. I really should never have touched him or told him he was attractive.
Rufus’s phone rang again. He gave it a glaring look and picked it up.
~
Standing in a bathtub, Stockton was still mopping his face from the spray of water he received much to his brother and Clyde’s amusement. “You said you shut off the main.”
“Sorry, Stocky.” Jacob laughed, dabbing at the tears of hilarity.
Stockton contained his irritation and continued to remove the old rusted showerhead.
“Are you coming by after work?” Jacob asked, holding the new fixture for Stockton.
“No. I think I’ll just head home.” Stockton tossed Jacob the old shower part and took the replacement from him.
“Why don’t we go out for a beer and pizza?” Clyde asked.
“I can’t. I have to get home to Lisa.” Jacob tossed the worn out part into a white bucket with a clatter. “After watching the kids all day she’ll have my head if I go out.”
“How about you, Stocky?”
“No. I think I’ll pass.” Stockton screwed the new showerhead on.
“He needs to get laid,” Jacob said, smirking.
“Shut up.” Stockton didn’t look at him.
“He’s too picky. He’s looking for a super-model. What supermodel would look at you, Stocky?”
“I said, shut up, Jacob.” Stockton wanted to scream, ‘I’m gay!’ but he knew better.
“He thinks twenty year olds still think he’s hot.” Jacob didn’t let up the teasing.
Stockton took a deep breath and gave his brother a weary glance. “Do you ever shut up and actually work?”
“Why should I? Come on, Stocky. You’re thirty-eight and single? You don’t even date. People will think you’re a queer.”
Stockton winced and continued his work on the shower. “Don’t you two have anything better to do than watch me while I do all the fucking grunt work?”
“Like what?”
“Go check on the leak under the kitchen sink.”
“Okay. Come on, Clyde.”
Once they left Stockton bit his lip and finished tightening the showerhead. He imagined getting up the guts to call Rufus. But he knew he never would.
~
Rufus ate lunch in the employee lounge. He’d hit the local grocery store for the salad bar and devoured his meal with a whole wheat roll. A few co-workers came and went. Rufus didn’t socialize much with any of them other than work functions he felt obligated to attend. Marley entered the room, noticed he was there, and left without a word.
Fuck you! I was the one who got fed up with your cheating and broke up, not you. Ya asshole.

It wasn’t long after that break up that Rufus knew he had to leave the company. He had begun preparing his resume but soon the owner announced the entire business was leaving the state. He and Marley would have to put up with each other for a little while longer. Gossip was that Marley was moving to Atlanta with the company. Rufus tried to care, but didn’t.

For the last two months of their relationship Marley lived with him. But oddly after he moved in, Marley rarely had sex with Rufus. Marley stayed out late and never answered his cell phone when he called. And when he finally did stagger in during the wee hours of the morning, Marley smelled of booze and other men’s cologne. Rufus wasn’t stupid.

The man wanted his cake and to eat it; a stable home, a live in lover who split all the expenses, and sex with younger men on the side.

At first Marley didn’t admit to cheating, but Rufus knew all the signs. Once he finally confronted Marley about it, Marley had nerve to boast about his young late teen and twentysomething conquests. Rufus tried to tolerate it, but he couldn’t. The blow to his ego, the betrayal, and the fact that he obviously wasn’t enough for Marley in the sack turned Rufus into an insecure old man.

Seeing Marley at work was torture. Dating a work colleague never ended well. He should have known better. But Marley was out and proud, and made all the moves when they met. Gay men weren’t easy to find in Dayton. Rufus didn’t think chat sites were wholesome places to meet, so he ended up alone.
Rufus finished his roll and last bite of salad.
But where else was a person supposed to find a date? The bars? The internet? Gay dating sites?
Rufus rinsed his plastic dish and put it into a recycle bin. Wishing he could go home, run, ride his bicycle, anything but be where he was at the moment, he exhaled in frustration and headed back to his desk.
~
“You sure, Stocky?”
“I’m sure, Jacob.”
“What about this weekend?”
“I’ll let you know.” Though it was late in the afternoon, they had finally finished the job. Stockton loaded the rest of his tools into his truck. Clyde stood by the passenger’s side of Jacob’s SUV, as if waiting for the okay from Stockton that they could leave.
“I’ll call you. Lisa wants to have our usual barbeque so we’ll let you know what to bring if we need anything.” Jacob climbed into his vehicle.
Though Stockton knew his brother was trying to be helpful, he was beginning to feel either obligated to get together with him all the time, or like a charity case. He wasn’t happy about either scenario.
He headed home, in need of a shower and food. While he drove he picked up the paper drink cup, leftover from his fast food lunch, and sipped the soda through the straw. It was warm and tasted flat. He stuck it back into the cup holder and wiped his mouth to rid the bad taste. “Pop and fast food. No wonder I feel like a fat pig.” He had no idea how to eat well. No one in his family was thin.
After unloading his tools into the garage and locking everything up, Stockton went through the same routine he usually did on the nights he didn’t follow Jacob home; taking off his clothing, showering and ordering Chinese food or pizza delivered.
Stripped, he headed to the bathroom and started the water in the shower. The glimpse he got of his silhouette in the mirror over the bathroom sink disgusted him. He rinsed off the sweat and dirt of the day under the pummeling spray and closed his eyes, trying to unwind.
Finished in the bathroom, Stockton opened the refrigerator to see what was on offer. He sniffed a few old food cartons and threw them away. Nothing edible was present. He was about to drink out of a bottle of soda pop when he decided to pour it down the sink drain. “I have to stop eating junk. I feel like shit.”
He filled a glass with water and sat at his computer wearing just a pair of gym shorts. Booting up the hard drive, avoiding staring down at his hairy gut and big feet, Stockton checked the chat website he joined to see if anyone contacted him.
He got a few replies to his personal ad. Each one requested to see his photo. They always did. As he prepared to download it, he grew upset and stopped. It seemed like an exercise in futility.
Instead of receiving replies from strangers, Stockton looked at other men’s ads. All the men that were in decent shape specifically requested similar proportions. The huskier men showing off their physiques were much bigger than Stockton and he couldn’t imagine having any type of contact with them. If they turn me off, I know why I turn thin guys off.
It made sense, but it also made him mad.
Rufus’s business card was where he had left it. Near the keyboard of his computer.
His email was right there.
I could just say, ‘Hi, how you standing the heat?’
Stockton actually entertained the idea. Just a quick hi.
But the thought of being ignored, never contacted by a man he had high hopes for, would be worse than being ignored by strangers he had never met. If Rufus blanked him it would be a blow to his ego he wasn’t sure he could handle.
Besides. It’s too soon. We only met yesterday. I would seem too desperate. I have to wait. I can’t do it yet.
Maybe a week? Maybe two? How long would be the right time?
“I hate this game. Why can’t I just email him? What’s the big deal? He’s not a boyfriend. He’s just a guy to have a beer with.”
Stockton opened his email box and began composing a simple one line note to Rufus. Over and over, he deleted it and began again. Nothing sounded right. It was either too overt in its personal overture, or too desperate. No way. I’m not emailing him.
He checked a gay sex site before he logged off for the evening.
The ads were so graphic and perverted he was turned off, not on. One ad requested a big man. A ‘hairy bear’.
Stockton took another peek at his body. A hairy bear? Is that me?
“Christ I hope not.” He typed a reply, just for the hell of it. Hey, if the guy wants a big hairy man, he’ll get one.

Hitting ‘send’, Stockton couldn’t imagine what kind of man would want to just suck on a big, hairy man’s dick, but maybe he would find out.

To his astonishment an instant message appeared from the man, who was obviously on line because he typed back quickly, ‘Yes, I’m here. Photo?’

Stockton frowned. Fine. Whatever. He used the same webcam photo he always did, and sent it, waiting for the rejection.

‘ Nice!’
Blinking, stunned, he typed back ‘Photo?’
Nothing showed up. He waited what seemed like enough

time. He asked, ‘ You leave?’
‘I’m here. Meet?’
“The guy wants to meet me and won’t show me his photo?

You gotta be kidding.” Stockton again asked for the man’s photo. No photo was sent.
The next instant message said, ‘I’ll suck your big cock now.’
Stockton wanted to push the photo issue. It was only fair. He wrote, ‘not unless I see you.’
A photo appeared on his screen. “No way. This is not you.” A hairless twenty year old man, cut, built like a god was posing for the camera. Stockton knew this was not the man’s image.
‘Meet now?’
Stockton wanted to log off and go to the grocery store for his dinner. He didn’t need this shit. ‘That ain’t you.’
‘I suck and swallow. Meet?’
Stockton wanted his cock sucked. What if that was what the guy looked like? ‘Where?’
‘I can do you in your car. Name it.’
Since he had to go out to get food, Stockton thought of a parking lot near the supermarket where several stores had gone out of business. He wrote the location.
‘be there in fifteen.’
The box showed the man had logged off. Stockton grumbled to himself at the folly, shut off the computer and dressed in a pair of khaki shorts and a clean t-shirt.
~
Rufus didn’t care how hot it was. He was going nuts.
He dragged on a pair of gym shorts, put his sunglasses on his nose, and pinned his key to his waistband.
The minute he hit the boiling hot humidity he broke out into a sweat and he hadn’t even made it down his walkway to the sidewalk. It was brutal.
As he began his five mile run, he knew the effort would both kill him and make him glad he had gotten it done. Joining a gym was out of the question. The idea of paying monthly bills for something he could do for free, not to mention, the drive, the women hitting on him, the bodily fluids of strangers coating the machines, were a turn off. He had his running and his bike. Weather permitting, what more did he need?
As he thought about the weather, a dark mass of ominous black clouds loomed. Although the idea of being cooled off by the rain was a good one, getting zapped by lightning wasn’t.
Rufus increased his speed, thinking of his weekend ahead. Other than food shopping and the bank, he had no plans. None.
Did he miss Marley? Sometimes. But he didn’t miss the suspicious absences, the waiting up late at night, and the knowledge Marley was getting a good fucking while he wasn’t.
Why hadn’t Stockton called? Didn’t they share a moment? A little thing?
“Yeah, right.” Rufus felt the sweat beginning to run down his body like blood from a knife wound.
The heat was already overwhelming, but he committed himself to this routine, he would finish it. “If it kills me. And it probably will.”
~
Stockton checked the time. Fifteen minutes had turned into a half hour. How long am I going to give this guy?
An expensive car cruised by slowly, looking into his.
Oh no. Oh no!
A man who appeared to be in his sixties was circling his truck.
No! Fuck no! This can’t be the guy!
Stockton was about to put the transmission in gear and speed off. The fancy car stopped. The man tried to look casual as he stepped out and approached Stockton.
Stockton rolled down his window but he didn’t want to. Maybe the guy just needed directions.
“Are you?” The man licked his lip as if trying to find a way to ask without getting beaten up.
On closer inspection, Stockton thought sixty may have been an underestimate. This man looked older than his grandfather. He was nearly bald, his neck waddle shook when he spoke, and he could smell his body odor from where he sat. Though the man was well dressed and appeared to be wealthy, Stockton was not happy.
“Uh…no. I…”
“I recognize you from your picture. Nice.”
The last word came out like a snake hiss. Nisssssssss.
The man began walking to the passenger’s side. Before Stockton could lock the door the man opened it and sat down. Stockton looked around the empty lot in agony. “I’m sorry. You sent me that photo and…” A pang of guilt hit Stockton. Being cruel wasn’t easy for him.
“I can’t suck your cock?” The man appeared completely devastated.
There was no way Stockton could get a hard-on for this man. “I don’t think so. You see, I like to be honest when—”
“Would you have met me if you knew how old I was?” The man’s jowls sagged.
“But it’s wrong. You know.”
“All I want to do is suck you. I’m not asking for you to do anything to me.”
Stockton looked down at himself. His stomach protruded over his belt. No one wanted to suck him off. At least no one decent. He scanned the location. It was vacant. One end of the parking lot had become a dump; an old sofa, boxes, a pile of tree limbs and rolling empty plastic soda bottles, scattering in the hot breeze.
When the man touched Stockton’s leg he almost jumped out of his skin.
“I give really good head.”
Stockton stifled a cringe. Old man, talking dirty is not helping.

That hand cupped his crotch, applying pressure as he held Stockton’s package, massaging it. Stockton closed his eyes. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d been touched there.

He kept his eyes outside the truck for two reasons. Keeping his guard up, and not looking at this man.
The smell of his BO grew worse inside the cab, so Stockton blasted the air conditioner.
His shorts button was opened.
Stockton tried to suck his stomach in. He actually thought the sight of his hairy body would turn the guy off.
His cock was exposed. Without looking at the man, Stockton turned in the seat so his knees were facing him and yet he kept his gaze scanning outside.
The leather bench seat creaked as the man lowered down.
Stockton knew his cock was soft. Even though he was fondled, tugged on, and his balls handled, Stockton could not get excited. It was beginning to gross him out.
The minute he felt a tongue, Stockton pushed the man away. “I can’t. I’m sorry. Could you go?” Stockton tucked his dick away and fastened his pants.
He was given a disheartened glance by the old man before the man climbed out.
“Sorry. Really.”
The man didn’t look back, getting into his luxury car and driving off.
“Augh!” Stockton exaggerated a shiver of disgust. He lowered the windows and drove to the grocery store, making a mental note to himself to get a car air freshener to rid the body odor.
~
Rufus was certain he was having heatstroke.
He huffed as he opened his front door, kicked off his running shoes and stripped as he walked to his bedroom. He positioned himself in front of a fan but that didn’t cool him off quickly enough. With the shower blasting cold water, Rufus stood under it and sighed loudly in agony. Never again. You cannot run in ninety-five degrees and one hundred percent humidity.
A clap of thunder from the storm boomed so loudly he heard it over the running water.
He washed quickly and shut the faucets. Another houseshaking thunderclap echoed all around the neighborhood.
Though he was soaking wet, Rufus continued to sweat. He knelt down in the tub, holding the side of it, as a wave of dizziness overwhelmed him.
When he felt better, he wiped his face with a towel and stood up, walking to the back window in his kitchen. From there he watched the blinding sheet of rain and the lightning and thunderstorm that drenched the area.
He tossed the towel over a kitchen chair and stood naked in the middle of the room drinking bottled water with a thirst he could not quench.
His answering machine reloaded its recorded message meaning there was a quick interruption in power. It wasn’t sunset yet, but the thick clouds made it appear dark.
Rufus stood by the back widow again, staring at the bolts of lightning that cut through the flat bottomed clouds like white lasers.
It was supposed to thundershower on and off all weekend with no break to the humidity or temperature. The weather report did not improve his mood.
Rufus became angry, but mostly angry at himself. He got himself to this point; alone and about to be unemployed. He had to get himself out of it.
~
Stockton dashed into his house, grocery bags hanging on his arms. The thunder was so loud he assumed the storm was directly over him. Rushing indoors, Stockton spun around to see lightning crackling and the thunder burst immediately came after.
He shook off his wet hair and carried the food to the kitchen. The lights flickered. “Great. A shitload of food and now I’ll lose power.”
Once he placed the bags on the floor, he knelt down and filled the refrigerator. He was starving. He left out a pre-cooked half chicken and a light beer. Everything else he put inside the fridge.
An enormous clap of thunder rattled the house. Stockton half expected the tornado sirens to blow. He washed his hands at the sink and removed a plate from the cupboard. The chicken on the plate, his beer at his elbow, Stockton ate, what he hoped was a healthy meal. It was broiled, not fried. He didn’t eat French fries with it or drink soda pop.
He bought fruit, vegetables and bottled water.
The lesson he learned from the old man who wanted to give him a BJ was; if you don’t turn a man on, you won’t get sex.
The chicken tasted very good. He licked his fingers and read the side of the beer to see how many calories it contained.
“Me? Diet? No way.” Stockton didn’t have a clue how many calories he should eat. And the idea of exercise made him cringe.
He finished the chicken to the bone and sat back, staring at the plate. He could eat three of those.
Another loud thunder bang shook him out of his stupor. Taking the plate with him, Stockton dumped the bones and washed the dish. With the beer at his lips he stared at the pouring rain seeing the water running down the glass window like tears. Chapter 3

Friday night Rufus set the alarm clock before he went to bed. The only time the workout seemed tolerable was six a.m. When it went off at the crack of dawn he felt like shit.

He dressed in his running shorts and even though he was barely awake, he jogged out of the house and expected cool air. It was muggy, humid air. Unable to prevent his lip curling in a sneer at the effort of waking up to the same heat as he ran in yesterday afternoon, Rufus pounded the pavement, spotting a few hard core dog walkers and senior citizens who possibly had the same idea as he did. They were wrong. It wasn’t cooler or drier.
Rufus couldn’t remember a summer so hot and humid. He reminded himself to never complain about the cold winter again.
By six-forty-five he was pouring perspiration and entered his home, dying once again and throwing up his hands at why he even attempted to keep working out when the weather was dead set against him.

Stripping, standing in the bathroom to cool down and catch his breath before a shower, Rufus leaned his hands on the sink counter and looked at his reflection.

Gray hair was beginning to make an appearance at his temples. His family genetics guaranteed he’d be snow white by forty. A decision was coming as to whether to fight it or forget it.

“You’re about to turn thirty-six, not sixty-six.” He shook his head and studied his brown eyes. The young man in his twenties that used to look back at him was gone. He certainly wasn’t a ‘young’ man any longer. “Where’d ten years go?”

The sweat continued to run down his neck and chest. Intending on cooling off a little more so he didn’t continue to perspire after he showered, Rufus turned on the cold water faucet to splash his face. The handle came off in his hand.

With the knob separated from the unit, Rufus stared at it in dismay and noticed a crack had formed in the plastic. He tried to wedge it back on with no luck. The temptation to whip the broken handle at the wall was great. He stared at the ceiling and counted to ten to put the minor problem into perspective. He just wished he wasn’t so overheated. Being too warm certainly added to his anger at the moment.

He set the broken piece on the vanity and turned on the shower, half expecting that handle to snap off as well. Luckily it didn’t.

Under the cool spray he felt much better and actually entertained the idea of going back to sleep. It seemed too early for anyone to be up and awake on a Saturday.

Once he had finished washing up, he shut the water and stood still, thinking. Brightening up, he said out loud, “I need a plumber!”
~
Stockton peeked at the clock, seeing it was only nine. He rolled over and curled back into the sheets again. If he had his way, he’d sleep until noon. He had no reason to get up and he didn’t want to. He was ready to rest for two days after a long week of working ten hour days.

Off in the distance, almost in his dreams, he heard his ringtone.
“No way.” He refused to acknowledge it. Flopping to his back he blinked and stared at the ceiling fan which circulated the warm air against his hot skin. The clock read two minutes later than when he looked at it a moment before.
“Fuck.” He threw off the sheet and set his feet on the carpet. After a yawn and a rub of his face, Stockton stood and tried to remember where he put his mobile phone. He found it in the kitchen near his keys. He opened it and noticed two new voicemail messages, listening to them, just in case it was Jacob and he had something urgent.
“Hey, Stockton- This is Rufus. I’m the guy you met over at Jason Alexander’s Thursday night. Uh. I don’t know if you work weekends, but my sink broke. I have no idea if I can just get a small part for it or if I have to replace the whole thing.”
Stockton’s mouth hung open in surprise. He never expected to hear from Rufus again. And even if this was business, he was happy to see him.
“…anyway. It’s not like the water is gushing out or anything. So if you don’t do weekends, no problem. Call me Monday. Thanks, Stockton. I hope you have a decent weekend. And keep cool! If you want to call me today, my home phone number is…”
Stockton replayed it again, biting his lip. Just the sound of Rufus’s deep voice sent the hair rising on his arms and made his dick move. Standing in his briefs in the kitchen, Stockton listened to the other message as well. It was Jacob letting him know when he and Lisa were having a barbeque. It was the usual time so that held no surprises for him.
Stockton listened to Rufus’s call once more. He disconnected the voicemail and headed to shower. Now he had a reason to wake up. A very good reason.
~
Rufus sat at his kitchen table reading the morning edition of the Saturday Dayton Daily and sipping iced coffee. His phone rang. He checked the wall clock. It was just before ten. Rufus stood and picked up the cordless, seeing only an ID on the display that read Ohio call and a number he didn’t recognize immediately.
“Hello?”
“Rufus?”
“Yes?”
“It’s Stockton. I got your message.”
The thrill Rufus felt was instant. “Oh! Yes. Thanks so much for getting back to me.” Rufus returned to the chair he had occupied and sat down, needing to focus on this call. He hadn’t stopped thinking about this man since they met. “Did I screw up your weekend?”
“Nope. I do weekends. So, what part is broken?”
“The handle.” When the line went quiet, Rufus asked, “Did I lose you?”
“No. I hate to pass up the business, Rufus, but you don’t need a plumber. You can just go to a home improvement store and get the part.”
“I suck at this shit. I swear. If I try to fix it, I’ll make it worse.” Rufus wondered if Stockton was just trying to be polite and he had no intention of coming anywhere near the ‘homo’.
“I’ll fix it. No problem.”
It was Rufus’s turn to be at a loss for words.
“Okay. Did I lose you?” Stockton laughed.
“Now I feel stupid. I don’t want to make you come out here to do some little crappy repair.”
“Out where? Where do you live?”
“Oakwood.”
“I’m in Washington Township. You do realize that’s all of five minutes.”
“I’ll pay you weekend call out rates.” Rufus’s hands went clammy. Why did this feel so idiotic?
“Don’t worry about it.”
“No. Really, Stockton. I don’t want you to come all the way out here and not get paid.”
“We’ll figure it out when I get there. What’s your address?”
Rufus gave it to him, looking around the house to see if it needed a vacuuming or dusting. “So how will you do this? Do you come by, see the type of sink it is and go get the piece?”
“How old is the fixture?”
“I guess about ten years old. It came with the house.”
“Do you think you’d like a new one?”
“Oh. Sure. That makes sense.”
“I’ll bring a few samples to show you.”
“You sure you’re okay with this?” Rufus rubbed his sweaty palm on his shorts.
“Would you rather me come out during the week?”
Rufus tapped his fingers on the table. “Up to you. I work full time, so…” Man, this feels like a date! Why am I so nervous?
“Look. I don’t have anything else scheduled. Why don’t I just head over? When is a good time?”
“Now?” Did I just say that?
“On my way.”
“Okay.” Rufus hung up, sprang to his feet and began cleaning an already spotless house.
~
Stockton dug through his garage for bathroom sink fixtures. He had a few nice ones on hand and knew the homes in Oakwood could be very expensive. He put a selection into the truck and patted his pockets nervously, making sure he had his wallet and keys. It was a simple plumbing job. No need to be petrified.
Stockton had spent extra time on his appearance. Shaving, picking out a new shirt, button down, short sleeved, his best khaki shorts and a dab of cologne.
He had no idea why but his heart was pounding like crazy behind his ribs. The guy is straight! What the hell’s wrong with you? Go fix his sink and stop freaking out!
On his drive down South Main, Stockton kept trying to suck in his stomach and peeking at his hair in the rear view. The idea that he could be as repulsive to Rufus as the old man was to him, haunted Stockton. But it wasn’t like he was headed to Rufus’s place to give him a BJ.
“I wish!” Stockton shook his head at his lunacy.
He slowed down when he located the right street. At the size of the homes, Stockton grew intimidated. As the addresses led him to a house, he exhaled in relief. It wasn’t a mansion. Just a decent size ranch. He had no idea why, but if Rufus was wealthy as well as handsome, Stockton knew he’d never even have a chance to be his friend, let alone anything more.
Money was the great divide. There was no getting around that.
He parked on the street in front of the house and before he brought all of his equipment inside, he headed to the front door. A deep inhale for courage, Stockton made a last effort of tucking in his shirt, then quickly untucking it so it hid his stomach. What difference does it make? This is for work. Stockton rang the doorbell.
A rushed looking Rufus answered.
The surge to Stockton’s groin at the sight of him wasn’t something he could prevent. “Hi.”
Rufus held open the door. “Thank you so much for making a special trip.”
“It’s my job. I don’t mind.” Stockton passed Rufus, entering the living room. It was neat and clutter free. What he expected. Yet it didn’t drip of money. It appeared more like an average household. And Stockton had seen it all. From the hovels in Trotwood to the mansions of Bellbrook.
“This way.” Rufus seemed anxious. He led the way to a bathroom, stepping inside and pointing, shifting his weight from leg to leg.
Stockton picked up the broken piece. “Yup. Exactly what I figured. I brought a selection. You want to take a look?”
“Sure.”
With Rufus behind him, Stockton left the house through the front door, wondering if Rufus thought his ass was huge in the shorts he was wearing. He was already hot from the outside humidity and air temperature, but his own paranoia was making him warmer.
He stood at his truck and yanked open the bed, climbing on the tailgate to show Rufus what he had brought. “This one is the top of the line.”
Rufus took the box from him, resting it on the truck and opening the flap. “Nice.”
Stockton recoiled as he remembered, ‘Nisssss!’ from yesterday.
“You okay?” Rufus noticed his odd expression.
“Huh? Yeah.” He reached for another box. “I like this one too.” While Rufus inspected it, Stockton gave him a good once over. He could see all the solid muscles in Rufus’s arms, the roundness of his chest under his polo shirt, his narrow waist. Stockton was in heat, and also knew Rufus was way out of his league. And straight, dumb-ass!
“Will they fit?”
Stockton snapped back to attention. “Yes. They come standard. Those will fit your sink, no problem.”
“You mind replacing the whole thing today?”
“It’s my job.” Stockton laughed.
“I keep forgetting. You feel like a good friend.”
The smile dropped from Stockton’s face and he knew his cheeks went red. He avoided Rufus’s curious gaze. “Uh, so, if you don’t like either of those, we can head to the home store and pick out—”
“I like this one.”
“You sure?”
“Yes. I’m sure.”
“You don’t have to take it just because I have it.”
Rufus tilted his head. “Should I not take it?”
“No. It’s a good one.” I’m an idiot. I’m an idiot.
Rufus handed it to him. “I like it.”
“Okay. Let me get some tools together.”
“I’ll take this in for you. Look, just tell me what you want me to do. I can be your assistant for the job. I’m completely incompetent, but I can help you carry things.”
Stockton broke out into a sweat. Not only was he hot, he was getting hot to trot. If he could tell Rufus what he wanted him to do, the list would be long, and very sensual.
“I got it.” Stockton slung a tool belt around his hips and hoisted a bucket with more items. He hopped down from the truck and closed the tailgate just as it began raining.
“You need to cover your rig?”
“No. It’s good.” Stockton stared at Rufus’s tight ass as he returned to the house. A perfect ten. That’s what this guy is. A perfect fucking ten.
“I hate this humidity.” Rufus placed the box with the new faucet on the bathroom vanity. “Do you remember it getting this humid before?”
“Yeah. Last year was a cold summer. I think we always get a hot humid few months like this.” Stockton opened the cabinet under the sink.
“Shit. I should have cleared that out.” Rufus knelt down and began removing the items underneath.
“It’s okay.”
Rufus brushed shoulders with Stockton as he gathered the bath tissue and extra shampoo bottles into his arms. Stockton took a good inhale of Rufus’s cologne as he did. “I’ll just push it aside. Don’t worry.”
“No. I can get it.”
“Where’s your water main?”
Rufus blinked.
His expression was so sweet, Stockton laughed. “Man. You are clueless with this stuff.”
“I am. How embarrassing.”
“I’ll find it. Where’s your laundry room?”
“I do know where that is.” Rufus gave Stockton a sly smile.
It sent the chills running up Stockton’s spine. Sexy. So incredibly sexy!

On his way, Rufus placed his armload of things onto the kitchen table, gesturing for Stockton to keep walking through. Stockton located the washer-dryer and the shut off valve.

“Can I get you anything?” Rufus asked as they entered the kitchen again. “Water? Juice?”
“I’m okay.”
“You sure? I make a pretty good iced coffee.”
“Maybe after.”
“Deal.”
~
Rufus followed Stockton back to the bathroom. He heard Stockton’s mobile phone ring. Stockton stopped and took it out of his pocket, reading the display. “It’s my brother.”
“Go ahead. It’s okay with me.” Rufus gave Stockton a little more space, crossing his arms over his chest, trying to stop acting like a nervous fool.
“Hey.” Stockton caught Rufus’s gaze quickly before turning around. “No. I’m at a job. A job!”
Rufus backed up further, not wanting to intrude.
“I’ll call ya later.” Once he pocketed the phone he said to Rufus, “Sorry about that.”
Rufus held up his hands. “No problem.” As Stockton began taking apart the old sink faucet, Rufus stared at his profile. He loved the way his forehead sloped, the line of his nose, his full lips and broad shoulders. While Stockton began to work under the sink, he lay on his back, his knees straddled.
The size of the bulge in Stockton’s pants was impressive.
“Just let me know if I can assist,” Rufus knelt down as he spoke, “You know, like a nurse in spreaders…” He heard Stockton laughing.
“Not like I’d know what anything Stockton’s tool belt.
“You know what tools are. Come on. And you told me not to be hard on myself?”
“I did. You’re right. Guilty, Your Honor.” Rufus sat on the floor and leaned his back against the wall. He was close enough to run his hand along Stockton’s shin. He wanted to. surgery; scalpel, rib
is.” Rufus peeked at
Bolts were dropped onto the floor and Stockton crawled back out. He lifted the old taps off the sink entirely, placing it on the box the new one had been in.
“Christ. Look at the slime on that thing.” Rufus curled his lip.
“That’s normal. You wouldn’t believe some of the places I’ve been in. I swear, it tests the gag reflex.”
“I can’t imagine.”
Stockton cleaned up the dirt before he replaced the fixture.
“Do you like your job?”
“Yeah. I do. I mean, sometimes it’s not easy, but at least I’m my own boss.” Stockton removed all the cardboard and plastic from the new piece.
“I envy you.” When Stockton met his eyes, Rufus felt a charge of electricity. Brown eyes. He wondered if his own dark eyes looked like Stockton’s. The urge to tell him he was handsome was back. But he didn’t dare.
Once Stockton got the top end of the work done, he was on his back again under the sink.
Rufus has an image flash of lying between his thighs, face first.
“You wouldn’t envy me if you had seen some of the dumps I’ve been in.”
Crouching down again, Rufus touched Stockton’s knee, just being friendly. “No. I suppose not.” He felt Stockton tense up and removed his hand quickly. “Sorry.” Rufus again felt like a jerk. He had to stop touching this man.
“Uh. It’s okay?”
The way it was said, with a question lilt, Rufus paused to think. That comment needed clarification. But there was no way he was going to ask, what do you mean by ‘okay’?
In silence Rufus watched Stockton work, reaching for his tool belt without a glance, as if he knew where each item was by heart.
Though Rufus wanted conversation to continue, he also wondered if Stockton thought he was too chatty. Maybe the man wanted him to shut up so he could finish this crappy Saturday job and go home. So he did. He shut up.
~
Stockton finished securing the fixture in place. He scooted out and wiped at the sweat that was rolling down his forehead. “Sorry. I’m dripping wet.”
“Here.” Rufus handed him a small hand towel.
“You sure? I can just get a paper napkin.”
“I’m sure.”
At Rufus’s reassuring smile, Stockton wiped his face and neck.
“Let me turn up the A/C.”
“No.” Stockton held Rufus back, gripped to his forearm. “It’s not too hot in here. I just sweat when I work.” He looked at Rufus who was staring at their connection. It was Stockton’s turn to jerk his hand back.
There was an awkward silence that grated on Stockton. He had no idea what this man was thinking. Once he made it to his feet, he turned the handles to see how they felt. “Right. Time to test it.”
Rufus backed out of the bathroom, a strange look on his face that Stockton couldn’t hope to interpret.
On his walk to the laundry room, Stockton ran through every scenario in his head if he made a pass. Being punched and thrown out was top on the list.
The main water supply back on, Stockton dabbed at his running sweat as he returned to the bathroom to try the new faucet. The water ran fine. He crouched down and held his fingers against the joints.
“Well? How’d the expert do?”
“So far so good.” Stockton wanted to make very sure nothing leaked. Rufus squatted down again near him. “Show me what you’re doing.”
“You see those joints in the pipes?”
“No. Where?”
“Those.” Stockton pointed.
“Which ones?”
After a deep breath to calm his racing pulse, Stockton held Rufus by the finger and brought it to the spot he was testing. “Here.” When Stockton glanced at Rufus his attention was on his mouth, not the pipes. They were close enough to kiss.
Stockton went into a complete meltdown. His breathing became panting huffs and his crotch throbbed. He was already sweating everywhere, but now he imagined he was damp between his legs for another reason.
“Here?” Rufus said it like a puff of air, not looking anywhere near the pipes.
Stockton was so petrified, he wanted to stand up and bolt to the door, but he was trapped where he was by Rufus leaning practically on top of him.
“Jesus.” Stockton could see the outline of his own cock as it pulsated down the leg of his shorts.
At his utterance, Rufus gave him space, leaning to look at the sink fixture. “Got it. So, this is where it’ll leak if you didn’t do it right.”
Scooting backwards, Stockton managed to sit upright, resting his back against the bathtub and clamping his knees together to stop showing off his excitement. “Yes. But it won’t leak.”
“No. It won’t.” Rufus gave Stockton a smile that would melt glaciers.
Are you gay? was on the tip of Stockton’s tongue. But he was terrified of asking. Of course Rufus wasn’t. He was reading things that weren’t there. And even if Rufus is gay, what would he see in a fat slob like me? Look at me. I’m soaking went from my own sweat.
As Stockton thought it, he noticed Rufus was also running with perspiration. His face was beaded with it, his neckline dampened.
“It is hot in here, isn’t it?” Stockton laughed, trying to make a joke.
“Let me get you a drink.” Rufus rose up, reaching out to haul up Stockton.
“Thanks.”
“Be right back.”
Stockton tried to recuperate from the heat of Rufus’s palm and his sexual aura. He was losing his mind. He rinsed his hands and face under the water, then began cleaning up the old parts and his tools.
Hearing Rufus in the kitchen, Stockton put his tool belt, the pail, and the old faucet near the front door. He stood straight and tucked his shirt in again, instantly untucking it to let it hang loose. Seeing Rufus holding a glass, Stockton approached him and they met in the kitchen again. “Thanks.” Stockton drank the water down to the bottom.
“I can’t tell you how much I appreciate you coming out here.”
“I don’t mind. Really.”
“Am I keeping you from anything?”
“No.” Stockton wondered if he answered too quickly. He brought his glass to the sink.
“You…uh, you want to hang out? I mean, or do you need to leave?”
Stockton’s nerves kicked in again. “I don’t need to leave. But if you have something you have to do—”
“I don’t.”
They stared at each other.
“M-maybe we can grab lunch or dabbed at another drop of sweat that was tickling his temple.
Rufus looked up at the wall. Stockton did as well, spotting a large white clock on it. It was nearly noon.
“Excellent idea.” Rufus patted his pockets as if checking for keys.
“You sure you don’t mind?”
“You sure you don’t?”
Stockton laughed shyly. “I won’t ask you again.”
“Neither will I.”
“Are you going to drive?”
“I can unless you want to.”
“No. I’m good with it.” Stockton stuffed his hands into his pockets. Why was this so incredibly awkward?
“Good. Let me lock up.”
“Okay.”
Stockton watched Rufus get ready to leave, salivating over him. He had a daydream of stopping Rufus and pinning him to the wall. “We don’t have to go anywhere, honey.” He’d meet his lips, lick his tongue…
“Ready?”
“Yes.” Stockton tailed Rufus to the front door. “Can I leave my stuff here for now?”
something.” Stockton “Absolutely.”
“Good.” Now I can come back in!
“Any ideas where you want to eat?”
Yes. Between your legs. “Anywhere you want.” “You’re easy.”
You have no idea. Stockton smiled, walking to Rufus’s car. Chapter 4

Being inside his car with Stockton made Rufus excited. He blasted the air conditioning, moving vents so they shared the coolness. “I swear, I’m only comfortable in the car. I can’t get the house cool enough.”

“I hear ya. And the power bill is triple.”
“No kidding. Speaking of bills…” Rufus touched Stockton on the edge of his khaki shorts, close to his skin. “I want to pay you for your work. No freebies.”
“How about parts only.”
“No. Are you kidding me? That’s not fair.” The urge to stroke Stockton’s big, solid thigh was overwhelming. Rufus put his hand back on the steering wheel.
“And lunch.”
“Deal. But I still think I’m getting off easy. A plumber called out on a Saturday?” Rufus whistled, teasing him.
It made Stockton laugh.
While he drove, Rufus had too many questions to ask and was apprehensive about how they would be perceived. He wanted to know about Stockton’s personal life. But was that appropriate?
“Good choice!” Stockton realized the direction and restaurant they were going to. “Love the food here.” He rubbed his belly. “A little too much.”
“I’m glad you like it. I figured it was a safe bet.” Rufus parked and climbed out of the car.
They walked together to the Chinese restaurant’s front entrance. When they both made for the revolving door at the same time, they nearly ended up trapped in one of the petite pieshaped spaces.
Stockton chuckled in embarrassment and backed up. “You first.”
“Too bad. It would have been fun.” Rufus pushed the door until he was inside the lobby, looking back at Stockton’s expression as he did the same. Once they were together again, Stockton whispered into Rufus’s ear, “Fun? Me crushing you with my bulk?”
Rufus gave Stockton a reprimanding glance which Stockton ignored.
“Table for two,” Stockton said to the hostess behind a high black counter.
“Right this way.”
The scent of garlic and stir-fried food in the air, Rufus walked behind Stockton to a booth. Though Stockton was a big man, he wasn’t jiggle-soft. On the contrary. He was solid and powerful like a defensive football player.
In contrast, Marley was petite. Slim, frail Marley, barely fivefoot-six, one-hundred-twenty-pounds, was a mere waif compared to this powerhouse. There was something overtly seductive about Stockton’s size that appealed to Rufus. Rufus imagined a good wrestle and rough-housing before a bout of delicious hot sex.
Stockton was tall. At least as tall as he was, over six feet, and the width of Stockton’s shoulders was making Rufus’s mouth water and his dick pulsate.
The hostess gestured to the table. Stockton opted for the bench seat against the wall, leaving Rufus to sit on one of the single chairs facing him. The hostess handed them menus.
“Thanks.” Both Rufus and Stockton smiled at her as she left.
“Want to get two plates and split them?” Rufus asked, looking over the selection.
“Sure. I like everything.”
“Me too.” Rufus caught Stockton’s gaze and smiled.
A waiter approached them. “Can I get you anything to drink?”
“Ice water, please,” Rufus replied, looking at Stockton.
“Uh…” Stockton blushed.
“You can get a beer,” Rufus said.
“No. Ice water. Thanks.”
The waiter left.
“Don’t feel you have to order cheaply to spare me, Stockton.”
“No. I…” Stockton looked down meekly.
“You?” Rufus reached out to lower the menu he was trying to hide behind.
“Nothing.” Stockton shook his head, pouting.
Rufus knew. With all the self-destructive comments Stockton made, he had a feeling he knew why. “Listen, babe.”
Stockton jerked his head up instantly.
Though he didn’t hear anything, Rufus watched Stockton’s mouth say the word ‘babe?’ silently. He disregarded his faux pas and kept talking, “You look good.”
“I look good?”
Paranoia returned. Rufus cleared his throat and glanced around to see if anyone could hear. The acoustics inside the room made the voices echo loudly. He knew no one could overhear them unless they were sitting next to them. And at the moment no one was. “I just think…” Rufus changed his mind. “Forget it. I like the kung pao chicken.”
“Me too. How about that and mu shu pork?”
“Crab wantons for starters.”
“Good.”
The waiter placed a glass of water and straws before them. “You guys need more time?”
“Nope.” Stockton gestured to Rufus. “You got it or do you want me to order.”
“Go for it.” Rufus closed his menu. He gazed at Stockton as he listed the items they wanted, handed off his menu and took his straw out of the paper sleeve. When he was sipping his water, he met Rufus’s stare.
They said nothing.
It grew into a strange protracted silence.
Stockton shifted on the bench seat, accidentally nudging Rufus under the table. He sat up and said, “Sorry.”
“No problem.”
“I’m not big on small talk. I hope you don’t regret asking me to lunch.”
“I don’t. I enjoy your company.”
“Why?”
“Why?” Rufus leaned his elbows on the table, staring into Stockton’s dark eyes. “Did you just ask me why I like you?”
Stockton tugged at his shirt collar. “Yeah. I think I did.”
“Is there a reason I shouldn’t like you?” Rufus was lost. Was this some kind of homophobia or insecurity? He had no clue. The dread forming in him that Stockton was aware or at least suspected he was gay, was growing.
Stockton shrugged.
The waiter returned with their crab wantons. He placed them in the middle of the table and mixed up a tiny bowl of hot sauce while they watched in silence as he narrated what he was doing. “Enjoy, gentlemen. I’ll be out with your order shortly.”
“Thanks.” Rufus used his chopsticks to pick up a morsel, dipping it and shoving it into his mouth. “Mm. Good.”
Stockton stuck a fork in one, brought it to his plate and cut it in half. He ate a portion, again looking sad, or sheepish.
“Are you okay?” Rufus didn’t like this weird game.
“Yeah. Why? Are you?”
Is this a joke? Rufus started to rethink the idea of befriending this man. Something about the attitude began to feel insulting. He shut up as he ate, seeing Stockton barely touching his food. ~
Stockton felt guilty for eating.
Aren’t I fat enough? Why am I eating in front of this guy? He’s going to think I’m a pig. I should have ordered water. That’s it. Or water and salad. Why did I agree to come?
“The other two are yours.”
“No. You eat them.” Stockton put down his fork. He had eaten one of the six wantons. Horrible memories of the old man in his truck haunted him. The revulsion was disheartening. How badly did he disgust Rufus? Was Rufus thinking, go ahead, stuff yourself, Stocky?
The wantons sat untouched.
They both sipped their water and looked at anything but each other.
Stockton’s cell phone rang. He rolled his eyes and already knew it was Jacob. “Sorry.”
“Go ahead.” Rufus nodded it was okay.
He flipped open his phone and did indeed recognize his brother’s number. “What?”
“Are you coming for a barbeque?”
“No.” He glanced at Rufus who was trying to appear uninterested.
“Where are you?”
“Out to lunch.”
“With who?”
“A friend.”
“A girl?”
“Goodbye, Jacob.”
“Wait a minute, Stocky. Come tomorrow then. Lisa and the kids are counting on you.”
“I’ll let you know.”
“You can bring your girlfriend.”
Stockton met Rufus’s gaze and felt his stomach tighten at the lie he was living. “See ya.” He hung up and stuffed it back into his pocket. “Sorry. My brother is a pain in the ass.”
“Am I keeping you from something?”
“No. You’re saving me from going there.”
Rufus chuckled softly. “Families. What can you do?”
“Move out of state.” Stockton exhaled loudly.
“That bad?”
“Sometimes. Never mind.”
A large bowl of brown rice was placed between them, followed by the two dishes of food. Their waters were refilled next. “Anything else I can get you?”
“No. Thank you,” Rufus said, smiling at the waiter.
He nodded and left.
“Smells good.” Rufus spooned chicken onto his plate.
Stockton knew he could eat all of it in ten seconds flat. He and Jacob had devoured meals twice this size. He pretended he wasn’t starving and assembled a mu shu wrap.
“It’s excellent.” Rufus nodded after he had sampled the food.
“I’m…I’m going to try and lose weight.” The heat went right to his cheeks at that admission. “I just don’t really know how.”
“It’s not rocket science. Burn more than you eat.”
“Yeah. That’s the part I don’t get. How much can I eat?”
“Around twenty-five hundred calories a day.”
Stockton shrugged. “How do you know how much that is?”
“You read labels.”
He frowned, looking at the small pancake type wrap on his plate. “And where’s the label on this?”
“That’s why eating out is like a calorie pit.”
Stockton put down his fork and stared at his food. “Will you lighten up on yourself?”
When Rufus rested his hand on his, Stockton nearly jerked away in surprise.
“I’m sorry.” Rufus took back his hand. “I keep touching you and I know some people don’t like it.” He ate another piece of chicken.
“I don’t mind you touching me.” Stockton bit his lip, wondering how that would be interpreted.
“You jump out of your skin when I do.”
“I know.”
“Why?”
No way I’m answering that one. He shrugged.
“Eat, will ya?”
Stockton gave in to his hunger and ate a bite. “Mm. Wow.”
“I know. Really good.”
“Do you read labels? Seriously?”
Rufus drank water before he replied, “I do a little. But I know which foods are the worst offenders. So I eat loads of fresh fruit and vegetables, and stay away from fat and sugar.”
“Aren’t you hungry? I’d starve.”
“You eat well, but you eat different food.”
“And you work out.”
“Yes. But not in this heat.”
Stockton shook his head. “I’m so beat from the job, I can’t imagine doing anything but being a couch potato.”
“I understand. You have a very physical job.”
Stockton ended up staring at the food, dying to shovel it into his mouth, but wishing he could be good, and ‘diet’.
This time when Rufus cupped his hand, he didn’t react. Stockton met his eyes and felt kindness.
“I don’t want you to think I’m weird or anything, Stockton.”
Stockton held his breath in anticipation.
“But…” Rufus looked around first. “You are incredibly good looking. You really need to let you be you.”
A lump formed in Stockton’s throat. Before he could think of a compliment in reply, Rufus had resumed his meal.
~
With Stockton eating so little, they had bags of leftover food. Rufus paid the tab and walked to the exit with Stockton. “You sure you won’t take half of this home?”
“I’m sure.” Stockton made his way through the revolving door to outside.
The humid heat instantly hit Rufus and he knew his car would be broiling hot. He used his key fob to unlock it, climbing into the scalding interior gingerly and placing the leftovers in the back seat. He started the engine and blew the A/C.
“I feel like I need a shower. I’m coated in sweat.”
“Me too.” Stockton put his seatbelt on.
Rufus had an urge to invite him into a shower for two, but the conversation over the meal was so self-conscious, he knew that wouldn’t go over well. He was getting the feeling Stockton wanted to get away from him, sooner the better.
~
His mood deteriorating with each passing minute, Stockton unfastened his seatbelt as they pulled into the driveway of Rufus’s home. He climbed out, waiting as Rufus opened the front door, seeing his tools and bucket just inside the door.
Stockton carried the bucket and his tool belt to his truck, coming back for the old sink fixture. Rufus stood at the door, holding the used piece of plumbing.
“Thanks for lunch.” Stockton took it.
“My pleasure.”
“See ya.”
“See ya.”
Stockton didn’t look back. He stuck the old faucet in the bed of this truck and got in just as another black cloud dimmed the afternoon sky and it began raining.
On his way home Stockton stopped at a subway shop and bought a sandwich. He sat in his truck in front of the shop and took a bite, shoved it back into the bag, starting the engine and heading home.
After unloading his tools into the garage, Stockton walked to the front door of his house, oblivious to the rain hitting him. He stood at his kitchen sink finishing his sandwich. Once he swallowed the last bite, he stripped and showered. He was sick of being overheated but the shower was a temporary fix. Even with the air conditioning running he was hot. He dried off, avoided looking at his reflection in the mirror and lay on his bed, feeling the ceiling fan cool off his damp skin.
~
Rufus stared at the new sink faucet. The lunch didn’t go as he planned.
“Shit.”
Remembering something, Rufus clenched his fists. “I didn’t pay you. Son of a bitch.” He picked up his phone and stood in the kitchen staring at Stockton’s business card. A force was stopping him from dialing, as if Stockton would grow angry Rufus was bothering him. Like the whole day had ruined Stockton’s weekend.
But he owed him money. And that kind of thing would keep Rufus up at night. A loose end. He had enough of that with his job being lost shortly and no prospects.
He dialed, exhaling loudly at the stress this phone called was causing him.
“Hello?”
“I’m really sorry to bother you, Stockton. But I didn’t pay you.”
“Don’t worry about it.”
“I am worrying. How much was the faucet?”
“Two-eighty.”
“Okay. Can I bring you the check or do you just want me to mail it?” Wow this sounds really bad. Did we fight? What’s the deal here?
“I don’t care.”
Rufus felt like complete crap. “What did I do, Stockton? Tell me so I can apologize. Did I fuck up your weekend?”
“No. Are you kidding me? I do emergency call outs twentyfour-seven.”
“What then?” Rufus didn’t hear a reply. “I’ll put it in the mail.”
“I can stop by.”
“Why don’t I drop it by your place? I don’t want to put you out in any way.” It was silent again. “Stockton?”
“I’m sorry, Rufus. I’m the one who should be apologizing to you.”
“Why? I’m the one who forgot to pay you.” Rufus sat down at his kitchen table.
“You were nice enough to buy me lunch. You know.”
You didn’t eat it. Rufus didn’t voice his thoughts. “It was my pleasure.”
“I’ll pick it up tomorrow some time.”
“Okay.”
“You can just leave it in the mailbox. I don’t want to bug you.”
“You aren’t bugging me. I’ll most likely be home, so just knock.”
“Okay.”
“Bye, Stockton.”
“Bye.”
Rufus hung up and felt worse than before he called. “Right. That’s that. I’m not communicating with this guy and he’s obviously not interested.”
Chapter 5

Stockton sat on a plastic lounge chair in his brother’s backyard. A low calorie beer in his fist, the smell of burning charcoal and muggy humid heat surrounded him.

His nephews, Jeremiah and Abe were running around the perimeter of the fenced-in yard, alternating belly-flopping on a slip and slide and throwing a sponge football at each other.

“You need a fresh beer, Stocky?” Jacob’s wife, Lisa, asked. “I’m good.” He held up his half full bottle.
“How many burgers, big man?” Jacob asked as he pushed the

coals around in the heat.
“One.”
“One?” Jacob laughed. “Yeah. I’ll make it a big one.” “No. One normal sized one.”
Jeremiah jumped on top of Stockton, nearly hitting him in the

nuts. He reacted and bent his knees. “Watch it, bud! I’ll spill my beer!” He laughed.
“Come play, Uncle Stocky.”
Both his nephews already had rolls of fat, and Jeremiah wasn’t even twelve yet. Bad genetics and a lousy diet had created health problems. At nine Abe was asthmatic heading to being diabetic.
“I don’t want to get all wet. You’re already getting my clothes wet with your soggy body.” Stockton tickled him.
Jeremiah squirmed away and headed back to the plastic water shield to whizz across the lawn.
The smell of char-grilled beef wafted through the air, stirring Stockton’s stomach. He rose up off the chaise lounge, feeling the dampness of sweat from his back and upper thighs where he lay.
He tossed the beer bottle into a recycle bin and stood near his brother.
Lisa continued bringing out bowls of food from inside to set out in the shade near the back of the house.
“You never told me about that ‘job’ you did yesterday.” Jacob gave Stockton a sly glance as grease dripped and sizzled through the grated top.
“Broken bathroom sink fixture up in Oakwood.”
“Oh. I thought you had a date.”
“Nope.”
“Get another beer.” Jacob tilted his head to the cooler. “I’m good.”
“Get me one.”
Stockton passed Lisa who was carrying a bowl of potato salad. “Can I get you anything, Lisa?”
“Not right now.”
Stockton removed a bottle and uncapped it, bringing it back to his brother. He glanced at the amount of food and frowned. No labels on that stuff. Lisa was a big gal as well. But his brother Jacob was by far the largest.
He returned to him, holding out the beer. Jacob didn’t have his shirt on, and hair covered him front and back. Stockton was glad he didn’t have that much body hair. Jacob was losing it on his head, and furrier than a grizzly. It didn’t seem fair to be bald headed and body-hairy.
“Burgers are done, Lis!” Jacob yelled like his wife was in the next town.
“Put them on a plate. I’m busy.”
“I’ll get one.” Stockton removed a plate from the table and held it up for the burgers and hotdogs.
“Boys!” Lisa hollered, “Food’s done.”
Stockton found a spot for the loaded meat plate and stood back as his nephews descended.
“Help yourself, Stocky, don’t be shy.” Lisa handed him a paper plate.
“When has he ever been shy about eating?” Jacob began filling his own plate.
Stockton opened a bun, put one burger on it, and scooped watermelon cubes onto his plate.
“That’s it?” Jacob asked. “You kiddin’ me?”
“I’m not that hungry.”
“Since when?”
“Take some potato chips or tater salad.” Lisa nudged him.
“I got enough.” Stockton sat down at a picnic table with his nephews as Lisa and Jacob joined them.
“What the hell’s goin’ on? You on a diet?” Jacob bit into a burger.
“No. Just not that hungry.” Stockton knew he’d get flack. It just wasn’t what his family did. They all ate what they wanted to eat.
“He’s got a girl.” Jacob smirked, his mouth full. “I’m tellin’ ya, Lisa, this diet thing is about impressin’ a woman.”
“Leave him be, Jacob.” Lisa shook her head.
“Are you on a diet, Uncle Stocky?” Abe asked, ketchup on his chin.
Stockton used a napkin to dab at it for him. “No.”
“You joinin’ a gym next?” Jacob laughed.
“Shut up, Jacob.”
“She must be somethin’ to make you stop eating.”
“I haven’t stopped eating. But I will, and I’ll leave if you don’t let up on me.”
“Jacob,” Lisa said, “Leave the poor man alone.”
Jacob held up his hand in surrender.
Stockton chewed slowly, wondering how many calories were in the burger. How was he supposed to know how many twentyfive hundred were? That’s insane.
~
Rufus updated his resume on the computer. Once he did, he surfed a few competitors for job openings. To his not-sosurprise, most didn’t have open job listings, and a few even put warnings not to submit applications because they would not be reviewed.
I don’t want to do this anymore. What else is out here?
He checked the classified ads on-line in the local paper. Day Labor. Driving. Nursing.
Retrain as a security guard! Big bonuses for home care specialists! Learn to sell products from your computer!
Rufus felt slightly anxious. No matter what transpired after his company relocated, he’d be down-graded in pay. He had some savings, but not enough to retire on.
There was a knock at the door, then the doorbell rang.
He hopped to his feet and jogged to open it.
“Hey.”
“Come in.” Rufus opened the door wider.
Stockton didn’t walk beyond the foyer. “I don’t want to bug you.”
“You’re not. Can you stay for a minute?”
“Sure.”
Rufus closed the door behind him. “Let me just shut down the computer.” He looked back at Stockton. “I was updating my resume and checking out the job market.”
“Ouch. Bet that sucked.”
“It did. It does.” Rufus leaned over to his mouse and began shutting down the screen. He felt Stockton’s presence behind him. Spinning around, he noticed Stockton inspecting the spare bedroom, one he used as a mini-office as well.
When Rufus noticed Stockton staring at something, he realized he had a torso of a nude man in a frame on the wall. Uh oh.
“I have your check.” Rufus rushed towards Stockton, trying to back him out of the room. Stockton allowed Rufus to lead the way and they ended up in the kitchen.
“What can I get you?”
“Water is good.”
“You sure? I have juice and beer.”
“I’m sure.”
Rufus poured them both a glass of bottled water, handing one to Stockton. “Have a seat.”
Stockton sat at the kitchen table.
Rufus handed him an envelope. He’d given Stockton threehundred even though Stockton said the faucet was two-eighty.
“What type of work are you looking for?” Stockton didn’t open the envelope, putting it into his shirt pocket after folding it in half.
“I haven’t a clue.” Rufus took the chair next to him, facing him. “I’m trying not to panic.”
“You can’t see moving to Atlanta?”
“No.”
“Why?”
Rufus shrugged. “I just don’t like the job enough.”
“Look, Rufus, I wanted to apologize again for yesterday.”
“What did you do that needs an apology?”
“I was really acting weird in the restaurant. I’m sorry.”
Rufus sat straight in his seat. “Weird how?”
“Like a jerk.”
“I don’t remember you acting like a jerk.” Rufus didn’t. He thought Stockton was quiet, but not rude.
“You intimidate me.”
Shocked didn’t describe Rufus’s reaction. “Why on earth do I intimidate you?”
Stockton’s cheeks went crimson and he stared at his water glass.
“Did I do or say something—”
“No,” Stockton added quickly.
That left Rufus speechless. Once again too many questions were on his tongue tip and no courage to ask.
“You were wonderful. It’s not you.”
Rufus mouthed, ‘wonderful?’ the same way Stockton had mouthed ‘babe?’ in the restaurant. “Are we talking the same language here? Or am I completely off base?”
“What language are we talking?” Stockton looked petrified.
Gay? Rufus couldn’t say it. Wasn’t the male nude on the wall the clue? He chickened out. “I don’t understand why being my friend would be intimidating, but if you don’t like to hang out, I understand.”
“I do want to hang out with you.”
“But I intimidate you.” Rufus rubbed his forehead in confusion. “I don’t get it.”
Stockton stood up, placing his glass in the sink.
Rufus expected him to make a quick exit, without explaining.
To Rufus’s surprise Stockton splayed out his palms and said, “Look at me.”
“I’m looking at you.”
Stockton grabbed his gut with two hands.
“I’m still looking at you and I don’t see what your stomach has to do with us liking each other.”
“Forget it.” Stockton headed towards the front door.
Then it hit Rufus like a ton of stupidity. He sprinted after Stockton and caught him before he left, holding his upper arm. Stockton stiffened but didn’t pull away nor turn around.
“You’re wrong.” Rufus took a chance. If he got a punch on the jaw he’d deal with it.
It took a minute but Stockton met Rufus’s gaze. Huffing nervously, he asked, “Wrong about what?”
“This.” Rufus caressed Stockton’s belly through his cotton shirt.
“I don’t gross you out?”
“No. Not by a long shot.” Rufus ran his fingertips up Stockton’s chest to his neck.
“You better be ready, because I’m about to lose it.”
“Lose it.” Rufus braced for a violent reaction.
He got one.
Stockton spun Rufus around and pressed Rufus’s back against the door. “I’m so fucking hot.”
“I’ll turn up the air,” Rufus said.
“Not that kind of hot.” Stockton chuckled.
“Good.”
Stockton leaned closer. Rufus shut his eyes in anticipation. ~
Stockton had fantasized being with a man like Rufus all his adult life. The only sexual encounter he had was an internet hook-up. And though he and the man managed to get each other off, it was reluctantly on his part.
The guy wasn’t as horrible as the old man he met up with last Friday, but he had bad teeth and kept telling Stockton he was married and straight, and was only experimenting with men. Stockton didn’t care what his excuses were. He knew it wasn’t going to be a relationship. It was a chance to come using something other than his own hand.
He and this married man didn’t kiss. There was no way Stockton was going to go near a mouth with black rotted teeth.
As his and Rufus’s lips brushed together, Stockton imagined a lover more like Rufus. He assumed Rufus had many sexual encounters and was not a novice like he was. Intimidation returned as his sexual bravado waned.
A hand on the back of his head urged Stockton to do what he was afraid to do. Kiss.
It was Rufus’s tongue that made the first advance.
In reaction Stockton opened his sealed jaw. That curious tongue made circles around his own, inside his mouth. Stockton tried not to groan against Rufus’s lips but he couldn’t stop his body from grinding into his.
Parting to be able to talk, Stockton asked, “Am I crushing you?”
“No.” Rufus held Stockton’s jaw in both hands and deepened the kiss.
Stockton felt weak in the knees and his dick throbbed where it was, in his damp, sweaty pants. He leaned his elbows on either side of Rufus, against the wall behind him, so he could rub harder against Rufus’s crotch. The friction and feeling Rufus’s stiff cock rolling over his was already making Stockton edge his climax.
How long had he wanted this?
A visual diary of all the failed gay/chat/sex/mating sites whizzed through his mind. Those never worked. He was sick of them.
Hearing Rufus whimper quietly, Stockton decided to use his tongue with more enthusiasm. He entered Rufus’s mouth and felt Rufus’s lips go slack with desire or surrender. As he experimented, mimicking Rufus’s tongue action, Rufus’s hands made a journey down Stockton’s shoulders to his upper arms. The strong massaging of his biceps was making Stockton lose his breath as it stimulated. He stopped kissing Rufus, looking at his face.
Rufus opened his eyes.
“This is fucking amazing.” Stockton was about to allow Rufus more space, thinking his weight was too much, when Rufus jerked him back in his spot.
“You’re not going anywhere.”
Stockton felt the blush of shyness heat his cheeks.
Bringing Stockton back to his mouth, Rufus continued where they had left off.
With his mouth attached to Rufus’s, Stockton mustered up more courage and touched his hair. He placed his right behind Rufus’s head and his left on the nape of Rufus’s neck.
The movement made Rufus stand away from the wall so they weren’t leaning any longer.
Able to grip Rufus assertively, Stockton deepened the kiss to a level he had only fantasized about. They were sucking and moaning, dueling tongues until Stockton was dizzy. “Oh my God…” Stockton whimpered, unable to believe how incredible kissing Rufus was.
Rufus parted from their passionate tongue twisting to ask, “You…you want to go to the bedroom?”
Doubt surfaced. Stockton was afraid to be naked in front of Rufus.
“I don’t want to rush you.” Rufus caressed Stockton’s shoulders.
“Have you had a lot of sex?” Stockton swallowed down a dry throat.
“Does it matter? I’ve tested negative.”
Stockton blinked. He was a virgin. He’d never done anything but a mutual hand-job. Tested? He’d never been tested for HIV and the topic caught him off guard. He needed to think about the implications and aftermath of what he was doing, but he wanted to keep kissing Rufus.
“Stockton?” Rufus stepped back and held onto Stockton’s arms tightly. “I don’t sleep around. I was in a relationship but I broke it off a few months ago.”
“With a guy?” The minute it came out of his mouth Stockton felt like a moron.
“Yes. With a guy.”
Stockton had no idea what to say. His naiveté was showing and at the moment, that felt worse than his bulk being exposed.
“Why don’t we sit down?” Rufus held Stockton’s hand and brought him to the sofa in the living room. He nudged Stockton to sit and made himself comfortable beside him. He kept both his hands holding Stockton’s. “Ask me anything you want.”
“I don’t know what to ask you.”
“Can I ask you a question?”
Stockton dabbed at a drop of sweat that rolled down his forehead. “I suppose.”
“Have you ever been with another man or are you straight and curious?”
Stockton didn’t know what he should say. He felt any reply may make him sound either stupid or like the pathetic virgin he was. Thirty-eight? Never had sex? What the hell’s wrong with you, Stockton?
It was almost as if Jacob’s voice was doing the scolding. He would never tell Jacob- or his family- anything about his sexual interests. Never.
“Am I making you uncomfortable?” Rufus put his arm behind Stockton’s back, rubbing it.
“A little.”
Rufus made a move to give Stockton space. Stockton grabbed hold of him and made him stay put. They stared at each other.
Feeling butterflies in his stomach, Stockton cupped the back of Rufus’s head and brought him back to his lips. This time the kiss felt familiar. Stockton relaxed his clenched body and tilted his head, allowing Rufus’s tongue to work magic in his mouth.
Rufus’s hand on his thigh surprised him, but Stockton forced himself not to jump in any way to discourage him.
His eyes sealed shut while he kissed Rufus, Stockton focused on the direction of his fingers. When they touched between his legs, Stockton was so hot he knew he’d never had a hard-on like he did at the moment.
Against Rufus’s lips, Stockton whimpered in desire. Rufus had found where Stockton had grown stiff and ran his palm along the length. Stockton opened his knees, adjusting on the couch to encourage more.
Rufus’s breathing accelerated as he inched even closer to get a better grip on Stockton’s groin. Even with Rufus rubbing only on the outside of his shorts, Stockton began to feel the urge to come.
Unable to actively participate in the kissing with his dick about to blow, Stockton rested his head back on the sofa as Rufus licked at his lips and tongue, all the while rubbing hot friction on his cock, pressing against his balls and deeply between his thighs.
“I think I’m going to come.” Stockton didn’t want to embarrass himself or come inside his clothing.
“You want me to stop?”
“No.”
Rufus began opening Stockton’s shorts. It made Stockton look downwards. Seeing his belly about to be exposed as well as his dick, Stockton receded from the edge and actually grew soft.
Was he ready for this? For Rufus to be grossed out? No. “Hang on.” Stockton grabbed Rufus’s hand gently. Immediately Rufus stopped.
How could Stockton explain that he was embarrassed? How do you tell a perfect ten you’re petrified of rejection, being seen as gross, and ultimately disappointing him? You don’t.
“I…I better get going.” Stockton sucked in his stomach and buttoned his shorts.
Rufus appeared very upset but said nothing.
As he backed up towards the front door, Stockton imagined saying, “I’ll call you” or something else cliché. He knew whatever he uttered would sound contrived.
Headed to the door, Stockton let himself out and immediately was smacked with hot humid air.
~
Rufus listened.
He could hear the pickup truck start and drive off.
In the emptiness of the living room, Rufus began thinking of reasons Stockton had left.
He’s not gay. He’s straight, has a girlfriend and is curious.
He’s gay, and terrified to admit he is.
He’s not attracted to me.
He’s afraid I will not be turned on by him.
Rufus didn’t know which excuse to believe. But whatever the reason for Stockton walking out after the most sensual kissing he had ever experienced, Rufus felt hurt.
I didn’t satisfy Marley, I can’t satisfy anyone.
~
Stockton was shaking on the drive home.
He parked his pickup in his driveway, entered his house, and cranked up the air conditioner. Even after having it on full blast in the truck, he was still sweating.
He kicked off his shoes, nearly tore the shirt off his back and stood staring at himself in the mirror over the bathroom vanity.
All he saw was his stomach and the hair covering it. Unable to look any longer, he shut the light, backed out and dropped onto the sofa in his den.
Chapter 6

Monday morning, Rufus noticed a few coworkers were packing up their offices. “Uh oh. Here it comes.” He stopped a woman as she hurried by him. “Zetta?”

Zetta Jefferson met his eyes. “Hi, Rufus.”
“Are they packing already?”
“Some are. They’re beginning to get the staff that can start

running the business, to Atlanta, and I guess the rest will trickle down as they can.”
“Shit.”
“There’s a memo going around with the timeline and the actually deadline for closing the doors.” She appeared rushed, anxious to keep walking. “If you need me to email it to you again, I can.”
Rufus replied, “Sure. Thanks.”
Zetta smiled and continued to where she was headed.
The moment he sat at his desk, Rufus checked his email inbox. Indeed as Zetta had said, there was an attachment with a formal timeline and last day of business for the Dayton team.
It wasn’t very long notice to get a new job. Not in this market. But who would give anyone two years to find one? ~
Stockton yanked a broken toilet off the linoleum floor of an apartment.
“Who is she?”
“Shut up, Jacob.” Stockton signaled to Clyde to remove the old toilet and knelt down to scrape up the filthy seal under it. It stunk like a sewer in the heat.
“Why don’t you tell me who she is and where you met her? On line? At a bar?”
Stockton held the tool he was using and made a threatening gesture to stab one of Jacob’s boots if he didn’t shut up.
Jacob leapt back and got the hint.
“Go get the new toilet, will ya, Jacob? Make yourself useful.”
“I will get a name out of you.” Jacob pointed at him.
You will not.
Stockton continued to clean up the area where the new toilet seal would be and held his breath from the stench.
Last night he tossed and turned, thinking of Rufus and their necking. It excited him so much he was craving more, yearning his lips as much as he wanted an end to this humid summer and stinking work.
But a sleepless night made him exhausted. So he stopped by a gas station supermarket and ordered an extra large caffeine laden soda. He hadn’t eaten and was famished.
If I starve myself for a week, will this stomach go away?
“Here ya go, boss.” Clyde put the new porcelain throne down in the doorway.
Stockton stood, using his t-shirt to wipe the perspiration from his face. “Clean up the junk on the floor first.”
“K.” Clyde allowed Stockton to switch places with him.
He met Jacob who was getting all the new fixtures unwrapped. “You won’t even tell me her name?”
“I’m not seeing someone!” Stockton was about to hit him. “And if you don’t lay off me, I’ll let you do this work with Clyde and find my own job.”
Jacob held up his hands in surrender.
Stockton stormed out of the claustrophobic apartment to get a breath of non-sewer air. He paced out front, knowing the humidity of outdoors wouldn’t hold much relief.
Taking his phone out of his pocket he checked for missed calls or text messages. Two were work related, one was from his mom. He called back the ones about jobs, staring at the cars as they passed on Bigger Avenue.
He wanted to call Rufus, but didn’t know what to say. ~
The windshield wipers did nothing to clear the torrent from his vision. Rufus stopped at a red signal as the cross traffic splashed its way through deep water. He was hoping the rain would cool things off. It used to. Not this summer.
Before he arrived home he pulled into the grocery store lot for fresh vegetables and milk. He shut off the car, listening to the pelting drops on the roof like hammering nails in sheet metal. Some brave shoppers dashed to the store entrance.
Rufus gave it a minute longer.
The rhythm made him sleepy, so he stretched out his legs and leaned back on the headrest, eyes closed. The stress of the job being terminated began to eat at him. Move to Atlanta? Don’t move to Atlanta.
With his supervisors under the impression he was not moving, he doubted he could go. They were already in the process of relocating employees. He’d opted out. In writing.
The thunder shower let up, just enough. He tried to wake up from his stupor and opened the car door, racing through the raindrops to the entranceway. The icy cold air of the interior hit his wet skin instantly. Rufus held a small basket on his arm and exhaled wearily as he walked to the produce section. ~
The air was slightly fresher after the rain.
Stockton dug out an old pair of sweatpants and took a scissors to them above the knee. His sneakers had seen better days.
A Buckeye t-shirt and ball cap completing his attire, he left through his front door and began a ‘power walk’. Though the rain had left it a little more tolerable, soon Stockton was dripping wet. But that was the idea wasn’t it?
He had no idea where to walk, or how long to do it. He figured he’d keep going until he was too tired to do more.
It didn’t take long for him to be out of breath, but he pushed himself.
An older woman was out in the neighborhood as well. She had her white tennis shoes on and sunglasses, waving in a friendly gesture to him.
Stockton waved back and became aware there were all sorts of people out trying to get some activity done before the returning heat or thundershowers. Dog walkers, joggers, bike riders, couples speed walking in stride.
I can do this. Yeah, it’s hot, but everyone else can do it.
Stockton wondered in a week if he’d be skinny.
A half hour out and a half hour back, Stockton was dead on his feet when he entered his house. He moaned in agony and took off his shoes and socks, checking for blisters. Staggering his way to the bathroom he stripped and stepped into the shower, blasting iced water at his face. Staring down at his gut he knew thinking a week would be enough time to lose what had taken a lifetime to gain was absurd.
He got out of the shower and dried off, using his toe to move the bathroom scale out from under the corner it had been sitting in since he bought it years ago. He climbed on, dreading what it read. Two-twenty-four.
He was six one. What was he supposed to weigh?
Moving the scale back in the same spot, Stockton draped the towel over the shower door and put on a pair of briefs. He sat at his computer and looked up healthy height/weight proportions according to the web sites.
The appropriate weight for his height was one-seventy. “Fifty pounds? You have to be kidding me. This can’t be right.” He checked several more sites but they were all similar.
He grabbed his phone and called Jacob.
“What’s up?”
“How much you’ weigh?”
“I don’t know.”
“Does Lisa own a scale?”
“Yeah.”
“Get on it.”
“You shittin’ me, Stocky? Now? I’m eatin’ my dinner.”
“Jacob, go get your fat ass on a scale!”
“All right, but if I tell you my weight, you tell me her name.”
“I’m not seeing anyone.”
“Sure you ain’t.”
Stockton waited impatiently, hearing Lisa and his nephews in the background asking Jacob what he was doing.
After a little huffing and puffing, Jacob said, “It says twoninety…uh two. Two ninety-two.”
“You weigh nearly three hundred pounds?” Stockton didn’t think he was fat in comparison to his brother.
“You asked me to tell you! What’s all this about, Stocky? You be honest with me.”
“How much you think Lisa weighs?”
“I ain’t even goin’ to ask her. You kiddin’ me?”
“I weigh fifty pounds more than I should. You’re shorter than me, Jacob. You think being big is going to kill us?”
“Who gives a shit? I eat what I like. I’m not living on rabbit food.”
“See ya.”
“That’s it? Wait, don’t I get the name of your new girlfriend?”
“I’m not dating anyone. I’ll see you tomorrow morning.” Stockton hung up on his reply.
He typed the word ‘diet’ into the search engine and was staggered at how many variations of menus were listed. “I can’t figure this out. How am I supposed to figure this out?” ~
When the phone rang Rufus’s heart leapt and he snatched it off the side table in the den.
“Ruf!”
“Duf!” Rufus laughed. “What the hell you up to, Duffy?”
“I keep reading about your company leaving Dayton. I just thought about you.”
“That was very nice of you.”
Duffy Ellcott said, “I wish I could tell you we had an opening at my office.”
“I wish you could too.” Rufus lowered the television volume. He’d been vegging out in front of it.
“What the hell do you do again?”
“I have no idea. I don’t even know what to put on my resume.”
Duffy laughed. “Jack of all trades?”
“More like Jack of nothing.” Rufus added, “but jacking.”
“Ouch. Still flying solo?”
“Yes.”
“Is it hard getting over Marley?”
“No. I’m over Marley. I was over him the first day he stunk of someone else’s spunk.”
“Sorry, Ruf.”
“Not your fault. It was mine.”
“It wasn’t yours.”
“Sure. I’ll keep telling myself that.”
“What did you do to make him cheat?”
Rufus shut off the television, tossing the remote next to him on the sofa. “Bored him in the bedroom? Who knows? I never enquired.”
“That’s bullshit. From what I’ve seen of Marley the few times you, he and I met up, I didn’t think he was much of a catch.” “I don’t need a ‘catch’. I just want a decent guy.” “Rufus, Marley wasn’t a decent guy if he did that to you.” “I know.”
“I don’t know what you saw in him. I mean the guy’s pint sized.”
“It didn’t matter, Duffy. I never judge a guy by the outside.”
“Nope. You don’t. I know you long enough to know that. I wish I knew someone to set you up with.”
Rufus imagined Stockton sadly. “I don’t do myself any favors. I sit home after work.”
“Have you tried the internet?”
“Oh, God…” Rufus cringed. “I have to admit, I did sort of look to see what was available, but…no.”
“Not your thing?”
“No way.”
“I’ll keep my eyes open for someone. But, Dayton isn’t exactly a gay man’s Mecca.”
“Tell me about it.” Rufus scrubbed his face tiredly, knowing his friend Duffy was happily married.
“Okay, Ruf. Stay in touch.”
“I will. You too, Duffy. Thanks for checking on me.”
“Anytime.”
Rufus replaced the phone in its cradle and stared into space.
After a long moment of thinking and not thinking, Rufus located his cell phone and scrolled through the numbers. He stared at Stockton’s and wanted to call him. He just didn’t know what to say after the way he left. It felt as if he was pushing Stockton, or that Stockton was bi-curious. Either way that was a recipe for pain.
He put the phone on the table and turned the TV back on. Chapter 7

Rufus held his laptop under his arm and pushed back the doors of a coffee shop on South Main in Oakwood. He had to get going on a job hunt with more intention of actually getting employed. Two weeks had past and he had done nothing but watch other co-workers packing up their offices and vanishing.

The line for coffee was long and there were few open chairs. This café was a popular spot for single guys to set up their WiFi and sip lattes. Not a gay coffee shop, but for reasons unknown to Rufus, a straight man oasis.

Stepping up as the line progressed, Rufus suddenly recognized Stockton from behind. He had obviously ordered and stood aside, awaiting his drink. The shiver of heat that washed over Rufus surprised him. Though he had not forgotten Stockton, he had given up hope on ever hearing from him.

They met stares. The look of shock on Stockton’s face was immediate.
“Hey!” Rufus gave him a big smile.
“Rufus!” Stockton approached him. “I have to admit I wondered if you would show up. It’s in your neighborhood.”
Was he looking for me? “Here I am.”
“Skinny cappuccino?” the barista announced.
“That’s mine.” Stockton held up his finger, indicating one minute.
Rufus stood at the counter and ordered an unsweetened iced coffee.
“Should I grab a table before they’re all gone?” Stockton asked, holding his drink.
“Yes!” Seeing Stockton’s confident smile was unnerving. Why hadn’t Stockton called or emailed him? He must be straight.
Once Rufus had his drink, he met Stockton at the table and placed his laptop on a spare seat beside him. They smiled at each other. Rufus had missed him like hell.
I don’t care if you are straight. “You look fabulous.”
The blush rushed to Stockton’s cheeks and he glanced around. “Thanks. So do you.”
The urge to clasp Stockton’s hand was almost beyond control. “How’s the plumbing biz?”
“Holding its own despite the economy. I think because I’m competitive on big jobs, I get them.”
“And you work like a dog.”
Stockton shrugged, still smiling, sipping his drink. “Am I stopping you from working on your computer?”
Rufus frowned. “I’d rather have oral surgery than look for a new job.”
“Oh. Still in a bind?”
“Yes, with a timer ticking like a bomb.”
“Is there any way I can help you?”
Rufus imagined a little sexual release would be a start. “I don’t know.” He gave their surroundings a glance, leaned over the table and asked, “Are you straight?”
Stockton reacted to the direct question and sat up. “Why do you want to know?”
“Because…” Rufus lowered his voice. “Because I’ve been dying to ask you out and I got the feeling from our last…” he bit his lip, “last…time together, you weren’t gay and may be bicurious.”
Stockton shifted in his chair and said softly, “I’m gay.”
“Gay and have a boyfriend?” Rufus’s heart was sinking.
“No. Single.”
That stabbed him hard. “What did I do? It’s driving me crazy.”
“You didn’t do anything. It’s just me.”
Rufus held up his hand and shook his head. “I know that line. I won’t bother you.”
“No.” Stockton chuckled at the awkwardness. “That’s not the line I was giving you. Rufus…” Stockton looked like he was in pain. “I’m a virgin.” He winced as if expecting to be laughed at.
Rufus blinked at the fact that Stockton told him such a personal detail. Especially now after the attempt at making a pass at him over two weeks ago had failed. It was a relief as well as a source of frustration.
“How come you can tell me that now and you didn’t when we…were…” Rufus gestured to the direction of his home.
“I couldn’t. I didn’t want to tell you at all. But I also don’t want you to think you did something wrong. I mean, Rufus, how sad is it? Thirty-eight and never had sex?”
“Stop being so hard on yourself.”
“How old were you when…” Stockton spied around. The noise level from the conversation and espresso machines made it impossible for anyone to eavesdrop.
“What difference does it make?”
“See. If it didn’t you’d tell me.”
“In college. Sophomore year.”
“Where did you go to college?”
“The UD. University of Dayton.”
Stockton nodded, sipping his drink, appearing to digest the information.
“Would you care if I were a virgin?” Rufus asked.
“No.”
Rufus splayed out his palm in a gesture of ‘so?’
“I’m trying to lose weight. You know.”
“Do it for your health. Yourself. Not me. Not for anyone else.”
“I am.” Stockton looked grim. “But, does it matter to you?”
“Does what matter? That you’re on a diet?” Rufus leaned closer, over the table to be able to hear him better in the noise.
“No. That I’m…”
“You’re what? You’re hotter than hell? You’re so fucking handsome I get hard looking at you?”
“What?” Stockton’s jaw dropped.
Rufus ground his fingers into his eyes in frustration. “What are we doing here? Come to my place.” He finished his iced coffee with a slurp of the straw.
“You sure?”
“Are you saying it’s not what you want? If so, I get it.”
“No. I do want it. Want you.”
“Then why have we been playing this stupid game for nearly three weeks?”
“What game?”
Rufus stood on the pretext of tossing out his empty cup. He was under too much pressure right now to deal with this.
Stockton nudged him with his laptop. Rufus took it and left the loud café standing in the warmth of outdoors.
“Where did you park?” Stockton asked.
“Over there. The side of the building.”
“I’ll meet you at your place.”
“You sure?”
“Yes.”
Rufus watched Stockton walk away.
~
Stockton parked out front of Rufus’s home, watching the garage door elevate and Rufus drive into it. Stuffing his hands into his pockets, Stockton stood by Rufus’s front door, waiting as he met him, still holding the laptop. Rufus showed him in, and walked through the house to the kitchen.
Stockton followed but a few paces behind. It felt as if Rufus was angry or upset. “You sure you want me here?”
He placed the laptop on the kitchen counter with his car keys and cell phone. “Why do you keep asking me that?”
At the tone, Stockton flinched.
“Do you want anything?”
“No. I just had the coffee.” Stockton peered back at the front door, wondering if he should leave.
“How about something to eat?”
“No. Thanks.”
Rufus ran his hand back through his hair and blew out a blast of air. “I’m sorry. I just have so much on my mind at the moment. But that doesn’t mean I don’t want you here. I do.”
Stockton stepped towards him. “I get it. Foreclosures, unemployment…believe me. I get it.”
Rufus’s expression was a mixture of relief and sadness. “Get over here.”
Chuckling under his breath at the hint of a smile on Rufus’s mouth, Stockton approached him. Rufus curled his arm around his waist and drew him closer until their crotches touched.
Tingles made their way another word, Rufus went Stockton closed his eyes and realized just how much he had missed him.
across Stockton’s skin. Without for his lips. When they kissed
Some of the initial awkwardness was leaving and Stockton tried to keep strong against the threat of his insecurities. With Rufus’s arms encircling his back, Stockton cupped Rufus’s jaw and experimented with his tongue against Rufus’s lips.
Rufus moaned and Stockton felt both their cocks pulsating between them.
“You’re no virgin to kissing,” Rufus said sensually. “I can do this all day.”
Stockton could too. “I like the way you kiss.”
“Then let’s not stop.”
Going for his mouth excitedly, Stockton embraced Rufus, locking his arms around him, feeling the solid strength of his back and shoulders. The grinding of their groins got intense. Stockton humped Rufus, riding his stiff cock over Rufus’s. The urge to come drew near. He forced himself to back off so he didn’t orgasm like this.
“Will you join me in the bedroom this time?”
“Yes.” Stockton’s heart rate soared as Rufus held onto two of his fingers and escorted him down the hall.
Though he imagined a shower to rinse off before joining Rufus on the bed, Stockton hadn’t done anything more than a job estimate before stopping for coffee. It was a quick appraisal of a bathroom remodel and the fact that it was in Oakwood was a bonus.
Stockton had even driven by Rufus’s house before going to the coffee shop. Knowing this area of town may lead to a chance meeting with the man of his dreams, Stockton had taken extra time grooming and dressing that morning. He was glad he had.
The venetian blinds were pulled and dark curtains kept both the heat and light out of the master bedroom. Rufus stood on the far side of the room and removed his shoes and socks, staring at Stockton as he did.
Stockton mirrored his actions. Barefoot and beginning to get anxious, Stockton waited.
Rufus closed the gap between them, cupping Stockton’s jaw for more kissing. The act of their mouths touching definitely eased Stockton’s anxiety, while revving up his libido.
One by one, Stockton’s shirt buttons were opened.
Knowing soon his torso would be up for scrutiny, Stockton began breathing heavily, having to break their wonderful kissing.
He stared at Rufus’s face as Rufus finished opening his shirt and lowered it down his shoulders. Stockton studied him for any sign of revulsion. Rufus tossed the shirt on the bed and bent to suck on one of Stockton’s nipples.
No one had ever done that to him before. Stockton held onto Rufus to steady himself and instead of doubting his own appeal, he focused on the way Rufus was using his tongue, similarly to how he kissed.
Gentle tugs and nips sent Stockton’s cock throbbing. The stimulation intensified when Rufus sucked one nipple and pinched the other.
“Oh…man…” Stockton was on the edge again. He felt awkward but said, “I’m about to come.”
As if it was his signal, Rufus knelt down, opened Stockton’s shorts before he could even blink and enveloped Stockton’s cock into his mouth.
Stockton didn’t have time to stop him, think about body image or even determine if his brain still functioned. His thick prick inside Rufus’s wet sucking mouth was making him dizzy.
“Rufus…” Stockton couldn’t hold back. “I’m going to come. Now.” As he said it, he felt the surge in his groin churning to a need he could not stop. If Rufus didn’t want to get cum in his mouth, he did his best to warn him.
But Rufus didn’t move back. Instead he sucked harder, moaning, gripping the base of Stockton’s cock as he drew strong suction.
It felt as if his eyes rolled back in his head. Stockton held onto Rufus’s shoulders for balance and his knees buckled. The sensation of the climax was so much more intense than anything he had felt previously. Forcing himself to wake out of the swoon, Stockton choked on his words and needed to sit down or he would fall over.
The bed was close so he reached for it, moving slowly, hoping Rufus would get the hint.
Rufus looked lost on him, still milking his cock, sucking the tip, whimpering in a low masculine moan.
Stockton touched the bed with his hand and brought Rufus with him as he dropped down on it. He lay on his back, staring at the ceiling, feeling his own heart race under his palm.
Rufus hummed happily, kneeling on the floor between Stockton’s knees, nuzzling into his softened balls and cock.
“Wow.”
Rufus chuckled.
His sack and thighs were licked and mouthed as he recuperated. “Rufus…that was unreal.”
“You have an incredible cock.” Rufus ran his lips over it gently.
I do? Stockton had no idea what he had in comparison to other men. He didn’t count what he saw on the internet as real.
“Yes.”
Stockton felt his shorts drop off his legs and was naked with another person for the first time. Kisses made their way up his body, lingering, tickling, until Rufus arrived at his neck.
Feather-like touches turned Stockton into putty. As he lay prone Rufus removed his own clothing, keeping contact with Stockton as he did. Once they were both naked, Rufus rested his bodyweight on top of Stockton, straddling his thighs and using his elbows to prop him up so he could see Stockton’s face.
“How you doing?”
Stockton loved the affectionate grin he was receiving. “Good. Great! Better than great!” Stockton laughed, realizing he sounded giddy.
“You’re beautiful.”
“So are you.”
“I wasn’t fishing for a compliment.”
Stockton’s smile softened and he stared at Rufus’s eyes in the dimness. “What can I do to get you off?”
“Whatever you’re comfortable with.”
“I’ll do anything with you. Name it.” Stockton ran his hand down Rufus’s shoulder to his arm.
Rufus slid off Stockton to lie beside him. He gestured to himself in invitation.
Stockton leaned on his side, inspecting Rufus before he decided what he wanted to do. The list in his head was long and he hoped to savor this act.
With one hand Rufus gave himself a stroke, to entice.
It worked. Licking his lips, Stockton scooted close enough to seal their bodies together, resting his knee across Rufus’s legs. He began his exploration of Rufus’s body at his sternum, enjoying the tuft of hair on his chest and admiring his erect nipples. Stockton leaned down to take one into his mouth sucking it. The reaction of delight from Rufus was his reward. He ran his tongue around the nib, enjoying the salty taste of sweat and scent of cologne emanating off Rufus’s body.
Like Rufus had done to him, Stockton licked and kissed his way down his body, moving so he was straddling Rufus’s thighs and tickling light kisses down his treasure trail. At one point Stockton stopped, taking in the appearance of Rufus’s entirety. He was fit, taut, and spectacular. Stockton was sporting another hard-on as he scooted lower on Rufus’s body to be eye level with his groin. Leaning his head in his palm to relax, Stockton ran his fingers up the length of Rufus’s cock. In a purely reflex action, Stockton glanced at his own, judging how he stacked up. To his surprise he was substantially larger than Rufus. He’d never thought of himself as big, other than his girth.
“You okay?” Stockton asked, just because they’d stayed quiet for a while.
“I’m perfect.” Rufus gave him a reassuring smile and caressed Stockton’s hair.
Stockton focused again on Rufus’s cock. Toying with it, and his balls, Stockton enjoyed the feel of another man’s cock in his hand. He’d mutually jerked off the ‘straight’ guy with bad teeth he met over the net, so this wasn’t his first foray, but certainly the most intimate. And he really liked Rufus, which made all the difference in the world to him.
A bead of cum appeared at the slit of Rufus’s cock. Stockton licked it off. Rufus moaned and his hips jerked in reaction.
Psyching himself up to the act, one in which he desired to do but never thought it would be more than a one-off internet hookup, Stockton pumped his fist on Rufus’s shaft and lapped at another drop as it appeared.
He liked it. Liked the smell and taste of this man.
After giving his own stiff dick a jerk, Stockton took the head of Rufus’s cock into his mouth, rolling his tongue around it. It was getting him off as much as Rufus.
Rufus caressed Stockton’s hair, silently encouraging him.
Stockton didn’t need the encouragement. He went for it. Getting better leverage, Stockton sat up, held onto the base of Rufus’s cock and sucked long draws to the end.
The response of whimpering moans and body shivers from Rufus was delicious.
“Babe…I’m close.”
Stockton wanted to swallow. He sucked harder, faster, his own hips pumping at the anticipation of making Rufus climax.
A deep growl came out of Rufus, next thing to come out of him was his cum. Stockton tried to anticipate the taste and amount but wasn’t prepared for either. He gulped him down, closing his eyes, trying to decide if he liked it or not.
Rufus rolled his hips side to side, squeezing Stockton’s shoulder, his eyes closed.
Stockton sat up and took in the entire picture of Rufus postorgasm. The salty taste on his tongue was something he could grow to like. He had no doubt. “How many calories do you think your cum has?”
Rufus blinked, then roared with hilarity. “Get the hell over here!” He put Stockton into a headlock and dragged him so they were face to face. “Zero. I’m fat free.” Rufus kept chuckling.
“Good. When I’m hungry, I know what to eat.”
Another bout of laughter erupted from Rufus until he was choking with it. He dabbed his tears. “You are so fucking wonderful.”
“I am?”
“You are.” Rufus seemed to run out of steam and settled into the pillow, gazing at him.
Stockton cuddled against him, caressing him as he did, smiling.
Chapter 8

Rufus ran his fingertips along Stockton’s dewy skin, listening to his breathing and savoring the human contact he had been missing. If he lay in bed much longer, he would fall asleep. He wanted to but had no idea what Stockton’s schedule was. “You still awake?”
“Barely.”
Rufus tightened his embrace and said, “Man, you feel good.”
Like a man. A big, strappin’ man. Mmm .
“I can sleep. It feels so comfortable.”
“I wouldn’t mind a nap. I just didn’t want to keep you from
anything. Do you have any work scheduled today?”
Stockton rolled over so they could chat face to face. “I had an estimate first thing this morning. That’s why I was in your neighborhood.”

“Ah. I thought you were stalking me.” Rufus smiled. “Darn.” “I thought about it.” Stockton laughed.
At the expression on Stockton’s face, Rufus melted. The man

was incredibly handsome. He caressed his coarse jaw and pecked his lips.
Stockton shifted on his side, going back for more kisses.
“Forget sleep,” Rufus said between their mouths.
It made Stockton chuckle, and lean back to stare.
“I’m hoping I’ll see you again.”
“You will. Unless you don’t want to.”
“I want to.” Rufus squeezed Stockton’s arm. “I wanted to from the first moment we met at Jason’s.”
“Wow.” Stockton appeared shy.
“I honestly didn’t think you were gay. You have to risk a slug to the jaw in this city to get your answer to that question.”
“I hear ya.” Stockton nodded, running his index finger down Rufus’s torso. His pubic hair was caressed and his soft genitals were cupped and held tight. In silence he and Stockton gazed at each other. Stockton continued to explore and squeeze Rufus’s cock.
He let out a deep sigh at the comfort of the touch. Reciprocating, Rufus combed his fingers through the hair on Stockton’s chest.
“Too hairy?”
“No.” Rufus admired him. “Just right.”
“Am I one of those bears?”
“A what?” Rufus stopped moving his hand and met Stockton’s timid gaze. “A bear? You?”
Stockton shrugged. “I think I’ve seen it called that somewhere.”
“No. You’re not what I consider a bear.”
“Good.”
Rufus wanted to ask Stockton why he was so hard on himself but didn’t.
“What’s it like?”
Distracted out of his thoughts, Rufus gave Stockton his attention again. “What’s what like?”
“Making love to a man?”
Unfortunately Rufus thought of Marley and almost replied with hostility. But his brain cells kicked in before he made a negative comment. “It’s what you put into it. If you really like the guy and are a considerate lover, it’s fantastic.”
Stockton nodded, looking down at his hand as he continued to caress Rufus between his legs.
“Whenever you want to try, let me know.” Rufus couldn’t interpret the expression on Stockton’s face.
After what appeared contemplation, Stockton asked, “Who does who?”
“We can alternate.”
Stockton rested on the pillow, tucking his hand under it as he stared at him.
“I would love to be your first.” Rufus smiled, touching the coarse stubble on Stockton’s jaw.
A modest smile appeared.
Rufus enveloped Stockton, using his arms and legs to embrace him and hold him close. He heard a deep sigh release from Stockton and echoed it, closing his eyes.
~
Stockton woke out of a deep sleep. At the sound of breathing beside him Stockton realized he was sleeping in Rufus’s bed. Holding his wristwatch over his face in the dimness he was able to read the time. It was nearing five in the afternoon. He rubbed his face and yawned.
Rufus stirred beside him. “Are we lazy or what?”
Stockton smiled at him.
“Am I keeping you from anything?”
“No. Am I keeping you?”
“I hope so.” Rufus scooted close enough to seal their bodies together. “Want to face the world? Grab a bite? Take a walk?”
Stockton was hungry. He’d been trying to eat less but all it had accomplished was a constant state of starvation. “Sure. Anything you want.”
As if it were an invitation, Rufus ran his hands all over Stockton’s skin. “If we did what I want we would never get out of bed.”
“You’re the boss.” Stockton rolled to his side, propping his head on the pillow.
“How much time do you have?”
“If I don’t get an emergency job, I have all night.”
“Really? You’d give me your entire Saturday?”
His face felt hot at the comment. “Shouldn’t I want to?”
The smile dropped from Rufus’s face. “I just don’t want to rush you or take advantage.”
“You’re not.” Where do I have to go? Jacob’s house?
“Okay. Let’s do something for a few hours and we can come back here later.”
“Sounds good.” Before Stockton climbed off the bed, Rufus held him back, kissing him. The kiss felt so good, Stockton lost himself, and any urge he had to get up.
The tender peck became an opened-mouth frenzy. Stockton shifted on top of Rufus as their attraction for each other took priority. When Rufus spread his legs and Stockton lay between them, his stiff cock pointing towards Rufus’s back door, Stockton whimpered softly.
“Want in?”
At Rufus’s sensual invitation, Stockton began to tingle with chills and his dick thickened. “Can I?”
“Yes.” Rufus trapped Stockton’s cock between his thighs and humped him.
Just as Stockton imagined spurting between Rufus’s legs, Rufus reached to the drawer of his nightstand.
Stockton caught his breath and sat on his heels, watching.
Rufus rolled a condom on Stockton’s cock. While he used lubrication on both of them Stockton tried to calm down. Just the sight of Rufus oiling his pink, puckered hole was making him insane.
“Okay, babe.” Rufus wiped his fingers on a tissue and exposed himself, raising his legs off the bed.
Stockton woke out of his trance and scooted closer. Rufus reached between his own legs and guided Stockton until the head of his cock pressed against his ass. “Push in. Don’t be afraid.”
The gel made it easy to penetrate. Stockton felt the tip of his dick enter the tight ring and almost combusted on the spot. “I’m not going to last long, Rufus.” Stockton pinched the base of his cock to try and stop the climax.
“Don’t worry. You don’t have to impress me with staying power. Just enjoy it.”
“And I won’t hurt you?”
“I’ll let you know if you do. Okay?”
Stockton inched deeper, staring at a sight he never thought he’d see. His dick in a handsome man. Biting his lip, mesmerized by the image and the shivers washing up his spine, Stockton began pumping in and out gently. “Wow.” His balls tightened up and the urge to come was beginning to be a tidal wave he couldn’t keep back.
“That’s it, beautiful.”
Being called beautiful, having sex with a man he considered very desirable, was fulfilling a fantasy Stockton had carried along in his head his whole adult and teenage life. He forced himself to edge the climax. This was too good to be over in a split second.
Staring at the connection, looking away to slow down the impulse to come, and then being drawn back to see his slick dick inside Rufus was making Stockton delirious.
As if something had relaxed inside Rufus, Stockton’s cock plunged deeper and deeper with each of his thrusts until he had complete penetration. Balls deep.
“OhmyGodRufus!” Churning of intense pleasure began somewhere in the core of Stockton’s balls and made circles outwards. His cock began to pulsate and with each blast of dickmuscle-power the thrill grew more intense. Without any instruction, the craving to push into Rufus as tightly as he could, overcame him. Their bodies met and Stockton ground against Rufus’s hole until the rush of orgasm slowed to a heart-beating throb. Sweat ran down his neck as he forced himself to function. “Holy cow.”
Rufus was smiling like he had won the lottery. “You should see your face when you come.”
Stockton couldn’t imagine what that must look like. He held the base of the rubber and pulled out. The reservoir tip was full up with a load of cum.
Still in a daze, Stockton felt Rufus’s touch on his arm. He was led to the bathroom where Rufus tended him, then himself.
“Let’s rinse off.” Rufus turned on the shower.
Stockton glanced at the mirror over the vanity quickly. Seeing his less than perfect physique, he felt his eyes sting.
Rufus climbed into the tub reaching out to invite Stockton in.
Stockton joined him, waiting as Rufus rinsed off.
“You okay?” Rufus cupped Stockton’s jaw when he noticed his strange mood.
Stockton nodded, feeling embarrassed. He stepped under the cool water and rubbed his face and neck.
Arms encircled him from behind and Rufus swayed against Stockton affectionately.
“Thank you.” Stockton figured this was Rufus’s way of trying to boost his fragile ego, nothing more.
“My pleasure. Being your first means a lot to me.”
By default. No one else wanted me. Stockton shut the water and stared at his body. He felt Rufus turning him around to face him. When they were front to front, Rufus kissed him tenderly. “I’m starving. Are you?”
“Yes.”
Rufus opened the shower door and handed Stockton a towel, using one to dry as well. “What are you in the mood for?”
“You better decide or I’ll be eating junk food.”
“You got it.”
~
As he drove, Rufus held Stockton’s hand, feeling the wonderful afterglow of sex and the hint of a companionship in the future. Stockton had grown quiet, but Rufus didn’t take it as a problem. Marley was too chatty and at times Rufus wanted to tell him to shut up. Particularly after he had caught him cheating and Marley thought he had so many reasons for justifying it.
Stockton shifted in his seat when Rufus pulled into a restaurant parking lot.
“You like Italian food?” Rufus shut off the engine.
“Yes. Too much.”
Rufus made Stockton stay put before he climbed out. “Hey.”
Stockton met his gaze.
“Don’t not eat because of me.”
A low laugh came from Stockton.
Rufus squeezed his hand. “A salad and a couple of slices of pizza won’t kill either of us.”
Stockton didn’t reply.
“Come on.” Rufus released his hand and met him at the restaurant door, opening it for him. The aroma of delicious food hit immediately. They seated themselves in the small, home-style bistro, opposite from one another in a booth.
The waitress approached quickly. “Can I get you something to drink?”
“Ice water please?” Rufus said.
“Me too.”
She nodded and left.
“You can have a beer.”
“Trying to cut back.” Stockton picked up the menu.
“Everything is good here.”
“I’ve been here before. Jacob brings his family here.”
“Oh. Good. Do you want to split a pizza?”
“Sure. You decide.” Stockton put his menu down.
“Okay.”
The waitress returned with two glasses of iced water and straws. She asked, “Are you ready to order?”
“Yes.” Rufus read the menu as he said, “A small pizza topped with roasted red peppers and spinach. We’re going to split it. And I’d like a side salad with just lemon wedges.”
The waitress looked at Stockton. “What would you like on your salad?”
“Uh. You have anything fat free?”
“Yes. Ranch and thousand island.”
“Ranch. On the side.”
They handed her the menus and she left.
Rufus tapped his straw out of it paper sheath. “You’re not doing this diet thing for me, right?”
“I gotta lose a few pounds.” Stockton sipped the iced water.
“Do you have a method to your madness?”
“Eat less? Walk more?”
“That’ll work.”
Silence passed and Rufus watched others sitting down around them; a few couples, and a family with small unruly children. He noticed Stockton glance over as well.
“Do you want kids one day?”
“No.” Stockton didn’t even pause before he replied. “You?”
“No.”
Their salads were placed before them.
“Thank you.” Both Stockton and Rufus said before the waitress left again.
A muffled ringtone came from Stockton’s direction. He put his fork down and dug his phone out of his pocket, seeing who it was. “It’s my brother. You mind?”
“No. Go ahead.”
Stockton frowned and answered it. “What?”
Rufus couldn’t help but overhear.
“Can’t you and Clyde handle it? I just sat down to eat.” Stockton made quick eye contact with Rufus before he turned his stare back to his food. “Never-you-mind who. Why can’t you and Clyde fix a simple leak and seal around a pipe?”
Rufus had a feeling their meal was going to end abruptly. He wasn’t happy about it but he understood.
“I said, you do it.” Stockton checked his watch. “I’m not going to rush out of here for a job that small.”
Rufus could tell Stockton was getting angry.
“Are you listening to me? You and Clyde go there and do it. If in an hour you still can’t fix a simple leak, call me. Okay?” Stockton disconnected the phone and put it on the table beside him, continuing to eat.
“Everything okay?”
“He acts helpless but Jacob knows the same thing I do about plumbing. Our dad taught us the business. He just doesn’t concentrate on what he’s doing and screws up. I don’t know why he always needs me to hold his hand.”
“Are you the oldest?”
“Yeah.”
Rufus smiled. “I think he just likes having you there.”
“It’s like he needs a babysitter. I mean, if it was a big job—”
The waitress showed up holding a tray. Both men moved the items in the middle of the table aside to make room for it.
“That looks great.” Rufus sniffed it.
“There you go. Anything else I can get you?”
“Just more water,” Rufus replied.
“Coming right up.”
Rufus stayed quiet until the woman filled up the water glasses and left. He took a slice to his plate and ate a bite. “Wow. That’s good.”
“I could eat that whole tray.”
“Me too. But we won’t.” Rufus winked.
“I eat when I’m pissed off.” Stockton took a slice and blew on it before he bit into it.
“Did Jacob’s call piss you off?”
“Everything he does lately pisses me off.”
“What is he doing?” Rufus wiped his lips with a napkin.
“He has no idea I’m gay, so now he thinks I’m seeing a woman and he won’t shut up.”
“Ah.” Rufus nodded.
“Are you out to your family?”
“Some of them.”
“How did they take it?”
“Not well in the beginning.” Rufus thought of their opinion of Marley. It was mixed reviews so he didn’t take Marley with him to anything family oriented. Marley had a way of dramatically over-acting, making the male members of his family uncomfortable. And Rufus knew Marley exaggerated his feminine camp for effect.
“Mine would kill me. Real rednecks.” Stockton finished the crust and brushed off his hands, sipping the water.
“So you hide in plain sight?”
“Pretty much. It’s easier than dealing with the hostility.”
“I hear ya.” Rufus nodded. “My Mom lives close by, but most of my family is in Louisville.”
“Lucky you. Mine are all here in Montgomery County.”
“Is Jacob your only sibling?”
“He’s my only real brother. My mom and dad both remarried, so I have loads of step-siblings I don’t really know.”
Rufus caught Stockton eying another slice. “Go for it.”
“I want to.”
“Split one?”
“Sure.”
Rufus cut a slice in half.
“If I hang around with you, I’ll lose weight. Hanging around with Jacob and Lisa is really bad for me.”
Rufus put the half slice on Stockton’s plate. “It’s hard to change a lifetime of bad habits.”
“I know. I had to look up on the net to even see what I’m supposed to weigh.”
Rufus couldn’t imagine asking, and didn’t care.
“Jacob weighs nearly three hundred pounds, and he’s shorter than me.”
“I’d worry about his health, Stockton. The risk for heart attack and stroke goes way up.”
“I know. I know.” Stockton nodded, looking frustrated. He put the slice down.
“Eat. Don’t worry about a half slice of pizza.”
“What are the calories? You see? You see how hard this is? I have no idea what to do, what to eat.”
“I feel like shit.” Rufus threw his napkin on the table. “I brought this crap on, didn’t I?”
“I have to eat better. If anything it’s about time. Don’t go blaming yourself, Rufus. I’m the one with the bad diet.”
Rufus sat motionless, seeing Stockton was not going to eat another bite. “I still feel like crap.”
“Hey. It’s my decision. Not yours.”
Rufus left the pizza and ate the rest of his salad. If Stockton wasn’t going to eat his, he felt badly to keep devouring the rest. “Why don’t we go for a walk after we digest a little?”
“I’ll be a sweaty mess in this heat.”
“We can stop by your place and you can pick up some spare clothing…and your toothbrush?” Rufus grinned.
Stockton’s expression changed to delight. “Sleep over?”
“If you can and want to.”
With his elbows leaning on the table, Stockton shifted on the bench seat.
“Got wood?” Rufus met him across the table, feeling wicked. Even without a verbal answer, Rufus knew.
“Would you like to see the dessert menu?” The waitress stood by their table.
“No. Thank you.” Rufus sat straight.
“Should I box up the leftovers?” She pointed at the pizza.
“I don’t want it,” Stockton said.
“No. Thanks.” Rufus smiled but he didn’t want their decision to make the woman think the food was bad.
“I’ll be back with your check.” She left.
“Seems a shame to throw away good food.” Rufus finished the water down to the ice.
“Jacob and Clyde would eat it.”
“Want to bring it to their job?”
“No.” Stockton smiled.
“I can hide in the car, park a block away.”
Stockton laughed. When the waitress brought the check, Stockton reacted and took it. “My turn.”
Rufus watched as he took out his credit card and gave it to her. As an afterthought Stockton said, “Why don’t you bring me a box. I know someone who would love this pizza.”
“Sure. Be right back.”
Rufus smiled. “Good man. My mom used to tell me there were children starving in China.”
“I heard that one too. Heck, in this economy there are children starving in Dayton.”
“No shit.”
“I’ll give it to Jacob. This is a light snack for him.”
Rufus waited as Stockton signed the receipt and the waitress boxed the leftover pizza for him. Once they were finished, Rufus stood and followed Stockton to the exit.
“It’s not too humid. I think we can tolerate a decent walk.” Rufus used his fob to unlock the car.
Stockton climbed in, placing the pizza box on the floor. He took out his phone and hit buttons as Rufus started the car. “Hey, Jacob, where’s your job at?”
Rufus waited before he pulled out.
“I got some pizza leftovers…Yes, I left over pizza!” Stockton rolled his eyes. “You want it or not? Okay. On the way.” He turned off the phone.
“Being brave?”
“I can have friends, can’t I?”
“You bet you can.”
“Fuck him.”
“Good man.” Rufus backed out of the spot. “Where am I going?”
“Kettering. It’s on the way to my place anyway.”
“Perfect.”
“Besides, I need to make sure those two clowns are doing the job right.”
“Yup. You do.” Rufus squeezed Stockton’s knee affectionately.
~
On the drive to where his brother was working, Stockton had second thoughts on having to answer questions about Rufus. “Park here.” He pointed to a spot near the location, but not in front of it. He could see his brother’s SUV.
Rufus obeyed silently.
“Be right back.”
“I’ll be here.”
Stockton took the box and walked the half block to where his brother was located. The door to the house was ajar. “Jacob?”
“Hello?” An elderly woman approached Stockton.
“Hi. I’m Stockton Hastings. My brother and Clyde are doing work for you. I just brought them a snack and wanted to make sure they’re doing a good job.”
“Come in.” The woman stepped back. “Jacob? Your brother is here.”
Stockton stood in the hallway seeing Jacob and Clyde in the midst of a leaking sink job. He set the pizza box on the top of the vanity. “You got this covered?”
“Yeah.” Jacob sat up, opened the pizza box and licked his lips. He snapped off a pair of rubber gloves and began eating. Clyde took a slice and they sat for a moment on the floor as they ate.
“You couldn’t finish this little bit?” Jacob asked with his mouth full.
“Didn’t want to. So? You got it covered? No big mistakes?”
“Nope. Got it.” Jacob licked his fingers and put a fresh pair of gloves on.
“K. I’m outa here.”
“Where you going? Who were you out with?”
“Just a friend.”
“What’s her name?” Clyde asked.
“It’s a guy. Just a guy friend. Not a woman. Come on, don’t give me a rough time. I just brought you morons pizza.”
“Comin’ tomorrow for a barbeque? Lisa’s got it all planned. She’s makin’ burgers and dogs, mac and cheese…”
“I’ll come.” Clyde wiped his sweat on his arm.
“Stocky? Bring this dude by for a beer.”
“I don’t think so. Tell Lisa thanks.”
“What? Come on, Stocky. You always come for dinner on a Sunday. Bring, what’s his name.”
“No. I’ll pass. Okay. I got to go.” As Stockton walked away he heard Jacob say, “What the fuck? Who is this guy he’s hangin’ out with?”
Clyde said, “How should I know?”
He passed the older woman on his way out. “They seem to be doing fine. If you have any problems, call me.” He gave her his business card.
“Thank you, young man.”
Stockton smiled and left, seeing Rufus rolling towards him slowly as he approached. He climbed back into the passenger’s seat and huffed in annoyance as he put his seatbelt on.
“You okay?”
“Yeah.”
“Still on for a walk?”
“Yup.”
“Which way to your place?”
“Just hit Alex Bell and I’ll tell ya from there.”
“You got it.”
When Rufus placed his hand on his thigh, Stockton’s nerves kicked in. Does saying you’re hanging out with a new buddy make you sound gay?
~
Rufus parked in the graded driveway of a townhouse which was attached on one side to its mirror image. It was a newer development, well maintained, located behind the busy Spring Valley Road area. Stockton walked to the front door and before he opened it he said, “It may not be completely neat. Do you care?”
“Huh? No.” Rufus hoped it wasn’t a garbage pit. He entered the house into the living room and looked around. There was a stack of unopened mail on the counter and coffee mugs in the sink, but it certainly wasn’t horribly messy.
“Sorry. I should clean more.” Stockton made an effort to stack paperwork.
“Will you stop? I don’t care.”
“Let me change into something else. Be back.”
Rufus was hoping to be able to watch Stockton change, but respected his wishes. He wandered the living area and investigated framed photos and his collection of DVDs.
He got his first look at Stockton’s his family. It appeared to be an older photo done at Christmas with Mom, Dad, his brother, presumably his brother’s wife, with an infant in her arms, and a toddler standing near. Stockton appeared to be in his late twenties with longer hair.
The DVDs were typical man fare; action, car chases, spy thrillers.
No gay porn here.
Rufus smiled. He knew if he investigated Stockton’s computer he’d find something more interesting, but would never dream of spying.
He heard Stockton relieving himself in the bathroom and the sink turn on and off. “Can I use your shampoo and shit?”
“Of course!” Rufus laughed and walked to the sound of Stockton’s voice. He was in the bathroom, wearing a pair of cut off sweatpants and a t-shirt without sleeves, stuffing things into a plastic bag. Rufus licked Stockton’s shoulder.
Stockton met his eyes in the mirror over the bathroom sink. “I have fresh clothing on the bed. I just need another bag.”
Rufus backed up, allowing Stockton to walk by. He stood in the hall as Stockton dug in the kitchen pantry and shook out a paper bag with handles. “Can I help?”
“Nope. Got it.”
He wandered behind Stockton to get a look at his bedroom. The bed appeared hastily made and a computer and desk sat beside it. One poster was framed on the wall; NASCAR.
“So macho!” Rufus puffed up and made a silly face.
“Yeah, I can’t exactly have a male nude on my wall.”
“I hear ya.” Rufus smiled. “Was that my dead giveaway?”
“Yup. ‘fraid so.”
“I like it.”
“Like what?”
“Your place. The masculine simplicity. I think mine’s too fussy. Too gay.”
Stockton chuckled. “It is not. You’re just neater than me.” He held the bag in his hand and faced Rufus. “Clean underwear, change of clothes, toothbrush…I guess that’s it.”
“It isn’t camping. I got you covered.”
“Oh. Let me get my phone charger.” Stockton put the bag down, dug through a drawer and tossed it into the sack with his clothing. “Right. That’s it. Where to you want to walk?”
“I have a set path I usually run, but we can walk it. Over by my place.”
“Okay. ‘You mind we’re not running?”
“Not in this heat I don’t.”
“I’d love to run with you.”
“You can.”
“No, I can’t.”
Rufus touched Stockton’s arm gently. “I didn’t just run ten miles overnight. I took a long time to build up to that.” “Ten miles?”
“I’m just using that as an example. I do half that on good days.”
“How far do you run?’
“Only three to five miles.”
“I still can’t.”
“Come on. Let’s go.” Rufus knew Stockton could do anything he wanted to do. It was just a matter of thinking he could instead of couldn’t.
~
Why am I nervous?
Stockton, his bag of items between his worn out sneakers on the floor of the car, felt queasy. For too many years he’d been on his own, had a routine, and fell into a comfort zone; plumbing jobs all week, after work most nights he’d have a beer with Jacob and Clyde on the truck tailgate or eat fast food from a bag. Then he’d head home, prop up his feet on the coffee table, his television remote in his hand, a six-pack of beer by his side, and a bag of chips on his lap.
Nearly twenty years he did that same routine.
Yes, he’d hunted on the net for sex. Jacked off to photos of men, chatted on IM with potential candidates in flirty tones until the dreaded request came for his photo. But this was a real date with a real nice guy. Overnight.
Stockton looked at Rufus’s profile as he drove to Oakwood.
Is he my boyfriend?
Rufus felt his gaze and glanced over, smiling. He touched Stockton’s hand as if for reassurance.
This guy has had partners. How do I compare to the men in his past? What’s he doing with a big guy like me?
I should just go home. Go home, forget this diet and exercise crap and eat tortilla chips and dip in front of NASCAR racing.
As they turned the corner to Rufus’s street, Stockton spotted his truck. His escape route. He could say he really wasn’t ready for this. Or he didn’t feel that good. He could make anything up. All he had to do was go to his rig and head home.
Rufus parked in the driveway in front of his garage. “Come in. It’ll just take me two seconds to change.”
Stockton paused, glancing at his truck.
Rufus opened his door and held it for Stockton.
Indecision caused Stockton to teeter between directions. “I…”
“You?” The expression on Rufus’s face changed drastically.
“I should go.”
“Go? Go home?”
Guilt made Stockton regret every decision he had made from the second he met Rufus to this moment. He didn’t know what to say.
“Fine.” Rufus closed the door to the house behind him.
Standing alone with his brown paper bag, Stockton did truly feel sick now. He walked to his truck and sat behind the steering wheel, tossing his items on the seat beside him. He didn’t start it up, thinking about what he was doing.
I can’t sleep here. Snore? Take a shit in his toilet?
The thought of someone seeing him in all his human ways petrified him.
He lived alone for so long, ever since he was twenty-three. He never stayed at anyone’s place overnight. Once in a blue moon he and Jacob would go fishing, rent a trailer, but that was Jacob. He could burp, fart and spit in front of him. Not to mention, stuff his face with junk food, drink beer, and scratch his ass. What the hell was he supposed to do in front of Rufus?
“I’ll turn the guy off. I wouldn’t want someone like me hanging around.”
~
Rufus didn’t know what he had done.
He must have said something. Maybe he was rushing Stockton. Sleeping over? How stupid was that? They should have just hung out, watched a movie on TV and that was it.
He blew it.
Am I that desperate for a new partner that I placed Stockton in this position after a few ‘dates’?
Rufus glanced out of the front window. Stockton’s truck was still there.
He was about to exit the house to see him, but instead, he dialed his cell phone number, watching the truck as he did.
“Hello?”
“I’m sorry. I’m rushing you. I apologize.” Rufus tried to see beyond the reflecting glare of the windows. He heard Stockton exhale deeply. “Look. Let’s just take it slower. Okay? I mean, this doesn’t have to be the end, right?” Rufus listened to himself. He sounded needy and pushy. Not like him. He shut up this time.
“Maybe it is too fast.”
“Okay.” Rufus felt the kiss off coming. I hate this game!
“I’ll call you.”
Sure you will. “Right. Bye.” Rufus hung up. He watched the truck leave. The sense of defeat in his gut felt like a worm squirming. He had to get out of the house or he’d go nuts. He changed into his running outfit and left, sprinting in the more moderate weather to try and kill his pain.
~
Stockton parked in his driveway, took his brown bag up to the front door and entered his home. He tossed the bag on the sofa, headed to the kitchen, removed a beer from the fridge, found a bag of potato chips, and dropped on the couch in the den.
Pointing the remote at the television, Stockton flipped through the channels. He opened the beer, drank it down, and stuffed potato chips into his mouth.
Chapter 9

At a job a week later, Stockton used a box-cutter to score the plasterboard of a wall behind the plumbing of a bathroom to create an access panel. It was a remodel of an older 1940’s home and was getting an upgrade on all the fixtures. He cut a perfect rectangle shape and popped it out, exposing the shower pipes from behind. Clyde and Jacob were in the second bathroom replacing the old toilet.

A flashlight in his hand, Stockton investigated the worn pipes and assessed which ones needed replacing.
It’d been seven days since he saw or spoke to Rufus. After he left last Saturday evening, he spent time pining about the bad decision, and a few nights chatting on websites. The same fake chat ID names, same ads for no-strings-attached affairs with strangers who wanted their cocks sucked or butts fucked, along with other nameless-faceless-meaningless crap.
Did I just screw up the best thing I ever had?
“Stocky…Stocky!”
Stockton woke out of his daydream. “Huh?”
“You want help? Clyde’s got the toilet finished.”
“No. I’m okay. I just think we need to add an angle stop here.”
“You sure you’re okay?”
“Yeah. Go get me a new stop from the truck.”
Jacob took one step back then said, “Sorry you and your girl didn’t work out.”
“Shut up. Get going.”
Jacob walked away.
Stockton stared at the pipes again. I’m sorry I fucked it up too.
~
It was beginning to feel like a ghost town. Office after office had been vacated. Rufus tried to get work done, but it wasn’t easy. Movers were carrying heavy furniture by his door, there was noise of people packing, talking, winding down their connections here in Dayton. Rufus was distraction incarnate.
He jumped in surprise to see Marley poke his nose inside his office.
“Just came by to say goodbye.”
Rufus got to his feet and walked around his desk. “Your turn?”
“Yes. My turn to leave.”
He’d forgotten how tiny Marley was until he was standing next to him. He was a little miniature man in comparison to Stockton.
“Good luck in Atlanta.” Rufus held out his hand.
“Thanks. Have you decided what you’re doing yet?” Marley squeezed Rufus’s hand tightly before releasing it.
“No.”
“Typical Rufus Jennison. Always on the fence.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Nothing.” Marley flipped his wrist in a signal to disregard the comment. “Well… take care.”
“You too.” Rufus watched his effeminate wiggle make its way through the corridor. Once he vanished from sight Rufus stared at his desk. He had done a lot of nothing for the last few weeks. His resume was out there, but no one was biting.
He had a severance package that would hold him for a little while, and unemployment benefits when he applied. The market here was dismal. Even if he didn’t relocate to Atlanta with this company, he may have to move elsewhere to find a job. But that would mean dealing with a dead housing market. No matter which way he turned, the economy was against him.

After what felt like an extraordinary long day, Rufus didn’t feel like cooking for himself or ordering take-out. He stopped off at Jason Alexander’s for a salad at the bar, and a beer on tap.

The bartender ‘Guy’ was behind the counter. It was just after five so the crowd was tolerable. Rufus sat near the same seat he had occupied two weeks ago to the day.

“Hi. What can I get you?” Guy placed a coaster in front of him.
“The dark porter you have on tap, please.”
“Coming up. Do you need a menu?”
“Yes, thanks.” Rufus took it from the man and checked the selection. His beer was placed before him.
“Need another minute?” Guy asked.
“Yes, please.” Rufus was sick of salad. He eyed the hamburger selection. Making a mental note of his choice, he placed the menu under his elbow and sipped his beer.
Guy was serving a couple at the end of the bar. The noise volume increased as the number of patrons did.
Rufus met Guy’s eye and he returned.
“The black-bean burger with avocado and a side of sweet potato wedges.”
“Good choice.” Guy took the menu.
Alone with his thoughts, Rufus stared at the bottles behind the bar. Soon he unfocused his gaze to seeing nothing. He was tired. He was stressed. He needed to find a job or retrain in another career. But why did thirty-five feel too old to do all that. People were doing it in their fifties now. They had no choice. All the big offices and factories had moved out. Last one out of Dayton, shut the lights.
Someone took the seat next to him. He felt the brush of their arm. Rufus sat up straighter and moved his beer and coaster over. It took him a moment, but he glanced over at the person.
Stockton was looking at him. Rufus was not amused and immediately had the urge to leave. Raising his beer to his lips, he sipped it, staring straight ahead.
Guy approached Stockton. “What can I get you?”
“A light beer, please.”
“Do you need a menu?”
“Sure.”
The urge to relocate to another seat was gnawing at Rufus.
Once Stockton had his beer he said, “I don’t blame you for hating me.”
“Good.” Rufus felt used. Defiant. He hated games. Hated them!
Through the corner of his eye he noticed Stockton reading the menu before putting it down. He requested a salad and Guy left to place the order, taking the menu.
“Will you even look at me?”
Rufus blew out in irritation and glared at Stockton. “What do you want?”
“I’m sorry. I know I fucked up. I just freaked.”
“Fine. Now leave me alone.”
When Guy brought Rufus his burger and fries, he laughed. “Now you can eat all his fries.”
Rufus was surprised Guy remembered. Neither he nor Stockton commented.
Picking up his sandwich Rufus tried to eat while knowing Stockton was aware of his every move.
Stockton said, “I was a jerk. I know. I never had a real date with anyone before let alone stay overnight. I had this vision of you hearing me fart in my sleep and thinking I was a fat slob.”
Rufus stopped chewing and blinked. “You have to be kidding me. You can’t do better than that?”
“I’m serious. I’ve only spent the night with Jacob in a camper van when we went fishing. And he’s a bigger slob than I am, so I know I don’t gross him out.”
Downing the food in his mouth with a sip of beer, Rufus gaped at Stockton. “Are you for real?”
Stockton held up his hand in a vow. “I had a bad feeling I’d gross you out sooner or later.”
After he contemplated the comment, Rufus said, “You do realize I know you’re human, right?”
“I know. But I have this image of you only dating refined gentlemen before me. So my habits would grate on your nerves pretty quick.”
“How shallow do you think I am?”
They shut up when Guy placed Stockton’s salad in front of him. “Another beer?” he asked Rufus.
“Yes, please.” Rufus finished the last sip and handed Guy the glass.
Stockton leaned closer to Rufus’s shoulder. “You’re not shallow, I’m just friggin’ trailer trash.”
Rufus choked and stared at him. “This has to be a joke.”
Stockton went beet red.
Once Guy gave Rufus a fresh drink, Rufus wiped his mouth and hands on his napkin and spun on the chair so his knees were facing Stockton. “You are not trailer trash. You’re a hard working man whom I admire. Why do you judge yourself before we’ve even had a chance to know each other?”
“I told you. I never had a real date. You know I was a virgin.”
“So? That’s the excuse? I lack experience so I’ll treat a guy like shit because of it?”
“I’m sorry. Rufus, you have no idea how sorry I am.”
“I don’t need this at the moment, Stockton. I’m trying to get a job and I’m soon going to be unemployed, facing foreclosure. I need stability somewhere in my life.” Trying to calm down, Rufus ate a sweet potato wedge. “I can’t handle trying to prop up someone’s fragile ego. I don’t have the time or energy.”
“I know.”
In silence they ate. Rufus caught Stockton’s scent of cologne or deodorant and remembered them in bed together. The feel of Stockton’s cock inside him.
“I still want to try.”
Rufus looked at him. “Will you just fuck my head up with more insecurity and games?”
“No. Promise.”
Rufus let out a loud exhale in frustration.
“I want to be there for you. I do. I know what people are going through out there. I am here for you, Rufus.”
The thought of a loving embrace and moral support was a huge incentive for Rufus. He dreaded selling his home and moving to Louisville to shack up with a relative until he got on his feet. Not that he’d move in with Stockton, but it didn’t hurt to have an ally.
A warm hand rubbed his back.
Rufus closed his eyes.
“Let me try. Please.”
You feel so good… Rufus tingled all over. The echo of Marley’s degrading comment suddenly came to him. “Typical Rufus Jennison. Always on the fence.”
He didn’t want to be in limbo. Life just made decisions for him. If he had it his way, he and Stockton would have been lovers for the last three weeks instead of playing a game of touch and go, hide and seek, or whatever the fuck they were playing.
Stockton’s hand smoothed up Rufus’s back to the nape of his neck sending chills down Rufus’s spine. Though Rufus should have been surprised Stockton was being so bold in a public place, all he could think about was the rush to his dick.
“Rufus…”
The deep tone of Stockton’s voice added to the throbbing between his legs. Rufus met his eyes. They were dark brown, and the lashes were thick and surrounded them like a black frame. “Uh…”
“Yes?” Stockton’s smile was full of hope.
“Want a sweet potato wedge?” Rufus held one up.
Stockton took it and ate it. “If I eat one, I’ll eat them all.”
“Good. It’ll stop me from eating them.”
The sound of Stockton’s laughter was like a song Rufus had known and forgotten. He nudged his plate closer to him and they shared the fries, smiling at each other.
Chapter 10

Stockton was driving behind Rufus’s car and it was déjà vu. The garage door opened and Rufus parked inside it. Stockton pulled up on the driveway in front of it.

He met Rufus at the door, and though they had seemed to make amends, Rufus appeared preoccupied as he turned the key in the lock.

“You need anything?” Rufus asked, heading to the bedroom. “I’m good.” Stockton tried not to let his nerves kick in. They’d had sex. As far as Stockton could tell, Rufus and he didn’t appear to have any problems in bed.
Rufus tossed his keys and wallet on the dresser, toeing off his shoes. He sat on the foot of the bed, staring at Stockton.
The worry in Rufus about his job situation was palpable. Stockton moved closer, caressing his hair to comfort him.
Rufus wrapped his arms around Stockton’s hips and drew him close, resting his head on Stockton’s body.
“You’ll be okay.” Stockton ran his hand down Rufus’s neck to his shoulders and back. A deep sigh escaped Rufus but he didn’t answer. Stockton nudged him backwards so Rufus was lying face up on the bed. He knelt on the floor between Rufus’s knees and massaged his thighs. Rufus moaned and splayed out.
Stockton rolled his palms to meet between Rufus’s legs, holding his crotch. He felt Rufus’s cock pulsate. Stockton opened the button and zipper of his slacks and Rufus raised his hips to accommodate taking off his lower garments.
As he helped Rufus strip, Stockton felt his own cock thicken. Placing the clothing beside him on the floor, including Rufus’s socks, Stockton waited as Rufus unbuttoned his cotton shortsleeved shirt. Once Rufus was naked, he widened his straddle and rested his hands behind his head, staring at the ceiling.
Stockton had a real man to play with. Not a naked photo, not an image on a computer screen, not a chat room hook-up, but someone who wanted him, liked him, and was attracted to him.
It was hard not admire Rufus for a moment before he decided what he wanted to do. And he wanted to do so many things.
“You okay?”
“Better than okay.” Stockton ran his hands up Rufus’s naked thighs.
“Good.” Rufus relaxed again, closing his eyes.
Where to begin this treat? Stockton got to his knees and massaged Rufus’s calves. They were solid from his running and beautifully rounded and muscular. The soft hair on Rufus’s legs made the gooseflesh rise on Stockton’s skin. So many men on the net shaved everything. Stockton liked hair on men. Not as hairy as Jacob, but certainly the amount Rufus had.
After a good squeezing of Rufus’s shins and calves, Stockton licked one of his knees. A low whimper met his ears. He continued licking between Rufus’s legs, from big wet laps, to little tickling tastes until he was close enough to catch the musky scent of Rufus’s balls. The aroma was delicious to Stockton. He crawled higher on the bed between Rufus’s legs and nuzzled his face into that soft sack. Another moan filled the air.
While he crushed his nose and mouth against Rufus’s testicles, Stockton ran his fingers up the sides of Rufus’s torso. He was in heaven. With his eyes closed he used his lips and cheeks to caress Rufus’s cock, feeling a sticky drop touch him from the tip. Stockton rubbed his own dick against the edge of the bed and held Rufus’s narrow hips as he manipulated his cock upright and into his mouth.
Rufus groaned in pure delight.
The sound set Stockton off. He sucked deeper and drew his hands together so he held the base of Rufus’s cock as he worked it to the end and back again, using his tongue as well.
Rufus’s cock grew thick and stiff in his mouth. Stockton massaged his balls, running his finger towards Rufus’s ass, rubbing friction on the root.
“Stockton…” Rufus said his name like a sigh.
Rufus’s cock throbbed and Stockton tasted pre-cum. If he continued to hump the bed, he’d climax with Rufus, so he stopped himself from humping like a poodle in heat.
The root of Rufus’s cock began pulsating. Stockton prepared himself for the load. He tried to fit all of Rufus’s cock into his mouth, squeezed the base and pushed his finger against his rim. Rufus’s entire body tensed, jerked upwards, and he came, releasing a deep masculine grunt which sent Stockton closer to the edge of climax.
Stockton swallowed without hesitation. The taste of Rufus was familiar to him now and certainly not unpleasant.
Milking that hard cock to get more cum and give Rufus more pleasure, Stockton was squirming in his pants, dying for release.
He let go of his contact, staring at Rufus as he recovered. Stockton stuck his hand into his shorts and felt how sticky he was from the excitement.
After a moment to recuperate, Rufus inched his way towards the nightstand, removed a rubber and lube from the top drawer and laid it beside him on the bed.
Stockton caught his breath. He was so turned on by giving Rufus head, he was thrilled the pleasure kept going and going. He stood, dropping his shorts and briefs to the floor and taking off his shirt. Naked, Stockton crawled up from the foot of the bed as Rufus spread wide, holding his own knees.
Unable to resist, Stockton gave that puckered hole a lick and smiled at Rufus.
Rufus smiled back, appearing fulfilled and eager to please.
Stockton rolled on the condom and used lubrication like a pro. No longer a virgin, he knew what to do now. Yes, it was only his second time having sex but, heck, he could get really good at this!
“Ready?” Stockton inched closer.
“Yup.”
With Rufus pointing him in the right direction, Stockton pushed the tip of his cock into that tight ring. The urge to come was instant. Stockton paused, trying to hold back.
And obviously sensing it, Rufus didn’t make a move, waiting patiently.
Curling over Rufus’s body to get inside him, Stockton was paying so much attention to the sensation in his cock he was startled when he noticed Rufus grinning at him slyly, his eyes shining. It made Stockton chuckle. “I’m so fucking new at this.”
“I love it.”
“How do you stop from spurting the second you’re in?”
“You’ll learn with practice.” Rufus held Stockton by the jaw and leaned upwards to meet him for a kiss.
With Rufus’s tongue swirling in his mouth, Stockton thrust his cock into him, deep, hard and fast. The sensations the tight penetration created in his groin were so intense, there was no way Stockton could, nor wanted to hold back.
He broke the kiss, closed his eyes and hammered the last few pumps. Stockton opened his lips and choked on the strength of the climax, feeling every nerve, every fiber in his body ejaculating cum into Rufus’s hot hole.
“Baby…baby…” Rufus crooned in response to seeing Stockton’s pleasure.
Dripping with sweat, Stockton peeked down at their connection. It was a wet dream. A porn movie. Everything rolled into one. “Wow.”
“Wow,” Rufus echoed, laughing softly.
Stockton didn’t want to pull out. And if he did, he wanted a new rubber and the chance to slip back in. He dipped in and out a few times, still hard as a rock and feeling some deep rooted aftershocks.
Rufus wasn’t rushing him to disconnect. Instead, he was stroking Stockton’s arms and shoulders passively, allowing Stockton to do what he liked.
Staring at his big dick sliding in and out of Rufus was mesmerizing. Stockton had a great view of Rufus’s cock and balls as well. The sight of everything going on between them was absolutely fabulous.
“You okay?” he asked Rufus, trying not to take advantage.
“Yes.”
Good! Stockton held onto Rufus’s knees and watched Rufus getting fucked. Seeing his cock draw out to the head and push back to the base under Rufus’s balls was something he could do all day. A twinge of a new potential orgasm flashed through Stockton.
“Can you come again?”
“I’d like to try. If it’s okay?” Stockton licked the salt off his lip. “I came too fast.”
“It’s okay.” Rufus gave him a gentle squeeze of his arm.
“Let me know if you get tired of it.”
“I will.”
Just to make sure Rufus was comfortable, Stockton snatched up the lube and squeezed more around the base of his cock. He resumed his position and became hypnotized by the sight of their sex.
Rufus tugged at his own soft dick, stretching it out and cupping his own balls. Stockton shivered and couldn’t stop watching what was going on. He felt so lucky to be able to do this with Rufus. He never thought he’d have a man so willing.
The urge to come again began to rise in earnest in Stockton. The jacking off had made Rufus hard, and possibly ready for his own second climax.
To Stockton’s delight, Rufus reached down and pinched the very base of Stockton’s dick between two fingers. Stockton felt a jolt of pleasure and thrust harder against that incredibly tight friction. “Holy crap!” He closed his eyes and piston-fucked Rufus as Rufus made the connection so snug between his fingers it was blowing Stockton’s mind. Stockton choked out a sound as the climax drew closer. He peeked down to see Rufus jacking off like mad and squeezing the base of Stockton’s dick simultaneously.
Stockton nearly howled as he came, throwing back his head and jamming his cock between those pinching fingers. Below him, Rufus grunted and came. Stockton felt Rufus’s ring throbbing as he gave up a load onto his stomach.
Pulling out, Stockton sat on his heels and couldn’t catch his breath. He was astonished at the tricks Rufus had in his repertoire. Waiting as Rufus milked out the last few drops, shaking them onto his washboard belly, Stockton blinked, speechless.
Rufus was coated in perspiration as well, resting, lying still.
“I…I can’t…I can’t believe how good that was.”
Rufus opened his eyes. “You hooked now?”
“Hell yeah. I was hooked even before now.” Stockton struggled to get to his feet next to the bed. He felt exhausted, slightly stiff and totally spent.
Rufus reached for him. Stockton hauled him to his feet. They headed to the bathroom in silence.
Rufus turned on the shower as Stockton removed the rubber.
Once they were both under the cool spray, Stockton held Rufus’s shoulder, and spun him around, embracing him.
He rocked Rufus, crushing him in his arms.
~
Rufus couldn’t remember the last time he felt this satisfied, and this appreciated. He reciprocated the hug, enjoying the refreshing shower and the affection. “What a stud you are.”
“Ha. Me?” Stockton backed up and smiled shyly.
“Yeah you, big guy.” Rufus grabbed Stockton’s imposing package. “And I don’t mean your body weight.”
“I know what ya mean.” Stockton blushed.
“Do you have to rush off?”
“No. Do you want me to go?”
“No.” Rufus shut the water and handed Stockton a towel. “I’d love to relax naked in bed with you.”
“Me too. Good.” Stockton stepped out of the tub, still giving Rufus a bashful smile.
There was something adorable about the way Stockton behaved. Maybe what was so appealing was its contrast to Marley’s aloof cockiness. Perhaps it was the modesty Stockton had. He was a very giving, caring man. Rufus didn’t know what the magical blend consisted of, but whatever it was, it was drawing him to Stockton like a magnet.
Clean, dry, and back on the bed, Rufus rested his head on the fluffy pillows and faced Stockton, who was mirroring his position. They stared into each other’s dark eyes, caressing each other gently.
“I’m glad you came to the restaurant to find me.”
“Me too.” Stockton appeared shy again.
In silence they overlapped their legs, drawing closer together. Rufus ended up with his head lying on Stockton’s chest, listening to his heartbeat. The comfort he felt with Stockton was satisfying. Though they had only met three weeks ago, Rufus had a feeling Stockton could be trusted. He didn’t seem like the kind of man to sneak around behind his back. But didn’t he think that about Marley in the beginning?
Doubts surfaced. Perhaps being Stockton’s ‘first’ sexual partner would give Stockton more confidence to go out there and enjoy the world of gay men. Maybe with Rufus’s ‘help’ Stockton would realize how attractive a man he was.
Fear emerged in Rufus. Could he put himself out there and be hurt again? Coupled with that anxiety was his job situation. His life had become terrifying in its instability.
But how do you broach commitment and loyalty with a man you don’t know very long? How do you ask a man who was a virgin when you met him to only want to have sex with you?
“I could sleep,” Stockton said, yawning.
Rufus leaned up on his elbow to see his face. You are an incredibly handsome man.
“You okay?”
“Yes. How about you?” Rufus petted the hair on Stockton’s chest.
“You don’t look okay. Did I do something wrong?”
Rufus had no idea he was so easy to read. Marley never seemed to ask or care what he was feeling. And with Marley, Rufus tried to get him to see how annoyed his flings made him. Marley just didn’t care.
“Tell me, Rufus. You’re freaking me out.”
The last thing Rufus wanted was for Stockton to blame himself for his own insecurities. “I hate bringing this shit up.”
“What did I do?” Stockton appeared upset.
“You did nothing. I just…”
“Just?” Stockton backed up so they could see each other more clearly. “Just don’t like me? Just think I should go?”
“No!” Rufus laughed, not intending to be amused by Stockton’s questions. He whacked his shoulder playfully. “Man, stop projecting.”
“Then talk, will ya? I’m not good at this relationship shit. I don’t have a clue what to do.”
The smile dropped from Rufus’s face. “Exactly.”
“Huh?”
“Okay, fine. I’ll just lay it out there.” He heard Stockton gulp. “Since I’m your ‘first’ I’m just a little nervous that now that you have more confidence you’ll go out and cruise, you know, check out what’s out there.”
It took Stockton a moment but he shook his head adamantly. “I know what’s out there. I’m not interested.”
“How do you know if you only had sex with me for the first time?”
“Are you kidding? You know how many of those stupid chat and dating sites I hit? For more than ten years I tried to find a nice guy, not a lying weirdo. No way am I going back to that crap.”
Rufus blinked. “Really?”
“Yes, really. They ask for my photo and the minute they see me, they don’t email back. Or the opposite. I see a decent picture of the guy, build a rapport via the net, and he isn’t what he says he is.”
Rufus wanted to believe him. “Why don’t they email you back?”
Stockton made a face of disgust and grabbed his stomach, jiggling it.
With both hands Rufus roughly cupped Stockton’s jaw. “You are fucking beautiful. You got that?”
Water filled Stockton’s eyes. “You make me feel beautiful. You’re all I want.”
Rufus wished he could believe that. He knew better. In the beginning, the ‘honeymoon’ phase, everything was so wonderful, so new.
“If you ever told me you were my boyfriend, I’d never cheat on you.”
Rufus watched the liquid nearly overflowing Stockton’s eyes. “I’ve heard that before.”
“Whoever he was, he deserves to have his ass kicked.” Stockton dabbed at the corner of his eye to prevent a tear running. “I hate him for making you doubt other people.”
“I don’t know you. I don’t know what you will do a week from now. A month, a year.”
“So that’s it? One schmuck burns you and you’re not going to try again?”
Rufus didn’t know the answer to that question. But he wished he did.
Chapter 11

The two men motivated themselves to get out of bed for a few hours. Stockton relaxed beside Rufus in his den, sharing an overstuffed velour couch and an ottoman. A bowl of popcorn and two bottles of water sat between them.

Stockton knew some of the issues they discussed in bed were left unresolved. But pushing Rufus for an answer on making a commitment seemed like a bad idea.

It was discouraging. Stockton wished he knew the rules. What was the protocol for this? Even if he were dating a woman, Stockton had no idea how long you were supposed to go out before you made some formal acknowledgment that you only wanted that individual. He didn’t know how to play the game.

Would Jacob know?
He noticed Rufus check his watch.
“Are you tired? Do you want me to go?”
Rufus gave him a blank stare. “You’re going?”
Stockton shut up. Seeing Rufus about to throw up his hands
and leave the room, Stockton gripped his forearm. “I don’t want to go.”
“I assumed you were staying.” Rufus lowered the volume on the TV. “Do what you’re comfortable with.”
“Hang on. Let me just make sure there are no emergency jobs first thing tomorrow. Okay?”
“Sure.”
Stockton left the room. His phone and wallet were in Rufus’s bedroom. He checked his messages. Jacob had called, but not left a message. Putting the phone to his ear he heard his brother answer on the other end. “Hey. Do we have any jobs planned tomorrow morning?”
“Not yet. Where are you? I tried your cell phone earlier and your house phone.”
“I’m out.”
“You back with your girl?”
Stockton rubbed his eyes tiredly. “Jacob, all I want to know is whether we have anything scheduled for tomorrow morning.”
“No. Nothing. Why don’t you bring her by Sunday for our usual barbeque?”
“See ya, Jacob.” Stockton shut his phone off completely, placing it back where he left it.
When he returned, Rufus had cleaned up the den and was in the kitchen rinsing the popcorn bowl.
“Got the all clear. You still want me?”
Rufus shut the water in the sink and dried his hands, but he didn’t turn around.
“Is that a no?” Coldness filled Stockton. How did he keep getting this wrong?
After he draped the towel over the cabinet door, Rufus turned around. He opened his arms.
Yes! Stockton walked across the polished ceramic floor and fell into his embrace. They rocked together and Stockton pushed his nose against Rufus’s neck. “I love the way you smell.”
“Like microwave popcorn?” Rufus asked.
“No. Like a man.”
“You’re a quick learner. That’s a very sexy thing to say.” Rufus kissed Stockton’s cheek.
Stockton pressed his crotch against Rufus’s. “How about you screw me tonight?”
“I’d enjoy that.”
“Me too.” Stockton had read so much about being on the receiving end of love-making, he was very curious. “Bed time?”
Kissing Rufus’s lips, Rufus replied, “Bed time.”
Stockton was led to the bedroom by his hand. They stood staring at each other, stripping off their clothing. Stockton wasn’t embarrassed any longer to be seen naked by Rufus. The selfconsciousness was gone. It was empowering to know you excited your lover.
Rufus lit one lamp on the nightstand and made sure they had what they needed within reach. He turned down the bed and gestured for Stockton to climb in.
Stockton did, watching every move Rufus made. “Face up or down?”
“Up to you.”
“I think it would be easier this way.” Stockton got on his hands and knees, knowing he couldn’t bend in half like Rufus could.
“Let’s play a little first.” Rufus pulled on his cock as he stared at Stockton.
Stockton relaxed on his side as Rufus joined him in the bed. Rufus cupped the back of Stockton’s head and drew him to a kiss. The sensation of Rufus’s lips instantly made Stockton’s cock bob in interest.
As they fell into a passionate swoon of swirling tongues and whimpering moans, Rufus held Stockton’s cock and balls in his palm and massaged it.
Stockton did the same to Rufus, eagerly fondling his precious gems. The kissing heating up, their cocks thickening and growing, Stockton tingled in anticipation. Rufus urged Stockton to lie on his back, climbing over him, continuing to kiss him. With one arm on either side of Stockton, Rufus braced himself, rubbing their erections together.
Everything Rufus did to him felt like a fantasy. The power of Stockton’s craving grew. For more than twenty of his thirty-eight years, Stockton had yearned for this kind of sex. Having it was surreal.
The friction became more intense, the stickiness of their precum began to coat them, mingled with dewy sweat.
“Roll over.”
The way Rufus whispered it against his lips made Stockton crazy. He gave him one more lingering kiss and spun to his stomach. Wedging his arms under the pillow, Stockton raised his hips off the bed, and waited.
The touch of Rufus’s gel-coated fingers near his rim made him jump.
“I’ll go slow,” Rufus said, “but you tell me if you want me to stop.”
“Okay.” No way. Go for it!
The area around his rim was tickled and made slick. Stockton wished he could see what Rufus was doing, but using his imagination was making him hard as a rock.
The tip of a finger dipped in. Stockton nearly came and gripped his own dick to stop it. It seemed as if Rufus was giving him time to say something. Stockton had no intention of saying a word, other than, Oh God!
When he felt an internal touch against something inside him, Stockton blinked and held his breath. He had heard about it, read about it, thought about getting a dildo to feel it, but never did. Holy shit! The pleasure was glorious.
Breaking him in, Rufus gently relaxed Stockton’s ring. One finger, two, deeper, quicker…
Stockton cupped his hand over his dick and came. He bit back the scream of ecstasy and caught his spunk in his palm.
Rufus handed him a few tissues.
“How embarrassing.” Stockton wiped up.
“I did the same thing the first time.”
“Oh. Good…” Reassured, Stockton resumed his position on the bed. “Keep going. Wow.” He made himself comfortable and closed his eyes.
Rufus began where he had left off.
Stockton relaxed all his tense muscles. When he did, he felt Rufus go in deeper and with a third finger. Feeling the bed shift, Stockton looked over his shoulder. Rufus had a rubber on his cock and was kneeling behind him. Stockton raised up to his knees to help out.
At the penetration of Rufus’s cock, Stockton had an impulse to tighten up his body and almost jerk back, but he didn’t. He visualized letting go his muscles.
As he did, Rufus inched deeper. “You’ll tell me to stop, right?”
“I’m okay.” Stockton tried to decide if he was. It wasn’t as nice as the initial finger massage, but it wasn’t unbearable. And he wanted to do this for his lover.
Working him, patient and caring, Rufus held Stockton’s hips and began a rhythm. Stockton closed his eyes and could picture what Rufus was doing in his imagination. Getting fucked. He was getting some! Yeah, it wasn’t pure pleasure, but he knew with practice he’d be the perfect bottom or top. He wanted to be there for Rufus, and he would be.
“I’m ready to come, babe.”
Stockton held the pillow tighter. “Go for it.”
Rufus thrust in with more determination. In a second he came and Stockton could feel every pulse of his cock in joy. Immediately Rufus pulled out, touching Stockton’s back. “You okay?”
Stockton moved to lie on his back. “Yes. Wow.”
“It’s rough the first time. It gets better.”
Stockton followed Rufus to the bathroom to clean up. “I know. I guess it’s like that for a woman too. I mean, I’ve heard getting your cherry popped sucks.”
Rufus laughed, not replying to the comment. “Here’s a new toothbrush.”
“Thanks.” Stockton used a washcloth to clean up the lube first, then took the toothbrush out of his package. “That initial internal rub was amazing.”
As he loaded his own toothbrush, Rufus smiled. “Yup. You’ll be wanting more of those.”
“No kidding. I’m really lucky to have a lover who knows what to do.”
Rufus looked at Stockton with a serious expression.
“What?” Stockton asked. “I am. I’m telling you the truth. I wouldn’t want a guy who was clueless like me.”
“I find it endearing.”
“I’m a lucky man.”
“Me too.” Rufus winked.
The routines for the night complete, Rufus did a last check of the house before he joined Stockton in bed. In the darkness, the air conditioning keeping them cool and comfy, Stockton cuddled Rufus in his arms.
Rufus immediately accepted the affection and they were a perfect fit as they overlapped limbs.
He had been alone, slept alone, and lived his entire life on his own for too long. Stockton heard Rufus’s deep breathing, felt his heart beating, and the stickiness of dewy sweat where their skin touched. Was he in love with the fact that he was finally not on his own, or falling in love with Rufus Jennison?
How do I know the difference?
Stockton gave up trying to understand the rules and fell asleep.
Chapter 12

Rufus woke to the sound of a loud truck engine outside his home. Instinctively he leaned up to check the clock and noticed someone sleeping between him and his nightstand. Hello!

Stockton had his back to him, lying on his side facing the window. Rufus settled into his pillow and tugged the sheet back to admire his nakedness. Broad-line-backer-shoulders, and tight globes of ass-cheeks. Beautiful. Stockton had a conservative cut to his hair, trimmed closely at the nape of his neck to a nice vshaped line. No tattoos. Not that he found. And he had looked everywhere.

Oh what the hell .
Rufus caressed Stockton’s bottom.
At first Stockton jumped. Rufus knew he hadn’t slept with
anyone before. He didn’t realize it would startle him. “Sorry. Your ass was right there.”
Stockton looked over his shoulder, smiling. “I slept like a rock.”
“Me too.”
Stockton faced him and made clicking noises with his tongue. “Need to brush my teeth.”
“Go for it.”
“Be right back.”
“I hope so.”
When Stockton climbed out of bed, Rufus admired his morning wood, a little envious of that wonderful endowment of his.
Able to see the digital clock, Rufus realized it was after nine. He had indeed slept well. He usually woke early no matter the day of the week. He heard the sink run, the toilet flush and then Stockton appeared.

“My turn.” Rufus climbed off the bed and spun Stockton around in a dance-like move as he passed him.
Rufus relieved himself, brushed his teeth, washed his face and stared at himself in the mirror. A ball of nerves about losing his job washed over him, but he didn’t know why. It was Saturday. Not the time to be fretting over his employment issues.
And besides, Stockton had spent the night. That made him smile.
Rufus scratched at his coarse jaw and opened the bathroom door. There was his man, sitting up against the pillows, a wonderful grin on his face. His worries slipped away.
“Hey big boy. Want to share that huge dick of yours?” Rufus crawled over to him.
Laughing shyly, Stockton hooked his arm around Rufus’s neck and held him close, crosswise over his chest. They kissed.
Rufus tasted the minty toothpaste while fishing under the sheet for Stockton’s dick. He propped himself up on one elbow and fisted it, rubbing his knuckles against Stockton’s pubic hair as he did. Taking a peek at Stockton’s eyes while they kissed, Rufus could see the passionate expression on Stockton’s face. His eyebrows knotted, his lashes fluttering in a swoon.
Rufus parted from his mouth and gave him a wicked stare. Stockton smiled in anticipation.
Moving lower, Rufus relaxed across Stockton’s thighs and admired his long thick shaft. “Look at that. You are a big fella’, you know that?”
“I guess.” Stockton blushed.
Rufus took the head of his dick into his mouth and moaned. While he sucked to his heart’s content, Stockton caressed his hair and shoulders, breathing in huffing blasts.
“Rufus, I can’t get enough of this. I mean it.”
Rufus made a noise in agreement, gripping Stockton’s length and twisting his mouth around the tip before deeply sucking it.
“Oh, my God!” Stockton arched his back and his fingers tightened their grip on Rufus’s shoulders.
Though he had the urge to get his mouth on Stockton’s balls, spread his legs and lick him all over, Rufus didn’t. Instead he quickened his suction and pace.
“I’m coming.” Stockton jerked his hips upwards.
Rufus closed his eyes tightly and waited for the blast of cum. It coated his tongue and he swallowed, milking him for more. Shifting his position so he could stare at the last drops leaking out of Stockton’s slit, Rufus licked at them as they appeared. Once no more cum came out, he met Stockton’s gaze.
Stockton gave him a silly smile.
“Good?”
“Unbelievable.”
Rufus kissed the tip of his dick. “I’m very glad.”
“Rufus.”
“Yes?” Rufus rested on his elbow again, smiling as he kept fondling Stockton’s dick while it softened.
“I know we’re really new at this.”
“And?” Rufus rubbed his thumb over the soft spongy head gently.
“If you wanted me to just see you, I’d agree in a minute.”
“Look, I know this whole sexual experience had been—”
“No. It’s not that.” Stockton made sure he had Rufus’s attention. “If I knew the rules, you know…the way to do this whole crazy dating thing I may not be saying what I’m about to say.”
“What are you about to say?” Rufus hoped he knew what it was, but once burned twice shy.
“I seriously can fall for you. I mean, I know you had a bad experience, and you think because of my lack of experience that I’m going to need to go out and experiment.”
“Yes.”
“But I don’t want to.” Before Rufus could reply, Stockton cupped his jaw. “Rufus, I’m nearly forty. I know when something is good, believe me.”
“Everyone feels that way in the beginning. Then when the slightest hint of angry emotion, bad habits, or trouble starts…” Rufus couldn’t help but think of Marley.
“I believe you. Okay? But can we at least try? If we don’t try, how do we know?”
Rufus began shifting to sit upright, shaking his head.
Stockton stopped him. “Look at me.”
Rufus did.
“What was his name?”
“Whose name?”
“The schmuck who made you nervous about trusting anyone?”
“Marley.” Rufus shivered involuntarily at saying it.
“I’m not Marley.” Stockton brushed his hand through Rufus’s hair. “Don’t make that the new standard in your life. I’m me. Not anyone else.”
Rufus didn’t say anything, but he stayed glued to Stockton’s intense stare.
“Marley is a moron. Okay? He had you? You? And he lost you?” Stockton ran his finger down Rufus’s sideburn. “How did you find out he cheated?’
“He told me. He boasted about it.”
“If I see him on the street…” Stockton blew out air. “I’ll kick his ass. I swear.”
“You don’t know who he is, and you won’t see him anyway. He’s moving, or has moved, to Atlanta.”
A light seemed to go on in Stockton’s head. “You worked together?”
“Unfortunately.” Rufus sat up, crossing his legs. “It was a very bad idea from the beginning.”
“How long were you a couple?”
“Two years.” Rufus frowned despite himself.
“Did you live together?”
“Only for the last few months. Not long.”
“Was he living here?”
“Yes.”
Stockton looked around the room, as if trying to see a sign.
“Nothing of his is here, believe me. What he didn’t take, I burned.”
“Jesus, Rufus. I’d rather have been alone all my life than been hurt that badly.”
Rufus swung his legs around so his feet were on the floor. He slouched over his lap, lacing his fingers together. Yeah. Maybe you’re right, Stockton. I should have been alone.
The bed shifted and he felt Stockton caressing his back. Arms encircled him from behind and Stockton leaned his head on Rufus’s shoulder, holding him. “I’m not him. I would never take you for granted. On the contrary. I’d worship you.”
Rufus laughed softly, petting Stockton’s forearm. “I don’t want to be worshipped. I just want to be loved.”
Hearing a breath first, Rufus heard a low whisper in his ear, “I do love you.” Rufus closed his eyes and could feel them burn from emotion. A lump formed in his throat. He didn’t think love would find him again. He’d given up.
“Trust me. I won’t do what that asshole did. No way in hell.”
Rufus peered at Stockton, meeting his eyes. He wanted to. He wanted to let go and try again so much he ached.
Releasing him, Stockton turned Rufus around so he was facing him. He embraced him again, falling back on the bed with a bounce and squeezing him tight.
Rufus pressed his ear against Stockton’s broad chest and shut his eyes. The beating of that powerful heart was like a kettle drum. Letting go his stress, Rufus allowed Stockton to cradle him in his arms, trying to believe. Trying to have faith. But he’d played this game before. And lost.
~
Stockton hadn’t lain in bed this long before. Ever. Between his brother and work, something always got him out of the house.
Nestled against him was a man he wanted to be with, forever. Weren’t thoughts of true love a myth? Stockton knew they were. Nothing lasted forever.
Even Jacob and Lisa had their bad times. Right after Jeremiah was born, Lisa suffered severe post-partum depression. She made Jacob move out for a couple of months until both sets of in-laws convinced Lisa to go for help. Currently she was taking Prozac and Jacob moved back soon after she began the medication. When Abe was born, Lisa didn’t react the same way, and the couple seemed to be holding together.
Though Stockton assumed Jacob and Lisa were a matched pair, who knew what went on when no one was around. The hour or so Stockton spent with them every Sunday and an occasional week night wasn’t much of a standard. It’s what happened in the bedroom, behind closed doors, that really made or broke marriages.
Lately Jacob wasn’t a talking about Lisa. If something was wrong between him and Lisa, Stockton wouldn’t know. And he didn’t pry.
Stockton’s stomach grumbled. “Sorry.”
Rufus chuckled. “Don’t be. I’m hungry too. We should actually get up, shower and do something.”
“Anything you want.”
“I want to lie in bed with you all day.”
Stockton smiled and crushed Rufus in his arms. “Mm.”
Rufus leaned up so they could see each other. “You hungry, my man?” He rubbed Stockton’s belly playfully.
“I could eat.” Stockton pinched Rufus’s nipple.
At the teasing, Rufus went for a kiss. Stockton immediately decided food could take a back seat to love-making any time. This kind of diet I can do!
They each made low growling noises at the kisses. Stockton grew hard again. He had no idea how many times he could come in a day, but would never say no to making love to Rufus.
Rufus parted from the kiss, staring at him. “God! I want to get up and do something, and I don’t want to!”
“We can blow the day. Get over here.” Stockton grabbed Rufus and pinned him to the bed. He met his lips again and used his knees to spread Rufus’s thighs. Rufus hooked his legs around Stockton, locking his ankles. “Make love to me.”
“Did I die and go to heaven?” Stockton wriggled his stiff cock on Rufus.
“I think we both did.”
One more kiss and Stockton sat up, reaching to the nightstand. He rolled on a condom and kept being drawn to Rufus as he fisted himself while he watched Stockton prepare.
“Let’s try it this way.” Rufus rolled to his side and hiked up one leg.
“Sweet!” Stockton used lubrication and allowed Rufus to guide him. He slipped in easily and began to realize the more they did it, the more their bodies became accustom. Once he was in and thrusting, Rufus led Stockton’s hand to his cock, holding it with him. Jerking Rufus off at the same time he was making love to him was another first. He was glad Rufus was helping, because it took coordination. Soon they had it down, and the tempo became a delicious combination of fisting and humping.
“I’m there. I’m there!” Stockton jammed his body as tightly as he could against Rufus.
Rufus pulled Stockton’s hand faster, harder, and came, spurting cum all over his own stomach. The grunting Rufus did was so hot, Stockton shivered and the hair stood on his arms.
Stopping his hips from moving, Stockton licked the sweat off Rufus’s shoulder, pulling out gently, and dropping down to the bed beside him. “Holy shit, Rufus. It just keeps getting better and better.”
“I know. Motherfucker.” Rufus choked to catch his breath.
“I’m dreaming.” Stockton closed his eyes. “I am dreaming. This cannot be happening to me.”
Rufus reached back for him and squeezed him. “You’re not dreaming. You’re mine.”
Chapter 13

Sipping coffee, giving each other wicked smirks as they did, Rufus made scrambled eggs and toast for them.
Stockton asked, “You mind if I check my messages?” “Not at all.” Rufus stirred the eggs in the pan as Stockton left
the room. Buttering the toast, taking plates out of the cabinet,
Rufus heard Stockton talking as he made his way back to the
kitchen.
“What now?” Stockton rolled his eyes at Rufus, his phone
pressed to his ear. “Can’t you and Clyde fix it? Come on, Jacob,
it’s not that hard.”
Rufus split the eggs and toast and placed the plates on the
table, refreshing the coffee cups.
Stockton sat behind his dish, talking into the phone. “No.
None of your business. Will you shut up?”
Even though he couldn’t hear the other side of the
conversation, Rufus had a good idea Jacob was giving Stockton
the third degree. Obviously Stockton went from being constantly
accessible, to not available. That had to be a sign something was
up even for the least intelligent relative.
“Fine. Fine! No. Give me an hour. I said, an hour!” Stockton
hung up. “Now I’m sorry I checked my messages.” He looked at
the food but didn’t pick up a fork.
“Hey, you own a business. Don’t worry.” Rufus patted his
arm. “Eat.”
It took a moment for Stockton to defuse, but he ate a bite of
his eggs. “Good.”
“Good.” Rufus sipped his coffee. “So? What’s the job?” “We’ve got the contract on an apartment complex on Bigger
Road. So whenever there’s any trouble we get a call.” Rufus nodded.
“Jacob isn’t very secure for some reason. I don’t get it
because dad showed both of us how to do it.”
“It’s okay.”
“No. It’s not.” Stockton met his eyes.
“Don’t stress.”
They continued eating in silence.
After Rufus washed and Stockton helped him clear the table,
they stood together at the front door.
“I’ll call you.” Stockton rested his arms over Rufus’s
shoulders.
“Okay.” Rufus kissed him, opening the door for him. “See ya later.” Stockton gave him a small wave.
“See ya.” Rufus watched him get into his truck and back out
of the driveway. He closed the door and looked into the empty
space, feeling alone.
~
Stockton was seething mad. He drove to the job and spotted
his brother’s SUV out front. After he parked, he used his phone
as he hunted for Jacob. “Which unit?”
“One-twelve.”
He disconnected the line and located the apartment. The front
door was ajar so he went in. His brother and Clyde were in the
middle of a mess. The floor was soaking wet and one pipe was
spraying a tiny fountain as Clyde tried to keep his fingers around
it.
“What the fuck?” Stockton threw up his hands. “Shut the
main!”
“We did!” Jacob was red and dripping sweat.
“Jesus, Jacob! We’ll have to replace the floor now!” Stockton
stormed to the shut off point and tried to twist it closed. It
wouldn’t budge. He removed a wrench from his tool-belt and
ground his jaw as he struggled with the old plumbing. He yelled,
“Is it off?”
“Yeah!”
Coming back to the bathroom, Stockton shook his head.
“Unreal. Clyde, go get some towels out of my truck. And a
sponge and a bucket to mop this up.”
“Right, boss. Where you parked?”
“Behind Jacob.”
Clyde raced off.
Jacob glared at Stockton. “I told you I needed you here!
Where was you? I’ve been callin’ constantly and you don’t pick
up any of your phones anymore. You do realize we run a
business.”
Inhaling deeply, knowing Jacob was right, Stockton calmed
down and knelt beside him. “Just this one leak?”
“No. The whole thing’s shot. We got to replace it. I couldn’t
get the fucking water main off. Damn thing is rusted.” “All right. Let’s just get it done.”
“Git er done!” Jacob laughed, wiping the sweat out of his
eyes.
Clyde came back, puffing, holding a bucket and towels. Stockton took the sponge and began soaking up the water,
squeezing it into the bucket as Clyde helped him mop up the
spill.
~
Rufus used the time while Stockton was at work to visit his
mother, Mable. He parked in front of her apartment in Xenia and
used his set of her keys to open the lobby door. Once he was
standing in front of her unit, he knocked. “Mom?”
Opening the lock, Rufus peeked in. His mother was seated on
the sofa in the living room of the one bedroom apartment. The
TV was on so loud, it was no wonder she didn’t hear the door.
“Mom?” he called louder.
She looked up at him in surprise. “Rufus!”
As he joined her he gave the area an inspection. He paid for a
cleaning service once a week, and a daily care-giver, so the
apartment was neat and tidy. “Can we lower that?” He gestured
to the set.
Mable used the remote control and muted the volume. “Are
you hungry? There’s fried chicken in the fridge.”
“I was going to ask you that. You still okay to cook?” “I’m okay but Elizabeth helps me.”
She looked very ill to him. With her heart problems and her
extra weight, her ankles were swollen and appeared painful. Her
feet were elevated on a small sewing chair and her glasses were
on a string around her neck.
“Can I get you more water?” He pointed to a glass on the side
table.
“Sure. Thank you, sweetie.” She handed him the glass. Using the opportunity to inspect the kitchen, Rufus made sure
there was food in the refrigerator and plenty of dry goods in the pantry. He poured her water and returned, handing it to her and
sitting near her. “You really okay?”
“I manage.”
“Is Elizabeth working out? Is she doing your shopping?” “Yes. She’s fine. Thank you, Rufus.” Mable sipped the water. Rufus couldn’t afford to place his mom in managed care. And
now with losing his job, he was worried he may not be able to
afford her home care either. Moving in with his mom seemed
like the worst scenario. His gay life-style would not suit her
Christian upbringing.
“You ever think of moving to Louisville and living with
Cousin Sally?”
“I think about it. But moving is such hard work. I don’t have
the energy.”
“I’ll move you if that’s what you want to do.”
Her eyes met his. “You’re losing your job, aren’t you? I know
you won’t move to Atlanta if I’m here.”
He bit his lip. She was right. That was one reason he stayed
put.
“Do you want to move down there with me? Louisville may
be doing a little better than Dayton.”
“Everything is doing better than Dayton.” He laughed sadly. “Come with me.”
Rufus held her hand when she reached for it. “I’m not ready
to relocate, but I can certainly help you.”
“Are you seeing someone?” She coughed on a sip of water,
using a tissue to cover her mouth.
Rufus took the glass from her as she recovered. “You okay?”
He didn’t want to answer her question about his love life and he
knew she didn’t really want to hear it.
“I’m fine.” She cleared her throat but had stopped coughing. “Why don’t we speak to Sally? Hmm? That way if I do
become unemployed you’ll be okay.”
Mable looked around her tiny home with its clutter of
personal things. A picture of his deceased father was front and
foremost as a focal point of the room on top of the shelf over the
television.
“Think about it.” He rubbed her hand. “Can I take you out
shopping?”
“No. I can’t stand on my feet too long. I don’t want to go
out.”
“Any doctor’s appointments coming up I need to take you
to?”
“Elizabeth is going to take me to my new heart doctor
Monday.”
“You sure you don’t want me to go?”
“No. Don’t take off from work. That’s what you pay her for.
To take care of these things.”
“I’m here if you need me.”
“That’s why I don’t want to move to Louisville.” Her eyes
watered.
“I just want what’s best for you.”
“I know.”
Rufus kissed her cheek and smiled sadly.
~
“Come for a beer and pizza, Stocky.”
“No, Jacob. I just want to get home and shower.” Stockton
finished loading the truck.
“The ‘Magic Meat’ deep-dish pie is on special…come
on…best pizza in town. I’ll buy.”
“I’ll pass.” Stockton checked his mobile phone. No messages. “What’s her name?” Clyde asked.
“Who’s name?” Stockton put the phone back into his pocket. “Come on, Stocky!” Jacob shoved him. “The woman you’ve
been sleeping with. You already look like you’re losing weight.” “Do I?” Stockton peered down at himself.
“Told ya he was on a diet!” Clyde guffawed loudly and he
and Jacob slapped high-five.
“Bye.” Stockton unlocked his truck. As he climbed into the
driver’s side Jacob stood near him, wary of the cars passing
behind him on the main drag.
“I’m kiddin’, Stocky. Bring her by. Lisa is dying to see her.
She young?”
“I’m not seeing anyone!” Stockton felt his blood pound in his
temples. “Will ya lay off?”
“Go on. Lie to me. What do you have to be embarrassed
about? I don’t care what she looks like. Is she big like Lisa, or
like some minority or something?”
“Shut up.” Stockton went to close the door, but Jacob was
blocking it.
“I like them big black women. I do. They’re so sassy!” So he could hear, Clyde nudged himself close to their
conversation. “You’re seein’ a black woman?”
A car horn warned them they were playing near the traffic
lane. They ignored it.
“Leave me alone, will ya?”
“Did ya meet her on one of them interracial-thingy sites?”
Clyde licked his lips. “Which site, Stocky? I’m dyin’ to get laid
and I love me them big women.”
Jacob pointed to Stockton. “I told ya, Clyde! I told ya he’s
datin’ someone. He’s losing weight, he won’t answer his phone.
Didn’t I tell ya?”
Stockton tried to shut his door again but both men were
preventing it. “You’re going to get hit by a car. Go away!” “Have ya told Mom and Dad about her? I asked them what
they knew, but I figured you swore them to secrecy.” Stockton was about to drive off and drag the two men with
him. “I won’t tell you again. I’m about to pull you both down the
street if you don’t let go.”
“How come? How could you datin’ a woman be so
embarrassin’? Why do you think we care what she is?” Jacob
said, “Mom voted for Obama!”
“If you don’t let me shut the door and go, I’m going to make
you two look like dead raccoons in the road.” Stockton started
the engine.
“You will tell me!” Jacob warned. “I will not stop buggin’
you until you tell me!”
When he and Clyde finally allowed Stockton to shut the door,
Stockton pulled into the lane of travel. He turned left at Whipp
Road, knowing there was a grocery store close by. He didn’t
want beer and greasy pizza.
He entered into the parking lot and shut the engine, sitting for
a minute to think. How was he supposed to tell his family it
wasn’t a woman? It’s a man!
While he walked up to the main entrance, Stockton texted
Rufus. ‘Done workin’. Just so you know.’ He wanted to call him,
but didn’t want to assume that Rufus would desire to spend all his free time with him over the weekend. Stockton hooked a
basket over his arm and headed to the fresh salad section. Just as he loaded it up with healthy food, his phone rang.
Stockton grew excited and took it out of his pocket, then
deflated. “Hello, Mom.”
“Jacob said you’re seeing a black woman.”
“I’m not seeing anyone.” Stockton glanced around. “I don’t mind. You know that. Bring her by for us all to
meet.”
“Mom…” Stockton was about to scream. “I’m shopping. I
can’t talk now.”
“At least tell us her name.”
“I’m. Not. Seeing. Anyone!” He counted to ten, clenching his
jaw. “I gotta go.” He disconnected the line and continued buying
fruit and vegetables. “Jacob, I’m going to kill you.”
~
Before he left his mother’s apartment, Rufus did a little more
efficient cleaning in the bathroom for her. Once that was done,
he sat with her on the sofa and wrote all of her medications down
on a pad for her to bring to her new heart specialist on Monday.
He felt the phone vibrate in his shorts but continued what he was
doing. The list made, Rufus read them out loud to his mom to
ensure he was correct, holding up each bottle.
The amount of pills his mother was taking was discouraging. She was only sixty but she was too sick and too stubborn to
change her lifestyle. Rufus knew ever since his dad died, five
years ago, his mom was going downhill on a slow slide. Seeing their lifestyle, the lack of exercise, the lousy diet, the
sugary pop and snacks, all led to their early and impending
demise. Rufus didn’t mind Stockton was a big man, he was just
concerned for his health.
At a light knock at the door, Rufus knew it had to be
Elizabeth coming to make his mother lunch. He rose up, meeting
her in the foyer.
“Hiya, Rufus.” She smiled, setting her purse aside while
holding a grocery bag. “Is Mable all right?”
“She’s fine. Thanks for caring for her so well.” Rufus patted
her shoulder. “I made a list of medicines that you can bring for
her Monday appointment.”
“Oh. Good. Thank you.” Elizabeth entered the living room
holding up the plastic bag. “Hello, Mable. How about some nice
ham and cheese sandwiches for lunch and pork chops with
broccoli tonight?”
“Anything’s fine, Elizabeth.” Mable smiled.
Rufus said, “Okay. Tell me how the appointment goes after
you see the doctor on Monday, okay?” Rufus leaned down and
kissed his mother’s cheek.
“Okay, son. Good you stopped by.”
Rufus waved at Elizabeth as he made his way out. He took
the phone out of his pocket and read Stockton’s text. He texted
back. ‘Where u at?’
Waiting, staring at the phone as he walked to his car, Rufus
didn’t get a response right away so he headed home.
~
Stockton unloaded his groceries and filled the refrigerator
with food. He thought he heard his cell phone hum and finished
what he was doing before tending it.
It’s probably my family anyway.
He completed his task, starving, and crushed up the plastic
bags to stick into a drawer. Washing his hands at the sink, he
opened a bottle of water, guzzling it down and removed the tuna
salad purchased from the grocery store’s salad bar, along with a
bag of precut vegetables for lunch. Sitting down, gobbling the
food because he was well beyond hungry, more like famished.
Stockton didn’t remember the mobile phone until he was
washing the dishes.
He checked and read Rufus’s text so he called him. It went to
voicemail. “Hey. It’s me. Sorry I didn’t get your message right
away. I went shopping and ate some lunch. Call me.” He thought
about dialing Rufus’s home number, but didn’t. Instead, he
showered and sat at his computer to surf the net.
~
Rufus returned from his run. He was so overheated from the
high temperature and humidity he cut it short and did half of
what he normally ran.
Stripping, standing under iced cold water in the shower, he
recuperated from his exertion and began to feel less likely to get
heatstroke.
A towel wrapped around his waist, Rufus shaved at the sink
and imagined calling Stockton when he was through. Was he
acting too needy? Maybe he should wait to see if Stockton called
him. After all, he left a text.
Before he got dressed he hung up the towel and checked his
phone. He did have a voicemail message. Placing the phone to
his ear, he heard Stockton’s voice. Immediately he called him
back.
“Hi!”
“Hey!” Rufus tugged on his dick as he spoke. “Your job go
okay?”
“It was a disaster. I’m glad I went. How was your day?” “I stopped by to see my mom. Not very exciting.” Rufus was
hard, staring down at his dick as he toyed with it, thinking of
Stockton.
“Is she okay?”
“Yup. As good as can be expected.” Rufus knew they hadn’t
spoken too much about families, and while he held his dick, he
didn’t want to. “You naked?”
Stockton laughed.
“I am.” Rufus smiled to himself.
“Yeah? Are you playing with yourself?”
“Yup.”
“Want someone to do it for ya?”
“Yup.”
“Can I come by?”
“Stockton!” Rufus laughed. “Yes! I guess my hint was too
subtle. Uh hum? Hello, Stockton, I’m naked and jacking myself
off.”
“Wow! On my way!”
“Can you stay over ‘til Monday? Or do you have to get home
before Monday morning?”
“If I get up on time on Monday, I don’t see why I can’t just
stay a couple of nights. I can come here Monday morning and
load up the truck for the job. Is it a problem for you?” “Not if we set an alarm Monday morning it isn’t.” Rufus
grew excited.
“On my way!”
“Great!”
“Oh. I just went food shopping and bought some great stuff.
Can I bring it?”
“Of course!”
“Sweet. See ya soon.”
“See ya.” Rufus pumped his fist into the air like a kid. He put
his phone down and raced around the house to make sure it was
perfect for Stockton’s visit.
Chapter 14

Two bags of groceries hanging from his arm, Stockton wondered if Rufus’s fancy neighbors thought it was odd a man with a big white rig with Hastings Plumbing decaled on it, kept making house calls. Overnight house calls.

Well, he did have that Marley-jerk living here a couple of months. They must know he’s gay.
He woke out of his daydream to see Rufus in just a pair of running shorts, waiting at the door for him, a big smile on his face. The affectionate greeting made Stockton feel like solid gold.
“Hey, lover-boy.” Rufus drew him inside and held him close.
Stockton took a deep inhale of Rufus’s neck before he backed up. He held up the plastic bags. “Fruit, vegetables, all kinds of salads…”
“Excellent.” Rufus followed Stockton into the kitchen.
Stockton emptied all the contents onto the table.
“I haven’t had a mango in years.”
“I never had one. They were on sale. How do you eat it?”
“I’ll show you.” Rufus washed the fruit off at the sink. As he halved it, cut around the seed and sliced off the skin, Stockton admired Rufus’s body. “You ran didn’t you?”
“Not much in this heat. Very little.” He held a chunk of mango up to Stockton’s mouth.
Stockton ate it, nodding in delight. “Like sugar.”
“Better than sugar.” Rufus fed himself and Stockton alternatively.
The fruit devoured, Rufus placed the rest of the food into the fridge.
Stockton’s ringtone sounded, making him cringe. He checked the time. “Shit. That’s got to be my brother.”
“Another emergency?”
“I doubt it. He’s been a pain in the butt all day.” He took out the phone and saw it was indeed Jacob. No way. He let his voicemail pick it up. Stockton gave it a second and listened to the message, making sure it wasn’t another job.

Jacob’s asked, “You still comin’ tomorrow for chow?” Stockton erased the message. “I usually go to Jacob’s place for a Sunday barbeque. I didn’t discuss it with him earlier.”

“You can go.” Rufus shrugged.
“Yeah. Right.”
“Are you at least going to tell him you’re not going?” “Crap.” Stockton didn’t want to talk to Jacob at all. “He told

my mom I’m seeing a black woman and that’s why I’ve been so secretive about what I’m up to lately.”
“Would they care if you did?”
“No. Mom and Jacob are cool. I have no idea what my stepdad or real dad would say, and I don’t care.”
“So that’s your story and you’re sticking to it?” Rufus used a sponge to wipe up the sticky residue from the fruit.
“No. I told them I wasn’t seeing anyone. I’m not ready to come out, Rufus.”
“I don’t blame you. I never wanted my family to know. Before Dad died, he suspected but I never admitted it. I told Mom after Marley moved in. But it’s not something we really get into deep discussions about.” Rufus gestured to the hall. “Why don’t we hang out in the den?”
“Bring the grapes.”
Rufus used a colander to rinse them, taking them with him.
Stockton studied his phone as he went, reading angry text messages from Jacob. He shut off the phone and put it on the coffee table. “I can’t stand this harassment. My brother is relentless and now that he’s trying to get my parents in on it, it’ll be non-stop interrogation.”
“I’m sorry.” Rufus sat down, one leg curled under him.
“It’s not your fault.”
“Maybe not, but I’m still sorry you have to put up with it.”
“So your parents didn’t know you were gay until a few months ago?”
“Dad and I never discussed it. And I told mom finally about six months ago when Marley moved in. Marley and I have been split up for three months now. I don’t broadcast it to the extended family. I kept it to myself. I just didn’t want the moaning about grandchildren so I stayed in the closet until dad died. I’m an only child.”
Stockton fed Rufus a grape, eating one himself. “There’s no problem in my family in that category. My mom remarried a guy named Frank. He has two married daughters with kids. Then my dad, Bob married a lady named Betty, and she’s got three kids all grown up, married and with children. There are a dozen grandkids in all, if you count them and Jacob’s kids.”
“Do you see them much?”
“My mom tries to get us all together for big holidays, weddings, and funerals. Shit like that. But Debbie and Danika, my mom’s husband’s daughters, both live in Indiana.”
Rufus nodded. “So you’re the only single one without kids.”
“Yeah. When I see my mom and her husband, I always get the third degree. I don’t visit my dad much at all since he remarried. He’s into his other family and doesn’t really connect with me and Jacob any longer.”
“I’d never keep track.”
“You don’t have to. I don’t.”
Rufus repositioned so he was facing upwards on Stockton’s lap, lying across the sofa.
Stockton caressed his cheek and hair gently. “So, it’s just you and your mom?”
“Yes. I have cousins in Kentucky and I want her to move in with one of them. When I lose my job, I won’t be able to afford paying for her home care.”
“That sucks.”
“What can you do? I’ll work something out.” Rufus rolled to his side and began raising Stockton’s shirt up his body.
Kisses ran over Stockton’s skin, feather-light. “Let’s stop discussing family.”
“Good idea.” Rufus leaned back and opened Stockton’s shorts, lowering the zipper.
Stockton tried to shift on the sofa to help Rufus but he was trapped under him. He took off his shirt and draped it over the arm of the couch. As Rufus kissed and nuzzled against him, Stockton ran his hands over Rufus’s arms, staring at him, growing possessive and attached to him. It felt wonderful.
“Bed?” Rufus’s dark eyes glittered as he smiled.
“What are you waiting for?” Stockton laughed, nudging him.
Rufus gave Stockton’s skin one last lick and hopped up, reaching out his hand. Stockton took it, trying to separate the wonderful new relationship they had from the reaction from his family if they knew.
~
Before he undressed, Rufus removed the items they needed from the night table, placing them within reach. When he turned to look, Stockton was naked on his bed, drawing on his long cock as he stared at Rufus.
Rufus propped himself up over Stockton and took the head of his cock into his mouth.
“Get naked.” Stockton pumped his hips a few time into that wet hole quickly.
Rufus took off his clothing, tossing it on the floor, resuming what he was doing right after. He knelt between Stockton’s legs, and with a hand on each shin, Rufus pushed them apart.
After a sensuous groan, Stockton bent his knees to be able to straddle the way Rufus wanted him to.
“That’s it, babe.” Rufus went for a taste. He stretched out on the bed, his feet hanging off the bottom, and crushed his face into Stockton’s crotch. Inhaling his musky scent, Rufus engulfed one of Stockton’s balls, using his hands to stimulate Stockton’s cock, feeling it harden in his palm.
“Holy fuck. Rufus…”
“Mm.” Rufus loved how appreciative Stockton was. It seemed none of his skills impressed Marley, and he always assumed he was lousy in bed. Maybe he could keep Stockton content. Stockton had nothing to compare him to.
Wetting his thumb, Rufus pressed it against Stockton’s rim as he nibbled his way back to the head of Stockton’s cock. He drew it into his mouth as deep as he could, using hard suction to the tip and back down again.
A low masculine whimper and a taste of pre-cum was Rufus’s reward.
“You want me to try and hold back?” Stockton asked, breathless.
“Mm-Mm.” Rufus indicated no, and kept up what he was doing.
“Good, ‘cause I can’t.” Stockton jerked his hips upward and gripped the bedding in two tight fists. “Fuck! God!”
Cum filled Rufus’s mouth and the pulsating of Stockton’s cock was so thrilling to him, he was writhing on the bed.
Milking the last few drops, Rufus knelt up and used the back of his hand to wipe his forehead of perspiration.
“I love you. Honest, Rufus, you make me feel so good, so happy.” Stockton’s chest heaved as he spoke.
Some of the doubt Rufus had in love, gave way. He crawled higher on the bed and rested his length on top of Stockton. They stared at each other. The intensity of feeling was palpable.
“I’m already yours.” Stockton caressed Rufus’s back and neck. “I don’t care if you don’t feel the same way. I’m not going with anyone but you.”
Rufus blinked. The words were incredible to hear, but that’s all they were. Words. He knew the game. He’d played it before. Say anything and do what you want anyway.
It was about trust. And because he’d known Stockton for a short while, and…Stockton had not had experience with other men to speak of, Rufus was leery. I want to believe you. I do.
Rufus was deep in contemplation when Stockton took over, showing Rufus just how powerful he was. Stockton flipped Rufus onto his back with one swift tumble.
Preferring to share dominancy in a relationship, Rufus hadn’t been with a man as strong as Stockton before. The size of Stockton’s biceps, forearms, and shoulders were formidable. When Stockton held Rufus by his jaw and kissed him, straddling over Rufus’s body, Rufus’s blood surged to his groin.
No, you aren’t Marley. Not by a mile. Little Marley used to say, ‘Ow, you’re hurting me,’ even if Rufus brushed by him in the hall. He knew it was dramatic acting at his best. Marley played the damsel to the extreme. No damsel in this room.
After one of the most scrumptious kisses Rufus had ever shared, complete with tongue swirling, lip mashing, and a roar of a lion, or at least the purr of a man with the heart as big as one, Stockton licked his way down Rufus’s chest.
In reverse positions, Stockton did the same thing Rufus had, he spread open Rufus’s legs. Just the anticipation was enough to send Rufus’s cock bobbing and wagging in delight. He bent his knees as well, opening wide in invitation.
Stockton gripped both of Rufus’s legs and yanked him closer.
“Wow.” Rufus panted in excitement. You may have been a virgin when I met you, but son-of-a-bitch! You are amazing!
Stockton literally dove in between Rufus’s legs.
Jumping at the speed of his action, Rufus began panting for air as Stockton used his tongue to rim him, darting it in and out of his ass. No one had done it to him before, and if they did, they didn’t do it like this!
It was Rufus’s turn to strangle the bedding. Stockton, a man starved of sex for nearly two decades, was obviously finally doing what he wanted. And he was driving Rufus wild.
I’m so glad I found you! My God! Fate? Was I the lucky guy to win your heart? Take your cherry? And reap the rewards of letting a man as wonderful as you into my life?
Yes!
Between the coarseness of Stockton’s jaw and his gently nibbling teeth, Rufus was on the edge and Stockton wasn’t even near his cock. He was devouring his ass and the root of his dick, tugging on his balls with his lips as he pushed Rufus’s legs as far as they could spread.
Another delectable growl came from Stockton. The hair stood on the nape of Rufus’s neck it was so masculine. He wanted to say something. Yell praise! Bay at the moon! But he was completely consumed by the intensity of sensations Stockton was creating.
Stockton came up for air, huffing as much as Rufus was at the wild foreplay. He wiped his mouth and descended on Rufus’s cock, down to the base.
This time Rufus did cry out; a cry of pleasure. Nothing could prepare him for the impending climax. Rufus knew it would knock him sideways.
Stockton gripped the base of Rufus’s cock, sucking like a Hoover. With his free hand he massaged Rufus’s rim and the very root of his cock.
“Oh, my fucking God!” Rufus closed his eyes and nearly went into a convulsion the orgasm was so strong. Feeling his cock shoot its load, Rufus gasped and wrenched on the sheet under him ruthlessly as Stockton whimpered and fisted Rufus for more.
Rufus felt as if he were riding the aftershocks of a volcanic eruption. Both Stockton and he slowed down, gasping, moaning, and dripping sweat.
“Holy shit. Holy shit…” Rufus blinked but really wasn’t seeing anything. He was reliving the most amazing climax he had ever felt.
“Man, that was good.” Stockton used both his forearms to wipe at his dripping sweat. “I loved doing that to—”
Rufus bolted upright, embraced Stockton and yanked him into his arms, falling back on the bed. The act stopped Stockton in his tracks.
“I love you. You amazing, son-of-a-bitch…I love you.” Rufus tightened his grip around Stockton’s back.
A low choke and a small noise came from Stockton. It sounded like he was holding his breath, or holding back something. Rufus used his hands on both shoulders to pick Stockton upright and see his face. His eyes were overflowing.
Rufus drew him back to his hug and rocked him. “Baby, baby…” He could hear Stockton struggling to control his emotions. Rufus kept kissing his neck, the salty dew coating his lips and face. “I do. I really do. I trust you.”
“I’m so lucky.” It sounded like it took a lot for Stockton to speak at the moment.
“No. I’m the lucky one. And I’m through looking around. You want me in a committed relationship? You got it.” Dive in. Do it! You know you want to!
“I will never cheat on you!” Stockton’s tone convinced Rufus. Rufus knew Stockton resented Marley as well for the pain and mistrust Marley had caused which affected this relationship.
“I believe you.” Rufus kissed Stockton’s cheek. “Thank you.”
Chapter 15

Monday morning, Rufus noticed more vacant offices than on Friday. The movers were certainly busy over the weekend. He sat at his desk and checked his emails. What used to be hundreds had trickled to a dozen. Other employees now set up in Atlanta were taking over. In what appeared to be stealth-like in nature, all his work was being diverted. It made sense. He wasn’t going to be with the company, so of course they were delegating his work to the men and women who were.

The fabulous weekend with Stockton vanished, reverting to anxiety over paying his bills and finding work in a dying city.
After returning the necessary emails to the few clients he still had, Rufus felt his mobile phone vibrate. He took it out of his pocket and didn’t recognize the number. “Hello?”
“Rufus? It’s cousin Sally.”
“Sally! How are you?” He caught her Louisville accent immediately.
“Your mom just got off the phone with me.”
Rufus checked the time. “Is this about her doctor’s appointment?”
“No. She was headed straight there after we spoke. It’s about her moving in with me, Rufus.”
Rufus rubbed his forehead. “I’m sorry, Sally. I hate to burden you.”
“Nonsense! I’ve been asking her to come down here for years. She’s just thinking about the move and all the work. But I keep telling her she doesn’t have to do all that. She thinks she’s the one who’ll have to pack it all up. I talked sense into her.”
“Sally.” Rufus took a deep inhale. “Are you sure?”
“I hate living alone. You know that. Your mom and I have been as close as sisters. I want her here. She’s a lovely woman. My worry is about you.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll be okay.”
“No. You listen. My brother-in-law’s cousin on his mother’s side…”
Rufus had no idea who that could possibly be. He knew Sally had sisters and that her deceased husband had brothers and sisters as well.
“Joseph Garner. You remember him? He’s a third cousin to your Aunt Rachel…”
He didn’t want to be rude but he was lost.
“He owns a printing firm. I told him about you losing your job and Mable coming to live here. I want you to meet him. He has an opening in his office and that job is yours if you want it. He’s holding it for you.”
“What?” Rufus sat up. “A job? Where?”
“Here. Here in Louisville. Sweetie, it pays so good! And Joseph will give you all the benefits. He’s got some real big clients. He’s doin’ jus’ fine in this economy. Otherwise he’d never offer. And you’re family. So you come first.”
Rufus went cold. If he hadn’t met Stockton, this would be a no-brainer. His mom can live with Sally, get care and companionship, he’d live close and have a good job.
“You there? I didn’t think there’d be a debate, honey. Just a timeline.”
“Wow. I don’t know what to say.” Rufus felt like shit though he should have been pumping his fist into the air.
“You take Joseph’s number. You talk to him firsthand.”
Rufus found a pen. “Shoot.” He wrote down Joseph’s contact information.
“I told him you’d be in touch and we’d work out the move time. Don’t you fret about your mother. She’ll be overjoyed her baby boy is coming down with her. You do know that is another thing what’s been stopping her up ‘til now. But with your job going away, there’s no reason to not come.”
“No reason.” No, there is a reason.
“Good boy. I’ll be in touch. You look into movers for Mable, and yourself. I’ll get in touch with my realtor. She did a great job finding me this place. I’ll have her call you.”
“Thanks, Sally. Really. I know Mom really needs to be with someone she loves. The caregiver isn’t family.”
“No. I know. And you’re too young and handsome to be sharing a home with your mom. So that’s not going to happen.” She laughed.
Rufus assumed she knew he was gay, but didn’t comment.
“We’ll work it all out. What more can you ask for? Your mom taken care of, a great job close to the family? Rufus, I can’t wait for you to be down here.”
“Uh, okay.” He didn’t know what to do or think. “I’ll be in touch.”
“Call Joseph. Call him right now. Wait ‘til you hear this dream job he’s got for you. You are set for life.”
“Thanks, Sally. I appreciate all your help.”
“That’s what family is about, my precious.”
“Great.”
“Bye, now.”
“Bye.” Rufus hung up, staring at the phone number for Joseph.
~
Stockton was getting the cold shoulder from his brother.
Jacob had sent Clyde to pick up coffee at the local gas station.
“Hand me that pipe.” Stockton reached out as he kept his wrench on the fitting. He turned to look and noticed Jacob’s pout. “Jacob! Hand me the stupid pipe!”
Jacob did, apparently with great reluctance.
“If you’re going to act like a dead lump, go home. I can use Clyde when he gets back. Go. Bye. Find another job to do.”
“I thought we was close, Stocky.”
“We were. We are. Nothing’s changed.” Stockton connected the fixture in the kitchen they were working on. It was a new construction project, and with the recession he wasn’t getting many of those. He was lucky to get this one, and wanted to do a top job so he’d be recommended for the next.
“Nuthin’s changed?” Jacob attempted to cross his arms over his girth but just ended up dropping his arms to the sides. “Everythin’s changed! You used to tell me everythin’.”
“No. I didn’t.” Stockton got to his knees and tightened the nut connecting the pipes.
“What do you mean, ya didn’t? What didn’t you tell me? I told you about everythin’. Lisa’s shit after Jeremiah was born, her taking Prozac…everythin’.”
Stockton didn’t answer. He stood and looked around the floor for what he needed next.
Clyde returned with a cardboard tray of coffee and a box of donuts under his arm.
“Just milk, right?” Stockton asked.
“That one there.” Clyde pointed to one cup on the tray. “How you can drink it without sugar is beyond me.” He put the donuts on the counter, opened the box and bit one in half.
“You still on that stupid diet?” Jacob asked, taking a powdery donut for himself.
Stockton opened the hot coffee lid and steam wafted out. He blew on it before sipping it.
“He’s not answering ya, Jacob.” Clyde finished his snack, brushing the crumbs off his shirt.
“Why don’t you two go start the bathroom? I don’t need spectators.” Stockton set his coffee down. It was too hot to drink.
Jacob and Clyde walked off. Stockton could hear his brother muttering angrily.
The donuts looked wonderful. name. Stockton lingered over to smelling their sugary scent. He closed the lid, brought them to the other two, and put them on the floor by the door, walking back to the kitchen.
“One won’t kill you!” Jacob yelled as Stockton left.
“Yeah, it will. That’s the damn problem.” Stockton kept busy putting in the kitchen sink, keeping his mind off food, off Jacob, and on Rufus.
~
The day was long and boring, yet thankfully, over.
Rufus watched the steady stream of people packing, knowing crunch time was near. He glanced around his desk at his few personal possessions. One box. Everything else he would leave. It wasn’t his, it belonged to the company.
With the chaos and noise around him of cubicles being disassembled and constant chatter between the moving men, Rufus was contemplating using his last vacation and accumulated sick time to not have to come in. He was just occupying a space, no longer effective or making a difference.
Just as he shut down his computer and filed paperwork, his mobile phone sounded. He removed it and read Stockton’s name They were screaming his the box, looking at them, on the LCD. A feeling of dread washed over him. It was a love affair that was finished before it really began. “Hey.”
“Hey.”
Rufus ran his fingers through his hair. “How’s it going?”
“It’s going. You okay?”
“I’ll survive.”
“Can I take you out to dinner?”
Rufus smiled sadly. “Sure.” Maybe he could break the news to him then.
“What time should I pick you up?”
Once he checked his watch, Rufus replied, “Six?”
“Be there at six.”
“Good.”
“Love ya.”
Rufus felt his throat tighten. “Love you too.” He hung up and stared into space.
~
Stockton didn’t know why but he knew something was wrong. Maybe it was just the pressure of losing his job. Stockton was aware of the rate of foreclosures, unemployment rising, people having to go back to school to retrain. He didn’t envy Rufus. Stockton felt very lucky. He was his own boss, so he never could get laid off. If he kept his work quality high and his prices reasonable, he had income. That was the key. Doing the finest work at the lowest prices. No, he didn’t make what some of the plumbers did for a living, but that was because he undercut those high priced laborers. He was working steadily through the worst of the country’s decline.
He drove home, emptied his tools and equipment into the garage and headed to get cleaned up. As he walked by his answering machine he noticed the light was flashing. Six new messages? What the fuck?
While he undressed for the shower he hit the play button.
“Stockton, it’s Frank. Your mother is worried about why you’re being so secretive about what’s going on in your life.”
Hearing his mother’s husband, a man he would never call a ‘father’ because he was a drunken-right-winged-dickwad, Stockton rolled his eyes in annoyance.
“She’s worried sick. You better explain why this is going on.”

“Yeah, whatever.” Stockton erased it and listened to the next one.
“Stocky, it’s Danika…”
Hearing Frank’s daughter leaving a message next made him furious. “Oh my fucking God! Jacob, I’m going to kill you!”
“You got your mom really upset. She’s calling here every day asking if anyone knows what you’re doing. What are you doing, Stocky? Are you all right?”
“I would be all right if all you busy-bodies left me alone.” He erased her message too. One after the other his extended family was bombarding him with questions. For all his adult life he had been alone, the shy virgin-bachelor, accessible, an opened book in their eyes. Suddenly he had a few dates, turned his phone off, and it was hunting season.
The last two were from his mother. He deleted all of them and dragged himself to the shower.
~
Rufus dressed in crisp beige slacks and a white cotton shirt. He dabbed cologne on his neck and checked himself out in the mirror. The gray at his temples was beginning to worry him. Did it get worse since his company declared it was leaving Dayton? Worry can kill a man. Rufus knew that.
He shut the light in the bathroom and was filling his pockets with his wallet and mobile phone when he heard the doorbell.
As he headed to the front door he tucked in his shirt and tried to prepare himself for an evening that was going to be very tough on both of them.
Stockton’s smile was warm, but Rufus knew him well enough to see a slight anxiety right through it. “I’m ready,” Rufus said, “Do you need to come in for anything?”
“No. Let’s go.”
Rufus closed and locked his door behind him, walking to the big pickup truck’s passenger side. Suddenly he had doubts on whether wearing beige was a good idea. He imagined the truck coated with dirt and grease.
When he opened the door he was pleasantly surprised. It was spotless. “Okay, what did you do? I expected this to be a work truck.” Rufus climbed in, closing the door.
Stockton chuckled. “I had it detailed. I knew you would think that. I wanted to make sure you didn’t look like a plumber’s helper by the time you climbed out.
“It even smells good.” Rufus sniffed the air as Stockton backed out of his driveway.
“I don’t know what he sprayed. He said it was his favorite.”
“Who did?”
“The guy at the detail shop.”
“Oh.” Rufus glanced at Stockton as he drove. He had on a pair of black slacks and a short-sleeved white pin-striped cotton shirt. “You look really nice, Stockton.” Rufus ran his hand down his leg.
“You too.”
“Where we headed?”
“I wanted to take you to someplace nice.”
“Don’t put yourself out. I’m pretty easy.” Rufus began to feel guilty. The last thing he wanted was for Stockton to spring for an expensive meal just as he was about to ‘spring’ bad news.
“I’m open to suggestions.”
“Just head to The Greene. There are so many places to choose from there.”
“Okay.”
Rufus kept his hand on Stockton’s leg, massaging it. The drive to Beavercreek was made in silence. Stockton must have felt awkward because he ended up turning on the radio so it wasn’t deathly quiet.
The fact that it was Monday made it easy to find parking at the usually busy outdoor mall. Once the pickup was in a spot close to the stores, they walked the paved sidewalk which surrounded each shopping area. Music floated on the warm breeze, so Rufus assumed, like most evenings in the summer, a live band was playing in the courtyard. As they turned a corner, children were cooling off in a fountain which was in front of a canopy where microphones.
“Take your eateries.
entertainers were singing into amplified
pick.” Stockton gestured to
“I like seafood.” Rufus pointed to one. “Me too.”
the selection of
They entered the restaurant and were greeted and seated immediately by the hostess, who handed them menus.
The silence between them was growing painful. Rufus had no idea how to break his news to Stockton without hurting him. It was already devastating him.
“Let’s get a glass of wine, Stockton.”
“Sure.” Stockton put the menu down and asked, “What’s going on, Rufus. I’m dying here.”
The waiter approached. “Can I get you something to drink?”
Rufus pointed to Stockton to go first.
“I’ll have whatever you’re having,” Stockton said.
“Two glasses of the cabernet.”
“Very good.” The waiter left.
Stockton sat back on the chair and blew out a breath which Rufus knew was frustration.
“What are you going to order?”
“Nothing. I lost my appetite.”
“Stockton,” Rufus admonished, shaking his head.
“Well? Are you breaking up with me?” Stockton threw up his hands but kept his voice low.
“No.” Rufus was trying telepathy to hurry up the waiter. He needed a good gulp of wine to get this news out.
“You cheat on me?”
“Never!” Rufus narrowed his eyes at Stockton.
Stockton deflated and rubbed his face.
The waiter returned with a tray carrying two stemmed glasses full of red wine. Right before he arrived at the table, Rufus heard Stockton growl, “I hate these kinds of games.”
Rufus didn’t know he was playing one, but realized how it could seem that way to Stockton. The wine was placed before them.
“Are you ready to order? Or would you like another minute?”
“Another minute, please.” Rufus smiled.
The waiter left.
The moment he did, Rufus drank half the wine. “Right. This is the deal.”
Stockton raised his head, looking weary. He didn’t touch the wine.
“I’m losing my job, my mom needs constant care, I can’t find anything decent here in ‘dead-town’, and I have to do something about it.”
Stockton’s stare was intense but he said nothing.
Rufus finished his wine in another gulp. “I got a call from my cousin Sally. Remember I mentioned her? That I would like my mom to move in with her?”
Stockton nodded, his lips tightening.
“She’s all for it. She and my mom are very close. So if I do that, Mom will be cared for and I can breathe a little easier. But.”
“Knew there was one of those coming.”
“Sally also has a cousin named Joseph. He’s offered me a very good job working with him.”
“In Dayton?”
“In Louisville.”
“So you’re moving.”
“It’s not that far, babe. Three hours? Four?”
“Crap.” Stockton slouched, folding his arms.
“I’ll do what I can to keep seeing you. We can alternate weekends, call every night.”
“You’ve already made the decision. Like, that’s it, you’re going?”
“I have no choice. None. I can never hope to get a job with all the benefits Joseph is offering. He’s making it sweet because of our family connection. My mom is really sick, Stockton. I mean, really sick. If she moves to Kentucky, and I don’t, I know she’ll end up in the hospital dead and I won’t be there for her.”
“Shit.”
“I’m not choosing her over you. I swear, I’m not. But all the circumstances adding up are killing me. If I stay, I face foreclosure, loss of my health insurance, unemployment—”
Stockton held up his hand. “I understand.”
“We can still do this.” Rufus leaned his elbows on the table.
“Sure.” Stockton took a sip of the wine and curled his nose in distaste. He put it down on the table again.
“Let me order you a light beer.”
“I don’t want one. I don’t want anything.” Stockton removed his wallet and threw a ten dollar bill on the table.
“What are you doing?”
“Going outside. I need to think.”
“Do I need to call a cab?”
“No. I’ll be by the fountain.” Stockton stood and left.
Feeling bitter about the situation, Rufus reached for Stockton’s glass and threw the wine down his throat in one gulp.
“Is everything all right, sir?” The waiter appeared concerned.
“Yes. Sorry. Here, this is for the wine.” He added another five to the ten and handed it to the waiter. “Keep the change.” ~
Stockton located an unoccupied bench in the shade. He rested his elbows on his knees and stared at the children jumping in and out of the spouting water fountain. The music had stopped. The band was taking a break. It wasn’t packed, but there were plenty of diners and shoppers circling around the courtyard. Mostly couples, hand in hand, or family groups with strollers and toddlers.
Though he knew Rufus tried to convey this was not the end, Stockton knew it was. Louisville? A relationship four hours apart? Come on. Who we fooling? You just don’t want me. It’s your way of making this a no-fault break up. Sure. I get it.
“Babe.”
Stockton felt Rufus sit beside him, but didn’t look at him.
“I love you. You think this isn’t killing me too?”
At the comment, Stockton turned instantly to face him.
Rufus glanced around first, as if checking to see who was watching them. “If I had any other options, I take them.”
“I know. I’m sorry I walked out of the restaurant. I’m just so upset. I knew what we had was too good to be true.”
“Don’t act like it’s over.”
Stockton covered his face and rubbed his eyes. “It is though. I can’t see us driving back and forth like that. And I have to be around for emergency jobs on the weekends. Jacob can’t do shit on his own.”
“I’ll come here. I’ll stay by you.”
“Fuck!” Stockton balled up his fists. “Why? Why the first guy I meet, the first one I’m crazy about? Why?”
“It’s not that far. Stockton, please. We can do this.”
Stockton shook his head. “I don’t want a weekend thing. I want you more than that. I know what will happen. You’ll meet someone local. I know it.”
Rufus sunk down on the bench, interlacing his fingers on his lap. “I’m not going to argue with you. I don’t have the energy.”
“Let me drive you home.”
“Fine.”
Stockton headed back to his truck, furious, hurt, and wondering if being alone was better than the pain he was feeling at the moment.
In complete silence, he drove Rufus back to his home in Oakwood.
Chapter 16

Rufus sat in the truck as Stockton pulled into his driveway. “Please come in.”
Stockton appeared miserable.
“Please.” Rufus squeezed his leg.
Throwing the transmission into park, Stockton shut off the
motor and climbed out.
Rufus blew out a loud sigh and met Stockton at his front
door. Stockton walked in first and stopped before he actually
entered the room.
Rufus held his hand and brought him to the bedroom. Once
they were standing at the foot of the bed, Rufus embraced him.
Stockton didn’t react at first, but soon returned the hug. The feel of their cheeks together was so right. With his eyes
closed, Rufus nuzzled Stockton, inhaling his cologne, running
his lips over his jaw and neck. The grip of Stockton’s hands
tightened and he squeezed Rufus’s back crushing him. It’s not over. It’s not over. It’ll just be a long drive. That’s all. Rufus had to convince himself and Stockton of that. Long
distance relationships weren’t that rare. And Louisville wasn’t
long distance.
He ran his hands down Stockton’s back to his ass, holding a
rounded globe in each palm, giving it a good feel. The thickness
of Stockton’s cock throbbed against his own. Rufus ran his
fingertips down his crack, causing Stockton to rub their crotches
together for the friction. In one fell swoop, Rufus was lifted off
his feet and brought to the bed. He lay back, smiling as Stockton
began to undress, their eyes locked together.
Rufus removed his clothing and opened up his body for the
taking.
Knowing where the rubbers were, Stockton took one out,
opened it, and rolled it on his stiff dick. Rufus scooted crossways
on the bed, tucked his heels tightly to his body and let his ass
hang off the edge.
With two fingers, Stockton used lubrication to open Rufus up.
Rufus groaned and raised his ass higher, wanting that deep
penetration Stockton was so capable of.
A hand on each of Rufus’s knees, Stockton drew near,
standing beside him on the bed, inching closer as he penetrated. Rufus used his arms to brace himself up, tucking them under
his back and hips. Once Stockton was pressed tightly to his
body, he began fucking Rufus. The slow gentle rhythm caused
Rufus to relax his tense muscles.
Stockton ran his hands down the insides of Rufus’s thighs to
grab his genitals.
“Yes…” Rufus elevated his hips to meet Stockton’s growing
thrusts. His cock and balls were massaged with Stockton’s slick
palms and the climax was beginning to churn in Rufus’s groin. He opened his eyes, not realizing he had closed them. The
sight of Stockton, mouth gaped, his back arched in pure pleasure,
was all it took. One more jerk of Stockton’s hands and Rufus
came, spattering cum all over his own chest and stomach. Stockton opened his eyes and hammered the last few thrusts
inside, growling at his own climax, grinding in for the lingering
aftershocks.
Catching his breath, freeing his arms from behind his back,
Rufus watched Stockton as he pulled out, holding the base of the
rubber. With an effort to stand, Rufus followed him into the
bathroom to clean up.
As Stockton stood at the sink, Rufus kissed his shoulder and
back tenderly. “Don’t leave. Stay with me in bed for a while.” Stockton nodded, not meeting his eyes, not even in the
mirror.
~
He left Rufus to wash up and returned to the bed. Lying face
up, staring at the ceiling, Stockton figured this was his one magic
love and he needed to be glad he found it. Okay, it didn’t last,
but at least now he knew what he was missing. And they weren’t
parting on bad terms. It was a warm parting of friends. No throwing
imagined Rufus
reasons for leaving Dayton. Many of them. If the shoe were on
the other foot, wouldn’t Stockton leave? Find a job, take care of
his mom?
Would I?
No. I’d stay. No way in hell would I leave a man like you.
things, no cheating, nothing like what he and Marley dealing with. Rufus had valid
Rufus shut the bathroom light and returned, resting beside Stockton on the bed, his jaw propped up on his palm. When Rufus placed his hand on Stockton’s chest, caressing him gently, a lump came to Stockton’s throat. Man, am I going to miss you. Something fierce.
“When…when do you think you’ll move?”
“Pretty soon. I have to get the house on the market, you know. Make arrangements for movers for Mom and me.”
“Does she have a house to sell too?”
“No. Lucky her, she lives in an apartment.” Rufus tried to smile, but it looked forced.
“What if the place can’t sell quickly?”
“I’ll price it to move. I have no choice.”
Stockton stared back at the ceiling.
Rufus used his fingers to turn Stockton’s attention again to him. “I love you. I won’t cheat.”
“I don’t know if I can do it. You living down there, me up here. I’m being honest, Rufus. I want to have a man here.”
“I understand.”
“I’m not trying to be difficult.”
“I know.”
“I just want to thank you for showing me how great it can be. You know?’
“Yes. I do.” Rufus’s eyes grew watery.
Stockton raised himself up to Rufus’s mouth and kissed him. ~
By ten o’clock Stockton drove to his own home. He was stunned to see his brother’s truck parked out front. Before he pulled into his driveway, he turned his phone on to see if something had been sent to him. His cell phone beeped with many missed messages. That worried Stockton. The second Jacob spotted his truck, he got out of his SUV and waited.
Stockton parked in his driveway and was about to ask Jacob what was wrong when Jacob lunged at him and threw Stockton against the side of his truck. “I know! I know what you’re doin’!” Jacob was breathing fire.
Stockton pushed him off so he could stand. “What the fuck are you talking about?”
“Lisa seen you at The Greene! She was with her girlfriends and she seen you with a man, all cozy on a bench by the fountain.”
Ice formed in Stockton’s veins. “So? I sat on a bench with some guy? What the hell does it matter?”
“Some guy?” Jacob was puffing and his veins were bulging in his neck. “She watched you! They seen you get into your truck together! You’re a goddamn queer! That’s what this is all about! It ain’t no woman at all!”
“Shut up! I have a friend who’s a guy. I’m not queer.”
“You lyin’ sack o’shit!”
Stockton had never seen his brother so enraged. Never. “Will you calm down?”
“Admit it! Admit that’s what’s goin’ on!” Jacob threw Stockton against the truck with a bang. “Admit it! You stinkin’ sinner! I can’t believe I work with you! No more! No more!”
“Jacob!” Stockton prevented his brother from choking him, which is what it felt like. He heaved Jacob backwards again. “I am not gay! For fuck’s sake! I have one friend and you’re overreacting!”
“You is lyin’! You is lyin’ and I knows it!” Jacob stormed to his truck. “You’re dead, you nasty fag! You’re dead!”
Jacob’s truck tires squealed as he flew down the street. Stockton caught his breath, chills rushing up and down his spine. Chapter 17

Rufus called in sick the next day and began making arrangements. His check list was long; movers, real estate agents in two states, going through his clothing to give things away he never wore, helping his mother find new doctors in Louisville with Sally’s help…

He was tired before he made his first phone call. The phone book at his elbow, he began the arduous task of selling a home where no one was buying. With the amount he owed on the mortgage he wondered if he’d be better off foreclosing like everyone else was doing. He had to at least break even.

~
The text and voicemail messages were vicious.
Stockton had so many threats and accusations flying at him,

he shut off the answering machine and his mobile phone. He had an old twelve gauge shotgun he had used for hunting. Digging it out of the closet he checked to see what kind of shape it was in, and even found a box of shotgun cartridges. He loaded the gun with a ‘cha-chink’ sound and propped it up by his bedroom door.

After taking a deep breath, he picked up the phone. “Mom?”
“Stockton! I am so angry with you!”
“It’s a lie. I don’t know what’s gotten into Jacob.” “It’s not a lie! It makes perfect sense and you know it.” “Ma…listen to me. I’m not gay. Are you kidding? Never. Not

me.”
“Lisa seen you with a fancy-pants man. She said you got into
your truck together.”
“I was with a guy-friend. But that’s all he is, Mom. A friend.
Since when can’t I have a male friend? I don’t get why you’re all
doing this to me.”
“A friend? A friend huh? Why did you disappear with that
friend? Why didn’t you bring him by for a beer at Jacob’s house
for his barbeque? I’ll tell ya why! Cuz you’re a nasty sinner
what’s going to rot in hell!”
“Mom. Will you calm down? You’ve all gone nuts on me.” “Okay, Stocky…sure. You want to convince me and the
family you’re not one of them…queers? You come by the house
with him. Why don’t you just do that and let us be the judge?” “Judge? You guys have already judged me and sentenced me
to hang. I’m not bringing anyone near you people. You’ll turn
into a lynch mob. I didn’t even go to work today. You know
what Jacob did? He threatened me and roughed me up last
night.”
“Then explain it. Explain why you suddenly don’t show up
nowhere, turn off your phone, don’t come ‘round Jacob’s house,
and then you’re seen with one.”
“One? What? A man? Jesus, Mom…are you listening to
yourself?”
“Don’t you use our Lord’s name in vain. You hear me? You
bring this…what’s his nasty name?”
“I told you. I’m not subjecting any of my friends to that kind
of punishment. You can’t be serious.”
“Then, that’s that, then. You’re not doing yourself any favors,
Stocky. You don’t want to bring him round cuz he’s one of them
feminine fellers. I know. You already answered everyone’s
question.”
“Stop judging me!” Stockton tried to calm down. He was
ready to scream. “Mom, how many times can I say it? I’m. Not.
Gay! Why don’t you believe me?”
“I would if all the facts didn’t tell me different. But they do!
You didn’t even introduce your new friend to Jacob. Why? If he
was just one of the guys, why not? Why not bring him out fer a
beer with your brother and Clyde? I’ll tell ya why!”
“Stop! Stop doing this to me. I can’t take it. Will you just
stop?”
The line disconnected.
Stockton fixed his stare on the shotgun and imagined
shooting his brother.
~
By three in the afternoon, Rufus had a real estate agent in
Dayton and in Louisville and appointments for two movers to
come and give him estimates. He was back on the phone with
Sally filling her in when his mobile phone vibrated.
“Hang on, Sally…okay?”
“Sure, honey.”
He picked up his cell phone and noticed it was Stockton.
“Hello?”
“Can you talk?”
“I’m home. I called in sick. I have my cousin Sally on my
other phone. Can you hold for a second?”
“Sure.”
Rufus didn’t like the tone of Stockton’s voice, but he could
imagine how upset he was over this whole separation thing. “Sally?”
“Yes, Rufus?”
“Let me call you right back. I have someone on my cell
phone I need to talk to.”
“No need, Rufus. I think we got the ball rolling. I’ll call your
mom and update her.”
“Okay. Thanks.” Rufus hung up and put his cell phone to his
ear. “How you doing, babe?”
“Not good.”
“I’m so sorry. Please, let’s try to do this long distance thing.” “Rufus.”
“What?” Something in Stockton’s voice frightened him. “Lisa spotted us at The Greene Monday night.”
“Lisa…”
“My sister-in-law. Jacob’s wife.”
“Right.”
“She told everyone I was gay.”
Rufus went cold. “No. We didn’t even touch. How could she
know that?”
“She didn’t know, but she said it. And now everyone is
threatening me.”
“Oh, my God. Threatening how?” Rufus dropped to sit down
on the edge of his bed.
“Jacob showed up here last night. He was waiting for me to
come home. He roughed me up, called me things, you know.” Rufus felt sick.
“I didn’t go to work. I tried to convince my mom over the
phone that you were just a friend, but no one is buying it.” “I am so sorry. Can I do anything?”
“No way am I getting you involved.”
“What the fuck? Stockton, what could she have seen? We left
the restaurant, sat on a bench and left.”
“It’s more than that. They keep putting it all together. Look at
it from their side, Rufus. I suddenly don’t answer my phone,
don’t talk about what I’m doing, go on a diet…and if you were
just some regular guy friend, why wouldn’t we all go to Jacob’s
place or have a beer. You know?”
Rufus scrubbed his eyes tiredly. “I am so sorry. Stockton,
please forgive me.”
“Forgive you? You’ve got nothing to be forgiven about. This
is about my ignorant family. Not you. You’re the best thing
that’s ever happened to me.”
After a gap of silence, Rufus asked, “What are you going to
do?”
“Sit tight until it blows over, I guess.”
“What about work?”
“I’ll try to find my own jobs to go on. I don’t have to let
Jacob know anything.”
“I’m frightened for you.”
“Don’t be. I have a shotgun by my bed.”
“No. Stockton. No. Stay here.”
“I can’t. You’re moving and all. I can’t.”
Rufus felt his heart rate climb. “Stockton.”
“What?”
“Please. Stay here.”
“All my tools are in my garage. And my truck, with that logo
on the side? My brother’s bound to see it parked there sooner or
later. Then we’ll both be in trouble. What if he goes postal or
tries to burn your place down?”
“Is he capable of that?”
“I don’t know. I’ve never seen him so mad. He was foaming
at the mouth.”
Rufus choked up. The amount of pressure he was under was
making him more emotional than usual. “Call the police.” Stockton just laughed at the suggestion. “I can take care of
myself.”
“Please, don’t shoot someone.”
“Only in self-defense.”
“Jesus Christ, Stockton. I can’t live with you being
threatened. You have to do something.”
“I don’t know why I told you. You already have so much shit
to deal with.”
“I’m glad you did. I don’t want you dealing with this alone.” “What…what happened with your mom? Didn’t she go to the
doctor yesterday?”
“She did. Thanks for asking. She needs open-heart surgery,
but the doctors don’t think she’s strong enough to survive it.
They may try some new medicines or even angioplasty to see if
that’s enough.”
“I’m so sorry.”
“Look, she’s overweight, she’s never exercised, she eats too
much sugar and sodium…that’s what happens.”
Another gap in conversation followed.
“Stockton.”
“Yes.”
“Come here. I will put your truck in my garage.”
“I still have all my stuff stowed here. I need it to do the
work.”
“I’ll store it here.”
“How? In your dining room, while you show your place for
sale?”
“We can figure it out. I can’t take the chance with anyone
hurting you.”
“Hang on.”
“What?” Rufus panicked. He stood up trying to listen.
“Stockton?”
“Let me call you back.”
“What’s happening?”
“Jacob is here…and he’s got a baseball bat.”
“Stockton! Call the cops!”
“Let me go.”
The line went dead. Rufus grabbed his car keys and his
phone, calling 911 as he left.
~
Stockton picked up his shotgun and opened his front door.
“Get the hell away from my truck, Jacob!”
“Shoot me, fag!” Jacob broke the windshield out. He left the gun behind and raced outside. “What the hell are
you doing?”
“Makin’ sure you don’t work on any of my jobs.” Jacob
raised the bat again.
Stockton tackled him and they rolled on the steep driveway. “You disgustin’ freak!” Jacob spit in his face. “I thought you
were my brother, but you’re just a nasty sinner who’s goin’ to rot
in hell!”
Stockton quickly wiped off his face and kept hold of the wrist
Jacob was holding the bat with. “You’re insane! I got me one
friend and you’re jealous? He’s a friend, Jacob! It’s in your head,
not mine!”
“Lyin’ scum! Just admit it! Admit you’re takin’ cock up your
ass!”
Stockton shook the bat out of Jacob’s hand and it rolled down
his graded driveway. He sat on Jacob’s chest, stretching both his
hands over his head. “You will pay for that windshield!” “Fuck you! Git off me, ya faggot!”
At the sound of a siren both men started.
“You called the fuckin’ cops?” Jacob panicked.
“I didn’t! But some neighbor seeing you wreck my truck
must have!”
Stockton got off Jacob just as two Centerville police cars
squealed their tires to a stop in front of them.
The two officers rushed up the driveway.
Jacob appeared panic-stricken, wiping is hands and face on
his shirt.
One cop spotted the bat, and then the windshield. “Who’s
truck is it?”
“Mine.”
“I didn’t do nothin’.” Jacob shook his head adamantly. “He’s my brother. It’s okay, Officer.” Stockton straightened
his shirt.
“Did you hit his windshield with this bat?” The cop held up
the baseball bat.
“It was an accident!” Jacob whined.
Stockton spotted a Toyota pull up behind the patrol cars.
“Shit.” He looked at Jacob to see if he noticed. Not yet. Go
away, Rufus!

One cop took Stockton aside. “What do you want us to do? Even though he’s your brother, we can arrest him for property damage.”

“No. We’re okay. Just a misunderstanding.” Stockton glanced at Rufus, he was staying in the car. Smart man.
The cop pulled out his pad and approached Jacob. “I want your name and birth date.”
Stockton heard Jacob’s gulp from where he stood. The second cop asked Stockton, “You’re sure you’re okay?’
“Yeah.”
“I need your information. I’m still going to write up a disturbance report.”
“I’m not pressing charges.”
“Doesn’t matter. I’m still documenting it to cover my ass.”
“Okay.”
~
Rufus watched. He saw the smashed windshield and the baseball bat. It wasn’t rocket science. He also spotted Stockton’s panic attack when he noticed him. That’s why he stayed in the car.
So, that’s Jacob. Exactly what I imagined you’d look like. That photo Stockton has doesn’t do you justice, ya homophobic pig.
Rufus considered leaving, but he didn’t want to. He wanted to make sure Jacob was arrested.
Time passed. All the cops did was write on their little pocket pads. One entered his squad car for a moment, only to emerge and hand Stockton a business card.
The two patrol cars left.
Rufus was stunned. Jacob was not arrested. He exited his car and stormed up the steep driveway of Stockton’s townhouse.
“You son-of-a-bitch!” Rufus approached Jacob angrily. “You should go to jail you fucking homophobic piece of shit!”
“Rufus!” Stockton intervened.
Jacob glared at Rufus. “Fuckin’ fag.”
“Jacob! Jesus Christ! I just stopped you from getting a night in jail. Will you give it a rest?”
“You him?” Jacob sneered.
“He’s a friend!” Stockton nearly screamed.
“Yeah, right.” Jacob walked to his truck. “A friend you fuck!”
“If you don’t pay for the fucking deductable, you will go to jail, asshole!” Stockton pointed at his brother.
“Fuck you, fag.”
While the truck sped away, Rufus approached Stockton and brushed dirt off his arms. “You okay?”
“Did you call the police?”
“Yes.”
“I told you I would take care of it myself. Now I’ll have the whole family on me about making Jacob out to be a criminal.” Stockton walked back to his house.
“What was I to do?” Rufus followed him in. “I hear what’s going on over the phone and I’m supposed to do nothing?” He spotted the shotgun by the door and shook his head.
Stockton sat heavily on the sofa, slouching over his lap. “I am so fucked.”
“You were better off if you never met me.” Rufus stood, looking down at him. “Now I’ve messed up your life.”
Stockton stared up at him. Water was nearly overflowing his eyes.
Rufus crouched down to be at eye level. “I’m so frustrated I don’t know what to do anymore.”
“I knew my family would react this way. Maybe that’s why I was a virgin until I was thirty-eight. I was terrified of them knowing.”
“They are the ignorant ones. Not you.”
“Maybe, but it’s still my problem.”
Rufus glanced back at the shotgun. “Don’t use that thing. You’ll end up in prison.”
Stockton wiped his eyes with the backs of his hands.
“Maybe our timing just sucks. Maybe we should have met at a different time in our lives.” Rufus caressed Stockton’s hair. He heard Stockton sniffle and died inside. He closed the gap between them and held onto Stockton. Stockton hugged him tight.
“I hate to lose you.” Stockton kissed Rufus’s neck.
“Then don’t. Don’t lose me.”
“Drive back and forth to Louisville.”
“Yeah. Why not?”
Stockton sighed audibly and rested his head on Rufus’s shoulder.
Rufus squeezed him tight, closing his eyes and trying to unwind.
Chapter 18

After a long drive to Louisville, Rufus parked in front of Sally’s home. “Sally. So good to see you.” Rufus gave his cousin a hug as she exited her house to greet him and his mother.

“You too! Don’t you look handsome? Mable, you’re son is a doll.”
Rufus was used to Sally’s gushing whenever they visited. The woman was warm and kind and Rufus liked her. He reached to help his mother climb out of his car and held her arm to walk her towards Sally.
“I got her. You get her bags. How are you, my dear?” Sally asked Mable.
“I’m old and tired.”
“Nonsense.”
Rufus removed two suitcases from the trunk of his car. The drive did seem arduous. There was construction almost the entire way down I75. And he wasn’t sure how much fun that would be to do weekly. He carried the heavy suitcases inside.
Sally said, “Just put them in the spare bedroom. That’s your Mom’s new room.”
He entered a large bedroom, very feminine and smelling of lavender. The bed was done in white linen and lace, alongside a matching dresser, highboy and end tables. He opened the suitcases and hung up the clothing needed to be hung, hearing conversation in the other room.
Sally called in from the hall, “You don’t worry about that. I’ll take care of all that.”
“Thanks, Sally.”
“You just come and sit. Have a cup of coffee and a bite to eat with me and your mom.”
He used one more hanger to place a shirt into the closet and headed down the hall.
His mother didn’t look well after the long drive. “Why don’t you go lie down?”
“I’m all right.” She appeared pale.
Sally poured three cups of coffee and joined them at a round table near a window facing the backyard. “When are they going to be wanting to do that angioplasty, Mable?”
“I don’t know.” Her hand shook as she stirred imitation sugar into her cup.
“I’ll ask her cardiologist,” Rufus said.
“I don’t think I want to go through all the trouble, Rufus. I’m too tired and I don’t like the idea.”
“It’s not surgery, Mom. You’re awake when they do it. I can take you home right after if there are no complications.”
Sally glanced at him. Rufus knew what she was trying to communicate. Mable didn’t want to live anymore. It wasn’t a secret.
Rufus assumed when your quality of life slid, so did your desire to keep going. His mother could barely walk.
“The movers will bring her things down here by the end of the week.” Rufus sipped the coffee.
“Okay, dear. Don’t you worry.” Sally patted his hand.
Rufus thought of Sally’s invitation for him to spend the night. But with everything that had been going on with Stockton, he was determined to drive back to Dayton after lunch.
~
From a barrage of terrorizing text messages and rude voicemails, to utter silence, Stockton’s family had either decided to leave him alone, or abandoned him entirely.
He was on his own at a small plumbing job after wasting the morning getting his windshield replaced. Luckily they did the repair in his driveway because he couldn’t drive the pickup as it was.
“You sure I can’t get you anything?” the woman who owned the apartment asked as she lingered behind him.
“I’m sure.” He smiled at her, squatting down to look at the garbage disposal she was getting replaced.
“It’s less humid, isn’t it? I was going crazy during the heat wave.”
“It does feel much better.” Stockton began removing the broken disposal. He peeked up at the woman. She was middleaged and heavy-set, her gaze somewhere on the middle of his body. He didn’t want to speculate what she was staring at.
He subconsciously tugged his shirt down in case it had gapped from his shorts. His clothing had become looser, so he wore a belt to keep his pants up.
Stockton hated when customers watched him work. He took the old disposal off and set it on a towel he had brought so it didn’t mark up her linoleum.
“Wow. You’re really strong.”
“It’s not that heavy.” He took the new one from its box.
“You still look great. I wish I could lose weight. How do you stay so trim?”
“Huh?” He narrowed his eyes at her. “Trim?”
“Never mind. I’ll leave you to do your work.” She turned beet red and walked to another room.
Trim? You need glasses, lady? Stockton tried to suck in his stomach but gave up.
He checked his watch. He had no idea how late Rufus would arrive home, but going back and forth to Louisville in one day wouldn’t be his idea of fun.
~
His mother and Sally chatted together about the ‘old days’, segueing into which relatives were still alive and what their ailments were. Rufus was already bored.
He stifled a yawn and checked his watch. The events of late had worried Rufus. Other than meeting Jacob when he showed up with the police on Monday night, Rufus had no idea what Stockton’s family was like. But judging by the harassment, he could imagine. Out of anxiety he texted Stockton. “U ok?”
“Anything else I can get you, Rufus?” Sally asked.
“No. Lunch filled me up. I should be heading back home.”
“Is he seeing anyone?” Sally asked Mable like Rufus wasn’t there.
“I think so. I don’t pry much.”
“Are you leaving someone when you move here, Rufus?”
Standing, his phone in his hand, Rufus didn’t know how much information either woman really wanted to hear. Though they didn’t treat him the way Stockton’s family had, he knew his lifestyle was far from acceptable to anyone. “Just friends.”
“You can keep in touch.” Sally seemed relieved he didn’t delve deeper.
“Okay, time to go…” Rufus held his keys in his free hand. “I’ll make sure the movers do a good job, Mom. And I’ll call you to keep you up to date.”
“Okay, son.” She made a move to stand so he hurried to kiss her cheek and stayed her. “Don’t get up. Rest.” He and Sally exchanged worried glances.
“I’ll walk you to the door.” Sally led Rufus out. “I am so worried about her,” Sally said when she knew Mable was out of hearing range.
“Me too.” Rufus kept his voice low.
“She has given up, Rufus. I can see she has given up.”
“I know. She doesn’t even want to take her medicines. Please make sure she does.”
“You know I will.” She held his upper arm. “Come back soon. Don’t delay. I know your house won’t sell too fast, but there’s plenty of room to stay here until it does. It’ll give you time to look for a proper place, start your new job. You know.”
“Thank you, Sally. You’re an angel.” He kissed her cheek and hugged her.
“You drive safely. Give us a call to let us know you got home all right.”
“I will. See ya.” As Rufus walked out to his car his phone buzzed. Stockton had replied, “ok. U?”
“On my way home now. C U.” He looked back at the door but Sally wasn’t there. Rufus climbed into his car and tried to psych himself up for the drive. If it weren’t for the construction it would be tolerable.
~
Stockton drove to his home keeping an eye out for anything suspicious. He parked, looked around his neighborhood before climbing out, and opened the garage to unload his tools. I hope you morons have gone away. I swear I can’t take the stress of you calling and cussing at me.
As fast as he could he entered his house and changed his clothing. Wearing gym shorts, a t-shirt, and a new pair of tennis shoes, Stockton snuck out of his house again and did his new power-walk routine. His home was in a small community with an unmanned gatehouse. Stockton wished there were a real gate and guard, but there wasn’t. It was all for show. It didn’t fool anyone.
He headed to the side roads and soon began to drip with sweat, but he always felt better once he did the workout. What at first was impossible, walking even a mile, had become less difficult. He even alternated jogging a block and walking a block if he was feeling up to it.
His clothing was hanging off him. He hadn’t gotten back on the scale since he first did nearly a month ago, so he had no idea what he weighed, but he couldn’t wear his pants without a belt or they’d fall off. The idea of shopping for better fitted clothing was intimidating. If he bought smaller pants and regained the weight, it was just a waste of money. He wanted to be sure he could stick to this routine first. The cravings to overindulge were constant.
For four weeks, since he met Rufus, he had tried very hard. He attempted reading labels and counting calories, but it drove him crazy. He drank water instead of pop and beer, ate the salads and fruits they had at the salad bar at the grocery store, and power-walked every night.
No more sugary treats, no more drive-through fast food, no more devouring an entire delivered pizza pie in one sitting, whole bags of potato chips in front of the TV, donuts with every morning coffee…
And?
It was working.
Yeah, he craved things. But he knew how sick everyone got when they were big. Not only Rufus’s parents, but his own family. Diabetes, high-blood pressure, he heard those complaints constantly even from Lisa and Jacob. His nephews already had health issues at eleven and nine years old. Stockton decided he’d give it a shot. If he couldn’t do it, he couldn’t.
Odd thing was, he could. He just never tried before. There was no motivation and he was surrounded in family members who did not care or limit what they ate. It was how he grew up, so he didn’t think any differently.
When he was dying for a cookie, he ate grapes or cherries. When a salt attack nailed him, he ate whole wheat pretzels or air popped popcorn.
After a long fast walk, Stockton jogged the next block. He wondered if he could keep up with Rufus now. Or if he could at least try.
“Weekends.” Stockton moaned. “Better than nothing.” ~
Rufus was stopped in traffic. Three lanes were merging into one and it was nearing the afternoon rush hour. He wasn’t even close to Cincinnati yet. Maybe this won’t be as easy as I think it will. And I have to be the one to do this every weekend? And work early Monday morning? Shit.
Rufus didn’t want to live with his mother and cousin Sally while he waited for his house to sell. Selling a home in Dayton could literally take years. Luckily Joseph was paying him a decent salary, so he could carry both properties, the new one and the one that will sit unoccupied in Oakwood.
He looked at his phone. No point telling Stockton he was stuck in traffic, Stockton probably assumed it.
At the rate he was moving, Rufus figured he’d be home near ten or eleven.
~
Stockton rounded a bend in the lane and stopped short. Catching his breath, dripping with sweat, he hid behind a tree trunk and couldn’t believe the amount of family members that were banging on his front door. Jacob, Lisa, his mother Carolina, her husband Frank, Danika, Debbie, and their husbands, Bill and Travis, all the way from Indiana.
“What the fuck?” Stockton felt terrified to move any closer and thought about phoning the police. But no one would hit him with his mother there, would they?
Their cars and trucks were blocking Stockton’s driveway and his mother kept pounding at the door and shouting for him to come out. At the commotion Stockton figured if he didn’t do something, a neighbor would call the police.
He walked up warily, standing back in case someone wanted to get physical. “What’s going on?”
The group spun around.
“There he is,” Jacob pointed rudely.
“Why are you here?” Stockton used his shirt to wipe his face.
Danika said, “I wouldn’t recognize him. He’s lost so much weight.”
“That’s what fags do.” Bill sneered.
“Did you all come to kill me? Beat me up? What?” Stockton didn’t walk any closer.
“We want to talk to you,” Carolina said, pointing to the house. “You want all your neighbors to know your sordid business?”
“You actually think I’m going to go inside a house with you? My house? Are you nuts?”
“It’s an intervention, son,” Frank said.
“You have to be kidding me. I don’t need an intervention.”
“Yeah, you do.” Travis crossed his arms in a threatening manner. “You’re the uncle to too many kids. You need either an intervention or an ass-kicking to straighten you out.”
“Just leave. I don’t want anything to do with any of you.”
“Stocky,” Carolina said, “Just let’s talk inside. No one will hurt ya. I promise.”
“Come on, Ma. You know what Jacob did to my truck. I just got the windshield fixed. They made out a police report. You think I want to ‘talk’ to him?”
“Get inside.” Frank pointed to the door.
“What will you do if I don’t? Hogtie me?”
“Stocky, get inside!” Carolina yelled.
His fury making him ready to kill someone, Stockton stormed up the steep pathway and punched the key in his lock. He glared at each person and threw back his door.
One by one they entered, looking around as if they expected it to be the pit of hell.
“Least there ain’t no naked pictures on the walls.” Travis made a sour face.
“Fine. You’re in. Say what you have to say and leave. I need to shower.” Stockton crossed his arms and stood tall.
“Sit down,” Carolina said.
“No. And don’t any of you, ‘cause you aren’t staying.”
“Stocky,” Debbie said softly, “We just came to talk.”
“There’s nothing to talk about, Deb. Nothing.”
“So you are queer?” Carolina asked.
“Does it matter if I say I’m not? You already have me tried and convicted.”
“He’s queer. Ask Lisa. She seen him with his fairy boy.” Jacob sat on the couch, his legs splayed out under his enormous weight.
“Gee, Lisa…” Stockton humored them. “What did you see?”
“I saw you and that man whispering together on that bench at The Greene.”
“Oh? Whispering? Wow. Have you ever whispered to one of your girl friends? Does that mean you’re gay?”
“That ain’t the point!” Carolina stepped right up to yell in his face. “We talked about this on the phone. If he was just a regular guy why didn’t you bring him ‘round?”
“Why?” Stockton backed up and waved his hand at the group. “Look at you all. You think I want any of my friends to meet you?”
“What’s wrong with us?” Frank asked, indignant.
“I don’t have time to start the list!” Stockton wanted a shower and to eat a light dinner. He didn’t want this conversation, this ‘intervention’ to prevent his ‘gayness’. “First of all, you embarrass me. Okay? You say shit you shouldn’t. You!” Stockton pointed at Jacob. “You’re crass and a slob. I barely put up with your crude behavior every Sunday. And you swear in front of your sons. You teach them to fart, to overeat like a pig so they both have health problems—”
Jacob struggled to his feet. “I’m gonna kill you.”
Lisa nudged Jacob and he landed back on the sofa with a bounce.
“And you!” He pointed at his mother next. “You and dad both cheated on each other while you were still married. Cheated with other people before you each met the person you’re married to now. Want to read the Bible about adultery, Mom?” Stockton checked around. “You’re a bunch of hypocrites. Danika and Debbie both drink too much and have drunk driving violations on their records.” Stockton stopped them before they objected. “Jacob told me. He ratted all your little secrets out when he was drunk himself, which is every night and every Sunday barbeque.”
Jacob glared at him, his fists tight.
“And my real dad?” Stockton choked. “He tried to molest me when I was a kid.”
“That’s a lie!” Carolina shouted.
“You knew!” he said, “You knew he did it and you did nothing!”
The group was silent.
“What do you want from me? Huh?” Stockton threw up his hands. “I work hard, I kept dad’s business going. You don’t think Jacob and Clyde can do it, do you? You watch. I’m going out on my own and they can have Dad’s business name. You watch how long it’ll be before they fuck it up.” Stockton met Jacob’s eyes. “You can’t even replace a fucking washer without me there. You’re useless and you’re so big now, you can hardly kneel and do the job.” He asked Lisa, “His knees going out on him? Tell the truth.”
Lisa looked aside from his gaze.
“I already know.” Stockton shook his head. “You liked it better when I was like you all. Right? Big, unhealthy, eating bad things that will make me sick one day. Am I right?” No one said anything to him.
“You liked it when I was alone. Good ole Stocky. Always can count on him, he’s never had a life. Never had someone to date. Right?”
“Date a woman!” Travis yelled.
“How do you know I don’t?” Stockton confronted him. “You live in Indiana. You just hear shit from Jacob and all of you are on me about one man friend. What do you want from me?”
They stared at him.
“You know what I want from you?” He panted to catch his breath. “To leave me alone. Okay? I am dead to you all. Can you do that much?”
His mother shook her head, biting her lip.
“Now go. Go out of my house. Let me just get on with my life. Okay? I’m not hurting none of you. I will keep to myself. Okay?”
“You’ll rot in hell,” Frank warned as he walked to the door.
“No more than the rest of you. Read the Bible, will ya? Read the part about tolerance and love. And then find the part about adultery. Get off alcohol, stop being addicts yourselves. You all need the intervention not me.”
Slowly they moved towards the door.
Stockton said, “Look at you all. I can hardly believe how unhealthy you all are.” Stockton shook his head. “All of you are what they call grossly obese. You ever think about what that does to your kids? Huh? And you think I have an effect on them? Learning your bad habits, losing you young? This has got to be a joke.”
Insulted by his comment, Debbie and Danika left in a huff.
Their husbands Travis and Bill followed soon after. Carolina stopped before she too stormed out. “Don’t you ever call me. You are dead to us too. We won’t answer the phone.”
“Fine.”
Frank glared at him and Stockton expected him to spit in his face, so he flinched. Once his mother and Frank left, Lisa stood in front of him. “You’re an ass.”
“Gee, thanks, Lisa. Thanks for making shit up about me when you saw me at The Greene. You started the ball rolling didn’t you?”
“Come on, Jacob, he’s a waste of space.”
Jacob hauled himself to his feet.
“Good luck with Dad’s company,” Stockton said sarcastically. “I’ll be watching it get flushed down the toilet like the piece of shit you are.” Stockton could tell Jacob wanted to hit him.
“Want to try it without a baseball bat?” Stockton puffed up menacingly. “You’d be out of breath after the first punch. Get the hell out of here.”
Lisa grabbed Jacob’s arm and dragged him out.
Once everyone had left, Stockton made sure his truck wasn’t damaged before he closed the door and headed to the shower.
“I’m done. I am so done with all of you.”
~
It was dark and he was exhausted. Rufus exited off the highway and before he headed to Oakwood he called Stockton.
“Hey.”
“Hey, are you home?”
“Just getting off of I75.”
“Holy crap. That took you forever. Didn’t you text me lunchtime that you were on your way?”
“The construction made traffic a nightmare.”
“Ah.”
“I can go home or to your place. Take your pick.”
“Go home. I’m wiped. I had a really bad day.”
Rufus pulled into a gas station parking lot and put the car into park. “What happened?”
“My family had a ‘gayness intervention’.”
“Please tell me you’re kidding.”
“Wish I was.”
“Did they hurt you?”
“Only emotionally.”
“Jesus, Stockton. What can I do?”
“Just head home. I need to sleep. I’m seriously out of it.”
“Okay, babe. I’m here if you need me. Just a five minute drive to Oakwood.”
“Yeah, as opposed to eight hours from Louisville.”
Rufus couldn’t argue. “Goodnight, lover.”
“Night.”
Rufus drove the last leg of his journey to a house that had a ‘For Sale’ sign on the front lawn. Stockton was right. He wouldn’t wish that drive on anyone.
Chapter 19

The next week, Rufus cleared out everything from his office. There was no one left to say goodbye to. No one but movers, cleaners, and media out front discussing the job loss to an already suffering economy.

Next stop was his mother’s house. A large truck was parked out front and two men were loading boxes into the back. Rufus parked behind it and walked to the open doorway. “Hi, guys.”

“Hi, Mr. Jennison.” One of the men approached him, holding a box.
“How’s it going? I hope it’s easy since I packed all her stuff.”
“Yeah. Easy move. Since none of the furniture is going, it’s a piece of cake.”
Rufus had donated all the items his mom had furnishing her apartment to Goodwill. Sally’s house had everything she needed. “That’s great, Tom. Soon you’ll be doing mine.”
“Any bites yet?” Tom carried the box to his truck.
“No. Nothing. But properties don’t sell very fast here anymore.”
“I hear ya.” Tom loaded the box and looked back. A second man had another carton in his arms. Tom reached for it and took it from him.
“Hi,” the other man said to Rufus.
“That’s Darnel, Rufus.”
“Hi, Darnel.” Rufus shook his hand.
“Where you moving to?” Darnel used the back of his hand to wipe his forehead.
“Going to Louisville.”
Darnel smiled. “Not too far.”
“No. Wish it was Hawaii.” Rufus chuckled.
“Yeah. No kidding!” Darnel waved. “Gotta keep going. Nice meeting you, Rufus.”
“You too.” Rufus admired his strut and tight ass, before giving Tom his attention again. “Just drop the keys at the manager’s office. There’s a slot in the door if she’s not there.”
“I’ll take care of it. Don’t worry.”
“See you soon.”
“Good luck selling your place.”
“Thanks, I’ll need it.” Rufus waved and walked back to his car. He got a text message from his real estate agent, “May I show ur home at 1:30?” Rufus texted back. “sure.” It was noon so he drove to his house to make sure it was presentable, knowing he had to vanish for an hour while the potential buyers had their look.
He wondered how Stockton was doing. With what was happening with his crazy family, Rufus was in a constant state of worry about him.
~
“I’m sorry it didn’t work right, Mr. Smith, but I don’t own that plumbing company any longer.” Stockton sat at his kitchen table with his mobile phone to his ear. “Jacob, my brother owns it. Let me give you his number.” Stockton did and had a feeling this would happen.
“I hired you, Stocky. I don’t like the way your brother does business. He’s sloppy.”
“I’m sorry, sir. But I am no longer connected to Hastings Plumbing. I’m going to legally change my business name and any association with it.”
“You’re bailing on me? You know how many other businesses are out there looking for the work?”
“Yup. I’m sorry, Mr. Smith. But that work is no longer my problem. Goodbye.” Stockton hung up and shook his head. “One week, Jacob, and I’ve gotten ten phone calls.”
Stockton thumbed through the directory for a lawyer’s phone number. He dialed and asked, “Hi. I need someone who can get my name off of family business paperwork so I am no longer responsible for it. Can you do that?”
~
Rufus waited in his car, parked down the street from his house. He watched the agent leave with the client. Once they pulled away, he drove to his garage, walked to his front door, and entered the house. At least he had a viewing. Maybe there was hope.
He sat down at the kitchen table and sent Stockton a text. ‘U working?’
A moment later his phone rang. Rufus said, “Hi.”
“Hi. No. I’m not working. No job today. But I’ve spent all morning fielding complaints. I wanted to let you know I’m changing this phone number.”
“I don’t blame you.”
“He’s screwing it up so quick, even I’m astounded.”
“You knew he would.” Rufus glanced around at his spotless home. No clutter, everything was made to look like a show house. He hated living this way. You couldn’t even leave a coffee mug in the sink without turning a buyer off.
“How’s your mom?”
“Okay, I guess. I stopped at her apartment and the movers were about halfway through.”
“It must be easy to not pay for them to move furniture.”
“It is.” Rufus glanced around at the amount he was saddled with. “Anymore threats or interventions?”
“No. Thank fuck. But I do feel isolated.”
Rufus had something on the tip of his tongue but he didn’t know if it was wise to say. He wanted Stockton to move to Louisville with him. But after only knowing him a month? How impulsive is that?
“Hey.”
“Hey what?” Rufus sat on a kitchen chair.
“Did you run yet?”
“No. Why?”
“You want some company? It’s not that hot out today.”
Rufus blinked. “You…you want to run with me?”
“Not if you don’t want me to.”
“I’d love it. You up for it?”
“I don’t know. I’m nervous about trying to keep up with you.”
“I’ll go at your pace. So don’t be nervous.”
“I…I’ve been walking and running alternating blocks. You know?”
“Have you?”
“I feel like that was my goal. To be able to jog with you on your route.”
“I’m so flattered. I can’t tell you how much.”
“So?”
“Yes! Come now. Can you come now?” Rufus was excited. “Okay.”
“Great!”
“See ya.”
“See ya.” Rufus hung up and smiled in delight. “Wow. Stockton, you really are full of surprises.”
~
Once he tied his shoelaces, Stockton checked himself out in the bathroom mirror. He glanced at the scale that was hidden behind the toilet. What if he hadn’t lost anything? What if he gained twenty pounds? It would completely psych him out for the run with Rufus. He shut the light in the bathroom, and shouldered a backpack with clean clothing in it. Before he left his house, he scanned the area through the front window. Since the last meeting, no family members had tried to make contact or harass him.
Locking the door behind him, Stockton walked to his truck. He had sprayed white paint over the door logos of the plumbing company. It looked like shit for now, but at least it no longer said, ‘Hastings Plumbing’ on the side with his business number. He’d get a new one redone once he got out of the family business and was completely free to begin another company.
Still surveying the neighborhood as he left, imagining Jacob setting his home on fire, Stockton drove to Oakwood, his stomach in a knot.
He parked and climbed out of his pickup, carrying the backpack. When he looked up, he spotted Rufus at the door, smiling excitedly. It was contagious so he smiled back.
“Hey, gorgeous.” Rufus invited him in and kissed him.
“Hi. I’m nervous.” Stockton put his backpack down on the floor.
Rufus picked it up and brought it to his bedroom closet. “I know this looks anal, but with potential viewings…you know.”
“Oh. Sorry. I know what you mean.” Stockton wiped his clammy palms on his shorts.
“Okay.” Rufus gave him a mischievous grin. “You ready?”
“No. Don’t leave me in the dust.”
“Never.” Rufus spun Stockton around in an embrace.
Stockton was about to make a comment about them dancing, when he watched the expression on Rufus’s face change to surprise. “What?” Stockton grew nervous.
Rufus hiked up Stockton’s shirt, exposing his stomach.
“Rufus!” Stockton felt his cheeks go bright red and tried to pull his shirt down.
“How much weight have you lost?”
“I don’t know. Have I lost weight?”
Shaking his head and waving dismissively, Rufus tried to change the subject. “I don’t care what you do. I love you just the way you are. Ready?”
“Ready as I can be. Have mercy on me.”
“You got it.” Rufus opened the door, allowing Stockton out.
Stockton stretched his legs quickly and said, “Okay. Ready when you are.”
“If you get winded, tell me.”
“I will.”
They started off at an easy trot. Stockton thought it was too easy. “You can go a little faster than this.”
Rufus glanced at him. “This is my pace. You want to kill me?”
“This is your usual pace?”
“Yes. Swear to God.”
“Okay.” Stockton wondered if it was easy in the beginning and by the end he’d be comatose.
They jogged along a scenic route by all the luxurious homes of the rich and not-famous of Oakwood; their finely trimmed hedges and lawns being tended by landscapers, high priced sports cars parked in the driveways, and a greenway that had a park with swings.
The temperature was a moderate eighty-five with low humidity. Stockton was sweating but not even breathing hard. “You sure you’re not making this easy?”
“This is what I normally do. I am sure I don’t want to kill myself. If you need to go faster, go for it.”
“No. I’m good. I’m surprised how good I am.”
Rufus brushed against his arm. “I’m not.”
Stockton smiled to himself. He was so proud of what he had accomplished he could burst.
~
Rufus was beginning to tire. He and Stockton didn’t chatter the entire run, which was good. He liked using the exercise to think, clear his head. Marley never even offered to run with him. And the mindless babbling about his cruising and conquests were enough to drive Rufus insane.
The end of their run coming up, the sight or Rufus’s ‘For Sale’ sign the finish line, Rufus halted and smiled at Stockton. “You can keep going, can’t you?”
“I think so. But that felt just right to me.”
Rufus held out his hand. “Congratulations. I am so impressed with you.”
Blushing through his dripping sweat, Stockton shook his hand. “I didn’t think I could do it. I was dreading trying.”
“You can outrun me now.”
“No way.” Stockton followed Rufus into the house.
“I’ve hit a plateau. I can’t seem to push beyond what I already do, or my speed. So I’m just content with it.” He headed to the kitchen and handed Stockton a bottle of cold water, drinking his down.
“It keeps you in shape. That’s really all you need. Unless you want to run races or a marathon.”
“God no!” Rufus laughed. “Run a marathon?”
Stockton shrugged.
“Do you?” Rufus wiped his mouth with the back of his hand.
“I don’t know. All my life I never even thought it was possible.”
Rufus hugged Stockton with one arm, pushing them chest to chest. “You can do anything you set your mind to. Anything.”
“No one ever thought I could. Not one person said that to me.”
“I’m saying it.” Rufus licked at a drop of running sweat on Stockton’s cheek. “You are an amazing man.”
Stockton’s eyes seemed to water with emotion. “I’ll fucking miss you.”
That unspoken sentence was back behind Rufus’s teeth again. Impulsive, and most likely a bad decision, but he wanted to say it. So badly. Even more than he wanted to say he loved Stockton. Which he did. And that in itself was a miracle, judging from how damaged his heart had been from Marley.
“L...L…” Rufus tried to get it out.
“L…? Love you?” Stockton tilted his head.
“Oh, hell yeah, I love you.”
“I love you too.” Stockton smiled.
“No…L…L…”
Backing up, staring at Rufus, Stockton narrowed his gaze. “What? Just say it. Lay off? Leave me alone? What?”
“Live with me.” Rufus felt his heart go into panic mode, thumping like he had jumped off a bridge.
“You…you mean, in Louisville?”
After he gulped his fear, Rufus nodded. “In Louisville.”
Stockton looked around the room as if trying to find an answer.
“You have cut ties with everything here, Stockton. Your family, your job…” Rufus felt the rejection coming and tried to hold firm. It was a crazy idea. Maybe if they’d been dating a year…six months…anything longer than one month.
“You want me to live with you? You sure?”
“Sure?” Rufus laughed. “I’m never sure of anything. My whole life is becoming a circus act. But I know I love you. I want you with me.”
“Wow.” Stockton grabbed the back of a chair to steady himself. “Wow.”
“Wow yes?”
Stockton studied Rufus’s eyes for what seemed to Rufus as a very long time. Rufus was dying for an answer, as if he’d just proposed and was on his knee with a ring in his hand.
“I’d love to.”
“You would?” Rufus laughed as he answered.
“Yes. But are we nuts?”
“Seriously? You’d move to Louisville with me?”
“What’s stopping me?” Stockton finished his water and put the bottle on the counter. “Like you said. I’ve cut ties.”
Rufus threw his water bottle into the sink with a clatter, wrapped his arms around Stockton’s hips and picked him up into the air to spin around.
“Holy crap!” Stockton gasped. “You can pick me up?”
“I can. And I want to fuck you so much at the moment, you have no idea.”
“Deal!”
“Shower first?” Rufus set him down on his feet.
“Shower after!” Stockton raced to Rufus’s bedroom, laughing, sounding giddy.
Rufus rushed to catch him, tearing off his own clothing as he did. Stockton stood naked near the bed, teasing Rufus by fisting his own cock seductively.
The sight of Stockton’s body made Rufus go mad for him. Rufus stalked him hungrily, kneeling before him and taking the head of his cock into his mouth. The mixture of musky sweat and saltiness made Rufus hot and ready.
Stockton continued to slowly fist himself with the head of his cock inside Rufus’s mouth. Rufus was doing the same to his own cock, growing harder as he jerked it.
Rufus gripped Stockton’s ass in both hands, creating a rhythm of thrusting that both of them were enjoying immensely.
“Oh, Rufus…holy shit. That feels so fucking good.”
Rufus quickened his pace and Stockton jacked off in time with it. When he came his quadriceps tightened to rock and the external oblique muscles on the sides of his stomach showed through his skin. Rufus stared at Stockton’s body in awe and swallowed his cum. After milking his cock for the last drops, Rufus crawled backwards on the bed, craning his finger.
Stockton grinned shyly and joined him.
“Face up, lover.” Rufus grabbed Stockton and shifted him so he was on his back.
“You sure?” Stockton appeared apprehensive.
Rufus knew he could make love this way now, easily. “Uh huh. Bend your knees.”
While Stockton tried to open wide for Rufus, Rufus rolled on a condom and held the lubrication. He knelt between Stockton’s legs and slipped his gel coated fingers inside him.
Stockton hissed out a breath and closed his eyes.
Rufus tossed the gel aside and pressed Stockton’s legs against his chest, penetrating Stockton’s rim.
Stockton’s eyes blinked open and he looked down. “Holy shit. I can see passed my stomach.”
“What stomach? You mean those washboard abs?” “Shut up.” Stockton laughed.
Rufus smiled. Maybe not yet, but at the rate you’re going, babe… Rufus inched his way inside Stockton’s tight body. “So nice. So, nice.”
“I like it this way. I can see you when you come.” Stockton caressed Rufus’s jaw.
“I like it this way too.” Rufus braced himself on his arms and accelerated his hip action. “You okay?”
“Oh, yes.”
Rufus glanced down at their connection. Stockton’s large cock and balls were fabulous, soft or hard. “I’m there.” Rufus piston-fucked Stockton and came, jamming his body as close to Stockton’s as he could. The throbbing in his dick was delicious. He gave one last thrust in and pulled out, sitting on his heels and staring at the full reservoir tip of the condom. “That was fantastic.”
“No kidding.”
“Shower?”
“Hell yeah.” Stockton sprung off the bed and helped Rufus up like he was the older of the two. He walked behind Stockton, staring at his proud strut. Once he got over the climax high, he became terrified. Stockton was so strikingly handsome, and with his new confidence and appeal, Rufus figured it wouldn’t take long for someone else to sweep him off his feet. Just like with Marley. Shit. Just like with Marley.
I hate this game.
Chapter 20
Two weeks later Rufus and Stockton headed south on Interstate 75 through Cincinnati to the Kentucky border.
“I swear I have never seen so many orange barrels.” Stockton shook his head.
“It’s the Ohio state flower.” Rufus laughed.
“I believe it. I hate to tell you, Rufus, but driving this every weekend would have killed you.”
“We don’t have to worry about that now.” Rufus held Stockton’s hand.
Stockton smiled sweetly at him.
After using the satellite navigation system which was plugged into to the car’s power outlet, Rufus parked in the lot of a real estate agency. “Finally.”
“I have to take a leak.”
“Me too.” Rufus met Stockton at the entrance door and they approached a receptionist. “We’re here to see Penny Overbeck. I’m Rufus Jennison and this is Stockton Hastings.”
“Yes, have a seat and Penny will be right with you.” She picked up a phone.
“Do you have a restroom?” Stockton asked.
“Down that hall, to the right.”
“Thanks.”
“Was the traffic awful?” the receptionist asked.
“Yes!” both men answered in stereo.
Standing side by side at the urinals, Stockton moaned and said, “Been holding that too long.”
“I could have stopped at the last rest area.”
“I just wanted to get here.”
Rufus eyed Stockton’s cock as he shook off the last drops. He peeked at his own, wondering if he was adequate. No need to upset himself. Stockton hasn’t cheated. Yet.
They met at the sink, washing their hands and checking their appearance in the mirror after such a long bout of driving in bumper to bumper construction traffic.
“Look as crappy as I feel,” Rufus said, tugging paper towels out of the dispenser.
“You look beautiful.”
Rufus smiled. “Thanks, babe. Likewise. But…you do need to buy new clothing.” Rufus tugged on the belt-cinched waistband of Stockton’s pants.
“I was just waiting to see if the weight stayed off. It’s been on me for so long.”
“I get it.”
Stockton held open a door and allowed Rufus to walk through first. Rufus’s smile faded as he stared at his tight ass. Once Stockton got all the attention from the gay boys in town, he wouldn’t put the weight back on, Rufus was certain of that.
A woman was waiting for them near the receptionist. She extended her hand to the two men. “Nice to meet you both. How was the drive?”
“Long.” Rufus frowned.
“Can I get you each a bottle of water?”
“Yes, please.”
Penny asked the receptionist to help her get the water and then showed the men into a conference room set up with a large computer screen.
“Okay. Have a seat. I have some homes selected for you to view if you like them.”
Rufus thanked the woman who handed them each a bottle of water and left. He glanced at Stockton as he drank it, doubt rearing its ugly head.
With both their homes on the market, but no sale yet, they had to pool their resources to use as a down payment. That would bind them together financially and a break up would be more difficult. Rufus wished he never met Marley. He wondered if he was coming into this decision without that baggage if none of these worries would materialize.
Stockton met his gaze and gave him a loving smile.
Rufus melted and gave him one back.
~
Stockton was dead on his feet.
The long drive, viewing home after home, trying to not think about food, because he was hungry and no one mentioned lunch, Stockton was developing a headache.
They were driven back to the agency and waved at Penny as she entered the building and they climbed into Rufus’s car.
“Did any particular home stand out to you?” Rufus placed a stack of paper into the back seat, all with the house descriptions and their personal comments written in. “You okay?”
“I have a really bad headache. Didn’t you guys want to take a break for lunch?”
Rufus checked his watch instantly. “Christ, where did the day go. Why didn’t you say something?”
“Sure. The fat guy wants to eat.” Stockton rolled his eyes dramatically.
Rufus whacked his shoulder. “I have news for you. You’re not fat, you never were.”
“Shut up.”
“You think you look like your brother?”
“Close.”
“Yeah, right,” Rufus mumbled under his breath as he backed out of the spot. “I may as well go straight to cousin Sally’s. She’s expecting us for dinner and, believe me, she’ll feed us the minute we walk through the door.”
“She knows we’re staying at a hotel, right?”
“Yes. I’m not banging you with my mom and Sally listening.” Rufus winked, “Ooh! Ahh! More, Rufus, more!”
“I never say that.” Stockton hit him back in the same manner he’d been hit.
“Ow. Man, you’re strong.” Rufus rubbed his shoulder, then frowned in anger.
“Sorry.” Stockton didn’t think he hit him that hard.
“Never mind. It wasn’t you.”
“How could it not be me? Who else hit you?” Stockton watched the signal change to green as they headed to ‘Cousin Sally’s’.
“Marley used to say ‘ow’ every time I even brushed him in the hall. He was the ultimate drama queen.”
“So you thought you sounded like Marley?”
“Yes. Shoot me if I say that again.”
“Deal.” Stockton tried to get familiar with an area he would soon be living in. It was always hard to adjust to anything new. “So your aunt and mom are okay with us being gay, right?”
“Yes. I wouldn’t neck in front of them, but you won’t hear any grief.”
“Good.”
“Was that your stomach growling?” Rufus grinned at him. “Yes. Sorry. I’m starving.”
“I have mints.”
“No thanks. I’m imagining a greasy pepperoni pizza and hot wings.”
“I can stop someplace on the way.”
“No. No way. I’m off junk, remember?”
“Moderation, that’s the key. Don’t deprive yourself or you’ll binge.”
“Yes, Diet Guru.” Stockton humored him.
“Right.” Rufus rested his hand between Stockton’s legs. “Which house did you like best?”
Stockton stared down at Rufus’s hand. “I can’t think with you squeezing my cock.”
“Tough. I liked the split-level with the two car garage.”
“Yes, dear, anything you say, dear.” Stockton slouched in the seat and straddled his legs. “Play with me…I love it.”
Rufus raised his eyebrows and became more assertive in his groping. “You’ll end up with a huge hard-on just as we get to Sally’s house.”
“Who cares? It feels so nice to be touched. I’ll never get tired of it.”
“Or get tired of me?”
“Nope. Never.” Stockton covered Rufus’s hand with his own.
“I hope not.”
“You have my vow.” Stockton closed his eyes and pressed Rufus’s hand so it kept rubbing friction on his dick.
“Your vow you won’t cheat on me now that you are even more stunning than the day we met?”
Stockton thought they were playing a game until that comment. He sat up and asked, “You really think suddenly because I lost a couple pounds I’ll go sniffing for another guy?”
“Will you?”
“No!” Stockton tried not to feel insulted. “If my word isn’t enough, I don’t know what else I can do. I’m moving down here with you, Rufus.”
“Yes. I’m sorry.”
“Hey, where you going?” Stockton brought Rufus’s hand back to his groin. “Better. Now stop being insecure. Jesus, I used to be that guy. Trust me, will you? I’m not Marley!”
“No. You’re not. And if Marley spotted me with you, he’d go crazy with jealousy.”
“Sure, Rufus. Man, though you’re a good liar, you’re great for my ego.”
“I’m not lying.”
“Sure you’re not.”
“Shut up.”
“No, you shut up.”
“Okay…hang on, that’s Sally’s house there. Get that big dick of yours under control.”
Stockton moaned playfully and sat up, looking at the modest home.
Rufus parked in the driveway. “Should I take these so we can look through them?”
“Sure.”
Rufus brought the stack paper of possible homes in with him. Stockton didn’t care which house they chose. All he needed was the garage space for his tools and he’d be happy.
Standing behind Rufus, Stockton felt shy to meet his family and waited as Rufus knocked. The door opened and a woman in her fifties with a warm smile and sandy brown hair met them. “Rufus! Come in. This must be your friend. Nice to meet you, Stockton.”
“You too, Sally.” Stockton shook her hand.
“My! Isn’t he adorable? Come in. Your mom’s in the den, Rufus.”
Rufus led the way, putting the paperwork on the kitchen table as he passed.
Sally hooked Stockton’s elbow and snuggled as they walked behind him. “I’m so glad you all are moving down here. Mable is tickled pink!”
“I’m happy for Rufus and her too.” Stockton waited as Rufus stooped down to kiss a woman’s cheek. Immediately Stockton could see how unwell Rufus’s mom was. Her feet were propped up on a hassock and appeared painfully swollen from the ankles down.
He approached her and held out his hand. “I’m Stockton, Mrs. Jennison. I’m glad to finally get to meet you.”
“Call me Mable, please. No one is formal around this place.”
“Are you two hungry? Let me get something for you to snack on before dinner.” Sally hurried to the kitchen.
Stockton caught Rufus’s knowing wink at the food preparation. Feeling pity for Mable, Stockton sat beside her and smiled sweetly. “How are you feeling today, Mable?”
“I’m all right. Has Rufus been giving you a sob story? Rufus, don’t burden the nice man.”
“I don’t mind.” Stockton touched Mable’s hand gently. “If I can do anything for you, you just ask.”
“Well!” Mable blushed crimson. “You got yourself a wonderful man, Rufus. I cannot be more pleased.”
Sally brought in a tray of fresh vegetables and dip. “Here you go, boys. I know how Rufus likes to snack, and judging by the look of you, Stockton, you must share his healthy ideas.”
“Can I get you anything, Mable? More water?”
“I got it, Stockton.” Sally reached for her glass. As she passed Rufus she said, “He is a living doll. You don’t let that one slip away.”
“I have no intention.” Rufus sat down across from his mother and Stockton, dipping a carrot into the yogurt.
Looking from mother to son, Stockton knew exactly why Rufus had needed to move south. If he had a mom like Mable, he would have too.
~
After dinner the four of them sifted through the photos and descriptions of homes.
Rufus had three piles, no, yes, and maybe.
Sally said, “This one here’s in a beautiful neighborhood.” She pointed to one print out. “Two-car garage, four bedroom, look at that price. I wish I’d had a bargain when I bought this place. I bought at the peak of the high prices. I feel like such a fool.”
“No one could have predicted this dive in the economy, Sally.” Rufus took the paper from her. “Stockton? Any comments?”
“I like it. I’ll like anything you decide on.”
Rufus noticed his mother smiling at him. “What?” he asked her.
“It’s late. Why don’t you boys go on to the hotel?”
“I don’t know why you have to pay for a hotel. I could have put you up here. That den couch folds into a sofa bed.” Sally gathered the papers into a neat pile.
Mable elbowed her. “They don’t want to be here. You let them have their privacy.”
Stockton choked on his laugh. “Man, Mable, you are so awesome.”
She clasped Stockton’s hand. “I can see in my son’s eyes how much he loves you. And I am so happy for you both.”
Rufus felt a lump in his throat. He knew why his mother said that to Stockton. Because she was ready to leave this world and she was glad he wasn’t going to be alone. He dabbed at a tear discreetly, feeling Stockton squeeze his knee under the table in comfort.
Rufus composed himself and said, “Okay. We’re scheduled for another appointment with the realtor tomorrow, but we’ll be here for lunch.”
“Good.” Sally rubbed Rufus’s forearm. “I’m looking forward to it.”
Stockton stood, helping Mable to her feet and letting her use him for balance. “You go on and sit down in the den.” Stockton escorted her to the next room.
While Stockton and Mable were out of hearing range, Sally held Rufus where he stood and said, “I adore that man. I am so glad you two found each other. Now that you’re both going to be living down here we can get to see each other often. Your mama loves him, Rufus.”
Rufus watched Stockton give his mom a big hug goodbye before she sat down. Stockton made sure she was comfortable and looked back at him. Rufus winked at Stockton and approached them. “Goodnight, Mom. See you tomorrow.” He kissed her cheek.
“You two have good luck finding your dream house tomorrow.” She smiled.
“We’ll try.” Rufus nodded to Stockton he was ready to go.
Stockton paused. “You’ll be all right?”
“I’ll be fine.” Mable gave Stockton a loving smile. “All right.”
Sally walked them to the front door. “You boys have made Mable very happy.” She hugged Stockton first, then Rufus.
“Goodnight, Sally. Thanks for the great meal.” Stockton stood at the door.
“It was my pleasure. And I’ll see you all tomorrow.”
“Bye.” Rufus waved as he left, watching Sally close the door behind them. He used the remote to open the locks of his car doors and climbed into the driver’s side.
Once Stockton joined him, he asked, “You okay?”
“She’s making sure I have someone in my life before she goes.”
“I know.” Stockton grabbed Rufus’s knee as he started the car. “And you do. You got me.”
Rufus kissed Stockton’s knuckles and held his hand tightly as he drove to the hotel.
They checked in at the front desk of a mid-ranged priced hotel. Neither of them could afford pure luxury at the moment. A card-key in his hand, Rufus carried his suitcase to the room, hearing Stockton right behind him.
Using the key to swipe the lock, Rufus opened the door and investigated the simply furnished room, two double beds, a dresser with a television, a sink basin outside the toilet with a shower.
It smelled slightly like cigarette smoke, even though it was a non-smoking room. Stockton set his bag down and turned on the air conditioning unit which was under the front window.
Rufus placed his bag on the stand beneath a rack with hangers. He was about to ask Stockton a question when he was ambushed, picked up off his feet and tackled onto one of the beds. Rufus laughed in amusement and cupped Stockton’s face. “Yes?”
“God, I’m so hot for you.”
“It’s hotel rooms. They’re conducive to clandestine affairs.”
“Sure. That’s it.” Stockton narrowed his eyes with a look of disbelief.
Feeling Stockton grinding on him, that imposing cock beginning to grow between them, Rufus stared at Stockton’s dark eyes.
“I love you.” Stockton wriggled his hips.
“Want to get naked?”
“Yes.” Stockton kissed him.
Rufus opened his mouth and allowed Stockton’s tongue in. A shiver of pleasure washed over his length as they spun their tongues in circles around each others.
Stockton climbed off of Rufus and undressed as he stared at Rufus. Lost in Stockton’s actions, it took Rufus a minute to come back aware and remove his own clothing. While Stockton dug through his bag for what they needed, Rufus folded back the bedspread, giving the sheets a quick inspection to make sure there were no surprises. With cheap hotels you never knew what to expect. Luckily it was clean.
Stockton placed the condoms and lubrication on the nightstand and stood over Rufus, showing him how excited he was, pulling on his own cock.
“You are so beautiful.” Rufus gave Stockton’s body a head to toe sweep. “Get over here.”
Stockton crawled towards Rufus on the bed, licking Rufus’s skin as he advanced to his mouth. When Stockton was on top of him, Rufus spread his legs, bent his knees, and embraced him. Stockton went back for more hungry kisses, rubbing his erection against Rufus’s pubic hair and stiff cock.
The kissing grew wild and Rufus was truly inspired at Stockton’s confidence when less than two months ago he was so nervous. Evidently Stockton’s eagerness for the act and his endearing love, had given him everything he needed to be hot property in bed. Rufus had no complaints. Never did.
He only hoped Stockton didn’t either.
Wonderful whimpering moans accompanied Stockton’s enthusiasm. When the head of his big cock pressed between Rufus’s legs, he spread wide. Stockton sucked at Rufus’s tongue holding his own cock to move and caress Rufus’s thighs, balls, and his rim with it. Once he ended up with the tip of his cock against Rufus’s ring, Stockton pressed it against him, moaning, parting from their kiss.
Stockton braced himself on his hand, rolling his dick-head like a giant finger, all over Rufus’s groin.
Rufus watched the intensity on Stockton’s face. He was mesmerized by Stockton’s passion for the foreplay. At one point Stockton froze, pinching his dick and closing his eyes.
“Come on me.” Rufus knew he was struggling to hold back.
Stockton’s body quivered and he leaned over Rufus and shot out spunk in thick heavy ropes of cream. A guttural growl came from Stockton as Rufus smiled in pleasure.
“I hate coming so fast.” Stockton milked his dick, allowing the drops to collect on Rufus. “I wanted to come in you.”
“In another minute you can.”
Stockton sat back on his heels, catching his breath. He stared at the spatter and said, “You’re not hard?”
The smile fell from Rufus’s face.
“Did I do something wrong?” Stockton’s insecurities returned and Rufus felt his own was reflected in his performance.
“I came too fast. I know it upsets you.”
“It doesn’t upset me. Quite the contrary. I love to make you so excited you can’t stop yourself from climaxing.”
Stockton pulled on Rufus’s cock to stimulate it. “Same here. But obviously I didn’t have the same effect on you.”
Rufus tried to reach for Stockton as he got off the bed.
“Let me get you something to clean up with.” Head down, Stockton walked to the bathroom.
Rufus ogled his strut, his powerful build, his endowment reflected in the mirror over the sink basin. He gave his own body a peek and covered his eyes tiredly. Stockton returned, a wet washcloth in his hand, wiping up his own cum from Rufus’s skin.
“Why are we moving in together if you don’t want me?”
“Stockton, that’s not it. Please sit down with me.”
After he lobbed the wet rag across the room and into the sink, Stockton laid down on his side, slightly distant in his body language.
“I want us to be together. Always.”
Stockton opened his hand and shrugged. “And? Aren’t we?”
“It’s just…it’s just that you are a different person now then when we met. You’re confident, sexually outgoing…” “Rufus…” Stockton moaned and frowned.
“And…you’ll find someone else.”
Stockton glared at him. “Please tell me this isn’t Marley coming up again.”
Was it? Rufus couldn’t deny it. Or was it the way he was belittled when Marley left. Cheated on. Made to feel inadequate and less of a man in bed.
Stockton lurched towards him, gripping his wrists and jerking them over Rufus’s head. Rufus gasped and widened his eyes as Stockton appeared very powerful and dominant.
“I am not Marley!” Stockton squeezed Rufus’s wrists. “You get it? If I leave it’ll be because you don’t want me, you reject me and you chased me away. But never because I don’t love you or want to be with you.”
Rufus loved when Stockton roughed him up. The adrenaline dump was exquisite. His cock grew so hard it stuck out from his body like a compass needle, pointing at the man he was crazy about.
Stockton glanced down and spotted the sign. He grinned. “I think I am getting a hint from you, Mr. Jennison.”
Rufus’s mouth went dry so he licked his lips.
“You ever been into BDSM?”
Rufus’s cock turned deep crimson and veins throbbed along its length.
“I am going to teach you to trust me. Do you understand?”
After an audible gulp, Rufus nodded.
Stockton released his grip but warned, “Don’t move.” He licked his way to Rufus’s nipples, chewing on them with his teeth.
Ripples of chills washed over Rufus’s skin. What had he found? What had he created? A man no one wanted to date? A man who was a virgin at thirty-eight? A man whose self esteem was in the gutter? A closet-homosexual who even failed at internet hook-ups? Lucky me!
Stockton pinched Rufus’s nipple roughly. “Will I leave you, Rufus?”
“No.” Rufus felt his groin tense and the throbbing between his legs was going into overdrive.
Stockton sat on Rufus’s thighs, pinching a nipple in each hand. “Didn’t hear you.”
“No!”
“Better.” Stockton twisted his hard nibs like radio buttons. “Why would I want to leave you? I love you. Do you love me?”
“God, yes!” Rufus ground his jaw and glanced down at his seeping slit.
“I’m not Marley. Say it.”
“You’re not Marley.”
“Louder.”
Rufus repeated it with more volume.
Releasing his nipples, Stockton inched his way down, using his teeth on Rufus’s skin. The chills Rufus was enduring were nearly making him shoot prematurely as well. He wanted Marley to play like this with him. Marley never did.
Stockton licked the drop of pre-cum off Rufus’s cock, sat up and stared at it. “Louder.”
“You’re not Marley!” Rufus panted to catch his breath.
Stockton gave his cock a light slap.
The surge to Rufus’s dick was electric.
“Am I going anywhere?”
“No!”
“Am I going to cheat on you?”
“No!”
With his elbows on the bed on either side of Rufus, Stockton ran his lower teeth lightly over the underside of Rufus’s cock.
“Oh, God.” Rufus tried to edge the climax but it was a losing battle.
Stockton forced Rufus’s legs apart and tugged on his sack. The minute he placed the head of Rufus’s dick between his lips and teeth, Rufus came.
His hips jerked off the bed, his jaw clenched and his eyes sealed shut. He felt Stockton sucking hard, making the sensations of pleasure increase.
Finally Stockton sat up, smiling, toying with Rufus’s cock gently. “Well, well…”
Rufus gave Stockton one single syllable of his embarrassed laugh.
“Now…this is a game I want to play.” Stockton fingered the dewy drop at the slit of Rufus’s cock.
“Holy crap.” Rufus couldn’t catch his breath.
“You think we’ll ever find another love like this, Rufus?” Stockton smiled sweetly.
“No. Oh, motherfucker, no.”
Stockton snuggled on top of Rufus, wriggling excitedly. “I think we know each others’ deepest fears and secrets.”
“We do.” Rufus brushed his hand over Stockton’s hair.
“Do you trust me?”
“Completely.”
“Say that line once again.”
“What line?” Rufus tilted his head.
“You know the one.”
“Oh. You’re not Marley!” Rufus laughed.
“I’m not. I’m Stocky.”
“Your turn.”
“Hm?” Stockton looked confused.
“You’re not ‘stocky’!” Rufus shouted playfully.
“Oh.” Stockton smiled.
“Say it!” Rufus teased.
“I’m not stocky!” Stockton began choking with laughter.
“Louder!”
“I’m not stocky!” He rolled with hilarity, falling alongside Rufus on the bed, staring at him. “I love playing games with you, Rufus.”
“As long as their only pillow games, and no mind games.”
“Deal.” Stockton held out his hand.
“Deal.” Rufus shook it.
The End
About the Author

Award-winning author G.A. Hauser was born in Fair Lawn, New Jersey, USA and attended university in New York City. She moved to Seattle, Washington where she worked as a patrol officer with the Seattle Police Department. In early 2000 G.A. moved to Hertfordshire, England where she began her writing in earnest and published her first book, In the Shadow of Alexander. Now a full-time writer, G.A. has written over fifty novels, including several bestsellers of gay fiction and is an Honorary Board Member of Gay American Heroes for her support of the foundation. For more information on other books by G.A., visit the author at her official website. www.authorgahauser.com

G.A. has won awards from All Romance eBooks for Best Author 2009, Best Novel 2008, Mile High, and Best Author 2008, Best Novel 2007, Secrets and Misdemeanors, Best Author 2007.

The G.A. Hauser Collection

Single Titles

Unnecessary Roughness
Hot Rod
Got Men?
Heart of Steele
All Man
Julian
Games Men Play
Born to Please
Black Leather Phoenix
London, Bloody, London
In The Dark and What Should Never Be, Erotic Short Stories
Mark and Sharon (formally titled A Question of Sex) A Man’s Best Friend
It Takes a Man
The Physician and the Actor
For Love and Money
The Kiss
Naked Dragon
Secrets and Misdemeanors
Capital Games
Giving Up the Ghost
To Have and To Hostage
Love you, Loveday
The Boy Next Door
When Adam Met Jack
Exposure
The Vampire and the Man-eater Murphy's Hero
Mark Antonious deMontford Prince of Servitude
Calling Dr Love
The Rape of St. Peter
The Wedding Planner
Going Deep
Double Trouble
Pirates
Miller's Tale
Vampire Nights
Teacher's Pet
In the Shadow of Alexander
The Rise and Fall of the Sacred Band of Thebes

The Action Series

Acting Naughty Playing Dirty
Getting it in the End Behaving Badly Dripping Hot
Packing Heat
Being Screwed

Men in Motion Series

Mile High
Cruising
Driving Hard
Leather Boys

Heroes Series

Man to Man Two In Two Out Top Men

G.A. Hauser Writing as Amanda Winters

Sister Moonshine
Nothing Like Romance
Silent Reign
Butterfly Suicide
Mutley’s Crew