Courage In Love (4 page)

Chapter 7

“I want to hear all about this guy.” Marissa demanded as she pulled Ross closer to her in the booth. Ross threw his arm around her neck and kissed her forehead.

“Maybe I don’t want to jinx it by talking about him.” He tilted his head, banging it against hers and she howled as she shoved her elbow into his side.

“Why do you two always have to be so loud?” Bryan sighed as he sat across from Marissa and Ian gave them a disapproving stare as he took the seat next to Bryan.

“Really. It’s like the two of you turn into children.” Ian complained. “Don’t make me turn this car around.” He mumbled as he held up a menu and began to read. Ross took the paper off a straw and tore a small piece off and wadded it up. He winked at Marissa as he loaded the straw.

“Ian?” Marissa batted her eyelashes as he lowered the menu and raised a brow at her. Ross aimed and blew and Ian jumped when the wad of paper hit the middle of his forehead. Marissa fell apart.

“We can’t take the two of you anywhere.” Ian grumbled as he returned to the menu. Bryan was doing his best not to laugh as he gave the two of them his most discouraging look. Marissa rolled her eyes as she picked up a menu.

“Looks like we pissed off mom and dad.” She whispered and Ross hid behind his menu so they didn’t catch him laughing.

Ross thought Marissa had forgotten about his definitely-not-a-one-night-stand and was happy to eat his pancakes in peace. They were lingering over nearly empty plates when she turned to him and flashed a wicked grin.

“From your mood and the way you’re glooooowing, I’d say your Grindr hookup went very well.” She giggled and Ross knew he must have blushed. Ian reached across the table and swatted Marissa’s hand.

“Girl. I could have told you it was going to go well before they even left the brewery. The way they were looking at each other and that kiss…” Ian sighed dramatically as he fanned himself and Marissa gasped.

“That’s so romantic!” She insisted and Bryan snorted.

“I don’t think ‘romantic’ was the word.” He winked at Ross which didn’t help his complexion. Melissa’s jaw dropped as she turned back to Ross.

“I’m so proud of you! Getting it on with a hot guy like that.” She hugged his arm and bounced excitedly. “It’s so unlike you. I bet part of you was freaking out and wanted to slow everything down and make a schedule or something.” Marissa rested her chin on Ross’ shoulder and stared up at him. “The sex was good.” She announced and Ross frowned at her.

“I’m not dignifying that with a response.” He took a sip of his water and hoped it would help his face cool. Ian made a pfffttt sound as he waved in front of him.

“It was good. He worked up quite an appetite. He inhaled our leftover lasagna and sang in the shower this morning. A man doesn’t act that ridiculous unless he had one hell of a night.” He declared and Bryan nodded in agreement. Ian’s lips twisted as he stared at Ross. “I’d say they did it at least twice. And some oral sex.” He guessed and the breath caught in Ross’ throat and he started to cough. Ian had always been uncanny but that was terrifyingly accurate. Marissa started to laugh.

“Well, that settles that!” She said and Ian looked pleased. “Is he as gorgeous as Ian and Bryan say? I saw his profile picture. Which was awesome. Was the rest of him as hot?” Marissa asked excitedly and Ross scowled at Bryan and Ian.

“You let her see his profile picture?” He scolded and they shrugged. She elbowed Ross.

“I’m twenty six. It’s not like I haven’t seen all of that and more.” Marissa insisted. “I’m a nurse, for fuck’s sake.” She let Ross snort before she shrugged. “I saw yours too. Not bad, Rossy.” She teased and he groaned as he slid low in the seat.

“Christ. This is all weird enough without the three of you knowing just about every detail.” He complained. Ian gasped and his hand beat excitedly on the table.

“He’s here!” He whispered loudly and Marissa’s head swung around.

“Where…” She asked as she swayed and craned her neck. Then, she gasped. “Is that him? In the lavender shirt?” Marissa looked back at Ian and he nodded. “Holy shit, Ross!” She exclaimed and he took a deep breath before he looked over the back of the booth. Sure enough, Parker was standing by the door with a group of three older men and two women. They were laughing and talking animatedly as they waited for a table to be prepared. Parker looked insanely hot and Ross was getting hard. Parker’s eyes swept lazily through the cafe and widened when they fell on Ross. He smiled and Ross smiled and nodded back. Parker said something to the group, obviously excusing himself before he started to make his way through the rows of tables toward Ross.

“He’s coming over!” Marissa informed them, unnecessarily, through a smile. Ross shot a warning glare at Ian just before he looked back at Parker. He plastered a wide smile on his face and squeezed Marissa’s hand ruthlessly.

“I swear, if you don’t behave…” He threatened through his forced grin. Marissa giggled.

“If you don’t let go of my hand, I’ll tell him about your first straight date.” She whispered as Parker reached them. She stomped on Ross’ foot and his leg jumped and hit the table.

“I hate you.” He said under his breath and Parker’s brows rose. Marissa smiled brightly up at Parker.

“He loves me.” She announced. “You must be Parker! I’m Marissa.” She held out her hand and he laughed softly as he shook it.

“Bryan’s sister?” He asked and she nodded. Ross waved toward Bryan and Ian and made the introductions.

“I’m sorry I didn’t get to meet you last night.” Parker said as he shoved his hands in his pockets. Ross’ heart was racing and he prayed he wasn’t visibly sweating. “You should have joined us.” Parker said and Ian shook his head.

“Oh, no! The two of you were doing pretty well on your own.” Ian said before taking a sip of his coffee and Parker blushed as he looked down at his feet. Ross cleared his throat.

“If I’d known you were coming here for lunch, I would have made you come with me.” He stated and Parker nodded as he smiled at Ross. For a moment, Ross couldn’t breathe.

“I should have guessed, it’s the best place for breakfast.” He said softly before he looked over his shoulder. Parker offered the table a reluctant cringe. “My party’s sitting down. It was nice to meet all of you.” He looked at Marissa and held out his hand again. “I heard that you’re moving to Portland. Have a safe trip and I wish you lots of luck.” Parker shook her hand and waved as he turned to leave. Marissa grabbed Ross’ hand and squeezed it mercilessly.

“Oh, Ross, Ross, Ross!” She gasped. “He’s so perfect!” Marissa whispered as she watched him walk away. Ross tried to shrug nonchalantly but he knew he was grinning like an idiot.

“He’s pretty great.” He admitted as he reached for his coffee. Ian snorted.

“Pretty great?” He asked incredulously. “He’s divine. If I wasn’t married…” He stopped when Bryan turned in his seat and gave him a pointed look. Ian threw his arms around Bryan. “If I wasn’t already married to the perfect man, that is.” Ian batted his eyes at Bryan until he wrapped an arm around Ian and kissed his cheek.
Yeah. I want that,
Ross decided.

The fluttering in Ross’ stomach was so violent when they were leaving, he was afraid he wouldn’t be able to make it to the door, just knowing he’d be walking by Parker’s table. He waved as he passed and Parker winked and waved back and Ross’ legs started to shake. He threw an arm around Marissa’s shoulder casually and clung to her as they walked out.

They hugged for several moments in front of Bryan and Ian’s and promised to talk at least once a week. Ross promised Marissa she would always be his baby sister and she did her best to hide that she was tearing up before she gave Ross one last hug.

“I think he’s the one, Rossy. You better do whatever it takes.” She ordered. He kissed her hair and nodded.

“I’m sure you’re right. I’ll do my best, monster.” He gave her one last squeeze before he let Ian and Bryan have a turn.

The three of them held each other and waved as Marissa drove off. Her words lingered long after she left and Ross wondered if she might be right.

Chapter 8

“Is this alright?” Ross asked as he held the door open and Parker slid his hand around Ross’ back as he passed.

“This is great. I love The Ivy Inn.” Parker assured Ross before he turned to the hostess.

They were shown to their table and Ross looked unsure about where to sit. Parker waited until Ross sat and pulled his chair closer before sitting.

“Is this ok, or would you rather I moved back?” He asked and Ross shook his head and blushed. Parker loved how nervous Ross was. It made him feel less like a geek for being such a mess.

“That’s perfect.” Ross said as he covered Parker’s hand with his. “I wasn’t sure if you would be comfortable with us looking so obvious.” He explained and Parker shrugged.

“I have nothing to hide and I certainly wouldn’t mind someone I know seeing me on a date with a seriously hot guy.” He winked as he leaned closer and Ross shook his head.

“Unfortunately, you’re stuck with me for the night.” His grin was crooked and Parker rolled his eyes. “As long as you’re comfortable. You’re the one that lives and works here.” Ross said before he looked up and smiled at the waitress. He ordered a beer and Parker asked for a cape cod. “I’d like to start with the shrimp and grits and then the bison hanger steak, please.” Ross’ bashful smile flustered the waitress and she tried to cover it with a cough before she turned to Parker.

“The fig toasts and the quail, please.” He said and she blushed as she took his menu. Parker kept a straight face until she left then he laughed softly as he looked back at Ross. “Poor kid.” Parker said as he placed his hand on Ross’ thigh, under the table. Ross tilted his head and Parker felt his breath against his cheek.

“Marissa said that it’s practically impossible for women to look at an attractive gay couple and not imagine them having sex. She says that it’s a huge turn-on for some straight women.” Ross explained and Parker nodded thoughtfully as he watched their waitress take an older couple’s order. She looked completely composed and competent. He bit his lip as his hand drifted higher, toward Ross’ groin.

“I guess I can’t blame her. If she’s imagining anything close to what happened last night and this morning…” Parker let his fingernails drag down Ross’ thigh. Ross shifted in his seat and Parker heard a very weak groan rattle in Ross’ throat. He swallowed loudly before he took a long sip of beer.

“If you keep that up, I’m going to have to find an excuse to carry this table out of the restaurant when we leave.” Ross murmured. Parker wasn’t sure what had gotten into him but his hand glided slowly back up Ross’ thigh. Ross’ eyes got wider, the closer Parker’s hand got to his erection and they looked like they might fall out of his head when Parker wrapped his hand around the bulge in Ross’ trousers. “Please don’t make me have to orchestrate an accident to cover a stain on the front of my pants.” He whispered and Parker felt his own getting tighter.

“I’m sure it would take a lot more than this.” Parker said under his breath as his hand slid up and down Ross’ length. Ross swallowed and shook his head.

“With you? Not really.” He admitted and Parker stifled a shiver of excitement. “If you don’t behave, we won’t make it through dinner.” Ross warned.

“You know, you didn’t have to take me out. I would have given it up.” Parker teased and Ross narrowed his eyes at him.

“I’m hoping you’re not just pretty and easy.” He murmured. Parker’s jaw fell and Ross laughed as he leaned close. His lips brushed against Parker’s ear and he suddenly felt overdressed as heat swept through him. “I like that you’re easy but I want to learn more about you. And your voice makes my cock hurt.” Ross’ eyes were dark and deep when they found Parker’s. “Talk to me, Parker. You could tell me just about anything and I won’t be able to stop thinking about getting you naked and begging you to fuck me.” Ross reached for his beer and Parker squeezed his thigh, mostly because he had to grab onto something to keep from sliding out of his chair and onto the floor into a puddle of sexually frustrated man.

Parker did his best to engage Ross and keep the conversation flowing. Ross’ eyes were constantly flicking over Parker’s face and watching his hands as he talked and ate. Parker felt like he was being studied and analyzed. Every now and then, Ross’ fingers would caress Parker’s as they rested on table, as if Ross needed to maintain contact. Once again, Parker was impressed by Ross’ intelligence and the wide range of topics he could discuss with confidence. As they shared the trio of creme brûlées, Parker decided that Ross’ body, crooked cocky grin and chiseled face weren’t his sexiest features.

“I think it would be a good idea for us to get out of here. Quickly.” Parker warned as he licked his spoon clean. Ross’ eyes clung to Parker’s mouth as he pulled his wallet out. He opened it and his eyes glanced quickly as he removed a generous amount of cash.

“Let’s go.” Ross growled as he tossed the money on the table and stood up. Parker nodded and laughed when Ross’ hand closed around his wrist and almost pulled him off his feet as he dashed toward the exit. They were almost to the door when Parker looked over his shoulder and saw their waitress staring longingly as she watched them go. He offered a sheepish grin and she turned bright red.

Chapter 9

During the ride home, Parker was surprisingly silent and tense. Ross drove like he’d just robbed a bank as Parker prayed they wouldn’t get pulled over. Ross thought it was worth the risk but Parker scolded him as the car tried to fishtail, coming out of a turn. As soon as they were through the door, Ross’ hands pushed and pulled at Parker’s clothes as he backed him toward the bedroom. Parker laughed when he bumped into the table and Ross decided he’d waited long enough as he tossed Parker’s shirt on the floor. Parker leaned against the table as Ross attacked the zipper of his black trousers.

Parker was hard and he gasped when Ross’ hand closed around his cock and started to stroke. Ross rested his forehead on Parker’s shoulder for a moment as he watched his hand gliding over Parker’s beautiful cock. A long, thick stream of pre-cum drooled from the end of Parker’s erection and Ross’ mouth watered. Ross lowered to his knees and began lapping at the end of Parker’s cock. He tasted so sweet and crisp, Ross kept tugging at Parker as he let his tongue catch the fluid that was steadily dripping from Parker’s rigid length.

“Please, Ross.” Parker whimpered. “I need to be in your mouth.” He begged as his hands gripped the edge of the table.

Ross looked up as his lips wrapped around the end of Parker’s rigid length. The sight of Parker’s head falling back as he sighed in relief and the rippling of the muscles of his stomach as he arched when Ross took him deep in his throat made Ross’ cock throb. He sucked hungrily and his eyes widened as he felt Parker’s length getting harder. There was a tingling in Ross’ ass, he needed Parker inside of him. He moaned around Parker’s cock as he quickly unbuttoned his trousers. Ross released Parker and stared up at him as he stroked firmly.

“I need you to fuck me, Parker.” Ross whispered and Parker nodded drunkenly. “I need it hard and fast, right now.” He said and Parker moaned weakly and nodded again. Ross jumped to his feet and had just enough time to push his trousers down before Parker spun him and pushed him against the table. Parker’s hand pressed on Ross’ back until his chest was on the table and a moment later, Ross gasped as he felt something warm and wet dripping down the cleft of his ass. “Parker?” Ross gasped as he heard tearing.

“I grabbed a condom and one of the packets of lube before you picked me up. Just in case.” Parker ground out as he set himself at Ross’ entrance.

Pain and intense pleasure rushed through Ross as Parker slid in to the hilt, in one long, swift thrust. Ross gasped as Parker pulled back and then the air was forced from his lungs when Parker slammed forward. Ross could only nod as his arms spread across the table so he could hold on, his legs weren’t going to help him. Parker grabbed Ross’ shoulders and began to drive hard and deep into him, each thrust coming faster than the last. Ross pressed his forehead against the cool wood and everything melted away, there was nothing but the sound of Parker’s ecstasy and where Ross’ body clung tightly to Parker’s hard, hot length. Parker was relentless, the sound of his hips pounding against Ross’ ass filled the room as he rose on the balls of his feet with each thrust. A searing, stinging pressure and intense pleasure streaked through Ross’ cock without any warning and his head jerked back, off the table.

“Christ…Parker!” Ross could barely form words. Between the severity of his orgasm and the force of Parker’s thrusts, Ross was nearly insensate. “Coming… Hard… God…” He couldn’t see it or reach his cock but Ross could feel that come was pouring from him and he started to feel light headed. He felt Parker drive deep and freeze and Ross held his breath as he waited. Parker screamed his name and Ross felt Parker push hard three more times before he started to shake. Ross hissed as he felt more come burst from his cock. His head fell onto the table and he breathed Parker’s name weakly.

“Jesus!” Parker’s voice came out high and thin as a tremor caused him to shudder. His hands unlocked from around Ross’ shoulders and Parker swore violently as he collapsed on top of Ross. Parker’s lips caressed Ross’ shoulder gently. “I think you’re going to have bruises.” Parker sounded so upset. Ross snorted and tried to shake his head.

“I don’t think I could care less.” Ross mumbled. “I can’t feel my legs.” He observed. Parker groaned as he pushed off of the table and stood up and stumbled back. Ross let go of the table and immediately started to slide to the ground. “They’re gone.” He announced as he let himself fall onto the floor. Parker laughed as he offered his hand and Ross shook his head. “I think I’ll stay. If you could just put a bottle of water and a pillow on the floor here, I think I could be very happy for a few hours.”