Ripples in Cedarwood, page 5
part #2 of Cedarwood Pride Series
“This is good.” Farin nodded as he chewed. He’d placed his soda bottle between his knees like a plastic erect cock. “Real good.”
“Sure is.” He tried not to look at Farin’s crotch, but the bottle was too much not to notice. A shiver slid up his spine. He imagined the bottle as Farin’s dick. The urge to ride him swept over Steve. A vision of them on the edge of the pool, water sluicing over their bodies and Farin’s cock in his ass, crept into his mind. Naked, moving together, and lots of moaning. He could almost feel Farin’s dick in his ass. He balled his fist. Oh, yeah, he wanted to make that fantasy a reality soon.
Farin leaned over to look into Steve’s eyes. “Are you in there? You look like you’re a million miles away.” He waved his hand in front of Steve’s face. “Hello?”
“Sorry.” He bit into his gyro and tried not to think about sex with Farin. He was such a horn ball. Admitting he was fantasizing about them fucking probably wasn’t a good next move.
“My brother teases me when I space out like that. He says I’m floating and need reining in. He’s probably right. I’m good at spacing out.” Farin rested his ankle on his left knee. “What I meant was having someone to talk to is good. I love my brother and Gage, but they’re not the same as having my own…someone. You know?”
Steve understood more than Farin could know. He’d spent so much time taking care of his sister that he’d forgotten what having a friend felt like.
“I hear you.” Steve stretched his legs, then flattened his feet on the ground. “Usually, I’m the quiet one. I irritate the staff at the school, especially the ladies in the office, because I don’t talk much. I do what I’m told and follow the rules. Since I’m quiet, they call me closed-off and can’t understand why I’m not trying to actively make more friends or date. That’s another thing. They’re always trying to hook me up with their daughter, friend, niece, sister, etc.” If Farin only knew about the folder stuffed full of phone numbers and email addresses along with the running record of come-on lines he’d heard. “My favorite thing they say is that I’m young, hot and should be settled down. I’m not sure where they get the hot part or how they’re convinced I’m not a family man yet.”
“Some people only see marriage as settling down. What you’re doing, what Colin’s doing, that’s growing up and taking responsibility.” Farin draped his arm across the back of the bench again. “I envy that.”
Was the cuddling intentional? Steve sure hoped so. His back tingled each time Farin’s fingers brushed against him. “I want to get married one day when the right guy comes along.” Maybe he’d already found him? “He’s got to be able to handle the situation with my sister. He’s got to be honest and want to be with me. Back me up when I’m in trouble but be strong enough to stand beside me.” He’d muddled up his requirements. Damn.
“Any guy would be lucky to be with you.” Farin chomped another bite from his gyro. Once he’d swallowed the sandwich, he glanced over at Steve. “Do the people at the school know you’re gay? You said you’re out and proud, but you never mentioned how much you’re waving the flag.”
“I said something in passing, but I don’t flaunt it there. I’m trying to keep the focus on education, not what I do in my spare time. Honestly, I don’t think they care to know. They have more fun trying to connect me with various other people.” He shrugged. “One woman informed me I’d make beautiful babies and she wanted to have kids with me. Another one, who isn’t with the district any longer, told me before she left that she wanted to fuck me because she knew my parents and wanted to be part of that family.”
Farin’s brows rose. “Translation—she wanted to get hold of what she assumed to be a ton of your money?”
“She did. She even said so at one point. When I told her that money was all tied up in a trust for my sister and used for the bills, she balked. The house is paid for, sure, but it costs a lot to keep it heated in the winter and to keep the pool running.”
“You’re mature for twenty-four.” Farin trailed his fingers down the back of Steve’s neck. “Smart too.”
“When you’ve been through the wringer like I have, you learn really quick what’s important and what’s not.” Heat sizzled between them. Steve fought the urge to reach for Farin. They barely knew each other. If he acted too fast, he’d screw everything up.
“We had to grow up fast too.” Farin scooted closer to Steve and plucked the bag of trash from between them. “I move first and think second. In this case, I’m sure moving first and thinking later is the best bet.” He bridged the small gap between them and kissed Steve.
The moment their lips met, the synapses in Steve’s brain crackled. He’d been waiting for this kiss since he’d seen Farin for the first time at the swim complex. The connection only lasted for a few seconds but seared Steve to the core.
“I know this isn’t an actual date since I was a jerk and all. If you’re interested, I’d love to go out with you sometime.” Farin’s breath feathered over Steve’s cheeks. “Based on that kiss, I think you’re open to my idea.”
Steve nodded, unable to say anything else.
“We could hit the clubs in Cleveland or one of those funky restaurants downtown. If you want something quiet, we can pore over comics at the store.” Farin smoothed his hand over the back of Steve’s neck, pulling him close. He rested his forehead against Steve’s. “I want to get to know you better. What do you say?”
If Steve wasn’t mistaken, Farin seemed worried. The slight tremble endeared him to Steve.
“How about you come over to the house? Genie’s going to her friend’s house this weekend. I’m kind of touchy about who I bring home because of her.” Steve splayed his hand on Farin’s thigh. Even the man’s legs were muscular. He wasn’t sure why the new knowledge shocked and pleased him, but it did. “I’m sure you don’t bite or whatever since Gage is cool with you.” He paused. He sounded so stupid. “Sorry. That made pretty much no sense.”
“It sounded fine to me,” Farin whispered. “I’m in. How about Friday night? We close at six, so I can be there around seven.”
“Sure.” He stayed a breath away from Farin. He’d have a date on Friday. Not a pity date or a forced get-together with people he didn’t know, but an honest-to-goodness date. Excitement filled his mind. Friday couldn’t come fast enough.
Steve placed his half-eaten gyro back in the paper and clutched it in his free hand. The spicy sauce made his lips tingle almost as much as Farin’s kiss. He needed another one of those sizzling, not-soon-forgotten, thrilling kisses.
“This was good,” Steve said, not knowing what else to say. “Friends are good.”
“More than friends would be good, but fast, so I’m not pushing.” Farin bumped noses with Steve. “I’m glad I let my brother con me into going to the swim complex. He’s smart sometimes, but don’t spread that around. He’ll get a big head.” He curled his fingers under Steve’s chin. “Definitely a good choice.”
The clock tower on the Catholic church dinged. Three rings. Steve froze. Shit. He needed to get across town to the middle school to pick up his sister. “I need to go.”
“Why? Are you Cinderella? Gonna switch into something else at the strike of three?” Farin stood when Steve did. “I’m kidding. What’s wrong?”
“I’ve got to get Genie from school. When the district cut busing for the middle school, we lost her ride. I switched my schedule around to take her and pick her up. When I’m at the middle school subbing, it works out best. It helps me keep her from the bigots and the negativity of some of the parents. I figure if they see I’m not scared, then they’ll leave her alone.”
“Smart man.” Farin slipped his hand into Steve’s. “What’s your number? In case I want to call you?”
“Gonna leave me a kinky text?” He pulled the pen from his journal and scrawled his number on Farin’s inner wrist, just above the bracelet.
“I might.”
“I’d like that.” He needed to get moving, but he wasn’t ready to leave Farin.
“You would. You’re probably a closet kinky devil.” Farin let go of him long enough to drape his arm around Steve’s shoulders. “I like it.”
Steve basked in Farin’s closeness as they walked back to his car. He’d always liked being part of a twosome. He wasn’t a hookup kind of guy. Definitely the boyfriend type. Hope blossomed in his chest. They could be more than just a one-time date.
Cars zipped down the street, and birds chirped in the trees lining the sidewalk. The sun warmed his face with every step. Within minutes, he and Farin stood in front of his car. Steve placed the bag and his sandwich on the roof of the vehicle.
“I know you’ve got to go, but I want to kiss you again.” Farin caged Steve between his body and the side of the car. “May I?”
“Uh-huh.” He hadn’t had to ask before.
Farin pressed his chest to Steve’s. The tingle came right back the moment his lips touched Farin’s. In one moment, the kiss went from sweet and sensual to commanding. He sucked on Farin’s tongue and rubbed his crotch against Farin’s. Damn, he couldn’t get enough. He nipped Farin’s bottom lip. He loved every breathless, panting second.
When he finally pulled away from Farin, his knees buckled and he fought to catch his breath. Waiting until Friday would be a pain, but a good kind of pain.
“I’ll text you. Promise,” Farin whispered.
“You’d better.” Steve smoothed his hands over Farin’s chest. “Will you promise me something else?”
“I’ll try.” Farin tipped his head to the side. “What?”
“Promise me you’re interested in me because of me and not the money I don’t really have. I’m a simple guy with simple tastes and a baby sister in my care. I’ve been hurt before, and I don’t want to be fucked over again.”
Farin kissed the tip of Steve’s nose. “That’s one thing I can promise. I don’t have any ulterior motives. I’m right here with you because I want to be. I’ve had my share of being taken advantage of, and it sucks. I won’t do that.”
“Thank you.” He kissed Farin again, and his brain cells fizzled. He barely noticed Farin helping him around the hood of the car to the driver’s side.
“See you.” Farin grinned. He closed the door, then handed Steve his bag and sandwich through the open window. “Might have to start going back to the metropark to work out.”
“You should.” Steve pulled out of the parking spot. With his head in the clouds, he made his way across town to the school campus. Fortunately, he’d arrived before the glut of parents did and managed to snag a parking spot. He switched off the car and slumped in the seat. He needed to clear his head. He looked forward to the chilly pool. The cold water would redirect his thoughts from all the lusty things Farin evoked. He liked Farin yet hadn’t planned on even being civil with him. The date wasn’t supposed to have happened. Still, he refused to suppress the thrill. He had a date—kind of. Maybe things were finally going to go his way.
Chapter Seven
The next day, Farin dug his membership card for the metropark out of his wallet. He’d paid to use the facilities, but in the last few months, he’d forgotten to use the membership. Why go somewhere to run when he could jog around the neighborhood? His system had worked fine until he realized he’d been followed a few times and couldn’t shake the feeling he was being watched. The safety in the neighborhood wasn’t as strong with the rash of antigay sentiment going around Cedarwood.
So, going to the metropark was the answer. The security kept a tight leash on the crowds at the facility, there were cameras all over and it was very public. If someone wanted to do something rash, it’d be seen.
He packed his gym bag, then gathered his keys, wallet and phone. Going to the complex to exercise wasn’t thrilling, but excitement shot through his veins. Maybe he’d see Steve.
Maybe not.
He and Steve weren’t tight, but that kiss… He’d thought about tasting Steve since the first time he’d kissed him. His lips still tingled. Steve resonated in his core in a way no other lovers had. But he and Steve weren’t together. They were friends at best. He shouldn’t be pining over a man he had little chance of dating.
Farin grabbed the bag and headed out to his vehicle. He needed to get into shape again. Over the last few weeks, he’d slacked off. The muscle tone was still there, but could stand work. Besides, how could he attract a date if he wasn’t at his best? He needed to look hot.
He locked the house, then drove across town to the metropark complex. He hadn’t paid attention to what kind of vehicle Steve drove and had no idea if Steve was even there. Damn. He snorted as he parked. Jesus. For all he knew, the kiss was a fluke. Steve was putting him on. Had to be.
“Am I too picky?” Farin rested his head on the back of the seat and stared at the roof of his SUV. His brother claimed he’d been looking too long and hard for an impossible person. He needed to find someone already. Of course, Colin would think that—he had someone. Was wanting a man who fit a specific set of requirements a bad thing? No. But being alone didn’t warm Farin’s bed at night.
A momentary wave of panic hit. He kept thinking about Steve—even to catch a glimpse of him—but what if Steve had changed his mind? What if he’d found a boyfriend in the last twenty-four hours? The guy was handsome and should be taken. It stood to reason he’d be with someone. Farin groaned. He needed to stop letting his imagination run away with him.
He sat up and flipped the visor down to look at his reflection in the mirror. “Get yourself together,” he said. “You’re freaking out over nothing.” He put the visor back in place and left the SUV. “You’re here to exercise, not get a date,” he muttered.
Farin walked into the building and scanned his card at the kiosk. Once he’d pocketed the card, he scanned the pool area. When he didn’t see Steve, he relaxed a bit. With Steven absent, he could be himself rather than trying to be on show.
He ducked into the locker room to change. A few other men were there. Two were familiar, but none approached him as he switched into his running clothes. Good. He wasn’t in the mood to talk. Once he had his sleeveless shirt and shorts on, he tied his jogging shoes. He sat on the bench to queue up his mp3 player. If he was going to run anywhere, he needed tunes. He tucked his things, save for his music and water bottle, back into his locker, then grabbed a towel from the rack. He made his way into the aerobics room to warm up for his run.
Instead of watching the folks already on the running path or nature, he faced the bank of windows overlooking the pool area. He couldn’t blame Colin for wanting Gage to learn to swim. If the kid got into trouble in a pool, he could save himself. Plus, knowing how to swim made him stronger. Farin stretched. He’d learned to doggy paddle years ago, but hadn’t taken lessons to learn the correct way to swim. Maybe he should. He finished warming up, then downed some of the water.
A group of kids walked single-file past the windows. The last individual wasn’t a child.
Steve.
Farin’s breath lodged in his throat. Steve wasn’t wet, but the trunks clung to his thin frame. Just a little lower on his hips and the shorts would reveal his ass crack. Farin suppressed a moan. So much for not seeing Steve. Farin thought he could be part of the crowd. Being in the aerobics room meant there wasn’t a guarantee Steve would see him, but still. Blood coursed through Farin’s body, and if he wasn’t careful, he’d embarrass himself. Besides, he hated running with a damn erection.
Although he wanted to follow Steve to the pool, Farin forced himself into the main room towards the front doors leading to the running path. He tucked his towel and water bottle into a cubby. He glanced over his shoulder at the pools.
Steve surfaced from the fifty-meter pool. Water sluiced down his body. He blinked, then wiped his face. He said something, but Farin couldn’t distinguish what he’d said.
Why did the man have to be so criminally handsome, yet so out of touch with his attractiveness? Farin’s mouth watered. He wanted to run his tongue over Steve’s throat and taste him.
Farin forced himself away from the pool. If he was going to run, he had to get moving. But damn. Wet worked for Steve. He could see Steve posing as a swimsuit model. Wet, rippled and sexy as fuck. Farin shivered, then adjusted his running shorts to hide his burgeoning erection. He turned toward the door, but instead of moving forward, he collided with a solid-wall of man.
“Sorry,” Farin said. He met the gaze of the guy he’d plowed into—Anderson.
“Hey, man.” Anderson grinned. He grabbed Farin’s shoulders. “If I’m going to be run over, I’m glad it’s you. I haven’t seen you in ages.”
Farin’s cheeks and the tips of his ears burned. At least he had his back to Steve. He had to focus. “How are you? I’m sorry I…yeah. You look great.”
“You’re concentrating, and not on running.” Anderson nodded once. “I’m good. I’ve been on the track hardcore and lifting. Gotta get my ass in shape. When Pride week rolls around, I want to be the hottest bitch out there.”
“You will be.” Farin tucked his mp3 player into his pocket. “I’m getting back out there. Business at the store has been crazy, and I haven’t been as dedicated as I should. It doesn’t help Colin’s been focusing more on his family, so I’ve had to take up the slack at the store.”
“He has another kid?” Anderson folded his arms and rocked on his heels. “Or a guy?”
“Remember Jordan Hargrove? They hooked up.” Farin shrugged. “He’s happy, so I can’t complain.”
“Well, you look fantastic. You should run shirtless.” Anderson winked. “I’d watch.”
“You watch anything without a shirt.” He laughed. No way he’d run without his shirt on. The wrong people might see him. His mind wandered. If he looked like Steve, he’d go everywhere half-naked. Damn, he wanted to caress Steve. Jesus. He was too old for Steve, even if the kiss was off the charts.
“Farin?” Anderson waved his hand in front of Farin’s face. “You’re not listening.”
